Pendragon - The Merchant of Death by D. J. MacHale

I have had this book on my To Read list for a long time - since I saw a student who otherwise read very little carrying it around OPEN to the page he was currently on. And now I can say that I see why it attracted him and I can also see a bit better what the differences between top quality books and lesser books are.

First of all, this is not a top quality book. There is too much "oh my gosh, isn't this amazing!" kind of writing. But it does have what middle schoolers like - a lot of action with characters that are calculated to have middle school appeal. If they are female, they are attractive and reasonably smart. But they are lacking something that lets the boys shine through. If they are male, they fit some stereotype, so that in depth characterization isn't necessary - geek, sports-dude, all knowing mentor who never seems to be able be there when the protagonist really needs him thus forcing the character to struggle to victory, powerful evil villain who nevertheless makes a critical mistake that the main character is able to exploit. No, it is not writing - or plotting, for that matter - at its best, but it is an interesting read and it doesn't take deep insight into people or society to understand. It is just a swashbuckling story, with movie-like main events and movie-like appeal.

I am getting closer to understand what it is that makes a book good. Though I still don't always agree with people who are more well versed in this than I am.

Quest for Understanding Quality in Literature

For quite a while now, at least several years, I have been trying to understand what makes a book "quality literature", especially with reference to upper elementary and young adult books, which seem to be my primary interest. I have joined and left several online news groups and I remain a member of 3 of them now, whose attention is focused on discussing these books. Two of those groups are composed primarily of teachers, librarians, and authors, who are, presumably the ones who understand this literature the best and who can provide in depth, critical analysis of those books. The third group is made up of adults who simply enjoy discussing the Harry Potter books.

And yet, when any given book comes up on the two professional groups, there are, in most cases, at most 20 posts regarding the book. Many of these posts are of the nature of "I really liked/disliked this book, it was better/worse than his/her last book. I thought the main character was appealing/whiny/unrealistic. The book reminds me of X/Y/Z book, which does {genre} better/worse."

The non-professional group, which discusses the Harry Potter books, is now up to message number 182,288. Recent posts have discussed the issue of house-elf enslavement - its morality and its implications; the sacrifice of one boy to save the world - again, morality and implications; the origin of the names Antioch, Cadmus, and Ignotus (the Peverell brothers) and their mythological significance.

Now, admittedly, the Harry Potter books number 7 plus the two textbooks, so if we divide the 182,288 by 9, we only get 20,000 posts per book. Still, that is considerably more per book than most of the books discussed on the professional groups. I also concede that with hundreds of books to discuss, there really isn't time to discuss them in the same depth as people who are interested only in the HP books can discuss. And yet, the thing is that, on the professional groups, the Harry Potter books are not considered to be very high quality literature. These books have outsold most other books besides the Bible, but that is dismissed (just marketing); they have inspired high quality discussion (people with too much time on their hands). But when I ask on the professional groups why they think HP books are just hype, the only thing that I get is that the writing is "B Grade". For example, in the first books, she uses the grammatical construct "s/he said {adverb}" too much. This is true, but I must admit that I never noticed it until they pointed it out. And if that is all of the criticism they can offer, it is a bit insubstantial in my eyes.

None of this would bother me, I am obviously a fan of the Harry Potter books, except that I am trying to understand what professionals regard as excellent writing. Since they have dismissed books that have evoked massive interest, what is it that they are looking for that is better than huge popular appeal and critical adult interest? So far, I haven't found all that much. Effective use of metaphors is one thing that is mentioned. Other than that, it seems the evaluations are very personal. Some like elaborate descriptions, some don't. Some like off beat characterizations; some find them annoying or unrealistic. Some like tight plotting; some dismiss plotting almost entirely.

So, I am gradually coming to the opinion that I am going to have to search for my own definition of quality in literature. One thing I know is that I enjoy books/movies that have some sort of moral dilemma, preferably one where the solution isn't entirely clear, even after you have finished the book. Was it right for Dumbledore to plan to sacrifice Harry and hope that it would work out? Was it right for Ender to be duped into wiping out an entire race of sentient beings? Was is right for Will Hunting to leave a promising job to go in search of Skyler? What should be done with/for geniuses of Will Hunting's caliber?

I will leave grammatical analysis to the professionals.

Multiple Titles

Sometimes, for some reason, I seem to just stop wanting to read. Books just don't appeal to me during these times. Fortunately, (or unfortunately, if you look at my expenditures and excess accumulation of books) it doesn't last too long, and I am back reading again.

This past weekend, the opposite of a reading lull struck when a package from Amazon finally got here. Now, 7 books and 3 audiobooks later, I am catching up here.

It has been such a long time since I have wholeheartedly enjoyed a children's book. Part of the reason is that I don't especially like too much "teen-y" stuff, which seems almost obligatory according to some of the members of Adbooks. For instance, I didn't like Tyrell, partly because of the frequency of casual sex in it. Yes, I know, it is probably very realistic, given that it is set in the poorest parts of a big city. So I am glad people think it is good fiction, as kids need fiction that helps them reflect on their lives as they really are. But that still doesn't mean I have to personally enjoy reading it. And I didn't. I finished it, but I have decided that I probably should focus a bit more on books designed for a slightly younger audience. I am tired of dire things happening: messy divorce, parental abuse, casual sex, death of a close friend/family member. It isn't that I want to ignore these things. I just want normal growing up things to happen and be the focus, too. That brought me to some of the books that I have read just recently.

The reading frenzy started with:

The Rising Star of Rusty Nail by Lesley M. M. Blume

Part of the appeal of this book for me is probably the setting: rural Minnesota, far from city life. I grew up in semi-rural Iowa, taught school in small-town Illinois, and now live in marginally urban Fairbanks, Alaska. I know small town life, a loving family, and the desire to get out of there and make something of yourself. The setting is also historical. It includes key plot points from the McCarthy era, which, while I lived through it, didn't impinge upon my consciousness directly, but which still engenders stray whispers of remembrance when I read about it.

The plot basically is that 10-year-old Franny is a music prodigy. She plays piano with more devotion than even most kids play sports. But, her family can't afford the expensive music lessons in the city that her local rival gets. She has to make do with the town's aging and inattentive teacher, who eventually admits that she has taught Franny everything that she can and now she must get a new piano teacher. Then a mysterious Russian "Commie" woman takes up residence in town and Franny in desperation and with marked perseverance negotiates for piano lessons from her. This is a good kids' eye view of prejudice and the effects of stereotyping hysteria.

I enjoyed the book. It isn't that it breaks new ground, but it is great to see a book that acknowledges that excellence is a combination of phenomenal talent AND phenomenal persistence and hard work. It is also refreshing to allow a female main character the personality trait of competitiveness, even in the field of music.

Recommended.


As If Being 12 3/4 Isn't Bad Enough, My Mother Is Running for President! by Donna Gephart

I am not sure why I bought this book. It sounds too much like the Princess Diaries or another such Chick Lit book. But I did buy it and I actually enjoyed it - even the snide parallels to some of the current political machinations.

The plot: Vanessa's mother, the governor of Florida, has decided to run for president and is actually doing quite well in the effort. Vanessa, however, is doing quite poorly. Her father died in an airplane crash and now Vanessa feels abandoned by both parents. Predictably, Vanessa eventually comes to terms with the whole thing, but it is still a good story about getting there.

Not first class literature, but an enjoyable book, nonetheless.


Brett McCarthy: Work in Progress by Maria Padian

Maybe it is a bit of jealousy that draws me to a character like Brett. I wish I had a bit of her spunk and she had a bit of my self-control. Brett's circle of friends has been enlarged to include a newer girl, who is aiming to be in the more popular circles of junior high, taking with her Brett's best friend for years. Brett's grandmother has also been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. And Brett's former best friend, Diane's parents are going through a messy divorce. Yes, I know, all of those teen-ish things that I said I was tired of. But the focus on her grandmother is turned toward living well, rather than dying and the divorce thing is mostly in the background, so it didn't hit me quite as strongly over the head.

Usually I feel like I enjoy a book more when I can identify more with the main character. I like this book, though, even though I didn't feel akin to the main character very much.


The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

I guess this is the week for reading about pancreatic cancer. This book was recommended to me and I can finally say that I enjoyed an adult book. Most people who have heard about this book probably heard about it through TV and an interview Randy Pautsch had with Dianne Sawyer. Since I don't have TV, I didn't hear about it that way. It was recommended to me by an acquaintance whom I've never met, but with whom I have shared book ideas. At any rate, I enjoyed this. I hope I can live my life as well as he is living his death, though I doubt I will. I have come to the uncomfortable conclusion that even though I think about my life and what I do a lot, I never really understand some part of it until that part is over for a few years and I can gain some perspective on it. This man seems much more self-aware and cognizant of the present. Enviously.


Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor

Sometimes, no matter how much you wish it to be true, things really just don't work out. Addie wants life with her mother, apart from her step-dad and half-sisters, to work out, and she gives it brave try after brave try. But her mother just can't be the parent Addie needs. This is a bittersweet book about a girl with a lot of heart in rather desperate circumstances. Touching and heartwarming.

Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls, Moving Day by Meg Cabot

This is the beginning of a series of books for a slightly younger set than the Princess Diaries by the same author. This book has similar appeal. It is entertaining enough, but I will give subsequent ones in the series a pass. Not enough meat on the bones for me. I will say, though, the the cover of the hardback is very clever. It is actually a poster folded into a cover. Kudos to THAT cover designer.

Brendan Buckley's Universe and Everything in It by Sundee T. Frazier

Brendan Buckley has never met his grandfather on his mother's side and as a budding scientist he wants to know why. This book is about racism and what it means to a biracial kid. It is well done and appealing. It could serve well as an introduction to the topic for grade school kids. It is a bit too light weight for me, but that is probably much better for younger kids.

The Fish by L. S. Matthews, read by Jenna Lamia

I listened to this book and have mixed feelings about it. While it could have been a realistic tale similar to Parvana's Journey, it seems designed to have religious overtones - or at least to be allegorical in nature. As one reviewer on Amazon said, "I would have enjoyed it more if he had played it straight."


Sing a Song of Tuna-Fish by Esmé Raji Codell

I listened to this one in audio, too, but I did not care for it. It seemed a bit too young for me. In fact, only a day or so later, I don't really remember much about it, except that parts of it were annoying.


So that is it. The last few days spent reading. Now to get some "real work" done.

Dear Papa by Anne Ylvisaker

What a lazy summer I am having - playing too much Scrabulous on Facebook. But I also want to do some catching up on reading. To get the endless stacks down to something I can manage. I have also decided to give away books to the library. There are just too many here for the shelves.

At any rate, I just read Dear Papa and I enjoyed it. It is a sweet account of the home life of a young girl during World War II. The war is there, but it is the home life that is the main focus. This is a gentler introduction to it than most of the Holocaust literature, so it would be more appropriate for the younger set. The writing is believable and is enjoyable enough to pull you along. Nothing terribly exciting, but that's OK with me sometimes. I get a bit tired of books that have to have something dire happen or they aren't considered to be relevant or worthwhile. This was just plain, normal growing up during the war.

Tennyson by Lesley M. M. Blume

I haven't written here for a long time, but I am feeling discouraged about my participation in the online book groups I belong to, so I am writing now for my own purposes: to keep track of what I read and to help myself figure out the books I have read and what I like/dislike about them.

I just finished Tennyson by Blume and really enjoyed it.  It is a quiet, non-flashy read and historical at that, so I doubt if it will get much of a following.  That is too bad, because it is worth the time.  But I guess I am not sure if it is written for children or for people like me: adults who read children's books.  

The basic plot - two young girls, 11 and 8, are taken by their father to the family's ancestral home, to live with their aunt.  He leaves them there to search for their mother (his wife), who has left the family.  Tennyson, the older, introspective one begins having dreams that involve the history of the old house and the family that lived there.  The dreams help Tennyson understand what her father meant about the family's "blood money" - and throws light on some of the complex problems of the old South, slavery, and the Civil War.  It is not a didactic exposure of these ideas, but rather more like a memoir, seen through the eyes of an innocent, but sensitive observer.

I am not terribly fond of the dream tactic as used by many authors, and here, again, I find it just a tad awkward, but I can forgive the author the use of this device, because it seems to work for me this time.  I am not sure why.  There was some indication that the events in real life were enough to suggest the dreams.  But there was too much detail in the dreams for them to appear to be real dreams.  So, yes, they have to be, in a sense, magical.  But, they seemed like plausible magic, if that makes any sense.

There is one thing I am puzzling about though.  Tennyson starts writing the story of the family to submit it to the literary magazine that her mother reads and tries to get published in.  She is hoping that her mother will see her published work and come back.  What confuses me is what she expects the mother to think.  Her mother has tried for years to get published in that magazine.  True, Tennyson knows that it is a way to communicate with her mother, but what does she think the mother will think?  Here is her daughter, only 11 years old, getting published with her first effort, on equal footing with adults.  Doesn't she have any idea how that will further devastate the mother's sense of efficacy?  She failed as a mother, she failed as a wife, and now she has been shown that she has failed as a writer.  Yes, Tennyson and Hattie and their father still need her, but what does she have to offer?  Do they love her for what she is NOT?  She is not of the formerly wealthy aristocracy.  What can they expect from her - she who is compared to a wild dog with manners?  

This one may need a second read - except I have so many others I should be reading right now, so that I can return them to the library on time.

One World, One Day by Barbara Kerley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Gorgeous pictures; interesting concept; good potential for further projects for kids; but the most interesting part for me was the section at the end that annotates the pictures. 



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Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


What a hoot!  But a hoot with a lot of messages.  And, yes, I will admit that some of the language, some of the sex, some of the relationships make me a bit uncomfortable.  I am a bit of a prude like that, but this is still one funny book.  I am like one of those people Libba talks about at then end of the audio, the ones who write reviews decrying the language and the morals depicted.  If this weren't so over the top, perhaps I would find it in me to be more irate about it, but I think it is the over the top part that makes me like it.  I don't think it would have worked without it.  Still, I won't be giving it as a present to anyone under the age of, say, 60.





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