Pam Webb

a writer's journey as a reader

Archive for the tag “Reader Roundup”

09 Dec 2022
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Reader Roundup: November


November had its share of hits and misses. I usually start reading a new book just before going to bed. I’ll get about 25 pages in before I decide if it’s a go on or not. My husband tosses out a comment of “another miss, huh?” Yup. There are simply too many books I have yet to read to be willing to work with one that doesn’t work for me. Here are the hits. The misses are long gone.

by Ashley Ream

A riveting premise, one that mixes science with mythology with equal respect to both. Each character is well-developed and the separate plot threads are given full attention as well. The author’s flippant prose adds light, appropriate humor.

The driven selfishness of each character emphasizes the importance of finding balance in one’s pursuits. The ending was a bit rushed and somewhat ambiguous, yet had an appropriate finality to an engaging story.

by Kristina McMorris

The ambiguity of the novel’s beginning absolutely pulls the reader in and the build up to that moment is well worth the progressive tale of Shan, a plucky boy who overcomes great odds to achieve a well-deserved happy ending.

Impressive historical detail involving immigrants, cultural traditions, and prison life make this an engaging read. Shan is a character the reader definitely roots for throughout the story.

by Monica Hesse

Hesse presents a different perspective of WWII by setting her story in Amsterdam. The Germans have established occupation and are beginning to round up the Jewish population. There are citizens who begin hiding Jews, but this is not the initial emphasis of the story. Instead, the author focuses on the independent Hanneke who supports her family as a receptionist and by delivering black market goods.

The story takes a turn when one of her clients asks her to find the girl she has been hiding, a Jewish girl who seemingly disappeared. From that point Hanneke becomes obsessed with finding the girl to the point of jeopardizing lives.

Well-written, carefully researched, the story illustrates the different ways people responded to the war effort. Although considered YA it could easily pass for an adult read.

by Mike Allegra

Anyone needing a boost in the get happy department should seek out Mike Allegra’s story of how one delightful capybara interjected a welcome dose of floofy good cheer amidst the critters in his neighborhood. A smile is guaranteed with the uplifting text and winsome illustrations.

Getting lost in a good book. So satisfying. Anyone get lost recently?

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06 Jan 2021

Reader Round Up: December


December found me coasting into an attempt to best my best Goodreads challenge by scooting into the finish line of 165 books for 2020. Woo Hoo! My previous best was 140 last year. That is the upside about staying close to home: more time to read.

With Christmas Break comes two weeks of no school, which means nothing to plan and nothing to grade. The weather was not conducive to walking much and my library provided most of my inter-library loan requests. Recliner, book stack, open schedule—reader bliss. Here are December’s highlights:

The Constant Rabbit by Jasper Fforde
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

What is Jasper Fforde’s genre? Erudite Absurdism? He is indeed unique in his style. This is a amusing read, if one can get past any hidden or unconfessed squeamishness towards talking rabbits. Jimmy Stewart’s Harvey made me a wee bit uncomfortable and I can’t claim to be a Beatrix Potter fan. Perhaps if C.S. Lewis had ennobled the rabbit in Narnia I would be more at ease with Fforde’s tale of talking rabbits.
However, my feelings aside, Fforde’s writing is oh so clever. He takes on issues ranging from reality TV to politics to human behavior and even jabs at his own double consonant last name. Having embraced Thursday Next, I was ever so happy that Mr. Fforde has not lost his way with wit and wordplay.

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Considering this book was written twenty years ago, it still resonates so much. Esperanza lives a privileged life in Mexico until her father dies. Consequently she and her mother immigrate to California to find work on the farms picking produce. Life is vastly different for Esperanza living in the rough conditions of the camps. She must endure and live in hope that times will become better. Well-written and containing thought-provoking ideas of perspective, especially when it comes to the issues of immigration. The story is based on the author’s grandmother’s life providing a richer understanding of the harshness of prejudice and the sorrow of loss. Yet, there is a sense of possibility and hope in the story that is appealing and creates a sense of hope.

Time After Time by Lisa Grunwald ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

When a story makes me cry that’s the litmus test for a memorable novel.Where to start? First off, a unique plot device involving Grand Central Station and a fairytale of an impossible romance. Next, full characterization of all characters, be they the lost and found clerk to the MCs. I came away knowing these people and became genuinely, emotionally involved in their story. If you appreciated The idea behind The Time Traveler’s Wife Grunwald’s book is suggested.
Then there is the plethora of historical detail that is presented as a tribute to the various eras of New York from flappers to returning WWII soldiers to a city rebuilding and reshaping itself. But the double-punch ending is the real wow of Grunwald’s story of love found, lost, and found again.

Oh, if there is a movie? I nominate Paul Rudd for Joe.

Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare, Roma Gill ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Twelfth Night, one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, is presented in an accessible student edition by Roma Gill, that provides thorough side notes to this lively play. The ancillary includes discussion questions and other useful classroom study aides. A slim, yet efficient textbook for better understanding the play.

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafazi, Christina Lamb ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Even without all the attention Malala received after the Taliban’s bullet nearly ended her life, this well-spoken young woman from Pakistan would still be a notable person. Her zeal for education and desire for peace are notable and admired. Her voice is clearly heard around the world and she has taken on the UN, American presidents, and the Taliban expressing her beliefs.
A book that combines her story, her beliefs, and her country’s history makes for illuminating reading.

It’s Like This, Cat by Emily Neville ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

I remember this book from my child and it was a welcome reread in my personal challenge to read all Newbery award winners during this past year.

This is a true tribute to sixties NYC. Neville creates a likable narrator in Davey, a fourteen year old who is starting to figure out life. He realizes he doesn’t have to argue with his father all the time and he can be choosy about his friends. He can also chose a pet and he adopts Cat from Kate, the neighborhood cat lady.
Even though it was written in the sixties the story still holds relevance since many of the issues in the book remain the same: family dynamics, friendship flurries, the search for identity. Just the prices have changed and no iPhones are in sight.
I like to think of this as a positive Catcher in the Rye.

I won’t have as much time in January with school starting back up, but I have some fabulous reads lined up. Did you have some memorable reads last month or are you looking forward to some new ones coming your way?

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