A Brief, Royal Life

I just finished reading Princess Ka'iulani: Hope of a Nation, Heart of a People by Sharon Linnea about the last crown princess of Hawaii. She lived only to be 23 years old and witnessed the loss of her sovereignty as well as the loss of many important family members. I don't know much about Hawaiian history but was very intrigued by Ka'iulani's life. She was sent to England to school when she was 13 and it was seven years before she had the opportunity to return home again. There was such turmoil on the Islands when her aunt was dethroned and Ka'iulani was so far away, and could do very little to help. It's difficult to summarize such a story, but it was a good read with some wonderful information about her life, though it only broadly touched on the events surrounding Ka'iulani. But it is a biography of the princess and written for young people, so all in all a good book.
Undecided on what to read next, I remain,
the Savage Librarian.

Theatrics, Arrogance, and a Happily Ever After

Time to update!
The Diamond of Drury Lane by Julia Golding is about Cat Royal, an orphan who lives in the Royal Theatre on Drury Lane in 1790 London. Cat deals with gangs, with self-important actors, the posh end of society, as well as her uncertain status in the world. What will happen to her when she's too old to be taken care of? She sleeps in the theatre on her own. My one real complaint with the book is that I don't know how old Cat is. I thought at one point the author described her as being 10 years old but there are certain aspects of her character that make her seem older. At one point she is asked how old she is and her reply is that she doesn't know. An estimation of her age would have been helpful. It appears that most of the characters she hangs with are older than 10 years old; some perhaps as old as 17? It's a little disconcerting. But it's probably just me. The story however is pretty cool. It's adventure primarily (and Cat is great because she's spunky and lively and not your typical young lady, but with small elements of tiny lady-like elegance thrown in) with a slight twinge of mystery. It's probably better for upper grade schoolers, might be a little too light for 7th and 8th graders, but chunky and parts of a little too much (a bloody boxing match, a character's stint in jail, discussion of hangings) for younger readers. Enjoyable though and a fairly swift read. Recommended. There are enough boy characters in it that it's it's possible to get the book into the hands of a boy, he just might like it.
I missed the film Smart People when it was in theaters and had a chance to watch it on dvd over the weekend. Dennis Quaid does a remarkable job as a pompous windbag English literature professor in this slow moving but thoughtful and interesting odd comedy. A widower who falls for a doctor who was once one of his students (who tells him that he's a pompous windbag; I enjoy when she interrupts him at dinner to tell him how long he's been talking), he tries to get a handle on being a likable person again. Parts of it you just want to roll your eyes and be slightly disgusted/annoyed with him, but Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays the doctor, does a fairly good job of putting him in his place. Also enjoyable is Ellen Page playing Quaid's brainiac high school senior daughter who essentially has taken care of her father since her mother's death. She is one of those incredibly smart people who hide how awkward and alone they are by being pretentious assholes. Throw into the mix Thomas Haden Church as Quaid's adopted brother (he always makes a point to tell people Haden Church is adopted) who is pretty much the comic relief of this film and you have a weirdly intelligent goofy comedy. A shorter film (only an hour and a half), this does move kind of slowly but is definitely worth sticking it out.
I had been looking forward to seeing Penelope since I first heard about the film last fall. Again, it was another film I missed in theaters, but it was worth the wait for the dvd. Christina Ricci plays Penelope a girl who is born with the curse of a pig-like nose and ears. (Being Christina Ricci, she can't really be that ugly, and it's almost endearing.) Following the typical fairy tale line, her parents determine the only way to get rid of the nose and ears is for Penelope to get married to "one of her own," a blue blood, someone rich and high born. The young men come, are not allowed to see Penelope at first but when she does reveal herself they--literally--run for it. Penelope is 25 and frustrated that nothing has happened, that one young man has stayed. But then one does (even if it is accidentally) and she develops a bond with Max that sticks even after he disappoints her as well. She decides to venture out into the world on her own and live her life outside of her house (the world thinks she's dead because her mother faked Penelope's death when she was a child to get the press hounds away from the family). If anything, see the film for the brilliant sets and wonderful use of colors in costumes and throughout the film. It's funny, lighthearted, and has a good message. And Catherine O'Hara is wonderfully overprotective and hyperactive and a pushy mother who wants her daughter to get married. Enjoyably fun. With a happily ever after.
That's it for me today; keep reading.
Yours,
the Savage Librarian.

2 Adventures, Quite Different.

As much of a history nerd as I am, I don't know a whole lot about Henry Hudson's voyages, and I think that was helpful (suspense-wise anyway) when I read Quest by Kathleen Benner Duble. This story of Henry Hudson's voyage is told from the perspective of four characters, two on the ship Discovery with Henry Hudson and two back in Europe, awaiting the return of the ship. John Hudson is Henry's 17 year old son (the middle child) who has gone on voyages with his father before. He has the task of keeping the ship's logs and so his entries (which lean much more towards journal entries than ship logs) comprise his contribution to the story. Seth Syms is one of the sailors (first time, poor soul) on Discovery, older than John, but befriends him and enjoys John's pranks. Seth is writing letters to his mother, even knowing that the letters will not get to her until he has returned from the voyage. Richard Hudson is Henry Hudson's youngest son, about 8 years old, and his story is told in the third person (which was a little jarring at first as the other three stories are told in the first person), making observations of what Richard thought of his brothers, but also what his mother went through while his father was at sea (often times captains' wives had to beg for credit until their husbands returned). The final part of the story is told in journal format by Isabella Digges, the daughter of one of Hudson's investors. Digges sends his daughter to a Dutch family as a companion so that she can spy for him. The head of the family is a part of the Dutch East India Trading Company and Isabella's charge is to seek out some of the maps and somehow convey the information of the new world back to her father. When the Discovery takes an extraordinary amount of time to return (the ship was trapped in the ice in Canada for the winter), the story starts to pick up and things get a little harried. I really enjoyed this book. It's quick paced and short (240 pages) and with a few kind of creepy details (a description of a man who froze to death and discussion of hangings) it's definitely better off for middle schoolers than grade schoolers. There is a helpful author's note at the end, noting where Duble got her inspiration for the story and what's true and what's not, as well as her belief that there needed to be some strong females characters (Isabella Digges, definitely, and Katherine Hudson). Highly recommended for history fans or anyone looking for a different type of adventure story.
Jellaby by Kean Soo is a fantastic graphic novel good for the grade school set (probably 3-5, though even some 2nd graders could probably tackle it). Jellaby is a giant purple monster that Portia finds in the woods near her house. Portia is raised by her mother as her father mysteriously disappeared. She doesn't have many friends, but Jellaby encourages Portia to get involved on the side of Jason, who is being bullied. She and Jason (after Jason unexpectedly meets Jellaby) become tentative friends and determine they should find a way to get Jellaby home. Jellaby recognizes a photo from a Halloween exhibition and the kids determine they need to take Jellaby there. Jason's parents are entirely absent from the story. These two grade schoolers con their way onto a train to the City (Jellaby's only speech is when he buys tickets on the train--it's hilarious) but something (inevitably) happens and the book ends there! Fantastic book. The color scheme is primarily in shades of purple, with a red barrette for Portia and a yellow hoodie for Jason distinguishing them from the rest of the kids (Jellaby's got some red stripes). There's a subplot of what actually happened to Portia's father (she keeps having nightmares) that will keep the story moving. Can't recommend it enough and I eagerly await the next volume.
Remarkably, I'm not waiting for anything, but content to be reading The Diamond of Drury Lane by Julia Golding. Another historical fiction about Cat Royal, an orphan who lives in the Royal Theatre in Drury Lane in 1790 London. I'm curious to see how it will turn out. I'll be patiently reading and update you next time.
Keep reading,
The Savage Librarian.

Totally Devoted to Princess Mia

I'm a little slow with updating this news and I've known for a bit, but this is my shameless plea to the wonderfully talented Meg Cabot to consider sending me an advanced reader's copy of Forever Princess and/or Ransom My Heart. I'm torn between sadness that these will be the last of the Princess Diaries books, and excitement because Forever Princess is 416 pages and Ransom My Heart is 384 pages. They will certainly be sizeable (enjoyable!) reads. I'm going to have a difficult time waiting for January 2009 to roll around to find out what happens to Mia. Ack! I'm curious about how her senior year will go as well and am interested that the story is jumping that far in advance and am hoping it turns out well. Besides, what is Ransom My Heart? Is it Mia's first published book? What type of story is it? What will happen!!! I'm just a bundle of excited nerves for these books. And I have to wait until January. January!! Sigh. People say there is less excitement in the book world now that the Harry Potter books are finished, but I'm on pins and needles for the end of this saga. I think I'll have to re-read them all in anticipation of the release of these last two, so I know ALL of what's been happening with Mia. I'm eagerly looking forward to it (as soon as I finish my re-reading of Jane Austen's novels...).
Thus ends the Savage Librarian's very fan-girly entry.

Of Rats and Princes

Two books to discuss today, Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat by Lynne Jonell and The Little Lady Agency and the Prince by Hester Browne.
Emmy Addison is a small girl in school who feels ignored by her classmates and even her teacher. Her family inherited a pile of money and so her parents are often traveling around the world instead of staying home with Emmy. Emmy is in the care of her nanny, Miss Barmy. Miss Barmy is not the Mary Poppins type nanny, but rather the foul type one, the one who makes you take nasty medicine and signs you up for all kinds of after school activities you're just not interested in. Emmy discovers one day in class (when no one is paying attention to her) that she can understand the pet rat in the classroom. And he certainly has some interesting things to say. There's an odd shop on Emmy's way from school and she wanders in there one day to see what's there (the shop is called The Antique Rat), only to overhear Miss Barmy requesting something of the shopkeeper with all the rodents in the back. These rodents are special and each has an amazing ability, as Emmy's new friend Joe finds out when the class rat shrinks him. Needless to say, Miss Barmy is up to no good with the various rodents and their powers and it's up to Emmy, Joe, and the Shrinking Rat to stop her. Fun, quick read, good for kids grades 3-5.
My impatient waiting for Hester Browne's new book, The Little Lady Agency and the Prince, was rewarded by a great read. I was excited to see Melissa Romney-Jones back and in marriage discussions with Jonathan Riley. Also keeping up her fabulous agency, helping the fashion-challenged and just all around manners and behaviorially challenged. Mel's Granny asks a huge favor of her; Mel is supposed to help tame a playboy prince so his grandfather can get the family castle back and be invited to their country of Hollenberg once more. At first wary of Nicky upon their first meeting, Mel is never one to turn down a challenge and uses all of her fabulous Honey skills to reign this prince in. Jonathan, surprisingly, has no problem with Mel prancing about in the papers with this man (a big difference from Little Lady, Big Apple). He is currently in Paris, opening the estate agency's new office there. Mel visits on weekends and they plan on Mel moving over there in the fall. Mel's a little reluctant to do so, but wouldn't imagine telling Jonathan that. Eventually, a weekend goes terribly, terribly wrong in Paris, and there are two people who help Mel get home in one (though hungover) piece: Nelson (ever the admirable Nelson) and Prince Nicky. Mel's got herself in it this time (along with planning Emery's baby's christening/naming ceremony which continually gets pushed back, and just dealing with her family in general) but is always in control whether as Honey or Mel. Ever entertaining, quick reads.
Side note: X-Files: I Want to Believe made me want to believe that Chris Carter can do better with an X-Files movie, but there won't be anymore after this film. Not a bad film, as films go, but from a fan point of view, it's not very X-Filey. (Except the Mulder/Scully relationship bit, which fans appreciate, I'm sure.) If you're a die-hard fan, I'm tempted to advise you to pass on this film and if you weren't interested in the show before, this won't interest you. Disappointing, despite how nice it was to see Mulder & Scully (and Skinner!) again.
The Savage Librarian recommends you keep reading. Have good ones.

Yellow Cats, Red Apples, Green Dresses

Ottoline and the Yellow Cat by Chris Riddell is a neat story about Ottoline, left at her Big City apartment with Mr Munroe, a small, hairy creature (think Cousin It, only shorter and with more visible legs). Ottoline's about 10 years old and her parents travel over the world collecting some very odd things (in a postcard from her mother, Ottoline is reminded to dust the 4 spouted tea pot). With such parents, Ottoline has two budding collections of her own, her Odd Shoe collection (she buys a pair of shoes and will only wear one of the shoes and put the other in the collection, so Riddell's illustrations of her have her walking about with odd shoes on her feet) and her Postcard collection, containing what her parents send her. She seems to miss her parents, but it is not a story for pining, as observant Ottoline has discovered a similarity between burglaries taking place in her neighborhood. Using Mr Munroe to help infiltrate the gang responsible for the jewel thievery, Ottoline cracks the case! A fun read, with detailed illustrations, a neat little mystery, and good for the quiet types. Recommended for 3-5 graders.
Little Lady, Big Apple by Hester Browne is the second book with Melissa Romney-Jones, organizer extraordinaire, and her lovely little agency that sorts out some men's lives. Per the agreement between Melissa and beau Jonathan, 'Honey' no longer steps out on the town with her clients to act as a girlfriend. Melissa's business is still booming and she's found plenty to keep her busy. Her family, ever blissful, has a bit of a shock when older sister Allegra arrives in pomp at the family home. Seems her husband Lars has been up to a few things he should not have been up to. Mel's best friend Nelson (still kind of dating Gabi) has found an opportunity to boss about underprivileged kids on a tall ship, so will be gone for 3 months. And has decided to have the flat entirely re-done, leaving Mel with nowhere to go for a month. Jonathan gets a promotion and must now jet back and forth between London and New York, and needs to spend a large chuck of time setting up in New York. When Jonathan discovers Mel's new homelessness, he tells her to take a holiday and come to New York. After much uncertainty (especially over who will take care of the business), Mel goes. And it is in New York that she meets Jonathan's friends (also his ex-wife's friends) and deals with his go-getting, workaholic attitude. His slightly dismissive attitude about her Agency gets under her skin, and it's a wonder if they will work it out. Well told, entertaining, swift pace, and I can't wait to read The Little Lady Agency and the Prince, currently waiting for me on hold at my public library. Recommended for those who aren't quite ready to admit they like chick lit.
On DVD: The Other Boleyn Girl. Yes, it's been on DVD for a bit, now, but I just got a chance to watch it again. I did see this film in theaters and was jarred by some of the historical inaccuracies, but watching it again as a story, as just to watch it, I enjoyed it. Natalie Portman brings out a side of Anne Boleyn that I had never envisioned before (terrified of the wrath of Henry VIII, small, insecure) and Scarlett Johansson is very good as the patient, though perhaps a bit naive, Mary Boleyn. Beautiful costumes, wonderful use of scenery, and a brooding Eric Bana. Recommended.
In the process of reading Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat by Lynne Jonell (I can't read two books at once, so the Hester Browne will wait), and the DVD of Stop-Loss waiting to be watched at home. I missed that one in theaters and am really intrigued by the story. I hope it's good. Will post when I've finished ... something. In the meantime, I remain your Savage Librarian.