"The Boxtrolls" - Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

"The Boxtrolls" 

Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

'The Boxtrolls" was written based off a movie that came out awhile ago. It's available on Netflix but I have yet to watch it. I think the reason I haven't watched it is because I really didn't enjoy the novel, unfortunately. 

The novel is written for a much younger age, but that isn't the reason why I don't recommend it. Let's start by recapping the book before I get into my reasons for not liking it. 

"The Boxtrolls" is a story of a town, Cheesebridge, and it's two categories of "residents" living there. In the above group you have humans who are oddly obsessed with cheese... as in it consumes their whole lives. Oh, and they have a holiday celebrating the kidnapping and death of a baby that they celebrate every year. Talk about being morbid!

The second set of "residents" reside underground and only come up at night, at their own risk. THese are the Boxtrolls. The name seems to be a pretty literal one - they are trolls that wear boxes. They are also named after the boxes they wear, such as "Fish" and "Shoes". They are fantastic at building, and they have one special "Boxtroll" living among him. His name is "Eggs". While he thinks he's a boxtroll he's quite different looking than the others. He is a little human boy, who's been living with the Boxtrolls for as long as he can remember. 

A tradition in the Boxtroll world is that, once you reach a certain age, you are allowed to go on missions above ground to collect resources used to build things. Eggs is desperate to go on one of these missions but, for some reason, no one will let him go. Finally, he gets his break and goes above ground. It is on this first trip that he is seen by a little girl, Winnie. From there his world is turned upside down, as well as the worlds of both sets of "residents" in Cheesebridge. 

While this book has the potential to be good, here are my reasons for not liking it. 

1) It is hard to follow because of the half-English / Half-Boxtroll terminology that is used. The book bounces back and forth between the two "resident" types in the city, but having different terminology made it difficult to follow at times, which makes me presume that a younger audience might also have a hard time following it. 

2) The whole "Trubshaw Baby Abduction" celebration just doesn't sit right with me. I read some pretty messed up things but the celebration and story behind the Trubshaw Baby just doesn't seem like it's appropriate in a book written for younger kids. I started reading this book as a recommendation for my 7-year-old son but honestly, I don't think that it's appropriate for him to be reading about a baby abduction and murder by Boxtrolls and then a whole celebration for the event. While nothing goes into detail, the concept just doesn't sit right with me as a parent. 

So, coming from a parental opinion, I don't really recommend this book to the age group it seems to be targeted at. While each parent has a different opinion on what is acceptable for their children to be reading, and I don't dare start attempting to set the standards on what you should and shouldn't do as a parent, I wouldn't let my son read this yet. Maybe in a few years. 

"Stay Crazy" - Erica L. Satifka

“Stay Crazy”

Erica L. Satifka

“Stay Crazy” by Erica L. Satifka is a roller-coaster novel with a wonderfully additive main character, Em. Em is a schizophrenic teenage girl who doesn’t care about anyone, or so she thinks. She’s a spunky character who’s easy to fall in love with, quirks and all.

After a stay in a care facility, she’s back at home and working to get better. Despite her cynical outlook on life and people, she somehow finds a way to work through everything she’s been through. Her stay at home begins with long, drawn-out vegetative sessions on the couch watching boring tv. Her mother, with best intentions, finally drags her to the Savertown USA, a one-stop box store, and begs the manger to give Em a job. From here on out, the story gets interesting.

“Stay Crazy” was an easy read for me, but I really enjoyed it. I found the plot line, inter-dimensional beings and all, to be quite creative. The characters were unique and easily defined. The only downside to this novel that I found was that the “end battle” was not as climatic as I anticipated it would be.

All-in-all, I really do recommend this book to anyone looking for a light and entertaining read. I think the author has a good spunkiness to her that I hope to see in more novels from her. 

"My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell you She's Sorry" - Fredrik Backman

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry

Fredrik Backman

While preparing for my flight to Juneau, Alaska, I picked up this book as a sporadic moment in the checkout line. While I admit I picked it up for the wrong reasons (I happened to me upset at my mother, the grandmother of my son at the time of purchase and thought the irony was good) it turned out to be a fantastic read.

The story starts out about a seven-year-old girl (almost eight as she often points out) named Elsa. This is another reason the irony was good – my son is seven also. Her best and only friend is her eccentric grandmother of seventy-seven years of age. The bond between Elsa and her grandma is unbreakable until the unthinkable happens.

In a sudden turn of tragedy, Elsa is left without her best friend. Her grandmother passed away and Elsa was suddenly left without a friend or a reason in the world, or so she thought. Despite her grandmother being in the grave, she sends Elsa on the adventure of a lifetime where she discovers who she is and who everyone living in her apartment building really is. Fantasy becomes a reality in a blink of an eye.

This is an easy read for me, but I enjoyed the author’s wit throughout the novel. His quirky inclusions of nerdy characters like the X-men and Harry Potter made my day. Being a big X-men fan myself, his comparison of Elsa’s mother and Grandmother’s relationship to Cyclops and Wolverine’s relationship made my day.

While this was an impulse buy in the grocery line, with a 25% off sticker, it’s one of the best book purchases I’ve made in a long time. I ended up finishing it on the flight back to Anchorage. I just couldn’t put it down. I’m going to have to hunt down other books by this author!  

"Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" - Ransom Riggs

"Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children"

Ransom Riggs

In my hunt for something to read, my Mom (in her wonderful large home library) recommended that I read the series "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children". Given my like for unusual stories, all things horror, and wanting a light read after my last very heavy read, she recommended this. 

While I will say it is an incredibly easy read for me, I greatly enjoyed it. While the prologues usually don't interest me much, this prologue pulled me in and I was hooked. It opens with Jacob reflecting on his life, which he's always viewed as ordinary, some unexpected and extraordinary things begin to happen around him. Most of these events seem to be centered around his eccentric grandfather, Grandpa Portman.

Grandpa Portman used to thrill Jacob with his monster stories and strange pictures of "unique" children. His reflections of a house on a hill, surrounded by water and watched over by "The Bird" make Jacob long for adventure. Jacob used to believe these stories to be true but, as children do, they outgrow the stories and no longer believe them. That's exactly where Jacob's troubles begin, and Grandpa Portman's life ends. 

This book was a wonderful read. The story line was simple but highly engaging. There were little turns here and there to keep you guessing. Coupled along with unique and well-placed pictures throughout the book, this is a must read for everyone. I can't wait to read the second in the series!

"The Sacrosancts: Journey Unleashed" - Naveen Manohar

"The Sacrosancts: Journey Unleashed"

Naveen Manohar

"The Sacrosancts: Journey Unleashed" by Naveen Manohar is a book that has found a unique place in my heart. I had the benefit of working with the author and got to see this book really come to life. It is an adventurous story that I will certainly read more than once. 

"The Sacrosancts" is a suspenseful adventure through historical periods. John, Eddy and the stray dog, Kina, start their journey in a coal mining town. Eddy is a young boy that is tormented by voices, visions and all around scary experiences. Why these things happen to him has not only Eddy baffled, but his father, John, scared for the boy's well being. Deciding to give Eddy a break from the visions they head towards the town of Hamlet. That is where the adventure really begins to get interesting. 

I would have to say that my favorite part of this book is the witty dialogue. Eddy seems wise for his age, and some of the comments he has with John, and the monologues with Kina (the stray dog) make me smile and laugh. This book is the type of book that, the more you read it, the more the characters come to life. 

If you enjoy historical novels with a dash of adventure and mystery, then this is a great book for you to pick up. Naveen Manohar is an aspiring new author, and I look forward to seeing more of his works out on the market. It is an easy and enjoyable read, perfect for cuddling up under a blanket with tea on a rainy day. 

The Professor and the Madman - Simon Winchester

"The Professor and the Madman" 

Simon Winchester

Every year my mother does something pretty cool for Christmas. She has us answer these questions to create a Christmas list: Something you want, Something you need, Something to Wear and Something to read. Now the last category, Something to read, was expanded to be Something to read/watch/play. That's besides the point.

While I was looking for something to put down for the Something to read category I stumbled across this book, "The Professor and the Madman". People usually say don't judge a book by the cover, but the cover was exactly the reason why I read it. On the cover there is an eye-catching recap of the book that intrigued me. It said:

A Tale Of Murder, Insanity,

And The Making Of The

Oxford English Dictionary

With a recap like that how could I resist! While it was placed on my Christmas list, I did not get it for Christmas. However, I later discovered, it was because my mom (the avid book reader she is) already had it and let me borrow it. 

"The Professor and the Madman" starts out fairly slow, and could easily lose the attention of readers if they weren't particularly drawn to the book before starting out with it. The first chapter begins with the definition of murder and an explanation of where the word came from and how it came to be. To be honest, this part was insanely tedious and difficult to read at bed time (my usual reading time). However, the promise of murder and insanity from the front cover kept me reading. 

The first chapter picks up a bit by describing a murder in a very unsuspecting town, with a surprising murderer. The story then starts to pick up, revealing a delightful journey of the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary, and the sorrowful story of one of the top contributors to the dictionary. 

Each chapter begins with a definition, much like the definition of murder in the first chapter. As I mentioned before, it's pretty difficult to read through this part. To be frank, I skimmed right past them to continue reading the story. If it were just the definition I could have lived with it, but when you put the place of origin and how it became to be then it becomes a page or two, and quite a useful sleeping aid. 

On a scale of 1-5 I would give this book a three. The story is fascinating but the speed is incredibly slow. You really have to be devoted and interested in the origin of the Oxford English Dictionary to make it through "The Professor and the Madman". However, even with the three star rating, I did enjoy the book and would recommend it if you are a word buff and like to see where words come from. 

The Girls on the Train - Paula Hawkins

"The Girl on the Train"Paula Hawkins

Overview

"The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins was a fun and twisting adventure of two women, whom never meet, but their lives are intertwined. One is observing from a train, and the other is being observed until one frightening day she disappears. 

The main character of the book, Rachel, is the girl on the train. Out of work and down on her luck she rides the train into town each day. Her train rides are routine and almost a comfort to her. While on these train rides she observes two people living in a neighborhood she used to call home. She has create their whole lives in her head, as well as name them Jason and Jess. 

One day Rachel sees Jess with a man, not Jason, but another man. Since Rachel has observed Jess and Jason every day she starts to worry. When the man kissed Jess, Rachel's perfect little world crumbles down. To make matters worse, shortly after she witnesses the kiss Jess disappears. 

Later Rachel reads about Jess' (who's name is actually Megan) disappearance and becomes distraught. Rachel reaches out to Jason (who's name is actually Scott), Megan's wife, to try and tell him what she saw. 

Through the twists and turns, detectives questioning motives and Rachel's attempt at uncovering the truth you are taken through a crazy whirlwind of love, hate, obsession and excitement. Rachel discovers the truth to overcome her alcoholic addictions and Scott learns the truth about Megan's disappearance.

My Opinion

This book was suggested to me by my Mom. The first chapter was well written and pulled me in almost immediately. However, it wasn't a book that I couldn't put down... just yet. ;) 

The second chapter introduces Megan and her husband, Scott. This made me pretty excited since my name is Megan.... and I'm dating a Scott... Gotta love the irony! As the chapters about Megan went on I dialed down the excitement. At one point it points out that Scott is under accusation for the abuse and death of his wife. Yikes! That's not my Scott at all, so the similarities ended there. 

However, the similarities between Megan and myself were astonishing. I felt that I could really relate to her character, and more than just by name. The way she thought, the fears she had, and the confusion she lived life with just seemed so real and understandable to me. 

Rachel, however, I did not relate to as much. However, Rachel's story is very well laid out and easy to follow. There are times where you will find yourself sympathetic with her, and other times where you're rooting for her from the sidelines and telling her to go be her brave self. I enjoyed reading her journey to find her inner strength and self. 

Overall, this book was awesome. If you remember me saying before that this book wasn't a book that I couldn't put down in the beginning? Well, I'd say about 1/3 into it I got hooked. Towards the end I just couldn't get enough of the story. I read it at lunch, read it while cooking, and read it before bed. In the end I wished that the story would continue just so I could see what happened to the characters after the mystery was solved. A sequel would be highly appreciated! 

"Fifty Shades of Grey" - E L James (Plus "Fifty Shades Darker", "Fifty Shades Freed", and "Grey".

The Fifty Shades of Grey Series by E L James

(Including "Grey")

So... there is a lot of controversy over the Fifty Shades of Grey books. Some people love them, others despise them. Books with this much controversy over them are always a must-read on my list. How can you not read a book that makes people love and hate it so passionately? 

I originally was "dared" to read "Fifty Shades of Grey" and post a review on my blog by an old friend. He thought it would funny to see what I thought of the book. Although I am no longer friends with that person, I still think his idea of reading it and posting my thoughts is a fun idea. 

I originally did not set out to own the Fifty Shades of Grey series, but life is funny. I was traveling through the lower 48 (for people NOT in Alaska that means the rest of United States) and wound up in the Minneapolis airport without a book to read on the LONG flight back to Anchorage. While I was with my parents and son, waiting for our food to be delivered, I popped next door to one of those overpriced kiosk stores. There were about ten different books to choose from. Of the ten, this one looked the most interesting. 

So, remember in the beginning when I said that this book makes people love and hate it passionately? Well, when I returned to the table that my parents were at my Mom instantly had a reaction to the book. She thought it was trash and was poking fun that I was reading it. Honestly, her reaction made me even more curious about it. 

The first book, "Fifty Shades of Grey" starts out with two college students, Katherine Kavanagh and Anastasia Steele, frequently referred to as Ana. The beginning is very slow going. Ana meets Christian Grey in the first chapter, with very little build up to their meeting. Their first meeting itself is written ok, with lots of detail to the surroundings. There are little snippets of sexual tension building, but not much in this first chapter.

The second chapter starts this awkward "school girl crush" communications between Ana and Christian. While it can be cute, and playful, at times it is overall slightly irritating. I feel like Ana doesn't really have the ability to stand up for herself. In much of the book she's portrayed as weak and unsure of herself.

Throughout the rest of the book there are a fair amount of sexual encounters, feisty e-mail banter and some unexpected twists. While there is a potentially good story line in there somewhere, it's pretty much smothered by low-key SBDM. 

The second book, "Fifty Shades Darker" starts out with Christian once again chasing Ana and all but stalking her after her rejection in the first book. While some may see what he does as "sweet" and "protective", others may view Christian's actions as needing a protective order in place.

Once again there is plenty of "school girl crush" symptoms flying, along with the "cute" introduction to SBDM littered throughout the book. You start to learn more about Christian in this book, but much of the story line is still difficult to read through Christian's childish actions and Ana's inability to find her backbone.

The third book, "Fifty Shades Freed" actually took an interesting turn and involved a plot line that makes it further than a condom and bed sheets. There are death threats, lies, suspicions and crazy ex-girlfriends with guns. If I had to pick a favorite from these three, I think that I was most interested in the third book.

The bonus book, "Grey" is essentially the first book rewritten from the viewpoint of Christian. I was very surprised to find that the author, quite frequently, referred to Ana's female parts as "her sex" but has no problem describing the male parts in detail. I would have thought, especially with this book being written from Christian's point of view, that there would be more of a description than "her sex". It almost seems like the author was embarrassed to use another term.

I did think, however, that the author did a good job of expressing Christian's personality in this book. He is frequently bouncing between sex, control, business and avoidance of his past. The author creates this powerful, lustful and somewhat lost character quite well.

Overall, I have a hard time recommending this series to everyone. If you are used to reading "smut" books, as some call it, then this book would irritate you because it's not a very well-written "smut" book.

If you are not used to reading descriptive sexual encounters in books then this book would frighten you and make you blush. If this is you then you should just keep walking past it.

However, if you are interested in reading a book to pass the time, and get the occasional blush color on your cheeks, then this book series is alright. I certainly can't say that it was the best book series I've read, but I can say I have read worse.

One word about reading this series though... If you are uncomfortable with people staring at you I do not recommend reading this in a public place. With the hype surrounding the series I got quite a few odd and disapproving stares. 

"The Girl in the Spider's Web" - David Lagercrantz

"The Girl in the Spider's Web" - David Lagercrantz

This book is the fourth in the Millennium series, but it it is not written by the original author, Stieg Larsson's. Stieg Larsson wrote the first three books in the series. Many of you might be familiar with them. They are: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire, and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Net.

So, before we discuss "The Girl in the Spider's Web" I'll give you a little back history on me and the Millennium series. 

I received "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" from my Mom as an advanced reader's copy. I was pretty excited but, after getting through the first half of the first chapter, I put it down. It BORED ME TO DEATH! 

Fast forward to the year that the second book, "The Girl Who Played with Fire" came out. There was a lot of hype around the two books so I decided to pick up the first one and read it again. As I forced myself through the dullness of the first chapter I became enthralled in the book. I read it in record time and then HAD to have the next book. I raced to Walmart and bought it on my lunch break.... then finished it that night. 

When the third book, "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest" came out I also rushed out and bought it. I was so desperate to read it that I bought it in hard back format. I usually don't purchase hard back books.. they are expensive and take up a lot of shelf space in my tiny apartment. However, I couldn't resist, I had to know what happened to Lizbeth. 

The same story run true for this book. When I heard that the fourth book had been picked up by a new author I couldn't wait for it to be released. I marked every calendar in my house (and at my desk at work) with the release date. 

When it came out I picked it up and read it on a two hour flight. I might say, it's just as exciting as the first three. 

Now on to the review!

While this book isn't my favorite in the series it certainly was well done. The new author, David Lagercrantz, did a very good job of following Stieg Larsson's writing style. There were very few moments where I could tell it was a different author. 

This book is full of surprises, both violent and beautiful. The unlikely heroine winds up with a very unusual companion through a messed up rescue operation. The unperson-able Lisbeth  takes a liking to this companion because she sees herself in him. She understands him. 

My favorite part of the book is who they introduce as the super villain. I won't tell you who it is, but I'll give you a hint. Violent blood runs thick in a certain family! 

Overall Recommendation

My overall recommendation of the book is that it is a must-read, especially if you have already read the first three books in the series. While you could pick the book up and read it on it's own, the series is so much more entertaining and thrilling. This book, and the whole series, is worth every bit. 

As a special note... **DO NOT WATCH THE MOVIES BEFORE YOU READ THE BOOK!!** The movies, especially the American version, do the novels NO JUSTICE! 

"The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster" - Bobby Henderson

This read has been a very interesting one... The book has you feeling awkward curiosities. At some points you think "Hey, that actually makes a lot of sense". At other times you think "this is a load of crap, why am I reading this?" 

It is that constant bouncing back and forth that kept me interested throughout the book. The anticipation of what historical documentation are they going to place the FSM (Flying Spaghetti Monster) in. 

The pictures were pretty good. The pieces they chose and how they presented the FSM in them were great. I looked forward to seeing "His noodle  appendages"  in action throughout the book. 

In the end this was a long but fun read. I can only imagine how much fun the author had creating this book. After all, who doesn't love a good pasta dish and pirates? ;) 

Go get the book, it'll be the most "interesting" thing you've read in a long time. :)

"Mean Moms Rule" - Denise Schipani

Finally, a parenting book I can relate to! "Mean Moms Rule' by Denise has brought a smile to my face because I feel like she is telling me what I already think. Mean Mom's isn't about being, well, mean... it's about teaching your children to be ready for the world. It's preparing them for the world, not the world for them.

What does this mean, you may ask? Well, it means you make the kids learn how to clean dishes, mow a lawn, cook, and all those "mean" things that kids aren't doing today. It's teaching them life skills for them to be successful. It teaches them patience and learning that sometimes you have to work hard for what you want!

Denise has Mom Manifestos for being a true "mean mom". These are handy tidbits for mom's to remember when trudging through the path called motherhood. There are 10 manifestos to remember.

1) "It's not about you. It's about them.
2) Hang on to yourself. You many need that person later (and so may your kids).
3) Start as you mean to go on.
4) Don't follow the parenting pack.
5) Take (or take back) control.
6) Say no. Smile. Don't apologize. Repeat as necessary.
7) Teach life skills. If not you, who?
8) Slow it down. Slow it way down.
9) Fail your child, a little bit, every day.
10) Prepare them for the world (not the world for them).
*table of contents, Mean Moms Rule. Denise Schipani. Sourcebooks, Inc. Naperville, IL.

I just finished mean mom manifesto 8, and I'm really enjoying the book. So far, my favorite manifesto is 6. The stories she tells about her own sons makes this chapter comical and easy to relate to.I can so see my son in her stories!

When you get a chance, this is a must read for any mom out there! This is one of the best parenting advice books I've found. It's not sappy, it's real and it's honest. What more can you ask for?!

The White Bone - Barbara Gowdy

This book was recommended to me by a coworker awhile ago. Knowing my love of elephants she told me I had to know about this book. This book is written from a young elephant's point of view.

In this book, you follow the life of a young elephant, Mud. Mud's mother died after childbirth and trapped Mud underneath her when she died. A few days later a heard of cows discovers Mud and frees her from under her mother's corpse. 

The rest of the book from there on out is based from Mud's point of view. I will say that as interesting as I found it, I was not impressed. It is a pretty difficult book to follow. Unless you have a lot of time to decipher what Mud is talking about (i.e. A cheetah is not called a cheetah in the book, but called longbody.) then this book becomes difficult to read. 

I am going to put it at the bottom of my book list and read it later, when I have more time available. Who knows, my opinion might change by then. :)

"Zombie in Love" - Kelly DiPucchio

"Zombie in Love" - Kelly DiPucchio

Normally I don't put the children's books I read to my son on this blog, but I just had to add this one. I went to pick up my son from my Mom's house and she hands me this book. She said I had to take it home and read it. Atticus was super excited about it, so we sat down to read it the other night. I must say that it is completely adorable.

So some of you may think I'm slightly demented for two reasons: 1) I think that a zombie looking for love in a children's book is adorable and 2) I read it to my 5-year-old son and he thinks it's just as adorable as I do. That's ok, my son and I are a little different but it keeps life interesting. :) Anyway, onto the book!

This book is about a zombie named Mortimer. He's looking forward to the Cupid's ball but doesn't have a date. He wants more than anything to be in love and dance with someone at the ball, but is having some relationship issues in trying to find that someone special. This is his "love story" and it's simplistically enjoyable.

To display the sense of humor in this book, I'll give you a little preview.

"Tall, Dead, & Handsome

If you like taking walks in the graveyard

and falling down in the rain.

If you're not into cooking,

if you have half a brain.

If you like waking up at midnight,

horror films and voodoo,

then I'm the guy who you've looked for

and I'm dying to meet you!" (DiPucchio, pg. 10,2011)

I certainly give this book as many thumbs and fingers up as Mortimer has left and hope that you go borrow it from your local library. Even if you don't have kids, you should read this at least once to yourself. It's a reminder of how simple and complicated love can be all at once. :)

**DiPucchio, K. (2011). Zombie in love. Antheneum Books for Young Readers, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division. New York, New York. 

"Shirly Jackson, Novels and Short Stories" - Shirley Jackson

"Shirley Jackson, Novels and Short Stories" - Shirley Jackson

 

 

For Christmas this year, my Mom did something pretty cool. Since she has three grown daughters, a son-in-law, a grandson, and a boyfriend-in-law, there are a lot of gifts going around the tree. To simplify things, my mom asked the adults to fill out four questions: Something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read. After seeing a movie called "Haunting of Hill House", I wanted to read the book it was based off of. So, you can guess, that was my something to read. :) My Mom, being the cool Mom that she is, stepped it up. She got me a collection of Shirley Jackson's novels and stories. I had never heard of any of the other stories, but she said that she'd read one other and it was good.

 

So, to begin, Shirley Jackson was a pretty unknown author to me. When I told my Mom I wanted to read "The Haunting on Hill House" I didn't even know who the author was.... pathetic right?! So let's give an introduction to who Shirley Jackson is before we get to the novels I've been reading. Shirley Jackson is a post war author who wrote novels between the years of approximately 1940 and 1960's. I'm not quite sure what you would call her genera, but there is certainly horror in it, but it's more about the mind being confused and freaked out than the blood and guts of the authors today. I would say it's more psychological than anything. Honestly, that's about all I know, but I'd be interested in learning more.

 

On to the novels! So far I've read parts one and two of "The Lottery", which contains five parts. "The Lottery" consists of short stories that leave you wondering what just happened, and freaks you out a bit. There has been a short story that involves an unexpected apartment switch, a white small-time town afraid of mixing with African-American people until a city single mother comes and throws their world upside down, and two little boys that are creepy but you cannot quite figure out why. The stories in the Lottery start out simple and understandable. The situations are similar to something we'd encounter. While you're reading there are subtle change and before you know it you're left wondering what just happened and why you're freaked out at the end.

 

There are still three other novels in the book that I've yet to read, and a collection of short stories. There are even some sketches in the book that I haven't discovered yet, but I am interested in seeing them. I would say that overall this book is a good read. If you're into suspense books and movies, like Alfred Hitchcock, then this would be a good read for you. The parts of "The Lottery" are small enough that you could read them before bed, like I am, but I will admit they are keeping me awake. My brain is trying to sort out the stories and make sense of the odd emotion I get. I would say go rent it from your library, you'll be happy you did. :) 

"Spree Killers" Nigel Cawthorne

"Spree Killers" - Nigel Cawthorne

 

I found this book while roaming around Barnes and Noble's bargain books and just had to pick this up. I know what you're thinking.. what kind of a person gets excited about reading a book about spree killers unless they need to be put away in the Anchorage Psychiatric Institute... but I'm weird like that. I've always had a fascination with crime, horror and suspense books, movies, and tv shows. I don't really know why, but it's always been there.

 

Anyway... this book is jammed packed with a bunch of stories about spree killers. Spree killers are people who just snap. They randomly decide to go on a killing spree. This book discusses some of the famous spree killers that have happened in everyone's history, not just in the United States. It discusses people like George Hennard in Killen Texas, Genghis Khan the Mongol ruler, and Charles Starkweather of Nebraska (who's story was told in the cult movie Badlands in 1973).

 

This book doesn't read like legal proceedings, or a text book. It starts out telling one story, as if you were talking to the author face to face. As one story concludes, the next story is tied into the previous one, by means of a similar spree killing. The retellings are grouped into chapters by the different types of killings.

 

Even thought this book is pretty morbid, and most people don't want to know about more killing in the world, it's pretty informative. Spree killings are not something of the most recent times, it's been around for generations and generations. The thing that has changed is the availability of information. Now, we get play-by-plays of any sort of crime that happens. This makes it seem like we're living in a more dangerous time. This book, in a weird way, reminds me that we are not the first generation to suffer through pain and loss, and we won't be the last ones. This book grounds the paranoia of living in 2013 by showing that people who lived through the times in the book are still here and have survived the same things.

"The Elephant's Bathtub" - Frances Carpenter

"The Elephant's Bathtub" - Frances Carpenter

"The Elephant's Bathtub" is a collection of stories from East. They are similar to fairy tales and folk stories that teach morals. I was walking with my son through the children's section at the library (more like trying to keep up with him) and we finally stopped by the fair tale section. I wanted him to get something other than a cook book for once, so I told him to hold on and pick one out. He grabbed one and started off again towards the cds. I quickly scanned the shelves and grabbed one that looked interesting so I could read it to him. Since this book had the word "elephant" in the title it won out. So far I haven't read it to Atticus but have been consumed in it on my own time schedule. 

So far I have only read four stories. "The Elephant's Bathtub" originated from Burma and is a story about two merchants that lived on a river. It's kind of a story where the grass is greener on the other side of the fence story. It's pretty amusing and shows you a little bit into the culture surrounding royalty and the status of elephants. 

"The Fish with Bent Noses" is a story originating from Cambodia. The story has a moral about stealing and the consequences of what happens when you do so. It also has a cute little love story mixed into it between a princess and a suitor. 

"The Shah Weaves a Rug" comes to us from Persia. This story is about a great king who cares enough about his kingdom to see the world through one of his people that lives on the streets. In doing so, he's captured by a mysterious magic man and comes up with a most clever way to save not only himself but the people in his kingdom as well. 

"The Princess in the Camphor Tree" is originated in Malaya. This folk story has a little more complicated meaning to it. It's about sons who go into the woods as gathers and the youngest meets a princess of a different species. You could call her a tree spirit or something similar. He marries her, but the ending is not so happy because of one bad choice he was forced to make. 

There are a total of 24 short stories in this book, and so far they are quite enjoyable. It is an easy read (obviously being from the children's section) but I am learning about the culture through the way these stories are told. To me, this is one of the more interesting sets of tales I've read because they are pretty different than the typical tales I heard growing up as an American child. I also have a soft spot for learning about cultures, so this fulfills that as well. :) I'll continue to read this book, and highly suggest it to anyone, not just people with children. 

"Haunted America" - Armchair Reader

"Haunted America" - Armchair Reader

My new read is an easy, short stories read. After tackling a history-bound book, my brain needs a little break. What better way to do that then to read some "true" ghost stories from our homeland? Ok, so maybe I'm alone in the fact that ghost and murder stories give me a relaxing break, but it's all good. :)

"Haunted America" is composed of numerous short stories collected around America involving ghosts, haunted locations, and paranormal sightings. I'm not very far into the book yet, but so far I've read some interesting things. There is an introduction by paranormal experts explaining what ghosts really are. I've also read about angry spirits residing in an old slave house in Illinois. I've taken a short trip on a boat by reading about the spirits seen on the "Queen Mary" (which I didn't realize that it was once used as a war vessel, not always an ocean liner. The short story I read last night was about the bar "Bobby Mackey's", located in Kentucky. 

I find this book a good night-time read. The stories are approximately five pages long, give or take a few pages. The short stories are written in a more fact-based manner, but throw in little sentences of humor to keep the story going. They are not out to scare you, but to make you interested and think, kind of like Ripley's Believe It or Not episodes. So, if you're looking for an entertaining ghost story without the "scare me silly" feeling, then this would be a great book for you. For a second recommendation, if you cannot stay awake for more than five pages after your head hits the pillow, this is an especially good read. :) 

"Flapper" - Joshua Zeitz

"Flapper" - Joshua Zeitz

This book was a bit of a random card in my selection of books. I was wondering around the lousacc library with my four year old son, looking for a book to read on my plane ride to Juneau. In order to get him to behave I told him he could help me choose a book. At first he was steering me towards the romance novels... thankfully I diverted him to another section. I figured I'd pick out two books and let him choose which one he likes better. Yeah.. that worked like a brick floating. Instead, he walked up to a shelf, pulled out a novel, and said "HERE MOMMY! I FOUND ONE!" My first reaction was to put it back, but then I realized something. If I want to write a book blog about "random" books I read, then what better way to be random than to let my four year old loose in the library to choose what book I read. So, I read it, am almost done with it, and it was actually a great read. Go Atticus!

"Flapper" is all about the Jazz Age. It displays what the "modern woman" was back then. The scandalous dresses that showed women's knees, the drinking, the smoking, and the "necking" that went on. (Yes, this book actually uses the term "necking" quite often. I got a kick out of that!) At first I thought it was going to be a dull documentary book, but I actually found it quite interesting. I must say I did learn a lot about the Jazz Age that I didn't previously know.

In the book there are some prominent women of the Jazz Age discussed. There was Zelda Sayre, whom became F. Scott Fitzgerald's wife and that his characters in his book were based upon. In the book it says that this couple was said to "be" the Jazz Age. There was also CoCo Chanel. I never realized that the brand "Chanel" dated this far back, but it was interesting to read about it's beginnings and how much of a hard-ass boss she could be. There is also Louis Long, who wrote in the New Yorker under a different name about the life of a "modern woman", or a flapper, was like in New York. As part of her job, she went to clubs/bars and drank with the finest. She smoked when the men smoked. She partied all night with every type of person. She would even come to work smashed at 3 in the morning and sleep in her knickers until someone discovered her!

There are many different women and figures in this book that I can't even begin to touch on all of them. I had fun getting lost these different women's lives. It was interesting trying to image what it'd be like to live in the Jazz Age compared to what life is like now. For my recommendation, if you are interested in history, spunky women, and amusing drinking stories then this is a pretty good book to get a bit of it all. I'd say go to your local library and pick it up!

"Red Rain" - R.L. Stine

I'm still working my way through "Red Rain" but thoroughly enjoying it. The plot line is predictable, but there are little confusing parts thrown in there to keep you on your feet. It was awkward at first to hear R.L. Stine use cuss words. It reminded me of a preteen using cuss words. You understand what the word means, but it sounds misplaced coming from their mouth, and like less of an impact that it typically would be. I got used to it after awhile though.

"Red Rain" - R.L. Stine

"Red Rain" - R.L. Stine

If anyone knew me as a child, they would know how much of an R.L. Stine fan I was. It would be a rare sight not to see my nose stuck into one of his books. He was basically my hero. I swear that I must have had near 400 of his books. (Ok, so that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but as a military child packing up my R.L. Stine books to move took almost two hours by themselves!) My Mom would take me to garage sales to find the missing books in my Goosebumps collection. I had everything by him: Goosebumps, Fear Street, "Choose Your Own Adventure", etc. I was enamored by R.L. Stine until he wrote his first "young adult" book, "The Sitter". "The Sitter" was such a jump from what I was used to R.L. Stine writing that it put me in shock and stopped my fascination with his books. (That and I was in high school and had already read all the "teen" books he wrote.) With that introduction, once I saw he produced an adult book, I put my issues with "The Sitter" aside and had to read this book to give R.L. Stine a second chance in my life. 

I just finished the prologue and the first chapter. So far, so good. The style is familiar, like a long lost friend. That was very comforting to read. I missed his style of writing. The only major thing I have noticed that separates "Red Rain" from his younger targeted books is that the language and word usage is more mature. I can honestly say that I am glad to have an R.L. Stine book back in my hands and cannot wait to finish this book. :) I might have to dig out my old Goosebumps books from my parents garage and have a mini flashback fest. :)