girl overboard Justina Chen Headley relationships/ stereotyping/identity
Little Brown and Company pp.; 339. ISBN-10- 0316-001129-0
One might dismiss the book as simply about a female snowboarder, but it is much more. It deals with serious issues of family relationships, living with considerable wealth and dealing with people’s own views of you as you endeavor to define yourself. Syrah is from a wealthy Chinese family who disapproves of her snowboarding even though she does so at a professional level. Due to a serious accident, she must learn to trust herself and to establish an identify within a family that seems at every turn not to want her. Struggling to find her voice, she must learn important and difficult lessons. Learning, however, does not come without pain, mistakes, and regrets. This is an excellent story. The characters and their conflicts are well drawn and carefully thought through.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The Lost Conspiracy
The Lost Conspiracy Frances Hardinge fantasy/science fiction
Harper pp., 566 ISBN 978-0-06-088-041-5
Called the new Harry Potter with two strong woman protagonists, this excellent book may well be the genuine item. Set in a volcanic island, Hathin, a Lace, must look after her sister, Arilou, who may or may not be a seer belonging to a group called The Lost who manage the island through their abilities to use their senses to “ see things” and communicate between the various cities. Arliou is examined by “authorities” to determine whether or not she is really a “Lost”. Her sister must translate for her, as what she says is unintelligible. At the final trial the examiners are suddenly murdered, and all of the race of Lost are simultaneously killed. Somehow the Lace Village is accused of the murder and Arilou and Hathin must flee for their lives.
This is a fast-paced adventure story which has a mystery embedded. It is a well-written page-turner that deals with issues of stereotyping and prejudice that has an historical basis. I had a hard time putting this book down, so will its readers.
Harper pp., 566 ISBN 978-0-06-088-041-5
Called the new Harry Potter with two strong woman protagonists, this excellent book may well be the genuine item. Set in a volcanic island, Hathin, a Lace, must look after her sister, Arilou, who may or may not be a seer belonging to a group called The Lost who manage the island through their abilities to use their senses to “ see things” and communicate between the various cities. Arliou is examined by “authorities” to determine whether or not she is really a “Lost”. Her sister must translate for her, as what she says is unintelligible. At the final trial the examiners are suddenly murdered, and all of the race of Lost are simultaneously killed. Somehow the Lace Village is accused of the murder and Arilou and Hathin must flee for their lives.
This is a fast-paced adventure story which has a mystery embedded. It is a well-written page-turner that deals with issues of stereotyping and prejudice that has an historical basis. I had a hard time putting this book down, so will its readers.
Tales from Suburbia
Tales from Suburbia Shuan Tan graphic novel/ short stories
Templar pp., 91 ISBN 978-1-84011-313-6
Another stunning book from the artist/writer who gave us The Arrival, his brilliant wordless book about immigration, count on Tan to present a whole new concept. This is a collection of marvelously illustrated tales that leave you thinking about them for days afterwards. One involves a water buffalo left in a suburban vacant lot who always can, when asked, point his hoof at the way for children to go, and they are always “surprised and delighted” by what they find. ‘How did he know?’ Another chronicles the coming together of all of the poetry which people have written and discarded. One could spend, and should spend, hours looking at the whimsical details of his drawings. There is simply no one like him. I can’t wait to see what he will do next. Also don’t miss his website. (www.shauntan.net) It is as unusual as he is.
Templar pp., 91 ISBN 978-1-84011-313-6
Another stunning book from the artist/writer who gave us The Arrival, his brilliant wordless book about immigration, count on Tan to present a whole new concept. This is a collection of marvelously illustrated tales that leave you thinking about them for days afterwards. One involves a water buffalo left in a suburban vacant lot who always can, when asked, point his hoof at the way for children to go, and they are always “surprised and delighted” by what they find. ‘How did he know?’ Another chronicles the coming together of all of the poetry which people have written and discarded. One could spend, and should spend, hours looking at the whimsical details of his drawings. There is simply no one like him. I can’t wait to see what he will do next. Also don’t miss his website. (www.shauntan.net) It is as unusual as he is.
When You Reach Me
When You Reach Me Rebecca Stead relationships/mystery/time travel
Wendy Lamb Books, pp., 198 ISBN 978-0-385-73742-5
This is a wonderful book with interesting, unique characters who interact with love and care, and occasional misunderstandings. It is above all a well-told story with an unusual twist. Miranda lives in New York with her single mother who is practicing to be a contestant on the $20,000 Pyramid television show. Miranda and her friends are free to roam their New York neighborhood even with the presence of the mentally ill “ Laughing Man”, and the neighborhood boys who make remarks as she walks by their corner. Never without her beloved Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engles, she receives cryptic notes from a stranger. Miranda must figure out what they mean and solve their riddle in order to save her “friend.” Unusual and bright, this is a must read for anyone with imagination who knows, as I do, that time travel is indeed possible.
Wendy Lamb Books, pp., 198 ISBN 978-0-385-73742-5
This is a wonderful book with interesting, unique characters who interact with love and care, and occasional misunderstandings. It is above all a well-told story with an unusual twist. Miranda lives in New York with her single mother who is practicing to be a contestant on the $20,000 Pyramid television show. Miranda and her friends are free to roam their New York neighborhood even with the presence of the mentally ill “ Laughing Man”, and the neighborhood boys who make remarks as she walks by their corner. Never without her beloved Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engles, she receives cryptic notes from a stranger. Miranda must figure out what they mean and solve their riddle in order to save her “friend.” Unusual and bright, this is a must read for anyone with imagination who knows, as I do, that time travel is indeed possible.
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