Peace: A Dream Unfolding by the Sierra Club
I came across this book many years ago when I was shelving books at my public library. I was curious about the name and noticed eye-catching graphics and other artwork. When I took it home to read it, I was astounded and determined that my children would read it when they became old enough to appreciate the importance of the contents.
I considered adding it as a Book of the Month, but I already had a book for May, and I prefer to use fiction for that. It will be added to my Horizons transition to adult list.
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May 3rd, 2009 by minerva66 | Comments Off
Book of the Month for May 2009
This month’s pick is a book my family has been anticipating for a while. It was tempting to have it shipped from Canada (was released in Fall 2008 for them), but we waited for it to come out in the US. I even waited in line behind my boys to read it, suffering comments and references.
Starclimber by Kenneth Oppel is as good as its sequels, Airborn and Skybreaker. My oldest wasn’t sure he agreed. I think because it is so different. Still air travel, but with a twist.
REVIEW
Current Pick and List of Previous
April 30th, 2009 by minerva66 | Comments Off
Something Wicked by Alan Gratz
Alan Gratz has created another hit. The suspense is enhanced by references to Shakespeare’s MacBeth. Even better than Something Rotten, but also darker. Horatio Wilkes is developing into quite a character.
REVIEW
April 27th, 2009 by minerva66 | 1 Comment »
Two Billion Cars by Daniel Sperling and Deborah Gordon
It’s clear that a green revolution is needed for our future health – environmentally and economically. For some that revolution has already started. As a consumer, I would like to know when it will be within our reach. It’s an exciting prospect, but I have difficulty imagining how it will come about. Sperling and Gordon have written a comprehensive analysis of the situation today, possibilities, and necessities for starting the usage of alternatives.
It’s an adult book, but certainly accessible for the interested young adult and some younger. Also, my first 2009 book.
REVIEW
April 24th, 2009 by minerva66 | Comments Off
Picture Book of the Month for April 2009
This month’s book is nonfiction. Leonardo: Beautiful Dreamer by Robert Byrd is a beautiful biography. The artwork first peaked my interest, and I was struck by how unchildlike the book is. Most biographies for young readers are so watered down they are boring.
REVIEW
Current Pick and List of Previous
April 16th, 2009 by minerva66 | Comments Off
The Fifth Elephant Ultra-Condensed
Here’s another ultra-condensed offering for the famed Discworld series by Terry Pratchett, master of ridiculousness.
For any Wheel of Time fans out there, I’ve determined that Captain Carrot is ta’veren (based on a statement by Sergeant Angua), maybe Commander Vimes, too (based on his many visits from Death).
Ultra-Condensed
April 12th, 2009 by minerva66 | 4 Comments »
Banned Book Challenge
The Pelham Public Library of Fonthill, Ontario is hosting its 3rd annual Banned Book Challenge. The ending date for the challenge is June 30. Register at Fahrenheit 451 to participate.
My selections are East of Eden (recommended recently by a friend), The Lovely Bones (already on my To Be Read list, and Pillars of the Earth (unless I run out of time).
Book Suggestions for Challenge
April 10th, 2009 by minerva66 | Comments Off
Funny Nonfiction Quote
My son and I recently have been talking about the value of advertising. Obviously, there is some importance, like trying to get more exposure for your blog or small business. However, when it comes to large corporations and their huge advertising budgets, I think it is overrated. We already have name recognition, as well as some feeling about the company overall. I do sometimes enjoy ads, but rarely does an ad affect whether I want to buy their product or not. My son disagrees with me, but then he is of a generation more targeted by ads than mine has been.
Naturally, when I came across this statement in Two Billion Cars by Daniel Sperling and Deborah Gordon, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share it.
Detroit, obsessed with the supposed power of advertising, was stunned to see this strange-looking car [Prius] find such market enthusiasm.
The Prius received very little advertising in the US. Not just little advertising – my family wanted to test drive one, and the dealer did not have one on the lot. The salesman said they were not promoting them, because they were afraid of losing money on them. We did eventually try one despite the lack of promotion. Our only problem was the size. It doesn’t fit a family of five.
April 6th, 2009 by minerva66 | Comments Off
A Harry Potter April Fool’s
I meant to note this sooner, but have been busy. For those of you who didn’t catch it, The Leaky Cauldron has the coolest April Fool’s Day event. They made a faux Twitter page with several HP characters posting through the day. You can still see it at http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/hooter.
April 5th, 2009 by minerva66 | Comments Off
Note: I have made a point of including books that people of all ages can enjoy. Try some books that are a challenge and some for younger people too--no matter your age.
**Most of the books on this site were written for children and young adults. There are some adult books included because they appeal to younger readers too and because they are transitional for teenage readers.
