Girls with swords January 30, 2009

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Everyone said this book was really good, and I don’t know why I resisted, but I did. I’ve read a lot of fantasy – I found it hard to believe that this book could really be top shelf; it was too…new. So Here I am to add my voice to the masses: This book is REALLY good. It has everything I like – a strong heroine, a little bit of magic, and of course, some romance. And maybe the best part – a real ending (a thing worth its weight in gold). There is a “sequel” coming out in October, but I don’t think it’s really about the same people. In any case, this book is a complete story – I sure wouldn’t say no to reading more about these characters, but I was thrilled not to be left standing on a cliff with a year’s wait to find out how we get down.

Anyway, Kristin Cashore completely won me over, big time. I’m talking two-hours-of-reading-her-blog-last-night, thinking-about-writing-her-a-letter-about-how-we-should-be-friends adoration. I’ll be putting this book in as many hands as I am able starting with anyone who’s a fan of the Attolia books by Megan Whalen Turner (oh Megan – we’re waiting for the next book, by the way) which you all should be!! Katsa & Gen could definitely be related.

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My review

Just Awesome January 29, 2009

It’s so wrong.  I’m repulsed.  I can’t wait to read it!

Talk about dynamic cover art January 27, 2009

I just pulled this book off the shelf, and the cover actually made me jump. Now that’s some serious eye-grabbing imagery (get it, eye-grabbing? The creature/animal/monster has got crazy eyes… it works, if only in my mind)

I just might have to read this book, if only to startle people who pass by…

Anemic vampires January 23, 2009

Life Sucks by Jessica Abel

rating: 2 of 5 stars
I read this book because it was getting some buzz for YA graphic novels, and I like to keep that section going since it snags readers that won’t look in any other section. This is a vampire story, so there is a built in audience for it right now, and that’s a good thing because I don’t think it could make it on its own. I just didn’t find anything new or innovative in this story – it features a vampire that doesn’t want to be one in love with a human girl who does want to be one. Sound familiar?

I did order it for my library because, as I said, it’s got a built-in audience right now, and the graphics are eye-catching. I assume from the abrupt ending another one will be coming along; I guess I hope I gets a little better.

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My review

BHM suggestions January 12, 2009

I need two dvd suggestions for movies that would be appropriate for Black History Month that teens might be willing to watch.  They can’t be rated R, and should be something I can check out from Rochester Public Library.  Remember the Titans  is my back-up, but I’m not too excited about it.

Little help?

Further investigation needed…

Last night I watched the second part of Tess of the D’Urbervilles on Masterpiece Theatre.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I haven’t read the book since high school, so I do need to read it again, and looking at imdb I notice a 90’s version with Justine Waddell (how come this girl gets all the best parts?) that I’ve never seen, so I guess I need to do that before I name this version all-supreme, but I’m willing to bet that it will.  If you missed it, I highly recommend you watch it online or get the DVD.  I thought the leads were all really good, and I liked the script.  I do have to refer to the book to see if Angel’s and Tess’ confessions really occur on the same day, because if so – man, Angel’s kind of an unforgivable jerk.

How do you like me now? January 2, 2009

I started seeing these portrait on librarian blogs, and I just couldn’t wait to get my own, but perhaps you prefer…

And surely you’ll want your very own:

Can’t get enough January 1, 2009

Beyoncé – Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)

I’ve loved this video since it came out, and I watch it fairly regularly.  My very favorite move is at 1:32 – love it!

My sister also brought this gathering of fan videos to my attention, which is much fun.

And lastly, I like the costumes in this one better than the original!

Beyonce’s Single Ladies by Purple Haze