Monday, July 20, 2009

A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L'Engle


A Wrinkle in Time, is a artful masterpiece that has captivated readers since 1962. I first read this novel as a young girl and found later that it appeals to all ages. It is the story of young Meg Murry who in the course of events is visited by three celestial beings. These creatures inform Meg and her family that her long lost father is alive but being held captive in another dimension. Meg's journey had many underlying themes that include religious allusions and a fascinating array of symbolism. Also the evil entity IT, is sure to give anyone the creeps. A Wrinkle in Time is a classic that will never fade and should be read at least once in one's life. Reader's of all sorts are sure to enjoy this book and Sci-fi fans will drool over it.
P:5 Q:5

Mushishi by Yuki Urushibara

Enter the world of ancient Japan, where mysterious creatures called Mushi roam about freely as they please. Some Mushi serve good purposes, such as keeping the land green and growing. Others, usually parasitic Mushi, can cause illness and other issues of health among the people in the villages. Enter Ginko, a strange, white-haired, one-eyed wanderer that disposes of the dangerous types of Mushi. Ginko, and many others that are gifted enough to actually see the invisible Mushi, are called Mushishi. The reader follows Ginko on his journeys across Japan, discovering different types of Mushi and why they do what they do, for better of for worse. Along the way, Ginko's mysterious past and his experience with Mushi slowly begins to unravel. It seems the only question that isn't answered so far in the series is why Ginko wears modern day clothing, when the rest of the dwellers of Japan wear the traditional garb of their time.

It is easy to say that Yuki Urushibara is a genius at character design and storytelling, as well as art. While the style is sketchy and uncertain at the beginning of the story, the lines become firm and the plot becomes evident. With stunning drawings and creative tales about all the different types of Mushi, Yuki Urushibara's 'Mushishi' can attract even the most disinterested of readers.

Q 5
P 4

**This title is available through InterLibrary Loan**

Sunrise Over Fallujah by Walter Dean Myers

Sunrise Over Fallujah Robin “Birdy” Perry is from Harlem, New York. He joined the Army, against his father’s wishes. Yeah, he had other choices, mainly going to college to study finance. But after the terrorist attacks on 9-11, Robin felt a duty to his country, an obligation to stand up and defend his home, like his Uncle Richie had done in Vietnam (Fallen Angels).

It’s February 2003 and Operation Iraqi Freedom is underway. Birdy is part of the Civil Affairs Unit, which is being sent out as a mediator between the military and the civilians, hoping to stabilize and secure Iraq, by delivering medical care and supplies among other things.

But WAR is not what Birdy expected. It’s easy to identify uniformed Coalition Forces. But how do you tell who the enemy is? And with Saddam Hussein out of power, why are we still there?

Join Birdy for a close-up look at the reality of serving in Iraq, as he finds himself in the middle of sandstorms that last for days, having to leave the so-called safe zones at all hours for missions that are increasingly dangerous, and never knowing if he will make it home to patch things up with his dad.

View all my Goodreads reviews

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Boneman's Daughters by: Ted Tekker




Boneman's Dauthers written by Ted Dekker, is a story of devotion, love, and pain that a father will go through for his Daughter. Ryan Evans- the not so perfect father left his family 7 years ago to follow his dream of becoming a naval intelligence officer over in the Middle East. After surviving as a P.O.V.- and the trauma that has consumed his mind. He realizes the effects that War has on innocent families, and the lives that are taken. He heads back to Texas to win his wife back, and become the father Claire (his daughter) has always wanted. Everything changes upon Ryan's arrival- everything that he has suffered from war- all the devotion, and relation is all questioned. In an instant everything changes when Boneman- a serial killer from Texas takes Claire who he believes is "his" perfect daughter. The only problem is, when a daughter fails to reach his expectations- he breaks their bones one by one, and Claire is number 8 on his list of daughters. All the evidence points that Ryan is the Boneman. In the end the hunter will be the hunted, and only ONE father will survive. Ted Dekker's description and suspense will leave you breathless as you work your way through the novel.
Ratings:
5Q
4P
=]

Saturday, July 11, 2009

As Sure As Dawn by Francine Rivers



As sure As the Dawn is written by Francine Rivers, and is the third and final book in The Mark of the Lion series.
Atretes has survived ten years as a gladiator in the roman Colosseum. Supervisors and game hosts filled his days with human rewards, beatings, and fighting to survive at all costs.
Out of the arena at last, but still unable to let go of his victims, Atretes becomes bored, and drunk. Suddenly receiving information that his son lives, Atretes begins to make preparations to travel back to his home, Germania, where he was taken years ago. With his son in his arms, Atretes begins the perilous journey. Also accompanying him, is Rizpah, a widow with a past, and a roman centurion, Theophilus. Atretes, still bitter and angry over what he lost and Rome took, trusting Theophilus, and even Rizpah is still a big challenge. With Germania becoming ever closer, Atretes must ultimately decide whether he will lead his people to faith, or to eternal darkness.
Q5
P4

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix (The Missing #1)

Found Angela, a new airport employee, watches in confusion as an airplane mysteriously appears at the terminal gate. The plane was not a scheduled flight, didn't not appear on any radar, and thus officially did not land. Upon further investigation, the plane is found void of pilot and crew. But a single sound alerts Angela that the plane in not truly empty. Rather every one of the 36 seats is filled, each with a baby. Even stranger still is the fact that the plane once again vanishes into thin air after the babies are safe inside the terminal.

Thirteen years later, Jonah and Chip each receive a letter in the mail. The envelope is plain white with no return address and the letter has no signature. Only 6 words appear on the page: "You are one of the missing."

Found is the fast paced introduction to the newest series by Margaret Peterson Haddix.

View all my Goodreads reviews.

Monday, July 06, 2009

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Along for the RideThe summer after senior year... The end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter. For Auden, a studious girl more interested in literature than lip gloss, the summer provides an opportunity to catch up with her father, step-mother, and newborn sister, Thisbe. It also promises new adventures and the possibility of change. Upon arriving in the beach town of Colby, Auden realizes she's missed out on a lot of life while keeping her nose to grindstone. Fortunately if she's willing to go along for the ride, Auden's chance meeting of a fellow insomniac paired with his midnight adventures may help Auden find herself and finally see the world for the first time.

View all my Goodreads reviews.

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