At first I didn't care to read this book, but I did and I'm glad. I learned so much about Michaelangelo and DaVinci (such as they were contemporaries of each other and really didn't appreciate each other). I have not had the pleasure of going to Florence, which I may be in the vast minority of that trip, so reading the book was a little more slow going because I was stopping to look it up on the internet. Despite the length of the book, it was a fast read, great story telling ability by Ms. Storey. And I could tell it was well researched, as was confirmed by the world travelers (sorry for the jealously). A great tome to delve into the stories of the artists, the times, the wars, and the intricacies of the politics, art, and papacy of the time.
5/5 stars
At first I didn't care to read this book, but I did and I'm glad. I learned so much about Michaelangelo and DaVinci (such as they were contemporaries of each other and really didn't appreciate each other). I have not had the pleasure of going to Florence, which I may be in the vast minority of that trip, so reading the book was a little more slow going because I was stopping to look it up on the internet. Despite the length of the book, it was a fast read, great story telling ability by Ms. Storey. And I could tell it was well researched, as was confirmed by the world travelers (sorry for the jealously). A great tome to delve into the stories of the artists, the times, the wars, and the intricacies of the politics, art, and papacy of the time.
0 Comments
3/5 stars
If I lost my job as a librarian, and had no ties (i.e. a husband and children, dog and cat, and sometimes fish), I wonder if I would have the guts to just go out into the highlands of Scotland and start a bookshop in a huge van that I don't know how to drive. I love that the little mousy librarian did in this book, and her impact on the small town she decides to settle. It's a cute book about the guts to start anew, romance, and how to drive a big truck on a tiny road. 4/5 stars What would happen if I saw a huge statue, made a video about it, and then had a huge following from the entire world? I have no idea. But I don't have to know because it happened in Hank Green's book and so now I know- don't make a video. But there is so much more to this book- and it brought up some interesting points in my book club. Lots of social commentary via strange alien statues and walking dismembered hands. What is the role of a created overnight celebrity? To what extent should be considered "chosen"? The writing was great, the premise was intriguing, and the humor was pretty darn humorous. Well done, Mr. Hank Green! 4/5 stars
Jack is a girl named after many generations of Jacks in her family. But there is a family rivalry with the neighbors, which complicates things when the boy next door turns out to be nice and from the rival. Plus, add to the dilemma, her house is full of magic with the friendly ghost of Feathers and ominous dark shadow. And somehow all those things are woven together to create a story that makes for lively and yet deep emotions. I can honestly say I liked every character, and I enjoyed learning of the meaning of all the secrets and nuances of the animosity between the two families. 5/5 stars The best part of this book is that the thread that connects all three refugee stories are feelings of redemption despite the ugliness that forces people to become refugees. The three circumstances of the St. Louis from World War II, the Cuban Rafter Exodus, and the Aleppo refugees all show that resilience of those who are forced upon pain and struggle for survival. I applaud Alan Gratz to make this book applicable for middle grade and high school, and even for adults. These are events that need to be exposed to everyone, and he has done a wonderful job with his book doing just that. 5/5 stars
Provided by NetGalley Reading about different cultures is always a plus for me. But to read about different cultures in America is even better, as I get a sense of the tug between trying to keep roots amidst the pressures of American trends and attitudes. It can't be easy. In A Place for Us, I have learned that despite all of the differences between seemingly clashing lifestyles, there is always the undercurrent of trying to be the best parent, trying to be the best child and still have your own personality, and trying to fit in. I loved the family dynamics of this book, and I loved the fact that the characters changed throughout their flawed lives. They little nuances made them seem real and like friends. Highly recommended and a perfect book to start Sarah Jessica Parker's publishing company. 5/5 stars I can't speak enough about the amazing dynamics presented in this book. As much as I hate it when books include every social issue in their books, Robin Benway was able to do it seamlessly, where not an ounce of preach was to be detected. I was impressed by the relationships of the three siblings who suddenly came together after going in separate directions, either by adoption or foster care. I loved the fact that the foster care system was not put in a negative light nor a positive light, but rather it was about the people who participated. I loved that the rich vs poor lifestyles were fleshed out with realistic views. And I cried. I actually had wetness coming from my eyes and I wasn't sure what to do with that. But I figure it's a good sign. |
AuthorI'm a high school librarian. I love to read. Really. Love. To. Read. Archives
December 2023
CategoriesThis website uses marketing and tracking technologies. Opting out of this will opt you out of all cookies, except for those needed to run the website. Note that some products may not work as well without tracking cookies. Opt Out of Cookies |