Monday, May 31, 2010

Book Review: Ruth and the Green Book by Calvin Alexander Ramsey & Floyd Cooper






AuthorCalvin Alexander Ramsey, illustrations by Floyd Cooper
TitleRuth and the Green Book
PublisherCarolrhoda Books
Date of PublicationNovember 2010
Page Count32
ISBN978-0-7613-5255-6


Ruth and the Green Book is set in the 1950's and tells the story of how Ruth and her parents drive down to Alabama to visit her Grandma. On their way, they experience difficulties because of the so-called Jim Crow laws that upheld a separation between African-Americans and Caucasians.

In their joint effort to bring history to life for kids, Calvin Alexander Ramsey and Floyd Cooper created a wonderful picture book about difficulties in the past and how community and "The Negro Motorist Green Book" helped to at least circumvent these problems. Cooper's illustrations are beautiful and transport the reader right back to the 1950's and the story is wonderfully narrated.



Sunday, May 30, 2010

Book Review: Good Answers to Tough Questions - Disasters by Joy Berry







AuthorJoy Berry
TitleGood Answers to Tough Questions Disasters
PublisherJoy Berry Books
Date of PublicationJune 8, 2010
Page Count46
ISBN978-1-6057-7510-4
SeriesGood Answers to Tough Questions


When I saw that Joy Berry was at BEA 2010, I had to stop by. When my brother and I were younger, we didn't have her books, but I heard about her on the internet. Incidentally, my brother and I are by far the oldest "kids" in our family, so I love to sneak into the kiddie lit section of book stores to see what books might be interesting.

In her series "Good Answers to Tough Questions", Joy Berry answers difficult questions kids might ask in a way they will understand without making them worry too much. This installment is all about disasters, both natural and man-made. Some of the disasters mentioned are earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tidal waves, crowd hysteria and fires.

Each chapter starts out with a child-appropriate explanation of the disaster, before Berry goes on to explain how one can prevent to get into situation like that. If the disaster does happen, though, she also gives advice on how to deal with it and what to do to make it through.

If you have kids and live in an area that will likely experience a disaster or even if you have kids and want to prepare them for an eventual disaster, this is a wonderful way to introduce them age-appropriate to what it is all about and what they can do to help so that everything will be alright.



Saturday, May 29, 2010

Book Review: Megillat Esther by J.T. Waldman







AuthorJ.T. Waldman
TitleMegillat Esther
PublisherJewish Publication Society of America
Date of PublicationJanuary 15, 2006
Page Count164
ISBN978-0-8276-0788-1


J.T. Waldman illustrated and re-told the story of the Book of Esther, in which a young Jewish woman is married to King Achashverosh. When she discovers that the king's evil right hand, Haman (*boo*), wants to kill all Jews, with the help of her father she persuades the king to change Haman's (*boo*) degree.

Now, the Book of Esther (or Megillat Esther in Hebrew) is part of the Bible that not everyone heard of, I assume. At least for me, this was a new one when I first started studying comparative religion (as a minor), but I have come to like it a lot as it is an interesting story. I don't want to give away too much, though.

It took me a bit to get used to the graphics with this graphic novel, but once I got over the unique style, I rushed through the rest of it. Waldman has created a wonderful graphic novel introducing people to the story of Esther. If you have never heard of it - or really like it, you should definitely check out J.T. Waldman's adaptation.



Friday, May 28, 2010

Book Review: It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas








AuthorLisa Kleypas
TitleIt Happened One Autumn (The Wallflowers, Book 2)
PublisherAvon
Date of PublicationNovember 28, 2006
Page Count382
ISBN978-0-06-125933-3
Series#2 Wallflowers


Lillian Bowman soon learned that being beautiful did not outweigh her boldness as far as English aristocracy was concerned. Neither were here independent American ways looked upon in an approving way. Most disapproving of all this was Marcus, Lord Westcliff, who was most London's most eligible aristocrat - and also snobbish, overbearing and simply impossible. Yet, despite their despise for each other, whenever they touch, they are overpowered by their feelings for each other. But how could Marcus possibly marry a woman so unsuitable?

Shoot! I really, really thought this was the first book, but only a few pages in I already noticed that is was the second. By then, though, it was too late to stop reading it. I was too engrossed by the story! Unfortunately, I'm having troubles summarizing the plot - in fact, I was very close to just copying it off the back cover.

I can't believe I shied away from historical romance all those years! Lisa Kleypas' novels are funny! The storylines themselves might be absolutely unbelievable for everyone who has some basic understanding of manners and etiquette back in the day, but the books are still enjoyable. Suspending disbelief is a must, though. Other than that, Kleypas' books are wonderful entertainment for early morning hours or late evenings. And every other time you want to read something relaxing, not too brain-consuming.



Thursday, May 27, 2010

More books at BEA

Of course I got even more books at the BEA today!

Here they are in short:

ARCs:

The Saga of Larsten Crepsley - Birth of a Killer by Darren Shan

If You Lived Here, You'd Be Home By Now by Claire LaZebnik

Dracula by Bekka Black

The Aristobrats by Jennifer Solow

Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin

Kiss Me If You Can by Carly Phillips

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson

Dangerous Neighbors by Beth Kephart

The Candymakers by Wendy Mass

Siren by Tricia Rayburn

Staci Boyer's Motiv8n' U

Ice Cold by Tess Gerritsen

Live to Tell by Lisa Gardner


Finished books:

Robyn Carr's The House on Olive Street

Jennifer McMahon's Dismantled

Jeri Smith-Ready's Shade

Carol Higgins Clark's Wrecked

Mary Higgins Clark's The Shadow of Your Smile

Michelle Monkou's Trail of Kisses

Alexandra Diaz' Of All The Stupid Things

Amy Brecount-White's Forget-Her-Nots

Lee Child's 61 Hours


In total, this means I got 23 books at BEA!

And after leaving BEA and dropping my stuff in my room, I went to one of the many, many Barnes & Noble book stores to attend a reading & signing for Ryan A. Conklin's An Angel From Hell. I first learned about Ryan through Michael Anthony, whose book Mass Casualties I reviewed earlier this year - and I'm glad about this. I like his humor!



Book Review: Chosen by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast








AuthorP.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
TitleChosen: A House of Night Novel
PublisherSt. Martin's Griffin
Date of PublicationSeptember 29, 2009
Page Count307
ISBN978-0-312-36030-4
Series#3 House of Night


Many, many things are happening at the House of Night and Zoey's adventures at school take a mysterious turn. Friends turn into enemies and enemies turn out to be friends. On top of that, Zoey has to keep a secret from her friends and deal with it herself. When she also finds herself in the rare position of having three boyfriends at once, things get even more difficult and hard to keep a secret. And when it seems as if things couldn't possibly get any worse, vampires are found murdered and it just appears as if Zoey's stepfather and the People of Faith are behind it. But soon it becomes obvious that things rarely are as they appear!

What can I say? I absolutely love this series! The thought of running out of books crosses my mind with every House of Night book I read, which is why I don't read the books back to back even though I have two more waiting for me on my shelves and another I haven't even bought. One of my favorite mother-daughter teams, P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast created another suspense-filled paranormal YA and it seems as if Zoey gets in more and more trouble as the series progresses.

As with the previous books, this one was a fast read, which is both sad and good. The story and my time with Zoey and her friends is over too fast, but it is so intriguing, that putting the book down just isn't an option.



Wednesday, May 26, 2010

That's How I Blog!

Just a quick heads up while I'm resting my poor feet after a long day at BEA:

Next Tuesday, Nicole from Linus' Blanket will interview me at her BTR show That's How I Blog and we'll also discuss The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson in the book club section. I would be glad if you joined us!

Love from NYC!



You're in trouble if...

... you return to your room after the 2nd day of BEA (1st with open exhibitions floor) and have two huge bags of books! Especially if you're actually from Germany and have no clue how to get all those books back home.

That's exactly what happened to me today. I had a blast and met some very nice people.

In short, here's what I grabbed today:

An ARC for The Ivy by Lauren Kunze with Rina Onur, a first in series about what life as a Harvard student really is like.

Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr, the fourth Wicked Lovely book - and the wonderful Melissa Marr signed a second copy for my friend who unfortunately couldn't be at BEA with me!

The Dark Devine by Bree Despain - signed with a pen in an awesome lavender color (I wonder where she got that one from!).

An ARC for Married with Zombies by Jesse Petersen, a first in series about a couple who slays zombies together - it sure sounds hilarious!

An ARC for Three Quarters Dead by Richard Peck, a ghost story that is right up my alley!

An ARC for Henry Chang's Red Jade, starring Detective Jack Yu.

Jo Berry's Disasters, a book in the Good Questions to Tough Answers series.

Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is by Sue Stevens, because it sounded interesting.

Murder in the Palais Royal by Cara Black - a wonderful mystery set in Paris (I can say that even though I haven't read this one yet because Cara is a wonderful author).

An ARC for Terrorist Cop by Mordecai Dzikansky & Robert Slater - Meeting Mordecai Dzikansky was awesome. Thanks again! I am sure I will enjoy this one.

An ARC for So Cold the River by Michael Koryta - woohoo!

An ARC for Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry - another "Woohoo!" for that one, because it has been on my wish list for a few months already!

Charlie Higson's The Enemy - I'm already curious about this one!

Queers in History by Keith Stern, because this hopefully tells the untold stories throughout history.

Intertwined by Gena Showalter, an intriguing paranormal YA novel...

An ARC for Suitcase Full of Dreams by Hoy Kersh - she is one spunky woman!

An ARC for Red Moon Rising by Peter Moore - about a half-vampire, half-werewolf high school student. Oh yes, I'm so reading this one!

An ARC for Simone Elkeles' Return to Paradise - wherever I go, I keep hearing that you will want to read this one right after Leaving Paradise, so I'm glad I got a copy of the sequel!

Heather Brewer's Eleventh GRade Burns, the fourth in a wonderful YA vampire series!

Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder - I'm sure you've all heard about it already, so I'll leave it at "I'm darn happy I got a copy"!

Adriana Trigiani's Brava, Valentine - I absolutely adore Adriana Trigiani!

An ARC for Justin Cronin's The Passage - how could I pass up on this opportunity? This will be THE summer read!

And last, but certainly not least a copy of Ruth and the Green Book by Calvin Alexander Ramsey & Floyd Cooper, which I got signed for some kids I love dearly!

That makes a total of 25 books on one day! At least, 4 of them are not for me... Not that that helps any because I was at the Strand Book Store yesterday and got 7 books.



Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Fighting the slump

The last weeks in the reading slump were horrible! I'm still not all over it, but I wanted to at least let you in on what I tried to beat it. After all, for someone who enjoys reading, not being able to concentrate on a book or any written word is probably the worst feeling ever! I was restless, annoyed and in a rather bad mood during those weeks.

At first, I just thought it was that one book that didn't appeal to me. So I started another one. When that one wasn't nearly as gripping as I had thought it would be, I was annoyed.

What finally did the trick - late last week, was the NYC guide, which I will need for my time there for BEA and the Book Blogger Con. It's a nice one, because it starts out with a short history of the City, and even though I was never good at history (Sorry, Mr. R and everyone!), it was interesting to read this part. I am already certain I will have to come back, because there's no way I'm going to see even half of what I want to see - but I'll figure that out once I'm back in good old Germany.

I will leave Germany tomorrow and I'm already so excited I think by now no one here actually wants to talk to me :-P But after 9 years without a real vacation (i.e. one that actually involved relaxing a bit), I am really very excited. Plus, I will finally visit relatives whom I haven't seen in years.

That being said, I will be in NYC the first night and right after breakfast I will take the train to Maryland for the weekend. Then it's back to NYC for BEA, Book Blogger Con and some sight seeing (and book shopping, but sssshhhh, don't tell my Dad or he'll freak out! *wink*).

While I'm gone, there will be a few (!!!) posts coming up - or at least, I hope they'll be posted on time, not like the last time... And if I have time, energy, and an internet connection, I might even update you on what I've been doing lately!

That being said, if you're in NYC and would like to meet up, send me an e-mail or comment here (I won't approve the comment in that case), and maybe we can figure something out...



Saturday, May 08, 2010

Slumping!

I'm in a slump! I haven't finished a book in a week and I have no clue what to pick up to make it go away.

I can only hope it will be better before I set out for my vacation/BEA trip to the USA. I can only imagine how horrible 8 hours on the plane will be without a book.

If you have any idea what book can put me out of the slump, feel free to check my Mt. TBR! (Clicking this link will lead you to another page from Google Docs - you don't have to sign in to view it.)



Friday, May 07, 2010

And the winner is...

So, I'm finally back and I have a few winners to announce. Sorry I was gone longer than anticipated, but the weather really got to me. First the full-blown onslaught with pollen and then gloom and doom. Can I please have May weather now?

But back to the fun part - the winners! (Random.org picked them.)

For my Birthday Giveaway, the two winners of a selection of bookmarks are

Cindy C. (Cindy, as I will be in New York in about 2 weeks, do you want to risk the longer time with shipping or should I send it to you once I'm in NYC? You're choice...)

and

Taylor/The Library Lurker

And for my 4th Blogiversary Giveaway, the winners are:

Esther S. - who won the two books she picked (My Invented Life and Shiver) plus two bookmarks

and

Jami, Sandy J. and Sara L. - who won two bookmarks each!

Congrats, everyone! I have all your addresses and I will send everything off as fast as possible.



Saturday, May 01, 2010

Books I'm still reading: EMILY LISTFIELD, MICHAEL KARPIN & SALLY KOSLOW

You know, sometimes there are books you really like and enjoy, but that take a long time to finish. Books you want to finish because they're too good to dump, that really are intriguing. But somehow you keep going forever! For me, the reason for this is mostly that I'm not big on carrying around hardcovers when I already have to carry all the things I need for university.

The books I'm talking about are:

Best Intentions by Emily Listfield
After tossing and turning all night, thirty-nine-year-old Lisa Barkley wakes up well before her alarm sounds. With two daughters about to start another year at their elite Upper East Side private school and her own career hitting a wall, the effort of trying to stay afloat in that priviledged world of six-story town houses and European jaunts has become increasingly difficult, especially as Manhattan descends into an economic freefall.
As Lisa looks over at her sleeping husband, Sam, she can't help but feel that their fifteen-year marriage is in a funk that she isn't able to place. She tries to shake it off and tells herself that the strain must be due to their mounting financial pressures. But later that morning, as her family eats breakfast in the next room, Lisa finds herself checking Sam's voicemail and hears a whispered phone call from a woman he is to meet that night. Is he having an affair?
When Lisa shares her suspicion with her best friend, Deirdre, at their weekly breakfast, Deirdre claims it can't be true. But how can Lisa fully trust her opinion when Deirdre is still single and mired in an obsessive affair with a glamorous photographer even as it hovers on the edge of danger?
When Deirdre's former college flame, Jack, comes to town and the two couples meet to celebrate his fortieth birthday, the stage is set for an explosive series of discoveries with devastating consequences.
Filles with suspence and provocative questions about the relationships we value most, Best Intentions is a tightly woven drama of love, friendship and betrayal.


Tightrope: Six Centuries of a Jewish Dynasty by Michael Karpin
In 1350, a column of wagons crawled east across Europe from Germany to the Carpathian Mountains. Its passengers were the latest Jewish family forced to undertake this arduous journey to escape the horrors of the bubonic plague and the merciless persecution of Jews that accompanied it. Though they couldn't know it at the time, they were living through the first chapter of a sweeping family saga that has spanned more than six centuries and dozens of generations and includes some of the most important events in Jewish history.
In Tightrope, journalist Michael Karpin tells the incredible true story of the Backenroths, who, though swept by the tides of history into strange lands, complex situations, repeatedly demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness, tenacity, and talent in their struggle to survive - and they would need them all.
Drawing on nearly twenty years of research that includes accounts from official records, personal diaries, fading newspaper stories, and interviews with Backenroth descendents around the world, Karpin narrates this riveting tale from the moment when, not welcome in the town of Drohobych in Galicia, where their fellow Jews were wary of newcomers, the Backenroths moved a short distance away and built their own village. In the shtetly they called Schodnica, they established a public house and maintained a family seat for the next six centuries. From Schodnica, the Backenroths would take part in and witness such momentous events as the birth of the Hasidic movement; the vicious pogroms of 1648-1649; the discovery of oil in Galicia, which transformed them from hard-working innkeepers to one of the wealthiest families in the area; and the rise of Zionism. Through the centuries, their string belief in Judaism and family kept them wedded to their community in times of prosperity and destitution, power and peril.
As happened with so many Jewish families, the Backenroths were nearly wiped out in the Holocaust. Those few who survived showed astounding wit, courage, and determination as they not only saved themselves and other family members, but contributed to the battle against the Nazis in many different ways. The stories of the wartime exploits of Naftali Backenroth, Ullo Kahane, and others are among the most compelling and inspiring Holocaust survival tales you will ever read.
The Backenroths were extraordinary in many ways, but their precarious existence in a land where they were sometimes welcome and often despised mirrors that of millions of Eastern European Jews over the centuries. Tightrope is more than the incredible tale of a single family; is it a portal into a lost world that still plays a powerful role in Jewish tradition, culture, and aspiration.


The Late, Lamented Molly Marx by Sally Koslow
The circumstances of Molly Marx's death may be suspicious, but she hasn't lost her joie de vivre. Newly arrived in the hereafter, aka the Duration, Molly, thirty-five years old, is delighted to discover that she can still keep tabs on those left behind: Annabel, her beloved four-year-old daughter; Lucy, her combustible twin sister; Kitty, her piece-of-work mother-in-law; Brie, her beautiful and steadfast best friend; and, of course, her husband, Barry, a plastic surgeon with more than a professional interest in many of his female patients. As a bonus, Molly quickly realizes that the afterlife comes with a finely tuned bullshit detector.
As Molly looks on, her loved ones try to discern whether her death was an accident, suicide, or murder. She was last seen alive leaving for a bike ride through New York City's Riverside Park; her body was found lying on the bank of the Hudson River. Did a stranger lure Molly to danger? Did she plan to meet someone she thought she could trust? Could she have ended her own life for mysterious reasons, or did she simply lose control of her bike? As the police question her circle of intimates, Molly relives the years and days that led up to her sudden end: her marriage, troubled yet tender; her charmed work life as a magazine decorating editor; and the irresistible colleague to whom she was drawn
More than anything, Molly finds herself watching over Annabel - and realizing how motherhood helped to bring out her very best self. As the investigation into her death proceeds, Molly will relive her most precious moments - and take responsibility for the choices in her life.
Exploring the bonds of fidelity, family, and friendship, and narrated by a memorable and endearing character, The Late, Lamented Molly Marx is a hilarious, deeply moving, and thought-provoking novel that is part mystery, part love story, and all heart.


These are simply wonderful (and rather diverse) books and I have every intention of finishing them! But I would be the last to hide from you that I hate that it takes me so long to do so. I feel guilty and sad for taking so long, and I can only recommend each and every one of them! (Yes, I dare say so before turning the last page, because trust me, I would not still work on them if I felt they didn't deserve my time!)