The Bookshelf

Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

(and on audio)

Teen romance with a twist: 17- year-old Jessica is learning that she has a different life than she thought. Jessica is really a vampire princess and she is the head of her clan, expected to marry the hunky leader of a rival vampire family – thus ensure peace… Yeah, this was a lot of fun to read. It’s not serious stuff, which is why I liked it so much. Jessica is experiencing a lot of “typical” coming of age transitional/identity realizations, etc. There is much humor in the novel mixed with truthful themes and on-target observations about teens. I can see why copies of this book are always checked out from the Library. It is not a Twilight wannabe. However, it is a good one to recommend to those that have read all the Stephenie Meyer books and need something else. I look forward to more from author Beth Fantaskey.

This is my “beach book” list (part 1 teens and kids). Yes, these are written for a younger audience. But I enjoyed them. All are light reads and recommended. The 39 Clues series is my favorite so far.

The Sword Thief (39 Clues, bk. 3) by Peter Lerangis, audiobook

One False Note (39 Clues, bk. 2) by Gordon Korman; audiobook

The Maze of Bones (39 clues, bk. 1) by Rick Riordan; audiobook

The Old Willis Place: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn; audiobook

Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn; audiobook

Vibes by Amy Kathleen Ryan; audiobook

The Magician (Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Famel, bk. 2) by Michael Scott; audiobook

The Alchemyst (Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flam, bk 1) by Michael Scott; audiobook

Being Nikki by Meg Cabot; audiobook

The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler; audiobook

Gilda Joyce: The Ghost Sonata by Jennifer Allison; audiobook

Gilda Joyce: The Ladies of the Lake by Jennifer Allison; audiobook

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale; audiobook

Cupcake by Rachel Cohn; audiobook

The Princess Plot by Kirsten Boie; audiobook

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind by Hayao Miyazaki

Not just because it’s Earth Day – really. This comic book series and animated feature length film are highly recommended at any time!  Nausicaä has a strong ecological theme. So it seemed appropriate to write about it today. The message is timeless and important. Read the graphic novels, watch the DVD.

My movie review: In the post-apocalyptic future, pacifist and environmental warrior Princess Nausicaa lives in Valley of the Wind, a small rural territory at the edge of an expanding wasteland. When a ship carrying a weapon from a long-gone industrial age crashes nearby and soldiers come to retrieve the cargo, she and the people of the Valley struggle to prevent conflicting nations from destroying one another and the declining planet.  (read more)

See a selected list of environmental-themed documentaries.

Shelf Awareness, an e-newsletter for booksellers and librarians, has a regular author interview called Book Brahmin (kinda like the questionnaire on Inside the Actors Studio, but less snooty). One of my favorite questions is “Book You’ve Faked Reading.” Author Susan Wiggs copped to lying about reading Proust’s Swann’s Way in French, while librarian Vicki Myron (writer of Dewey: The Small Town Library Cat Who Touched the World) admitted that she faked reading Shakespeare.

One recent survey in Britain found that two out of three people lied about reading (Orwell’s 1984 was fibbed about most often). The book I faked reading was Nausea by John-Paul Sartre. I was taking a 20th-century European Lit class in college and trying to impress the graduate assistant (it didn’t work). So what are the books you’ve faked reading?

Recently Library staff was asked to list five favorite books that they read during the year 2008. Here is the Annual Picks page. Next there was the challenge to write about what we selected. So here it goes.

I decided to list relatively recent books. There are so many wonderful books that I listened to (or read) during the year, that it is truly difficult to highlight only five. A little bit about my taste – I like & enjoy fluffy, light, fun books. Long gone are my days of reading serious, critically acclaimed fiction or nonfiction for pleasure. It’s a good thing that there are several staff members who listed those types of books. The reputation of the intellectual Skokie Public Library worker and selective reading tendencies stays in tact.

A few honorable mentions and I can’t give good reasons why these did not make my top selections.

The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn, audiobook

If you like Jane Austen, give this one a try. The romance is sweet and amusing.

Mr. Cavendish, I Presume by Julia Quinn, audiobook

This is the sequel and companion to The Lost Duke of Wyndham. It tells another side of the love story, so to speak.

Moscow Rules by Daniel Silva, audiobook

Gabriel Allon is one of my favorite fictional characters. He’s a part-time art restorer and part-time Israeli secret service agent/assassin – how wonderfully complex.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, audiobook

It’s love among the young vampires, werewolves and teenage humans. Twilight started the craze! Check out the entire series (#2 New Moon, #3 Eclipse, #4 Breaking Dawn; New Moon audiobook, Eclipse audiobook, Breaking Dawn audiobook).

Here are the titles that I submitted:

The Eye of Jade by Diane Wei Liang, audiobook

This book was so interesting – the mystery element, the place, the setting, the antique aspect, the contemporary historical background, etc. I was quickly engaged and rooted for the main character throughout the entire book. I hope more books by Liang are translated into English. I am eager to know what else is in store for the intrepid PI, Mei Wang.

The Host by Stephenie Meyer, audiobook

Wow. I really got involved, as I was listening to this over the summer. I wrote on my Facebook/Visual Bookshelf page, “It probably will be in my year end top ten.” Many months later, I still thought that it was a great “read.” I liked the premise, the characters’ dilemmas, the long dialogues, and the ending.

The Laughter of Dead Kings by Elizabeth Peters, audiobook

In a way, this is a comfort book for Elizabeth Peters’ fans. It’s nice to have Vicky Bliss back after such a long absence. Also, the Peabody/Emerson connection to John Tregarth (as suspected) is finally confirmed. And Schmidt … he is an endearing character. He really has his day!

The Chaos King (and the first installment: The Wall and the Wing) by Laura Ruby, eAudiobook

I have very happy memories listening to these books – laughing out loud and thinking that they were so clever. Yeah the books are written for kids, but there are lots of funny pop culture references that hit the mark. I hope the author re-visits this amusing world where strange creatures lurk in the subway and all punk rockers are named either Sid or Nancy.

(BTW, if you want to listen to these on CD, both audiobooks are available via Interlibrary Loan.)

The Seduction of the Crimson Rose by Lauren Willig, audiobook

I’m a sucker for a well-written, comedic, historical, suspenseful romance. Plus I’ve been intrigued by the scarlet pimpernel story since I was a little kid. This is a bit of a no-brainer for me in regards to picking it as a favorite; the Pink Carnation series has me hooked.

Can you Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella, audiobook

Very cute and amusing. “Thin plot” according to some critics. I say, who cares. It made me laugh.

Kinsella (author of the popular Shopaholic series) knows how to craft an engaging, lighthearted story.

Love @ First Site: A Novel by Jane Moore, audiobook

Not all fluff and fun, as a serious subject is introduced via the main character’s sister. However, the story moves along well and the dating parts/meeting someone through Internet match-up sites are entertaining.

I confess that I checked this out because there was no room for it on the shelf. I thought – I can solve that problem. But I really liked it. How’s that for an informed (audio)book selection?!

Love the One You’re With by Emily Griffin, audiobook

Pretty good book about the ins & outs of relationships. I actually listened to this because there was a lot of buzz about the author. I think that it has a little more depth than other chick-lit stuff. I was and wasn’t entirely certain how things would end up for the main character.

Mile-High Hair Club by Naomi Neale

I checked this out because I thought the title was funny. As it turned out, I enjoyed it quite a bit (always nice to be surprised). I liked the Southern flavor and quirky characters.

One Fifth Avenue by Candace Bushnell, audiobook

From the Sex and the City author, this book is wickedly funny. AND it has more sex in it than the other books mentioned on this post. Go figure.

The Shiksa Syndrome by Laurie Graff, audiobook

Yet another book that I was drawn to because I liked the title. Holy cow. What does that say about readership marketing (or me)?? Nonetheless, it was awfully engaging with some interesting observations about opposites and such. The idea of pretending to be a shiksa to snare Mr. Right … it has a hook.

Summer Blowout by Claire Cook, audiobook

The dog (Precious/Cannoli) is really cute. That’s all I need to recommend this.  Yeah, the book flows nicely towards a happy ending. No worries lurking in the text of this one.

Must Love Dogs by Claire Cook, audiobook

I got into the book, despite having seen the movie first. It has the Internet dating thing going on, but other relationship issues are explored as well. Thumbs up.

For teen readers:

Spells & Sleeping Bags by Sarah Mlynowski, audiobook

This is a nice blend of teen chick-lit and magical girl theme. It is part of a series featuring two young witches, Rachel and her little sister Miri. I recommend the others. I had loads of fun “living” with these charcaters for a few hours.

Deja Demon: The Days and Nights of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, audiobook

It’s like Buffy the Vampire Slayer – but for an older generation. Fun stuff. It takes multitasking to a new level! This is the fourth book in the series. All are light entertainment for those who don’t mind a bit of demonology mixed with suburban slice of life. I think that this series is pretty original.

Victory of Eagles: A Novel of Temeraire by Naomi Novik, audiobook

A very good addition to the series, it will be interesting to see what happens next. This is the fifth installment. It’s a unique blend of history and fantasy. The entire series is highly recommended for those who like dragons, Napoleonic War novels, and perhaps even Jane Austen (i.e. manners).

Written for kids, nonetheless recommended:

Fairest by Gail Carson Levine, digital player

This is a clever fairy tale story for young girls, with a nice message. The book gives a nod to Snow White, adding a musical twist. I listened to this; the audio is a full cast presentation. That worked very well, since there are a lot of songs. Listening might be the way to go, for anyone interested. I think that it would make a good “family” car trip companion. If you liked Ella Enchanted, give this a try.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, audiobook

The 2009 Newbery Award Winner – excellent. But it left me a bit sad, by the end. This is a bittersweet fantasy/horror/mystery. And it references The Jungle Book, BTW. There is a movie version in the works. The author narrates the audio, doing a fine job. If you liked Coraline, definitely add this one your reading list.