http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/ Notes from staff and users of the Takoma Park Maryland Library. en-us karen.macpherson@gmail.com 2008-08-01T18:17:12-05:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/archives/001375.html Come read Breaking Dawn , the finale of Stephenie Meyer's best-selling Twilight series. We have four copies of the book, all available for check-out beginning on Saturday Aug. 2 at 10 a.m. 1375@http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/ 2008-08-01T18:17:12-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/archives/001359.html 1359@http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/ 2008-07-24T15:51:40-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/archives/001346.html Haters by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez. Reviewed by Lensa This book has a lot of interesting things but the best thing about the book is it is a page turner. U want to read more, as U read a chapter U just can't get enough of it. It is the best book i ever read. I don't thing there is any worst thing about the book but when the book ends it is really hard to accept it because it is that interesting. I know some people who read the book twice already. The reasons are that the characters do seem real, all the things that happen have shocking endings at the ends of the chapters and the setting is really interesting. It just looks like it happens right there as you are reading the story. The story takes place at high school in California which makes it much more interesting. Paski, the new girl, didn't have a nice week because of the snotty kids in the school, except a really cute guy whom she liked named Chris who helped her through the the conflict in the school and helped her be a hero by saving lives with her visions and by winning a big race. I recommend this book for girls who like funny stories and a little romance - not too much. I don't recommend this book for boys because i think it is a little girlish book. I think U should really read the book for enjoyment or to laugh out loud. My opinion for this book is --- Ii reallllllllllly liked it so much that I can't wait till part 2 gets out.... Librarian's note: Haters is in our YA section. We also have a number of adult books by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez. El club social de las chicas temerarias -- 2003 FIC VALDES The Dirty Girls Social Club -- 2003 FIC VALDESR Make him look good -- 2006 FIC VALDESR Playing with boys -- 2004 FIC VALDESR 1346@http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/ 2008-07-20T16:56:58-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/archives/001344.html The Thief lord by Cornelia Funke, translated by Oliver Latsch. Reviewed by Julia The Thief Lord is about two brothers who run away to Venice after their mother dies. There the brothers meet a gang of street kids who have a leader named Scipio, only a bit older than Prosper himself, who calls himself the Thief Lord, and who claims to have been in all the rich houses – but without permission. They live off of what he steals, selling it to Ernesto Barbarossa, a dishonest shopkeeper. What they don’t realize is that Scipio has a few secrets of his own – like where he disappears to every night. When the brother’s aunt comes to Venice looking for them, she hires Victor Getz, a PI, to find them. Victor ends up locked in the movie theater where they live – but not before finding out that the Thief Lord is no grand thief. Meanwhile, the gang takes on a job for an old man calling himself the Conte. When they find out that Scipio is the son of one of the richest men in Venice (who treats him like he’s stupider than pond scum) they feel betrayed. When they do the job for the Conte, they end up waking the owner, Ida, a photographer. She persuades them to let her come along to the Conte, and she tells them that the wooden wing that the Conte wants belongs to the magical merry-go-round of the Merciful Sisters, an orphanage, which had the ability to change your age. After they’ve given the Conte the wing they find out from Victor, who is now on their side after the aunt decides that she doesn’t want Prosper to ever see Bo again, that the money is fake. Meanwhile, the aunt gets Bo and is forcing him to dress up like a doll of her perfect boy and Prosper is practically suicidal. They get Bo back after he misbehaves so badly Esther never wants to see him again, but Prosper is gone with Scipio to the Conte’s island, where Scipio gets a ride on the merry-go-round for repayment. He gets to be about twenty, and he looks like a much nicer version of his father. Then Barbarossa sneaks in, and since it was his idea to give the kids fake money and he’s not exactly nice, they put him on the winged lion, which makes you younger. He gets off by breaking the lion once he’s about five years old, and they give him to aunt Esther. Bo, Prosper and Hornet (one of the kids) live with Ida, Scipio goes to work for Victor and the other kids find their own places. This is a pretty well written story because it gives the realities of being on the streets without being too harsh. It combines the magic of Venice with a sense of reality extremely well, and ties up the loose ends pretty neatly without resorting to fairy-tale-wishes-come-true type writing. The book manages to describe the wonders of Venice without taking too much focus away from the plot, which uses fantasy and reality nicely. I’ve read this book about three times, and it’s exciting and funny every time. I would recommend this book to readers seven and up. Dragon rider by Cornelia Funke, translated by Anthea Bell. Reviewed by Joie What happens if humans are about to invade your home? If you have no chance of being peaceful to each other, nor any chance of living in a place that's not populated by humans again? If your only hope was a legend dragging hundreds of years back, to where the Rim of Heaven lay? Such a journey and adventure would only be possible in Dragon Rider, by Cornelia Funke. The humans are coming. The news circulates from a rat who has heard the event. The dragons who live in the valley only have one chance to live in an area where humans would stop coming. And young Firedrake, his furry brownie Sorrel, and one human boy must find the Rim of Heaven to save the last dragons. Packed with adventure and cleverness, a tale of dragons that will never be forgotten. This book is recommended to any one who enjoys fantasy. It grabs you mind and attention and doesn't let go until the final twist is made. Betrayal and the ever fear of humans keeps you on your toes. Classmates agree that this is a thrilling story with fantasy creatures, and one enemy feared by all. Cornelia Funke is already an international fantasy writer with Inkheart, Inkspell, and The Thief Lord all works enjoyed by millions of people. Dragon Rider is no different. The quest will begin as soon as you open the pages of this imaginative book! Librarian's notes: We have the following books by Cornelia Caroline Funke - Dragon rider (also on cassette) Ghosthunters and the Incredibly Revolting Ghost Ghosthunters and the muddy monster of doom! Igraine the brave Inkheart (also on cassette) Pictures from the movie. Inkspell (also on CD) Pirate girl The princess knight Princess Pigsty El Senor de los Ladrones The Thief lord (also on cassette) Pictures from the movie. When Santa fell to Earth Website 1344@http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/ 2008-07-19T17:07:23-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/archives/001342.html Aldous Huxley's The Doors Of Perception Reviewed by Grady The Doors of Perception is an illuminating look into the roots of 60s counterculture. It details Aldous Huxley's experimentation with the drug mescaline in order to change his perception and understand his own mind. It explores the Native American ceremonial use of the drug and compares it to American alcoholism, commenting that mescaline does not cause the disruptive behavior brought on by alcohol. I enjoyed Huxley's description of his state of mind as he describes losing interest in time and the physical shape of his surroundings while he focused on meaning. The language has the feel of a scientific journal but this is contrasted by his religious-sounding language which he uses to describe his experience. Huxley steps outside of himself, leaving behind his dystopian description of the world found in his novel Brave New World, and tries to explain what he felt was a very positive experience. Librarian's notes: Huxley, most famous as the author of Brave new world, wrote novels, poetry, essays, plays, and stories for children. Have you read After many a summer dies the swan ? Seen Huxley's Mike Wallace interview? Yes, there were a lot of Huxleys. Aldous Huxley's grandfather was Darwin's friend, Thomas Henry Huxley; his mother the neice of the the poet Matthew Arnold; his brother the great biologist Julian Huxley. Others in the family are less well-known today but were very curious characters in their time. One of Aldous' aunts, Mary Augusta Ward, was both a best selling novelist and a founder of the Women's National Anti-Suffrage League - yes, she was actively opposed to allowing women votes. (The league was shortly taken over by the Men's League for Opposing Woman Suffrage). 1342@http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/ 2008-07-19T16:45:21-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/archives/001329.html 1329@http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/ 2008-07-07T10:43:24-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/archives/001321.html The morning gift by Eva Ibbotson Reviewed by Ruya If you've read other Young Adult historical chick lit by Eva Ibbotson, you'll know to expect a story full of passion and excellent characters. It takes place in the early World War II era, about a young woman named Ruth Berger who was born in Vienna and raised by a Jewish-Austrian professor. Her family makes plans to escape to England before they are captured, but the plan goes wrong, and Ruth is left behind. To join her family, Ruth marries a young English professor, Quin Somerville, so she might become an English citizen. He promises that the marriage will be quickly dissolved, but this is more difficult than they first assume, and soon, Ruth is torn between her pianist boyfriend, Heini, and her charming, intelligent professor, with whom she shares a powerful attraction. The character of Ruth is probably my favorite part of the book. She's very easy to love, because of her intense curiosity, her determination to find beauty in all things, and how she so often says quirky things like “I swear on Mozart's head!” She's very similar to Ibbotson's other heroines, in her love of books and her innocence, but at the same time, she is unique in her situation. But just as Ruth is easy to love, the character of Verena is easy to hate. Verena is the clear antagonist, someone who comes between Ruth and Quin, and someone who hates the same traits in Ruth that the audience is brought to love. Her sheer evil is something which I love about Ibbotson's antagonists, though, because you can't feel guilty about hating a fictional character. Quin is also a character I love in this book, because he's so sweet, and even his ignorance, while irritating, is rather enjoyable, but I don't think we get enough insight into his personality, and it would be nice if his relationship with Ruth was more developed. All in all, the story is just the type of fluff which is nice to read on an airplane or on a rainy day. It's very enjoyable, and parts, like that about Mozart, are even true to history, but it's not realistic in the least. But don't let the slow parts put you off, because I swear on Mozart's head that you're in for a great overall story. Librarian's note: Eva Ibbotson was herself born in Vienna, and her family emigrated to England in the 30's. Her original name was Maria Charlotte Michelle Wiesner. An interview Ibbotson is the author of both children's books and light romances. In addition to The Morning Gift, the latter include: A Countess below Stairs Magic Flutes A Glove Shop in Vienna and Other Stories A Company of Swans (We have this one.) Madensky Square A Song for Summer As for her children's books, try: Journey to the River Sea and The Secret of Platform 13 . She wrote many others, but those are particularly noteworthy. (We have both.) 1321@http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/ 2008-06-30T15:18:36-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/archives/001319.html Honey blonde chica : a novel by Michele Serros Reviewed by Segen So, most of us only like books that have a lot of drama in them. If that's the case, pick up the book Honey Blonde Chica (Who Is Evie Gomez?) by Michele Serros. This book is a book that flows really well and gets you hooked the minute you start! Honey Blonde Chica is about Evie and her best friend Raquel and how they hang out with “the flojos”, the kids who do nothing whatsoever. Everything pretty much goes smooth until there old friend Dee Dee comes back in town and ruins their friendship. The worst part about it is that Dee Dee, now called Dela, has changed drastically over the years with her designer stuff and skinny look and on top of that, she doesn't get along with Raquel anymore. When Evie realizes that she now has two VERY different friends, this Chica will have to choose whether or not she wants to stay a flojo chick or become a mini Dela drama queen! Personally, I think you should read this book because it has everything you want in a book! Friendships, a mix of Spanish and English ( which is really easy to catch up on) and a whole lot of drama. Honey Blonde Chica ( Who Is Evie Gomez?) by Michele Serros is an awesome book. So next time you go to the library, you know what to read! Librarian's note: The sequel to this book is Scandalosa! : a honey blonde chica novel, which we also have in the YA section. Check these: Kelly Parra 's Latina YA blog NPR interview with Michele Serros 1319@http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/ 2008-06-28T12:33:15-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/archives/001316.html 1316@http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/ 2008-06-26T15:04:32-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/archives/001306.html Keys to Kingdom - series by Garth Nix. Reviewed by Joie Mister Monday Keys to the kingdom ; bk. 1 On the first day, there was mystery. There was frogs hidden in throats, houses no one else could see, and a will. A boy is dying, only to be saved by the shrouded power of a key shaped like a minute hand on a clock. Slowly, a new world opens up to the Rightful Heir, and he must choose between fulfilling a changed destiny, or living in ignorance. The time is ticking, as soon, the day will be over, and Monday will end. Not before, however, Mister Monday has dealt his blow. Arther Penhaligon is not your usual hero. He has asthma. And he's about to die. After foolishly defying the use of his inhaler, during a gym jog, he is dying of an asthma attack. Until two men appear. One gives him a key shaped like a minute hand. And, suddenly, his asthma disappears. He is pronounced the Rightful Heir, and the two men disappear, locked in battle. Now, however, a house has appeared on his driveway. A house no one else can see. If he is to enter it, his life will never be the same again. This series, called Keys to the Kingdom, is written by the renowned Garth Nix, who also wrote the fabulous Abhorsen trilogy as well as the Seventh Tower series. Mister Monday, the first of seven books, is fabulously written and won't disappoint Nix's previous fans. It is a fast paced story, with plenty of drama and mysteries. In my school library, these books vanished off the shelves like free Popsicles on a summer day. The characters are, not necessarily human, but interesting and well constructed. This book is recommended any day, especially for fans of fantasy. And no matter what, Denizens agree that it is best read on Monday. Grim Tuesday Keys to the kingdom ; bk. 2 On the second day, there was darkness. Deep inside a filth of soot, Nothing, and Void, the Pit, there is only death, payment, and no escape. Narrowly escaping death only hours ago, on Tuesday, heroes must face one of the catastrophes of the sin that Grim Tuesday wields. A mysterious seaman, a strange Nithling-like creature, and the disorganization of the Lower House has left everyone with only one choice. Take down Grim Tuesday. Arther Penhaligon is satisfied that he gets at least six years of peace before he must be called back as Rightful Heir. He is also pleased that the Sleepy Plague is stopped by the Nightsweeper. What becomes terribly upsetting, however, is that a phone call from the emergency phone Dame Primus gave him, informs him, just hours after setting the Nightsweeper free, that Grim Tuesday is bombarding the Lower House with debts to be paid. And these payments are twisted so they appear in Arther's Earth, causing major damage to whatever normal life he might lead. Once again, he will dive into the House, to meet the worst, and hopefully emerge victorious. This book was delightful to read after Mister Monday, as Grim Tuesday is Monday's sequel. The action keeps you going and it is nearly impossible to stop until you're done. Grim Tuesday is a expectation exceeding sequel, with plot twists and painful realizations. Garth Nix, once again, never fails to wow readers with new characters, strange beings, and the mysterious world of the House. If you've read Mister Monday, definitely stop by for a copy of Grim Tuesday. And, if all possible, adventures to the Far Reaches are best read on Tuesdays. Drowned Wednesday Keys to the kingdom ; bk. 3 On the third day, there were pirates. A sea that reaches everywhere, from the Secondary Realms to the House itself. Except it's not supposed to. A Trustee's invitation, would it be a trap or a treaty? Questions still fade into the dark, however, no matter what happens, they are ready to face it now. If only a couple days of rest would be in order. They must march on, as Drowned Wednesday has come. When the sea itself swoops in to wash away Arther and a mortal friend, they are swept into the House. Leaf, his mortal friend, is picked up by a ghostly ship with green sails, while Arther must cling onto a buoy in order to stop himself from drowning. He is marked, however, by the infamous pirate Feverfew, and soon, the mechanics of finding the Will and the Key is in hand. Arther has a lunch date with Drowned Wednesday, and what happens is up to you to find out. A stunning, plot twisting book after Grim Tuesday. The third installment to a seven part series, Garth Nix still hasn't run out of fresh plot twists, clever hiding places, and new secrets about the not so trustful Trustees. The series, Keys to the Kingdom, and Garth Nix has outdone himself again in the strange world of the House. I suggest it for anyone who enjoys fantasy and adventure, especially if they've read the other Keys to the Kingdom books. Packed full with interesting plot devices and other fulfilling fantasies, and best read on Wednesdays, this book is sure to please. Sir Thursday Keys to the kingdom ; bk. 4 On the fourth day, there was war. A force of creatures, unlike any Nothing Creature seen before. An army, the Glorious Army of the Architect, receiving strange and mysterious orders to open the gates to Nithlings. War is soon upon them all, and nothing will stop it. Separated from friends and allies, the hero must forge on. It is Thursday, the time of Sir Thursday. Whisked away to the Glorious Army of the Architect, Arthur finds himself struggling to avoid Sir Thursday's eye, while training in the Army. A various amount of mishaps befall Arthur and his new friend Fred, as they are drilled as Troopers. But slowly, something is messing with the Great Maze, where the Army lives, drills, and fights. The Maze isn't functioning anymore, and Arthur, who is trying to find the Will before trying on Sir Thursday, is horrified when a new enemy appears. And all during this time, back at Earth, a doppelganger of Arthur is spreading the mind controlling Grey spot mold. A Nithling of a higher order, Leaf is the only one able to find the item to destroy it and save her home. This action paced book whisked off the shelves when it came out. Full of new surprises and a new, lasting antagonist, this book has more plot twists then any of the previous. It surpasses the previous books in terms of new characters and character developments. It also makes one feel as this is the turn point for the entire series. A wonderful addition to the fabulous Keys to the Kingdoms, Garth Nix makes this story begin to build up, and hopefully wowing us to the final book. A breath holding book, Sir Thursday is in power on Thursday, so read it then! Lady Friday Keys to the kingdom ; bk. 5 On the fifth day, there was fear. A deadly lady, Lady Friday, who took all memories and experiences from a person, leaving them like an empty shell. Humans dragged away to be sampled and then tossed away. A throne to be fought over, and a vicious Piper that binds his subjects are in play here. And even on the hero's side, there is one vindictive lady with wishes of execution. What is Lady Friday's true plan? Has she given into her desires? Friday has come, and it seems, there is no stopping her. A long and weary day has past after the Newniths' attack to Thursday citadel. Unfortunately, it seems no sorcery wishes to allow Arthur peace. Shortly after speaking to Dame Primus, whose nasty plans are quickly punctured by Arthur, a messenger arrives. She supposedly was relinquishing her power over the Middle House to whoever could claim it first, Arthur, the Piper, or Superior Saturday. She would retreat to some Secondary Realm and remain there for her own pleasures. Against his will, Arthur is transported to the Middle House and must begin his campaign to find the Fifth Part of the Will, and, supposedly, Friday's Key. Meanwhile, back at home, a new doctor, named Lady Friday, is taking sleeping patients into some sort of portal. Leaf, who is currently hospitalized, sneaks into the legions of sleep walkers, in attempt to figure out what is going on. A fight for memories is about to begin, and everyone must do their part! Lady Friday was an excellent book. Though it lacked some of the action of the fourth book, the plot brought us through tight clinches and wary decisions every time. Not only are there elegant new characters, but the true nature of the Piper is revealed. Two tales woven into one, Arthur and Leaf must make their decisions to trust, or not to. Friday's desires are insatiable, and this book, read on Friday, may be your key to your survival. Librarian's notes: Sir Thursday has disappeared. Perhaps a Bibliophage got it. We will get a new copy. Superior Saturday has been released in Australia, and will be released in the US later this summer. Nix is Australian. Garth Nix is probably writing about Lord Sunday who will likely be afflicted with pride. Here is the list: 2003 Mister Monday - sloth 2004 Grim Tuesday- greed 2005 Drowned Wednesday - gluttony 2006 Sir Thursday - wrath 2007 Lady Friday - lust 2008 Superior Saturday - envy 2009 Lord Sunday - pride? 1306@http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/ 2008-06-23T15:22:25-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/archives/001299.html X-Men : The Dark Phoenix saga writer, Chris Claremont. Reviewed by Grady Chris Claremont's X-Men: The Dark Phoenix Saga is a joy to read. It chronicles the ascension of Jean Grey from a telekinetic mutant into a sun-eating super being called Dark Phoenix. The story starts with a battle with the Hellfire Club, New York's mutant elite, that ends when Jean Grey manifests her new power and attacks her friends. As the Dark Phoenix becomes a menace to those around her, the story comes to involve beings from other planets and even the benevolent watcher who lives on the moon. Claremont shows his strength as a writer in the execution of this story. He's writing about a force that's much more powerful than any of the X-Men and presenting a conflict that couldn't be resolved with a simple super hero battle. The Dark Phoenix Saga could have just been a boring story of Jean Grey ripping through her friends and the rest of the universe but Claremont knew how to show the humanity of Dark Phoenix. Dark Phoenix is shown as an out of control being with too much power that is infinitely craving more power. This is shown as she eats a sun, killing off every being within its solar system, and still craves more energy, knowing that the ecstasy she feels is nothing compared to what she will soon feel. She becomes a cosmic force of nature and the forces governing the universe ultimately have to step in to stop her. This story is necessary for understanding what the X-Men are about and shows what could happen when a superhero becomes too powerful. Astonishing X-Men V.2, Dangerous writer, Joss Whedon. Reviewed by Grady “Astonishing X-Men: Dangerous” is a joy to read. It's written by Joss Whedon, the creator of the television series “Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” and he brings angst to the comic that is reminiscent of the show. The story involves the X-Men's Danger Room battle simulator as it comes alive and rebels against them. The Danger Room takes the form of a robotic woman with long metal dreadlocks. She presents a fierce challenge to the X-Men because she's fought each of them countless times in battle simulations and is able to predict every move they make. Whedon humanizes the characters, breathing new life into X-Men that have been written about for decades. In the preceding graphic novel Whedon brought Colossus back from the dead and in “Dangerous,” Colossus becomes over-protective of his girlfriend Shadowcat. The greatest strength in the story is the Danger Room because Whedon took such a simple part of the X-Men storyline and invented an entirely new character with a point of view. Through her perspective, the reader receives a new way at looking at the X-Men as the Danger Room calculates their weaknesses and hypocrisy. Overall “Danger” is not an epic story or a necessary read but it provokes new thoughts about the series and Joss Whedon's writing makes it worthwhile. Ultimate X Men V.2, Return to weapon X writer, Mark Millar. Reviewed by Grady Mark Miller's “Ultimate X-Men: Return To Weapon X” is a fun fast paced thriller. In the “Ultimate X-Men” series, the X-Men story is retold from the beginning and taken in a new direction. “Return To Weapon X” begins with the kidnapping of the X-Men as they are whisked away to the Weapon X program where super-powered mutants are turned into weapons for the government. The story centers around their missions under the direction of Weapon X and their struggle against the program. This story really brings out the new X-Men and uses their Weapon X captivity as a vehicle for exposing their character. One highlight of the story is the flashback to Wolverine's past as a Weapon X killer in the first Iraq War where he is shown as ruthless but still maintaining his morals. Wolverine's story drives the plot as he's brought back into Weapon X only to find his friends captured with him. Sabertooth, Wolverine's nemesis, makes his first Ultimate appearance here and in their back and forth tormenting each other a complicated history is suggested and both of their story lines are developed. This is one of the best graphic novels in the Ultimate series and would be a great place to start for anyone just beginning with the X-Men series. For readers familiar with the X-Men, “Return To Weapon X” is a fun take on their beginning and brings their story in a new direction worth exploring. X-Men : Days of future past writers, Chris Claremont and John Byrne. Reviewed by Grady Chris Claremont's “Days of Future Past” is an X-Men classic. The graphic novel contains the stories “Rage,” “Demon,” and “Elegy” as well but “Days of Future Past” which is the most memorable and powerful. The story begins when Kitty Pryde of the future mentally switches places with Kitty Pryde of 1980 to prevent the assassination of Senator Kelly, a politician with a strong prejudice against super-powered mutants. In the future storyline monstrous robotic Sentinels rule America killing and imprisoning any mutants they find and only a few X-Men remain. In the storyline set in 1980, Kitty Pryde of the future leads the X-Men against the mutant would be assassins. As the X-Men series progressed there were many conflicts between the government and the mutants but in “Days of Future Past,” Chris Claremont showed a conclusion of that conflict. He showed a cold world with most of Marvel's favorite characters dead, including Spider Man, Iron Man, and Captain America. The imagery of John Byrne collaborated with this cold setting by providing the menacing Sentinels who are in themselves a dark picture of the future. The story is at its strongest when the few remaining X-Men go against the Sentinels in what would have been their last battle and their humanity and inner character is exposed just before its beaten down by the calculated efficiency of the machines. “Days of Future Past” is overall a story of catastrophe evolving from people unwilling to accept their differences. It is one of the best X-Men stories ever written. Librarian's note: Go to J 741.5973 X-MEN for fifty or so X-Men collections. 1299@http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/ 2008-06-21T14:39:12-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/archives/001298.html 1298@http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/ 2008-06-20T10:14:04-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/archives/001293.html 1293@http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/ 2008-06-19T07:58:51-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/archives/001289.html 1289@http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/ 2008-06-18T09:22:11-05:00 http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/archives/001288.html Uglies by Scott Westerfeld. Reviewed by Anna Uglies, by Scott Westerfeld, was among the worst books that I have ever read. I started it, got about 200 pages into it, and then decided to stop reading it, as i thought it was a total waste of time. It was a huge disappointment, because many of my friends into fantasy stories thought that it was amazing. I had a different experience with it. The book started out very interestingly. It started out with the main character, Tally, sneaking off to a separate part of her world. I also found that the concept of the story was quite interesting. This book was about a girl, Tally, who couldn't wait to turn 16. In her world, until you turned 16, you were ugly and lived in the ugly part of the world. Then, when you did turn 16,you had this magical operation that turned you pretty. Sounds great, right? Well, it was at first. That is until the girl in the book, Tally, met Shay. After that, the book seemed all dialog. Now, don't get me wrong, dialog is great and all. But well, a story with very little action can be quite dull. Also, the characters seemed a bit unreal, and so did the setting. The story was choppy, and it put me in a bad mood. Like I said earlier, to me, this book felt like a complete waste of time. Hopefully, if you choose to read it, you will enjoy it more than I did. Librarian's note: Uglies (no. 1) is the first book in a series. The other titles are Pretties (no. 2) Specials (no. 3) Extras (no. 4) 1288@http://www.takomapark.info/library/books/ 2008-06-17T16:37:17-05:00