Monday, March 31, 2014

Review: The Carpet People


The Carpet People
The Carpet People by Terry Pratchett

My rating: 1 of 5 stars



I am sorry, all you Pratchett fans. I just don't get him. I have tried several Pratchett books and they just seem bizarre and pointless to me. I must admit, though, that with some books by other authors, I also felt that way about them at first. That is why I have tried so many of Pratchett's books. I keep hoping that one will appeal to me, the light of understanding will go on, and I will wonder why it took me so long to "get" it.

Unfortunately, that hasn't happened yet.



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Saturday, March 29, 2014

Review: Hedy Lamarr and a Secret Communication System


Hedy Lamarr and a Secret Communication System
Hedy Lamarr and a Secret Communication System by Trina Robbins

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I am gradually finding a few graphic novels that I like and this is one. I like it that a beautiful woman can also be known for her courage and her inventiveness. The novel is a bit too short for my tastes, but I tried another book (for adults) about her and it was too long.

I am thinking that this might be a good book for science-minded girls. Unfortunately, it was only available from inter-library loan. I guess it isn't very much in demand.



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Review: Pearls Falls Fast: A Pearls Before Swine Treasury


Pearls Falls Fast: A Pearls Before Swine Treasury
Pearls Falls Fast: A Pearls Before Swine Treasury by Stephan Pastis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Several years ago, I was discussing comics with my younger daughter and she mentioned that Pearls Before Swine was one of her favorites. Though I enjoy and collect comics, I had followed this strip only briefly. Several of the themes annoyed me and I figured it really wasn't my style. But she has good taste, so I tried it again and discovered that I actually like the sarcastic style. There are some themes and some individual strips that I still don't care for, but there are enough that REALLY hit the mark for me that make it completely worth the while.

She is Rat. I am Goat.



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Monday, March 24, 2014

Review: A Snicker of Magic


A Snicker of Magic
A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



This is another book that I wish I had liked better. Setting, characters, plot all are great, so why am I not just loving this book? I guess it is because it just didn't seem to go anywhere. The word play is lovely, the characters are interesting. It seems to have all the elements of a great book for me - only I got extremely tired of it about 2/3 of the way through and just skimmed the rest. I am sorry.



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Thursday, March 6, 2014

Review: A Medal for Leroy


A Medal for Leroy
A Medal for Leroy by Michael Morpurgo

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I have yet to figure out why, with some books, I read them in fits and starts, but with other books, I just sit down and scarcely look up before I am done. This was a "read straight through" book. It isn't a page-turner, which might be a good reason for reading straight through. And, though there is a mild mystery to it, that wouldn't be compelling enough by itself to explain it. I suppose, with me, it has to do with whether I find the characters and their situation interesting. I figured out the "twist" long before it was presented, but I still was satisfied with the book as a whole.

From a historical fiction perspective, the idea that a soldier of color would not be awarded a medal of honor in combat is an interesting topic, and one of some relevancy. In the news recently the president gave medals to servicemen of color who deserved them, but hadn't been awarded them, due to unequal practices.

This is not an exciting book, but it is a touching book, reminding us that all people deserve respect.



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