Analog November 2010

Book: Analog magazine November 2010 issue
Author: Multiple authors

Why I picked this up: I have been subscribing to Analog for at least 30 years

Why I continued to read: My favorite stories were Phantom Sense by Lovett & Niemann-Ross, a story about the relationship between a tool and its user followed by the science fact article by the same authors about the near reality of the tools used in the story. Outbound by Torgersen showing both the stupidity and resilience of the human spirit.

Why I recommend this magazine: Science fiction, short stories, need I say any more ???!!!

The Windup Girl

Book: The Windup Girl
Author: Paolo Bacigalupi


Why I picked up this book: I love science fiction. This particular story is about a post apocalyptic world where a biological disaster has struck. World travel is limited at best, technology run by the calories (sweat of the people) limited. The food supply is compromised and owned by corporations who genetically modify the supply to keep ahead of ever mutating plagues. Calories are currency.

Why I kept reading the book: I loved the setting of a future Thailand. The characters were compelling, Emiko, one of the New People - genetically modified, decanted not born, Hock Seng, the Chinese refugee, Anerson, the AgriGen official...

Why I recommend this book: I couldn't put this book down. The story which seems so desperate dark and hopeless end on a note of hopefulness in the human spirit. A not e of caution. There is a pivotal moment in the book that is a very disturbing scene of sexual assault that would not be recommended for all readers.

Say You're One of Them

Book: Say You're One of Them
Author: Umem Akpan

Why I picked up this book: I like reading short stories. I love how compact and intense the experience is. I picked up this particular collection of short stories beacause they were about the resilience of children in times of adversity. I aslo picked up this book because it was a book of experiences of children in Africa.

Why I kept reading this book: These are searing, desperate stories filled with anguish, depravity, beauty and ultimately hope. The characters and the social situations hey find themselves in are haunting. It is hard to imagine the unimaginable situations that children are put in and their indomitable will to survive.

Why I would recommend this book: These stories give voice to the children in sub Sahara Africa, but they speak to the heart of us all. They are real, stark, disturbing and beautiful.

Mindful Teaching and Teaching Mindfulness

Mindful Teaching and Teaching Mindfulness: A Guide for Anyone Who Teaches Anything

by Deborah Schoerberlein

with Suki Sheth, Ph.D.

Wisdom Publication: 2009

1. Why I picked up this book.

I came across this book while searching on amazon and immediately put it on my "wish list." I have an interest in yoga, meditating, and mindfulness. Many counselors and therapists are using mindfulness techniques with their clients so I wanted to check it out and this book appeared very easy to read.

2. Why I finished this book.

I picked up and put this book down several times. While it is easy to read, it is full of techniques and suggestions to use not only with yourself but also with your students. I wanted to really understand each chapter before moving on to the next one, so I practiced the techniques and sometimes reread parts of a chapter before moving on.

3. Who I would give this book to and why.

ANYONE WHO IS A TEACHER! This book is fabulous. I really like how it is broken down. The activities can be implemented by everyone. There is no need to have prior knowledge of mindfulness. I have used the techniques for myself and have even suggested some of them to my family and friends. I have not used them with students yet (except some of the breathing). I think this would be an excellent choice for a faculty book group, if not an all faculty read. If you are uncertain, turn to the appendix and read through the summaries of all the topics.

If anyone is interested, you may borrow my copy.

Plain Truth by Jodi Piccault

Why I picked up the book: I love reading books by Jodi Piccault. I chose this particular one because it was set in Lancaster county and revolved around an Amish woman

Why I finished the book: First, there is the wonderful way that Piccault makes her characters come to life. You have to finish to "see" the end of their emotional story. I also find stories set in a different culture particularly interesting.

Who I would reccommend this book to: anyone who likes stories about the emotional lives of the characters, and anyone who likes to read about other cultures.

Shakespeare Makes the Playoffs

Shakespeare Makes the Playoffs 

by Ron Koertge

Publisher: Candlewick Press, 2010 

Genre/Format: Poetry 

This is a Woodlynde Library book

1. Why I picked up this book.
This book came in with a shipment of other poetry books from one of my subscription services. Baseball, Shakespeare, and poetry in one book all targeted at Middle School, I was intrigued.

2. Why I finished this book.
I finished this book because I couldn't put it down, the authenticity of the voice, and of the "author's experiences kept this fresh and me moving the whole way through. The variety of the poems and how they were introduced and explained were also engaging.

3. Who I would give this book to, and why.
I would give this book to any middle school student or older who likes poetry, anyone how thinks that reading and/or learning about poetry is boring, and lastly to baseball lovers! I also think that this book would be a great take off book for teaching a unit on either journaling, or writing poetry.

Reviewer: Gretchen Schroeder Date: May 2, 2010

Incarceron

 Incarceron  

by Catherine Fisher  

 

Publisher: Dial Books 2010 

Genre/Format: Science Fiction

This is a Woodlynde Library book

1. Why I picked up this book.
This book came into the Library with one of my regular orders, and the initial review I had read were positive

2. Why I finished this book.
Fascinating premise, if not untried before, perfect society by removing and isolating the bad element, but...with a twist! In this story both sides of the split society are in effect imprisoned. The "good" society has imposed on itself "The Protocols" an enforced stripping away of technology and return to the lifestyle of an earlier (approximately Elizabethan)age. The criminal element supposedly separated out to live in Incarceron, a computer run utopia, where justice is pure and society can reform itself.

Expectedly things don't go as expected. But the struggle of the two protagonist, a strong an inquisitive girl from outside, and a boy from inside Incarceron, who is convinced he doesn't belong there. Their struggles reveal the flaws in all aspects of the idea, and their experiences, we can only hope will free them and their mutual societies.

3. Who I would give this book to, and why.
I would give this book to anyone who loves science fiction with historical/social twists. History and anthropology buffs who want to see our past attempts to "cleanse society" reflected with a twist; and anyone with a love for stories that have action and adventure and thoughtful premises.
Reviewer: Gretchen Schroeder Date: May 2, 2010 

Analog Science Fiction and Fact June 2010 issue

Why I picked up this book
When I was a teenager, my father introduced me to science fiction and in particular Analog magazine. I have been reading it ever since, and a subscriber since I got married (27 years)! I especially enjoy reading stories about science and its psyco-social implications.

Why I finished this book
I really like the short story form, especially during the school year when personal time can be limited. This month the stories I enjoyed the most include:

• At Last the Sun by Richard Foss, a story about how climate change has impacted the fishing profession and possibly the lives of deep water denizens
• Connections by Kyle Kirkland, a story about intrusive government control, my conservative friends would like this story the best
• A Time for Heroes by Edward M. Lerner, a story about video games and their testers. I plan on using this story with my 10th grade game design class.
• I have also been enjoying the fact series on linguistics. This month's article, Der Mann, Die Frau, Das Kind, by Henry Honken explored the issues of gender systems in language. Very fascinating. I also enjoyed a previous article on Khoisan languages (click languages) as well.

Who I would recommend this book to
Anyone who enjoys thought provoking literature, imagining the long term impact of science, themes based on hard science and fascinating science based articles.

Copper

by Kazu Kibuishi

Scholastic, 2010

1. Why I picked up this book.

Gretchen actually came to my office and handed me this book because she thought I would like it. And I did! I have not read a graphic novel before because I just could not get into them. Copper is a collection of one page comics with some longer stories mixed in.

2. Why I finished this book.

I finished this book because I loved it! I do not always have a ton of time to read but I could read through several of the comics in a very short period of time. The variety of the stories really kept me interested. The characters Copper and his dog, Fred, are lovable and always getting into a new adventure. Fred is always the pessimistic one, while Copper is very curious and urges him to continue on. I really enjoyed the graphics. The final few pages of the book explain how Kibuishi created Copper from his first sketches all the way through the final product. I always like finding out how things are made so this was a pleasant surprise.

3. Who I would give this book to and why?

I would recommend this book to anyone who is curious about graphic novels, anyone who likes dogs, and anyone who likes to read in small doses (or has a short attention span!). The cover may be deceiving, it looks like a children's book but I would definitely say that it is most appropriate for teens and up.

The Help, a novel

The Help, a novel by Kathryn Stocket


1. I picked up this book because Nancy Monzo recommended it.

2. I finished this book because it was just delightful. I love reading many different kinds of novels, but I take particular pleasure in reading novels that are focused on the lives and growth of the characters. This novel follows the lives and thoughts of 3 characters, Aibileen, Minny, and Skeeter. The setting Jackson, Mississippi, the early 19060's. The story, small town lives, primarily through the eyes of African-American domestics. It was so interesting to hear this story through voices that do not often get to tell the story. I found this book hard to put down as I became more and more enmeshed in the lives of these women.

3. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in character studies, civil rights, the 1960's and the South.

Body Surfing

Body Surfing by Anita Shreve, a book on CD by Hachette Audio, 2007, unabridged. Read by Lolita Davidovich.

1) I picked this book up because I recognized the author's name, and though I hadn't previously read anything by her I was curious to see what she was all about.

2) I finished the story because I was captivated by the characters, their interactions, and engaged in the story. The development of the personalities felt real and the depiction of the family was honest and intriguing. The reality that family dynamics rarely change much over time was evident and the competition between the two brothers drove the plot. The struggle of dealing with life and finding one's way was also key. It was a good "read."

3) Yes, I would definitely share this book. I liked the author's style, her sensitivity and the depth of looking at human motivation and interaction.

The Risks of Sunbathing Topless

The Risks of Sunbathing Topless And Other Funny Stories from the Road

Edited by Kate Chynoweth
Seal Press Publishing

1. Why I picked up this book

I picked up this book to read on a trip that I was taking several months ago. I like to read humorous books especially when I'm travelling solo. Since it is divided into more than twenty short stories, it is the kind of book that you can pick up and read a story or two and then read something else, get distracted, continue on with your busy life, and then pick it up again without missing anything. Also, the title caught my eye and while reading this book on a train, in the nail salon, and at the gym it apparently caught the eyes of others too.

2. Why I finished this book

I finished this book because I was hoping the stories would get funnier. Unfortunately, that was not the case. This book had the potential to be hilarious; it's full of travel stories from many different female writers who tell about what went wrong on their expeditions. I did laugh out loud several times but I was hoping for something more along the lines of Chelsea Handler or Laurie Notaro.

3. Who would I give this book to and why?

I would give this book to a woman in my life who has a good sense of humor and either likes to travel or has some (mildly) funny stories about things that went wrong on her journeys. I would not recommend this book to someone who is looking for an hysterical, riotous, side-splitting story to read while on the beach.

This Book is Overdue: How Librarians & Cybrarians will save us all

Reviewer: Gretchen Schroeder Date: 2/27/2010

This Book is Overdue: How Librarians and Cybrarians will save us all

Author: Marilyn Johnson

Publisher: HarperCollins Genre/Format: Nonfiction

You can be borrowed from me

This book is an exploration of the multitudinous often invisible ways that librarians impact our world and are posed to lead us forward into the new age of information.

1. Why I picked up this book.

My daughters bought this book for me as a Valentines' Day gift after I saw it in a local bookstore

2. Why I finished this book.

While much of what I read in this book, was not new to me. There were so many tasty tidbits of information, history and anecdotes about librarians and libraries that I couldn't put it down. As a librarian, its great ego boost to have someone who recognizes the various ways librarians are helping people. For the non-librarian community, there are fun and fascinating looks into an often misunderstood world. Learn about Library book cart drill teams, archivists who save boxing memorabilia and research librarians who take a personal interest in the needs of authors. There are tattooed librarians, and librarians who create virtual library collections in cyberspace, just as an enticement.

3. Who I would give this book to, and why. 

I would give this book to any and everyone, especially those who dismiss librarians as unnecessary and libraries as a thing of the past!

The Bad Girl

The Bad Girl by Mario Vargas Llosa. Translated from the Spanish by Edith Grossman and published by Picador; Farrar, Straus & Giroux, New York, 2006.

1. I read this book for my Book Club.

2. I finished it because, in addition to wanting to be able to discuss it, I was engaged in the personal and psychological drama, as well as the historical overview of Peru. While most of the story takes place in Paris, it references the main character's roots in Peru and the political changes over the span of the story. A young man of 15 meets a girl, falls for her, and then she proceeds to come in and out of his life for the next 40 years.

3. I would give the book to someone with an interest in South America and Paris, but also one who is fascinated by human motivation and love - the effects of a deeply felt connection (or is it an obsession?!)

Chasing Vermeer

Reviewer: Kathy Hoffmaster

Title: Chasing Vermeer (audio book)
Author: Blue Balliet, Read by Ellen Reilly

Publisher: Random House 2004 
Available in Woodlynde Library

1. Why I picked up this book.

I picked up this audio book because I like to learn about famous artists while reading. I also like keeping up with young adult literature, and the cover illustration had an alluring, foreboding feeling.

2. Why I finished this book.

I totally love listening to audio books on my drive to and from school. The main characters were quirky soon to be 12-year olds who introduced me to the world of pentominoes. If you don't know about pentominoes, I'll let you do your own fun research, as I did. The story, though quite improbable, was an interesting look at the patterns right in front of the listener's ears and imagination. I also discovered the patterns evident in Vermeer's paintings as I followed along in this mystery.

3. Who I would give this book to, and why.

Most younger Middle School girls would enjoy this art mystery. Boys who sometimes feel that they are on the outside or who are interested in the art world might also find the story appealing.

The Lost Quilter a book in the Elm Creek Quilt Series
Author: Jennifer Chiaverini

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Genre/Format: Historical Fiction

You can be borrowed from me: This is a Woodlynde Library book:

1. Why I picked up this book.

I picked this book up because I am a quilter and periodically I succumb to a book on, or about quilts, quilters, or quilting. In addition, it was mysteriously shelved in the mystery section of the book store. It also advertised that it included locals in Pennsylvania and South Carolina, two places close to my heart.

2. Why I finished this book.

I nearly did not finish this book, when it became clear by the second chapter that this was certainly not going to be a mystery, or at least not a very well written one. What kept me reading was the well written characters and pacing that kept me diving back into the book. It is an enticing story about a runaway slave who is recaptured in Pennsylvania and returned to slavery in the south. This story spans a timeline from 1959 to 1862, the geography from Rural Pennsylvania, to Virginia, and Hilton Head South Carolina and includes the Underground Railroad and Civil War battles, all told from the perspective of a slave.

3. Who I would give this book to, and why. 

I would give this book to any lover of historical fiction, especially about the Civil War. Anyone who would like an easily digestible story of slavery in the American South from the inside out will enjoy this story. Gone with the Wind move over this is a more interesting story.

Leviathan

Title: Leviathan
Author: Scott Westerfeld

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Genre/Format: Science Fiction -- Steam Punk


This is a Woodlynde Library book

1. Why I picked up this book.

The cover is gorgeous, the author is well known, and more importantly, the cover indicated that I may have found a book I had long been looking for; a Steam Punk novel suitable for Young Adult readers!

2. Why I finished this book.

It is a great example of why I love to dip into Young Adult literature. It is a tightly written books, many better that some to the adult writing in the same genre. Steam Punk for the un-initiated is a rising sub-genre of Science Fiction, nearly 20 years old; it is swiftly becoming a favorite among teen and young adult fantasy/science fiction fans. This story combines many of the genre's major themes. It takes place in an alternative timeline which features two opposing technologies. It features a strong female character who represents the British "Darwinist" who are able to genetically manipulate life forms, and an equally strong male character representing the Austro Hungarian "Clanker" society based on steam driven automatons and clockwork machines. The adventure is kicked off by the assassination of the Archduke and his wife, draws these two characters together both literally and figuratively. Unlike most adult novels, this book features some very nifty maps and periodic illustrations. Shortly after I finished this book it won Australia's Best Young Adult Novel Award!

3. Who I would give this book to, and why.

Anyone who loves Science Fiction and or Fantasy, and of course fans of Steam Punk from middle school through adult!

The Mortal Instruments Series

Reviewer: Christy Rheam

The Mortal Instruments Series

by Cassandra Clare

Okay, I’m going to cheat a little bit here. I just finished a 3 book series (I was in the middle of the first book when I joined the challenge), so I’m going to write up one compiled review for all three.

Series Title: The Mortal Instruments
Book One: City of Bones
Book Two: City of Ashes
Book Three: City of Glass

Publisher Book One: Simon Pulse, 2007
Publisher Book Two: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2008
Publisher Book Three: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2009

1. Why I picked up these books:

I picked up the first book because my husband had given it to me for Christmas as a stocking stuffer. He had picked it up for me because he knew that I enjoyed the Twilight series and the Author of Twilight, Stephanie Meyer is quoted on the front of the book. As I’m sitting here writing this he summed it up… “I picked it for you because I thought you’d enjoy it.” I was getting close to the end of the first book right before the big snow storms were coming, and I was enjoying it, so my husband picked the other two up for me so I wouldn’t end up snowed in with nothing to read.

2. Why I finished these books:
 

When I was only 20 or 30 pages into the first book, I was unsure if I would finish it. I wasn’t sure if the book was too ‘supernatural’ for me. I read a bit further and found that it wasn’t and that I really enjoyed it. When I got to the end of the first book, however, I did get a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. Mostly, because Clare clearly wrote these intending the series to be three books long, and the amount of closure at the end of the first book was not 100% to my satisfaction. But, that did make me want to read on in the next books. Altogether I found the whole series to be enjoyable, if somewhat predictable at times.

3. Who would I give these books to and why?
 

I would suggest these books to anyone who enjoyed the Twilight series. Clare’s world is very different from Stephanie Meyer’s world, but they do have similar themes throughout. Really, anyone who enjoys some action, some romance, and/or some supernatural elements would enjoy these books.

Rainwater, by Sandra Brown

This was a book (fiction) on CD by Audioworks, unabridged, 2009 and read by Victor Slezak.
1. I picked this book up because I have read a number of books by Sandra Brown and enjoyed them. Many of her other books have been mysteries, but this was a departure from her previous novels.

2. I finished this book because I was engaged in the time, the place and the story. It took place in 1934 in a small Texas town during the Depression and a time of racial tension. A young mother runs a boarding house and cares for her ten year old son who is "different". A new boarder arrives and things change, in the boarding house, in the town, and for the young boy who doesn't speak.

3. I would give this book to anyone who enjoys books based on real-life experiences, set in a different time and a different place. In particular, this book describes what it's like for a family with an autistic child, before that term is commonly used. It also references early research and findings on autistic savants. And it is also the story of people, working together against injustice, and discovering what is really important.

Your Heart Belongs to Me

Your Heart Belongs to Me by Dean Koontz.
A book on CD by Brilliance Audio, unabridged, in 2008. Read by Malcolm Hilgartner.

1. I picked this book up because I have seen the author's name for years and wanted to try one of his books.

2. I finished the story because it was an intriguing combination of mystery and the supernatural. It is the story of a 34 year old wealthy man who discovers he has a serious heart condition and needs a heart transplant. Once received, the young man begins to have strange and then frightening experiences. I wanted to know what happened.

3. I am glad I read this, but I was not wowed by it. I found it a little tedious before I got to the crux of what was going on. But, it was also a story about values and motivation - which I found to be the redeeming qualities of the book.

Just in time for Groundhog's Day

Reviewer: Gretchen Schroeder Date: 1/31/2010

Title: Groundhog Weather School 

Author: Joan Holub, Illustrated: Kristin Sorra
Publisher: G.P. Putnam 's Sons, 2009
This book is in the Woodlynde Library

1. Why I picked up this book.
What librarian, or lower school teacher can resist a book on Groundhogs this time of year. Seriously, this looked like it would fill a much needed gap between a juvenile non fiction title and a "Groundhog meets (choose your character) Adventure".

2. Why I finished this book.
This fiction book has a very appetizing mix of the imagined and the factual. It just the right length and the student/teacher premise is perfect for the classroom. The illustrations strike just the right note, neither to sweet, nor too serious. The nearly graphic novel format uses both visual pacing and dialogue to drive the story forward, and the mixed media approach will keep kids visually engaged.

3. Who I would give this book to, and why. 
I would give this to any elementary school child who wants to know more about Groundhog Day, and groundhogs. I also recommend it for any lower through middle school classroom. (Though you can't have it this year, I'm using it in the library!)

"Calamity Jack" a sequal worthy of its predicessor

Reviewer: Gretchen Schroeder Date: 1/31/2010
Title: Calamity Jack 
Author: Shannon & Dean Hale, Illustrated: Nathan Hale
Publisher: Bloomsury, 2010
This book is in the Woodlynde Library

1. Why I picked up this book.
I can't keep its predecessor, Rapunzel's Revenge on the shelf, and it seems to be a graphic novel that is equally popular with boys, girls and adults who love fantasy.

2. Why I finished this book.
This is a wonderful re-imagining of characters from traditional fantasy worlds. In this installment, Jack of beanstalk fame, joins with his friends to redeem himself and rescue his mother, after accidentally killing a giant and starting a war. Details like the giants sharing recipe tips while riding the elevator, made these re-imagined imaginary characters both believable and somehow human. The inclusion of some of my favorite characters, like the Jabberwok as the giant's guard dog and pixies as show girls makes this a fun and literate romp through fantasy land.

3. Who I would give this book to, and why. 
I would give this book to any reader of fantasy literature, middle school or higher, especially graphic novel readers. The high adventure in this story makes it appealing to many boys, and the strong female characters, especially Rapunzel, gives it solid girl appeal. Adults who love Marvel's Fables series will find this a youth appropriate introduction to the alternate fantasy universe.

A wonderful new biography for all ages

Reviewer: Gretchen Schroeder Date: 1/31/2010

Title: Noah Webster: weaver of words
Author: Pegi Deitz Shea, Illustrator: Monica Vachula
Publisher: Calkins Creek 2009
This book is in the Woodlynde Library

1. Why I picked up this book.
I was drawn to this Juvenile Biography by the beautiful artwork on the cover, but what School Librarian could resist a biography about a man whose life was all about words and education!

2. Why I finished this book.
While at times I felt humbled by the magnitude of what Noah Webster achieved in his time, the multitude of fascinating facts and achievements kept me wondering what I would learn next. The beautiful illustrations helped form the complete image of the man as he moved from one stage of his life to the next, and the frequent "fact boxes" pointed out bits of information that supplement the story.

This book also contains several pages of back matter including an Afterword, a chronology, and a bibliography that includes primary sources and web links.

3. Who I would give this book to, and why.
Every Social Studies and English teacher I can find, this book is a perfect teaching tool. Not only because it documents the achievements of Noah Webster, but because who he was and what he did was so much a part of when he lived.

Refresh Refresh, a different take on war

Reviewer: Gretchen Schroeder Date: 1/31/2010
Title: Refresh Refresh 
Author: Danica Novgorodoff, Benjamin Percy, James Ponsoldt
Publisher: First Second, 2009 
Available in Woodlynde Library

1. Why I picked up this book.
I picked up this graphic novel partly because of some of the buzz it has gotten in the young adult graphic novel world, and partly due to the challenge of the front cover.

2. Why I finished this book.
I can't say that I loved this book with its raw storyline and equally raw drawing style. However, its compelling story line of a group of High School boys who all share the fact that their fathers are away at war, kept me engaged, and questioning why there weren't more books like this for teens, portraying the effects of modern warfare on those left behind.

3. Who I would give this book to, and why.
Almost any of our High School level boys. Some mature content would keep it out of the hands of younger students. I suspect only a few girls would find this book appealing, especially without some guidance.

Kick off

O.K. I will admit that I am trying to kick start things here. But as a school librarian, I do a lot of reading anyway.
With a new shipment of books landing on my desk on Friday, it made things a little easier: So following with be posted reviews for four very different books.
Gretchen

Welcome to the Woodlynde 10-10-10 Book Challenge

This challenge is set by the Woodlynde School's Librarian, to encourage the faculty to model good reading habits to their students. The challenge is voluntary!
The ultimate goal is for the faculty to read as many books as possible by 10/10/2010. Participants may take on the further challenge to Read 25 books by 10/10/2010; roughly 3 books a month in a little over 8 months. Participants are urged to post reviews of their books using:

Our 3Q Review
The reviews would be brief and in the following format:
The book's statistics; title, author, and publisher

• Why I picked this book up?
• Why I finished this book?
• Who would I give this book to and why?

A template for the review is available from the librarian!