Friday, June 18, 2010

New Books Reviewed

The Cardturner by Louis Sachar     A new book from the author of Holes.  17 year old Alton spends his summer between 11th and 12th grade as a chauffeur and card turner for his blind, very rich, bridge playing, great-uncle Lester. The Cardturner is realistic fiction with a twinkle of magic realism.  It made me want to learn how to play bridge or at least try the game sometime.  Loved this book!  My rating : 4 stars.

The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell     A long story to get Carrie where she's going, which is New York City.  If you are a fan of the television series, Sex and the City, then you will probably want to read this book, however, if you are looking for a contemporary coming of age story about a girl in high school, there are better ones out there to spend time with than this book. There are many I could recommend, just ask.  My rating: 2.5 stars.

How to Say Goodbye in Robot by Natalie Standiford  A platonic love story with a midnight radio connection. Humorous and sometimes sad. About a girl coping with moving to a new town, a new school, and family relationships, and a boy coping with the loss of his twin, and his relationship with his father.  Recommend!  My rating: 4 stars.

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer   The SSL of Bree Tanner was a short breezy snack back into Meyer's Twilight series. Since it is from a newborn vampire's point of view it adds some depth to the series, particularly to Eclipse.  This novella does not have the same dreamlike quality, and romantic tension, of the other Twilight books that keeps you turning page after page into the night, but if you liked the Twilight series, you will enjoy this book. Now I want to know what happens with Fred - the only talented newborn who escapes from the pack.  My rating: 3 stars.  
Until July 5th you can read this book online.   Stephenie Meyer's website. 

Witch & Wizard by James Patterson   A dystopian fantasy. This is the worst book I have read in 2010 (61 books in 2010, so far).  A jumbled, bumpy - who cares ride.  Awful!  My rating: half a star.