Book review - Rat Runners

Title: Rat Runners
Author: Oisin McGann
Genre: dystopia/sci-fi
Similar books: Data Runner by Sam Patel
                     The Walled City by Ryan Graudin
Rating:

Pretty captivating

Summary: 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.

My Opinion: This book has a great undercurrent of tension through the bulk of the plot. The action is pretty much non-stop. I did feel like the end was somewhat abrupt and we don't particularly connect with the story on an emotional level. It is a great source of entertainment, if not particularly deep or thought-provoking.
More Information: Rat Runners releases January 13th.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Pick 6 - comedies

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

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.

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

Summary:  In four loosely linked stories, Sedgwick explores creation, betrayal, ambition, madness, obsession, grief, hope, and more. Journey though time with a young cave dweller, a girl accused of witchcraft in the wake of her mother’s death, a young doctor and the poet he is trying to help, and a space explorer carrying the hope of all mankind.
 
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

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. 

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.

Book review - Gone Too Far

Title: 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