Dodger

Dodger
by Terry Pratchett
HarperCollins, 2012.  360 pgs. Young Adult.

Dodger is a tosher and a thief, whatever it takes to keep body and soul together in Victorian London. He lives with a man named Solomon whom he saved from misfortune and as the book begins, he saves someone else--a young lady trying to escape from ruffians carrying her off in a coach, against her will. Along comes help in the form of one Charlie Dickens (you will have heard of him), and Henry Mayhew, who takes the girl home to be attended to, and Dodger along with them. Soon the 17-year-old is caught up in a foreign plot to bring the young lady home to a so-called husband who despises her, but needs her for some sort of alliance between nations. England is in a tough spot, not wanting to give her up, but bound by international law to return her to her husband.  Dodger must save the day, with the help of lots more historical characters including Sir Robert Peel, Sweeney Todd, the demon barber of Fleet Street, Benjamin Disraeli, and Queen Victoria herself. Saints be praised that Sir Terry's early-onset Alzheimer's is of the slow-advancing variety, so that he can still bless us with stories such as these--funny, a bit naughty, filled with wordplay (keep an eye out for titles of Dickens' novels worked into the text), and nourishing. 

LW

Violins of Autumn

Violins of Autumn 
By Amy McAuley
Walker, 2012. 326 pgs. Young Adult

After lying about her age, Betty has become a Special Operations Executive, alias Adele, and parachutes into France to serve as a courier for the French resistance. Adele has been well-trained but at the same time, nothing can quite prepare someone for the dangers of spying on and opposing the Germans, and Adele, who has been isolated and lonely for most of her life, isn't prepared for falling in love or even forming friendships with her fellow agents.

I really liked this book! It's similar to Code Name Verity, but I actually liked it better. There's a good mixture of adventure and suspense, with a little bit of romance. Adele's a great, well-developed protagonist, and supporting characters are great as well. Highly enjoyable.

AE

The Girl Who Owned a City

The Girl Who Owned a City
By O.T. Nelson; adapted by Dan Jolley; illustrated by Joelle Jones
Graphic Universe, 2012. 125 pgs. Graphic novel.

When a deadly virus kills everyone over the age of twelve, the kids of the world have to scrounge and fight to survive. Lisa Nelson decides to take matters into her own hands and organize a group which evolves into a city of children banded together, working for the same goals of peace, order, and safety.

Adapted from what was originally a children's chapter book, this graphic novel is an excellent take on the story. I usually don't enjoy graphic novels, but this particular one captivated me. The artwork is a much higher caliber than is standard for many graphic novels and the story was pared down in a way that made a good length for a graphic novel and yet still did justice to the original book. Fascinating read.

CW

The Impossible Rescue

The Impossible Rescue: The True Story of an Amazing Arctic Adventure
By Martin W. Sandler
Candlewick Press, 2012. 163 pgs. Young Adult Nonfiction

In September 1897, winter came early in Alaska, and eight whaling ships became stuck in the rapidly-forming ice at the northern tip of Alaska, leaving 265 whalers trapped with few supplies and little food. When word got out about their predicament, none other than U.S. President William McKinley ordered that they be rescued and provided the outline of just how that was to be undertaken: three men were to land on the Alaskan coast--as far north as they could go--and then cross the 1700 miles to the stranded men, along the way convincing two reindeer herders to let them buy their herds on credit and help bring the deer across mountains and ice through the blizzards of the Alaskan winter to the stranded men. Although the daring rescue seemed impossible, men volunteered to be the rescuers and set off to face the brutal conditions and harsh terrain in order to try to save their fellowmen.

This real life adventure is a must-read for anyone interested in fascinating but overlooked stories from history. It's made all the better by the fact that Sandler has included photographs of the expedition. Readers will enjoy following along as the three rescuers, and the Alaskans willing to help in their journey, race against time and the weather to make it to the stranded men in time.

AE

Jepp, Who Defied the Stars

Jepp, Who Defied the Stars
By Katherine Marsh
Hyperion, 2012. 369 pgs. Young Adult Historical Fiction

Jepp is a teenage dwarf living in the 1500's. His early childhood is spent in a small village but he soon finds himself entertaining in a royal court and discovers that life can be very cruel. Through all of his struggles he misses his mother and wishes he knew the identity of his father. This quest eventually sends him all over Europe. Jepp spends much of his time trying to decide if our fate is predetermined by the stars or if we can decide our own destiny.

Jepp is a very likeable character and I just really wanted his life to turn out well. There are several historical figures that play a role in this story and it is interesting to see a different side of court life. I was a little surprised that this was a Young Adult novel, not that there was anything objectionable in the story, just that the writing style and topics seem like they would appeal more to adults.

AL

Envious Casca

Envious Casca
By Georgette Heyer
Sourcebooks Landmark, 2010. 396 pgs. Mystery

Fans of Heyer’s historical romances may be interested to learn that she also wrote mysteries. Set in early 20th century England, the setting and characters are permeated with period dialog and descriptions, just as readers of her romances have come to expect. Here, Uncle Joseph is throwing a Christmas party, inviting the whole family with all of their quarrels and discontent. The first third of the book solely describes the festivities and family dynamic; the victim and detective aren’t even revealed until after page 100. Though this may be strange for a mystery book, it makes for excellent reading as the reader gets to experience the British culture of the time and try their own hand at guessing who might be the murderee and murderer.

Though second in the series about amiable detective Hemingway, this particular book is perfect for the holidays even if you haven’t read the first. Taking place over the days surrounding Christmas, the book involves familiar family fights, awkwardness, and cheer; but all in a pleasant British background. Though I wouldn’t consider myself to have a huge amount of experience with mysteries, I liked how the solution of this one involved psychology as opposed to some detective trick or accidental discovery. Even a seasoned reader will have trouble picking out the killer, yet by the end will wonder how they could have missed it.

JM

The Black Box

The Black Box
by Michael Connelly
Little, Brown and Company, 2012.  403 pgs. Mystery.

During the Los Angeles riots of 1992, much of South Central L.A. was a crime scene, and in Michael Connelly's latest, Harry Bosch and his team are moving at breakneck speed from homicide to homicide gathering only the most essential information and evidence and then moving on to the next shooting.  But one murder stands out for him--a Danish journalist, shot to death execution style in an alley somewhat removed from the worst rampaging. Harry does as much for her as he can, as quickly as he can, but then must move on and leave the case to others.  Twenty years later when the L.A. cold case division is asked to look into homicides from that era, Harry picks out Anneke Jesperson's file and revisits the crime scene he once so hastily secured. Few contemporary writers do
police procedurals as well as Michael Connelly, and The Black Box is no exception. Harry's patient but relentless fitting together of the puzzle pieces of Jesperson's death is deeply satisfying, and though a host of lucky coincidences lead to the story's  unlikely ending, this is still a terrific book, great escape fiction for the dark of the year.

LW

The Secret Keeper

The Secret Keeper 
By Kate Morton
Atria Books, 2012. 484 pgs. Fiction

 While hiding in a tree during a family picnic, 16-year-old Laurel watches a stranger approach her mother. She sees the conversation escalate and then sits stunned as the exchange turns deadly. Decades later, Laurel is compelled to investigate the man, her mother and the mysterious set of events that preceded what occurred that summer afternoon. Her efforts to uncover the secrets her mother has obsessively guarded for so many years feels to be both a betrayal and a service, but Laurel is determined to find the truth.

In "The Secret Keeper," Kate Morton provides us with another entertaining mystery that spans generations and provides plenty of unexpected revelations. While not my favorite of her works, "The Forgotten Garden" maintains that designation, I still enjoyed this new novel and enthusiastically recommend it to almost anyone.

CZ

Hallucinations

Hallucinations 
By Oliver Sacks
Alfred A. Knopf, 2012. 326 pgs. Nonfiction

Dr. Oliver Sacks has spent his career studying bizarre cases that illustrate the mysterious and unpredictable nature of the human brain. His past books, including "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales" and "The Mind's Eye," have informed and entertained readers regarding his fascinating experiences and discoveries. In "Hallucinations," Sacks provides a detailed look at the science of seeing, hearing and feeling what isn't actually there.

While it is certainly all fascinating, the most interesting portion to me was the one discussing hallucinations experienced by those using recreational drugs. Dr. Sacks himself spent a number of years experimenting with and growing addicted to some of these substances. This very personal insight is both fascinating and terrifying. "Hallucinations" should probably be avoided by any readers prone to hypochondria. More than once I thought I glanced things out of the corner of my eye as such phenomena were described and explained. It was almost as bad as reading a well-written ghost story at times, but instead of a vengeful spirit, my own mind seemed to be haunting the periphery of my vision. An entertaining, thrilling and intriguing medical survey.

CZ

The Book of Mormon Girl

The Book of Mormon Girl: A Memoir of an American Faith 
By Joanna Brooks
Free Press, 2012. 209 pgs. Biography

 Joanna Brooks grew up a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her home life was filled with support and spirituality established by parents firmly anchored to their religious beliefs. She thought she knew exactly what she wanted from life and where she would end up; eternally married to a return missionary, and establishing a loving Mormon home. But, as she stepped out on her own, attending Brigham Young University, she started to question some of the decisions and policies of ranking church officials. Her journey to come to terms with the truths she was raised embracing and the conflicting beliefs she felt compelled to fight for, paints a fascinating scene of heartache, forgiveness, and faith.

 I had expected Brooks’ autobiography to include more of a portrait of the Mormon faith. Instead I found a depiction of the Mormon culture, an important distinction I felt was completely overlooked. Her conflicted feelings concerning the church are eloquently shared, though I did feel she inappropriately described the experiences of her youth as the experiences of all LDS children. Definitely an interesting memoir describing a unique perspective of the LDS culture.

CZ

Princess Elizabeth's Spy

Princess Elizabeth’s Spy
By Susan Elia MacNeal
Bantam Books, 2012. 369 pgs. Mystery

After doing an outstanding job in helping save the Prime Minister’s life in Mr. Churchill's Secretary, Maggie is sent on a secret assignment to guard Princess Elizabeth as an undercover math tutor. Though restless in her new position, she takes it upon herself to solve a murder that occurs at Windsor Castle because it doesn’t seem as cut and dry as the authorities are making it out to be.

The war continues but it is the insight into the royal family that makes this an interesting read. I am anxiously waiting for the third book, due out in May, to see how a plot line hinted at near this book’s conclusion plays out.

KK

Home Front Girl

Home Front Girl
By Joan Wehlen Morrison
Chicago Review Press, 2013. 252 pgs. Biography

Joan Wehlen was just your average American girl, growing up in the Great Depression and then on the eve of, and during, World War II. She had a hard time getting to school on time and went through quite the series of crushes on boys, but she also worried about impending war and how those she knew would be impacted. While she worried about things like test grades, she also was a pacifist who didn't see how peace could come from war--and yet worked in aide movements to help the war efforts.

Covering from 1937 to 1942, this book is a compilation of Joan's diaries and school notebooks, which were found by her family after her death. Providing a day by day look at this time period, this is a fascinating look at the pre-war era. Although not as dramatic as The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, it's similarly poignant and also features a thoughtful teenager just trying to figure life out.

AE

Christmas Spirit

Christmas Spirit: A Collection of Inspiring True Christmas Stories
Covenant Communications, 2012. 81 pgs. Nonfiction


This collection of twelve Christmas stories ranges from funny to touching, as the authors share stories about topics such as learning to receive, learning to look beyond the tangled Christmas lights and other obstacles to see the true meaning and spirit of Christmas, and other such topics. This short little collection can be read all in one sitting, or stretched out to enjoy one story per day, but either way, most readers should find a story here that touches their hearts with the Christmas spirit as well.

AE

A Land More Kind Than Home

A Land More Kind Than Home
By Wiley Cash
William Morrow, 2012. 309. Fiction

I love stories that take place in the Appalachian Mountains, whether they are historical or contemporary. Wiley Cash has written a fantastic semi-mystery set in a small North Carolina town. The language of the characters is what drew me in first, since it was so real that the author didn't need a lot of background on the characters to start off with an exciting and somewhat troubling story. Using three different people as his narrators, it creates a fast paced story where each character lends some clues to what has happened not only in the current situation ( I can't say much or it gives it away!) but also enough flashbacks to show how the three main people as well as others have influenced each other and the town in the past.

By taking the secretive services of a church and turning one evening bad, all the characters either have to show their good or evil in them, and many times it is both. I think by combining a child's point of view, a woman who left the church for obvious reasons, and a sheriff with some hard feelings towards some of the characters, Cash has made this story so intriguing I didn't want to put it down. The book doesn't really have a twist since you can tell where the story is headed, but at the same time you want to know who turns out okay. It really is a story about the people and the choices they make based on their beliefs of if they are good or not.
EW

A Game for Swallows

A Game for Swallows
By Zeina Abirached
Graphic Universe, 2012. 188 pgs. Young Adult Nonfiction


Zeina was born in the middle of the civil war in Lebanon, so she's lived with bombings and a divided Beruit for all of her life. Her family's apartment is a gathering spot for the tenants of their building in the evenings as the war goes on around them. One night, as Zeina and her brother anxiously await their parents' return from their grandmother's house, the neighbors try to keep the kids entertained and distracted from the fear that this time, something bad has happened to them.

Done in graphic format, this black and white look at one night of life in war-torn Lebanon is a touching, important book, as it tells the stories of not only the children but also the neighbors and how they've been impacted by the war. Readers not familiar with the details of the war might need to do a little background research elsewhere, but those who just want to read straight through will still be able to grasp what's going on and appreciate Abirached sharing her story with the world.

AE

Mr. Churchill's Secretary

Mr. Churchill’s Secretary
By Susan Elia MacNeal
Bantam Books, 2012. 373 pgs. Mystery

Maggie Hope, an American in London during the onset of WWII, is a mathematician skilled in ciphers, but being a woman, her only job opportunity is to be a secretary. However, she ends up being a secretary to none other than the Prime Minister himself—Mr. Churchill. Things are not boring at 10 Downing, and she might be in the perfect position to help her adopted country after all.

This is a great historical mystery with lots of detail of London life during the war, without bogging down the plot. Fans of Kathryn Miller Haines will enjoy Maggie’s strong-willed character in this edgier mystery series, and those who enjoy Jacqueline Winspear’s works but would prefer a lot more action will find what they’re looking for here.

KK

The Yellow Birds

The Yellow Birds
by Kevin Powers
Little, Brown, and Company, 2012. 230 pgs. Fiction.

A promise made to a dead man's mother is the fulcrum upon which this story of young men at war tilts and turns. Private Bartle and Private Murphy are deployed to Iraq together, their sergeant suggesting that eighteen-year-old Murphy find a place in Bartle's back pocket and stay there, and that Bartle look after the younger boy. The horrors of war enfold them as soon as they arrive, soldiers whose only goal has become to stay alive, though their military goal is to take and hold the city of Al Tafar. The soul-destroying circumstances of their lives are brilliantly portrayed by Powers, himself an Iraq veteran and a Michener Fellow in Poetry from the University of Texas at Austin. The Yellow Birds is as sad and important a book as I have ever read, the beauty of expression defining and delineating the profound sorrow of fighting and dying.  One of The New York Times' ten best books of the year, and well-deserving.

LW

The Hunters

The Hunters
By John Flanagan
Philomel Books, 2012. 403 pgs. Young Adult

In the third book in the Brotherband Chronicles, Hal and the crew of the Heron have just missed capturing Zavac the stolen Andomal and set off to follow him once more. Zavac creates traps for them along the way, and the Herons find themselves facing mounting obstacles, until finally, knowing that Zavac has reached the safety of Raguza, a pirate cove, they must figure out how to get safely in the cove, defeat Zavac, and make it out again.

Flanagan provides just as much action, excitement, adventure and humor in this book as in his others. Fans of the series will not be disappointed--and while the book does wrap up the first main plot line of the series, there's just enough left open to leave readers hopeful that there will a whole bunch more books it the series. Set aside enough time to read this all in one day if you can, because once you dive in, you won't want to stop.

AE

The Small Woman

The Small Woman
By Alan Burgess
Buccaneer Books, 1959. 221 pgs. Biography

In the 1930s, Gladys Alyward was an English housemaid who felt compelled to go to China as a Christian missionary. However, when she tried to be placed as a missionary, she was told she wasn't educated enough and most likely wouldn't be able to learn the language. Rather than accepting defeat, she worked and saved her money until she could afford a train ticket to China and set out on dangerous journey, through warring countries to make it to China where she worked with an elderly missionary to establish the Inn of the Eighth Happiness. Over the next twenty years, Gladys worked tirelessly as a missionary and also become a foster and adoptive mother to many Chinese children, and, following the Japanese invasion of China, led nearly 100 children on a grueling journey through the mountains to safety.

This book is an oldie but goodie. It was fascinating to see Gladys's determination be a missionary and some of the impressive work that she did, which ranged from calming a prison riot to working at the foot inspector in charge of making families unbind their daughters' feet. This is an inspiring account of a woman putting her faith into action as well as a great look at this era of history in rural China.

AE

Friends with Boys

Friends with Boys
By Faith Erin Hicks
First Second, 2012. 169 pgs. Graphic Novel

Having been homeschooled for her entire life, Maggie isn't exactly ready to make the transition to high school. Add in the fact that her mother has recently left, she's got three older brothers, and she's haunted by a ghost, and her life's a little complicated.

I really liked this graphic novel. Maggie's an easy character to relate to, and her brothers add some good humor. The two friends Maggie manages to make are lovably flawed, and I'm really hoping there will be a follow up to this book soon.

AE

Sapphire Blue

Sapphire Blue
By Kerstin Geir
Henry Holt, 2012. 362 pgs. Young Adult

Gwen's life has been flipped upside down since it turned out that she, and not her cousin Charlotte, was the gene carrier for the time traveling gene. The secret society that protects the secret of the time travel is out to gather the blood of all the time travelers in history but they don't trust fully trust Gwen so they are selective in what they tell her, leaving her trying to piece things together on her own. The fact that her time traveling companion, the incredibly good-looking Gideon, wants to kiss her one day and then barely speaks to her the next, makes things all the more complicated. Not knowing who she can trust, Gwen is desperate to find out what is really going on and who is telling her the truth.

The second book in the Ruby Red series will be gobbled up by teen readers. Readers who loved the first book will be excited to see the developing romance in the second, and although Geir doesn't give many answers in this book, it does set things up nicely for the third book. This is a fun series, and I can't wait for the next installment.

AE