Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein: Mini Book Review

Code Name Verity
by Elizabeth Wein
Doubleday Canada (Random House)
ISBN: 978-0-385-67657-1
Buy from Indigo

Description: I have two weeks. You’ll shoot me at the end no matter what I do.

That’s what you do to enemy agents. It’s what we do to enemy agents. But I look at all the dark and twisted roads ahead and cooperation is the easy way out. Possibly the only way out for a girl caught red-handed doing dirty work like mine — and I will do anything, anything, to avoid SS-Hauptsturmführer von Linden interrogating me again.

He has said that I can have as much paper as I need. All I have to do is cough up everything I can remember about the British War Effort. And I’m going to. But the story of how I came to be here starts with my friend Maddie. She is the pilot who flew me into France — an Allied Invasion of Two.

We are a sensational team.


The Good Stuff

• Fresh, exciting a brilliant change of pace from what I have been reading in YA
• You will bawl like a little baby & that is a good thing
• Powerful, strong and realistic female characters that I would proud to have as a daughter
• Good central message of friendship
• So many twists and turns and excitement I never wanted to put it down - ok and I didn't that is why I am so tired tonight
• I literally gasped - totally unexpected moment that crushed me
• Really felt like I was with them on their journey, I was that emotionally invested in them
• Nice bibliography at the end for further historical reading 
• Will make teens want to learn more about this period of history
• I can't wait to meet Ms Wein at BEA and tell her how much I loved this book - will definitely be promoting this at work, since there are always teens and parents wanting something that doesn't involve Vampires or Dystopian themes
• Man I wish I had a friendship like this - well without that one situation - but if I told you I would be giving you a serious spoiler!!!
• Ok kids I don't have the right words to express the wonderfulness of this book - go pick up a copy - you will thank me

The Not So Good Stuff

• The writing style is jarring at first with Queenie telling her story in Maddie's voice -- but please keep with it - this story sucker punches you

Favorite Quotes

"It's like being in love, discovering your best friend"

"I hate you, Adolf Hilter, you selfish wee beastie of a man, keeping Germany all to yourself.  YOU RUIN EVERYTHING."

"Paul tried desperately to translate and the driver resisted taking advice from a Slip of a Lass or whatever the French is for Slip of a Lass, I'm sure the direct translation in any language is more or less "Featherbrain," as it's what I get called whenver I'm expected not to be able do do whatever it is -fly a plane, load a gun, make a bomb - fix a car - so we lost fifteen minutes arguing."

4.5 Dewey's

I picked up a copy of this at Chapters Shawnessy - no reason, just was intrigued by the description

Son by Lois Lowry: Mini Book Review

Son (The Giver #4)Lois Lowry
Houghton Mifflin
ISBN: 978-0-547-88720-3
Suggested Ages: 12+
Buy from Indigo

Description: They called her Water Claire. When she washed up on their shore, no one knew that she came from a society where emotions and colors didn’t exist. That she had become a Vessel at age thirteen. That she had carried a Product at age fourteen. That it had been stolen from her body. Claire had a son. But what became of him she never knew. What was his name? Was he even alive? She was supposed to forget him, but that was impossible. Now Claire will stop at nothing to find her child, even if it means making an unimaginable sacrifice.

Son thrusts readers once again into the chilling world of the Newbery Medal winning book, The Giver, as well as Gathering Blue and Messenger where a new hero emerges. In this thrilling series finale, the startling and long-awaited conclusion to Lois Lowry’s epic tale culminates in a final clash between good and evil.

The Good Stuff

• Beautiful hopeful ending to a fabulous series
• Some honest truths and observations about life, love, sacrifice and family
• After meeting with Lois Lowry and hearing her speech at the Children's Breakfast, I can see her strength and her love for her deceased son throughout the book
• Claire is a intriguing character, I didn't always understand her actions, but they made sense for her
•  Deals with the all consuming love you have for your children - as a mom this will impact you more
• Ties all of the books together and you are left with the overwhelming feeling of hope that their world will change for the better - but without it feeling too neat or tidy
• I still miss Matty - and when he is mentioned I teared up
• Nice to see Jonas happy
• Perfect book for class discussions and book clubs

-The Not So Good Stuff

• I suggest reading the first three books before picking this up - otherwise you will be lost (I am glad I read the whole series very close together as it gave it much more of an impact)
• A little too much detail about Claire's journey down the mountain

Favorite Quotes/Passages

"She would not let them take that from her, that feeling. If someone in authority noticed the error, if they delivered a supply of pills to her, she thought defiantly, she would pretend. She would cheat. But she would never, under any circumstances, stifle the feelings she had discovered. She would die, Claire realized, before she would give up the love she felt for her son."

"You won't ever know what that's like, to love someone, In a way I pity you."

4 Dewey's

I picked this up at BEA (Book Expo America) last year and am finally getting to it

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman: Mini Book Review

The Graveyard Book 
by Neil Gaiman
HarperCollins
ISBN: 978-0-06-053094-5
Suggested Ages: 10+
Buy from Indigo

Description: After the grisly murder of his entire family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.

Nobody Owens, known to his friends as Bod, is a normal boy. He would be completely normal if he didn't live in a sprawling graveyard, being raised and educated by ghosts, with a solitary guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor of the dead. There are dangers and adventures in the graveyard for a boy. But if Bod leaves the graveyard, then he will come under attack from the man Jack—who has already killed Bod's family . . .

Beloved master storyteller Neil Gaiman returns with a luminous new novel for the audience that embraced his New York Times bestselling modern classic Coraline. Magical, terrifying, and filled with breathtaking adventures, The Graveyard Book is sure to enthrall readers of all ages


Mini Book Review: How does one review a classic? (Yes I know this book isn't a classic in the traditional sense of the word. ) How can one put into words the sheer delight one gets from a brilliant story without it doing it an injustice.  I have always been leery of  children's books that have been awarded literary prizes. Often they are more books adults enjoy than those of the intended audience. However, I had heard so many glowing reviews of this book I finally purchased a copy almost 10 months ago.  It's sat beside my bed since than glaring at me to read, but I couldn't do it as I had so many other books that had to be reviewed first.  Now, after finishing it I truly feel saddened that I hadn't read it sooner and been able to wax poetically about it to the customers of the Chapters I work at.  This is a book that will appeal to children of all ages (well maybe 9+ as it is dark and spooky and may freak out the more sensitive child - like my Jake).  It reminds me of the joy I used to get as a child losing myself in a fantastical tale.  It is written by a man who obviously remembers what it was like to be a child. It doesn't pander to the idea that children won't understand the darkness of life & should be shielded from death. This is a book that should be promoted in school as kids will read and want to talk about.  This is the type of book that should be used for class projects instead of that depressing crap about the prairies (yes I still have issues about this) This is the type of tale that will install in children the joy of the written word. Ok, enough, this is supposed to be a mini review - just go buy the damn thing for yourself and for your children.  I am keeping my copy for Jake for when he is ready for it. Mr Gaiman you are a truly gifted storyteller and I bow at your feet!


5 Dewey's

I purchased this from the Indigo at the Eaton Centre the day before I left Toronto

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin: Mini Book Review

All These Things I've Done
by Gabrielle Zevin
Square Fish
ISBN: 978-0-374-30210-8
Suggested Ages: 13+
Buy from Indigo

Description: In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. And yet, for Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, life is fairly routine. It consists of going to school, taking care of her siblings and her dying grandmother, trying to avoid falling in love with the new assistant D.A.'s son, and avoiding her loser ex-boyfriend. That is until her ex is accidently poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight--at school, in the news, and most importantly, within her mafia family.


The Good Stuff

• Fast paced with plenty of twists to keep you intrigued
• Fabulous dark and snarky humour
• Intriguing strong female character with depth - really impressed with the character development
• Interesting secondary characters
• Liked the importance of family that is highlighted. Nice to see realistic and strong bond between Anya and her family
• Virgin doesn't lose her virginity, even-though she is tempted, she really wants to wait until she is married (this is done in a non in your face preachy way)
• Will definitely be picking up the next book (when it comes out in paperback later this year)
• Mix between mafia, mystery and dystopian - very unique
• Characters actions fit her personality - you don't always agree with her decisions/actions but you get why she does it

The Not so Good Stuff

• Had a hard time dealing with the fact that chocolate and caffeine could make someone act like they were drunk
• Would have liked more background on how the world became this way
• Made me crave chocolate

4.25 Dewey's

Jen from work lent this to me and I didn't have to review (Thanks Jen I am glad you lent me this one)

Mr Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore: Mini Book Review

Mr Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore
by Robin Sloan
HarperCollins
ISBN: 9781443415781
Buy from Indigo

Description: The Great Recession has shuffled Clay Jannon out of his life as a San Francisco Web-design drone—and serendipity, sheer curiosity, and the ability to climb a ladder like a monkey has landed him a new gig working the night shift at Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore. But after just a few days on the job, Clay begins to realize that this store is even more curious than the name suggests. There are only a few customers, but they come in repeatedly and never seem to actually buy anything, instead “checking out” impossibly obscure volumes from strange corners of the store, all according to some elaborate, long-standing arrangement with the gnomic Mr. Penumbra. The store must be a front for something larger, Clay concludes, and soon he’s embarked on a complex analysis of the customers’ behavior and roped his friends into helping to figure out just what’s going on. But once they bring their findings to Mr. Penumbra, it turns out the secrets extend far outside the walls of the bookstore.

The Good Stuff

• A truly unique (in a good way) tale that was totally unexpected as I had a different idea of what the book was about 
• It deals with secret libraries and bookstores - um - hello, you can see why this one intrigued me
• I don't want to give away spoilers but one of the settings was AWESOME -  please take me to a place like that  
• A love story to the written word - no matter what the form
• Lots of intrigue and mystery 
• Tons of Geeky humour
• Makes you think

The Not So Good Stuff

• the characters were almost archetypical - I felt no emotional attachment to them as they didn't come across as real.
• A little too slow paced

Favorite Quotes/Passages

"I realize that the books I love most are like open cities, with all sorts of ways to wander in."

"A clerk and a ladder and warm golden light, and then: the right book exactly, at exactly the right time."

"We need James Bond with a library science degree."

Who Should/Shouldn't Read

•  This would be a fabulous book for a book club or just to talk about over coffee or a glass of wine.
• Fans of Douglas Copeland or Christopher Moore will feel a connection to this tale.  
• Librarians will especially feel for this book as it deals with keeping the old yet embracing the new. The knowledge that technology will not destroy the written word. The two can and will work together
• You love books/bookstores - this one is for you

4 Dewey's

I purchased this from Chapters Shawnessy because my HarperCollins reps waxed so poetically about it

Nowhere but Home by Liza Palmer

Nowhere but Home
by Liza Palmer
William Morrow (HarperCollins)
ISBN: 978-0-06-200747-6
Buy from Indigo

Description: A brilliant, hilarious, and touching story with a Texas twist from Liza Palmer, author of Conversations With The Fat Girl (optioned for HBO)

Queenie Wake, a country girl from North Star, Texas, has just been fired from her job as a chef for not allowing a customer to use ketchup. Again. Now the only place she has to go is home to North Star. She can hope, maybe things will be different. Maybe her family's reputation as those Wake women will have been forgotten. It's been years since her mother-notorious for stealing your man, your car, and your rent money-was killed. And her sister, who as a teenager was branded as a gold-digging harlot after having a baby with local golden boy Wes McKay, is now the mother of the captain of the high school football team. It can't be that bad…

Who knew that people in small town Texas had such long memories? And of course Queenie wishes that her memory were a little spottier when feelings for her high school love, Everett Coburn, resurface. He broke her heart and made her leave town-can she risk her heart again?

At least she has a new job-sure it's cooking last meals for death row inmates but at least they don't complain!

But when secrets from the past emerge, will Queenie be able to stick by her family or will she leave home again? A fun-filled, touching story of food, football, and fooling around.


The Good Stuff

• Totally enjoyed just losing myself in this lovely story about redemption, family, forgiveness, prejudice and hope
• Full of unique, yet believable and interesting characters
• Wonderful character development 
• Liked the plot line that involved Queenie being a cook for last meals at a prison - could lead to some very interesting conversations
• Makes you think 
• I cried - I consider this a good thing as you feel an emotional attachment to a character - that my friends is a sign of a good story
• Loved the humour in this one 
• The type of story you don`t want to put down - not that it is non stop excitement - its just the type of story that you care about what is going to happen to these richly developed characters
• Loved the relationship between Queenie and Merry
• The type of book you want to hug when you are finished
• Made me wonder if I could grant the wish of a convicted murderer - he or she was a child once - what made them become who they were? - do they deserve forgiveness? - do they deserve to get a final wish? - so many thoughts
• Must read more by this author - have a feeling that I will enjoy her other works
• Sad that others could judge children based on what their parents actions - and you know this happens in real life
• No preaching about whether the death penalty is the right thing to do
• Could have easily turned into a stereotypical small town caricature type of story but the author is truly gifted and instead you get something real
• Strong realistic female characters

The Not So Good Stuff

• A tad repetitive - nothing horrible - just some stronger editing would have given this a 5 instead of a 4.5
• Made me crave Southern Cooking - I am trying to stay away from that stuff it is not good for me (yes this is made worse because my hubby is cooking ribs for his work and it smells divine in this house)
• a wee bit predictable - but in this case it is ok - because you are so invested in the characters

Favorite Quotes/Passages

`` Food that`s good, but not  great enough to tolerate someone `being kind of a bitch`` is surely sweeping the Irish culinary world.``

``Fine. Maybe I was going to point out the tragedy  of One-Minute Wes being your only sexual experience. I mean what kind of whore are you?``

``We`re finally sinking in is the knowledge that their opinions only reflections of themselves and how unhappy they are in their own lives. I should know. I`ve spent years snarling at people because of how lonely I am.``

Who Should/Shouldn`t Read

•  Must send this this review to Jennifer Estep - think she would enjoy
• Anyone looking for a good character driven story that leaves you with the feeling of hope
• Perfect for a vacation read
• Those who like `chick lit`with heart - I don`t take the term chick lit as a negative thin - but lets face it guys aren`t going to get the appeal of this

4.5 Dewey`s

I received this from William Morrow in exchange for an honest review

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

Orphan Train
by Christina Baker Kline
William Morrow
ISBN:9780061950728
Buy from Indigo


Description:  A captivating story of two very different women who build an unexpected friendship: a 91-year-old woman with a hidden past as an orphan-train rider and the teenage girl whose own troubled adolescence leads her to seek answers to questions no one has ever thought to ask.

Nearly eighteen, Molly Ayer knows she has one last chance. Just months from "aging out" of the child welfare system, and close to being kicked out of her foster home, a community service position helping an elderly woman clean out her home is the only thing keeping her out of juvie and worse.

Vivian Daly has lived a quiet life on the coast of Maine. But in her attic, hidden in trunks, are vestiges of a turbulent past. As she helps Vivian sort through her possessions and memories, Molly discovers that she and Vivian aren't as different as they seem to be. A young Irish immigrant orphaned in New York City, Vivian was put on a train to the Midwest with hundreds of other children whose destinies would be determined by luck and chance.

The closer Molly grows to Vivian, the more she discovers parallels to her own life. A Penobscot Indian, she, too, is an outsider being raised by strangers, and she, too, has unanswered questions about the past. As her emotional barriers begin to crumble, Molly discovers that she has the power to help Vivian find answers to mysteries that have haunted her for her entire life - answers that will ultimately free them both.


The Good Stuff

• Epic, its been a long time since I read a story like this. These used to be my favorite types of stories. Parallel stories told years apart, characters of different eras face the same prejudice and hardships - human nature never really seems to change.
• Interesting story based on a little known piece of history
• Was hooked in right away and didn't want to put it down
• Heartbreaking and horrific at times because even though this is a fictional story it is based on fact and what some of these children had to go through is truly brutal
• Loved the conversations between Molly and Vivian and would love to have more of the story
• Makes me want to research more into the "Orphan Trains"

The Not So Good Stuff

• The storyline that focused on Vivian was far better developed than that of Molly which is a shame. I found the Molly bits to be a bit jumpy
• I wanted more - this was one of those stories that could have been much longer

Favorite Quotes/Passages

"Do you believe in fate?" I ask.
'What's that again?"
"That everything is decided. You're just - you know - living it out."
"God has it all planned in advance."
I nod.
"I dunno. I don't like the plan much so far."
"Me either."

"No time," Vivian calls over her shoulder. "I'm old , you know. Could drop dead any minute. We've got to get going."





Who Should/Shouldn't Read

• Great book for a reading at the cottage, on the beach or just about anytime you want to lose yourself in a great story

4 Deweys

I received this from William Morrow in exchange for an honest review