Leni Zumas's writing crackles. Her books are sharp, bleak, funny, and possibly dangerous. When her collection of short stories, Farewell Navigator,...
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Herbert Asbury showcases the gang leaders, the corrupt politicians, the prostitutes and the policemen who are a part of the story of New York's gangs. He has a talent for bringing these individuals to life, laying down their motivations, their fears, their reasoning. Their stories are both horrifying as well as absurd, sobering and at the same time, wryly ironic. It's a fascinating journey into the causes, events and consequences of poverty and power in a city such as New York.
Israel Armstrong is a slightly pathetic character. That being said, he's also entirely loveable, unintentionally hilarious, and probably one of the most unusual and entertaining detectives I've read. The many characters Israel encounters each have their own quirks and habits, creating an exceptionally rich cast as well. The only complaint concerning this book is the meandering quality of the plot, taking time to hover over seemingly ambiguous details. Then again, I've also noticed that the people in Tumdrum have the exact same personalities; perhaps Sansom did this on purpose?
When I bought this book, my sister and I spent a good half-hour sitting before it, enraptured by Tony Diterlizzi's gorgeous illustrations and the fresh air he and Holly Black have breathed into these age-old mythical creatures. My personal favorites are the mermaids; such vibrant colors and fascinating body plans. The entire book has a sense of having come from legitimate scientific observation, making it all the more delightful.
Before reading this book, I truly didn't have any idea about military life for the average "GI Joe Schmoe" as Smithson describes himself and the members of his company. But in a voice full of acute perception, Smithson presents his story in such a way that I felt I could start to understand the soldiers who volunteered to fight in Iraq. Smithson has politely pushed aside the politics associated with the Iraq War and reminded us of the human story, the soldiers and the civilians, whose stories are no less worthy of being heard.
"Camilla" is a gentle coming-of-age novel, featuring a fifteen-year-old who is really starting to experience love, friendship, and loss. A very enjoyable read!
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Therese McClintock has commented on (7) products.
The Gangs of New York: An Informal History of the Underworld by Herbert Asbury
Therese McClintock, September 3, 2011
Herbert Asbury showcases the gang leaders, the corrupt politicians, the prostitutes and the policemen who are a part of the story of New York's gangs. He has a talent for bringing these individuals to life, laying down their motivations, their fears, their reasoning. Their stories are both horrifying as well as absurd, sobering and at the same time, wryly ironic. It's a fascinating journey into the causes, events and consequences of poverty and power in a city such as New York.The Case of the Missing Books (Mobile Library Mysteries) by Ian Sansom
Therese McClintock, August 1, 2010
Israel Armstrong is a slightly pathetic character. That being said, he's also entirely loveable, unintentionally hilarious, and probably one of the most unusual and entertaining detectives I've read. The many characters Israel encounters each have their own quirks and habits, creating an exceptionally rich cast as well. The only complaint concerning this book is the meandering quality of the plot, taking time to hover over seemingly ambiguous details. Then again, I've also noticed that the people in Tumdrum have the exact same personalities; perhaps Sansom did this on purpose?Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide: To the Fantastic World Around You by Tony Diterlizzi
Therese McClintock, July 30, 2010
When I bought this book, my sister and I spent a good half-hour sitting before it, enraptured by Tony Diterlizzi's gorgeous illustrations and the fresh air he and Holly Black have breathed into these age-old mythical creatures. My personal favorites are the mermaids; such vibrant colors and fascinating body plans. The entire book has a sense of having come from legitimate scientific observation, making it all the more delightful.Ghosts of War: The True Story of a 19-Year-Old GI by Ryan Smithson
Therese McClintock, July 30, 2010
Before reading this book, I truly didn't have any idea about military life for the average "GI Joe Schmoe" as Smithson describes himself and the members of his company. But in a voice full of acute perception, Smithson presents his story in such a way that I felt I could start to understand the soldiers who volunteered to fight in Iraq. Smithson has politely pushed aside the politics associated with the Iraq War and reminded us of the human story, the soldiers and the civilians, whose stories are no less worthy of being heard.Camilla (Laurel Leaf Books) by Madeleine Lengle
Therese McClintock, June 29, 2010
"Camilla" is a gentle coming-of-age novel, featuring a fifteen-year-old who is really starting to experience love, friendship, and loss. A very enjoyable read!1-5 of 7next