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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A generation before Harry Potter entered every child's imagination and onto their bookshelves, Joan Aiken wrote about the magical happenings surrounding the Armitage family. The whole Armitage series is included in this book, and what an imaginative and fun series it is. Children and adults alike will love these stories with their wizards, wishing stones, and sometimes odd and haunting characters. The author is never condescending to her reader, yet thouroughly enjoys taking them on a magical and enchanting journey to a mysterious place the Armitage family calls home.
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This book gives us a greater understanding of the many adults who, after many years knowing they were different but getting no answers, are finally diagnosed with high functioning autism, or Asperger's. Written by a man who has Aspergers, he tells stories about his childhood that are sometimes humorous and sometimes sad but ultimately entertaining and thought provoking. I think anyone who understands the courage it takes to go out into the world being "different" than everyone else and still make a place for themselves and find happiness will appreciate this book.
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(18 of 23 readers found this comment helpful)
This book takes place in the 1980's and follows Polly through most of her teenage years, learning how to be herself and, of course, learning how to be herself around boys (a favorite subject of Polly's). The references to the 80's bands and clothes will make you laugh as you recall those very same band posters on your old bedroom wall. This is a fun, light read with enough substance to keep the story interesting. Polly is the kind of "real" character that makes you want to cheer her on as well as forgive her all too human foibles. I really enjoyed this book, and I recommend it for all readers who used to be lovelorn teenagers themselves.
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(10 of 23 readers found this comment helpful)
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jENNIFER CHASE has commented on (3) products.
The Serial Garden: The Complete Armitage Family Stories
jENNIFER CHASE, December 20, 2008
A generation before Harry Potter entered every child's imagination and onto their bookshelves, Joan Aiken wrote about the magical happenings surrounding the Armitage family. The whole Armitage series is included in this book, and what an imaginative and fun series it is. Children and adults alike will love these stories with their wizards, wishing stones, and sometimes odd and haunting characters. The author is never condescending to her reader, yet thouroughly enjoys taking them on a magical and enchanting journey to a mysterious place the Armitage family calls home.(8 of 14 readers found this comment helpful)
Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's by John Elder Robison
jENNIFER CHASE, October 28, 2007
This book gives us a greater understanding of the many adults who, after many years knowing they were different but getting no answers, are finally diagnosed with high functioning autism, or Asperger's. Written by a man who has Aspergers, he tells stories about his childhood that are sometimes humorous and sometimes sad but ultimately entertaining and thought provoking. I think anyone who understands the courage it takes to go out into the world being "different" than everyone else and still make a place for themselves and find happiness will appreciate this book.(18 of 23 readers found this comment helpful)
Polly (P.S.) by Amy Bryant
jENNIFER CHASE, September 3, 2007
This book takes place in the 1980's and follows Polly through most of her teenage years, learning how to be herself and, of course, learning how to be herself around boys (a favorite subject of Polly's). The references to the 80's bands and clothes will make you laugh as you recall those very same band posters on your old bedroom wall. This is a fun, light read with enough substance to keep the story interesting. Polly is the kind of "real" character that makes you want to cheer her on as well as forgive her all too human foibles. I really enjoyed this book, and I recommend it for all readers who used to be lovelorn teenagers themselves.(10 of 23 readers found this comment helpful)