Monthly Archives: December 2008

The Secret Story of Sonia Rodriguez by Alan Lawrence Sitomer

American Literature 2 Comments

Synopsis: The only daughter in a big family of Mexican immigrants, Sonia has to take care of everyone but herself, and she’s finding it hard to achieve her goal of graduating from high school. Review: I love a good Cinderella story, and The Secret Story of Sonia Rodriguez hits all the right notes, with funny and appealing Mexican flair. Because her pregnant ama is on bed rest with twins, Sonia has to take care of her three brothers, her 3-job father, and her “drunkle,” who…

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Lisa Roe Remembers Dewey–Part 3

On Reading 10 Comments

Many of you know Lisa Roe, Online Publicist. This is part three of a guest post remembering Dewey. Parts one & two can be found at two other blogs. Part One Part Two And this is the persona I’ve adopted. I am strong and do not break. I glance at death, then quickly look away. Avoid the high emotional scenarios. Keep on keepin’ on. But, I’m grown up, now. And doesn’t age require us to rationalize reality? Be an adult, think like one. Leave childish…

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Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

American Literature 5 Comments

Synopsis: A slave girl bent on gaining her freedom finds herself embroiled in the furor of the Revolutionary War in 1776 New York City. Review: It’s simply perfect, that’s all there is to it. Chains is one of the finest examples of a young adult novel you’re likely to find, from one of the genre’s finest authors, Laurie Halse Anderson. I have been reading YA for almost three decades now and while Anderson’s Speak, a fine, fine novel itself, is a classic of a certain…

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Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris

American Literature 3 Comments

Synopsis: A collection of previously published works by humorist David Sedaris on the topic of Christmas. Review: To the tune of “Frosty the Snowman” Da-vid Se-daris Was a writer oh-so-droll With a quirky style and take on life That will put you on the floor. Da-vid Se-daris Writes the weirdest stuff you’ll see About the Christmas whore and the Macy’s elves And deathly children’s pageantry. There must have been some crazy In the Sedaris family tree ‘Cause David ain’t the only one Have you seen…

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Remembering Dewey

On Reading 1 Comment

I’m just one of the many bloggers who are missing Dewey. I missed out on Weekly Geeks because I can’t get it together now that I’m a mom, but I donated a prize to the 24-hr readathon and guest hosted the Bookworms Carnival back in the early days. She really brought us bookbloggers together and I hope we will keep our community growing in her honor. Gorgeous buttons and badges here and here. And check out Becky’s blog for more ways to remember Dewey.

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The Raucous Royals–Day Three

American Literature

The Lead and Mercury Facial Mask The Blood Sucking Body Wrap The Puppy Love Purifier The Squirrel Cheeks Wax Lift The Boil Butt Beautifier If you want to know what I’m talking about, you’ll have to read The Raucous Royals by Carlyn Beccia. Check out the other blogs on the tour for more about this fun, educational book about the secrets of the British monarchy, and if you haven’t read my posts–check them out immediately below this one. 01 Charger, the 160acrewoods, A Mom Speaks,…

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The Likeness by Tana French

Irish Literature 3 Comments

Synopsis: When a detective goes undercover to impersonate a murder victim sharing her face, she finds the family she’s always dreamed of and risks blowing everything. Review: I was a big fan of Tana French’s In the Woods, so I leapt at the chance to read The Likeness, her followup featuring several of the same characters. Former detective Cassie Maddox is stuck in Domestic Violence after being forced off the Murder squad due to her role in the catastrophe outlined within In the Woods. A…

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The Raucous Royals–Day 2

American Literature

It’s Day Two of the blog tour for The Raucous Royals by Carlyn Beccia. I really had a great time with this book and can’t wait until Superfast to-be-homeschooled Toddler is big enough to appreciate it. My favorite class when I was a girl in an all-girls’ school was British History with Mrs. Phillips. For a long time I could actually recite all of the rulers of England, starting with William the Conqueror. My friend Bethany and I thought it was hilarious that our book…

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