The kind of book I loved as a kid (E.L. Konigsburg forever!) and the kind I want to edit. Layered, smart, vulnerable.
There were parts of this that I really loved, and as always, Helen Frost's writing and structure are beautiful. I'm not sure why I didn't connect as much to this story as others of hers I've read.
I felt very attached to the characters, and liked the premise, but for some reason I'm not giving this four stars...
This book is like a cat's cradle: delicate, strong, complex, and moving.
Though there's darkness here, I'm not sure it's YA--maybe upper middle-grade. Beautiful writing, but unpretentious. Generously heart-string-pulling.
Fascinating. Complex. Emotional. Important. I'd love to meet this Rebecca Skloot woman (great last name!). Beautifully executed creative/narrative nonfiction. It's the most brain-expanding thing I've done all February.
Suspenseful and stressful. Not rating because it's hard to say you liked something that made you anxious. I took time out of work to finish it.
So far: love the trim and the paper. Creamy & smooth. :) The creative embossing on the cover works for me. This is why I can never get a kindle (what would I say? It has no smell, no touch, no paper color variance. Every book looks exactly the same on there.).
Love the art, though I'm not super satisfied with the ending. I mean... who are these hypothetical people who need the hat? Something didn't sit right. But I love the witty line, the trim and overall feel of this book. In fact, I bought it.
If it weren't Anne, I wouldn't read this book. But Anne is like a balm on my soul... we must be kindred spirits. :)
Okay, so it wasn't fast reading, but there was a lot to like. I usually hate very strong authorial narrators (like in many 19th century novels), but I actually enjoyed this one--it was unpatronizing and quite delightful. Fun turns of phrases throughout, and a refreshingly un-innocent view of children (despite what it claims). I'd ALMOST give it a four, but I didn't get any huge happy feelings at the end of the book.
Anna and I picked up the same book ENTIRELY by coincidence. This one smells really good and it's from a used bookstore in Chicago. So far, I like the writing, though I'm wondering if the meandering plot will all weave together in the end... I'm hopeful!
This is essentially one long battle scene, but it still managed to hold my attention and keep me turning the pages with just enough character/emotional connection. I'm such a girl. ;) Fun!::SPOILER ALERT::While reading, though, I was aware of how much Annabeth reminds me of Hermione--and it set me wondering why girls always have to be "book smart." Not to mention that it was Annabeth who figured out the prophesy--and without her, Percy wouldn't have been able to make the right decision. Why is it Percy that gets offered the greatest gift of the gods?
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