A Sci-fi Mystery

                                       


                                     



        
         The Inventor's Secret by Chad Morris features the Cragbridge family in the year 2074. Twin siblings Abbey and Derrick Cragbridge are accepted in the most prestigious school in the world, Cragbridge Hall, where students don't merely read about history, but live it, become animals through sophisticated avatars, and gym class is a gigantic virtual mountain! All of this is credited to Abbey and Derrick's grandfather Oscar Cragbridge the genius behind the inventions. Poor Abbey feels inferior to her brother and undeserving of the fine school, not sure of where she belongs.
        Then when both Oscar and the twin's parents go missing, Abbey and Derrick must scramble through the clues in order to find the answers to a baffling secret mysteriously locked away. They have a mere few days before time runs out and the unthinkable becomes reality.

History:
    As he grew up, Chad Morris wanted to be a professional basketball player or a rock star. But instead he spent his time writing and preforming sketch comedy while going to college and eventually became a teacher as well as a curriculum writer. He currently resides in Utah with his wife and five children.

My Thoughts:
Let me just say that I love this book! Its really, really cool! There are so many futuristic ideas and its written in a very clear, easy way; a real treat for the imagination! Also its an intriguing mystery! What is the secret? What will happen if it falls into the wrong hands? Will Derrick and Abbey's parents die on a sinking ship before the puzzle can be unraveled? You can only know by reading for yourselves. I also found that you can really understand Abbey, how she feels, and you want her to realize how very special she is. A great, entertaining read! Pick it up sometime and you won't be disappointed.

Riches to Rags.

                                                        

   

                      Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan features the young and beautiful Esperanza living with her family in Mexico. They are quite wealthy and Esperanza lives the life of a princess, receiving everything she could need or want. But horrible tragedy strikes! They are thrown into poverty and forced to leave Mexico. Having lost everything, Esperanza begins a harsh, new life in America which teaches her care for herself and others.

History:
      Pam Munoz Ryan grew up in Bakersfield, California. As a child, she read dozens upon dozens of books that took her into many different worlds. As an adult she became a language teacher, but later stepped out to raise her children at home. A few years went by and she began pursuing a master degree and one of her professors began encouraging her to write. She began by co-authoring an adult novel with a friend then she went into writing children stories.
           Her children have long grown, she's an author full time, and lives with her husband in San Diego county, California.

My Thoughts:
For me, this book came along when my sister introduced it to me. She read it and said that some day I should. Eventually she bought me a copy of my own. At that point, I wasn't much of a reader, but I started reading just the same and I was pleasantly surprised at how interested I was in the story. Descriptions  of Mexico and the rising conflict pulled me in with ease. For me, it was a story of beating the odds despite difficulties and cruel injustice. Its a relatable tale  because on a down day you can look back on Esperanza and her family and how they persevered through tough times. Its a heartwarming, unique read.

Back to the classics 2

I LOVE this book!!!




                                                    
                  Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery features the skinny, freckled, red haired orphan Anne Shirley desperately longing to have a place to call home. Her dream seems to come true almost miraculously as she is sent to live with Matthew and Mirilla Cuthbert on Prince Edward Island. But she discovers, much to her dismay, that there was a terrible mistake. The Cuthberts were expecting a boy! What good was a bad tempered, talkative, overly imaginative little girl? While the debate goes on for her staying or going back to the dark, dismal orphanage Anne sees a whole new life on Prince Edward Island and finds a bosom friend. No matter what life throws her way she meets the challenge with imagination and spunk.

History:
    Lucy Maud Montgomery was born in Clifton, Canada on November 30, 1874. After the death of her mother ,when she was twenty one months old, she was sent to live with her maternal grandparents Alexander and Lucy Macneill. They raised strictly and with no compassion. Lucy Maud grew up quite lonely and developed imaginary friends and worlds. She credits these years with the sculpting of her creative mind.
During her teaching career she began publishing short stories in a few magazines and newspapers. Being very talented, she published over one hundred stories from 1897 to 1907.
       Inspired by her days on Prince Edward Island, she wrote Anne of Green Gables and it was published in 1908. It was a big hit with readers everywhere who were charmed by the antics of the little orphan girl. The entire series consists of: Anne of Green Gables, Anne of Avonlea, Anne of the Island, Anne of Windy Poplars, Anne's House of Dreams, Anne of Ingleside, Rainbow Valley, and Rilla of Ingleside. Besides series for Anne she also wrote other series: The Emily Trilogy, Pat of Silver Bush, and The Story Girl.
L.M. Montgomery died on April 24, 1942 in uncertain circumstances.

My Thoughts:
For this book, like with many others, I saw the film first. I don't know why I keep doing that! But when I picked up the book I found to be a true literary delight. Rarely have a found a character more relatable than Anne Shirley. Even though you may not be an orphan or go anywhere near Prince Edward Island you can understand Anne. What is so inspiring about her is that she has kinks and rough edges that she works through in surprising and intelligent ways. She rolls with the waves and learns valuable lessons that sculpt her into the beautiful strong woman that she became.
There was, despite her relatable nature, one thing that I didn't quite understand. She hated her red hair. I think that red hair is absolutely beautiful and, perhaps, because of my admiration for Anne Shirley I chose red hair for the heroine in my own novel.
           I highly recommend this book! It brings smiles and stimulates curiosity in a very gentle sort of way and you will find yourself quickly engrossed with the story.
Just for the record, none of these past few novels are THE favorite for me. My favorite novel series of all will be introduced when the time is just right. :)

Another interesting book.

Now for a change of scenery:




                                                                      
                    
               
              Daughter of Venice by Donna Jo Napoli features a young noble woman in Venice named Donata who lives in the days when only one son and one daughter from a family can marry. Donata is not to marry and she faces a future locked away in one of the countryside convents. She had always dreampt of education like that of her brothers and truly knowing the city she loves so dearly. So, before being shut away as culture demands, she hatches a plan to explore the city. What she sees far exceeds her wildest imaginings.

History

      Donna Jo Napoli was born on February 28, 1948 in Miami, Florida. She is not only a writer but a linguist and a professor at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. She did not expect to become a writer considering troubles reading in her youth, but she later found that it was one of the best ways to express herself. In addition to Daughter of Venice she's written dozens of other novels for both adults and children such as: The Prince of the Pond, The Magic Circle, When Water closes over my Head, Changing Tunes, and Flamingo Dream.

My Thoughts

I found this plot to be very interesting. Often times I don't think about how it was way back in those Vitorian days. Donata is a highly relatable character because of her longings to be more than what is expected of her. I was also very impressed by the rich, historical details. I could really see the beautiful city of Venice and feel the people there. What makes it engaging is wondering if Donata, the bright, intellegent, dreamer will achieve her heart's desires and the turn out is quite surprising!

Back to the classics

Here's a refreshing change of pace:


                                                      

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame features the homey tales of the little creatures living on a peaceful river bank. Not only the day to day lives of good friends, but also the eccentric antics of the humorous Mr. Toad.

History:

      Kenneth Grahame was a Scotish writer born on March 8, 1859. He started young with short stories published in his mid twenties such as Pagan Papers, The Golden Age, and The Reluctant Dragon. But The Wind in The Willows, published in 1908, is said to be the greatest triumph in his writing carreer. It was the acclaimed winner of the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award in 1958 and was adapted into a Disney film which is still enjoyed by adults and children everywhere. He never made a sequel, but author William Horwood wrote a series of sequels in the 1990's.

My thoughts:
My introduction to this novel began with my love for it as a film when I was very little. Later my mother gave me the copy my grandmother had, which included small illustrations that she applied. As I read it I found it to be a story from another time, free of the speed and endless changes of technology. The days when one would sit on a river bank on a warm, spring day enjoying the sounds of running water and when hanging out was sitting at a dinner table enjoying good food and real company. The art of story telling was different then--much steadier and filled with other sorts of thrills than those in the novels of today. My aunt reffered to it as one of the books that you want to"lick the pages" because of how wonderfully the words are assembled and she is right. The Wind in The Willows is a true work of art.
                     The mesage I'd like to convey in posting this classic is: take the time to slow down and really enjoy your days as they go by. Do what you love, love everyone while you do it, and don't forget the classics. You'd be surprised what they can teach.


More Literature to Love.

Another series for you all to feast your eyes on!!!!!!!

 





The Capture is book one of the series Gaurdians of Ga'hoole. The story begins with an owl hatchling named Soren who lives with his family in a cozy hollow in the forest kingdom of Tyto. All is well until one horrific night when Soren, half asleep, falls from the nest!! It would have been a death sentence were he not snatched by the owls of St. Aggie's Academy for orphaned owls. There he meets the small owl Gylfie who was snatched up from the desert. Together, they discover the horrific evil lurking behind the academy's so called good deeds and struggle to escape their deadly talons.


History:


                                        Kathryn Lasky is the acclaimed author of hundreds of novels both fiction and non fiction. During her teaching carreer her first novel, I Have Four Names for My Grandfather, was published. Many others followed including this popular book series. Owls fascinated her at an early age and she enjoyed researching their behavior for her books. The Guardian's of Ga'hoole consitst of the following novels: The Capture, The Journey, The Rescue, The Siege, The Shattering, The Burning, The Hatchling, The Outcast, The First Collier, The Coming of Hoole, To be a King, The Golden Tree, The River of Wind, Exile, and The War of the Ember. There is also a prequil, The Rise of a Legend. Furthermore, her novel has recently made into a motion picture and a video game. Kathryn Lasky currently resides in Massachusettes.

My thoughts:
After seeing the movie I wondered if it had been based off a book and sure enough I found them. I was eager and curious as I started to read. It was a bit more of a gradgual way of telling stories than I was used to at the time, but it really started to grow on me. Kathryn Lasky built the entire owl culture in such a natural, believable way. It is a lot fun to look at and she has also proven herself a master of plots. The evil that is presented made me shudder. It's all very easy to picture and follow and I've enjoyed all that I've read so far. Pick it up and enjoy the adventure!

Books, books, and MORE boooks!!!!!!!

Here's another one for any of you mystery lovers.



         In Steel Trapp, The Challenge, by Ridley Pearson young Steven Trapp (nicknamed steel) takes a two day train ride with his mother to the National Science Challenge in Washington D.C. Steven has the most remarkable gift--a photographic memeory. Anything he sees is in his brain for life. On his journey to Washigton all is as it should be until he attempts to return a woman's bag.  The bag and its contents send Steve on the trail of terrorists! He, his dog Cairo, and his new friend Kaileigh use their wits and Steve's Science contest invention in attempt to unravel the devilish plot.

History:

  Author Ridley Pearson lives in Riverside, Connecticut after liveing in China from 2008 to 2009. He has spent his life writing suspensful mystery and adventure novels for both adults and young readers. The Challenge is the second of the two novels for Steel Trapp. Other series include: In Harm's Way,Killer Summer, Killer Veiw, Killer Weekend(All for the Walt Fleming series) and Cut and Run.
     In addition to these and many others Pearson has also written for Disney. The series called Kingdom Keepers is set in Disney themeparks and involves encounters and battles with many of  Disney's characters.

My Thoughts:
Upon first picking up this book at a library giveaway I did what I always do. I read the summary, looking for that spark. I got it, boy did I get it! This I had to read and I found that I wasn't dissapointed. It was an engaging mystery full of twists, turns, and outright wild spins as well as interesting, relatable characters. You simply want to know what happens and that makes it a real page turner and its not a difficult read. If you want something that keeps you guessing right to the end pick up a copy. You won't regret it.
      No, this isn't my favorite author either. When you all least expect it I will unvail who I beleive is the BEST author ever.

Book Time!!!


         WOW! Red!

These books are very, very popular. Eldest is book two in Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle. It continues the story of the young man called Eragon. The adventure began in the mythical country of Alagaesia when Eragon found a strange blue stone in the woods. He assumes he could get money for it, but little does he know that he has stumbbled upon the most unbeleivable discovery! Not a stone, but an egg that soon brings forth a dragon hatchling. This brings trouble to Eragon's home town of Carvahall. After tradgety, Eragon embarks on a journey with his dragon, fleeing the evil King Galbatorix and embracing his destiny. That's book one anyway.
       Eldest is the continuation of this suspensful tale that has captivated readers far and wide. Evil still holds Alagaesia in its clutches and Eragon and his dragon throw themselves into the fray of rebellion. Eragon and his dragon travel to the land of the elves, those mysterious beings who hold the knowledge to train him as a true Dragon Rider. While his cousin, Roran, faces ugly battles of his own.

History
    Christopher Paolini began writing Eragon at the age of 15. He said that he was inspired to write the sort of novel that he would like to read. After two drafts he showed it to his family who decided to self publish it. The young Christopher and his father drove from place to place promoting the novel everywhere they could. After quite some time, the son of a writer for Random House got a hold of it and the writer recomended it to Random House and they, in turn, offered Paolini a contract which he accepted. By then he was 18. He wrote three more novels: Eldest, Brisingr, and Inheritance. Inheritance, the concluding volume, was published in 2011 and was big success. Paolini plans to continue in his writing, hinting to many more stories set in the magical land of Alagaesia.

My Thoughts:
I remember when I first started hearing about this stuff. Friends talked about it, classmates carried it as they passed by, and I saw them proudly on the shelves of bookstores and libraries. It took forever for my curiousity to get the better of me, but finally I had to find out what the big deal was. I bought a copy of Eragon at my local bookstore and started reading. I was blown away!! Christopher Paolini has an unbelievable talent for story telling. He creates a vast, intensley interesting world that is beautifully deatailed and gripping. There is so much that other writers can learn from his example. His characters seem so alive and you can feel every emotion as they srtuggle through every conflict. I enjoy the story and the way it is written.
        But, beleive it or not, after all that I have just said Mr. Paolini and his Inheritance Cycle take second place on my little list of favorite authors. He could rise to first place, but that would take quite some time. I may share my favorite author and his works later.

First Review

Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this blog is for me Emily, a humble reader and writer of stories, to discuss novels and their histories. Where books come from and from whom are often just as interesting as the books themselves. 

Now on to the books!!!!


   Black Ice by Andrew Lane is a new spin on the much admired sleuth Sherlock Holmes. In this perplexing puzzle the young Sherlock and his American teacher Amyus Crowe must scramble against time to prevent Sherlock's dear brother Mycroft from being hanged for murder most foul!! The situation appears horribly bleak for Mycroft, who was found in a locked room with the victim. The knife, blood still dripping, found in his hand. If not Mycroft, then who? Why? Will these questions be answered before an innocent man is sent to the gallows?

History: Andrew Lane is an author in Britain who wrote a varity of spin off novels before considering doing the same for his favorite character Sherlock Holmes. Such novels include spins off of Doctor Who and James Bond. He also wrote T.V. plots and scripts for Sky One and Space Island One.
In 2009 his publisher, Macmillan Childrens Books, announced that Andrew Lane would do a spin off of Sherlock Holmes. While partnered with the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Estate Andrew Lane wrote five novels featuring a young Sherlock Holmes: Death Cloud, Red Leech, Black Ice, Fire Storm, and Snake Bite. Black Ice is the winner of the 2012 Centurian Book Award and 2013 is its first year in print here in the USA.

My thoughts:
I have always enjoyed Shelock Holmes for his intelligence. He never missed a thing in his observations. Through that thorough observation and his attention to detail he was always able to arrive at the truth.
What I like about this new telling is that it provides a better look inside the mind of the genius. In the older tellings it was mostly from the point of view of Sherlock's dear friend rather then Sherlock himself. And since his freind can't read minds, the thoughts of the mystery solver are unseen. It was refreshing to see that difference.
Another portion that interested me is how much more I saw of Sherlock's background. I saw where he was raised and who molded him into the man he became.
The story is very well written with clear details and an easy to follow plot. To readers, especially mystery lovers, you will not only savor every page, but drool for more of the young Sherlock Holmes.