Category Archives: Books

Apocalypse: Star Wars (Fate of the Jedi)

  By admin | June 11, 2013 - 5:31 pm | , ,
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Apocalypse: Star Wars (Fate of the Jedi)

by Troy Denning

Leave it to Troy Denning to pen another great finale. Apocalypse is everything I expect from him and more. In it are some of the best combat scenes I’ve read in a very long time. It goes on and on, but I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. My heart was in it when Luke and Jaina shared one of the most touching scenes as the end was so surely near. Denning brings it all to life.

A lot more happens as the series wraps up. The only problem was Tenel Ka, who was a little spaced out as she had to be reminded to send Jedi into combat, because oh yeah, the enemy are Sith. And no, she couldn’t communicate with Bazel Warv through the Force, she had to wait for Leia to fly in and do it. Weren’t you strong in the Force, Tenel?

Other than that, everyone was in character, down to a tee. I am so happy to have Denning write them. I was beginning to miss them after reading Christie Golden. They had their voices back. Great job, Mr. Denning! Please write more.

Breakthrough: Elizabeth Hughes, the Discovery of Insulin, and the Making of a Medical Miracle

  By admin | June 4, 2013 - 5:47 pm |
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Breakthrough: Elizabeth Hughes, the Discovery of Insulin, and the Making of a Medical Miracle

by Thea Cooper and Arthur Ainsberg

What a fascinating read. I never thought much about the discovery of insulin until now. The cast of characters was enormous, but the authors Cooper and Ainsberg did a wonderful job of keeping the story focused on Elizabeth Hughs, her doctor, and a handful of researchers who were instrumental in bringing insulin to the masses.

Breakthrough was excellent, reading like one of those movies based on a true story, complete with dialogue, thoughts and emotions. The authors explain that while all the historical facts are accurate, some details which could not be documented were added for effect. I don’t believe the story would have been half as good had it focus only on verifiable facts, as the story would have been too dry. For the more curious, the authors do take care to explain the details in the “Notes and Sources” section at the end of Breakthrough.

The book provided enough information about insulin and diabetes for most laypeople to appreciate the insulin discovery. Those with a more scientific background who are seeking technical details might be disappointed. I was not. In fact, I hope someone will make a movie out of this.

This book was provided for review by the Amazon Vine program.

Ascension: Star Wars (Fate of the Jedi)

  By admin | May 30, 2013 - 8:31 pm | , ,
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Ascension: Star Wars (Fate of the Jedi)

by Christie Golden

Although the story is moving along, I am finding myself not a big fan of Christie Golden. The dialogue is completely unnatural and out of character for everyone. Many times, it’s used to explain the plot. Seriously, no one talks like that. The narrative is equally verbose and for the same reason. I really wish to experience more and be told less.

In Ascension, Luke finally comes back to Coruscant only to make some of the dumbest decisions ever, which of course everyone obeys.

Ben and Vestara’s relationship continue to grow, even though it feels forced. Sexual tension? Not really. Teenage crush? Uh-uh. I know Vestara has fans, but I don’t like her – not because of her background, but because her arc is so overly explained. The authors (note, there are multiple) keep telling me this is what she feels and this is why she feels it. Come on, now. I want to feel it, too. If you want to see change, look at Mara. She was much better done. Even the sexual tension between Luke and her was palpable.

The good thing is action is happening on the political front. The Sith are everywhere, even though Luke is still kinda lost. We get a weak cliff hanger, not a big bang, but there is a lot to build on. I can’t wait to see what Troy Denning does with it in the next book.

Piano Adventures Performance Book, Primer

  By admin | May 16, 2013 - 10:17 am |
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This review was originally posted November 3, 2010.

Piano Adventures Performance Book, Primer

by Nancy Faber

My daughter is six and she just started piano not more than seven months ago. Her teacher started her on the Piano Adventure series, beginning with the Primer books. There are four books that work together and she uses all of them (performance, technique, theory and lesson). I cannot believe how much she has improved with only five minutes of practice from these books every day. They are easy to understand, are quite methodical, and move at a good pace for young learners. I can see why the piano teacher chose this series. My daughter is just finishing the Primer books and is moving onto Level 1. We are very happy with her progress.

Conviction: Star Wars (Fate of the Jedi)

  By admin | May 12, 2013 - 9:58 pm | , ,
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Conviction: Star Wars (Fate of the Jedi)

by Aaron Allston

Like the rest of the series so far, there are several storylines running through Conviction. I wish it was written more like New Jedi Order, where the storyline would continue but there was a focus on one or two of the characters in every other book. We’d have Jacen’s story or Anakin’s story or Han’s story. Here, we have everyone’s story.

Tahiri’s trial comes to an end. Han, Leia and Allana go to Klatooine. Allana goes off on her own little adventure when she’s left behind on the Falcon. This kid never minds anyone and always lands herself in huge danger. No one ever gets upset with her for it and her grandparents don’t ever learn. At least they didn’t leave her with C3PO as her caretaker this time. But really, what good is a babysitter who won’t tell her what to do? The author could find a better way of freeing her from adults than surrounding her with spineless babysitters or droids and making her out to be somewhat of a defiant brat (not her fault). Every time the story got to her, I had to put the book down.

Luke, Ben, and Vestara keep looking for Abeloth. That was actually somewhat more interesting. Callista makes her way back into Luke’s life. I’ve never been a fan of her whole reason for being; but what happened to her in Conviction was so unexpected, it blew me away. I believed it. I felt it. It saved the book for me enough that I can grant it 3 1/2 stars.

The Enchanted Flounder: A new kinder, gentler telling of a fairy tale classic

  By admin | April 18, 2013 - 7:46 pm |
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This review was originally posted December 22, 2010.

The Enchanted Flounder: A new kinder, gentler telling of a fairy tale classic

by Susan Meredith

The Enchanted Flounder is marketed as a kinder and gentler retelling of the Grimm’s fairy tale The Fisherman and His Wife. A man catches a fish that can grant wishes. He doesn’t want for anything but his wife is greedy and wishes for more and more things until something incredible happens.

I can’t say there was anything in the original version that I remember needing to be kinder and gentler, but I love the book nevertheless. Susan Meredith adds a twist to the ending that changes the moral from “Be happy with what you have or you may lose it all,” to “Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.” Meredith’s version works better for me.

My nine year-old son read The Enchanted Flounder and gave it a thumbs up. It’s short and easy to read with a small glossary at the end.

My six year-old did not have the attention span to sit through it with me. She said there were too many words. It’s a beginning chapter book, with illustrations on every other page. I suppose that’s a bit daunting to someone used to seeing illustrations and a paragraph on every page.

I’d recommend this book to readers from second through fourth grade.

This book was provided for review by the publisher.

Vortex: Star Wars (Fate of the Jedi)

  By admin | April 16, 2013 - 9:35 pm | , ,
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Vortex: Star Wars (Fate of the Jedi)

by Troy Denning

Fate of the Jedi is finally moving along and what an adventure it is. While I beat myself over the head over why Ben would be enamored by Vestara, their story takes some surprising twists. From Tahiri to Jaina to the Horn children to Luke and the Sith, we begin to find answers. But wait, there are three more books! This is how it should be. Give us something to hope for, to hang on, to dream by. It’s . . . a story! Great job, Troy Denning!

It’s Christmas, David!

  By admin | April 14, 2013 - 9:02 pm |
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This review was originally posted December 31, 2010.

It’s Christmas, David!

by David Shannon

If your kids love No, David!, they will love, It’s Christmas, David!. My kids are 6 and 9. Of course, they are a little old for it, but I thought my 6 year-old would enjoy it. They were thrilled to see the book. It brought back such fond memories of the original that even my 9 year-old sat with me to read it.

The style is familiar, illustrations and all, but with a Christmas twist. For all his naughtiness, David might not get any presents! The ending is a sweet surprise and my children were happy.

This is a quick read, with lots to look at. No, David! was always a staple at our local library and I’m sure It’s Christmas, David! will be added to its collection. I’d recommend it for toddlers and preschoolers. They all seem to identify with David!

This book was provided for review by the Amazon Vine program.

Allies: Star Wars (Fate of the Jedi)

  By admin | March 29, 2013 - 8:51 pm | , ,
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Allies: Star Wars (Fate of the Jedi)

by Christie Golden

Finally, Fate of the Jedi takes off. There’s a story, and it’s not the same story as the books before it. Luke and Ben make a discovery. Okay, aaack. I can’t believe it. She was bad enough the first time around. How dare they bring her back. Still, it’s a story. It unfolds. There were times I wanted to keep reading. And there’s a small cliff to fall off but somewhat of an ending, which I think all books in a series should have. There’s hope that the rest of the series will follow. I’ll now happily download the next book.

Backlash: Star Wars (Fate of the Jedi)

  By admin | March 19, 2013 - 6:21 pm | , ,
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Backlash: Star Wars (Fate of the Jedi)

by Aaron Allston

Unlike New Jedi Order, Fate of the Jedi is off to a very slow start. Backlash is the fourth book of the series and I’m still waiting for it to begin.

The strength in this series remains with the maturing of the relationship between Luke and Ben. Allana’s portrayal is still very one dimensional, while Han and Leia’s role as grandparents is unrealistic. Go to Dathomir where Luke is in trouble and leave her in the Falcon with C3PO to babysit? Please. What happened to their common sense?

The political problems are convoluted, as usual. I don’t see why they have to be. They just are.

Basically, everyone visits Dathomir and leaves. The end.