Three Summer Reads I Want to Share-The Magicians, The Northside and Conquistadora

I have not posted in quite a while and that is for a multiple of reasons. I have not been able to do a lot of writing and therefore wanted to recap for my blogger friends some interesting books that absorbed me this summer as I am recuperating.  Here are three books to start you off with many more I hope to summarize in the next week. Although my reviews are much abbreviated, I think you will gather my opinion in any case.  Thanks for understanding. Wisteria

The Magicians, by Lev Grossman
ISBN-10: 0670020559
416 Pages
Viking Adult; 1 edition (August 11, 2009)


The Magicians, by Lev Grossman,I was asked to read The Magician King, this books sequel that would publish in August, 2011. I had not read The Magicians and the publisher graciously sent it along as well.This is my idea of an adult version of a world like Narnia. The writing is totally different and the plot as well. A young adult engrossed in fantasy novels finds himself quite unexpectedly in an exclusive school for would be magicians. "The land of his childhood fantasies turns out to be much darker and more dangerous than he ever could have imagined...."(back cover).Fans of Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia will appreciate this adult fairy tale and will be awaiting the sequel The Magician King. Fortunately, both are available now in bookstores.

I am currently reading The Magician King, where the travels of Quentin and his friends continue.   If you love fantasy, this is a must read.

The copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher for review.  Above is my honest unbiased opinion. 

The Northside, by Nelson Johnson
978-0937548738
Plexus Publishers
November 2010
358 Pages

The Northside by Nelson Johnson, is a spectacular non-fiction book about the rise of Atlantic City. The focus is mainly on the contributions of African Americans in the mid-20th century as Atlantic City emerged from a small barren island.  I will be reviewing this for Historical Novels Review for the an upcoming issue. I will post a copy of that review once the magazine is published. In the mean time, this is a book any lover of American History will devour with earnest. I couldn't put it down. There is so much history pulled together in this narrative style that is shocking and Johnson is brilliant to document this time period with such skill.  In fact, before I had been sent the copy for review, I had already purchased my own copy after browsing in my local bookstore.  My extra copy is bound for a colleague who can't wait to get his hands on it. Nelson Johnson also wrote Boardwalk Empire, a book that is on my wish list for sure.

I purchased the copy of this book at Amazon.

Conquistadora, by Esmeralda Santiago
Knopf (July 12, 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-0307268327
432 Pages

Conquistadora, by Esmeralda Santiago is my top pick from my summer reading. It is a sensational historical fiction saga, based on Puerto Rican history and the clash between plantation owners and their slaves. It is also the story of an incredibly strong and rebellious woman named Ana, who has a fearless drive to succeed in life. She becomes a sugar plantation owner in Puerto Rico and despite growing rebellion, she is unyielding. This story takes the reader up to  the time of the Civil War.  The effects of what happened in the Southern States has far reaching implications in the Caribbean Islands and Ana is determined to secure her future.  I purchased this book to read as the history of Puerto Rico drew me to the story as well as the character of a strong woman who emerges to compete with men at a time that it was frowned upon.  I also lived in Puerto Rico when I was a child and attended Spanish schools. Although the memories of my past experiences are fading, I will always have the fondest memories and recall extremely happy times with my family. Puerto Rico introduced me to the language and culture and delicious fruits that were abundant then only there. Fortunately, we live in a time when guava, coconut, mango, papaya and other foods are no longer considered exotic. Read Conquistadora, you will succumb to Esmeralda Santiago's exquisite writing and fall in love with a beautiful story.


© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2011].


I purchased a copy of this book at Amazon.


© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2011].

Friday Finds- The Neverending Story, by Michael Ende

I stumbled across The Neverending Story, by Michael Ende while shopping at a Scholastic Book Fair. Like the protagonist in this story, I had to have this book. Apparently my totem should be an ostrich, because I had never heard of The Neverending Story. What a total surprise this book was to me. I don't know why I never heard about this fantasy adventure before, but I couldn't put it down. I was enchanted and pretty much mesmerized by the world Ende created.

Bastion, a young boy walks into a bookshop one day and discovers an old book called The Neverending Story. Bastion Balthazar Bux loved books more than anything. He can't believe he has in his hands a never ending story. He thinks, how wonderful to read a story with no ending for he is passionate about books. He describes the joys of reading that oddly reminded me of my childhood.

For example:

"If you have never read secretly under the bedclothes with a flashligh, because your father or mother or some other well-meaning person has switched off the lamp on the plausible ground that it was time to sleep because you had to get up early...."

If you have had this experience, he explains, you will understand what he does next. He steals the book. Bastion would rather read than go to school, and he feels invisible around his father. After leaving the store he finds the attic of his school is the perfect place to begin reading his treasured tome. As he reads the story, he begins to see himself within the pages of the book, he becomes part of the story until his life and the book becomes an amalgamation.

The Neverending Story is a translation from the original that was written in German. It is a classic tale that was made into a movie in 1984. Articles I have read from 2009 have mentioned a remake of the movie. Some would rather see the original remain the classic that it is and not interfere with a good thing. I have yet to see the movie version and I do plan to do that soon.

To be honest, I was more entertained in the first half of the book. I still enjoyed the second half, but the action and story did not move with the same momentum as the first half. However, I'm comparing an excellent first half to a very good second half. Therefore, I would recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy and especially loves engaging storytelling.

What about you, has anyone seen the movie? How would you compare it to the book? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Friday Finds is hosted by Should be Reading.

Disclosure: I purchased the copy of The Neverending Story.

Sunday Salon-Review-Jake Ransom and the Skull King's Shadow

Jake Ransom and the Skull King’s Shadow
by James Rollins
Harper Collins
9780061473791
April 28, 2009,416 pages





James Rollins, writer and New York Times best selling author of adult books has written a young adult book of extraordinary excitement on every page. I read it this weekend in one day, a quick read although about 400 pages. It is his pacing and clever combination of writing action to drive the text. You can't stop, he won't let you. Anyway, if you have a 5th grader, middle school student who likes adventure, with some fantasy. Maybe a Macguiver meets Indiana Jones then this book is for him/her.

Review:

Jake Ransom and his older sister Kady receive a mysterious invitation to an opening exhibit of Mayan Treasures at The British Museum in London. Three years ago their parents disappeared on an archeology exhibition. Jake, having a penchant for studies and strong desire to follow in his parent’s footsteps is thrilled. Kady, diva and social butterfly is reluctant to go, but ultimately agrees when she realizes cameras will be everywhere. How could she possibly miss this fashion and social opportunity.

Unfortunately their trip to London takes them farther than they expected as they find themselves in another place. It’s definitely not London as they immediately face a carnivorous dinosaur. Ultimately they meet the inhabitants who are people from multiple ancient civilizations all living together in a place called Calypso.

Rollins has set the scene for the perfect action adventure story for middle grade students. They are lost in a strange place. They are alone are among strangers. They
are immediately faced with their first life or death challenge.

Your heart will beat with the cadence of his poetic prose. Fast moving drama pushes you forward with a driving beat through his use of lyrical text. Rollins is a master of momentum and tension. A barrage of sound effects will come alive as you are compelled to turn each page no just reading but hearing the story.

Students will beg to stay up late to read this book and it will fly off the library shelves. Let’s hope the sequel is not far behind. This well written series will fill the holes in many library collections. Rollins is a natural fit for the young adult fantasy adventure drama.

Wisteria Leigh
New Milford, CT

Sunday Salon, The World That Loved Books

Wow what a week this has been returning to work. One snow day, a late opening and then yesterday's snowfall that went into the overnight. What a nice time to hunker down and read a few good books. In between shoveling that is. Yuck!

So watching the snow and ice coating the trees and in between lesson planning, I read High Spirits by Dianne Salerni. This is a romantic, (yes I cried), historical fiction book about the Spiritualist movement in the mid 19th century. If you want to read about the the clever Fox sisters from history, stay tuned for a ghostly rapping review later this week. Next, I read Red Clay, Blood River is a historical fiction novel by William Everett and his novel about the Trail of Tears and the Great Trek in Africa.
The review for this will be published later. I received several surprises in the mail this week, giving me a lot of catching up to do. I hope there will be a few more snow days this month to help me out. LOL

Anyway, I have an incredible picture book to share with you called, The World That Loved Books, by Steve Parlato. I am going to treasure this masterpiece and I'm telling you the little picture graphic I have hear is just not going to do his art justice. Please take a look at this book the next time you are in a bookstore! This is a copy of one of the posters available on his website and is the artwork for his cover.

Review:

The World that Loved Books

Stephen Parlato
Simply Read Books
978-1-894965-98-9


Welcome to my world....
At least that's what I thought when I read the beginning of The World That Loved Books, by Stephen Parlato.

From the opening page:

"There once was a world where everyone loved books, even the animals. Everyone loved to read so much that when they read their books they became what they read."

Bravo! This book was so spectacular I read it slowly savoring every memorable morsel of text and the intricate illustrations that honestly should be framed mounted and hung in an art gallery. This author and illustrator understands the importance of providing a simple text with everyday vocabulary. Each couplet with the complementary detailed drawing stand alone, but together they will fascinate students, engage their thinking and stimulate questions and ideas. The book will be enjoyed by all students, whether the student is an auditory or verbal learner, ELL, special needs, gifted and talented or in the mainstream classroom. Mr. Parlato's text and collages are an oxymoron of simple elaboration.

Once you read this book you will love reading it to your class. You will garner ways to use it in lessons and realize it is an essential part of your classroom library. Anyone who loves books or struggles to get others to read will cherish The World that Loved Books by Stephen Parlato, an exceptionally creative master.

Thank you Stephen for sending me this autographed review copy and poster. I am so lucky!

Sunday Salon, Saye by Jeremy H. Walker

Debut Author

This week, it is with pleasure that I present to Sunday Salon, the review of a debut author and illustrator, who is not only a talented writer, but a gifted artist proficient in multimedia presentations. His book SAYE, is the first of five books in a series of science fiction, fantasy. He is currently looking for a literary agent who will represent him. Jeremy Walker is someone to watch!!!

SAYE, by Jeremy Walker

is a deeply rich debut fantasy novel by a young author whose name you will not want to forget. The story is brilliantly crafted with characters he has developed over many years from his early sketches. This refreshingly original book is futuristically visionary and captivating.

The story takes place on the planet Valiku near the constellation Cephues. The planet is inhabited by living beings of two races the kinth and the kolntas. The story is about a thirteen year old girl named Saye, who is abandoned after a long bloody battle. The war between the two races of Valiku,ended in the defeat of the kolntas. Saye has mixed heritage and has been adorned with the beauty from her kinth mother, and the symbol of the kolntas on her forehead from her father.

Saye is discovered by Hilonya, a messenger of the kinth who is riding by on her endelo. She spots Saye as she is running into a cave. With reluctance and trepidation Saye decides to follow Hilonya to Jayxen City, making the wise decision that she has no other choice. Saye is always guarded and doesn’t care much for Hilonya, especially when she tries to cover Saye’s head with a blanket before entering the city. What Saye doesn’t realize is the symbol on her forehead, is a tatoo that will draw attention to her difference. Although she looks kinth, she has the trait of a kolntas. Hilonya fears for the girls safety and wishes only to protect her from possible prejudice and hate from the people of Jayxen.

As the story continues the challenge for Saye is developing her sense of self having kinth/kolntas heritage, in a world composed of kinth people. The path is not easy for Saye and she is full of fury and foreboding.

Readers will relate to this story on so many levels. Saye is a timeless tale told with a sensitive heart. I'm anxiously awaiting Book 2, I couldn't put this one down. Highly recommended.

Woman of a Thousand Secrets by Barbara Wood

Woman of a Thousand Secrets is a well researched historical epic revolved around Tonina, who is found floating down a river in a basket as an infant. She is raised by a childless couple until she comes of age and the couple knows they must send her off the island to find her real people. On a ruse that her grandfather is gravely ill, Tonina is sent away to find a red flower that will cure him. She always assume she will return to the island. Little does she know that in her search for the red flower she will discover her past and the beginning of an exciting future. There will be an island in her future, but where will it be?
Tonina’s journey will teach her many things but learning about the many ways to love will emerge. She learns about the love of friendship from Brave Eagle who will be there when she most needs him. She learns about passion and deep sexual desirous love from her husband Kaan. Lastly, she learns the special bond of a sons' love from Tenoch.

I felt there are two key themes in the story. One is the connectivity of the universe, and the cause and effect of what we do. Tonina and Kaan are always seeking to balance the world to appease the gods. The Aztec people was also a story of many cultures living together as one. This is also true in the story as Kaan succeeds in securing peace among the various fighting people and their chiefs. The second theme is the classic good versus evil throughout the story evident in the characters of Balam and Kaan, our modern day super heroes.

The success of this book will be partly in the obvious research the author needed to do. She has taken this background material and has created vivid images and lush scenery of the ancient Aztec culture interwoven throughout. As you read you envision every building, symbol, geographic location, and other cultural representations because of the author’s careful attention to detail. Each scene is a 3D visual treat in color and texture.

Woman of a Thousand Secrets is a wondrously entertaining story with global depth. I can’t wait to read another book by Barbara Wood, I thoroughly devoured this one!