I Am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to be Your Class President by Josh Lieb

At first I thought this book was brilliant.
Then I read a little more and was concerned I should not be finding this as funny as I was.
Then I reserved judgment until I was a little further and the pages flew by.
Final analysis: Brilliant.
Oliver Watson is a seventh grader in Omaha, Nebraska. He's a genius and the third richest person in the world, but very few people know that because 1) children can't run or own multi-national corporations because legally they are insignificant and 2) Oliver is playing stupid so no one suspects him of being a the third richest person in the world. Lionel Sheldrake (the man that everyone thinks is the third richest person in the world) is one of the few people that actually knows that Oliver is the evil genius behind Sheldrake Industries.
So Oliver gets by in school, barely working, pretending to fail, all in an attempt to keep himself above suspicion. He's happy to work this way and then a wrench is thrown into his plan: Tatiana, one of his classmates, nominates him to be class president. Not wanting to show off what a genius he is, Oliver declines.
Only to find out it's something his father would respect him for, having been class president himself in high school. Not that Oliver wants his father's respect. Oliver and his father have a bit of a contentious relationship--his dad thinks he's the idiot he pretends to be because Oliver knows it drives his father crazy. Oliver decides to make a mockery of school elections, something his father holds dear, by getting elected president. So he tries to get on the ballot by speaking to the Principal, but has to call in The Motivator, who then gets a toy from an African dictator that the Principal wants in order to be on the ballot. An uprising occurs in Africa and Oliver becomes the world's fourth richest person.
Oliver is now on the ballot, huzzah! Now to get the two other people running off the ballot. Which The Motivator comes in handy for as well. But Oliver's father doesn't think winning unopposed is what school elections are about. So now Oliver has to get someone ELSE on the ballot, but someone who Oliver can easily win against.
And because he is an genius of unspeakable evil, it happens. And then there's an actual campaign plan and Sheldrake wonders why Oliver is trying so hard to impress a man who doesn't appear to care about Oliver (his dad) and then things go off course .... But it all works out. In a way.
I was totally into this book until I reached the point when Oliver descended into his hidden cave beneath his house to attend to business matters with Sheldrake. Oh, and the school toilet filled with Milk Duds. Then I was beginning to think that perhaps Oliver has a very vivid imagination and is not really an evil genius. But when I began to worry less about Oliver's sanity and went along with the story for the sake of the story, I was into it and totally enjoyed it. Even at the end, I don't know if all of this happened outside of Oliver's head or if it's all in his mind. Which makes it probably the most brilliant aspect of the book because his family and classmates all treat him the way he's wants to be treated--like an idiot.
I Am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to be Your Class President is funny and fast paced and Oliver is endearing, even though he claims to be a genius of unspeakable evil. Good times.

This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer

I read Life as We Knew It not long after it came out, and there are scenes and moments of the book that (years later) still stick in my head very vividly. I admit I did not read The Dead and the Gone, primarily because a few other librarians did not like it as much as Life as We Knew It. This World We Live In comes back to focus on Miranda, which was why I decided I would read it.

The book opens in late April; not much of the world has changed since we last saw Miranda, the moon is still too close to the earth and the weather is out of whack. Miranda still has her mom, her older brother Matt, and younger brother Jon. They have all managed to survive the winter and food is even being delivered to them once a week. Life continues on in its new ordinary fashion.

The big change that occurs over most of the book is the additions to Miranda’s family. I’m a little worried about spoilers here, but some characters from The Dead and the Gone arrive (which pretty much gives it away, I’m sure), and now it’s a matter of figuring out how to feed so many people and the concerns of what happens after the food runs out. There is also discussion of leaving to find one of the so-called “safe cities”. Those of you who remember Miranda’s mom remember that she is kind of a stubborn person, so you can imagine how well that idea goes over.

It was a good story, and for not having read The Dead and the Gone I did not feel as if I really missed much, so if you haven’t read it that’s not a problem. It seemed as if the story did not advance much over the course of the book and the bulk of the action took place towards the end of the novel. I understand that the circumstances prevent much from really happening to the characters, but it seemed like the story was just passing time. This World We Live In is The Last Survivors, Book 3, and about half way through the book I was pretty certain I would not read any more of the books, should Pfeffer write them. However the way the book ended had me reconsider. So if there is a 4th Last Survivors book (and 5th and 6th …) I might pick it up to find out what happens next. It’s definitely an interesting concept, and Pfeffer has done a great job with the what-comes-next expectations readers have without the story going too far to be completely unrealistic (if one forgets about the whole moon being nudged closer to earth thing, but hey, it could happen). She addresses all the aspects of everyday life people don’t see in natural disaster movies; these stories are about endurance and finding some reason to keep living when life seems so gray (as Miranda would say).

To sum up: If you enjoyed the first two books (or even just one or the other), I recommend reading it. If the destruction of modern life is not your thing, I would pass.

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Yes, yes, everyone has read and reviewed Graceling, but I finally got around to it. And enjoyed it! Though am looking more forward to the book about Bitterblue than I am Fire.

Graceling is set in a world where some people are born with Graces, or a natural ability to do something uncommonly well. Some people are born with the Grace of cooking, or swimming, or fighting, or singing. Katsa, niece to the King of Middluns, one of the Seven Countries, is born with the Grace of killing.

This Grace weighs heavily on the 16 year old girl, whose main purpose is to injure, maim, and kill at her uncle’s command. Katsa does not take easily to this and so has started a Council to help innocent and wronged people. While on a mission for the Council, Katsa meets a man with a fighting Grace and from their tentative friendship, she begins to discover more about herself.

Graceling is an excellent fantasy novel, filled with adventure, action, a quest, and a little bit of romance. Cashore has created memorable characters (especially, in my opinion, in Bitterblue, who is star of Cashore’s third book, yet to be released) and in interesting world. In our world we like to think our differences are celebrated, but in Katsa’s world people with Graces are seen as freaks and meant to be used by the kings of their countries.

A Spy in the House by YS Lee

A Spy in the House by YS Lee takes place in London in 1858 and centers on Mary Quinn, a young woman with remarkable talents. Mary is given a choice when she is 12 years old: hang for being a thief and a beggar, or attend a charity school. The 12 year old is determined after a rough life that she’s prepared to die, that there’s not much hope for her, but when actually given a choice (and an escape), Mary becomes a new pupil at Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls.

Fast forward 5 years. Mary is now 17 and a junior teacher at the Academy. She has tried training in a number of professions available to women at her time, and each leaves Mary feeling something is missing. The two headmistresses of the Academy meet with Mary and reveal to Mary they are members of the Agency, a group of woman who assist the police (and other private inquirers) by placing female agents in positions close to suspects. Mary is shocked, but is excited by this prospect.

After her brief training, Mary begins her first assignment, meant to listen & observe. Of course, being the headstrong person she is, Mary decides to take matters into her own hands to make sure she gets the information she is after. It’s a good story of intrigue about the case and mystery about the character of Mary (there’s more to her than even she is willing to admit). A fun, fast moving historical fiction novel that I hope will be the first in a series!

Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta

Finnikin of the Rock is a great fantasy quest novel. Finnikin is the son of the King’s Guard, friend to the heir to the kingdom and his cousin (and also the youngest princess, but she just tags along). When Finnikin is 9, he and his friends make a pledge to protect the kingdom, a pledge sealed by the blood the three boys draw from their legs. Only days later, the unspeakable happens: the entire royal family is slaughtered, an impostor king and his army invade (taking Finnikin’s father prisoner), and the Forest Dwellers (those with a bit of magic) are burned at the stake, and as the head of the Forest Dwellers dies, she spits a curse out on the kingdom. The ground shakes and splits open, and the land is covered with a strange, dark mist. About half of the people in the land make it outside of the kingdom’s walls, but the rest are trapped inside.

Ten years pass; Finnikin has been traveling the different countries surrounding his home, learning the languages, the cultures of the other countries, finding his people in refugee camps, writing their stories and the names of their dead. He’s called to a cloister of nuns (novices), and there Finnikin and the King’s First Man, Sir Topher, pick up Evanjalin, who keeps secrets of her own. She has seen the return to their kingdom, and Finnikin has been trying these 10 years to carve out a piece of land for his people to call home, a new home. Evanjalin, stubborn and quiet, sees things much differently.

Similar to Graceling by Kristin Cashore, Finnikin of the Rock is a darker fantasy with a male protagonist. Evanjalin is very much a part of the story, too, but most of it centers on Finnikin. An excellent read. Definitely intended for older audiences; there's a little swearing, sex, and an attempted rape scene.

ok ok

It's been awhile. A girl's allowed a vacation every now and then. Where to start?
Kenny and the Dragon by Tony DiTerlizzi. I have not read any of the Spiderwick Chronicles books, but I picked this one up because it was short and looked cute. Kenny is a happy bunny. His father comes back from the fields one afternoon and says he's seen a dragon. So, naturally, Kenny being a curious soul goes off to fight the dragon! Low and behold, the dragon is not what Kenny expected. Thus begins a friendship between Kenny and Grahame and when Grahame is threatened, Kenny is determined to find a way to save him. All in all, a good book for 2nd and 3rd graders. Friendship, adventure, a little bit of non-scary danger and a dragon. How could a reader go wrong?
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. I have finally caught up with the rest of the world and have read Twilight. Bella is an interesting character. She's thoroughly enamored and enthralled by Edward. The book I found--to be complete honest--not that great. It was good enough for me to keep reading it (I've finally become one of those readers who will actually put a book down if she doesn't like it) and I'll probably pick up the rest of the books in the course of my reading, but I'm not a huge fan like many other librarians I know. As it gets teens to read, though, I'm totally in favor of it. High schoolers are a good target age for this book, though I know younger girls are reading it. (As a side note: I did find out what happens to Bella at the end of the books--I asked and friends told me--and I must admit I'm curious about the journey to that point, perhaps more so than I would have been had I not known, if that makes sense.)
Admittedly this next book I can't remember who wrote it: Kings and Queens of Denmark. My vacation took me to Denmark this fall and as it was quickly becoming apparent that I would finish Twilight well before my vacation was over, I was in desperate need of another book. This book provides brief histories of the monarchs of Denmark from Gorm the Old (930 AD) to Margrethe II, the current queen. Knowing nothing as I did of the Danish royalty, I enjoyed the book and am curious about their rulers and may have to expand my obsessive royalty reading to include the Danish.
The Gathering, book two of the Quantum Prophecy by Michael Carroll. To be honest, I didn't remember a great deal about The Awakening, the first book, other than Colin, Danny, and Renata are superheros in a time when all the superheros have been gone for 10 years. This one picks up not long after the first book ends, and Renata and Colin are masked adventurers, trying to save the world one small incident at a time. When their true identities are leaked to the media, Colin and his family have to get out. They end up in the US (in Kansas, no less) in hiding. A supervillian, Dioxin, joins with an enemy to draw the superheros out of their hiding and when the fighting start it explodes. I really enjoy this books and think boys especially will like these: they are not particularly long, involve superheroes, and a lot of action (and destruction). Good for middle schoolers and probably upper elementary, though some of the themes might be a bit much.
Watchmen by Alan Moore. I admit I picked up this graphic novel because I've seen a preview for the movie, due out in 2009. The storyline is at first a little confusing; I was trying to understand where it was all leading and was not having much luck figuring it out. It's a turn because the superheroes aren't wanted at this time (1985--Nixon's still president) and most have retired or gone into hiding (or in the case of the Comedian, work for the government). The story begins with the Comedian's murder and from then on out, it becomes a matter of piecing things together as slowly the superheroes disappear. Roschach, a very determined superhero, sees more behind it than others are willing to admit. It's definitely a dark story, and when the story begins to pick up it goes at a quick pace. I'm curious to see how the film version will be, but something tells me it probably won't be as effective. Good art, interesting story, definitely a recommended read. Older teens.
As for movies, I saw Eagle Eye in theaters last night and it was better than I was expecting. Definitely makes you think about all the technology you use and whether or not it's tracking you and it's slightly freaky. A good action movie (the ending was a little corny and I could have done without it, but I guess they were going for a positive ending). Perhaps better than I expected is the best praise I can give it.
Anticipating Hunger Games this weekend. I hear it's a quick read and excellent so I'm looking forward to that. In between reviews, I remain,
the Savage Librarian.

Underrated

I've finished a good book, a quick read, a novel in verse, but not rhyming, light verse that flows well, and makes great sense with some wondrous line breaks. It's called Minn and Jake by Janet Wong and, at least at my library, hasn't gotten the attention (or circulation!) it deserves. Minn and Jake are 5th graders; Minn is the tallest kid in the class and Jake (the new kid) the shortest. They become rather unlikely friends, as Minn's a great lizard catcher and Jake has just been transplanted from Los Angeles. The verse certainly doesn't deter one from reading the book; in fact I think it helps the book move faster. It doesn't make the story confusing or too lofty for readers in 3-5th grades. Minn is a great female character, she's tall and feeling awkward about her height (but never awkward about her lizard catching skills), she's kind of a tomboy, but until last week, her best friend was Sabrina. So Minn is somewhere in between the tomboy and girly girl, which is kind of realistic, I think. The friendship that grows (and starts in an unlikely and seemingly unable to make it way) between Minn and Jake is nice to watch unfold and you feel that two characters who feel out of place have finally found somewhere they're not. It's a clever book with a sequel that's already out, Minn and Jake's Almost Terrible Summer, which the first book set up nicely. Definitely recommended.
In the midst of Mansfield Park (Austen 4 of 6!)and will probably finish it tomorrow. And then, yes, and then I'll join most of the world and read Stephenie Meyer's Twilight.
In between reads I remain,
the Savage Librarian.

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.

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.

PANTS!

My impatience has been somewhat rewarded--I finished Louise Rennison's newest Georgia Nicolson book, Stop in the Name of Pants! Let me begin by saying, I love the title. (And perhaps too like a 15 year old girl I like to say Pants randomly in conversations.) I always welcome new Georgia books because I'm always a bit curious about what sort of muck she'll get herself into this time. Well she's pretty much stepped in it this time. She very obviously is attracted to Dave the Laugh (ok, ok, obvious for the rest of us) and should clearly be with him, but would rather be prancing about with Masimo, the Luuuuurve God. She really needs to learn that it's more important to be with someone you're really comfortable with rather than someone who is gorgeous to everyone else. However poorly I presented it, Georgia should be with Dave. Leave Robbie & Wet Lindsay to themselves, and Masimo should find another girl (though he is very keen on her).
It felt like not much happened in this one (they go so quickly) and I feel that has been the trend for the last couple of books. I won't stop reading them because they are such fantastically fun reads. But for what the books present not much happens at all. Entertaining, definitely, but not worth a purchase. Check it out from your library.
I'm on to Little Lady, Big Apple by Hester Browne and enjoying that thus far. This is a poor rambly post but I'm slightly distracted.
Keep reading.
yours,
the Savage Librarian.

The Little Lady

You know, there are certain 'endearments' and 'pet names' I find kind of demeaning. Little Lady is one of them, but remarkably, Hester Browne's character Mel turns it into a whole job.
Melissa bounces from temp job to temp job and is trying to find some permanent use for her organizing abilities and skills. She gets caught up in something a bit tawdry and as naive as she is, she doesn't realize it's bad thing until the bad thing starts to happen. So. Being the proper and intrepid British Miss she is, she starts her own business, the Little Lady Agency in which Melissa transforms into Honey Blennerhesket, a flirtatious, easy going, life of the party young woman who will clean up bachelors ("Homme Improvement"), buy presents for mothers, girlfriends, and families of bewildered men, as well as pose as a date for those who don't want the fuss of an actual relationship. Mel's own family situation is somewhat nightmarish and owes her father (an MP) a fairly substantial sum so is working to pay it back. Her younger sister is getting married. Her mother is essentially her father's secretary and treats her not so grandly. Mel gets into her own trouble when she starts to fall for one of her clients and begins blurring the lines between work and her actual life and even wonders if perhaps the one for her may be her flatmate.
A quick, fun read, The Little Lady Agency is a good light summer read, chick lit with a little bit of brains and a boost to our self-esteem. I've picked up the second book, Little Lady, Big Apple which I'll read as soon as I finish Stop in the Name of Pants! (Yes, it finally came in and I'm already half way through it. It shouldn't take me more than a couple of days at the most.) It's pretty neat (and annoying) when one book leads to the next and you get caught up in a character's life and are eager to read the next one ....
Keep reading and in the meantime I remain your wrapped in a book Savage librarian.

Reign vs. Rule

I finished Sovereign Ladies: The Six Reigning Queens of England by Maureen Waller on Monday. It is a very good book. I know I usually don't begin with such a simplistic statement, but I'm still a little awed by Waller's writing. It's a history book, and as much as I love history and usually slog through history books, Waller's writing style is incredibly easy to read and moves the book along a nice pace. To finish a history book in a week? That's rare for me (especially as this one is some 500 pages). Waller's discussions of Mary I, Mary II, and Anne I found particularly interesting as I don't think I knew as much about them as I do about Elizabeth I, Victoria, and Elizabeth II (which to be honest is a whole heck of a lot). I don't know if in my study of the periods I never really thought about women's roles before or Waller just pointed it out nicely for me, but she took into account that these women were raised and trained a certain way, and had to deal with being women in powerful positions at times when normal (for lack of better term) women had no power (Elizabeth II excluded). Mary I, Waller points out, was basing her idea of rule on the stories of Ferdinand and Isabella, her grandparents, and how Isabella retained rule of her lands but shared power with Ferdinand. Perhaps these stories were simply fond memories her mother, Katherine of Aragon, had, but they had quite an effect upon Mary, who was looking for some aspect of her life to go well and happily and thought marriage would be it. Mary II was content to obey her husband, William of Orange, in whatever he decided to do (William is an oddity as he reigned after his wife died, whereas Philip II did not, and after William, not of the Queens' consorts have been given the title of King; George of Denmark, Anne's husband, even though she did fight for the King title for him; Prince Albert, Victoria's husband, and Prince Philip, Elizabeth II's husband). I'll go and on about this book and the random little nuggets of knowledge I learned from it if I don't contain myself. Waller poses a question in the epilogue of whether or not there will be a monarch after Elizabeth II; will the British people decide they've really just had enough and dissolve the monarchy? What a time that will be. She also seems to think that Elizabeth II is going to beat Victoria's reign of 64 years. (This has been a small guess of mine for years and at 56 years she's getting closer.)
I've gotten a good third of the way through The Little Lady Agency by Hester Browne. Melissa needs a job and ends up creating an agency for poor London shlubs who can't seem to dress themselves nicely or get any kind of girl. She attempts to help them out (as a different person of course). It's a nice fluffy read so far and I'm liking, I admit, I'm liking this chick lit. I'll see how it ends though because I have an idea of how it should end in my head and I'm beginning to think that's not the direction the story is going.
Until I finish that one and can give you a proper review, I remain your Savage Librarian.
PS--Still no Stop in the Name of Pants! It's driving me crazy!

3 of 6

In my slow going goal this year of reading all 6 Austen novels, I've just reached my half way point. I finished Sense and Sensibility over the weekend and I'm amazed at how fast it went. For some reason the first couple times I tried to read it, I simply could not get through it. I didn't eventually read it all the way through once and was fairly determined not to read it again. But if I'm going to read them, I've got to read all of them. Something about this book has risen in my estimation, or for some reason I have more patience with it than I have had previously. I like the story, particularly Elinor and the situation she finds herself in, and it was less painful than anticipated. There are parts in the book that are not in the movie version Emma Thompson was in, and it was nice to have those tiny fresh reminders that movies indeed are definitely not the books. Elinor forgave Willoughby awfully easily in my mind; I do not forgive easily when it comes to people hurting my family or my close friends. Elinor is supposed to pity him because he has no money or was too spendy with it in the past? He put himself in this whole. Granted, he won't be happy in his marriage, but as Marianne reflects, if he had married her and had no money, he would not have necessarily been happy either. The Middletons and Mrs Jenkins are most certainly nosy and entertaining to read about (I certainly wouldn't want to spend a great deal of time in company with people continuously prying into my private life). I used to steer people away from Sense and Sensibility because I had such a difficult time reading it, but I think that perhaps I will amend my status on this Austen novel.
The remaining three I have to read are: Mansfield Park, Persuasion, and Pride and Prejudice. I have read each of these at least twice before (P&P I've read every year since 1998) and am only debating on which novel I should end. Persuasion is slowly becoming quite a favorite with me; is it possibly it could overtake P&P? I am not yet certain. Though there is something about Anne Elliott I identify with perhaps more than Elizabeth Bennet. Friends have placed me as a Jane Bennet in regards to the Bennet sisters, and I see that as accurate. But Anne--! I identify with Anne, especially as I am someone who holds on to affection even when it appears there's no chance of it succeeding. As does Jane Bennet, come to think of it, and Elinor Dashwood to an extent. Picking up on a pattern?
Still waiting for Stop in the Name of Pants! In the meantime I've picked up a gigantically daunting history book, Sovereing Ladies: The Six Reigning Queens of England by Maureen Waller and while it is a subject I knew I would enjoy, I have to say that I am most impressed with the writing style. As much as I love history, I have a difficult time getting through history books they're usually written in such a dry, dull style (I am sorry to pain history writers, but in my limited experience it's true, and I usually dig my heels in and get through the books because the topics themselves are fascinating) but Waller tells a story and she tells it well. I'm getting through it at a surprising pace for myself and certainly am enjoying. Only on Queen Elizabeth I thus far. Waller brings up many good points about Mary I without absolving her of blame. Before I get too far however, I'll finish the book first.
Steeped in reading, I remain, your Savage Librarian.

Royal Stories Flourish

I have a combination of materials to discuss this morning, 2 dvds and 2 books (I've sped through them). Let's start with the movies:
I watched Wallis & Edward earlier this week, starring Joely Richardson (of Nip/Tuck) as Wallis Simpson. Most accounts I've heard or read or seen of the Edward VIII and Mrs. Simpson story paint Mrs. Simpson in a most unflattering light. (I have not heard/read/seen many versions of the story, though I do own Edward VIII's book, A King's Story, which I have yet to read.) This film was interesting because it showed a very tender, loving relationship between Edward and Mrs. Simpson, she being more concerned with his happiness than herself. Edward VIII is painted as needy and slightly controlling as well as very very stubborn. She continues to tell Edward VIII not to give up his birthright for her, that they don't need to be married, that she'll leave the country, anything to help him focus on his duty as King. Edward VIII will not be deterred. He wants her as a wife and is willing to abdicate to get her. Which is precisely what occurred. Most of the stories paint Mrs. Simpson as being the one who forced Edward VIII to abdicate, that it was entirely her fault, that her influence caused him to quit the throne, to support Nazis, etc, etc. But Wallis & Edward portrays Edward as the more forceful character in the relationship. It was definitely an interesting film and pretty good. I recommend.
I know this is a loose connection to royalty, but the next film out on dvd is Persepolis (it talks a little bit about the Iranian royalty--yes, that's my flimsy connection). Based on Marjane Satrapi's two graphic novels, Persepolis and Persepolis 2, the film tells her story of growing up in Iran during the revolution and war. The film is beautiful, staying true to the tone and story of the books (well, definitely the first book, I haven't read the second one yet), is touching and funny, heartbreaking and angering. Marji is close to her parents and grandmother and it must have been a confusing time to grow up, revolutions, the danger faced by family members who oppose the government, the slow tightening restrictions placed on women in Iran. Her parents eventually send her to Vienna, to get her out of the country. Vienna is not the place for Marji and she spends a miserable time there, only to return to her family and Iran. She struggles to make it work in that country, where her family is, where she bases her identity. But disagreeing with much of what is happening in the country (as well as having had a taste of what was happening elsewhere in the world) make it difficult for Marji to find herself at home. A brilliant film. I highly recommend.
On to the books! Finished Yxta Maya Murray's The King's Gold, the second in the Red Lion series, taking place 2 years after The Queen Jade. Once I got a bit beyond the odd way Lola gets involved with this adventure. A man shows up at Lola's bookshop, waving a letter from about 1554 at her, from Antonio Medici who claims to have taken some of Montezuma's gold back to Italy. He is writing the letter to his nephew Cosimo, whom Antonio has little affection for. In the letter, he challenges Cosimo to follow the clues in 4 cities to find this vast trove of gold. Lola, being Lola, simply can't resist. The mystery man is actually Marco Moreno, the son of Colonel Moreno, one of the men chasing after Lola, Erik, and Yolanda in Guatemala. Marco is ... not a nice man. Charming, certainly. Intelligent, definitely. Dangerous, without a doubt. And yet Lola goes with him and his two bodyguards, Domenic and Blasej (big beefy intimidating guys), to Italy to decipher this strange letter, to determine if it is authentic and if she could somehow possibly help find Montezuma's gold. Forget the fact that she and Erik are getting married in two weeks. Minor details. Lola arrives in Florence with Marco, wanting to be there, knowing who Marco is and what he intends to do to her and her family should she not help him. And it's definitely not nice. Erik, concerned by Lola's crazy rambling text-messages she managed to send to him before Domenico broke her phone, jumps on a plane to Florence himself and meets her where she and Marco have gone to authetincate the letter. Erik gets caught up in the mystery (and the threats) and the five of them start to the first city, the first clue. Perilous traps have been laid by Antonio for his nephew Cosimo, and danger is in every step of the way. It wouldn't be a Red Lion book if the whole family wasn't around, so of course, Yolanda shows up to help Lola track, and Juana and Manuel show up because they like adventure. Nothing is quite straightforward in Murray's novels, so the treasure that awaits them at the end is not entirely what was expected. Definitely good and there's a lead in to the next novel which hopefully won't be too long in the writing.
Finally, I got around to reading The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett, the book I was so triumphant in finding for one of my patrons about Queen Elizabeth II walking her dogs. The Queen falls in love with reading in this novella ("One has always read," she says), and her duties fall a little to the wayside. She would much rather be reading (wouldn't we all). She tries to discuss her new found passion with visiting heads of state as well as asking people in the crowds what they're reading. It stumps them all. She determines that reading is too passive and that one must write, but she must now determine what it is she's going to write. An interesting short read. Passable.
I've started Sense & Sensibility (book 3 of my Austen year) and keep thinking it might go faster than it has in the past (for some reason I had such a difficult time getting through this book--before I read it all the way through, I must have started it at least twice). I'm only about 20 pages in, so it could be too early to say. I started this one because I'm waiting for Louise Rennison's Stop in the Name of Pants! to come in at the library. I must know what's happened with Georgia! Dave the Laugh, Massimo, AND Robbie?? What's a girl to do?? And her titles really do suit me; I laugh at them all the time.
As I continue to wait (impatiently), I shall remain your Savage Librarian.

Even 100 years later, love triangles stay the same

In Rumors by Anna Godbersen, the second of the Luxe novels, Penelope Hayes, Diana Holland, and Elizabeth Holland are back for more. It's been two months since Elizabeth's 'death', and Diana is impatiently awaiting the moment she can see Henry Schoonmaker again. The seemingly perpetual playboy was forced into an engagement with Elizabeth by his father and her mother (the Hollands are in some financial difficulties). While keeping up appearances with Elizabeth, Henry fell in love with reckless, lively Diana. As Rumors opens, Henry is supposed to be in mourning for Elizabeth but is pining for Diana just as much as she is for him. He wants nothing more than to be with her, spend time with her, and yes, even marry her (the only girl he's met who could draw him into marriage, he's convinced). However when Henry reveals his passions to his friend Teddy, Henry is reminded of the strict rules society lays down that would certainly frown upon Henry marrying his dead fiance's sister (this sounds like a soap opera). The Hollands, their financial crisis not ending upon Elizabeth's death, are trying to keep afloat and their lives together and Mrs Holland has now pinned all her hopes on Diana for a rich catch (Henry is never thought of by Mrs Holland). Penelope is playing the virtuous changed young woman, Elizabeth's death having a profound effect upon her and trying to take up the role as the well behaved rising social sweetheart (even though Penelope knows Elizabeth's not dead and hates the person she's becoming). She has set her sight on Henry, remembering their lustful trysts of the previous summer, willing him to love her as she loves him. Elizabeth makes an ill-advised return to Manhattan in response to a slightly panicked telegram from Diana. Will travels with her and the rumors of Elizabeth perhaps not being dead at all abound in Manhattan. In the meantime, Diana and Henry give in to their passions and are quietly discovered. Penelope of course discovers this and gives Henry and ultimatum. I only have on real complaint with the book. I find the way that Godbersen keeps Elizabeth in Manhattan a terrible direction to take the story with her character (there are so many other options that would have left me much more satisfied as a reader), though admittedly, I will read the next book, if only to find how the Holland girls will get out of the messes they're in.
Just barely started The King's Gold by Yxta Maya Murray, the second in the Red Lion Series. An interesting opening thus far. I'm curious to find out how this one will work out. Until that's finished, I remain your Savage Librarian.

Anne-ish

Finished Mable Riley: A Reliable Record of Humdrum, Peril, and Romance by Marthe Jocelyn yesterday. It was so nice to read a book in a day again. In 1901, Mable (14) moves to Sellerton, Ontario with her sister Viola (19), who will be the new teacher in town. They are boarding at the Goodhand family farm, consisting of Mr & Mrs as well as son Alfred, who is twenty years old. Mable tells her story by way of journal and a few letters received from her mother (written to both daughters) and her friend Hattie. Mable fancies herself a bit of a writer and creates this drama starring Helena who is first running off with the Scoundrel James, and then is abducted by Train Bandits, while her jealous older sister Myrtle tries to worm her way into their father's favor. Mable has a great imagination. She befriends Alfred's cousin Elizabeth, even though the two continue to battle as Spelling Bee team captains (Mable of the Cheerful Commas and Elizabeth of the Happy Hyphens). When I first began reading, Mable reminded me much of Anne Shirley, but as I continued in the book, with Mable meeting Mrs Rattle (who wears bloomers! Scandalous!) and getting involved (however peripherally) in Mrs. Rattle's suffragist movement and fight for fair working conditions at the area cheese factory, Mable began to question why Viola was only going to teach until she got married, why couldn't Viola teach as a married woman, why Mr Goodhand seems to think women are good only for work in the kitchen and the farm, why reading would be a 'waste of time' for women, and why, during the protest held by the women workers at the cheese factory would the owner not discuss terms with Mrs Rattle but when the male farmers approached him, the owner was willing to discuss (and change!) working conditions. Mable is torn between what is expected of her (to find a way to make money to help her mother until she is married) and speaking her spirited, opinionated mind (which gets her into trouble more than once). She's not all thought and philosophy, however, and does have fun with her classmates and friends. Definitely a fun, quick read for probably 4-5th graders, and recommended.
In other news, I've discovered that the final Princess Diaries book, Forever Princess, will be published in January of 2009. I can hardly wait! It's only six months, it's only six months ....
About to begin Rumors today, the second Luxe novel by Anna Godbersen. A few friends have already read it and I'm definitely looking forward to that one.
In between reads I remain, impatiently, your Savage Librarian.

Top 10!

We have a fun summer reading thing at the library I work at, and we were asked for our ten favorite books, so I thought I'd share the list here (though I realize now that I don't have to limit it to ten and could keep going ... perhaps one day when I'm feeling just a bit more ambitious). There are, of course, notes at the end.
As they occurred to me in my head:
1) The Jane Austen novels: Northanger Abbey, Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, Mansfield Park, and Emma. (Yes, even obnoxious Emma.) As my father pointed out, they may be similar stories, but it's the characters and situations Austen creates that make each novel unique. After nearly 200 years, these novels have endured, persevered, thrived even. (How many movie versions of Pride and Prejudice are there? I can think of 5 off the top of my head, four of them done in the last 15 years.) I continue to insist these are not pure romance stories; social issues, questions of survival (um, by gentry standards, that is), class, overcoming adversity, and what makes a good person are large parts of these novels. They are enjoyable, well written novels. If you want to hear me continue to stand on my Austen Soap Box, feel free to start me on the subject.

2) The Island by Gary Paulsen. One of those great coming of age novels, this one about Wil, who finds an island he likes to visit and will spend so much time sitting there, thinking, planning, just being. Eventually he moves onto the island, his parents confused and surprised by his decision, but allow him to do it. And he finds himself, as cliché as that is. I'm a huge Gary Paulsen fan, and have liked everything I've read by him, but The Island continues to stick in my head as one of my favorites.

3) The Princess Diaries series by Meg Cabot. I love these books. There! I've admitted it! Told from the perspective of Mia's journal, she moves through her early high school years trying to make sense of being a princess (for real!), boys, her mother, and math. The books are always funny, touching, and I get a kick out of how clueless Mia is about her surroundings. And herself. There will only be one more Princess Diaries book, about which I am very sad, but will still eagerly devour when it's published.

4) The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo. Despereaux is the runt of his family, a tiny, tiny mouse, with rather large ears. The Princess Pea is, well, a princess living in a grand castle with her father, who refuses to eat soup (an odd quirk of his). Toss in a rotten rat living deep in the dungeons of the castle, Mig, a girl who wants to be a princess, a cook's knife, and love. Think you know where this story is going? Guess again. It's one of those books with passages that ring entirely true, has moments of fear and suspense, and even tugs at the ol' heartstrings. The illustrations are exceptional as well.

5) Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. It was in this book that I first discovered David Levithan as a writer and he's brilliant. Beautiful, descriptive, wonderful passages that are easy to read and keep you wanting more. Nick and Norah meet one night, spend the whole night together talking and learning about each other and developing one of those relationships that head places we're not even aware they could head.

6) The Bookman's Wake by John Dunning. Let me begin by saying I don't read mysteries. I don't really like them a whole lot. But I enjoy the Cliff Janeway mysteries. Bookman's Wake is the second book in the series (Booked to Die the first), but I find it better than the first. Janeway was a Denver cop who loved to read and then gave up being a cop to open a used bookstore. Not exactly something that makes you a lot of money, but he loves it and solves book related mysteries in his spare time. There's something a little crazy happening at a well known fine print press, and Janeway is asked to check it out. As in all mysteries, troubles abound, red herrings spawn, and there's always a woman. I think it's the items the mysteries revolve around that keep me interested (Dunning is fabulous at describing books).

7) A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. I suppose it's my occasional dark sense of humor and love for all things nineteenth century that propelled me through this series. With a clever (and very depressed) narrator telling the story of three orphans chased by a wicked man through all manner of places and disasters, this series is just plain funny.

8) Any of the Jeeves and Wooster novels by P.G. Wodehouse. Bertie is so classically clueless and Jeeves, ever the proper gentleman's gentleman, is ready with an answer and solution for Bertie at a moment's notice (even when Bertie said he wanted to handle it himself). Great British humor.

9) Bagombo Snuff Box by Kurt Vonnegut. I love all Vonnegut novels. He's a brilliant writer. He comments on society and the stupid things we do and is funny while still retaining some tiny sense of optimism, somewhere. Bagombo Snuff Box is different than most of Vonnegut's work, as the stories in this collection are, for lack of better word, normal. You just have to read him to understand. :)

10) The Emily series by L.M. Montgomery (Emily of New Moon, Emily Climbs, Emily's Quest). Like Anne Shirley, Emily Starr is an orphan when she gets to New Moon Farm, living with a particularly stern aunt and other family members. But whereas Anne's natural talents (aside from getting into trouble) tends toward teaching, Emily's talent is in writing. A much shorter series than Anne's, but well told and my favorite of the two.

Once I got started on this list, it was difficult to choose only 10! Other authors of note: Booth Tarkington, a remarkably underappreciated American writer; Louise Rennison's fabbity-fab Georgia Nicholson confessions; Jean Plaidy's wonderful historical fiction; Louisa May Alcott's thrillers and A Long Fatal Love Chase are entirely different from what you would expect from her; Jasper Fforde's quirky and funny and highly literate stories; and Edith Wharton's dark upper class tragedies.

It feels so High Fidelity, creating a Top 10 list (yes, I know his were only 5, but really, only 5 books?). Enjoy, disagree, or shake your head in wonderment at the odd things I've chosen (I originally had a picture book on here), and I shall remain your Savage Librarian.

An Adventure

I've just finished The Queen Jade by Yxta Maya Murray, the first in the Red Lion series (the second has been published recently, and I enjoyed The Queen Jade so much that I'll pick up the second, The King's Gold, as soon as my pile diminishes somewhat--down to two library books and Rumors, the second Luxe novel that I bought and have yet to read), about Lola, who owns the Red Lion bookshop. Lola doesn't really envision herself as an adventurer; she's content to let her mother, an archaeology professor at the University of California, do the exploring and the adventuring. Her mother, Juana, and her father, Manuel, who curates a museum in Guatemala, explored the Guatemalan jungles, trying to find the source of the mysterious blue jade, and the legendary Queen Jade. Juana decides to head to Guatemala, telling Lola she wants a vacation. Lola is immediately suspicious of that, as her mother never takes just a vacation. Juana goes, spends time with Manuel, and then, as she reveals in an email to her daughter, heads out into the jungle because she thinks she knows where to find the Queen Jade. Of course, when Lola receives this email, a hurricane has just swept through Guatemala. In her email Juana reveals that she didn't even tell Manuel where she was going, so Lola determines it's up to her to track her mother down. Erik, one of Juana's colleagues, goes with Lola, and there they pick up Yolanda, the daughter of a rival archaeologist and explorer. It's a well paced book with short chapters that keep you reading (and keep you feeling like you're making progress), and a storyline mixed with legend, history, adventure and a little bit of romance. A fantastic read with a surprising and clever ending. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, and I highly recommend this title.
Just begun another fairy tale retelling and will post when I finish with that. In the meantime, I remain your Savage Librarian.

The Magic of Librarianship

Yes, I said magic.
Pardon me for tooting my own horn, but sometimes, just sometimes we librarians can pull some magic out of a hat.
A lady came up to me recently and asked about a book (she didn't know the title or the author) that had Queen Elizabeth walking her dogs. That's all she could tell me.
I let my trained librarian mind and fingers do some searching, and being the type of person I am, could not contain a little yelp of joy when I found--not stumbled--the correct book. Curious? It's The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett. (I'm waiting for it to be returned and will read it when my Pile has shrunk somewhat.)
In the midst of watching Ugly Betty season 1; I watched most of season 2 this past year and got hooked on it. Thought it would be wise to see where it began. Too much hokey mystery so far, I think, not enough funny drama. Will update more when more has occurred.
I remain, you Savage Librarian.