Circe by Madeline Miller

The amazing cover for Circe by Madeline Miller.

Growing up, my local Library had a set of books about Greek and Roman mythology.  I remember they were blue and illustrated, and I probably checked them out a dozen times each.  Can't tell you the author or publisher, but they were blue. I have always found Greek mythology fascinating.   How anyone could keep that many Goddesses, Gods, Demigods, Titans, Olympians, etc. straight is beyond me. The way all the main players are intertwined by birth or marriage and how they love and hate each other creates for a never ending line of stories.  

Circe by Madeline Miller is about Circe, daughter of the God Helios and the Nymph Perse, and how she becomes one of the first witches.  Circe tells her story from the beginning, of how as a child she was very different from her siblings. Told from the very beginning that she is ugly and told to never speak, we learn Circe looks and sounds human.  With no obvious power, it takes years for Circe to discover that her powers lay in witchcraft. After she transforms a childhood enemy into a horrific monster, Zeus banishes her to an island to live her immortal life in exile.  

Circe, now completely alone on her island, must learn to provide for and protect herself.  Devoting her time to spells and potions allows her to protect herself from the unwanted attentions of sailors who find themselves stranded on her shores.  

I loved how she turned the sailors into pigs. Literal pigs.  Then she kept them in a pigsty.

She also has to protect herself from the island's creatures.  Early on, she encounters a wild boar.  "His pig-eyes said:  I can break a hundred youths and send their bodies back to wailing mothers.  I will tear your entrails and eat them for my lunch.  I fixed my gaze on his.  'Try,' I said." 

When the boar wanders away, CIrce leaves us with this: "I tell you, for all my spells, that was the first time I truly felt myself a witch."

I think Try would make for a great tattoo...

But Circe isn’t alone for long.  She finds herself surrounded by the disgraced daughters of kings.  She meets the famed Daedalus before he meets his fate with his son Icarus.  Odysseus stays on her island for nearly year and leaves behind the most precious gift, a son that he won’t know of for nearly 20 years.  

Within Circe, we get all the best of Greek mythology:  drama, heartache, deception, and fantastical creatures.  Circe is sensitive by nature and becomes strong by circumstance.  Miller takes us on an incredible journey to watch Circe grow into her craft.  Also, watching Circe really struggle at motherhood was completely relatable.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  The writing was incredible and the pacing was fast enough to keep your interest.

You can order your copy, and help support the site, here: 

CIRCE (#1 New York Times bestseller)

By Madeline Miller

Buy on Amazon

Circe by Madeline Miller is available now from LIttle, Brown.  

Blood Fury by J. R. Ward

Book #3 in the Black Dagger Legacy series.

Back when my son was a baby and it seemed too big of a hassle to keep him quiet in a library so I could select books, I discovered my library's collection of ebooks.  Scrolling through thousands of choices can be very overwhelming but I have always been a science-fiction, fantasy, and paranormal fan.  I found a random vampire book and checked it out.  That book was Dark Lover, book one in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series and I was instantly hooked.  

There are now 18 books in the Brotherhood series and Blood Fury is the third book in the spin-off series, Black Dagger Legacy.  

I own them all.  Even the Bourbon Kings and Fallen Angels series.  J. R. Ward knows how to do vampires. 

With all of the variations in vampire lore, there is a vampire for everyone.  Mine don't sparkle.  My vampires are 6' 5", 350, and carry daggers.  They have psychic gifts, fighting skills, and more money than they will ever be able to spend in their incredibly long lifetimes.  They also turn in to puppies when they're mates are around.  They have a complex set of social rules and expectations and are led by their King, Wrath son of Wrath.  Wrath is protected by the Black Dagger Brotherhood, a tight knit group of warriors who protect the King and all vampires from their deadly enemy the Lessers.  The Brotherhood live mostly together in the mansion filled with servants, a medical wing and a training facility.  The Legacy series focuses the younger vampires who are participating in the new training program for Brotherhood recruits. 

I love how the books are structured-each book containing multiple story lines that intertwine and pick up in later books.  However, that also makes summarizing the books tricky.  Each book has it's focus couple, and for this book, it's Peyton and Novo.  

Peyton is part of an aristocratic family with one duty-mate a suitable female and get her pregnant.  But the hard partying playboy has one woman on his radar and she fell in love with another man.  After a wrong decision in a battle with the Lessers that causes his fellow trainee Novo to nearly die, he realizes that it's time grow up and reassess his life.  

Novo has her own family drama to deal with.  After leaving home to prove herself in the Brotherhood's training program and keeping herself isolated from her family and peers, she is dragged back in to the family drama with her sister Sophya's  upcoming wedding.  Not only did her sister ask her to be the maid of honor at her wedding, a human style wedding, but Sophya is marrying Novo's ex-boyfriend.  The ex-boyfriend who also got Novo pregnant and left her to deal with the unplanned pregnancy and the sudden miscarriage all on her own.  Novo and Peyton are brought together after Peyton finally realizes he’ll never have Paradise, his best friend, and he nearly kills Novo.  While recovering from her injuries during the disastrous battle with the Lessers, Novo needs blood to speed her recovery.  Guess who has the magic blood that makes everything all better?  Yep, Peyton.  Guess who gets hit by the love freight train?  Peyton again.  

Unfortunately for the two of them, their relationship does not develop smoothly.  Past hurts, family drama, and social expectations get in the way.  Peyton learns that his father has secured an arranged marriage for him.  Luckily for him, his bride-to-be is not interested in getting married and gives Peyton the heads up he needs to try to make it all go away.  Meanwhile, Novo is still trying to heal from her injuries while her sister guilt trips her into helping with the wedding planning. 

Throughout all the pain and deception, the two do find love.  It’s an amazing ride full of twists, forgiveness, and self-discovery.  

Alongside this story, we finally get the HEA for Saxton.  Oh, Saxton, the hot and sexy lawyer for the King.  He had once found love with Blaylock only to have his heart broken when Blay was able to reconcile with Qhuinn.  When Blay asks Saxton to look into a legal matter for a friend, Saxton is reluctant to work any more closely with Blay than needed.  But after hearing the tale of a lonely widow being harassed by a local developer, Saxton can’t help but step in.  When the situation turns dangerous, the King appoints Ruhn to be his bodyguard.   Ruhn spent much of his life enslaved as a fighter and has worked hard to overcome the trauma.   Ashamed by his lack of education, Ruhn tries hard to fit in at the mansion and be useful, and the role of guard is the first chance he has to prove himself.  Mistaking Saxton’s interest as disapproval, Ruhn is hurt further by the confusion he feels at his own feelings towards Saxton.  Luckily, the two man have one passion in common-old houses.  Remember the widow being harrassed by developers?  

J. R. Ward writes some very steamy books and this one is no exception.  I do think that she doesn’t give fair play to the gentlemen in this one.   I just think that Saxton finally getting the man of his dreams should include more of the fun times.  
But that’s me. 

This is an amazing series with great world building and characters.  It’s an automatic preorder for me.  I know, this book came out in January and I’m just now writing about it.  It’s my absolute favorite series of all time and I waited four months to read it.  Ward also only publishes one book a year.  That’s a long time to wait for the next book, especially after I stayed up late so I could read it all in one sitting.  

It’s that good.  

Fair warning, these books are very explicit in language, sex, drug use, violence, you name it.

You can get your copy here:

Blood Fury: Black Dagger Legacy

By J.R. Ward

Buy on Amazon

The Merry Spinster, Tales of Everyday Horror by Mallory Ortberg

Those teeth!

After reading and hearing so many good things about this book I couldn't wait for my hold to finally come in at the Library.  I actually finished this about a week ago when my youth department was still decorated for early spring/Easter.  Reading the short story The Rabbit while sitting at my desk eating lunch was a very creepy experience.  I swear all the stuffed bunnies were staring at me.  Like they knew what I was reading.  Like stuffed bunnies talk.  

The Merry Spinster, Tales of Everyday Horror is a short story collection that takes our well-loved and well-known childhood stories and makes them dark, creepy, and chilling.  The title story, The Merry Spinster is a play on the Beauty and the Beast tale.  In this version, it's Beauty's mother, not father who stumbles upon the Beast.  The mother, a rich executive, heads to the city to take care of some investments.  While on her way home, she became horribly lost and ran out of gas.  After wandering around trying to find help she stumbles across a great house that is all lit up but no one answers the door.  What does she do?  She walks in. 

Guess where this is going?

After helping herself to some dinner the mother decides to tour the house and grounds.  The bottle of wine that she drank at dinner may have helped with that decision.  Wine bottle in hand, she heads out to pick the roses that she promised to bring her daughter Beauty.  When the Beast, or Mr. Beale in this version, confronts her about stealing and trespassing, the mother is pretty unapologetic.  True to the tale, the mother has to give up Beauty to come live with Mr. Beale.  

Unfortunately for Mr. Beale, he didn't do any research on his new bride and he had no idea what he was getting in to.  

Not every story was a winner for me.  Not going to lie-The Thankless Child went right over my head.  

The Rabbit was deliciously creepy.  That one I enjoyed the most and I don't want to spoil any of it.  I don't think I'll look at stuffed animals the same way again.  Overall this was a great collection and I didn't realize how much I liked short story collections until I read this.  

Since this book was published the author has transitioned genders and now goes by Daniel Mallory Ortberg.  

You can get the book here: 

A Conspiracy in Belgravia by Sherry Thomas

A Conspiracy in Belgravia, book 2 in The Lady Sherlock Series, is available now from Sherry Thomas. 

Do you ever have those books that you have to preorder but then put off reading because if you read it now, it's that much longer before the next book comes out?  I know, it doesn't make sense logically or mathematically, but I do it anyways.  I've had this book for months and I've finally given in and read it.  And then the ending happened. 

The ending!  I was mad and sad and excited and frustrated and I NEED THE NEXT BOOK!!!

If you'd like to see my thoughts on Book 1, A Study in Scarlet Women, check out my post here.

Charlotte Holmes, along with her friend and assistant Mrs. Watson, has been quite successful with her investigative business.  Posing as "Sherlock" Holmes, she has handled all types of cases.  One day, a message comes from a new client that could break Charlotte's cover-and end a long-time friendship.  

Lady Ingram, married to Charlotte's friend and not-so-secret crush Lord Ingram, has come to Sherlock Holmes to help find a lost love.  Years before, knowing that marriage would never be an option, Lady Ingram makes a pact to pass by the same spot every year to see her former love.  For the first time, he does not show.  Worried that something terrrible has happened to him, Lady Ingram asks "Sherlock" to help find him.  Who is this former flame that Lady Ingram can't get over?  Charlotte's half-brother Myron Finch, who Charlotte has never met.  

Charlotte is now forced to decide between loyalty to her business, her family, and her friend Lord Ingram.  Throughout the investigation, Charlotte learns more about her brother, recieves a surprise marriage proposal, her sister falls in love, and barely escapes an attempted abduction. 

I love this series.  There are only two books so far but they are so fast paced and entertaining that it feels like there are more.  Sherry Thomas writes a great mystery and she can really keep you guessing all the way to the end.  I also really enjoy the way the women in this book work together to not just look out for each other, but how they really care about and support each other.  Livia Holmes, Charlotte's sister, is a great character.  She is still at home, dealing with parents who really don't like her or understand her.  She is determined to follow her passion and write the adventures of "Sherlock Holmes" but is kept back due to society's rules.  I've really enjoyed watching her character grow and I'm eager to see what happens next with her.  

Love this series-just read it, you won't be disappointed.  

You can get your copy here: 

A Conspiracy in Belgravia (The Lady Sherlock Series)

By Sherry Thomas

Buy on Amazon

Half World by Hiromi Goto

Inter-library loan copy of Half World by Hiromo Goto.

Some of the best books I’ve read lately have been recommended by people I’ve never met.  This one, for example, came from a member of a Facebook group for the Books & Brews podcast.  It’s a book that I never would have found on my own and probably would have passed up had I seen it.  It was also a simple post-here’s a book I like and has anyone else read it? Sometimes those low-key testimonials are the best endorsements for a book.  I tend to shy away from books that become too popular too fast. I haven’t read Gone Girl or The Girl on the Train.  They must be good-everyone else has read them.  Which is why I probably won’t. Make sense? I know it doesn’t.  It’s just how I am.

In Half World, we follow young Melanie on a life changing journey through the realms.  Melanie is always on the outside, lonely, unpopular, and living with her unstable mother.  Living on the edge of poverty and without any family, Melanie is barely hanging on to her mother who is spending more and more of her time drinking.  While trying to avoid the mean girls at school, Melanie finds herself at home in an empty apartment. Her mother, who barely leaves the apartment is now missing.  

Following a string of mysterious clues, Melanie learns of the three realms:  the Realm of Flesh, the Realm of Spirit, and Half World. With the help of a kind neighbor and her magical gifts, Melanie makes her way to Half World to find her mother.  Once there, Melanie finds a world of unlikely human-animal hybrids, impossible buildings, and nightmares come to life; a world ruled by the evil Mr. Glueskin. Melanie must believe in herself in order to find the strength to rescue her mother from the evil ruler and free all of those who are stuck in his vicious cycle of half living.

I’m not usually one for coming of age stories.  They tend to be overly sweet and angsty. This one really hit the right balance for me.  Melanie is fourteen. She’s overweight, unpopular, and not the best at school. Yet, she is still able to find her way to another realm, defeat every obstacle that comes her way-barely, and save the world.  It’s the barely part that I appreciate. She nearly gives up over and over again.

In to YA Fantasy?  Try this one out. It doesn’t disappoint.  

Church of Marvels by Leslie Parry

Illinois Reads is an initiative by the Illinois Reading Council to encourage readers of all ages to try out books by Illinois authors.  Contrary to popular belief, Illinois does have some positives.  We have amazing state parks-not necessarily well funded, but beautiful, you can experience all four seasons within a day, and we have great authors.  Leslie Parry is one of them. 

I typically spend most of my time reading through the children's selection of the Illinois Reads list.  I mean, there's a lot of books to get through and I do have to plan the events that go along with the books for the Library.  But this book from the Adult list looked too good to pass up.  It's amazing! It's completely bananas!  It's also completely engrossing and beautifully written.  There are so many twists that spoilers are very difficult to avoid.  

Odile and Bella Church are twin sisters raised amongst the lights and noise of the circus.  Surrounded by colorful characters, the talented twins grow up to be strong and independent young women until tragedy destroys their family. 

Sylvan was found as a small child, alone and ill in a cellar.  Raised by his rescuers, he faces loss and struggle throughout his early life.  Now as a young man, he finds an infant in a privy.  Barely alive, the baby stirs in Sylvan a sense of duty and protectiveness that he didn't know he had. 

Alphie, a young woman in a strained marriage, wakes up confused and scared in a mental asylum.  Thinking it has to be her overbearing mother-in-law, she waits for her husband to come rescue her.  While at the asylum, she meets a beautiful but extraordinary young woman who will be vital to her continued survival.  

The characters were so well written-each one with a story that is both tragic and inspiring in some way.   Odile and Bella grew up as performers in The Church of Marvels, a Coney Island sideshow that is owned by their mother.  Surrounded by performers, lions, and thrill-seeking crowds, their world is turned upside down after a tragic fire.  When Bella leaves shortly after learning of their mother's death, Odile firmly believes she'll return home soon.  But months go by and there is no word from Bella.  Using what little clues Bella left behind, Odile meets Sylvan, a young man who is also looking for her sister.  After learning her sister may have had a child, Odile becomes even more intent on finding her sister. 

Meanwhile, Alphie has worked hard to survive on the streets of NYC.  Once she marries her soul mate, she believes her life can only become better.  But her oppressive mother-in-law has other plans for the woman who is definitely not good enough for her son.   Snide comments about her choice in clothing, food, and a lack of a first born child make Alphie's newlywed days very grim.  It's after Alphie hatches a plot to give her mother-in-law a grandchild, that Alphie's life becomes even more unbearable. 

There are so many spoilers in this book that it's hard to discuss without ruining the ending.   This book was both absolutely amazing and bizarre.  How the author was able to weave the different story lines together to create this novel is beyond me.  Each situation the characters find themselves in becomes more complex and fantastic but still manages to remain completely plausible.  Highly enjoyable and an incredible read.  Definitely recommend! 

Church of Marvels: A Novel

By Leslie Parry

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The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

One of the most gorgeous covers!

The cover!  This is a gorgeous book and has one of the prettiest set of endpapers I've ever seen.  I'm trying to find a way to display it face out because it deserves better than to be hidden on a shelf.

The Hazel Wood lived up to all the hype.  A book of mysterious and dark fairytales that creates and destroys a family fortunes and causes a decades long family rift will also lead Alice Crewes on a deadly adventure to discover who she truly is.  

Alice Crewes and her mother Ella spend close to two decades moving from one friend's guest room to the next.  Crisscrossing the country and leaving behind a wake of bad luck, Alice and her mother never return to the Hazle Wood, her Grandmother's mythical mansion bought at the peak of her career.  After disappearing for an unknown period of time during the 1960's, Alice's grandmother Althea publishes a collection of dark fairy tales that becomes a successful best seller. The book creates a cult following, especially after it was turned in to a film.  However, in the present day, there are very few copies of the book and Alice has never read the book herself and her mother does all she can to keep it that way.

When Alice and her mother receive a letter about Althea's death, they both believe that their lives will change for the better.  Ella marries the wealthy Harold in order to provide Alice with a comfortable life. Along with her snotty new stepsister, Alice is now living in a luxurious apartment and attending an expensive private school.  But Alice is still on the outside and is wary of all friendships and questions why another student, Ellery Finch, would try to be friends.

After returning home from school, Alice finds the apartment empty and smelling suspicious.  Having no one else to turn to, she goes to Ellery for help. After returning to the apartment with Ellery, she is confronted by her gun wielding stepfather and a very irritated step sister-but no mother.  Convinced her mother has been kidnapped, Alice sets out to save her.

Alice and Ellery find themselves facing the Hinterland-a mythical gang of fairytale characters who want Alice.  Alice is now faced with an enemy that she knows nothing about but that her family is intricately tied to.

Throughout her adventure, A lice has to rely on Ellery for his knowledge of the fairytales and his seemingly bottomless wallet.  There are a few points where you have to suspend belief to allow the teenagers to do what they do, but it’s also a book about evil fairy tales coming to life.  So. You know.

Alice and Ellery have a very interesting relationship.  It’s very hard to determine if one is using the other-and this changes directions over and over again.  Of all the random books, Ellery is obsessed with Tales from the Hinterland.  That reminded me of Lev Grossman’s The Magicians.  A favorite childhood book that leads to a world that isn’t quite what they hoped it would be.  

I wish I had better lighting and knew something about photography so you could see how beautiful these end papers are! 

Overall, I loved this book.  It is fast paced and full of complex characters and feels very much like it could be the start of a series.  

The Hazel Wood: A Novel

By Melissa Albert

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The Girl with the Red Balloon by Katherine Locke

The Girl with the Red Balloon available now from Katherine Locke

Yes, it also requires many flags.

Fantasy novels are supposed to make you rethink your surroundings.  Magical doorways, fairy circles, talking animals, and superpowers can all be found in our everyday lives masked by the ordinary.  Will you travel through time by walking up the back staircase? Can eating the perfect apple freshly picked from the tree lead to magical sleep?

Will holding a red balloon transport you through time? If you happen to be visiting the Berlin Wall in Germany while on a school trip, beware the red balloons.  

Growing up, Ellie Baum listened to her Grandfather tell the story of how he was rescued from a Nazi death camp by a magical red balloon.  Ellie always played the story off as fantasy and while visiting Germany herself on a class trip, she sees a beautiful red balloon and knows she needs a photo of herself with it.  But once she touches the balloon, she finds herself far away from the Berlin Wall Memorial, and at the Wall itself. Now in 1988 Berlin, Ellie meets Kai and Mitzi, two balloon runners who use the magical balloons to help people escape to West Berlin.  But how did Ellie get here? Where is the original balloon passenger? Who is tampering with the balloons and why?

This book was completely absorbing and incredibly well written.  I loved how quickly the story moved-the action was constantly moving.  The relationships between the characters was very relatable. How do you handle wanting to pursue a relationship or, even a friendship, when you're constantly trying to find your way home?  Through Ellie's discussions with her new friends and the flashbacks to her grandfather, there was a lot of Jewish history that was new to me. At one point, her grandfather Benno is telling the story of the Exodus to his future rescuer, Aurora.  After hearing the story of the Exodus, she complains that Jewish stories are sad and why aren't there any happy stories? Benno tells her, "I've told you two stories that end in freedom," I protested.  "How much happier could you ask for? I just loved that quote.

I really enjoyed this book and cannot recommend it highly enough.  I'm not a highlighter or underliner, but this book had more sticky flags in it than any other book I've read in a long time.  

The Girl with the Red Balloon (The Balloonmakers)

By Katherine Locke

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The Diviners by Libba Bray

Library copy of The Diviners by Libba Bray.  I know.  The tape.  I wanted to fix it but it's just not done.  Librarian Code. 

I found my Podcast soulmates!  Joscelyn and Pam host the Books & Brews Podcast which is the combination of my two favorite things, books and beers. It is such a fun listen-these gals love their books!  And, they're Canadian.  Bonus.  Except I can't find some of the beers that they discuss.  Maybe someday I'll have to take another trip up north.  This podcast has made morning chores far more enjoyable and has caused my TBR to topple.  You can find out more about these ladies and listen to their podcast on this book here:

What pairs well with a book about flappers, dance clubs, possessed children, teenagers with powerful magical gifts, and a murderer from beyond the grave? BEER! We dive into Libba Bray's The Diviners, with tasty brews from a magical Strange Fellows and Parkside Brewery collab. We had a LOT to say about this book (in case you can't tell). Hang onto your headbands... this one is pos-i-tute-ly awesome!

Seriously, check them out.  They're a blast!

The Diviners was an extremely fun and fast read considering it clocks in at a whopping 578 pages.  We follow Evangeline "Evie" O'Neill, the wealthy socialite daughter of the Secretary of the Zenith Women's Temperance Society and the town's most successful car dealer.  After getting caught spreading some unwelcome truth about the town's Golden Boy, our partry-loving Evie is shipped off to New York City to live with her bachelor Uncle Will.  Why her parents send her from Ohio to NYC, during Prohibition no less, to get Evie out of trouble is beyond me-but it makes for some really entertaining reading.  Her family is still dealing with death of Evie's older brother James who was serving in the war years before.  Within minutes of departing her train, Evie encounters Sam Lloyd, a young scam artist who steals $20 from Evie and becomes personally acquainted with her knee. 

Smart girl.

Along with his assistant Jericho Jones, Uncle Will is the owner of the Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult.  Full of mysterious objects ranging from spirit photographs to poppet dolls, the only thing the museum lacks is paying visitors.  

Once in the city, Evie meets up with her childhood best friend Mable and goes on to spend her time partying, shopping, and touring the city.  Along the way she meets up with an array of new friends:  an up-and-coming star Theta and her piano playing "brother" Henry, Memphis the number runner, and Sam comes back into picture.  This time though, he's working for Uncle Will.  All of these friends have one thing in common-every one of them has a special gift that they keep hidden.  We learn that they are all "Diviners," people with unique supernatural gifts that are as different as the people who have them.  

When Uncle Will is approached by Detective Malloy to help investigate an unsual murder, Evie charms her way on to the scene.  After accidentally using her gift, Evie comes in possession of clues that will become vital to the investigation.  Evie and her friends become an important part in taking down a sadistic cult and a crazed spirit, all while dodging police raids and pesky newspaper reporters.  But no more spoilers, promise.

There was so much that went on in this book.  I really enjoyed all the characters, and I'm curious to see how much more we learn about the actual history of the Diviners and the stories of all the side characters in the upcoming books.  The setting of Prohibition Era NYC was a lot of fun.  All of the glitzy outfits and the speakeasies and dancing girls.  It seemed like everyone was living in an apartment or hotel of some kind so there were several times that a well placed fire escape came in handy.  This book reminded me of Lev Grossman's The Magicians- a group of young adults who never met before have to come together to defeat a dark magical element all while partying their little hearts out. 

Excellent start to a series and highly recommend!   

The Diviners

By Libba Bray

Buy on Amazon

Ambitions

Most of the 2018 Rebecca Caudill Master List.

Last week, I finally put in the order for the 2018 Rebecca Caudill books I didn't already have on the shelf. Every one of these books looks amazing and now my TBR has been increased, again.  

Rebecca Caudill was an award winning children's author.  Born in Kentucky in 1899, she became a well-educated teacher and writer, earning a bachelor's degree from Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia and a Master's degree from Vanderbilt University.  Her first published children's book went on to become a Junior Library Guild selection.  

Each year schools, teachers, students, school librarians and media specialists and public librarians nominate books to be evaluated by the Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award Evaluator's Committee.  Those nominations are then whittled down to the 20 book Master List that is released each year.  There are many rules about what books can be nominated, such as publication dates, the person nominating the books has to have read it, and all books must appeal to children in grades 4-8.  

While re-shelving last year's books to make way for the new, I noticed several repeat authors.  I have more reading to do before I commit to how I feel about that.  Diversity in authors is always welcome-in fact, it's necessary for a well curated collection.  

It's my goal to read through the entire 2018 Master List this year.  You'll see my favorites in Chick Picks as they get read.  

Favorite Reads

When I found out I was pregnant with my son, it was mid-summer and that odd  gardening time where there isn't much to do but wait and let things grow.  I was still a teacher then and had plenty of time to myself.  I also needed to take things easy for a few weeks.

So I read. A lot.

I think I plowed through every Amanda Quick, Jayne Ann Krentz, and Jayne Castle book the Library owned at the time.  All three names belong to the same author and they cover her different writing styles.  

Amanda Quick is the named used for her historical novels.  I love these-they are everything that a historical romance should be.  Gorgeous dress descriptions, society rules, rakes and ruined women.  Her latest, The Girl Who Knew Too Much, was set in 1930's California and was an absolute delight to read. 

Just a few Library copies of Amanda Quick's best novels. 

Jayne Ann Krentz writes contemporary romance, mysteries, and thrillers.  Many of her books take place on the northwest coast, especially in Washington state.  Her books always contain a smart and independent female lead.

Absolutely, Positively love All Night Long

Jayne Castle books are my favorite.  These are sci-fi/fantasy reads that are set in the future.  The Harmony series is one of my favorites.  Humans find an energy veil/rift that they cross through to another world.  A world full of glowing stones, magical amber, and psychic abilities.  And dustbunnies.  Lots of dustbunnies.  

I think she has a type

Many of her books are written as series, giving you time to watch the characters really grow and develop.  Her series that include all three pen names are my favorites.  It's fun as a reader to find clues written in the historical novel that leads to solving the puzzle in the futuristic novels.  

Who is your favorite author?

The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter

I know, I'm rough on paperbacks. 

Book #1 in the Long Earth series.

The Long Earth opens with three of our most important characters.  Private Percy, a British soldier who finds himself in a field far away from the war.  Joshua Valiente, a newborn just birthed in a field.  I, who lives long ago on a shadow of our North America.  We learn very quickly of the Long Earth-our Earth has become/has always been multidimensional.  With the help of a device called a Step Box, which was invented by the mysterious Willis Linsay, people are able to “step” east or west to a different dimension of Earth. The step box only works for the individual who completes its’ construction and because this book has Terry Pratchett as an author, it’s powered by a potato.  Yep.  Potato.   I love it.

We follow Joshua on his journey with an AI named Lobsang, across more steps than anyone has ever taken before.  There are trolls, variations of every animal imaginable, untouched landscapes, and lands devastated by disaster.   Along the way, Joshua meets Sally Linsay, the daughter of the step box inventor, but it’s where Joshua meets her that is significant.  And the little fact that Sally has been stepping long before anyone else.  And that Private Percy?  He was a soldier from the first world war, presumed dead in battle, and then mysteriously shows up decades later still in his uniform and mumbling about Russians.  Another natural stepper?  How many are there?

Across the many Long Earths, people set out to find their fortunes on untouched worlds while others are left behind because they are physically unable to step.  We learn that government will always be government.  Starting a new life four earths over? That’s still owned by your home country and yeah, you’re paying taxes on it.  Can humans make a new life amongst trolls and unidentifiable species?  What happens to the people left behind?  Will humans destroy a new earth just like they’ve done to our original, Datum Earth? How far should humans go? How far can they go?  Who is I?  How was I created?  Is I influencing all of the Long Earths?

Mysteries.  

This book was so good.  I really liked how the Long Earth was explained within the first few pages so that you can just go along with the story and not have to try and wrap your head around dimensional travel.  It’s more about the characters and human behavior than physics.  It’s a slightly older book, from 2012, but it’s new to me and now I have to wait for book #2 to come so I can keep going.  

Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

Library copy of Nimona

Finding well written, Kid appropriate graphic novels can be tough.  I typically borrow 5-6 from the library's loan system, read them first, then pass them along to the Kid.  I read them for two reasons.  One, to make sure I don't do a repeat of the Deadpool incident. Two, I'm in charge of ordering books for the Youth Department at my Library.  It's research.  

This book was pulled from my bag and read before I even noticed it was missing.  The Kid was giggling the whole time he declared it awesome, medieval/futuristic, cool, and hilarious. 

The Kid was right.  This book is amazing.

We follow Nimona, a young woman who is on a mission to become the sidekick to Ballister Blackheart, a scientist/knight guy.  The world is never really explained in the book.  In fact, it felt like the world just kept changing so that the story could move forward.  Not complaining-it was very fun to follow.  Everyone wears medieval clothing and armor but there are super computers and 24 hour news channels.  In fact, at one point they discuss magic on the news.  And they question Lionheart's codpiece.  Yep. 

Anyways, Blackheart is trying to defeat his nemesis Goldenloin.  Yep, Goldenloin.  Who has long, golden hair.  They had a training session go wrong when they were younger and now Ballister has a mechanical arm.  Goldenloin works for The Institute set on world domination-or something like that.  It's called The Institute-they're bad.

While trying to prove how important to the missions she is, Ballister and Goldenloin discover that Nimona is far more blood-thirsty and dangerous than they could have imagined.  She can shape-shift in to dragons, foxes, and sleepy little cats.  When asked about her origins, Nimona tells a story fit for a book on fairy tales.  Is it true?  Who knows.  

This book was full of action, complex characters, hilarious one-liners, and really fun world building.  I mean, the lines about game night with the henchmen were perfect!  The Kid loved it, I loved it, and someone else needs to read it because I want to talk.    

Nimona

By Noelle Stevenson

Buy on Amazon

Vacationland by John Hodgman

I've mentioned before that I love podcasts-and I'm not done talking about them.  If you hop on the listening train of Stuff You Missed in History Class, this will will lead you to a detour of Stuff You Should Know, which then will make another stop at Movie Crush, and then you would finally end up at Judge John Hodgman.  We binged multiple episodes on our long drive to Florida.

So of course, I bought the book.  Also, it was all over Instagram.  

John Hodgman gives us a collection of essays covering how and why he has not one, but two vacation homes on the East coast.  This collection should be pretentious and annoying-I mean, he bought a boat! There's a whole essay on how he accidentally bought a boat! Have you ever accidentally bought a boat? No? 

His writing is actually very relatable.  His stories reinforce the idea that there is a group of adults out there who are not born with the innate ability to know everything.  Should cereal go down the garbage disposal? Apparently not.  Should one know where the septic system is? Probably.  Is it ok to talk to your neighbors? Depends on where you live. 

I found the book very enjoyable.  He's written several others and they've  been added to the never ending TBR...

The Girl with all the Gifts by M. R. Carey

The Girl with all the Gifts by M. R. Carey

The Girl with all the Gifts  by M. R. Carey

This book was wonderfully terrifying! 

Melanie is a very smart little girl who goes to school and tries very hard to impress her teacher.  She loves listening to the books that her favorite teacher, Miss Justineau reads to her class.  Books about the Greek myths, Winnie-the-Pooh, and history.  Melanie is incredibly smart and can memorize all sorts of facts about math, geography and populations.  We learn as the book progresses that the world Melanie learns about in her classes is not the world found outside.  

Melanie is not like other little girls.  Melanie doesn't know this.  

Melanie and her classmates live on a military base with soldiers, researchers, and scientists.  The children are all kept locked in their cells at night and strapped in to wheelchairs during the day.  We learn very quickly through Melanie's descriptions of her daily life that she is not a normal child.  She has guns drawn on her, takes chemical showers, and is fed only once a week. 

There is no touching.

As the book progresses, we learn how the world fell apart.  How humanity has tried to hold on and rebuild.  Dr. Caroline Caldwell, head scientist on the base, believes that Melanie and her classmates are the key to humanity's future.  It is only when Melanie is brought to Dr. Caldwell to assist in an experiment that we learn how low humanity has fallen.  

While Melanie is strapped to an exam table, the base is attacked by hungaries.  These hungaries were once human and are now just a vehicle for a mysterious and deadly fungal infection that has destroyed the human race.  With the help of Miss Justineau and two soldiers, the surviving members of the base embark on a journey to find safety.  

Any more and I'll spoil the book.  This was an intense and amazing read.  The audio book version that I listened to was narrated by Finty Williams.  I firmly believe that a narrator can make or break an audio book. I have DNF'd many audio books because the narration was horrible. Williams' performance was incredible.  Listening to her polished, British accented voice describe human dissection was chilling.  

The Boy on the Bridge  is book #2 in the Hungary Plague Series.  

The Night Masquerade by Nnedi Orkorafor

The Night Masquerade by Nnedi Orkorafor 

The Night Masquerade is the third book in the Biniti trilogy.  I don't want to think about it being the last book in this series, I'm hoping that there will be more.  I also understand that trilogies only have three books.  

I'm in book denial.

Also, spoilers ahead.

Binti is a young woman from earth and the first of her tribe to leave the planet and attend the Intergalactic school called Oomza Uni.  The first two books in the series describe her incredible and harrowing journey to the university and her first year at school.  Book three puts Binti back on earth and on a mission to end the violence between the Khoush and the Meduse.

The Night Masquerade opens with Binti trying to reach her family after experiencing their deaths in a terrifying nightmare.  She makes this journey with Mwinyi, a young man from her father's tribe who is helping her after she has her zinariya abilities unlocked.  I am not going to pretend to understand everything that she experienced.  Needless to say, it was intense and life changing.  Along their journey, Binti is faced with her new abilities, visions of the Night Masquerade,  a war between two enemies, and the loss of her family.  

Did I mention she's only 17?

Orkorafor's writing is magical.  You can feel the sand beneath your feet as Binti is traveling through the desert.  You can smell her otjize as she applies it to her skin.  I really want to travel in one of those space shrimps.  It sounds amazing-traveling through space in a living creature who has plants growing inside of her.  

One thing that I love about this series is Binti always knows who she is.  She truly believes in her abilities and doesn't back down or let others shake her confidence.  She is proud of her math abilities and the skill of her family members.  Her family is well respected because of their skill in creating the best astrolabes-small devices that individuals wear.  They are not seen as lower class because they work with their hands.  

Towards the end of the book, an event occurs with Biniti that took all my willpower to not read the last few pages to see how it all ended.  And I mean all my willpower.  

A Study in Scarlet Women

Even my rough treatment of this book can't diminish how gorgeous this cover is!

Several months ago, I listened to an interview with Leah and Bea Koch on the Smart Podcast, Trashy Books podcast.  If you haven't listened to this podcast yet, stop what you are doing and go listen.  It's fantastic. 

I'll wait.

Leah and Bea own an independent bookstore in Los Angeles called The Ripped Bodice.  It's on my bucket list to visit but in the meantime, I can order from them online and pretend to give Fitzwilliam Waffles snuggles.  He has an Instagram account-check it out.

While browsing their signed  books section I stumbled across Sherry Thomas' book, A Study in Scarlet Women.  It's a gender-flipped Sherlock Holmes retelling.  I had to have it.  

This book was everything that I was hoping it would be.  Charlotte Holmes has no desire to marry, but instead wants to become the Headmistress of a school and live her life on her own.  As one can imagine, these plans did not sit well with her parents.  Charlotte's plans for independence lead to a family scandal, a string of mysterious murders, and an interesting new friendship.  

I really loved this book.  The characters were so well developed and the story flowed so well that I was able to finish it only two nights.  At one point, I had to stop and pick up something else just so I wouldn't have to end the book so soon.  Book 2 in this series, A Conspiracy in Belgravia,  is available now.    

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

The Cruel Prince has the most gorgeous cover!

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

When Jude was only seven years old, she witnessed the brutal murder of her parents.  It is only after this that she learns her older sister is not human and that the world of Faeries exists.  

This books was so good.  Finish in one sitting good.  

There was a time where the very words "Young Adult" meant a book was an automatic no.  Then, I became a Librarian.  I have since learned the error of my ways and Young Adult is fun.  It's even more fun when you mix magic, faeries, tough young women, and teenage hormones.  

Jude is strong and intelligent.  Faeries are spoiled and look down on humans.  Jude's journey through the royal court and the intricacies of behavior and expectations was both a coming of age story and one of determination to leave oppression.   

I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to see what Holly Black comes up with next.