Who doesn’t love a good laugh? Especially in winter with the weather kind of dreary. Here are 6 funny books published in the last 6 months, covering everything from beginning chapter books to teen novels.
6 new comedies
1. Frank Einstein and the Anti-Matter Motor by Jon Scieszka
2. LEGO Star Wars: Yoda’s Secret Missions by Ace Landers
3. The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents MacBeth by Ian Lendler
4. Playing with Matches by Suri Rosen
5. King Dork Approximately by Frank Portman
6. Hissy Fitz by Patrick Jennings
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
WWW Wednesday
What are you currently reading?
When by Victoria Laurie
For as long as she can remember, Maddie has seen the numbers: a date that hovers over each person's forehead. The date of their death. In an effort to save a boy, she tells his mother of his approaching deathdate. When Tevon vanishes that same day, all eyes are on Maddie.
This isn’t the first novel I’ve read based on this same idea but what I’ve read so far holds a lot of promise.
What did you recently finish reading?
Rat Runners by Oisin McGann
Scope, Manikin, Nimmo, and FX have been given a task that should be simple for thieves like themselves - collect a black leather box belonging to a murdered scientist. It's not so simple when the streets are patrolled by agents with x-ray vision and several different groups are after the box. It will take all their skills, wits, and a lot of luck to complete their mission and escape alive.
Pretty much nonstop action, this one will keep you turning pages right up to the end.
What do you think you will read next?
Inked by Eric Smith
A tale of magic, fate, and rebellion. This one has potential.
When by Victoria Laurie
For as long as she can remember, Maddie has seen the numbers: a date that hovers over each person's forehead. The date of their death. In an effort to save a boy, she tells his mother of his approaching deathdate. When Tevon vanishes that same day, all eyes are on Maddie.
This isn’t the first novel I’ve read based on this same idea but what I’ve read so far holds a lot of promise.
What did you recently finish reading?
Rat Runners by Oisin McGann
Scope, Manikin, Nimmo, and FX have been given a task that should be simple for thieves like themselves - collect a black leather box belonging to a murdered scientist. It's not so simple when the streets are patrolled by agents with x-ray vision and several different groups are after the box. It will take all their skills, wits, and a lot of luck to complete their mission and escape alive.
Pretty much nonstop action, this one will keep you turning pages right up to the end.
What do you think you will read next?
Inked by Eric Smith
A tale of magic, fate, and rebellion. This one has potential.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Book review - The Ghosts of Heaven
Title: The Ghosts of Heaven
Author: Marcus Sedgwick
Genre: hard to define
Similar books: She is Not Invisible by Marcus Sedgwick
Relativity by Cristin Bishara
Rating:
 |
| Can't say I loved it, can't say I hated it |
My opinion: When I recommended Sedgwick’s She is not Invisible, I heard complaints that it focused too much on math theory. While theoretical math plays a less direct role in the plot of this novel, spirals and their role in life are the center of the whole novel. The last two stories in particular take an in depth look at spirals and theoretical science. It’s not a particularly difficult book to read, though I personally found the last story rather trying. And it was interesting to read about the different time periods, especially when Sedgwick would include little nods to the previous stories. It’s just going to be a hard sell for most readers.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley
Monday, January 5, 2015
As you wish
My sister is a big fan of The Princess Bride. So, this year for Christmas I painted some her some peg dolls based on the main characters. I used basic acrylic paint and a seal coat of Mod Podge.
Saturday, January 3, 2015
My Batman Face
When we held our Batman program this fall, I was repeatedly asked why I chose to dress as the Joker rather than Batman himself. The answer is actually twofold. 1. I wanted to wear the purple blazer again so I could justify having purchased it. 2. This picture right here:
I'd already done a Batman costume for Halloween two years ago. It's a fun costume but I wanted to try something new this year.
Friday, January 2, 2015
Book review - Gone Too Far
Author: Natalie D. Richards
Genre: realistic fiction/thriller
Similar books: Undone by Cat Clarke
Made of Stars by Kelley York
Rating:
 |
| A pretty solid, engrossing read |
Summary: Ever since she was harassed in middle school, Piper hasn't thought much of the popular kids in her school. Even so, she feels terrible when she hears Stella, one of the most popular girls, being torn down after a sex tape goes viral. She feels even worse when Stella dies, potentially a suicide. She's at a loss for what to do until she receives an anonymous text. Someone wants to punish the guilty. All Piper has to do is send a name.
My Opinion: For the most part, the plot of this novel isn't particularly surprising. Guilt drives Piper to participate in some revenge. The fact that she is only observing, rather than perpetrating, said revenge allows her to justify her participation. Given that Piper is meant to be an intelligent, compassionate person (she's thinking of joining the Peace Corps) you'd think it wouldn't take so long to consider the full ramifications of what she's become involved in, especially as it was an act of public humiliation that inspired her involvement in the first place. That was probably my biggest problem with the book. Overall, though, it raises some important issues and is well worth a read.
More Information: Gone Too Far releases January 6.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Looking ahead
Originally I had intended to write a list of book/blog resolutions today but all of my attempts ended in just a few lines. I think I’ve concluded that I’m not really a resolution sort of person. Instead, I’ve looked ahead at some book news. Here are 10 books I’m looking forward too in the coming year.
10. Jack by Leisl Shurtliff publishing 4/14
I read pretty much anything fairytale based. Somehow I’ve missed Shurtliff up to this point. This might be a good place to start.
9. Rutabaga the Adventure Chef by Eric Colossal publishing 3/24
Sounds like a pretty funny concept for a graphic novel.
8. Because You’ll Never Meet Me by Leah Thomas publishing 6/2
A story of two friends who've never met. The complications sound like they could be really cool. Or really weird.
7. Black Dove White Raven by Elizabeth Wein publishing 3/31
Wein is another author I’ve somehow missed so far. This one sounds right up my alley.
6. Painless by S. A. Harazin publishing 3/1
I don't know. Medical issues are just fascinating to me, especially when paired with the process of discovering yourself and traveling towards adulthood.
5. Watch the Sky by Kirsten Hubbard publishing 4/7
I'm also fascinated by controlling cults and attempts to escape them, which is the focus of this upcoming novel.
4. The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley by Shaun David Hutchinson publishing 1/20
A story of grief, this one sounds heartbreaking.
3. Dr. Critchlore’s School for Minions by Sheila Grau publishing 3/17
We get books about training to be a hero and books about training to be a villain. Minions almost never get the focus. So this book could be a great deal of fun.
2. Nimona by Noelle Stevenson publishing 5/19
I read this one when it was a web comic. It’s a great story and I was thrilled when I found out it was coming to print. Plus, Stevenson promises bonus content in the print edition.
And most excitingly
1. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell publishing 10/6
When I read the news about this one I literally flailed and started shouting “I don’t believe it.” And I might have slapped the sofa cushion. And maybe my sister, with whom I live, stared at me. When I read Fangirl I found myself very anxious to find out what was going to happen to Simon and Baz. Not knowing was one of my few disappointments at the end of the book. I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS BOOK!
10. Jack by Leisl Shurtliff publishing 4/14
I read pretty much anything fairytale based. Somehow I’ve missed Shurtliff up to this point. This might be a good place to start.
9. Rutabaga the Adventure Chef by Eric Colossal publishing 3/24
Sounds like a pretty funny concept for a graphic novel.
8. Because You’ll Never Meet Me by Leah Thomas publishing 6/2
A story of two friends who've never met. The complications sound like they could be really cool. Or really weird.
7. Black Dove White Raven by Elizabeth Wein publishing 3/31
Wein is another author I’ve somehow missed so far. This one sounds right up my alley.
6. Painless by S. A. Harazin publishing 3/1
I don't know. Medical issues are just fascinating to me, especially when paired with the process of discovering yourself and traveling towards adulthood.
5. Watch the Sky by Kirsten Hubbard publishing 4/7
I'm also fascinated by controlling cults and attempts to escape them, which is the focus of this upcoming novel.
4. The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley by Shaun David Hutchinson publishing 1/20
A story of grief, this one sounds heartbreaking.
3. Dr. Critchlore’s School for Minions by Sheila Grau publishing 3/17
We get books about training to be a hero and books about training to be a villain. Minions almost never get the focus. So this book could be a great deal of fun.
2. Nimona by Noelle Stevenson publishing 5/19
I read this one when it was a web comic. It’s a great story and I was thrilled when I found out it was coming to print. Plus, Stevenson promises bonus content in the print edition.
And most excitingly
1. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell publishing 10/6
When I read the news about this one I literally flailed and started shouting “I don’t believe it.” And I might have slapped the sofa cushion. And maybe my sister, with whom I live, stared at me. When I read Fangirl I found myself very anxious to find out what was going to happen to Simon and Baz. Not knowing was one of my few disappointments at the end of the book. I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS BOOK!
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