PFS2012 Book Review: Plain Kate by Erin Bow

Title: Plain Kate
Story Arc: Standalone
Publication: September 1, 2010 by Scholastic
Paperback: 320 pages
Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Adventure
Age Group: Middle Grade, Teen
Source: Publicist from Scholastic
Excerpt(s): from p. 185
Content: Verbal Shunning, Bloody Attacks and Violence

A long time ago, in a market town by a looping river, there lived an orphan girl called Plain Kate ...

Review:The Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter a n d  t h e Sorcerer's Stone

by J. K. Rowling

Add it to Goodreads?
Release Date: October 1, 1998
Publisher: Scholastic
Age Group: All Ages
Source: Library Check-Out
Rating: Special Shelf
About the Book:

Harry Potter has never been the star of a Quidditch team, scoring points while riding a broom far above the ground. He knows no spells, has never helped to hatch a dragon, and has never worn a cloak of invisibility.

All he knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley—a great big swollen spoiled bully. Harry's room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in eleven years.

But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to an incredible place that Harry—and anyone who reads about him—will find unforgettable. For it's there that he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic in everything from classes to meals, but a great destiny that's been waiting for him... if Harry can survive the encounter.

Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much. They were the last people you'd expect to be involved in anything strange or mysterious...

I can never fully express to you how deeply I regret not embarking on this series sooner. I'm so late! Now the movies are over and its less likely I can parade my enthusiasm and the sheer joy I got from reading this. From the first chapter alone, it became increasingly obvious as to how J.K. Rowling ended up a millionaire (or is bigillionaire...?). I'd always been a BIG fan of the movies, but I didn't read the books based on my pre-Reading Obsession years when I didn't very much enjoy them. I realized, though, that at the time, I didn't have it in me to appreciate this series. Now, I do. Boy, do I! This book incites the fan girl (or boy) in you!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is full of magic and adventure, sparkling story-telling, and is the embodiment of nearly every child's dream to run off to some foreign, magical place where excitement and danger is around every corner to chase off the boredom. What is so purely great about this first book (and I'm sure the others as well) is the effortless world-building that mirrors our own world in past and present spaces in our history. Nothing is over-done and it's plain how deep Rowling's knowledge of the world runs. From wands and cauldrons to magical beasts to wizarding sports, The Sorcerer's Stone will fascinate you at every plot turn and through every character. It ensnares your attention and leaves you craving the next book!

I loved Harry. His book portrayal made me much more sensitive to his circumstances and feelings. Gosh, I can't tell you how many times this boy succeeded in making me cry! The cruelty of his care-givers had me fuming and crying all at the same time. And the feeling of loss for his parents strikes you throughout the course of the movie series, but it hits much harder after reading the books. Growing up with the movies, the movie adapted characters stuck with me while I was reading. I saw Emma Watson when I read Hermione, and Radcliffe and Grint and so on. It honestly made me love the book that much more!

I appreciated the Big Mystery, and it was nice to go through the motions of unraveling it, because I had forgotten almost everything from the first movie. It was like starting fresh, and as I read the book I slowly began to recall what was going to happen. Strangely, that made it all the more exciting.

Perhaps it is because Harry Potter has been dear to my heart all this time, being apart of the Harry Potter generation, that the entire book captivated me from start to finish, but I can truly say, without bias, that The Sorcerer's Stone is an enthralling, unique, and astoundingly overwhelming read! I can promise that I was as bewitched as Harry when, together, we stumbled upon the wizarding world, and absolutely guarantee that my friends will be finding the Harry Potter books in my bag until I'm done with the series!

Thought up by the lovely Small Review, Special Shelf books are unforgettable books that hold 
beautiful stories inside and characters you will forever be in love with... (My Rating System In-Depth)

"FRED, YOU NEXT," THE PLUMP WOMAN SAID.
"I'M NOT FRED, I'M GEORGE," SAID THE BY. "HONESTLY, WOMAN, YOU CALL YOURSELF OUR MOTHER? CAN'T YOU TELL I'M GEORGE?"
"SORRY, GEORGE, DEAR."
"ONLY JOKING, I AM FRED," SAID THE BOY. (92)

"HAS ANYONE SEEN A TOAD? NEVILLE'S LOST ONE," SHE SAID. SHE HAD A BOSSY SORT OF VOICE, LOTS OF BUSHY BROWN HAIR, AND RATHER LARGE FRONT TEETH...
"OH, ARE YOU DOING MAGIC? LET'S SEE IT, THEN."
SHE SAT DOWN. RON LOOKED TAKEN ABACK...
"SUNSHINE, DAISIES, BUTTER MELLOW,
TURN THIS STUPID, FAT RAT YELLOW."
HE WAVED HIS WAND, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. SCABBERS STAYED GRAY AND FAST ASLEEP.
"ARE YOU SURE THAT'S A REAL SPELL?" SAID THE GIRL. "WELL, IT'S NOT VERY GOOD, IS IT?" (105)

HARRY GRIPPED THE EDGES OF THE STOOL AND THOUGHT, NOT SLYTHERIN, NOT SLYTHERIN.
"NOT SLYTHERIN, EH?" SAID THE SMALL VOICE. "ARE YOU SURE? YOU COULD BE GREAT, YOU KNOW, IT'S ALL HERE IN YOUR HEAD, AND SLYTHERIN WILL HELP YOU ON THE WAY TO GREATNESS, NO DOUBT ABOUT THAT--NO? WELL, IF YOU'RE SURE--BETTER BE GRYFFINDOR!"
HARRY HEARD THE HAT SHOUT THE LAST WORD TO THE WHOLE HALL. HE TOOK OFF THE HAT AND WALKED SHAKILY TOWARD THE GRYFFINDOR TABLE. HE WAS SO RELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AND NOT PUT IN SLYTHERIN, HE HARDLY NOTICED THAT HE WAS GEETTING THE LOUDEST CHEER YET. PERCY THE PREFECT GOT UP AND SHOOK HIS HAND VIGOROUSLY, WHILE THE WEASLEY TWINS YELLED, "WE GOT POTTER! WE GOT POTTER!" (121-122)

Review: Clarity by Kim Harrington

Clarity by Kim Harrington

Get the Deets: Goodreads»»  
(What is Goodreads.com?)
Release Date: March 1, 2011
Publisher: Scholastic
Source: own/Purchased
Purchase: Book Depo. | Amazon | Kindle
About the Book:

When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth? This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats.

Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift.

And a curse.

When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case - but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother - who has supernatural gifts of his own - becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?

Amazingly, I really liked Clarity. I don't mean to sound like I don't care for that feeling or to sound so surprised, but, frankly, I'd let so many reviews form a preconceived image of my reaction to the book that I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. I think many people missed it for what it is--a part serious, part entertaining tale of a psychic girl  dealing with demons of her own, WHILE helping the police with an investigation of a murder. Undoubtedly, the story was not without flaws. But there were so many good, enjoyable aspects as well.

Clare and I, we have one of those I-love-you-hate-you relationships. On the one hand I admire her, even respect her some. She takes up the police's request that she help them track down a killer in the town. If it were me, I would've balked, in thinking of the dangers and repercussions of accepting. But, Clare has a strong, almost too black-and-white sense of right and wrong. And it's right to help stop a murderer in her book, despite potential dangers and lacerations. I applaud her for that. I can commend her for mature way of dealing with the skeptical Gabriel, and the not-so-mature way of handling her archnemesis during that one diner scene in the beginning. I'd like to be as ballsy as her. However, I'd like to pop her one for the way she treated Justin, her ex-boyfriend.

I noticed in a lot of reviews people said that they couldn't decide between either guy in this love triangle, on the grounds that they didn't like them or didn't get to know them well. I beg to differ. I had very strong, very definitive emotions toward both boys. Justin, he has my sympathy and my support in his quest to regain Clare's trust in him and to be with her again. Gabriel, well, he's another story. I don't like him, don't trust him. There's something about him that gave me the heebie-geebies while reading. But, back to my wanting to punch Clare in the face--was it really necessary for her to act like such a jerk to a guy who clearly regrets his biggest mistake? Every time she was around him (except toward the end) I wanted to sock her one, simply because her treatment of him was unwarranted. (You'd think a girl would want to try for dignity, if anything, when dealing with an ex that cheated.) I was fully prepared to detest Justin. But he's not your typical jerk-face two-timer, and the fact that .5) he never doubts her or her family 1) he's a good guy 2) he acknowledges and deeply regrets his mistake 3) he hurts because his actions hurt her and 4) he's still in love with her screams I AM THE RIGHT CHOICE. I understood and accepted her reluctance to fall back into a relationship with him. I just didn't get her raging need to withhold forgiveness from him for as long as she did or intended. But I think you'd have to read the book to recognize where I'm coming from.

While the plot/murder mystery deal could've been executed a bit better, and the actual killer a more clear-cut villain, I had fun with trying to solve who the killer was and why. You know, uncovering the motive--which, I think, despite the explanation given, wasn't as logical as I'd wanted it to be. I did like the constant suspicion that tagged along with me throughout the ride. Not knowing who done it--could it have been her brother? Her neighbor? A friend? Who? Even if I hadn't been frantically gripping the book, ripping through pages in a rush to find out, I was entertained and I didn't feel like my time was wasted by the time I was done.

My only real issue was the supporting cast. In particular, Clare's mom and brother. Perry, Clare's brother, seemed like this cool guy. A player, good-humored, and caring. However, since he was depressed for most of the book, it was hard to be charmed by him. I have hope though, in this area, considering that this IS a series, and assuming that he doesn't crop up as another suspect, I'll get to see the side of him I'd been initially attracted to and intrigued by. Clare's mom irritated the hell out of me, for some reason. It just bugged me how she was so... I don't know, carefree, when it came to her kids, at random points in the novel. If you realize that your son is scared and frustrated because of his involvement with the investigation, wouldn't you be more worried about him, make an attempt to get him out of his funk, support him? She was too much of a side character. As a mom, as a parent, I'd like her to have more of a role in this story, more of a power over, and a bigger CONCERN for her kids.

Being that there was no real cliffhanger, apart from wondering who Clare's going to end up with, I'm curious to see how this series will continue. What kind of bad guys will show up, relevance to the mystery of her father, and WILL SHE CHOOSE JUSTIN?? I'm excited to see how things pan out in the future!

--------------------------------------------------- 

He poked me in the shoulder blade.

And that was his mistake.

I'm willing to overlook a stupid comment here and there. But poking me? Nuh-uh. I lifted my elbow up and brought it back hard into his gut.

Frankie let out an oomph as he doubled over.

I twirled around with a sweet-as-pie smile. "Oh no. Did you catch my elbow in your stomach while I was putting my change in my pocket? Sorry, Frankie. You should learn not to stand so close to people" (3).

"I heard you and Tiffany got into a catfight over me at Yummy's," Justin announced with an overconfident grin that pissed me off.

I slammed the door behind me. "First off, I dumped a soda over head. That was it."

"Damn, a catfight sounded much hotter. I was picturing ripped shirts, exposed skin."

I rolled my eyes. "And second, it wasn't over you, egomaniac. You can date every girl in town as far as I'm concerned. I hate you. I pray every night that you'll fall victim to some strange and unusual castration accident." I pointed to the door. "So get the hell out."

His lips twitched, fighting a smile. (42) One of the rare times I actually enjoyed Clare's ferocity toward Justin.

I motioned to my two boys. "We have stuff to talk about. We're going upstairs."

Mom didn't exactly give me permission, but she knew I wasn't going to have an orgy in my room or anything. (217) There's something so very hilarious about that line.

Review: Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

WARNING: If you haven't read SHIVER, then you probably shouldn't read this review. Especially since it may contain spoilers!

L i n g e r

Author: Maggie Stiefvater (Blog★Twitter)

Release Date: 7/13/10 (Hardcover)

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Age Group: Young Adult (14+)

Pages: 368

Source: Amazon (Bought)

Go Buy It: Amazon★Barnes&Noble
★BookDepository

Overall Feelings: Breathtakingly agonizing! Summary: Goodreads

"Just a few months ago, it was Sam who was the mythical creature. His was the disease we couldn't cure. His was the good-bye that meant the most...

This is a love story. I never knew there were so many kinds of love or that love could make people do so many different things. I never knew there were so many different ways to say good-bye" (1-2).

---

I love both of Maggie's novels, Shiver and Linger, but differently. The first of the Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy, Shiver, laid the groundwork, introduced readers to this new, impressive concept of werewolves, staggeringly real characters and friendships, and awe-inspiring love. Where the paranormal aspect of Shiver was a key component in the novel, the overwhelming love between Sam and Grace took precedence, in my opinion, which I absolutely adored.

Linger, on the other hand, follows a different route... While Sam and Grace's love is still bright and vital and true, there were more (realistic) obstacles to be faced (like *cough* Grace's absentminded parents *cough*), fresh characters with dismal pasts introduced, higher stakes, and a better understanding of Maggie's werewolves presented.

I loved melting, sliding into the warmth and brilliance that is Sam and Grace's relationship, once again...they're just a stupendous, moving couple that I can't help but fall for. They have this understanding, this connection, this depth that many YA couples seriously lack. These two... They actually talk with each other, share themselves with each other... They're the kind of couple that sleeps in the same bed just to sleep next to each other, to hear the "steady sound of [one another's] breathing" (164). But, do not misunderstand, neither one of the two are perfect, they do not make this perfect, ideal relationship. In this novel, I was exposed to the insecurities each of them carry around but don't show.

"After [Grace] hung up, I handed the phone back to Rachel. I wasn't sure what was wrong with me. It was only forty-eight hours until I saw her again. That wasn't long. A drop in the bucket in the ocean of time that was our lives together. We had forever now. I had to start believing that.
'Sam?' Rachel asked. 'Do you know you have the saddest sad face ever?'" (148).

Aside from Sam and Grace, there's also Rachel, Isabel, and Cole, among others...

Rachel is one of Grace's very reliable, very fun and entertaining best friends... you know, that character you read in a novel that's bound to make you laugh... Yeah, that's Rachel. She's odd, lively, and spunky, a perfect combo designed to provide the reader with comic relief... in other words, Rach cracked me up, a lot.

"Sam, Grace, & Rachel:
'Hi, The Boy!' she shouted over the music. 'We're making Italian food!'
Still holding a piece of chicken, I turned and made a loud noise in protest. Rachel said, 'My colleague informs me that I spoke too strongly. I am watching Grace make Italian food!'" (65)

In Shiver, readers met Isabel Culpeper, a hurt and neglected, unsympathetic girl who has a bit of history with the wolves of Mercy Falls (don't want to spoil anything)... She's another of Grace's friends, could even possibly be considered one of her close friends, and is more of a prominent character in this novel. She can be the voice of reason amongst the group, the only who doesn't think with her heart and feelings but with her head and she's usually right, as what she says tends to make sense. Isabel begins to take an interest in a brand-new character, Cole St. Clair...

The thing I find fascinating about Cole is he's so...authentic, I guess would be the word. A lot of times when I'm watching a show or reading a novel, I get this character that's been hurt in the past or abused and so forth, and they heal pretty quickly. But with Cole, it was a long while before I got to see some progress in his character, to find signs that he actually cares and he's not just empty space. He's a fantastic addition to this trilogy, and I delighted in his consistent growth and watching him evolve as a character.

Cole & Isabel:
"She paused, then finally said, 'You want to talk? Fine. Talk. Tell me something you've never told anybody else.'
I thought for a moment. 'Turtles have the second-largest brains of any animals on the planet.'
It took Isabel only a second to process this. 'No, they don't.'
'I know. That's why I've never told anybody that before'" (134).

Ironically, Grace's inattentive parents become an obstacle in this novel. They start to take an interest in Sam's comings and goings, the status of Sam and Grace's relationship...But, in Shiver they seemed to not really care about Grace, so they morphed into this giant annoyance that tagged along throughout Linger. Yet, by having parental issues, it made the state of Sam and Grace's relationship, and Grace's relationship with her parents more substantial, more realistic and believable. Honestly, what teenager's parents don't pay at least a small amount of attention to who their children are dating and for how long?

The new wolves, Cole among them, were another huge, unstable dilemma in this book. But, with these extra wolves, I felt like I found out a lot more about the werewolves in this trilogy. I think I got some rather necessary info on how shifting works, and how it is for these humans-turned-wolves. The whole process, and the change involved is fascinating and kept me interested in reading Linger.

*teensy-weensy bit spoilerish*
"This is the story of a boy who used to be a wolf, and a girl who became one. I won't let this be my goodbye. I've folded one thousand paper crane memories of me and Grace, and I've made my wish..." (360).

The ending left me in a semi-depressed state. I'm so afraid for everyone in this novel. My one wish is to find that Sam and Grace, including everyone else, but more specifically Sam and Grace, have and live a happy ending in the next novel. I couldn't withstand it if something bad happened to their relationship. But, it would seem so many new hurdles have been added in, I have no idea where Maggie is going to be taking the next novel, Forever, though I'm most definitely going to pick up a copy of the last novel of the Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy.

Thanks for reading!

---

Watch out for Forever, the finale of the Wolves of Mercy Falls
 (to-be-released: 7/12/11)