Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins
Reading level: Young AdultHardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press; 1 edition (September 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0439023491
Series: The Hunger Games
Book 1: The Hunger Games
Book 2: Catching Fire
Book 3: TBA
WARNING: SPOILERS ahead. Do not read on if you have not finished the first installment.
Reader's Annotation: The long awaited sequel to the stunning Hunger Games, Catching Fires takes off where Katniss has won the Hunger Games against all odds.
Now, she and Peeta should be happy. But the Capitol isn't happy with what's happened at all, and they may not let it go.
Now, she and Peeta should be happy. But the Capitol isn't happy with what's happened at all, and they may not let it go.
From School Library Journal: Starred Review. Gr 7 Up--Every year in Panem, the dystopic nation that exists where the U.S. used to
be, the Capitol holds a televised tournament in which two teen "tributes" from each of the surrounding districts fight a gruesome
battle to the death. In The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, the tributes from impoverished
District Twelve, thwarted the Gamemakers, forcing them to let both teens survive. In this rabidly anticipated sequel, Katniss, again the
narrator, returns home to find herself more the center of attention than ever. The sinister President Snow surprises her with a visit, and
Katniss’s fear when Snow meets with her alone is both palpable and justified. Catching Fire is divided into three parts: Katniss
and Peeta’s mandatory Victory Tour through the districts, preparations for the 75th Annual Hunger Games, and a truncated version of the Games
themselves. Slower paced than its predecessor, this sequel explores the nation of Panem: its power structure, rumors of a secret district, and
a spreading rebellion, ignited by Katniss and Peeta’s subversive victory. Katniss also deepens as a character. Though initially
bewildered by the attention paid to her, she comes almost to embrace her status as the rebels’ symbolic leader. Though more of the story
takes place outside the arena than within, this sequel has enough action to please Hunger Games fans and leaves enough questions tantalizingly
unanswered for readers to be desperate for the next installment. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Official Website: http://www.scholastic.com/thehungergames/
be, the Capitol holds a televised tournament in which two teen "tributes" from each of the surrounding districts fight a gruesome
battle to the death. In The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, the tributes from impoverished
District Twelve, thwarted the Gamemakers, forcing them to let both teens survive. In this rabidly anticipated sequel, Katniss, again the
narrator, returns home to find herself more the center of attention than ever. The sinister President Snow surprises her with a visit, and
Katniss’s fear when Snow meets with her alone is both palpable and justified. Catching Fire is divided into three parts: Katniss
and Peeta’s mandatory Victory Tour through the districts, preparations for the 75th Annual Hunger Games, and a truncated version of the Games
themselves. Slower paced than its predecessor, this sequel explores the nation of Panem: its power structure, rumors of a secret district, and
a spreading rebellion, ignited by Katniss and Peeta’s subversive victory. Katniss also deepens as a character. Though initially
bewildered by the attention paid to her, she comes almost to embrace her status as the rebels’ symbolic leader. Though more of the story
takes place outside the arena than within, this sequel has enough action to please Hunger Games fans and leaves enough questions tantalizingly
unanswered for readers to be desperate for the next installment. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Official Website: http://www.scholastic.com/thehungergames/
Official Trailer:
The Hunger Games, By Suzanne Collins
- Reading level: Young Adult
- Hardcover: 384 pages
- Publisher: Scholastic Press (September 14, 2008)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0439023483
Reader's Annotation: In a dystopian future where a reigning government reminds the people of their place in society (and discouraging uprisings) by hosting a reality based TV show meets roman gladiator ring where two tributes (one boy and one girl) from each of the 12 districts are chosen by lottery to fight to the death on camera. Katniss, a black market hunter in district 12, volunteers for the games to replace her young sister. But, will her game hunting background really be enough to keep her alive in the ring?
Summary: "In a not-too-distant future, the United States of America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old KatnissÆs young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining districts female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, the son of the town baker who seems to have all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives. CollinsÆs characters are completely realistic and sympathetic as they form alliances and friendships in the face of overwhelming odds; the plot is tense, dramatic, and engrossing. This book will definitely resonate with the generation raised on reality shows like Survivor and American Gladiator. Book one of a planned trilogy." ~Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK
UnLibrarian's Opinion: I absolutely loved loved this novel. I would go so far as to say it is one of the finest YA novels out there. I can't wait to read the next installment. Evoking the classical lust for blood in a roman arena while feeding off the current state of the iraqi war, 24-hours news coverage, and reality TV, Ms. Collins pulls out all the stops with this pertinent roller coaster ride that is both relatable and fantastic. A MUST READ.
Extras: Official Trilogy Website http://www.scholastic.com/thehungergames/
Suzanne Collins Official Website: http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/
Interview via Borders Media with Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games/Catching Fire)! Part One Below. Visit Link for the Continuation.
Lionsgate acquires rights to the film adaptation due out in 2011!
Via Wikipedia: Lionsgate Entertainmenthas acquired worldwide distribution rights to a film adaptation of The Hunger Games, which will be produced by Nina Jacobson's Color Force production company. Collins will adapt the novel for film herself. IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392170/
Awards- Via Wikipedia The Hunger Games has also received a number of awards and honors, including being a USA Today and New York Times Best Seller, and being named one of Publishers Weekly's "Best Books of the Year" in 2008 and a New York Times "Notable Children's Book of 2008".
Other authors speak out on why they love the Hunger Games:
"[The Hunger Games] is a violent, jarring, speed-rap of a novel that generates nearly constant suspense...I couldn't stop reading."
--Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly Review
Read Full EW Review:
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20223443,00.html
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20223443,00.html
"I was so obsessed with this book I had to take it with me out to dinner and hide it under the edge of the table so I wouldn't have to stop reading. The story kept me up for several nights in a row, because even after I was finished, I just lay in bed wide awake thinking about it...The Hunger Games is amazing."
--Stephenie Meyer, author of The Twilight Saga
"The Hunger Games is as close to perfect an adventure novel as I've ever read. I could not put it down. Collins has transformed the ancient Labyrinth myth into a terrifyingly believable tale of future America. Readers will be hungry for more."
--Rick Riordan, author of The Percy Jackson Series and The 39 Clues
Trailers:
Official
Watch The Hunger Games: Suzanne Collins in Entertainment | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
Watch The Hunger Games: Suzanne Collins in Entertainment | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
Fan Made and Incredible!
The Sweet Far Thing, By Libba Bray
- Reading level: Young Adult
- Paperback: 848 pages
- Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers; Reprint edition (April 28, 2009)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0440237777
Series Title: Gemma Doyle Trilogy
Book 1: A Great and Terrible Beauty
Book 2: Rebel Angels
Book 3: A Sweet Far Thing
Reader's Annotation: The Third book in the Gemma Doyle Trilogy, the adventures of Miss Doyle culminate. She faces Circe while at the same time she faces her own history and the people in her life now. The battle must take place and Miss Doyle is forced to lead the way and save the day.
UnLibrarian Opinion: The final book in the trilogy is both "sweet" and a "far thing" in terms of what I expected. The ending left my wanting another tale and and a time machine. The book will not disappoint hardcore Gemma Fans...maybe. But let's face it guys, sometimes the book is better for not taking the easy way out. The same lush, magical details of the first and second book persist and the conflict between class, sexism, and the glorious victorian era are spot on! I loved all three of these books! This book is over 800 pages long so it's details can drag on not so fierce readers. Those who want the magic get bored with the balls and those wanting Victorian England get stuck in the realms for too long. But, for the most part, I felt that the fact that Ms. Bray didn't cut up her story to make it more accessible gives it an edge that not all YA books have and does the scope of the turn-of-the-century project justice. Anything less would have seemed to 21st Century to me even if at times we want some magic of our own to get through almost a thousand pages! ;)
Product Description via Amazon
* “A huge work of massive ambition.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred
It has been a year of change since Gemma Doyle arrived at the foreboding Spence Academy. Her mother murdered, her father alaudanum addict, Gemma has relied on an unsuspected strength and has discovered an ability to travel to an enchanted world called the realms, where dark magic runs wild. Despite certain peril, Gemma has bound the magic to herself and forged unlikely new alliances. Now, as Gemma approaches her London debut, the time has come to test these bonds.
The Order—the mysterious group her mother was once part of—is grappling for control of the realms, as is the Rakshana. Spence's burned East Wing is being rebuilt, but why now? Gemma and her friends see Pippa, but she is not the same. And their friendship faces its gravest trial as Gemma must decide once and for all what role she is meant for.
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
A #1 Book Sense Bestseller
A New York Times Bestseller
A Publishers Weekly Bestseller
A USA Today Bestseller
A 2008 New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
* “A huge work of massive ambition.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred
It has been a year of change since Gemma Doyle arrived at the foreboding Spence Academy. Her mother murdered, her father alaudanum addict, Gemma has relied on an unsuspected strength and has discovered an ability to travel to an enchanted world called the realms, where dark magic runs wild. Despite certain peril, Gemma has bound the magic to herself and forged unlikely new alliances. Now, as Gemma approaches her London debut, the time has come to test these bonds.
The Order—the mysterious group her mother was once part of—is grappling for control of the realms, as is the Rakshana. Spence's burned East Wing is being rebuilt, but why now? Gemma and her friends see Pippa, but she is not the same. And their friendship faces its gravest trial as Gemma must decide once and for all what role she is meant for.
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
A #1 Book Sense Bestseller
A New York Times Bestseller
A Publishers Weekly Bestseller
A USA Today Bestseller
A 2008 New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
Notes:
FINALIST 2007 - Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book of the Year
WINNER 2008 - Amazon Best of the Year
WINNER 2008 - Amazon Best of the Year
Official Trilogy Website:
Official Trailer:
One of My Favorite Fan Trailers:
Rebel Angels, by Libba Bray
- Reading level: Young Adult
- Paperback: 592 pages
- Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (December 26, 2006)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0385733410
Series Title: Gemma Doyle Trilogy
Book 1: A Great and Terrible Beauty
Book 2: Rebel Angels
Book 3: A Sweet Far Thing
Reader's Annotation: The second book in the Gemma Doyle Trilogy, the adventure of Miss Doyle continue on. She continues her mission to search for and destroy Circe while at the same time facing more complex barriers and difficulties between both the magical worlds and the high society 19th Century London.
UnLibrarian Opinion: I found this book the be the best of the three. Beautifully woven pictures of London at the turn of the Century juxtaposed by the magical world the three girls of The Gemma Doyle Trilogy travel create a world poetic by nature and conflicted by harsh reality.
Summaries:
From School Library Journal
Grade 8 Up–At the end of A Great and Terrible Beauty (Delacorte, 2003), Gemma Doyle was determined to rebuild the Order and find and destroy Circe. Now the teen finds that she must do one more thing–find the Temple and bind the magic she released into the realms when she destroyed the runes. Her task will not be easy; Kartik and the Rakshana have their own plans, which threaten her; a mysterious new teacher may be Circe; and Christmas in London challenges the careful facades that Gemma and her friends Ann and Felicity have built. Dark things are stirring within the realms, including a possibly corrupted Pippa, and the only guides are Gemma's horrifying visions of three girls and the gibberish of a girl confined to Bedlam. Like the first volume, this is a remarkable fantasy steeped in Victorian sensibility; even as the girls fight to bind the magic, they are seduced by London society and the temptation to be proper young ladies. Gemma and her friends are pitch perfect as young women in a world poised for change, uncertain of their places. In many ways, this volume surpasses the first. The writing never falters, and the revelations (such as Felicity's childhood of abuse, discreetly revealed) only strengthen the characters. Clever foreshadowing abounds, and clues to the mystery of Circe may have readers thinking they have figured everything out; they will still be surprised. This volume does not stand alone; however, any collection that doesn't already have the first should just get both volumes.–Karyn N. Silverman, Elizabeth Irwin High School, New York City
Grade 8 Up–At the end of A Great and Terrible Beauty (Delacorte, 2003), Gemma Doyle was determined to rebuild the Order and find and destroy Circe. Now the teen finds that she must do one more thing–find the Temple and bind the magic she released into the realms when she destroyed the runes. Her task will not be easy; Kartik and the Rakshana have their own plans, which threaten her; a mysterious new teacher may be Circe; and Christmas in London challenges the careful facades that Gemma and her friends Ann and Felicity have built. Dark things are stirring within the realms, including a possibly corrupted Pippa, and the only guides are Gemma's horrifying visions of three girls and the gibberish of a girl confined to Bedlam. Like the first volume, this is a remarkable fantasy steeped in Victorian sensibility; even as the girls fight to bind the magic, they are seduced by London society and the temptation to be proper young ladies. Gemma and her friends are pitch perfect as young women in a world poised for change, uncertain of their places. In many ways, this volume surpasses the first. The writing never falters, and the revelations (such as Felicity's childhood of abuse, discreetly revealed) only strengthen the characters. Clever foreshadowing abounds, and clues to the mystery of Circe may have readers thinking they have figured everything out; they will still be surprised. This volume does not stand alone; however, any collection that doesn't already have the first should just get both volumes.–Karyn N. Silverman, Elizabeth Irwin High School, New York City
Notes:
WINNER 2006 - ALA Best Books for Young Adults
NOMINEE 2007 - Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book AwardOfficial Trilogy Website:
Official Trailer Link: http://www.randomhouse.com/teens/gemmadoyle/parlor/bktrailers.html
One of My Favorite Fan Trailers:
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Kiss Me, Judas by Will Christopher Baer
Paperback: 330 pagesPublisher: MacAdam/Cage (June 20, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1596921862
ISBN-13: 978-1596921863
Age Level: Adult
Book Series: Phineas Poe: Kiss Me, Judas, Penny Dreadful, Hell's Half-Acre
Reader's Annotation: After being released from a psychiatric institution, Phineas Poe, an ex-cop, awakens on a bed of ice after a steamy night with a woman that he might very well have left with his heart as well as his kidney.
Synopsis: After being released from a psychiatric institution, Phineas meets a woman who charges for her services of love. As it turns out, money wasn't the only Jude, the surrealy beautiful woman takes from Phineas. After a stay in the hospital, and a run in with his old buddies from his cop days, Phineas sets off to do either of two things: get revenge or find the woman who stole his kidney and his heart. In this dark, thriller, the reader who loves noir, edgy writing, and quality dark humor, Baer delivers a wild ride that sucks you in and reminds you of your days hanging out with Palanuick or Tarantino. I think this book is not to be missed, so long as you have the stomach for the violence, sex, drugs, and an occasional kidney surgery.
Notes: Detailed sex, drugs, and violence make up the core of this book. Parental discretion is a must. If the bizarre is your taste, but in the style of pulp noir splashed and decorated with the drug induced haze of writers such as Hunter Thompson and Chuck Palahnuik, then you have found your next read! You will love it! Others: good luck. Ha Ha.
Extras:
Friday, August 14, 2009
New UnLibrarian Pathfinder: Til Depp do us Part
UnLibrarian Pathfinders:
Great tools for Librarians and Patrons!
Great tools for Librarians and Patrons!
What is a pathfinder? Pathfinders can be approached in many ways. The basic idea is to lead a patron in the right direction and give them resources on a single topic. They are generally pretty basic and they expect you (the user) to need no prior knowledge of a topic. In the UnLibrarian's case a pathfinder is meant not only to give you resources but it is meant as entertainment as much as it is an infophile's feast! So dig in and ENJOY!
A Clockwork Pathfinder: Have a thing for a time way back when that never existed? Wanna invent new gadgets like something out of an H.G. Wells book? Hoping to run out into Victorian London in your petticoat and goggles and jump into your steampower vessel in a time that never existed? Wondering what the heck I am talking about?
Visit The Escape Artist a pathfinder into all things steam: http://theunlibrarians-steampunk-pathfinder.blogspot.com/
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Johnny Depp & Tim Burton
re two people we can't seem to get enough of? From Edward Scissorhands to A
lice in Wonderland this pathfinder is the perfect tool to the set you off in the right direction into the truly magical and bizarre world of Tim Burton & his films in collaboration with Johnny Depp.Til Depp do us Part http://deppandburton-unlibrarian-pathfinder.blogspot.com/
More surely to come, so keep checking back on the UnLibrarian Blog!
Friday, July 10, 2009
World War Z: A Oral History of the Zombie War, by Max Brooks
Title: World War Z: A Oral History of the Zombie War
Author: Max Brooks
Paperback: 352 page
Publisher: Three Rivers Press
Publishing Date: October 16, 2007
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0307346617
ISBN-13: 978-0307346612
Reader's Annotation: Over a decade after the zombies war (a.k.a World War Z) raged across the planet a reporter writes a book using interviews collected by survivors.
Synopsis & Review: 11 years after a zombie plague rages throughout the world a reporter tells the story of the war through the people the survived it. From China, to India, from Africa to America the stories in this book are terrorizing, thought provoking, and yes, sometimes sadistically funny. For the keen mind the oral histories will play out like an echo of todays tragedies for the zombie lover alone no one will be disappointed.The beauty of Max Brooks is he not only writes social commentary here but he does it against a horrific, zombified backdrop that everybody has been before, however, his skill makes it raw, palpable, and frankly...scarily familiar. If you haven't gotten around to reading this book, it's time.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as well as the audio and should note the if you are taking a road trip or at the very least stuck in Los Angeles traffic, the audio is a role call of famous personalities and voices playing out the different the stories within. I would go so far as to reccommend the audio for readers who have already read the book!Audio CD Info:
Publisher: Random House Audio; Abridged edition (2007)
Language: English
ASIN: B001IZFXMQ
Notes: Adult Content, Parental Suggestion Suggested.
Extras: Author/Publisher Website http://www.randomhouse.com/crown/worldwarz/index2.php
- World War Z is slated to be released as a film in 2010 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0816711/
- Max Brooks is the on of Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft.
- "I've no desire to become the next king of Jewish immigrant comics, but I am so proud of my old man" - About his father, Mel Brooks.
- He is the author of the comedic zombie blockbuster, The Zombie Survival Guide which has spawned a never ending out pour of merchandising from Card Decks, to Note Pads & Journals, to a Graphic Novel!
- View a video from the publisher's website (of the graphic novel) here.
A brief FAN MADE Book Trailer with splices/preview from the fantastic AUDIOBOOK (This is not licensed).
Two of my favorite Fan Made trailers made by a fan (Srsly guys, this is pretty good stuff!):
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Feed, by M.T. Anderson, (Guest Review)
Reading level: Young AdultPaperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Candlewick (February 23, 2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0763622591
Reader's Annotation: "In a future where most people have computer implants in their heads to control their environment, a boy meets an unusual girl who is in serious trouble." ~via Barnes & Noble
Summary & Review:
Feeding on Feed! In the twisted and somewhat dark realm that "Feed" takes place in, the readers are introduced to a character named Titus and his pack of friends lacking grammar and any insight into the real world due to the chip implanted into the back of their heads as infants. Habits including going "mal" (electronically getting high), flying in upcars, and contracting lesions, it is obvious their state of mind is anything but ordinary. But when Titus meets a girl named Violet, she introduces him to a whole new world outside of Feed! A world where reality is not just a download away... ~By Caleb Sims, Age 16, Washington State
Notes:
AWARDS
Finalist 2002 National Book Award for Young People's Literature
Winner 2003 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Fiction ballsook.com/bghb2003.shtml
Winner 2003 Golden Duck Awards Hal Clement Award for Young Adults
Nominee 2005–2006 Green Mountain Book Award
Extras: Wikipedia for M.T. Anderson http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Tobin_Anderson
After the Moment, by Garrett Freymann-Weyr (Guest Review)
Title: After the Moment
Author: Garrett Freymann-Weyr
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children; 1 edition Publishing Date: May 18, 2009
Language: English
ISBN-10: 061860572X
ISBN-13: 978-0618605729
Reader's Annotation: Maia Morland is smart but challenged while Leigh (after having met Maia after being new to town) is popular totally in love with Maia. What happends after the moment? And what happens if it is a little to real and not like some pretty romance story?
Synopsis: After the Moment is a touching and realistic novel that shows a girl, Maia Morland, who suffers from many aspects of self mutilation (eating disorder, cutter, etc). Leigh hunter is a popular, smart jock that moves to Maia's town because his half sisters father passed away and needs help coping. When Leigh and Maia meet, he sees past the exterior and becomes immediately attracted and interested in Maia. Overtime, you notice the story unfold and head down the paths of violence, war, failed love, and so on. The book, to me, was good (not great), but it was well done and I would still recommend it! It was slightly challenging to follow all the side character's stories, so I kind of just focused on Maia and Leigh's story and allowed myself to become confused while reading about the supporting characters. All in all, the novel is a good, easy read, and touching. Not incredible, but definitely deals with many real life topics that teenagers may face.
~Review By: Madison Chertow, Age: 16, Los Angeles, California
Notes: This book deals with heavy issues that many teens face such as eating disorders, self-mutilation, and the sorrows of failed love. Parental suggestion for mild sexual innuendo.
Teenreads.com brings up an interesting point: “Garret Freymann-Weyr's novels for young adults are inevitably distinct. Her teenagers seem serious beyond their years, deeply invested not only in their own lives but also in the often complicated lives of their adult family members. AFTER THE MOMENT is no exception, and its male protagonist further cements Freymann-Weyr's reputation as a risk-taking author unafraid of tackling topics, and taking perspectives, unusual in young adult literature.”
Author Website: http://www.freymann-weyr.com/
Read a Book Excerpt Here: http://www.freymann-weyr.com/atmexcerpt.html
Post & Notes By: The Unlibrarian
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Lost Constellations: The Art of Tara McPherson, by Tara McPherson
- Title: Lost Constellations: The Art of Tara McPherson
- Author: Tara McPherson
- Hardcover: 112 pages
- Publisher: Dark Horse Comics (April 15, 2009)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1595822224
- ISBN-13: 978-1595822222
- Reader's Annotation: "Lost Constellations: The Art of Tara McPherson Volume 2 is the compelling road map to the artist's most recent and ambitious journeys in paint, pencil, and sculpture." ~Via Dark Horse
- Features line drawings next to paintings and illustrations (especially cool for the aspiring artist) Lost Constellations explores the Art of Tara Mcpherson as well as includes some of her FAMOUS art rock posters!
Synopsis: McPherson's Vol. II (second to Lonely at Heart), Mcpherson delivers a collection of artwork that has taken the looky-loos by storm. Like most of her characters suspended in either water or space, the reader will quickly find themselves staring at their own loss and gut-lost past, present, and future while suspended in their own space-like intoxication of Tara McPherson. I dare you to get enough. It's impossible. This is a book to own.
Notes: Parental suggestion for the young ones. Otherwise, subtley dark & delicious for everyone!
Extras: Want MORE Tara Stuff? Or maybe you just want to look at more McPherson art? Visit http://www.taramcpherson.com/
or to buy artwork: http://www.clickforart.com/
Having trouble filling your whole'd out middle? Revisit your childhood with Tara's coloring book/backpack ensemble. And in the meantime go here to color online. Viva la Tara.
Another UnLibrarian Book Trailer! The Forest of Hands and Teeth
The FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH, by Carrie Ryan
Book Trailer by the Unlibrarian!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
The Forest of Hands and Teeth, By Carrie Ryan
- Title: The Forest of Hands and Teeth
- Author: Carrie Ryan
- Publishing Date: March 10, 2009
- Reading level: Young Adult
- Hardcover: 320 pages
- Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0385736819
- Reader's Annotation: In an apocalyptic world Mary lives in a village surrounded by a fence that keeps The Unconsecrated out. Constantly surrounded by death, she is driven by the need to know more. But can Mary survive when she is forced to go down the paths she always dreamed of, and is there really anything other then death waiting for her?
- Synopsis: As a child Mary's mother tells her of an immense ocean. This place is beyond the Forest of Hands and Teeth and has water as far as the eye can see. But, in Mary's village the sisterhood preaches there is nothing outside the Forest of the Hands and Teeth. The only safe place is that of of the village and it is the people's duty to keep the human race from being expelled forever. It is Mary's duty to watch her mother who longs for her lost love (Mary's Father) who has been taken by The Unconsecrated. Mary knows that her mother longs to be with him and she fears she will give herself to The Forest and The Sickness. Meanwhile, the spring vows and binding ceremonies are coming and men in the village are speaking for the women. Mary has only ever longed for one boy, but it is another that seeks her hand. Mary's duty is fast upon her it may not be anything she ever expected.
- The beauty of The Forest of Hands and Teeth, Carrie Ryan's first book, lies within it's stark voice that never wavers from it's bleak tone that alludes to that small voice of hope at something more that lives in the back of all our minds. The book doesn't pander to the sugar coated, everything will turn out ok devices that are so inherent in YA lit today. It is refreshing despite it's topic of zombies (a genre being penned at a rate to rival the vampire literary epidemic). The zombie or vampire fan will devour this easy read but not be left without provoking thoughts and conversation. I have the slightest feeling the popularity of this book will spread like the disease of the Unconsecrated.
- Extras: Seven Star Pictures have already bought the rights to the book for a film. It is slated for release in 2010.
- Medium levels of blood and violence may leave the timid reader uncomfortable, but for the most part warnings for parents and readers are mild.
- Author's Website: http://www.carrieryan.com/news.php
- The book trailer was a Teen Book Video Award 2008 Finalist. It is one of the best I've seen! If you are thinking of reading this book you must watch the trailer!
- The UnLibrarian is currently working on a fan "casting" book trailer! Stay Tuned!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Weetzie Bat, By: Francesca Lia Block
Title: Weetzie Bat
By: Francesca Lia Block
Publish Date: 10 Anv edition (July 6, 2004)
Publisher: HarperTeen
ISBN-10: 0060736259
Page #: 128
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Fantasy
Age Level: Adult, Older Teen
Series Titles: Dangerous Angels: The Weetzie Bat Books
Subjects: Los Angeles, Same-Sex Romance, Fantasy
- Reading level: Young Adult
- Paperback: 128 pages
- Language: English
- Reader's Annotation: A unique girl names Weetzie shares her life with her family of friends, equally as unique and wonderful, in a Hollywood gingerbread cottage after a Genie grants her three wishes. The fantasy tale unfolds in good and bad but always in a the same unique, endearing way Weetzie lives in our imaginations.
Synopsis & Review: As someone who grew up in Los Angeles I pay special tribute to this book. The first in the Weetzie Bat Books (and of Block's infamous writing career), we are introduced to a girl in high school who is clearly different then most. Until she meets her best friend Dirk, the handsome alternative lifestyle hottie who becomes her best friend hitting the LA nightclubs searching for men together. When a strange turn of events happens, and Weetzie has some opportunities to make their dreams come true, she takes it. from her we enter into a world completely Weetzie. One that you can't turn away from. One that is equally scary as it is exciting as it is breezy. Much like a life in Los Angeles. I will always be a fan of Miss Block for this book, and I think that although it was published in the late 1980's it captures a rebellion and spirit that is never dated. Furthermore, it encapsulates a fantasy world that many of us (on the outside) have dreamt. A place where everything is o.k. even when its not; where you are with you "family" or "your people"; where your dreams can be materialized without the constraints of society. I love this novella that became the first book in one of the most influential series in Young Adult Literature. It's still hailed by teens as their favorite novel today!
Notes: Because of the suggestive material, it is best for older teens and with parental discretion. Argued and critiqued topics cover children out of wedlock, AIDS, Same-Sex Marriage & Love, abortion, clubbing, and blended families. While some critiques argue against it, others argue for it on the basis of equal rights, tolerance, and other teen issues worth discussing! The ultimate decision is left to you. Clearly I like it but, I am not easily shaken. In fact for me, I had more trouble with the lack of more details (although, that's Weetzie's charm).
Extras: Weetzie Bat on Google Books: http://books.google.com/booksid=6p0MH_LtacgC&dq=weetzie+bat&printsec=frontcover&source=bn&hl=en&ei=eTc3SoqYAYiIswPd3MWCDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4#PPA1,M1
Francesca's Website: http://www.francescaliablock.com/
FAN MADE BOOK TRAILER: I LOVE THIS ONE, IT CAPTURES WEETZIE IN A WAY THAT IS NOT EASY TO DO...
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Pride & Prejudice & Zombies: The Classic Regency Romance – Now with Ultraviolent Zombie Mayhem
By: By Jane Austen & Seth Grahame-Smith
Publish Date: 2009
ISBN: 1594743347
Page #: 320 pages
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Fiction, Horror
Age Level: Adult, Older Teen
Series Titles: n/a
Subjects: Zombies, Regency Romance, Classics, Satire
Synopsis & Review: "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains." So begins the literary transformation of the famous first line of one of the worlds most beloved works of fiction of all time. But if you are like me and so many others, you wouldn’t read Austen to save your life. Unless of course, your life was being threatened by Zombies! I adore a great deal of classics, but in the case of Austen I was particularly inclined to stay away. Now, with open arms, I am taking in my Austen as I never thought I could. Seth Grahame-Smith delivers a hilarious mash-up of Austen romance, Austen dresses, & Austen manners, and now Austen style zombies. (Note the zombie woman who wastes such a fine wedding gown while praying on brains. ‘Tis a shame.) Readers with a taste for Austen, a taste for zombies, or any variation of the two will revel in the satiric re-telling that aptly plays on the original heroine (Elizabeth Bennet) by keeping her as the spirited and determined central character she always was, but now she carries a Katana and martial arts training! Ms. Bennet, who holds a singular talent to slice and dice the demon dead that has been unleashed upon English countryside. Enter Mr. Darcy an arrogant zombie fighter who is drawn to Ms. Bennet and her skill to kill. Their love affaire de couer takes them through all the woes and wins of the original work but turns them into a cutting edge dance with “unmentionables” (a more Austen-esque term then undead I think) at the core. For those of you who abhor romance this is the romance for you. And for those of you who abhor violence, well, dare I say: this is the horror story for you! On a personal Level, I could not recommend a book more! IN fact, this is a Darcy that I can really sink my teeth into! Or shall I say in spirit, I am in want of more! It must be noted that Grahame-Smith does an excellent job at seamless transitions from Austen to zombie moments. Fans of Austen will get a kick out of it!
Notes: Obviously violence should be taken into parental consideration for younger readers, however comedy and romance tempers the real threat of offensive material (I often laughed at loud). A great choice for reluctant readers of classical literature.
Not surprisingly, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is already being optioned for a movie. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1374989/
Stars: 5
Extras: Seth Grahame-Smith: A "polite" Q & A
How did the book come about?
SETH GRAHAME-SMITH: I'm an aspiring screenwriter living in L.A. At the moment, I'm executive producing a pilot for MTV that I wrote which is a sort of updatedWonder Years-meets-Superbad. But I also wrote a book called How to Survive a Horror Movie and another called Pardon My President, which was letters of apology from George Bush to all the people that he had wronged. My editor at Quirk had wanted to do a mash-up of some type for a long time. He had all these lists of public domain titles and lists of modern literary devices. The robot phenomenon. The vampire phenomenon. And zombies. And we arrived at Pride and Prejudice and Zombies because, when you take a look at the original book, it's almost as if, subconsciously, Jane Austen is laying out the perfect groundwork for an ultraviolent bone-crushing zombie massacre to take place. For instance, there's a regiment of soldiers camped out near the Bennett household. In the book, they're just there for characters to flirt with. But it's not that big a leap to say, Okay, they're there because the countryside has been overrun with what they call the "unmentionable menace."
The what, now?
SETH GRAHAME-SMITH:"The unmentionable menace." They call zombies "unmentionables" because it's a very polite society and the word "zombie" is kind of like a curse word. These aristocrats are trying to get on with their lives as best they can, despite the fact that the country is being devoured around them. They still have their balls and their teas and their manners. It was terrific fun to write, in the style of Jane Austen, describing horrific deaths and entire villages being slaughtered and burned to the ground.BOOK TEASER BY THE UNLIBRARIAN: YEA, THAT'S ME. AND YEA, I MADE ANOTHER ONE...
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Leviathan Update!
- Title: Leviathan
- Author: Scott Westerfeld
- Reading level: Young Adult
- Hardcover: 448 pages
- Publisher: Simon Pulse (October 6, 2009)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1416971734
Leviathan, Scott Westerfeld's yet to be released new steampunk novel has had a visit to "New Pretty Town" for a jacket make-over!
Check out the new Cover. I hate to say it but THIS makes me feel Bubbly. Click here to see the definition of Bubbly & some free Uglies related stuff online. Leviathan before turning 16 (seconds old) and after the Specials had their way with it...I apologize for the Uglies references, but can you blame me? It's an awesome remake!
Notes:
Can't wait for Fall 2009?
There is a Sneak Peak in the new paperback version of the Extras. And yes, it is a different one that was in From Bogus to Bubbly.
Super Extra Fun: Scott Talks Art & Illustration!
The Unlibrarian's Steampunk Pathfinder: http://theunlibrarians-steampunk-pathfinder.blogspot.com/
Mind-Rain, By: Scott Westerfeld
Title: Mind-Rain: Your Favorite Authors on Scott Westerfeld's Uglies Series
By: Scott Westerfeld
- Reading level: Ages 9-12
- Paperback: 240 pages
- Publisher: Benbella Books (June 2009)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1933771348
Reader's Annotation: A collection of essays about Scott Westerfeld's amazing Uglies Series.
Notes: Due Out June 2, 2009
- With essays by Lili Wilkinson, Robin Wasserman, Diana Peterfreund, Sarah Beth Durst, Gail Sidonie Sobat, Rosemary Clement-Moore, J. Fitzgerald McCurdy, Janette Rallison, Linda Gerber, Charles Beaumont, Ted Chiang, Will Shetterly, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, and Delia Sherman.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
S. Darko, Directed By: Chris Fisher
- Director: Chris Fisher
- Writers: Nathan Atkins, Richard Kelly
- Producers: Adam Fields, Ash R. Shah, Jennifer Lane Connolly, Jim Busfield, Kent Beyda
- Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
- Number of discs: 1
- Rating:
- Studio: 20th Century Fox
- DVD Release Date: May 12, 2009
- Run Time: 103 minutes
- ASIN: B001RP975G
- Reader's Annotation: S. Darko follows the Youngest Darko sister 7 years after her brother Donnie Darko meets his fate in the original Richard Kelly masterpiece film. Samantha Darko & her wild best friend flee the mess left behind only to find their own bizarre Darko-esque reality.
Courtney's Opinion: I am going to try to be kind here. Oh, who am I kidding. No, I am not. Here's the deal. Girls: Yes, Jackson Rathbone a.k.a. Jasper "Twilight" Cullen and Ed Westwick a.k.a. Charles Bartholomew "Chuck" Bass of Gossip Girl are in this film. Breathe. Release. Guys: Yes, Daveigh Chase (apparently the Gyllenhaal are capable of morphing into child model hotness) & Elizabeth Berkley of Showgirls and Saved by the Bell (Well, some of us remember this one...) are indeed in this film. So, what do you get when you combine a Vampire who can crack a ball like a god, an upper east side brat you love to hate, a mother-i'd-like-to-hug stripper, & model girl-child? Um, nothing. No nothing is a compliment. It's in the negative. And here is why.We've seen these guys and gals doing fine work here and there. We even LOVE some of them. And we all loved Donnie Darko (for me, it's one of my favorite films of all time). Sadly, something happened to all of the above and it goes by the name of Chris Fisher. (I Don't wanna leave out the writer, Nathan Atkins for writing such stunning, dialogue as: Corey: Only two more good mornings. Sam: Only one more day. Corey: We're so perfect. Sam: Immaculate. Yea...well, you get the idea...) So here's the thing. If you haven't seen Donnie Darko, please do. And if I were you I would see it in place of this. But, if you must get your Rathbone-Daveigh-Westwick-Berkley fix so be it. But don't say I didn't warn you. This is by far the worst film. Ever. I think I brushed my teeth 8 times just to kill the time until it was over.
Stars: 1 (And only for two reasons. 25% goes to Rathbone for being pretty, 25% goes to Westwick for rolling cigarettes in his sleeve and keeping a straight face, 25% goes to the zexy guy i watched it with just for being hot and distracting me from the atrocity in front of me (yea, j...your quarter surely spillz into another star; but alas, i just couldn't give it to the film), and the last 25% goes to the sheer laughs we got from watching it. Minus 4 stars for sullying the perfection of Donnie Darko-Which I refuse to acknowledge ever happened as I plan to travel back in time to retrieve every minute I wasted watching this thus making things as they should be.
Notes: This movie is rated R. Parental supervision is strongly suggested. Artistically inclined parents & their multi-talented children may want to consider discussing artistic integrity and other issues with their children after or before viewing this film. Or throughout the entire film as a means of drowning out the dialogue.
An R-rated motion picture, in the view of the Rating Board, contains some adult material. An R-rated motion picture may include adult themes, adult activity, hard language, intense or persistent violence, sexually-oriented nudity, drug abuse or other elements, so that parents are counseled to take this rating very seriously. Children under 17 are not allowed to attend R-rated motion pictures unaccompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Parents are strongly urged to find out more about R-rated motion pictures in determining their suitability for their children. Generally, it is not appropriate for parents to bring their young children with them to R-rated motion pictures.
Richard Kelly (and the original team) did NOT endorse or work on this film at all. In fact Kelly publicly denounced S. Darko.
Donnie Darko Link: http://www.donniedarkofilm.com/
Donnie Darko Trailer:
I have to say, the website and trailer far surpass the film itself.
S. Darko imdb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1231277/
Official S. Darko trailer:
Just Because I feel so bad for them, here are some incarnations of a better them: Daveigh Cook in Big Love, Jackson Rathbone in Twilight, Ed Westwick in Gossip Girl, & of course: Elizabeth Berkeley in Saved by the Bell.
The Twilight Guy: Who Are You?
So You're a guy & you think you hate Twilight...
Well, check out these guys who just can't resist temptation...lately they have been speaking up!
FROM All Things Considered, May 27, 2009 · Listen to the interview here.
My Guilty Pleasure is a new series in which writers talk about the books they've loved only secretly — until now. There are — news flash here — true differences between men and women.
A friend who has twins (one boy, one girl) told me the story of when they were down at a pond, and the young twins spotted a cute little duck. The little girl said, "I want to pet the duck." The little boy said, "I want to kill the duck."
I rest my case.
And with that gender gauntlet thrown, let me say to you as a meat-eating, Entourage-watching, sports-loving (OK, I really don't love sports, or actually understand sports) — heterosexual man who can't sit through a single show onLifetime television, let me loudly proclaim: I, Brad Meltzer, love the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer.
Now this is the part where I'm supposed to make an intellectual disclaimer like: I don't really love it, but I appreciate it for what it is.
But let me be clear here. I love it. I love Twilight. I love Bella, and I love Edward.
I'm not alone. Since it debuted in 2005, the Twilight series has sold over 53 million copies, making it the hottest thing in bookshops since that nerdy kid with the lightning-bolt scar.
But back to what's really important: Me.
I love this story of the gawky, awkward girl who falls in love with the brooding vampire. And I love that she can't get sexual with said vampire because when her blood gets pumping, it'll send him into a frenzy and he'll kill her. (How's that for a prophylactic?)
I love hearing the dark secret histories of how the other vampires were turned into vampires. And I love when Edward gets all huffy with Jacob the werewolf — oh my God, I'm on the verge of writing fan-fic here — but again, in case you missed it, I love this story.
But for the most part, I've told almost no one.
Y'know why?
Because as a man, this book is not supposed to be for me.
I realized this when I went to see the Twilight movie. Yes, I was there. Opening weekend. We got a babysitter for it. And I sat there in the dark with my wife and a roomful of suburban mothers and a smattering of teenage daughters. I counted. There were four other men (all teenagers) besides me. Me. Four dragged-along boyfriends. And the rest women.
But you know who I blame for this?
I blame my fellow men. That's right. I blame all the men out there who point fingers and call things "girlie" and run like spineless cowards whenever something gets embraced by the opposite sex.
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It happens all the time. Remember when men were named Terry and Robin and Leslie? And then a few cool girls were named Teri and Robin and Leslie. And what happened? The men ran. Those names were ceded to the women.
To be honest, I can handle that for Leslie. Leslie is just not a cool name (no offense to Leslie Sydelman, who came to my bar mitzvah). But I will not let this stand for Twilight. We'd never dismiss Romeo and Juliet as "just for women." (Yes, I know — I'm not saying it's Shakespeare, and I still think Harry Potter is better — but don't mess up my analogy.) I won't cede Twilight.
And so I challenge — not the men out there; the men are clearly wusses — I challenge the women. Give Twilight to your teenage sons. Give it to your nephews and husbands and other guy types. Tell them it's cool. Tell them they'll like it. Tell them that it'll help them understand women and therefore help them get dates (c'mon, why else do you think I spent so much time with Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret)
And I issue this challenge — not for sexual equality, not to break down gender barriers. I issue it for the most vital reason of all: The sequel is coming, and I'm tired of being the only guy in the movie theater.
"My Guilty Pleasure" is produced and edited by Ellen Silva.
Brad Meltzer's Website: http://www.bradmeltzer.com/comics/Default.aspx
Urban Dictionary (Yes, there is actually a separate word for it. It's just that redic...): TWIGUY http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=twiguy
Here's some more TWIGUY humor:
The "Twilight Guy" http://www.twilightguy.com/
TO THE GUYS, You’ve seen it before. Maybe you’ve stumbled upon your girlfriend penciling portraits of some guy who is Certainly Not You, while she swears it’s ‘just Edward’. Or perhaps you’ve tried to call a girl on the phone only to have her mom say she’s busy reading a book whose title has something to do with moons or various stages of light. Or maybe you overheard a chattering, giggling crowd talking about some new guy named Jacob Black, and thought it must be a rockstar or actor; and then you hear them say how much they would love to have their boyfriend bite them, and you run from the room as fast as you can, only to find that you are completely wrong, in the dark, and very behind on the times.
For, fellows, the thing the girls are all talking about is a book.
Once you found out about all this frenzy, you may or may not have cracked open a copy of Twilight (in secret, of course). Either you wanted to know what they were crazy about, or you wanted to know How To Become The Living Edward Cullen. No matter why you got to it, somehow Stephenie Meyer has cast a spell over this planet, and now us guys are starting to feel the bite as well.
If you have experienced this strange phenomenon in any way (as I have on many occasions), I really would like to hear from you about your experiences of reading Twilight. You could win some prizes and get a mention on the site (anonymously, if need be):
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Zombie Blondes, By Brian James
- By: Brian James
- Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
- Publish Date: 2008
- ISBN: 0312372981
- Page #: 240 pages
- Reading Level: Young Adult
- Classification: Fiction
- Genre: Paranormal
- Subjects: Cheerleading, Family, Fathers-Daughters, Fitting-In, High School, Popularity, Zombies
- Reader's Annotation: Ever felt like the popular girls in your high school are all the same? In Hannah's new neighborhood everything is deathly quiet and strange but she is so desperate to fit in that she decides to ignore the scary truth.
- Synopsis: Hannah has moved to a new town with her father. The first thing she notices when she moves in is the strange quiet on the streets. When she goes to her new school, she notices that things are weird there too. The popular girls, the cheerleaders that is, are all scarily the same. They are beautiful but stark white, dead white actually, and Hannah notices their oddness. Dealing with her father who is on the run (due to personal problems ratting out a cop) moves her around constantly, so when she arrives to this town she accepts her fate as the unpopular girl. When the "cheerleaders" offer her a chance on the squad, she is faced with the hope of fitting in and being popular. The problem is, it's hard to ignore the horrible truths unraveling around her, not to mention the fact that her friend Lucas is telling her the cheerleaders are ZOMBIES!
- Notes: Zombie Blondes raises some good metaphors about high school life, fitting-in, parental relations, and communities (much like the general zombie metaphors in films since the 1960s). However it is important to note that this book is an interesting mix of predictable characters juxtaposed with some exciting twists that save the book from predictability. Zombie Blondes is a fun read that although not perfect, worth your while!
- Stars: 4
Breaking Dawn, By Stephenie Meyer
By: Stephenie MeyerPublisher: Little, Brown
Publish Date: 2006
ISBN: 031606792X
Page #: 768
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Fantasy, Horror
Age Level: Older Teen
Series Title:
The Twilight Saga: Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn
Subjects: Romance, Teen Pregnancy, Demon Spawn Child, Vampires, Shapeshifters, Native Americans, Marriage, Horror
Reader's Annotation: Edward and Bella finally tie the knot and Bella doesn't slip and fall once! Perhaps the happy ending is finally arrived...or maybe something else has "arrived" that could suck the life right out of Bella Cullen.
Synopsis: The chessboard on the cover of the fourth book signifies Bella moving from pawn to Queen as she takes on a whole new role in Breaking Dawn. Unfortunately it might not be as easy as receiving edward's bite and dark gift of immortality. Nor will it be as easy as all that for Jacob Black, the Cullen family, or the other characters which return for this bulky finale. At last the immortal fate of Bella comes to a head. Bella weds her true love, the 101 year old vampire Edward (so much for teen marriage). After exchanging vows they set off on a life together in hopes of happily ever after. The whole time Mrs. Cullen has her immortal plan of joining her husband for all eternity (literally), but Mr. Cullen does not want to willingly sacrifice her mortality. As they embark on their future, a danger beyond conception threatens to destroy everything they’ve finally acquired. This is (aside from New Moon) my favorite of the series. Not for the faint of heart, Breaking Dawn will break the top off of the subtle nature of the first three books in the saga. Some violence and bruising sexual nature takes place but the self-proclaimed "fanpires" say they can handle it! Other fans are not so kind.
Although I did throw the book against the wall a couple of times, I rather enjoyed the change in style.
Notes: Much to the chagrin of a great deal of Cullen fans everywhere, Meyer steps outside her conventional writing style with Breaking Dawn. Parental advisory is advised due to sex, violence, and FINALLY lots and lots of blood!
Stars: 5
Extras:
- Author's Breaking Dawn Link: http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/breakingdawn.html
- The debate about Breaking Dawn rages on:http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2008/08/did_breaking_dawn_ruin_the_twi.html .
- THE FILM: One thing that is not decided is whether or not this one will be made into a film. It's hard to imagine any company not making a film that is clearly a franchise of mass proportions. Although, it has been said that the violent nature and special effects are squashing any hopes of actualizing a film. Summit has rights, and we'll have to just wait and see.
- For me, this is the one I actually want to see. IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1324999/
- Article on Breaking Dawn: The Film: http://www.film.com/features/story/breaking-dawn-movie-going-one/27863456
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
The Last Days, By Scott Westerfeld
By: Scott Westerfeld
Publisher: Razorbill
Publish Date: 2006
ISBN: 159514062X
Page #: 304 pages
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Fantasy, Horror
Age Level: Older Teen
Series Titles: Peeps (Bk. 1)
Last Days (Bk 2)
Subjects: Vampires, End-of-Days, Music
Reader's Annotation: The streets are taken over by the vampiric parasites and a group of teens in a rock band set out to save the world.
Synopsis: The Last Days is the sequel to the highly acclaimed and apocalyptic vampire story started in Peeps. Set against the same parasite-ridden streets of New York, Westerfeld gives us a group of five teens that form a rock band, whose musical triumphs escalade while the dark happenings of peeps do as well. As a Fender Stratocaster is being thrown to its doom out of a window, Moz and Pearl, strangers until this moment, work together to save it. From here, readers will rock their way through this hardcore, parasite-positive story! The band (with its vampire lead singer) fight the peeps while creating a playlist for the end of days! Maybe rock and roll will save the world (as it does so many teenagers everyday). Or maybe it will bring on the end! A gritty ode to rock and the way it can be a catalyst for teens to express their discomfort and rage, each chapter is named after bands!
Notes: This novel is the sequel to Peeps, but can stand alone. As a fan of Westerfeld's work, I can't recommend his work enough!
Stars: 5
Extras: Author's Website http://www.scottwesterfeld.com/index.htm
Book talk about Peeps:
Generation Dead, By Daniel Waters
By: Daniel Waters
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Publish Date: May 6, 2008
ISBN: 142310921X
Page #: 400 pages
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Romance, Racism
Age Level: Older Teen
Series Titles:
Generation Dead (Book 1)
Kiss of Life (Book 2) (Release Date of Sequel: May 12, 2009)
Subjects: Living Impaired, Zombies, Romance, Comedy, Fantasy
Reader's Annotation: Nobody is sure why dead teens are coming back, but scientists guess it may have something to do with a cross between raging teen hormones and too much preservatives from fast food. One thing is for sure, nothing will be the same for the living impaired Tommy, still living Pheobe, and the high school football team: ever heard of dead weight?
Synopsis: In a literary world taken over by Twilight* and the undead, maybe it's time for a love interest who has one dead, dragging leg behind him instead of superhuman speed & strength. Perhaps the living impaired Tommy can become your anti-Edward. Pheobe, Generation Dead's main goth girl (who practices the irony of dressing up dead amongst dead people) has her eyes set on the wrong guy: Tommy. Tommy is a zombie. Excuse me, the politically correct term would be living impaired. I apologize for my insensitivity to the undead community. I did not mean any harm. At any rate, Pheobe has never been part of the "in" crowd, but Tommy's crowd is outside even the outside crowds. In fact, Oakvale High is aghast with disgust over Pheobe falling for the dead kid that heads the crowd that no one wants to talks to. The living impaired are ignored in every way possible in this school. Zombies are treated more like segregation in the south then kids who just don't fit in. But, Pheobe crosses the line that the other kids won't dare cross; And what happens when her living best-friend gets left in the dust? I couldn't help falling for her and her infatuation with the zombie Tommy. This is not a book to be missed. Generation dead is funny, witty, romatic, and resplite with gooey dead people! Just don't call 'em Zombies!
*By the way, I enjoyed Twilight, but sometimes too much of a good thing can be a bit zombifying.
Notes: A great book to read for the zombie fan but also a fresh take on segregation.
Stars: 5
Extras: Author Blog http://danielwaters.com/
Tommy's Undead Experiences Blog http://mysocalledundeath.blogspot.com/
Zombie rights march on Boing Boing http://www.boingboing.net/2006/09/27/zombie-rights-march-.html
Brown v. Board of Education on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_v._Board_of_Education
Pretty Monsters, By Kelly Link
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Publish Date: 2008
ISBN: 0670010901
Page #: 400 pages
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Fantasy, Short Stories
Age Level: Teen
Series Title: n/a
Subjects: A highly acclaimed adult, master short story writer Kelly Link has written this Young Adult collection of Short Stories.
Synopsis: Kelly Link's previous work has earned her three Nebulas, a Hugo, and a World Fantasy Award. This collection of short stories are not exclusively vampire tales, but fans of the vampire literary boom will no doubt enjoy this collection, as it deals with like themes of mortality and fantasy. Link appeals to the fantastic ideals of the fang inclined youth, but pushes the envelope further in regards to writing style and ability. Furthermore, undead fans may be interested to learn that she has published two short story collections on the inspiration of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Her intelligent style will appeal to the literary wanderer who will get a hip, intellectual buzz out the of the vivid imagination of Kelly Link.
Extras:
Synopsis: Kelly Link's previous work has earned her three Nebulas, a Hugo, and a World Fantasy Award. This collection of short stories are not exclusively vampire tales, but fans of the vampire literary boom will no doubt enjoy this collection, as it deals with like themes of mortality and fantasy. Link appeals to the fantastic ideals of the fang inclined youth, but pushes the envelope further in regards to writing style and ability. Furthermore, undead fans may be interested to learn that she has published two short story collections on the inspiration of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Her intelligent style will appeal to the literary wanderer who will get a hip, intellectual buzz out the of the vivid imagination of Kelly Link.
Notes: Kelly Link has legions of famous followers of the likes of Michael Chabon, Holly Black of Spiderwick Chronicles, and Peter Buck, who all swear by the genius her pen. Teens will also be happy to know that some stories published in Little Monsters were released in earlier adult compilations, though now are considered part of the YA collection. Further proof that the Young Adult genre is stepping outside it’s previously determined constrictions.
Stars: 5
Extras:
Free Content Online & a Review from Boing Boing http://www.boingboing.net/2008/10/02/kelly-links-short-st.html
Author Website: http://kellylink.net/
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Orange (v. 1) by Benjamin
By: Benjamin
Publisher: Tokyopop
Publish Date: February 10, 2009
ISBN: 1427814635
Page #: 144 pages
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Manga
Age Level: Older Teen
Series Titles: Orange (To date only one Volume has been released.)
Subjects: Suicide, Manga, Depression, Art
Reader's Annotation: Orange stands at the edge of life contemplating suicide when a mysterious man talks her down. Unfortunately, her second chance is shattered just weeks later.
Synopsis: Don't be fooled by the vivid colors in Orange. It is the dark story of a nihilistic teen dealing with depression and angst and the urge to end it all. Contrastingly this dark story line the color reminds us of how bright things burn inside us, especially in teens. Yet, at the same time, when depressed, we tend to see the world, metaphorically speaking, in black and white. The use of color is breathtaking and the topic is of interest to many teens who struggle with depression and thoughts of suicide. The story may fall short but the art makes up for it threefold. Personally, manga readers and non-manga readers alike will enjoy this visual feast. Artistically, Benjamin created a gorgeous triumph for Chinese Manga.
Notes: The artist Benjamin (no he does not have a last name) took three years to complete this manga. Many people are looking to him & Orange (Chinese Manga) to give Japanese Manga a run for their money!
Stars: 4
Extras: Orange on Tokyopop Website http://www.tokyopop.com/product/2685/Orange/1
Read Tokyopop Manga Online Here: http://www.tokyopop.com/manga/read_tokyopop_titles/browse
Clubbing, By Andi Watson & Josh Howard
By: Andi Watson & Josh Howard
Publisher: Minx Books
Publish Date: July 11, 2007
ISBN: 1401203701
Page #: 176
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Graphic Novels
Age Level: Older Teens
Series Titles: n/a
Subjects: Nightlife, Friendship, Mystery
Reader's Annotation: After getting caught with a fake I.D., Lottie is sent to her grandparents for a summer as punishment.
Synopsis: Lottie is spoiled and wild and lives for the London nightlife. But when she gets caught with a fake ID, her parents send her (as punishment) to her grandparents high-end resort club. Golf, ladies with tea, and the boring elite consume her rebellious spirit. But as a twist, a modern Nancy-Drew murder mystery change Lottie's summer experience into something more wild then her wild nights in London. Perhaps her boring summer punishment may turn out to be one very adventuresome summer! And, as much as she tries to avoid it, she may fall in love in the process.
One of the best parts of Clubbing is the never-ending British slang Lottie uses throughout the book. The back of the book provides a "Lottie's Lexicon" to help the reader decipher her tongue. But beware, you my start saying speaking in "Lottie."
Notes: CLUBBING is written by the Eisner- and Harvey-nominated indie sensation Andi Watson (Geisha, Paris, Skeleton Key) and illustrated by Josh Howard (Dead @ 17), Wizard magazine's pick as the #1 independent book to watch in 2005.
Stars: 5
Extras: Free Preview Online http://www.dccomics.com/media/excerpts/7503_x.pdf
Author Website: http://www.andiwatson.biz/
Illustrator Website (Warning: Adult/Graphic Images): http://joshhoward.typepad.com/
Monday, May 4, 2009
The House of Mirth, By Edith Wharton
By: Edith Wharton
Publisher: Everyman's Library
Publish Date: 1905
Reprint edition Publishing Date: February 5, 2008
ISBN: 0679406670
Page #: 400
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Fiction, Literature, Classics
Age Level: Older Teen, Adult
Series Titles: n/a
Subjects: Tragedy, Old New York, High-Society,
Reader's Annotation: Lily Bart, one of literatures finest contradictions, lived in New York at the turn of the Century, when everything was lavish and opulent: for the rich. For the less secure like Ms. Bart, running in these circles were nothing short of a gamble. Unrequited love, a caged life, & shear loss are explored through Lily in Wharton's classic tragedy.
Synopsis: Edith Wharton's doomed novel The House of Mirth is a tale of class and gender, elegance and disaster. It is time-sensitive tale (yet ageless) set in Old New York at the turn of the 20th Century. At the center of The House of Mirth is Lily Bart. Merely a female embellishment, Ms. Bart struggles to stay afloat in a wealthier society then she has means to exist, while at the same time trying to temper a spirit which far out weighs her societal cage. She acknowledges the contradictions of love and marriage, social climbing and luck, while playing the game of turn of the century survival. After a series of terrible mistakes (of which no woman is allotted many in her day) Lily Bart takes a disheartening and tragic, spiraling dive into the darkest place a human soul can exist: a place that many don't return from.
Notes: The House of Mirth was made into a wonderful and (in my humble opinion) underrated film in 2000. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0200720/
A modern library greatest 100 books of all time.
The House of Mirth is one of my favorite novels of all time.
Stars: 5
Extras:
Free Content on Project Gutenberg http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/284
Edith Wharton on Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edith_Wharton
The House of Mirth on LibraryThing http://www.librarything.com/work/11880
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl, By Barry Lyga
By: Barry Lyga
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publish Date: 2006
ISBN: 0618723927
Page #: 320
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: Older Teen
Series Titles: A sequel is in the works but not yet released:
Goth Girl Rising Due October 2009
Subjects: Bullying, Friendship, Art, Graphic Novels, Growing Up
Reader's Annotation: An outcast teen boy and a goth girl form an unlikely alliance as shelter from high school life. Donnie aka Fanboy's secret survival skill is his artistic creation of a graphic novel and not only does he tell his new and only best friend but she starts to work on it with him.
Synopsis: Amidst bullying and the harsh realities of high school life, Donnie copes with the drudgery of
of teenage life by working on his secret graphic novel and fantasizing about violent ways to get revenge. Donnie has one friend, Cal, a jock who shares his love of comic books. But he generally ignores him for his jock friends and sports in the school setting, and Donnie accepts this as the way things are. It isn't until Kyra sends him an instant message one night that they become friends. Kyra, a "goth" girl, is also an outsider of sorts, but she notices the bullying that Donnie is subjected to daily and she sends him her notice. From her screen name, Donnie isn't sure who he is talking to but when they meet up after school Donnie is shocked to find the pale skinned, lip pierced Kyra who isn't afraid to speak her mind or speak up for herself. From here they become friends, sharing opinions and things in common. Donnie ends up sharing his ultimate secret with Kyra and she ends up changing Donnie, if not helping him figure out who he really is. Fanboy and Gothgirl is realistic and oftentimes funny. It is a one of a kind book that not only comic book nerds and goth girls can relate to, but also to the rest of us who know (or remember) all to well what if feels like to be "that" kid.
Notes: In the light of recent school violence like Columbine and copy-cats since then, a sensitive reader may be somewhat bothered by the casual way in Donnie talks about violence. But I think it is important to realize that their is a general reality that is a teenage boy's inner dialogue and then there is the psychopath that is a murderer. This distinguishing factor is crucial in approaching this novel. There is a realism here that sets this book apart and above all others and it is this quality that makes it speak to me and other fans of the book. I would hate to see the reader or a parent get lost in a generalization because this book is a gem and in actuality its honesty is what makes it so.
Stars: 5
Extras: Author Website http://fanboyandgothgirl.com/
Twilight: The Directors Notebook, The Story of How We Made the Movie Based on the Novel by Stephenie Meyer, By Catherine Hardwicke
By: Catherine Hardwicke
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers
Publish Date: 2009
ISBN: 0316070521
Page #: 176 pages
Classification: Non-Fiction
Genre: Art/Film
Age Level: Older Teens
Series Titles: n/a
(Tie-in to The Twilight Saga franchise in both film & book)
Subjects: Film, Art, Journaling, Twilight
Reader's Annotation: An inside look at the Twilight's film director Catherine Hardwicke's Director Journal. This is a rare inside look at not only the production of Twilight, but at the mind of a movie director.
Synopsis: Twilight, the first film in the Twilight Saga's screen adaptation, hit the movie world with a slam. Grossing the most money to date for an opening director who is female, Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke opens up her visionary style to her fans. In The Director's Notebook Hardwicke shows illustrations, story boards, costume and set notes, & virtually everything that went through her head and into the film. Visually the small hardcover book is page to page beauty, but at the same time shows a rare side of film making that most fans don't know exists. With this little gem, Twilight fans and aspiring filmmakers can revel in the art of filmmaking at the young adult level.
Notes: One does not have to have read the Twilight Saga to enjoy the Directors notebook. A fan of the film can enjoy this tie in art book as well as students interested in art and film.
Extras: Author website http://www.catherinehardwicke.com/
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, By Lewis Carroll
By: Lewis Carroll, & Illustrated By: John Tenniel
Publisher: Random House UK
Publishing Date: 2007
Series Titles & Original Publishing Dates:
1865 (Adventures in Wonderland)
1872 (Through the Looking Glass)
ISBN: 0099512076
Page #: 336
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Fantasy
Age Level: Children, Teens
Subjects: Alternative Realities, Fantasy, Adventure
Reader's Annotation: Alice's boredom takes her to following a white rabbit that leads her down a hole into a world of her wildest dreams.
Synopsis: After following a white rabbit down a hole Alice travels through an alternative reality of strange places. From the Mad Hatter's tea party to the Queen of Hearts garden Alice is subjected to strange situation after bizarre situations. She drinks potions and pops pills and grows large and grows small. Carroll's vivid story telling mixed with classic illustrations, the adventures of Alice remain to this day not only a literature great, but a cult classic.
Notes: Many film and animated version of Alice exist. Most recently Tim Burton is shooting a new adaptation die out in 2010 starring Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1014759/
Stars: 5
Extras: Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice's_Adventures_in_Wonderland
Free Content from Project Gutenberg http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/11
Watch the 1933 Disney classic free here: http://www.squidoo.com/watch-alice-in-wonderland-free-online
Extras, By Scott Westerfeld
By: Scott WesterfeldPublisher: Simon & Schuster Children's PublishingPublish Date: 2007ISBN: 1416951172Page #: 432Reading Level: Young AdultClassification: FictionGenre: Science FictionSeries Title: Uglies SeriesUglies
Pretties
Specials
Extras
Bogus to Bubbly (Companion)
Mind-Rain (Famous Authors Talk About the Uglies Series-June 2009)
Subjects: Dystopia, Friendship, Plastic Surgery, Fame, Romance
Reader's Annotation: Extras is the unexpected 4th book in the awesome Uglies "trilogy." In another city, also affected by the "Mind-Rain" Tally Youngblood (of the first three Uglies books) induced, Aya Fuse is at the center of a fame-centric universe and all she wants to do is not be an extra.
Synopsis: Aya is a nothing. Her feed shows her fame status at a very high, high level. But high is not good. Your stats are better as you get lower because they signify your level of fame: 1 being the most famous person in the world. Any level of fame Aya has is due to her paparazzi like brother who manufactures fame in a Perez Hilton manner at the expense of others. But suddenly Aya has a chance to be outrageously famous and she plans on doing anything possible to kick her own story, even at the expense of others. But when Aya meets her new love interest and begins to find out more about her feed, things get increasingly dangerous and twisted. Is fame worth all that?
Notes: Another provocative take on a socially conscious issue, Westerfeld makes everybody reflect on the world we live in now. This story could stand alone, but I think it delivers much better having read the Uglies first. A new cast of characters leave you wondering what happened to Tally Youngblood, and when we finally find out it ends to fast. But Westerfeld is the master of topic not the master of giving you what you want, which makes me love him even more.
Stars: 5
Extras:
The Westerblog: http://scottwesterfeld.com/blog/
Scott Talks Extras:
Fan Made Video:
Go Ask Alice, By Anonymous
By: Anonymous
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publish Date: 2005
Originally Published by Avon, 1971
ISBN: 1416914633
Page #: 224
Classification: Fiction, Social Issues
Genre: Memoir
Age Level: Older Teen
Series Titles: n/a
Subjects: Drug Abuse, Memoir, Journaling,
Reader's Annotation: This historically banned book follows the story of a girl and her descent into drugs and the ultimate destruction of self. Marketed as non-fiction, it is the general consensus that although the story is a real problem that has happened to many teens, the story itself is fabricated.
Synopsis: Meet Alice, the perfect teen. She is happy with her new home, her grades have been getting better, and is excited for her life. Written in journal form, and taking place in the 1970s, Go Ask Alice (an obvious reference to Alice falling into the rabbit hole and the famous drug inspired song, "White Rabbit" by Jefferson Airplane) chronicles a young girl who falls into a drug decent after being slipped LSD at a party without knowing it. From there she travels down a path of no return. The debate as to whether this book helps or hurts teens in the views on drugs and drug experimentation is still going on today. Written in 1971 the story seems to take on a timeless nature in that teens can easily relate today even with the hippie references and 1970's lingo. Having read this book as both a teen and an adult I can say that it is iconic in its place in teen fiction, but as I was quite the wild child when I was young, Go Ask Alice was more of a temptation then a solution. With that said, I still wouldn't condemn it. It is up to teens and parents to discuss issues of drugs. This book is entertaining but not a therapist and not true.
Notes: Extreme in nature, parental discretion is advised.
Stars: 4
Extras: Banned Book: Go Ask Alice 2008 Challenged as a reading assignment at Hanahan Middle School in Berkeley County (SC) because of blatant, explicit language using street terms for sex, talk of worms eating body parts, and blasphemy. 2004 Challenged depiction of drug use. 2002 Banned for content about drug use and sexual behavior. 2001 Retained as optional reading for 8th graders at the Rice Ave. Middle School in Girard (PA) despite a grandmother finding the book offensive.
Wikipedia on Go Ask Alice http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go_Ask_Alice
A health related teen site from Columbia University: http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/
Nothing, By Robin Friedman
By: Robin FriedmanPublisher: Flux
Publish Date: 2008
ISBN: 073871304X
Page #: 232
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: Older Teen
Series Titles: n/a
Subjects: Eating Disorders, Eating Disorders in Boys, Bulimia
Reader's Annotation: Everyone always thinks its just the girls who worry about their weight. Meet Parker, who seemingly has it all, but for him the pressure results in a secret that has him ill inside and out.
Synopsis: Parker is in high school. He is on the track team, he is gearing up for college, and he even has a girl who he likes more then just a little. It seems like he has it all, but his father is overbearing (planning out his future to be a doctor) but never really asks Parker what he wants to do. Parker is uncomfortable in his skin and doesn't like the way his body looks. Under the pressure of school, family, and image issues, Parker turns to food for comfort. He eats until he can barely stand it and then releases it into the abyss of the bathroom toilet. His sister, though jealous of the attention her brother gets, begins to suspect that things aren't right with Parker and she is faced with how to help her brother (or if she should even confront him at all). Parker is definitely not ok. His body is weak, and his personality is becoming more and more irritable. Nothing is a stunning book for both boys and girls to read. It deals with issues that are even harder to talk about then drugs and death. A shaming disease, eating disorders are something that in our culture have risen to un-calculated heights and Nothing is one step in the right direction. It is a book that can appeal to both the sufferer and the people around them as it gives a heartfelt but realistic window into a taboo subject.
Notes: Inspiration for Novel: By Robin Friendman
I met an old friend from college years after we graduated, and he mentioned in passing that he had an eating disorder when we knew each other.
Read the first Chapter here http://www.robinfriedman.com/books/chapters/firstNothing.html
Stars: 5
Awards:
- A 2009 Notable Book for Teens by The Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee of the Association of Jewish Libraries.
- A 2008 Book of the Year Finalist from ForeWord magazine in the Young Adult category.
- Bronze winner in young adult fiction by FOREWORD magazine
Extras: Author's Website http://www.robinfriedman.com/books/Nothing.html
Author's Facebook http://www.facebook.com/people/Robin-Friedman/508415693
The Host, By Stephenie Meyer
By: Stephenie MeyerPublisher: Little Brown
Publish Date: 2007
ISBN: 0316068047
Page #: 624
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Science-Fiction
Age Level: Adult
Series Titles: No sequel has yet to be published, alhtough Meyer has said she intends to release it as a trilogy.
Subjects: Romance
Reader's Annotation: Earth has been taken over by an alien race of parasite's called Souls who implant themselves in their hosts. A small group of human's fight back but are faced with a runaway host who has taken over the body of one of their own.
Series Titles: No sequel has yet to be published, alhtough Meyer has said she intends to release it as a trilogy.
Subjects: Romance
Reader's Annotation: Earth has been taken over by an alien race of parasite's called Souls who implant themselves in their hosts. A small group of human's fight back but are faced with a runaway host who has taken over the body of one of their own.
Synopsis: The famed author of the Twilight Series introduces herself to the adult market with her first novel. Like twilight it revolves around a grand quartet of love and temptation, death and life. For Melanie Stryder, the world is an evil, apocalyptic place taken over by something unthinkable. To her, her boyfriend Jared, and her younger brother Jaime, life is only about survival. But when she suspects that another of her family may be alive, she leaves Jared and Jaime to find her. She never makes it having instead been captured by the Souls and used as a host. When the host is placed inside her the Soul called Wanderer is astounded to find that Melanie's voice not silenced. She see her memories and images of Jared and Jaime. Instead of taking the normal path a Soul takes on Earth (living a violence free, happy pseudo-life) she sets out to see if they are still alive. But when she finds them, she quickly realizes that they want her dead, not knowing that inside her Melanie still lives.
Notes: Although directed to adults, the story line is generally harmless. Small amounts of sex and violence do exist, but for the most part it echoes the feel of Twilight's innocent nature even with war, beatings, love, and loss. Ok, for teens.
Stars: 4
Extras: Official Book Trailer from Little Brown here: The Host's Website http://thehostnovel.com/
(I think mine is better, laugh out loud.)
Marie Antoinette (Film), By: Sofia Coppola
Written & Directed By: Sofia CoppolaPublisher: Columbia Pictures
Publish Date: 2006
Rating: PG-13
Length: 1 hour 85 minutes
Classification: Drama, Indie Film
Genre: Historical Drama
Age Level: 13 and Up with Parental Consent
Series Title: n/a
Subjects: Royalty, Execution, French History, Indie Films
Length: 1 hour 85 minutes
Classification: Drama, Indie Film
Genre: Historical Drama
Age Level: 13 and Up with Parental Consent
Series Title: n/a
Subjects: Royalty, Execution, French History, Indie Films
Reader's Annotation: In a world of royalty where you can have everything your heart desires, what happens when you can't have anything? Even your own life?
Synopsis: "Let Them Eat Cake" ~Marie Antoinette
Did this infamous child Queen ever actually say those words? Whether or not she did, one thing is historically true: Marie Antoinette lost her head for it. In time just before the French Revolution, indulgence and intrigue ran rife in the the court. Marie Antoinette is given in marriage at a young age to King Louis XVI and sent to live as France's Queen at the Palace of Versailles. Sofia Coppola sets out to show the rock star status and the sensual life of The Queen whose life so tragically ended. A stunning soundtrack and otherworldly costumes and sets, the film looses its magic in the writing. It also fails to stay true to the accuracy of history. Then again, history is in the eyes of the writer isn't it?
Notes: Parental Advisory for Sexual Content, Partial Nudity, & Innuendo. VERY loosely based on on the beloved book "Marie Antoinette: Journey By Antonia-Fraser." Do not watch this film in place of your French history homework. Do watch this film to make your French history homework more visually stimulating. Order cake after watching this film.
Stars: 3 (1 for writing, 2 for sublime visuals & an awesome soundtrack)
Awards:
Oscar, Best Achievement in Costume Design Milena Canonero
Cannes Film Festival-Cinema Prize of the French National Education System
Extras: IMDb http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0422720/
Extras: IMDb http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0422720/
Wikipedia Marie Antoinette http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie_Antoinette
Marie Antoinette Online http://www.marie-antoinette.org/Welcome.html
OMFG: The Gossip Girl of French History
Fruits Basket, Vol. 1 By, Natsuki Takaya
Title: Fruits Basket
Title in Japanese: フルーツバスケット Furūtsu Basuketto
By: Natsuki Takaya
Publisher: Tokyo Pop
Publish Date:
ISBN: 1591826039
Page #: 216
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Manga, Fantasy, Shojo
Age Level: Teen
Series Titles:
23 volumes in total
22 currently published
23rd to be released on July 6, 2009 pre-order here
Subjects: Romance, Love-Triangle, Chinese Zodiac
Reader's Annotation: Tohru Honda is alone in the world. The orphan's world changes when she meets a mystical family that represents each animal of the Chinese Zodiac.
Synopsis: After Tohru Honda's mother dies she is sent to live with her grandfather. Feeling like a burden while he gets his home renovated she pretends to have somewhere else to go. Unfortunately Tohru doesn't have a place to go. She ends up sleeping in tent in the wilderness with only a few things, herself, and a picture of her mother. Despite the situation, Tohru remains spirited, goes to school, and about her daily life as best she can. One day she is found in her tent and to her dismay she learns that she has been sleeping on someone's land. That someone happens to be a quiet boy she recognizes from school and his older cousin. The Shoma boys, Yuki and Shigure, take Tohru in and give her a place to live in return for her doing some cleaning. Tohru, who clearly has an innocent crush on Yuki, the younger of the two, hugs him which in turns lets out the secret that nobody else knows: The Sohma family are the incarnations of the Chinese Zodiac. Entrusted with the family secret Tohru becomes part of their lives and their secret. As is well until things get turned upside down when the cat comes to stay. There is no cat in the Chinese Zodiac, right? Or is their? And even though Tohru is becoming more and more connected to Yuki, she always wished there was a Cat in the Zodiac.
Notes: It was made into an anime series as well in 2001. [Worth noting is that that the Anime ends at half way through one of the eighth volume of the manga. Several plot lines are left unfinished and not all members of the Sohma family cursed by the zodiac are revealed.] Source: wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fruits_Basket
Stars: 5
Awards:
- The Fruits Basket manga received the 2001 Kodansha Manga Award in the shōjo manga category
- The "Best Manga" award at the 2007 American Anime Awards.
- In 2001, the Fruits Basket anime won a Animage Anime Grand Prix award.
Extras:
- Tokyopop's Fruits Basket Link: http://www.tokyopop.com/product/1194
- Fruits Basket was introduced in 1999 the magazine Hana to Yume 花とゆめ
- The Fruits Basket is in itself a phenomenon. It is called "Faruba Fever" in Japan.
Guitar Hero: Metallica, By Activision
By: Activism Inc.
Platform: Nintendo Wii
Publish Date: Mar 29, 2009
Classification: Video Game
Platform: Nintendo Wii,
Works with both World Tour & traditional guitar
ASIN: B001PKHRVY
ESRB Rating: Teen
Series Titles: (For Wii)
Guitar Hero III-Legends of Rock,
Guitar Hero World Tour
Guitar Hero Aerosmith
Reader's Annotation: Guitar Hero fans who enjoyed Legends of Rock will love rocking out to Guitar Hero: Metallica. Guest acts will appeal to heavy metal, punk, and hard alternative music lovers. Guaranteed to have you playing Air Button at school!
Summary: A new Guitar Hero is out and its designed for those of you who want to ROCK, button, button, button style. Guitar Hero fans who were frustrated with World Tour and it's pop rock licks can breathe a lot easier now. With the best songs from Metallica (old & new alike), Guitar Hero: Metallica offers Motorhead, Slayer, and many many more. The bulk of songs are Metallica and it you thought you weren't a fan, this game will may just change your mind!
Notes: Would not suggest this Guitar Hero for Younger Teens due to the sophisticated nature & suggestions of the songs by featured artists. Parental discretion is advised. The rating is Teen although, no official parental advisory is issued.
Stars: 5
Awards: N/A
Extras: http://metallica.guitarhero.com/
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Bad Girls Don't Die, By: Katie Alender
By: Katie AlenderPublisher: Hyperion
Publish Date: April 21, 2008
ISBN: 1423108760
Page #: 352 pages
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Horror, Fantasy
Age Level: Older Teen
Series Title: n/a
Subjects: Ghosts, Family, Fitting In
Reader's Annotation: Alexis shows herself to the world as your typical interesting teen with pink hair and a cool photography hobby. The problem is, Alexis is more alone then most teens. Her parents are self-absorbed and she lacks any real companions. Her hobby and her sister are what keep her afloat. Suddenly the things that seem secure aren't. Life is starting to become scary and unexplainable and Alexis must figure it out all on her own.
Synopsis: Alexis thought she led a typically dysfunctional high school existence. Dysfunctional like her parents' marriage; her doll-crazy twelve-year-old sister, Kasey; and even her own anti-social, anti-cheerleader attitude.
When a family fight results in some tearful sisterly bonding, Alexis realizes that her life is creeping from dysfunction into danger. Kasey is acting stranger than ever: her blue eyes go green sometimes; she uses old-fashioned language; and she even loses track of chunks of time, claiming to know nothing about her strange behavior. Their old house is changing, too. Doors open and close by themselves; water boils on the unlit stove; and an unplugged air conditioner turns the house cold enough to see their breath in. Alexis wants to think that it's all in her head, but soon, what she liked to think of as silly parlor tricks are becoming life-threatening--to her, her family, and to her budding relationship with the class president. Alexis knows she's the only person who can stop Kasey -- but what if that green-eyed girl isn't even Kasey anymore? (Via AMZN)
Notes: Not for readers who are not interested in fantasy or horror. Slightly scary, Bad Girls Don't Die, isn't afraid to push the fictional envelope. Bad Girls Don't Die is an enjoyable debut novel by Katie Alender. It is a page turner that satisfies your need for a bit of a horror-thriller, while at the same time delivering issues of feeling like a misfit and dealing with family issues.
Stars: 4 Stars
Awards: n/a
Discussion Guide (Contains Spoilers): http://katiealender.com/downloads/BGDDdiscussionguide.pdf
OFFICIAL BOOK TRAILER:
OFFICIAL BOOK TRAILER:
ghostgirl, By Tonya Hurley
By: Tonya HurleyPublisher: Little, Brown Young Readers
Publish Date:
ISBN: 0316113573
Page #: 336 pages
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Fantasy
Age Level: Older Teen
Series Titles:
ghostgirl
homecoming (YTBR) Available for pre-order here
Subjects: Popularity & Death
Reader's Annotation: In a story that is about as sweet as death can be, Charlotte Usher meets her maker by choking on a gummy bear. And now that she's dead, she's is hoping she will rest in utter popularity!
Synopsis: Charlotte Usher feels sadly transparent at school, and this is before she dies! Then one day she really is dead. Now that she is truly see-through (and in as cute a way as the cover of this book: because she choked on a gummy bear) she decides she can go about her goals another way. Being in the here after doesn't halt Charlotte
Notes: "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep.And if I should die before I awake, I pray the popular attend my wake."
Stars: 5 Stars
Awards:
Extras: R.I.P. - Read In Peace http://www.ghostgirl.com/
Awards:
Extras: R.I.P. - Read In Peace http://www.ghostgirl.com/
NYPL teens talks about ghostgirl:
A truly Incredible Fan Project:
Marked (House of Night, Book 1) Vol. 1., By: P.C. Cast & Kirsten Cast
By: P.C. Cast & Kirsten CastPublisher: New York, New York:
St. Martin's Griffin, A Division of Macmillan.
Publish Date: 2007
ISBN: 0312360266
Page #: 320
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Fantasy
Age Level: Older Teen
Series Title: House of Night Series
Four more books follow
Marked: Chosen, Betrayed, Untamed, and Hunted.
Subjects: Fantasy, Vampire
Reader's Annotation: Zoey is marked. In her world vampyres are not fiction AND they are permitted by society. vampyres have a "mark" that identifies them at which point they go to the House of Night school where they become vampyres themselves or they fail to make the change, they cease to exist.
Synopsis: In P.C. Casts new Vampire series, she pens it along with her teenage daughter Kirsten. Marked is marked by the fact that it has actual input from a teen. As a result the series sets itself in a league of its own. Vampires in this narrative are normal until puberty at which point they become selected, by chance, as a candidate for the change. If a teen is selected a group is set out to find them and mark them. The mark is a crescent moon on the forehead (which seasoned fantasy readers will recognize from The Mists of Avalon, and therefore connect the goddess references). Upon receiving their mark, soon to be, but not fully changed vampires get sent to a special school for the training of the undead. The scary part is, if you body doesn’t accept the change you die. And, a special sign has marked Zoey. One that is rare for a vampire so young.
Notes: Speckled with less then clean language and some sexual encounters, the book should be for the older teen. Four more books follow it: Chosen, Betrayed, Untamed, and Hunted.
Stars: 4Extras: http://www.houseofnightseries.com/
You simply must visit the House of Night's Website.
It's Beautiful and a fan of the series will be in interweb heaven. You can create your own "mark" on this website an explore a "yearbook" for the House of Night vampyre school!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Blue Bloods, By Melissa De La Cruz
By: Melissa De La Cruz Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Publish Date: 2006
ISBN: 0786838922
Page #: 320
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Fantasy
Age Level: Older Teen
Series Title: Blue Bloods
Masquerade
Revelations
Subjects: vampires, high-society, fantasy
Synopsis: Ok, Gossip Girl fans, I have a vampire book just for you. Those Mahanttan elites are just too perfect right? Well in De La Cruz’s Blue Bloods, the story’s main character Schuyler Van Alen doesn’t fit in. But on her 15th birthday everything changes. She can see a myriad of blue veins in her arms and she finds that although she thought she didn’t fit in, she has more in common with the wealthy elite then she ever knew. De La Cruz broaches teen subject matter’s such as anorexia and social classes in a new, fantatic way. Though somewhat risqué, for language, drugs, & sexuality, De La Cruz manages to “suck” you in anyway. This is the "OMFG" (reference: Gossip Girl’s Advertising Scheme) of Vampire books!
Stars: 4
Extras:
Subjects: vampires, high-society, fantasy
Reader's Annotation: Schuyler Van Alen is having a hard time fitting in with the too perfect upper elite. Perhaps the high society blood that runs through the upper east side is something darker then societal royalty, and Schuyler may have more in common with them then she thought.
Synopsis: Ok, Gossip Girl fans, I have a vampire book just for you. Those Mahanttan elites are just too perfect right? Well in De La Cruz’s Blue Bloods, the story’s main character Schuyler Van Alen doesn’t fit in. But on her 15th birthday everything changes. She can see a myriad of blue veins in her arms and she finds that although she thought she didn’t fit in, she has more in common with the wealthy elite then she ever knew. De La Cruz broaches teen subject matter’s such as anorexia and social classes in a new, fantatic way. Though somewhat risqué, for language, drugs, & sexuality, De La Cruz manages to “suck” you in anyway. This is the "OMFG" (reference: Gossip Girl’s Advertising Scheme) of Vampire books!
Stars: 4
Extras:
Series Website: http://www.bluebloodsbooks.com/
Author Gives Advice to Young Writers: http://melissa-delacruz.com/index.php/info/advice/
Official Trailer:
Great Fan Trailer:
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