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jenbsbooks's reviews
2009 reviews
The Wheel on the School by Meindert DeJong
4.75
This was mentioned at my local bookclub, and I looked it up. There is no kindle or audio, and it seems out-of-print, some price gouging for physical copies. I looked at my library though, and they had a copy, so I checked it out. It's a bit of a "I would have LOVED this had I read it as a child" and overall sentimental rating (ironic, as this is my first read of it).
This reminded me of "The Great Brain" series a little, focusing on the lives of young kids with a lot less parental supervision than most kids have now ;) I was thinking maybe they had the same illustrator (but no, GB is Mercer Mayer, this is Maurice Sendak, both do have a lot of well known and classic illustrations to their name). Having Dutch ancestry, this was fun also.
I really enjoyed getting to know the children, and their quest, and how each ended up interacting with other people in the town, and learning things and growing and working together toward a common goal. It really was uplifting and such a sweet story.
Not absolutely chronological, as the kids went their separate ways, and so we'd hear part of a story featuring one character (all 3rd person omniscient POV), then show another character, with some overlap (so sometimes we already knew what had happened for a portion).
I don't know if I'll get around to reading this again, but I wouldn't mind having a copy for my bookshelves. It would be one I'd read to grandchildren ... if I had them (not yet).
Chapters ... (1) Do You Know About Storks (2) To Wonder Why (3) Wagon Wheel (4) Jella and the Farmer (5) Pier and Dirk and the Cherry Tree (6) Eelka and the Ancient Wheel (7) Aaka and the Tin Man (8) Lina and the Upturned Boat (9) The Wheel Rim (10) Wagon in the Sea (11) The Storm and the Storks (12) The Wheel on the School (13) Flotsam and Jetsam (14) The Tots in the Tower (15) Storks in the Sea ... I have to say I quite like a TOC with headings, that I can glance over and fully be reminded of the story and which chapter any specific information takes place.
Quotes -
"That's the trouble with being twins - if you don't know something, you don't know it double."
"... but first to dream and then to do - isn't that the way to make a dream come true?"
This reminded me of "The Great Brain" series a little, focusing on the lives of young kids with a lot less parental supervision than most kids have now ;) I was thinking maybe they had the same illustrator (but no, GB is Mercer Mayer, this is Maurice Sendak, both do have a lot of well known and classic illustrations to their name). Having Dutch ancestry, this was fun also.
I really enjoyed getting to know the children, and their quest, and how each ended up interacting with other people in the town, and learning things and growing and working together toward a common goal. It really was uplifting and such a sweet story.
Not absolutely chronological, as the kids went their separate ways, and so we'd hear part of a story featuring one character (all 3rd person omniscient POV), then show another character, with some overlap (so sometimes we already knew what had happened for a portion).
I don't know if I'll get around to reading this again, but I wouldn't mind having a copy for my bookshelves. It would be one I'd read to grandchildren ... if I had them (not yet).
Chapters ... (1) Do You Know About Storks (2) To Wonder Why (3) Wagon Wheel (4) Jella and the Farmer (5) Pier and Dirk and the Cherry Tree (6) Eelka and the Ancient Wheel (7) Aaka and the Tin Man (8) Lina and the Upturned Boat (9) The Wheel Rim (10) Wagon in the Sea (11) The Storm and the Storks (12) The Wheel on the School (13) Flotsam and Jetsam (14) The Tots in the Tower (15) Storks in the Sea ... I have to say I quite like a TOC with headings, that I can glance over and fully be reminded of the story and which chapter any specific information takes place.
Quotes -
"That's the trouble with being twins - if you don't know something, you don't know it double."
"... but first to dream and then to do - isn't that the way to make a dream come true?"
The Rosie Result: 3 by Graeme Simsion, Dan O'Grady
3.75
Wrapped up this series. I liked it. Here, it has jumped forward about 10 years from where the last book ended. Don and Rosie are still together, raising their son Hudson. Is Hudson autistic (is Don?) ... much of the book circles around this question, and the pros and cons to its answer (whether yes or no).
I had the kindle copy, but didn't really refer to it (checked proFanity ... x 16, some talk of sexual stuff). Despite some serious discussion of autism, this was a "light" read for me, just for enjoyment. There were a couple quotes to save ...
“I had observed that neurotypicals criticized autistic people for lacking empathy… but seldom made any effort to improve their own empathy towards autistic people.”
“It’s better to learn from people who have had to work hard to achieve their skills, rather than the naturally talented.”
“None of us is expert in all situations. It is a sign of intelligence to recognize our limitations and of maturity to seek help when required.”
Went with the audio edition - same narrator, which is good, as his voice IS Don at this point. I did not care for his voicing of Hudson though. It sounded like an old man most of the time, not an 11 year old boy.
I was happy this series was readily available from the library, and that I could get all three books for back-to-back consumption.
I had the kindle copy, but didn't really refer to it (checked proFanity ... x 16, some talk of sexual stuff). Despite some serious discussion of autism, this was a "light" read for me, just for enjoyment. There were a couple quotes to save ...
“I had observed that neurotypicals criticized autistic people for lacking empathy… but seldom made any effort to improve their own empathy towards autistic people.”
“It’s better to learn from people who have had to work hard to achieve their skills, rather than the naturally talented.”
“None of us is expert in all situations. It is a sign of intelligence to recognize our limitations and of maturity to seek help when required.”
Went with the audio edition - same narrator, which is good, as his voice IS Don at this point. I did not care for his voicing of Hudson though. It sounded like an old man most of the time, not an 11 year old boy.
I was happy this series was readily available from the library, and that I could get all three books for back-to-back consumption.
The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion
3.0
This didn't pick up RIGHT after the first book ended, but some months later. I don't think it's a spoiler (it's in the blurb) but this one is dealing mostly with Rosie's pregnancy, and how they are both dealing with it. The other characters have their issues too. Still some humor, but more seriousness, larger consequences. I get frustrated with characters misunderstanding, and there is that here.
Per peeks at several other reviews, many dislike Rosie. It is a tough situation, and marriage today does seem like a "temporary" thing so much of the time. It's hard? Not working? Just walk away. I know there is life/happiness after divorce too, I guess it's hard to know when it's worth it to fight, to stay true to vows and promises. Rosie and Don aren't the only ones struggling.
Went with the audio - Don is Australian, and there is a slight accent, but it's not super strong. Much of the action takes place in the US in this installment (as far as other character's voices).
Like the first - proFanity, slight mentions of sex/nothing explicit.
I am going on to book 3 ...
Per peeks at several other reviews, many dislike Rosie. It is a tough situation, and marriage today does seem like a "temporary" thing so much of the time. It's hard? Not working? Just walk away. I know there is life/happiness after divorce too, I guess it's hard to know when it's worth it to fight, to stay true to vows and promises. Rosie and Don aren't the only ones struggling.
Went with the audio - Don is Australian, and there is a slight accent, but it's not super strong. Much of the action takes place in the US in this installment (as far as other character's voices).
Like the first - proFanity, slight mentions of sex/nothing explicit.
I am going on to book 3 ...
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
3.5
I liked this. 3.5 stars. A little more humor and light-heartedness, which was needed after several serious/sad reads recently. The sequels are available, so I will continue on.
Maybe the timing wasn't the best, reading this in the same month as "Counting By 7s" - both feature a brilliant, but socially awkward, abnormal individual. Here, it's a grown man, in "Counting by 7s" it's a a 12-year old girl, so ... still different despite the similarities of the MC.
I went with the audio edition ... it took a little bit to get into the story. Don and his idiosyncrasies grew on me. There was a lot of humor mixed in. Nothing really profound, I didn't feel the need to take notes or make highlights (I did have the kindle copy on hand). There are a lot of quotes saved by others in the GoodReads quotes section though. Just an easy/enjoyable book. There were some "reading group guide" questions which did add a little thought afterward ...
Profanity (x33) and some mention of sex, nothing explicit.
Maybe the timing wasn't the best, reading this in the same month as "Counting By 7s" - both feature a brilliant, but socially awkward, abnormal individual. Here, it's a grown man, in "Counting by 7s" it's a a 12-year old girl, so ... still different despite the similarities of the MC.
I went with the audio edition ... it took a little bit to get into the story. Don and his idiosyncrasies grew on me. There was a lot of humor mixed in. Nothing really profound, I didn't feel the need to take notes or make highlights (I did have the kindle copy on hand). There are a lot of quotes saved by others in the GoodReads quotes section though. Just an easy/enjoyable book. There were some "reading group guide" questions which did add a little thought afterward ...
Profanity (x33) and some mention of sex, nothing explicit.
Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
sad
2.75
This was just okay for me ... I appreciated learning yet another aspect of the holocaust (it always amazes me how far reaching it was, this treatment across so many countries, here, in France).
NO chapters, which is a HUGE annoyance to me (as I had the book in all formats, physical, kindle and audio). Almost impossible to find my place from one to the other with NO chapters. Seriously, the physical format doesn't even have a Table of Contents, and the ebook just had Paris, July 1942 and Paris, May 2002 and then no other distinctive break (my kindle said "four+ hours left in this chapter). The two timelines switched (the dates changed, moved on) ... I didn't know why there weren't chapters, new "date" headings given. This really was a major frustration for me (I realize it's something many probably didn't even notice).
Two timelines - the past, told in an omniscient and detached 3rd person/past tense. The MC (Sarah) is "the girl" for a majority of the book. For me ... I think this kept me a little disconnected. The present was told in 1st person, Julia being the MC. An American journalist married to a Frenchman, they have a 10 year old daughter. Julia is researching the Vel' d'Hiv's 60th "anniversary" and a personal family connection.
The past storyline was just sad. Yes, it's the war and the treatment of the Jews was beyond terrible. So many horrible things happening, yet here, the thought of a scared little four-year old being locked into a cupboard to hide ... and then being left. SPOILER I'll admit, I was really hoping that Julia's inlaws HAD moved in immediately, HAD heard him and rescued him, and I wondered for a moment if perhaps he WAS the father-in-law. I don't know if that would have been too unrealistic, too "happy" for this book. Instead, we have to imagine the little boy slowly dying of dehydration in the cramped space, thinking no one cared enough to come back for him. There likely WERE horrible things like this, byproducts ... honestly, Michel likely would have died anyway, w/Sarah in the camp ... would that have been a "happier" end? Even with her survival, new family, marriage and son ... that she lived in the past and killed herself. Would it have been better to just have had the whole family perish together? In the present day, I didn't like how it seemed Julia was being set up to be with several other men (even long before the divorce ... her relationships with some co-workers seemed to be showing the "good man" in contrast with her playboy husband. Even the meeting with William (Sarah's son) ... both times, seemed to tease at a possible relationship. The present storyline was depressing too. While I know many will say that divorce was inevitable, and they are both better off, I can't help but wonder if she hadn't gotten pregnant, if they would have stayed somewhat-happily married, and if that would have been so bad ... Bertrand was a jerk, but Julia didn't have a "happily ever after" with a good man either, which I guess IS realistic
I was just left feeling very negative about the book upon its completion. Not one I'd recommend, or want to keep/reread. No highlights or profound thoughts I wanted to record. I think I'll remember it, at least the gist of it.
ProFanity (x5), some sexual situation/nothing explicit. Words I watch ... scowl, smirk, adroit. Song sung ... Carley Simon's "You're So Vain" ... narrator DID sing the snippet, which I usually like, but it felt a little out of place amidst all the depression.
NO chapters, which is a HUGE annoyance to me (as I had the book in all formats, physical, kindle and audio). Almost impossible to find my place from one to the other with NO chapters. Seriously, the physical format doesn't even have a Table of Contents, and the ebook just had Paris, July 1942 and Paris, May 2002 and then no other distinctive break (my kindle said "four+ hours left in this chapter). The two timelines switched (the dates changed, moved on) ... I didn't know why there weren't chapters, new "date" headings given. This really was a major frustration for me (I realize it's something many probably didn't even notice).
Two timelines - the past, told in an omniscient and detached 3rd person/past tense. The MC (Sarah) is "the girl" for a majority of the book. For me ... I think this kept me a little disconnected. The present was told in 1st person, Julia being the MC. An American journalist married to a Frenchman, they have a 10 year old daughter. Julia is researching the Vel' d'Hiv's 60th "anniversary" and a personal family connection.
The past storyline was just sad. Yes, it's the war and the treatment of the Jews was beyond terrible. So many horrible things happening, yet here, the thought of a scared little four-year old being locked into a cupboard to hide ... and then being left. SPOILER
I was just left feeling very negative about the book upon its completion. Not one I'd recommend, or want to keep/reread. No highlights or profound thoughts I wanted to record. I think I'll remember it, at least the gist of it.
ProFanity (x5), some sexual situation/nothing explicit. Words I watch ... scowl, smirk, adroit. Song sung ... Carley Simon's "You're So Vain" ... narrator DID sing the snippet, which I usually like, but it felt a little out of place amidst all the depression.
My Story by Elizabeth Smart, Chris Stewart
3.0
I live in Utah, so while the Elizabeth Smart kidnapping made national news, it was close to home. I remember I was picking up my oldest from kindergarten when I heard on the news that she had been found. I've been vaguely aware of her life (public speaking, a mission, marriage, this book). I was in a thrift store when I saw the book, and grabbed it, and then checked out the audio and kindle copy (both readily available). I saw mixed reviews, so went in a little unsure of what to expect.
Overall ... not judging the experience, but the writing and presentation, it was just okay. I had several frustrations with the book:
Dialog: There was a lot of dialog. In a book presented as non-fiction, this is an issue for me. In other non-fiction books, there is usually an author's note stating that anything in quotes is taken from documented references. A clarification of what had been recorded (in writing/audio) and what was from memory/interviews, that memories could conflict. Here, it just seemed to be presented as fact, but while I'm sure the author has a general memory of things, I doubt she remembers all these conversations word for word. I'm sure this is meant to be understood, but it just came across as inauthentic. I'm honestly trying to remember dialog in other memoirs and biographies, if there was as much undocumented dialog as there was here.
Defensive Explaining: I'm sure the author and her family have had a lot of "why didn't ...??" questions asked, and I know I have had some cross my mind. This took it to the other extreme though, explaining and rationalizing (Why didn't Mary Katherine tell her parents sooner? Why didn't Elizabeth attempt to escape?) While I can see why it was included, there was so much of it.
Religion: Religion plays a big part, as BDM took Elizabeth as part of his "religious" zeal, feeling himself a prophet. While it's admirable that Elizabeth could keep her own faith ... I'll admit to feeling struggles with it all, God's plan, a loving God, miracles ... she sees a cup of water as a sign. If you are looking, you will see things, be able to explain away things, if that's what you want to believe.
Narration: Elizabeth narrated her own story. I do prefer that in memoirs (and author's notes in novels) ... and I've heard Elizabeth is an eloquent speaker. Here, it came across a little forced. Attempting to do some "voices" like a professional narration, without the same skill. Some odd inflection, almost laughter/lightness ... I didn't really feel emotion (which is understandable, needing to try to stay separated still). I probably wouldn't do any better reading my own (unexciting) life history, but I am used to wonderful narrators in audiobooks most of the time.
As with many of the new physical copies ... no Table of Contents. I do not understand this lack? 40 chapters with headings (in kindle/audio ... helpful in looking over and remembering what was in the different sections. To know where one is in the book, reference between formats). Prologue and Epilogue.
For a factual accounting of the events ... I wonder if I would appreciate a straight, 3rd person factual retelling (with Elizabeth quotes), more distanced, straight-forward. I'm not sorry I took the time to listen.
No proFanity. Rape mentioned many times, but nothing described in detail. Pornography/Drinking.
Overall ... not judging the experience, but the writing and presentation, it was just okay. I had several frustrations with the book:
Dialog: There was a lot of dialog. In a book presented as non-fiction, this is an issue for me. In other non-fiction books, there is usually an author's note stating that anything in quotes is taken from documented references. A clarification of what had been recorded (in writing/audio) and what was from memory/interviews, that memories could conflict. Here, it just seemed to be presented as fact, but while I'm sure the author has a general memory of things, I doubt she remembers all these conversations word for word. I'm sure this is meant to be understood, but it just came across as inauthentic. I'm honestly trying to remember dialog in other memoirs and biographies, if there was as much undocumented dialog as there was here.
Defensive Explaining: I'm sure the author and her family have had a lot of "why didn't ...??" questions asked, and I know I have had some cross my mind. This took it to the other extreme though, explaining and rationalizing (Why didn't Mary Katherine tell her parents sooner? Why didn't Elizabeth attempt to escape?) While I can see why it was included, there was so much of it.
Religion: Religion plays a big part, as BDM took Elizabeth as part of his "religious" zeal, feeling himself a prophet. While it's admirable that Elizabeth could keep her own faith ... I'll admit to feeling struggles with it all, God's plan, a loving God, miracles ... she sees a cup of water as a sign. If you are looking, you will see things, be able to explain away things, if that's what you want to believe.
Narration: Elizabeth narrated her own story. I do prefer that in memoirs (and author's notes in novels) ... and I've heard Elizabeth is an eloquent speaker. Here, it came across a little forced. Attempting to do some "voices" like a professional narration, without the same skill. Some odd inflection, almost laughter/lightness ... I didn't really feel emotion (which is understandable, needing to try to stay separated still). I probably wouldn't do any better reading my own (unexciting) life history, but I am used to wonderful narrators in audiobooks most of the time.
As with many of the new physical copies ... no Table of Contents. I do not understand this lack? 40 chapters with headings (in kindle/audio ... helpful in looking over and remembering what was in the different sections. To know where one is in the book, reference between formats). Prologue and Epilogue.
For a factual accounting of the events ... I wonder if I would appreciate a straight, 3rd person factual retelling (with Elizabeth quotes), more distanced, straight-forward. I'm not sorry I took the time to listen.
No proFanity. Rape mentioned many times, but nothing described in detail. Pornography/Drinking.
Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris
3.0
This didn't capture me as much as I was expecting. Like most, I've seen the famous photo with "Four Children For Sale" (it's included in the author's note at the end of the book, physical/kindle copy). I guess I was thinking I'd get more of the family/kid's story (and it was there), although the blurb does indicate this is more the story of the photographer (Ellis), so I guess I shouldn't have been surprised.
I'd gone with the audio edition, although I had the kindle and physical copy handy. 3rd person, past tense, male narrator. I just never felt fully drawn in, connected to the characters enough to really care about them.
The whole story got a little too convoluted for me ... SPOILER that the picture was a set-up, the mother had no intention of "selling" her children ... but then she does. That the mother was sick and actually trying to find them a new home. That they got adopted by a wealthy family and are probably better off. The mother actually ISN'T sick ... should she get the children back? Which would be best for the children? I thought this complex situation would be the central conflict, and real enough. It seemed over the top to then have the new parents "replacing" a dead daughter with the girl (and not ideal living conditions), getting rid of the boy. Calvin being "adopted out" to work a farm in horrible conditions, then to culminate in the "rescue" of both children ... just too much to be believable for me. Then throw in the romance ...
"Before We Were Yours" hit me hard, and I LOVED the cover, could absolutely "see" that scene in the book. Here ... I'm assuming that is Calvin? But Don't know when he would have ever been in that position. Were they sold on a Monday (to tie in to the title?) Does the "sold on a Monday" refer to the photograph itself? "Sometimes he wondered what else he'd sold on that Monday. His principles? His Integrity?" (Chapter nine, pg 55).
While this was my book, I found myself singing "Tell Me On A Sunday" (Broadway Musical) and I did not know why it had popped into my head. I can only assume the somewhat similar title set up set me off?
Completely clean - no language or sex (although there is an unmarried mother, it's an issue for her at that time), very little violence.
I'd gone with the audio edition, although I had the kindle and physical copy handy. 3rd person, past tense, male narrator. I just never felt fully drawn in, connected to the characters enough to really care about them.
The whole story got a little too convoluted for me ... SPOILER
"Before We Were Yours" hit me hard, and I LOVED the cover, could absolutely "see" that scene in the book. Here ... I'm assuming that is Calvin? But Don't know when he would have ever been in that position. Were they sold on a Monday (to tie in to the title?) Does the "sold on a Monday" refer to the photograph itself? "Sometimes he wondered what else he'd sold on that Monday. His principles? His Integrity?" (Chapter nine, pg 55).
While this was my book, I found myself singing "Tell Me On A Sunday" (Broadway Musical) and I did not know why it had popped into my head. I can only assume the somewhat similar title set up set me off?
Completely clean - no language or sex (although there is an unmarried mother, it's an issue for her at that time), very little violence.
Shay's Story by Scott Westerfeld, Devin Grayson
2.75
Almost all the graphic novels I've read to date have been adaptations of a novel ... this overlaps, but isn't "Uglies" ... it starts earlier, so we see Shay on her own prior to meeting Tally, and from Shay's POV. It ends earlier than "Uglies" also.
In my original review of Uglies (read 10+ years ago, then a re-read now) I mentioned how I didn't think this could be made into a movie ... the "perfect pretty" look, can that really be visualized, or does it need to be left to the imagination? I personally think there are SO many looks that can be beautiful, even if they are completely different. This graphic novel suffers from that same issue ... taking an idea and making it visual. I thought Shay was very pretty to start with. I know the "ugly" doesn't mean the same thing in this series as it does IRL now, but it's still a little hard to imagine, with the picture drawn down, how anyone could consider these characters ugly. The "pretties" just didn't look that different. I really liked the artist's style (I haven't in all graphic novels) ... it's just the whole point of the book is one better left to the imagination, it's too difficult to make it real.
It seemed a tad more sexual than Uglies ...
I did appreciate the setup up of the graphic novel ... sometimes I struggle to follow, wondering which block or blurb to read first. Here, the POV from within Shay's head, the storyline, is in blocks. Dialog is in bubbles. It was all b&w except for the cover.
In my original review of Uglies (read 10+ years ago, then a re-read now) I mentioned how I didn't think this could be made into a movie ... the "perfect pretty" look, can that really be visualized, or does it need to be left to the imagination? I personally think there are SO many looks that can be beautiful, even if they are completely different. This graphic novel suffers from that same issue ... taking an idea and making it visual. I thought Shay was very pretty to start with. I know the "ugly" doesn't mean the same thing in this series as it does IRL now, but it's still a little hard to imagine, with the picture drawn down, how anyone could consider these characters ugly. The "pretties" just didn't look that different. I really liked the artist's style (I haven't in all graphic novels) ... it's just the whole point of the book is one better left to the imagination, it's too difficult to make it real.
It seemed a tad more sexual than Uglies ...
I did appreciate the setup up of the graphic novel ... sometimes I struggle to follow, wondering which block or blurb to read first. Here, the POV from within Shay's head, the storyline, is in blocks. Dialog is in bubbles. It was all b&w except for the cover.
Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach
4.75
Is this a 5* book? I'm not sure, but it's one that will stay with me. One I went ahead and ordered a hardcover of to keep on my shelves. One I wanted to get back to when I had to stop. One I've recommended to others ... although not everyone. It is a complicated subject. The tag line "The Curious LIVES of Human Cadavers" ...
I went with the audio, but had the Kindle copy for reference. I really like that the Table of Contents is so complete. Re-reading the chapter headings, I can remember exactly what was in each section of the book. It gives would be readers and idea of what they are getting into ...
1. A Head is a Terrible Thing to Waste: Practicing Surgery on the Dead.
2. Crimes of Anatomy: Body Snatching and other sordid tales ...
3. Life After Death: On Human Decay and what can be done about it.
4. Dead Man Driving: Human Crash Test Dummies.
5. Beyond The Black Box: After an airline crash, the bodies tell the story.
6. The Cadaver Who Joined The Army: Ethics of bullets and bombs.
7. Holy Cadaver: Crucifixion experiments.
8. How To Know If You're Dead: Beating-heart cadavers, live burial ...
9. Just a Head: Decapitation, reanimation and the human head transplant
10. Eat Me: Medicinal cannibalism
11. Out of the Fire, Into the Compost Bin: other ways to end up
12. Remains of the Author: Will she or won't she?
From the TOC - you can see the bits of humor, the puns and plays on words. There were several little quips throughout that would make me laugh out loud. I felt like I learned a lot too, although some (especially the history) was familiar. I remember reading about stealing bodies for early medical research, and for artists (DaVinci, etc). [book:The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America|397483] talks about how the serial killer of the time was able to get rid of bodies easily (and get paid for them!) Chapter 5 made me think of the book Dear Edward (plane crash, although nothing here/the examining of the bodies, was discussed in that book). Chapter 8 made me think of the medical shows on TV, the organ transplants, etc. Chapter 9 ... I recently watched the movie "Poor Things" ... the doctor there had done some head transplants on animals! Chapter 10 ... made me recall my reading of [book:Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors|401514] and of course [book:Tender is the Flesh|49090884]. Chapter 11 was just interesting, have not heard of this "mortuary tissue digester" ...
Despite the first person for most of the book, it wasn't the author narrating (which isn't uncommon). The narration was fine. There were stops/starts in the recording that weren't pieced together as seamlessly as they could be. I was very aware of them. It would be in the present tense at parts, then the past tense ... I found the present tense a little odd. I couldn't quite determine if there was a reason (sometimes in novels, there are two timelines, and the tense can really be beneficial to the reader to keep things straight).
Words I note: jerry-rigged, roil, deleterious
Guinea Pigs -actually USED as subjects in an experiment (poor critters). There was no proFanity, but this deals with death and bodies and treatment of bodies (cutting them up, using them, abusing them) and it talks of other animal treatment/disposal too. It won't be a book for everyone.
I went with the audio, but had the Kindle copy for reference. I really like that the Table of Contents is so complete. Re-reading the chapter headings, I can remember exactly what was in each section of the book. It gives would be readers and idea of what they are getting into ...
1. A Head is a Terrible Thing to Waste: Practicing Surgery on the Dead.
2. Crimes of Anatomy: Body Snatching and other sordid tales ...
3. Life After Death: On Human Decay and what can be done about it.
4. Dead Man Driving: Human Crash Test Dummies.
5. Beyond The Black Box: After an airline crash, the bodies tell the story.
6. The Cadaver Who Joined The Army: Ethics of bullets and bombs.
7. Holy Cadaver: Crucifixion experiments.
8. How To Know If You're Dead: Beating-heart cadavers, live burial ...
9. Just a Head: Decapitation, reanimation and the human head transplant
10. Eat Me: Medicinal cannibalism
11. Out of the Fire, Into the Compost Bin: other ways to end up
12. Remains of the Author: Will she or won't she?
From the TOC - you can see the bits of humor, the puns and plays on words. There were several little quips throughout that would make me laugh out loud. I felt like I learned a lot too, although some (especially the history) was familiar. I remember reading about stealing bodies for early medical research, and for artists (DaVinci, etc). [book:The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America|397483] talks about how the serial killer of the time was able to get rid of bodies easily (and get paid for them!) Chapter 5 made me think of the book Dear Edward (plane crash, although nothing here/the examining of the bodies, was discussed in that book). Chapter 8 made me think of the medical shows on TV, the organ transplants, etc. Chapter 9 ... I recently watched the movie "Poor Things" ... the doctor there had done some head transplants on animals! Chapter 10 ... made me recall my reading of [book:Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors|401514] and of course [book:Tender is the Flesh|49090884]. Chapter 11 was just interesting, have not heard of this "mortuary tissue digester" ...
Despite the first person for most of the book, it wasn't the author narrating (which isn't uncommon). The narration was fine. There were stops/starts in the recording that weren't pieced together as seamlessly as they could be. I was very aware of them. It would be in the present tense at parts, then the past tense ... I found the present tense a little odd. I couldn't quite determine if there was a reason (sometimes in novels, there are two timelines, and the tense can really be beneficial to the reader to keep things straight).
Words I note: jerry-rigged, roil, deleterious
Guinea Pigs -actually USED as subjects in an experiment (poor critters). There was no proFanity, but this deals with death and bodies and treatment of bodies (cutting them up, using them, abusing them) and it talks of other animal treatment/disposal too. It won't be a book for everyone.
Counting by 7's by Holly Goldberg Sloan
4.5
This was a totally random pick for me ... I saw a physical copy at the thrift shop (grabbing books to stock my little free library) and the cover caught my eye. A quick internet search showed good reviews, so I bought the book. Decided to read it, got the audio from the library ... ebook available, but not in Kindle (there is a Kindle copy on Amazon for $10, but I figured I'd cope with reading in Libby or physical as needed).
I really liked this ... it reminded me a bit of [book:Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting|59836844], with several unconnected characters totally coming together, helping each other and making things better. The MC, a precocious 12-year old girl (of color) reminded me a bit of the little girl in [book:The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry|18293427], and also in [book:Ban This Book|31702735]. The way Willow thinks/talks, reminded me a bit of the autistic boy in [book:The Eagle Tree|26706264], and also (I've only seen the movie, not read the book, yet) the boy in [book:Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close|4588]. Not a "normal" 12-year old. Here, she is "gifted" ... extremely bright, and while not specifically addressed, shows some signs of OCD/compulsive traits. She has never done well socially because of these differences.
The whole "counting by 7s" was a cute theme running throughout. Another title could possibly have been "it's temporary" ... I loved the gardening that occupied much of the book. The color red. I recognized the little nod to [book:From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankwieler|167661000] ... the title wasn't named but the book/story was referenced.
The first chapter starts off ... and ends with "I need to rewind. I want to go back. Will anyone go with me?" and then the reader is taken back two months as chapter 2 begins. I often don't care for this set-up ... but it works here, is perhaps even necessary. If you read the blurb, you know what is going to happen, and you almost need to know that right at the start. Then you get some background, then catch-up and continue on with the story.
It was interesting having this book in all three formats (audio, ebook and physical). The narration was pretty good, a little detached ... which actually matches Willow. Didn't sound quite as young as 12 though. In the physical copy, there was no table of contents! The TOC (in audio, in ebook) is just a simple chapter listing, no headers or anything, but still ... it makes it hard to find your place when you can't look at see that "chapter 9" starts on a specific page. The only way to find it is to flip through all the pages manually. The chapters are quite short, so it wasn't that bad, but still I found the lack of TOC odd. The ebook just had the basic chapters, the audio had the basic chapter plus broken into some additional sections (which seems odd, as the chapters are already quite short).
This shifted between 1st and 3rd person. This is Willow's story, and her parts are in 1st person, and she had a very distinct voice, her way of talking/thinking. Then there are chapters from several of the other characters POV ... Mai, Patti, Dell, Jairo. These are in 3rd person. In audio, it still sounded a bit like it was Willow's "voice" (same narrator) ... I think I would have made more of a distinction had I been reading these parts on my own. The shift from 1st to 3rd did help keep the sections distinct.
I was frustrated a bit by the ending though (enough to drop it from a 5*) ... SPOILER ... I love how everyone came to support Willow in the end, and I was fine with the "adoption" but that Patti had squirreled away a ton of money? Enough to buy an entire apartment building? Yet she had been living in squalor, and a shed, making her kids live this way ... WHY???? It made me distrust Patti, it just didn't make any sense? That Jairo had just recently come into money was more believable and acceptable and I wish that was the only money that was revealed ...
No proFanity, no sex, no violence ... deals with death and difficult situations.
I really liked this ... it reminded me a bit of [book:Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting|59836844], with several unconnected characters totally coming together, helping each other and making things better. The MC, a precocious 12-year old girl (of color) reminded me a bit of the little girl in [book:The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry|18293427], and also in [book:Ban This Book|31702735]. The way Willow thinks/talks, reminded me a bit of the autistic boy in [book:The Eagle Tree|26706264], and also (I've only seen the movie, not read the book, yet) the boy in [book:Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close|4588]. Not a "normal" 12-year old. Here, she is "gifted" ... extremely bright, and while not specifically addressed, shows some signs of OCD/compulsive traits. She has never done well socially because of these differences.
The whole "counting by 7s" was a cute theme running throughout. Another title could possibly have been "it's temporary" ... I loved the gardening that occupied much of the book. The color red. I recognized the little nod to [book:From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankwieler|167661000] ... the title wasn't named but the book/story was referenced.
The first chapter starts off ... and ends with "I need to rewind. I want to go back. Will anyone go with me?" and then the reader is taken back two months as chapter 2 begins. I often don't care for this set-up ... but it works here, is perhaps even necessary. If you read the blurb, you know what is going to happen, and you almost need to know that right at the start. Then you get some background, then catch-up and continue on with the story.
It was interesting having this book in all three formats (audio, ebook and physical). The narration was pretty good, a little detached ... which actually matches Willow. Didn't sound quite as young as 12 though. In the physical copy, there was no table of contents! The TOC (in audio, in ebook) is just a simple chapter listing, no headers or anything, but still ... it makes it hard to find your place when you can't look at see that "chapter 9" starts on a specific page. The only way to find it is to flip through all the pages manually. The chapters are quite short, so it wasn't that bad, but still I found the lack of TOC odd. The ebook just had the basic chapters, the audio had the basic chapter plus broken into some additional sections (which seems odd, as the chapters are already quite short).
This shifted between 1st and 3rd person. This is Willow's story, and her parts are in 1st person, and she had a very distinct voice, her way of talking/thinking. Then there are chapters from several of the other characters POV ... Mai, Patti, Dell, Jairo. These are in 3rd person. In audio, it still sounded a bit like it was Willow's "voice" (same narrator) ... I think I would have made more of a distinction had I been reading these parts on my own. The shift from 1st to 3rd did help keep the sections distinct.
I was frustrated a bit by the ending though (enough to drop it from a 5*) ... SPOILER ...
No proFanity, no sex, no violence ... deals with death and difficult situations.