Lul's literature review

Lul's YA Review

Wednesday June 29, 2011

  Review: The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey

                                    

  Published: by Simon & Schuster children's publishing

Annotation:

 The Monstrumologist is  the first stunning gothic adventure in a series that combines the spirit of a storytelling ability. It started as the diary of Will Henry an assistant to a doctor with a most unusual specilty.This book was perfectly scary and not for squeamish readers. (it should come with a warning label). This is the journal writings of 12yr old Will Henry, an assitant to Dr. Warthrop a scientist who practices the secret practice of monstrumology or the study of life forms generally malevolent to humans and not recognized by science as an actual organisms, specifically those considered products of myth and folklores. Dr. Warthrop was a member of a small group of men who study monsters, specifically Anthropophagi. Their only source of food were humans. A new breed has been discovered in a graveyard not far from Dr. Warthop's house. I loved this book, the author allows the reader to see every creepy detail.

Justification for Nomination:

"Dr. Warthrop reached into the thing's chest with the forceps. I heard the scraping of the metal against something hard - an exposed rib? As he spoke, the doctor tapped thin strips of flesh from the forceps into the metal tray, dark and stringy, like half cured jerky, a piece of white material clinging to one or two of the strands, and I realized he wasn't peeling off pieces of the monster's flesh: the flesh belonged to the face and neck of the girl. I looked down between my outstrectched arms, to the spot where the doctor worked, and saw he had not been scraping at an exposed rib. He had been cleaning the thing's teeth." In this series opener, Will and his master were on the trail of a hidden pod of Anthroupohagi; a race of muscular albino headless monsters who wear their over sized obsidian eyes on their shoulders, their shark tooth filled mouths on their stomachs, and theyr tiny brains in their crotch. Though they originated in Africa, somehow, these horrific beasts have managed to cross the pond into the New England state and were running amok in the countryside, tearing off heads and sucking down the entrails of their human victims while they still draw breath will and Dr. Warthrop didn't only have to find a way to stop them but, they also try to solve the mystery of how and why they got there in the first place to prevent others from coming and breeding. I cann't hide my feeling of this delightful book. I think Will Henry had contemplated the very importance message in regard to the meaning of life, death, in his complicated feelings about his single minded caretaker, making this a much deeper wanted to read book. Although the book makes you very scary, its stories stick in your mind forcing you to reread the book again and again. I came across  this book after instructor Adela Peskorz  suggested a link for my assumption. I am happy that I found it, and would like to recommend it to friends. I am very thankful for the book and hope that I will keep a copy for my future consumption.The Monstrumologist is for anyone wondering where have all the horror books gone. It is a must read book for young readers. I hope others will find it and take a look at.

Lul

Lul's Reviews

Jamie, called Punkzilla because of his affection for punk rock, is weeks away from his fifteenth birthday when he embarks on another journey-the first was his clandestine escape from Buckner Military Academy to Portland, Oregon. This second trip is also a secret, a secret he shares with his dying brother Peter (P), a playwright living in Memphis.
Along the way, Jamie decides to write letters to his brother, without any regard to conventions, about his past and the people he meets while traveling by Greyhound. He has decided to be honest with P, and himself, about who he is and how he makes it from day to day. To begin, he tells P that he did meth the night before, he has spent the last few months "jumping joggers in Forest Park" to make a living, and he believes the marijuana he smoked during his formative years in Cincinnati stunted his growth and damaged his hormones (Jamie does not have pubic hair, and he is often mistaken for a girl). Relieved to have someone to confide in, he writes, "Its weird I don't feel so ashamed about confessing this stuff to you, P. Does that make me a sociopath?"

The author is an expert at using stream-of-consciousness and stark, realistic language smothered in hopelessness. Toward the end of his journey, Jamie wrote, "I got to Memphis six days ago. You are dead and I cant believe how shitty this world is." Yet humorous quips are never too far away: "You're from Portland and you have never seen a guy like me [a transsexual] before.  Why would you live in the planetarium?" He asked!  Rapp, is a playwright and a musician,  he has written several notable books for young adults, including 33 Snowfish and Under the Wolf, Under the Dog. In 2006, Red Light Winter earned him a Pulitzer Prize finalist citation for drama, and most of his young adult novels have been on "Best Books for Young Adults" lists.

The graphic language, raw desperation, and sexual experiences discussed in the letters might disturb some readers. However, there are other letters, arranged out of sequence, written to Jamie from his family and friends that help explain why Jamie makes some of the decisions he makes, but it is the letters he writes that really reveal the grim reality of where he is in life and just how far he might have to go to survive.

Cheers
Lul

Lul's Reviews

Lul's YA Review

Review: tales of the MADMAN underground: An Historical Romance 1973

By John Barnes



                                  Annotation:
John Barnes has written a lot books. One of them I read is" TALES OF THE MADMAN UNDERGROUND"  a non-genre for young adult  that should not be missed by book lovers. There are several girls in Karl Shoemaker's life, and while he basically ends up with one the rest are still there. Since eighth grade, Karl has been in a school's therapy group, He was tired of being called "Psycho" though he hopes if he can act like any ordinary kid until halloween, we will avoid getting put in therapy altogether. To be honest, TALES OF THE MADMAN UNDERGROUND is all over the place. All of the members of the Madman Underground, the school therapy group, do have serious issues. Those issues are given the weight they deserve even while mocking the therapy the kids are offered. Karl's decided he's going to act normal for a week, so that he won't get sent to therapy this year. Then he'll go the week after that, taking things one bit at a time. It's hard when things at home haven't let up - his mother's still an alcoholic who steals the money he saves for after he leaves the army. He's working too much to sleep well, and that takes a toll too. Plus, Karl just isn't the kind of a person to ignore his friends when they need him. And the madmen . . . they need him. He's also got instant chemistry with new girl Marti, which gives him another connection that's not "normal" since she's a new madman.

Justification for nomination:

This book is funny, irreverent, heart-breaking, hopeful, and utterly absorbing. It' has too many details that are sharp and well observed. Karl's addict mom bounces between childish manipulation, whining self pity, and half hearted stabs at being a real parent. When Karl want to deal with her, it is with a mix of angry at how she acts. I love Karl's cynical narration. I love that he's been hardened by life but he's still the kind of guy who would do anything for his friends. Even though he's trying not to be that guy because it would ruin his life getting out of therapy. I love that he is messed up and knows it but still tries his hardest. He's got motivation. And though he wouldn't like to think about it. .I also like the supporting  he was getting from other characters  like Paul, who picks up men in his drum major uniform. Cheryl, who has the world's creepiest family but still manages a full social life. Darla, who's scary, awesome and fascinating. And Marti, who's really just as nice as Karl. (This could go on for awhile. There are loads of characters, all magnificent. Except maybe the super super ladies.

I have to admit: I wanted to read this from the moment I got it. However, I really didn't know what I was getting when I opened it. I wish every book I picked up blew me away like this one. Barnes may like writing  better, and I sure am giving those a chance, but I hope he has another YA in him. If all he gives us is TALES OF THE MADMAN UNDERGROUND, I will be satisfied. Step into Karl's shoes for a week. You won't want to take them off when you turn the last page.
Seriously, the cover picture will take you to Amazon, where you can pre-order it. I must admit that, I haven't finish the entire book, however, I must take time reading it a long. I also would recommend this book to others and take a look at it.

Cheers
Lul

Lul's YA Reviews

        Thursday, May 26, 2011

                  

Charles And Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith

Henry Holt, December 2008

Ages 12 and up

978-0-8050-8721-5,

Publisher's website with teachers's guide Audiobook

By Deborah Heiligman: Author of 27 Books for Children including Charles and Emma:

National Book Award Finalist, YASA Excellence in Nonfiction winner, Printz Honor, LA Times Book Prize Finalist

published by Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group (9780805087215).

Annotation
Charles Darwin ( February 12, 1809-April 19, 1882) is one of the most famous people in the history of the world. Many people also think he was the most important scientist (though of course others argue it was Albert Einstein) In a theory of evolution by natural selection change the way we think about life forever. Although controversy in some religious communities dismissed the call of evolution, today's archaeologists seem to agree Darwin's theory. The basics of his theory are accepted as truth in the world. Scientists are constantly adding to his ideas by developing them further.

Justification for Nomination:

The Darwin's Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman The book is about Charles Darwin and his relationship with his wife Emma. When Charles Darwin was in his twenties, he had just returned fromn a five years voyage. The book begins with Charles comtemplating the pro's and con's of marriage, making a list of a piece of paper. He decided that, while there are several good reasons to stay as bachelor in his whole life, marriage is preferable. While considering relatives and friends he knows, Charles chose Emma, a cousin with quite different personality than his own. Emma wa a religios woman who held strong belief in the idea of
Heaven and afterlife.The author approaches the subject from the point of view of their relationship. It is always nice to know that even geniuses are still regular humans. Heiligman told the story well by including great details like revealing personal letters between Darwin, Emma, and their close friends and family. Some of the letters that Darwin wrote to Emma shed an entirely new light on him and his character.

I picked up this book mostly because Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith is both the Natutional Book Award and Printz runner. Numerous parts of this book are highly interesting. I love nonfiction books that tell good story as this one does. By reading this book, I came to know both Charles and Emma very well.

Genre: Nonfiction, Information Text & Biograhy.

Award(s): National Book Award Nominee for Young People's Literature (2009), British Fantasy Award (2010), A School Library Jounal Best Book of the year (2009), Printz Honor (2010), TAYSHAS High School reading List (2010), Booklist Top 10 romances for Youth.

Star Rating: Four Stars

Grade level (s): 9th-adult Charles and Emma: Darwins' leap of Faith is not a difficult history to read; I love it!





Lul's YA Reviews

Almost Astronauts: 13 Woment Who Dared to Dream
By Tanya Lee Stone: Candlewick, 2009, brilliance Audio. 2009. Narrated by Susan Erickson. Reviewed from audiobook provided by Brilliance Audio. Nonfiction, Young Adult. Finalist for YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award.

2010 Finalists

 

Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream

By Tanya Lee Stone, published by Candlewick. (9780763636111).
In the early 1960s, the doctor in charge of testing NASA’s astronauts decided to find out if female pilots were capable of passing the grueling qualification tests required of male pilots. Feasible? Yes. Allowed? No. All testing of women’s potential for the Mercury program was done outside NASA’s purview and without their permission. The reasons why will stun readers.

Annotation:

The world was not divided into those who had it and those who didn't. The idea was to prove that you are one of the elected and anointed ones who had the right. When NASA was formed in 1958, the pressure was just to beat Russians in the space race. A team was formed of seven male test jet pilots who were rigorously tested to determine whether they had the right qualities. They we called the Mercury7. Apparently, they passed all the rigorous physical tests. However other qualified pilots who are as well experts were isolated. These thirteen women were not admitted to NASA;s space program in early 1960s. Officially, because of discrimination or call it prejudices you be the judge.

Justification for Nomination:
Stone tells the fascinating, dramatic true story of the "Mercury 13," a group of women aviators who proved to be as courageous, intellignet, and fit as any man to handle Astronauts piloting. However, these women were discriminated because of their gender. This uncall discrimination gone on until when visionaries Randolph Lovelace, a physician who tested the Mercury 7 astronauts, determined to prove that, women are as capable as men meet the demands of space travel. Beginning with Jerrie Cobb, a tob female pilot, a total of these 13 women allowed to be tested by Dr. Lovelace. Lovelace's theme of including women in the space program is to provide equality for all. I wasn't aware nonfiction could be so interesting until I read this book. I had no idea that any of the events with those 13 women even had occurred. I found their journey to be reaaly amazing and captivating. I really enjoyed how the author not only include their journey, but also the aftermath of it. The author had included information, which help the reader to understand what women of time were facing. I even read couple of phrases that said, women could not even rent the car. One is left with nothing other than expressing appreciation to these women for pathing the way for future female astronauts. I also appreciate that, the author had focused on their accomplishment rather than their family and hoppies.

Cheers
Lul