I don’t know what I can say about Pratchett that I haven’t already said. Thud! is one of the more cohesive of his stories that I’ve read so far. In lieu of a review, I offer you an ultra-condensed book. They tend to be incoherent and teasing (fitting for Pratchett’s works).

Commander Sam Vimes of the Ankh-Morpork Watch is one of the threads  I recommend following in the Discworld series.  The witches are another, but those books are older and harder to come by.

Ultra-Condensed

The title of this month’s selection, Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass, was the initial appeal for me. While it could have been corny, the description promised an original story.

I discovered that it is a Knock Your Socks Off kind of book. I enjoyed the character development of the teens as they are challenged by circumstances they would never choose for themselves. Each of them uses the opportunity to enrich their lives, while grappling with situations beyond their comfort zones.

REVIEW

Current Pick and List of Previous

I read this mystery about 8 years ago after enjoying Nixon’s Orphan Train series. My oldest son was reading some of his first novels, and Nixon’s books were a hit. I remember being excited by this story then, and it was just as good this time around. The combination of the genealogical research, the mystery to be solved, and the boy’s desire to clear his relative’s name is tremendous. Nixon is a master storyteller, leading us step by step with great anticipation. I love unusual books, and this one is quite unique. It has a great range for readers as well, accessible and engaging for 4th graders through adults.

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What an excellent book! I found it looking for mysteries. It is just what I wanted – not the standard mystery. It is layered with concepts. The first to be revealed is the family secret being hidden from Homer about the father he doesn’t remember. Then, the mystery of Fake Man, disguised and sneaking around the tiny town of Herring Cove. Homer’s life changing as a result of making a friend and pursuing both mysteries. Also, the idea of what it is to be an artist. All four of these themes are what make the book.

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The Israeli Palestinian Conflict, it has been at the forefront of American politics (world politics) most of my life. Most of that time I remained ignorant about it, because I don’t understand how people can live all of their lives with the willingness to kill others. I hate war, and I think war is stupid. It seems to me somewhere along the line of their history they could have tried to see the other’s point-of-view. (Some, in fact, did.) In recent years, I have learned there is no avoiding this issue. It needs to be settled – in a manner that addresses both sides’ losses. Maybe I have this understanding, because I am not personally religious. But does it make sense that the more religious a person is the more he/she seems to think killing the other side is okay?

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This month’s selection, 365 Penguins by Jean-Luc Fromental and  Joëlle Jolivet, I found totally by chance. It was on the to-be-shelved cart at the library. It is a large book, so it was peeking at me from across the room. All these penguins begging me to read it. I happen to like penguins, so why not?

I had no idea what was in store for me. My youngest son read it and told me I had to read it. He was right. We passed it around the family, and each found something to giggle at.

For an added bonus. It was created in French and has a Spanish edition, too.

REVIEW

Current Pick and List of Previous

In my ongoing list of Horizons Transitional Books, I want to include YA literature as well as adult. This is my first inclusion of YA books. I’m trying to pick books that are interesting to adults and that are thought-provoking, if not on an adult level from a writing standpoint.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson

The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett

Anahita’s Woven Riddle by Megan Nuttall Sayres

The Arthur Trilogy: The Seeing Stone and At the Crossing Places by Kevin Crossley-Holland

Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? by Milton Meltzer

Click by 10 authors

The Dark Is Rising series by Susan Cooper

Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey

Ender’s Game and Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card (I have seen these books catalogued as both YA and adult.)

Firebirds and Firebirds Rising ed by Sharyn November

Freedom Writers Diary by The Freedom Writers and Erin Gruwell

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons by Ann Rinaldi

The Harry Potter series by J K Rowling – The only book I reviewed is Deathly Hallows.

The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents is by Britain’s version of Dave Barry, Terry Pratchett. He is one of Britain’s most popular authors. This particular book twists the Pied Piper story.

REVIEW

This month’s selection is one I read at the beginning of January and liked it so much I waited for an available month. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. It’s different than anything else I’ve read, and the author may fit very well into my Horizons Challenge since he also writes adult books. Looking forward to reading more by him and maybe more on this particular subject.

REVIEW

Current Pick and List of Previous

The next installment in the Horizons Transitional Book Challenge is Christopher Golden’s The Myth Hunters, first book of The Veil series. It is horror/fantasy, but fairly tame for this genre.

This is my first encounter with Christopher Golden’s work. So far I like what I’ve read. Definitely want to read more of  the series.

REVIEW

Horizons List