Category Archives: Uncategorized
Devices and Desires: Bess of Hardwick and the Building of Elizabethan England – Kate Hubbard Harper
Hardwick Hall was built in the 1590s, when Bess was in her seventies. It is still remarkable with clean lines, amazing windows – more glass than wall. It was the grand finale of building projects for Bess of Hardwick. being … Continue reading
Lovely War – Julie Berry
From the publisher, “It’s 1917, and World War I is at its zenith when Hazel and James first catch sight of each other at a London party. She’s a shy and talented pianist; he’s a newly minted soldier with dreams … Continue reading
Pay Attention, Carter Jones – Gary D. Schmidt
Sixth grader Carter Jones, opens the door to find a portly butler during a frantic first day of school morning for the four children. In the vein of Mary Poppins, sans magic, he arrives at the most needed time. Carter’s … Continue reading
The Wartime Sisters – Lynda Loigman
You would never think that Ruth and Millie were sisters. Ruth, three years older, was the responsible one, rather plain looking, very smart, and you could count on her to always do the right thing. But expectations were high for … Continue reading
The Wicked King – Holly Black
The sequel to The Cruel Prince opens with all of Jude’s plans coming to fruition. Oak is safely growing up in the human world until he comes of age to rule, replacing Cardan. Cardan now rules, temporarily, but is well … Continue reading
The Legend of Sally Jones – Jakob Wegelius
Last year, Delecorte Press published The Murderer’s Ape and I thought it was terrific. So very unique. I recently ordered a hardback of The Legend of Sally Jones published by Pushkin Press and not readily available in the US. The … Continue reading
Once Upon a River – Diane Setterfield
There was a tradition at the Swan, an ancient inn on the banks of the Thames. It was a tradition of storytelling. Joe Bliss was very good at storytelling. His wife ran the inn. Joe told the stories. And it … Continue reading
Rewrite: Loops in the Timescape – Gregory Benford
Charlie’s life hasn’t been the greatest. He is a rather ordinary history professor, going through a divorce. But when he gets hit by a truck, he wakes up in his bed instead of a hospital. Things get weird when he … Continue reading
Stronger, Faster, and More Beautiful – Arwen Elys Dayton
What happens when we manipulate our DNA? Could the science be used to better humanity or be the root of new evils? Fusing organs to save a life? Manipulating genes for vanity? Or to create a super human intended for … Continue reading
Love à la Mode – Stephanie Kate Strohm
From the publisher, “Take two American teen chefs, add one heaping cup of Paris, toss in a pinch of romance, and stir. . . . Rosie Radeke firmly believes that happiness can be found at the bottom of a mixing bowl. … Continue reading
Terran Tomorrow – Nancy Kress
The spaceship Return carried only nine people, although it could have carried many, many more. The mission from Earth to World had not been a success, and so some of the Earthlings were going home, accompanied by five Worlders. They … Continue reading
How to Fracture a Fairy Tale – Jane Yolen
Oh, how I love Jane Yolen’s fairy tales! I promised myself that I would make them last. Read only one a day. Yeah, right. That didn’t last very long. I gobbled them down like a greedy little pig. There were … Continue reading
The Colors of All the Cattle: No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency (19) – Alexander McCall Smith
How nice it was to be back in Botswana with Mma Ramotswe. She is such a kind, gentle, generous person. If a friend asks for a favor, she feels the need to grant it. But this is too much. Mma … Continue reading
The Brilliant Death – Amy Rose Capetta
From the publisher, “All her life, Teodora has hidden the fact that she secretly turns her family’s enemies into music boxes, mirrors, and other decorative objects. After all, everyone in Vinalia knows that stregas—wielders of magic—are figures out of fairytales. … Continue reading
Little – Edward Carey
When she was born in a small village in Alsace in 1761, she was tiny, oh so tiny, just about the size of two hands, and not expected to live. Little Anne Marie was stubborn and refused to die, but … Continue reading
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