Age Level: Teen
Format: Book
Senior year at Woodrow Wilson High School does not begin the way Jessica Packwood had planned. While waiting for the bus the first day of school, Jessica spots a strange male staring at her from across the street. She is further horrified when she finds out his name is Lucius Vladescu, a new exchange student from Romania who will be living at her farm. Jessica receives the shock of her life when Lucius and her parents state that she is a vampire princess and is to be married to Lucius after her 18th birthday. If the marriage does not take place, Jessica’s birth family the Dragomirs and the Vladescus will be at war.
Completely grounded in logic and fact, Jessica does not believe anything said. For her, vampires do not exist. Jessica likes her life – working on her parents’ farm; competing in math competitions; dating Jake, a nice guy who lives on a nearby farm. As the story progresses, Jessica has to decide if she really believes Lucius’ claims or if she is willing to lose what really matters the most to her.
Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side is a fun, humorous story. I was hooked from the first page and read through the story quickly. Fantaskey has a wonderful writing style and has created engaging characters. Jessica is strong-willed and refuses to give into her convictions; though there are times she cannot believe she can do a task, she is able to perform well and rise to the occasion. Those looking for books with strong female characters may want to take a look at this book. It is also a refreshing departure from the Twilight-esque story – vampires are interpreted in a different light, and I feel that overall the characters are stronger and easier to like (though one could argue about Lucius’ likeability at times). And, part of the story takes place in Lebanon County, which may appeal to those who like to read books with local settings.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read the sequel!
Reviewed by Jessica
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, December 26, 2011
The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
Fiona Finnegan, an eighteen year old living in East London in 1888, dreams of one day having her own shop with the love of her life and best friend, Joe Bristow. She has a loving family, who work hard to get a meal on the table. When tragedy strikes and shatters her world, Fiona flees to New York to begin a new life. Spanning ten years, this first book of a trilogy follows Fiona's climb on the social ladder to one of the most respected people in the tea trade. However, she does not forget her roots in East London and the circumstances that led her to New York. She learns she must confront her past in order to move on with her future.
I had wanted to read this series for awhile...I had read Donnelly's A Northern Light, one of her young adult novels, several years ago and absolutely loved it. I was not disappointed with this novel either. The back cover of the novel compares this to epics such as A Woman of Substance and The Thornbirds. Those who enjoy the epic historical fiction and romances of John Jakes and Ken Follett will also enjoy this series. The 700+ pages may seem a bit daunting, but I simply lost track of time while reading and devoured the pages. Fiona's passions and desires make her come alive. The fictional characters' interactions with real historical figures and events help to cement the novel in the past. Donnelly sets the book in an exciting and dangerous time - 1888 East London saw the Jack the Ripper slayings, and Donnelly also takes readers to New York City and into the heart of big business and revolutionary changes, like a subterranean railway system. The Tea Rose is a truly entertaining novel.
I am anxious to pick up the next in the series, The Winter Rose.
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
Fiona Finnegan, an eighteen year old living in East London in 1888, dreams of one day having her own shop with the love of her life and best friend, Joe Bristow. She has a loving family, who work hard to get a meal on the table. When tragedy strikes and shatters her world, Fiona flees to New York to begin a new life. Spanning ten years, this first book of a trilogy follows Fiona's climb on the social ladder to one of the most respected people in the tea trade. However, she does not forget her roots in East London and the circumstances that led her to New York. She learns she must confront her past in order to move on with her future.
I had wanted to read this series for awhile...I had read Donnelly's A Northern Light, one of her young adult novels, several years ago and absolutely loved it. I was not disappointed with this novel either. The back cover of the novel compares this to epics such as A Woman of Substance and The Thornbirds. Those who enjoy the epic historical fiction and romances of John Jakes and Ken Follett will also enjoy this series. The 700+ pages may seem a bit daunting, but I simply lost track of time while reading and devoured the pages. Fiona's passions and desires make her come alive. The fictional characters' interactions with real historical figures and events help to cement the novel in the past. Donnelly sets the book in an exciting and dangerous time - 1888 East London saw the Jack the Ripper slayings, and Donnelly also takes readers to New York City and into the heart of big business and revolutionary changes, like a subterranean railway system. The Tea Rose is a truly entertaining novel.
I am anxious to pick up the next in the series, The Winter Rose.
Reviewed by Jessica
Friday, November 18, 2011
A Thousand Bones by PJ Parrish
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
Yes, I do have reading glasses, and my bifocals, of course, but I save them for driving and reading the newspaper. Thanks to the Large Print Collection that the young folks who manage the Adams County Library System maintain, we Baby Boomers and our elders have a great collection of easy-on-aging-eye fodder from which to choose. As a volunteer at the Harbaugh~Thomas Branch I regularly snatch up the best looking items that come across my check–in-desk. Last week I found a gem, especially for this Michigan born and bred boomer girl. As a matter of fact, I think I read it before, but one of the advantages of aging is the pleasure of discovering old things to be new again!
A Thousand Bones by P.J. Parish took me back to my Michigan home and the many summer days I spent enjoying the Water Winter Wonderlands; from boonies on the beach to the west of Western Michigan University during my school days at Kalamazoo and thirty five years of family camping around the Lower and Upper Peninsulas.
If you have never spent time around northern Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula, you will be eager to plan your next summer vacation in this scenic historic region before you read the first clue in a string of tragic murders that occur in the vicinity of Charlevoix, Petoskey, Mackinac Island and the Great Sleeping Bear Dunes.
PJ Parrish has described the best of the northern lower peninsula, Lake Michigan culture, flora and fauna, and especially its cooling summer breezes and freezing crystal winters.
Curl up by the fireplace this winter with this picturesque mystery then call your travel agent to plan next summer’s vacation near Petoskey. Neither will disappoint!
Reviewed by Gail
Format: Book
Yes, I do have reading glasses, and my bifocals, of course, but I save them for driving and reading the newspaper. Thanks to the Large Print Collection that the young folks who manage the Adams County Library System maintain, we Baby Boomers and our elders have a great collection of easy-on-aging-eye fodder from which to choose. As a volunteer at the Harbaugh~Thomas Branch I regularly snatch up the best looking items that come across my check–in-desk. Last week I found a gem, especially for this Michigan born and bred boomer girl. As a matter of fact, I think I read it before, but one of the advantages of aging is the pleasure of discovering old things to be new again!
A Thousand Bones by P.J. Parish took me back to my Michigan home and the many summer days I spent enjoying the Water Winter Wonderlands; from boonies on the beach to the west of Western Michigan University during my school days at Kalamazoo and thirty five years of family camping around the Lower and Upper Peninsulas.
If you have never spent time around northern Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula, you will be eager to plan your next summer vacation in this scenic historic region before you read the first clue in a string of tragic murders that occur in the vicinity of Charlevoix, Petoskey, Mackinac Island and the Great Sleeping Bear Dunes.
PJ Parrish has described the best of the northern lower peninsula, Lake Michigan culture, flora and fauna, and especially its cooling summer breezes and freezing crystal winters.
Curl up by the fireplace this winter with this picturesque mystery then call your travel agent to plan next summer’s vacation near Petoskey. Neither will disappoint!
Reviewed by Gail
Friday, October 28, 2011
The Story of Charlotte’s Web: E.B. White’s Eccentric Life in Nature and The Birth of an American Classic by Michael Sims
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
Did you know Charlotte from Charlotte’s Web was inspired by a real spider?
Sims tells the story behind the children’s classic, chronicling the life of White up through the publication of the novel. From an early age, White always felt he related better to animals than to human. Shy and suffering from anxiety, White loved nature and enjoyed being with animals and learning about the world around him. White’s favorite authors, such as Don Marquis, depicted animals and insects with human characteristics. As Sims demonstrates, White uses these influences, along with his love of nature and the spider web discovery, to create the story of Charlotte and Wilbur.
Anyone who enjoyed Charlotte’s Web should take a look at this book, as well as those who enjoy reading about children’s literature. Sims does an amazing job telling White’s story, from early childhood through his experience at The New Yorker, to his beloved farm in Maine and his publication successes. I like reading “behind-the-scenes” books, and this book proved to be a delightful look at E.B. White and Charlotte’s Web. Sims’ research brings to life White and his inspirations.
I think it may be time to read Charlotte’s Web again...
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
Did you know Charlotte from Charlotte’s Web was inspired by a real spider?
Sims tells the story behind the children’s classic, chronicling the life of White up through the publication of the novel. From an early age, White always felt he related better to animals than to human. Shy and suffering from anxiety, White loved nature and enjoyed being with animals and learning about the world around him. White’s favorite authors, such as Don Marquis, depicted animals and insects with human characteristics. As Sims demonstrates, White uses these influences, along with his love of nature and the spider web discovery, to create the story of Charlotte and Wilbur.
Anyone who enjoyed Charlotte’s Web should take a look at this book, as well as those who enjoy reading about children’s literature. Sims does an amazing job telling White’s story, from early childhood through his experience at The New Yorker, to his beloved farm in Maine and his publication successes. I like reading “behind-the-scenes” books, and this book proved to be a delightful look at E.B. White and Charlotte’s Web. Sims’ research brings to life White and his inspirations.
I think it may be time to read Charlotte’s Web again...
Reviewed by Jessica
Monday, September 26, 2011
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
Ten strangers venture to an island for a few fun days with their mysterious host. At dinner on the first evening, instead of meeting their host, they listen to an audio recording of their host accusing each of them of murder. Horrified by their host’s words, the guests begin to tell the stories of their pasts. With no way to get off the island or to contact the mainland, the guests are completely cut off from the outside world. Then, one by one, the guests start to die...
And Then There Were None is my favorite Christie mystery and has garnered praise over the years as Christie’s best mystery. I have read several Christie mysteries over the years, and this one still stands out in my mind for its cleverness and its interestingly constructed premise. It was very hard for me to put down the book! Full of suspense, Christie’s novel makes the reader feel the panic of the strangers, knowing that there is a killer loose on the island and that they have the inability to leave or to contact help. The twists and turns throughout the novel will keep the reader guessing until the very end. Christie writes an epilogue to tie up all loose ends, including the killer’s motives for the deaths (very beneficial for me the first time I read this).
Those who love the body in a locked room scenario will want to try this book. Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple fans, and of course mystery lovers, should give this a try!
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
Ten strangers venture to an island for a few fun days with their mysterious host. At dinner on the first evening, instead of meeting their host, they listen to an audio recording of their host accusing each of them of murder. Horrified by their host’s words, the guests begin to tell the stories of their pasts. With no way to get off the island or to contact the mainland, the guests are completely cut off from the outside world. Then, one by one, the guests start to die...
And Then There Were None is my favorite Christie mystery and has garnered praise over the years as Christie’s best mystery. I have read several Christie mysteries over the years, and this one still stands out in my mind for its cleverness and its interestingly constructed premise. It was very hard for me to put down the book! Full of suspense, Christie’s novel makes the reader feel the panic of the strangers, knowing that there is a killer loose on the island and that they have the inability to leave or to contact help. The twists and turns throughout the novel will keep the reader guessing until the very end. Christie writes an epilogue to tie up all loose ends, including the killer’s motives for the deaths (very beneficial for me the first time I read this).
Those who love the body in a locked room scenario will want to try this book. Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple fans, and of course mystery lovers, should give this a try!
Reviewed by Jessica
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