Book Review: Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine
If you are my blog follower, you must be aware that I am following through the list of similar books to the famous Wonder (Julia Roberts stars in the movie with the same name). Click here to check out this list. The earlier book reviewed was Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper and the next in line, the review for which is being written below is Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine.
As per Wikipedia, Asperger syndrome (AS), also known as Asperger’s, is a developmental disorder characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. It is a story told through the eyes of a 11-year old girl and hence some portions of the story are repetitive, but which makes it highly impressive. The book helps in realizing the behavior patterns of Asperger’s and that such disabilities should not be made fun of. The book does not only talk of disability, but of overcoming loss and of overcoming prejudices (in the book, for relative of an anti-social person which can be extended to prejudices of caste, creed, color and so on).
The dialogues and quotes are worth memorizing, and even you as a reader could relate to it. For example, sample this (and this is my the favorite part):
Sometimes I read the same books over and over and over. What’s great about books is that the stuff inside doesn’t change. People say you can’t judge a book by its cover but that’s not true because it says right on the cover what’s inside. And no matter how many times you read that book the words and pictures don’t change. You can open and close books a million times and they stay the same. They look the same. They say the same words. The charts and pictures are the same colors. Books are not like people. Books are safe.
The character sketch of Caitlin, the protagonist is supposed to be accurate for the author herself has a kid having Asperger’s. By the end of the book, we can correlate with the struggle parents have of raising such kids; let’s not add more to their concern by educating our children to be empathetic and kind.This should be one of the must-read books of kids/ adults of 10+ age.
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Book blurb: |
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About the author:
. Twitter: @kathyerskine |
| Rating: 9/10 |
| Genre: | Young Adult, Children Book |
| Book Name: | Mockingbird |
| Author: | Kathryn Erskine |
| Pages: | 235 |
| Publication Year: | 2010 |
Book Review: Stormbreaker (Alex Rider #1) by Anthony Horowitz
Why is it expected of an adult to read only serious adult-like stuff? What if someone had missed many good books in their growing years because it was not famously written in newspapers, magazines, basically which had flooded the market or their school library did not stock them? Simple, just read these whenever you get to know. You will love it 🙂
So while I had read Famous Five, Nancy Drew and Harry Potter series, I had missed out on Artemis Fowl (review of one of its book posted here) and Alex Rider ones. I do not exactly remember how I came upon Alex Rider Stormbreaker but it was there on my Kindle and since I was bored with a book I was reading (name of that book is shhh since I do not know I am going to even complete it; why to waste precious time when there are so many books to choose from. Of course this is completely my view, some are fanatic about completing any book they start off), the cover image looked enticing and glad I was!
So even if the storyline seems unreal, hey, we are reading fiction after all and that too written for the kids, the protagonist Alex being a teenage spy forced into saving a world destruction like situation while thinking on his feet makes him someone teenagers would want to be. Tell me are not we fascinated with superheroes and James Bond, so why deny kids their own superstar! Read it, gift it and recommend it especially for your/ friends’ kids post 10 years of age. Remember to enjoy reading every time you pick a book and only this should be the motto.
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Book blurb: They told him his uncle died in an accident. He wasn’t wearing his seatbelt, they said. But when fourteen-year-old Alex finds his uncle’s windshield riddled with bullet holes, he knows it was no accident. What he doesn’t know yet is that his uncle was killed while on a top-secret mission. But he is about to, and once he does, there is no turning back. Finding himself in the middle of terrorists, Alex must outsmart the people who want him dead. The government has given him the technology, but only he can provide the courage. Should he fail, every child in England will be murdered in cold blood. |
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About the author: Anthony has written over 40 books including the bestselling teen spy series Alex Rider, which he adapted into a movie that was released worldwide in 2006. The Alex Rider series is estimated to have sold 19 million copies worldwide. He is also an acclaimed writer for adults and was commissioned by the Conan Doyle Estate and Orion Books to write two new Sherlock Holmes novels. Website: anthonyhorowitz.com |
| Rating: 9/10 |
| Genre: | Young Adult |
| Book Name: | Stormbreaker (Alex Rider #1) |
| Author: | Anthony Horowitz |
| Pages: | 256 |
| Publication Year: | 2000 |
Book Review: Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
I had read Wonder almost a year back when Julia Roberts starrer movie trailer was released. Oh by the way, most times I read book first and then see the movie like Namesake, The Girl in the Train etc barring only a few exceptions like Raazi (book name Calling Sehmat). But you ask me how I came to pick this book. Go on, ask ask. So it so happened that I came across a list by bookbub for those who liked Wonder and this book Out of My Mind was numbered 1. Click here to check out this list. You must keep watching my blog for more books out of this list.
Cerebral palsy is a term used to describe a set of neurological conditions that affect movement. It is the most common form of childhood disability and as such, we should make kids aware of them so as not to make fun of such affected children or adults alike. The way Sharon deals with this sensitive issue is amazing and so natural. The characters are flawed, just as in a real life situation, which makes it a delight still heartbreaking to read, but more so the latter. You cannot stop empathizing with Melody the protagonist (hampered with all kinds of movements) and as a reader, would want to lessen her burden of non-communication. I cried in a few scenes. However, without me giving anything away, let me tell you this is not a sad story and you will feel like a character seeing Melody from your own eyes. It is the story of Melody, her family, her so-called friends and other disabled kids – a story which you should read again and again to the kids you know to make them aware of such disability without being preachy because you know some things done unknowingly can affect others for years.
Oh, and I am eagerly waiting to see the movie adaptation, in case in future it releases.
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Book blurb: In this breakthrough story, reminiscent of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, from multiple Coretta Scott King Award-winner Sharon Draper, readers will come to know a brilliant mind and a brave spirit who will change forever how they look at anyone with a disability. |
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About the author: Actively involved in encouraging and motivating all teachers and their students as well, she has worked all over the United States, as well as in Russia, Ghana, Togo, Kenya, Ethiopia, Bermuda, and Guam, spreading the word about the power of accomplished teaching and excellence in education. Twitter: @sharonmdraper |
| Rating: 10/10 |
| Genre: | Young Adult, Children Book |
| Book Name: | Out of My Mind |
| Author: | Sharon M. Draper |
| Pages: | 295 |
| Publication Year: | 2010 |
Book Review: The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer
I hadn’t read romantic books in months, not even preferring this genre in years post college. Still when I heard (read read) about The Grand Sophy being referred by many in my reading group as one of the books that must be read, I thought to give it a try. Just a disclaimer: I am currently into the mood of light reading and since I pick only fiction, bear with me, my dear blog posts reader, such easy reads for some more time. No no, don’t leave my blog for ever, I will revert to a few serious books soon enough.
This was a book published in older times, still the protagonist, a female took charge of herself and surroundings when it was not supposed to be then, made it more likable for me. Though some characters were stereotyped, the writing of Georgette Heyer made this book a non stoppable one for me. You can imagine my level of liking (read addiction) with this – I read it till late 2 nights consecutively even when my baby had slept off when I have to sparingly utilize my hours of sleep every night. However, please do not think of comparing it with some literary insight books or Mills and Boons (or other such type containing sex scenes) and you have a winner here. I loved the book so much to give it a 10-on-10.
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Book blurb: With her inimitable mixture of exuberance and grace Sophy soon sets about endearing herself to her family, but finds herself increasingly drawn to her cousin. Can she really be falling in love with him, and he with her? And what of his betrothal to Eugenia? |
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About the author: Heyer was an intensely private person who remained a best selling author all her life without the aid of publicity. She made no appearances, never gave an interview and only answered fan letters herself if they made an interesting historical point. She sometimes wrote under the pseudonym Stella Martin. Her Regencies were inspired by Jane Austen, but unlike Austen, who wrote about and for the times in which she lived, Heyer was forced to include copious information about the period so that her readers would understand the setting. While some critics thought her novels were too detailed, others considered the level of detail to be Heyer’s greatest asset. Heyer remains a popular and much-loved author, known for essentially establishing the historical romance genre and its subgenre Regency romance. |
| Rating: 10/10 |
| Genre: | Historical Romance |
| Book Name: | The Grand Sophy |
| Author: | Georgette Heyer |
| Pages: | 338 |
| Publication Year: | 1950 |
Rant of a new mom
You realize times have changed when your “best” rather “best-est” friend cannot find time even once a week to connect with and when I say connect, it is as simple as a simple 2 minute call/ email/ message when before both of you were inseparable. Is it what motherhood does? Alienate others that now you are not in their league? Are not that much fun? Because you think all the person now does is talk about the baby? But what if she doesn’t want to? What if she thinks that this is what she is supposed to do for it is the societal norms? What if she wants to take a break even though the baby is super cute and she loves him/ her? What if she wants to know all about you for that is the only avenue she can have with the outside world after being caged for months in a house? What if when she talks about the baby, it is at times to hide behind the fact that she cannot now be so free like you are now? Probably I had behaved the same with others but who remembers the mistakes one do. But unless one becomes a parent, you will not realize. But but but fatherhood can never be the same as motherhood for Indian laws itself discriminates between both of them. Mom is still supposed to look after all necessities of the baby, what with six months of maternity leave and all, but no paternity leave even in some companies.
So all things aside, this is simply the rant of a new mother awake at unearthly hours. And if you know someone such, say a hello today because you never know how much it will mean to her seeing otherwise all the different interactions you have on social media even after knowing the fact that social media paints more of a happy picture but hey, she is not even having that now!
P.S: The character(s) referred to in this article are not at all fictitious. Any resemblance to living or dead is purely intentional.
Book Review: The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg
This book is a tribute to WASPs (Women’s Airforce Service Pilots) of World War II, a historical fiction of the times when women in US contributed to WWII for aviation dependencies for men were busy in combat and how they were not given their due then. However, let me tell you the book is not so serious that it will feel like a bombardment of facts thrown together in a storyline.
The story is a funny and sassy take of different personalities and characters with the back and forth of timeline aptly handled. The characters are not perfect, but faulty and hence realistic and that is why I loved them more since to err is human. The book has those moments when women were thought not to be able to handle gas stations or flights or combats, all these being a male dominated place primarily. What other thing I liked was that it is never too late to reinvent yourself – Sookie (the protagonist) is 60 years old.
The book has its quotable moments and the best one I liked and will remember is:
“I’m telling you, Dena, when you live long enough to see your children begin to look at you with different eyes, and you can look at them not as your children, but as people, it’s worth getting older with all the creaks and wrinkles.”
Being a new mom, somehow I find that everything I do/ read/ think, I relate it to motherhood and baby moments and you will know I am so happy that these days, almost all my book reviews have at least such a mention. Only if the book pages could have been cut a bit by say 50 pages, I would have given it 10-on-10 for at times, the thinking of Sookie got too repetitive, but hey, then these are my views only.
So, go go go, go pick this book (feminists can too) and let me know your opinion in the comments below.
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Book blurb: Mrs. Sookie Poole of Point Clear, Alabama, has just married off the last of her daughters and is looking forward to relaxing and perhaps traveling with her husband, Earle. The only thing left to contend with is her mother, the formidable Lenore Simmons Krackenberry. Lenore may be a lot of fun for other people, but is, for the most part, an overbearing presence for her daughter. Then one day, quite by accident, Sookie discovers a secret about her mother’s past that knocks her for a loop and suddenly calls into question everything she ever thought she knew about herself, her family, and her future. Sookie begins a search for answers that takes her to California, the Midwest, and back in time, to the 1940s, when an irrepressible woman named Fritzi takes on the job of running her family’s filling station. Soon truck drivers are changing their routes to fill up at the All-Girl Filling Station. Then, Fritzi sees an opportunity for an even more groundbreaking adventure. As Sookie learns about the adventures of the girls at the All-Girl Filling Station, she finds herself with new inspiration for her own life. Fabulous, fun-filled, spanning decades and generations, and centered on a little-known aspect of America’s twentieth-century story, The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion is another irresistible novel by the remarkable Fannie Flagg. |
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About the author: Website: fannieflaggbooks.com |
| Rating: 9/10 |
| Genre: | Historical Fiction, Chick Lit |
| Book Name: | The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion |
| Author: | Fannie Flagg |
| Pages: | 384 |
| Publication Year: | 2013 |
Book Review: The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn
OMG, I absolutely loved it. Of course, it was more so related to the factor that I had not read psycho-thrillers since long. But then, I have not read many other genres as well since a long time while focusing only on the light reads and the detective ones. My last such psycho-thriller was The Girl on the Train (click on the hyperlink to check my review of this book read more than a year back) and gosh, it had given me nightmares for almost a week then. So, it was some trepidation that I picked a similar sounding book The Woman in the Window recommended in my reading group. So here is my review:
Have you been alone for a long time? If not physically, but mentally even when people surrounded you? Even if it was for a short time, but it felt mightily longer? So much so that the loneliness in your mind/ heart made you start assuming stuff and wondering what is real and what is in your dreams? You tell me no. But what about some bad dream or some single instance that affected you/ your thinking? And have you never ever ever been interested in the doings of others? Don’t tell me, but do not lie to yourselves. I have done that – online stalking and at one time, I was on the verge of breaking point. I still do now, but hey, what will a housewife (me temporarily) do other than reading books and eating chocolates (my two favorite tasks) to take a break.
That is the premise of the book of the human psyche. There is not a single thing I found in the book which was extraneous. Everything combined together perfectly in the end and the feeling for me was ecstatic. I could hear the background music hum-dum-dum with every rise and fall of the scenes. And if you would hear any negatives about this book, it is more because such books have flooded the market (like the craze of mythology fictions) – the psycho-thrillers where the protagonist is a female and unreliable. But heya, you should not doubt my high opinion of this book since I had tried it after very very long time.
I would not give anything away other than to tell you – read on this book if you love psycho-thrillers but not otherwise if you have a weak heart (I had that once but now I think I am super-strong keeping aside horror ones, or maybe I will give that genre also a try soon).
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Book blurb: Anna Fox lives alone—a recluse in her New York City home, unable to venture outside. She spends her day drinking wine (maybe too much), watching old movies, recalling happier times . . . and spying on her neighbors. Then the Russells move into the house across the way: a father, a mother, their teenage son. The perfect family. But when Anna, gazing out her window one night, sees something she shouldn’t, her world begins to crumble—and its shocking secrets are laid bare. What is real? What is imagined? Who is in danger? Who is in control? In this diabolically gripping thriller, no one—and nothing—is what it seems. |
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About the author: Tid-bit: Daniel Mallory, a senior editor at William Morrow, wrote his suspense-laden thriller under the nom de plume A J Finn where his own publishing house bought it without knowing the same. A well-known figure in the literary world, he was ‘terrified everyone would hate it and I’d end up with egg on my face’. Instagram: @ajfinnbooks |
| Rating: 9/10 |
| Genre: | Thriller |
| Book Name: | The Woman in the Window |
| Author: | A.J. Finn |
| Pages: | 449 |
| Publication Year: | 2018 |
Book Review: The Lollipop Shoes by Joanne Harris
Had you checked my review of the prequel to The Lollipop Shoes or otherwise named as The Girl with No Shadow, i.e. Chocolat? If not, click here. That was one amazing fantasy book with overdose of chocolate recipes weaved into the tale. The same is expected of this book. Even if it doesn’t match the caliber of the former one, but still as a standalone book if you consider, it is as good. This was recommended once I posted review of Chocolat, otherwise I would not have found this gem.
There are lots of twists and turns (more than the first one) which would keep a reader engaged and keep on turning the pages. The point I liked about the book is the way it illustrates how for your kids, you want to choose the best option for them to keep them safe like Vianne or Yanne does. Having become a mother recently, I could get the vibes that the author Joanne has captured perfectly and the ways one should and shouldn’t behave around their kids and that if you are happy, so will they be and you do not need to make extra efforts for the same.
So, read on this book to discover the lost love of your family and magic and of course, the passionate decadent chocolates.
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Book blurb: The wind has always dictated Vianne Rocher’s every move, buffeting her from the French village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes to the crowded streets of Paris. Cloaked in a new identity, that of widow Yanne Charbonneau, she opens a chocolaterie on a small Montmartre street, determined to still the wind at last and keep her daughters, Anouk and baby Rosette, safe. But the weather vane soon turns, and Zozie de l’Alba blows into their lives. Charming and enigmatic, Zozie provides the brightness that Yanne’s life needs–as her vivacity and bold lollipop shoes dazzle rebellious and impressionable preadolescent Anouk. But beneath their new friend’s benevolent facade lies a ruthless treachery–for devious, seductive Zozie has plans that will shake their world to pieces. |
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About the author: In 2000, her 1999 novel CHOCOLAT was adapted to the screen, starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp. She is an honorary Fellow of St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, and in 2013 was awarded an MBE by the Queen. Her hobbies are listed in Who’s Who as ‘mooching, lounging, strutting, strumming, priest-baiting and quiet subversion’. She also spends too much time on Twitter; plays flute and bass guitar in a band first formed when she was 16; and works from a shed in her garden at her home in Yorkshire. Website: joanne-harris.co.uk |
| Rating: 8/10 |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Book Name: | The Lollipop Shoes / The Girl with No Shadow Chocolat #2 |
| Author: | Joanne Harris |
| Pages: | 444 |
| Publication Year: | 2007 |
Book Review: Let It Snow by John Green, Lauren Myracle & Maureen Johnson
I had tremendously liked the book The Fault in Our Stars (check its review here) written by John Green and when my best friend suggested for me to select Let It Snow, I dilly-dallied a little but in the end, thought to give it a try. But my my, was I not disappointed! Where I was so emotionally involved in the former book, the latter just touched me superficially.
Ok, let me be straight (ya I am, just kidding) – I am not in favor of reading silly teen books, but there was a time in my life I devoured such books like crazy. So, this is a book recommended for teens “only” and those looking for light short stories. This is not a novel in the correct sense of word, but as the cover pic says “three holiday romances” around Christmas, a collection of three short love stories connected together in the last one. The last one is the worst, but let us ignore that.
Silly, stupid romances, none of them memorable is my conclusion of the book. So enough about the story-line, the way the book is written is interesting since three different popular writers have attempted to make it likable enough (my friend had loved it) and it is a good enough effort.
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Excerpt from the back cover of the book: A trio of today’s bestselling authors – John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle- brings all the magic of the holidays to life in three hilarious and charming interconnected tales of love, romance, and kisses that will steal your breath away. |
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About the author: Twitter: @realjohngreen |
| Rating: 6/10 |
| Genre: | Young Adult, Romance |
| Book Name: | Let It Snow |
| Author: | John Green, Lauren Myracle & Maureen Johnson |
| Pages: | 352 |
| Publication Year: | 2012 |
Book Review: The Rosie Project (Don Tillman #1) by Graeme Simsion
When you pick a too popular book, you are scared that it does not turn out to be a dampener and you do not want to be proved an exception. So, it is with this expectation that I started off with The Rosie Project wherein I had just read the book blurb and not the reviews though the blurb was enough to interest me. So that’s my part of the story.
Written brilliantly, and comically, and a lovable dose of how two people so unrelated with each other can fall in love (oh is it?). Haven’t we all known such unmatched people, even if we do not fall into that category? However, the way Asperger is referred humorously in the book may alienate certain individuals, but I ask why? Rather than being serious, why not a comical take? Reminds me of the scene from the recently released Bollywood movie Hichki wherein the interviewers advice Rani Mukerji to select a profession other than teaching but she says even though they have not selected her, this way at least she has taught them something new which is about the Tourette syndrome she has. By the way, Asperger syndrome is a developmental disorder affecting ability to effectively socialise and communicate and to do these at times in a repetitive mode.
But serious matters apart, I will simply say read, read and read this book The Rosie Project. It is a must as a light-hearted fiction. The book also includes the search for the perfect wife funnily. But tell me, who is perfect? So will Don Tillman, the protagonist of the book find his perfect mate? And will/did you my dear reader find your soulmate? If not, then you will because perseverance in the right manner always pays (not coercion/ stalking).
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Book blurb: An international sensation, this hilarious, feel-good novel is narrated by an oddly charming and socially challenged genetics professor on an unusual quest: to find out if he is capable of true love. Don Tillman, professor of genetics, has never been on a second date. He is a man who can count all his friends on the fingers of one hand, whose lifelong difficulty with social rituals has convinced him that he is simply not wired for romance. So when an acquaintance informs him that he would make a “wonderful” husband, his first reaction is shock. Yet he must concede to the statistical probability that there is someone for everyone, and he embarks upon The Wife Project. In the orderly, evidence-based manner with which he approaches all things, Don sets out to find the perfect partner. She will be punctual and logical—most definitely not a barmaid, a smoker, a drinker, or a late-arriver. Yet Rosie Jarman is all these things. She is also beguiling, fiery, intelligent—and on a quest of her own. She is looking for her biological father, a search that a certain DNA expert might be able to help her with. Don’s Wife Project takes a back burner to the Father Project and an unlikely relationship blooms, forcing the scientifically minded geneticist to confront the spontaneous whirlwind that is Rosie—and the realization that love is not always what looks good on paper. The Rosie Project is a moving and hilarious novel for anyone who has ever tenaciously gone after life or love in the face of overwhelming challenges. . |
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About the author: Website: graemesimsion.com |
| Rating: 10/10 |
| Genre: | Romance |
| Book Name: | The Rosie Project (Don Tillman #1) |
| Author: | Graeme Simsion |
| Pages: | 297 |
| Publication Year: | 2013 |
