31st Challenge Completed!

The second round of Book Awards proved to be a wonderful challenge for me.  I read all Newbery Award winners for the 2007-8 Challenge, but this time around the challenge required that there be 5 different awards included in your choices.  With the exceptional lists provided on the Book Awards II Challenge site for eligible books, I was able to gather up numerous possibilities.        

Thank you 3M from 1MoreChapter for hosting this challenge.

Book Awards II Challenge Reads:

The Spellman Files (Lutz)

Persepolis (Satrapi)

B is for Burglar (Grafton)

Flowers for Algernon (Keyes)

Last Days of Summer (Kluger)

Murphy's Law (Bowen)

Year of Wonders (Brooks)

The Chatham School Affair (Cook)

The God of Animals (Kyle)

Runaway (Munro)

Here is my original list of books with links to my thoughts.

Favorite:

Last Days of Summer (Kluger)

Least Favorite:

Spellman Files (Lutz)

RUNAWAY

Author: Alice Munro

Genre: Short Story

Published: 2004

Personal Rating:  3.5/5

Yearly Count:  125  

SOON

(ss) Yearly Count:  11

Another story of Juliet . . . she takes her 13 month old little girl (Penelope) to visit the relatives.  During the visit she is confronted about her parenting skills.

 

SILENCE

(ss) Yearly Count:  12

And one more - Juliet's daughter (Penelope) has grown up and is now making decisions for her own life. Juliet learns to deal with those decisions.

PASSION

(ss) Yearly Count:  13

Grace returns to Ottawa Valley to visit where she worked one summer as a waitress when she was 20-years-old and remembers her relationships. 

TRESPASSES

(ss) Yearly Count:  14

A woman befriends a couples' daughter.

TRICKS

(ss) Yearly Count:  15

Robin meets a man and they decide to meet again one year later.

     

POWERS

(ss) Yearly Count:  16

Nancy narrates her story that involves a small group of friends, one of which can see things that are hidden.

Overall, including Runaway and Chance, I liked Runaway and understand the draw of Munro.  Her style is very unique, but teeters between intriguing and annoying.  The intriguing nature of her stories is derived from her ability to drop tidbits of the story without giving a full picture - which is actually annoying.  Also, more often than not, I found the endings to be okay, but they didn't leave me totally satisfied.  Maybe that's her intent - keep you thinking of the "what ifs" after you close the book.  No matter, she definitely has a gift, one that obviously has touched many.  I could have done without the Juliet stories, but I liked the diversity of the rest.  I will read more.

THE GOD OF ANIMALS

Author:  Aryn Kyle

Genre:  Fiction

Published:  2007

Personal Rating:  3/5

Yearly Count:  124

A lonely, 12-year-old girl named Alice, narrates her life on a horse farm.  Alice has to deal with not only her own inner rumblings, but those of her flawed family, as they try to maintain their livelihood of the horse stable.     

The book contained many interesting characters that caused me to become very curious as to where the plot was going.  Unfortunately, most of the book focused on struggling lives and unfulfilled dreams of almost every character in the book, so it really didn't go anywhere.  Some of the relationships didn't make any sense - causing it to feel unbelievable.  The brutal treatment of the horses was utterly despicable and the ending was disappointing.  However . . . I've rated it as "just okay" because even with all the negatives, the writing was captivating.

THE CHATHAM SCHOOL AFFAIR

Author:  Thomas H. Cook

Genre:  Psychological Suspense

Published:  1996

Personal Rating:  3.5/5

Yearly Count:  123

Henry Griswald, son of the Headmaster at Chatham School, recounts the events that unfolded in his hometown of Massachusetts back in 1926.  As an adult, Henry remembers when a new teacher arrives at the private school for boys and introduces new thoughts and ideas to some eager minds.       

Over the years, the "flashback" strategy has grown on me.  In some books, I wouldn't have wanted the story told in any other way.  That is not true for this one - I would have preferred this memory to be told in a straight forward fashion.  The frequent flashbacks (first half of the book) provided scant information and I just wanted it to move onward. The second half was much better regarding the flashbacks, but the details that were remembered (decades later) were implausible.  So, ultimately it was good, but flawed in ways that impacted my enjoyment.  There is still a book or two of Cook's earlier work on my TBR list that I would still like to read; this one hasn't deterred me.

YEAR OF WONDERS

Author:  Geraldine Brooks

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Published:  2001

Personal Rating:  3.25/5

Yearly Count:  122

Anna Frith's life is already filled with despair when the English village in which she lives is infiltrated by the plague in 1666.  We are escorted to the front lines of this torment and watch the suffering that doesn't escape any family.  While the choice to quarantine themselves prevents the plague from spreading to surrounding cities, the death toll rises daily within the village.  Ultimately, we see the best in some, the worst in others, and the pure ugliness in the plague.

The historical aspects of the novel were fascinating.   However, I didn't believe in Anna's character as a 17th century English woman or some of the other characters, which made it a bit difficult for me to fully appreciate the story line.  And, the ending . . . well, I'll call it peculiar.  It felt like Brooks pulled a scenario out of a hat, tacked it on the end, and called it a day.  Odd, very odd.

MURPHY'S LAW

Author:  Rhys Bowen

Genre:  Historical Mystery

Published:  2001

Personal Rating:  4.25/5

Yearly Count:  121

Molly Murphy, a red-headed Irish 23-year-old, is on the run and wanted for murder.  Seeking refuge, she finds herself in the presence of a woman that needs her help - help in taking her children to America.  Even with this perfect plan, Molly realizes that everything will not be perfect or easy, and she's right.  A whole new host of problems occur when Molly arrives on Ellis Island.  She and a new found friend from the ship happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and become suspects in a murder on the island.  Molly is determined to prove their innocence.  She is on a mission and nothing will stop her from seeking freedom.     

Ahhhh.  This was truly an enjoyable book from beginning to end, with one big exception - there were way too many manufactured scenes!  I can handle one here and there, but they were just flying all over the place and that ruined it for me.  Other than that, the book was very good.  I enjoyed the timeframe, Ireland, the NYC setting along with Ellis Island, the murder mystery, Molly, etc.  There was a very realistic gritty nature to it that I found intriguing.  I received much more than I expected and look forward to even more. 

Murphy's Law is the first in the Molly Murphy series with Death of Riley next in line.  There will be a total of 8 in the series when Tell Me, Pretty Maiden is released in March, 2009.  I better get movin'.

*Recommended By:  Lynne's Little Corner of the World

LAST DAYS OF SUMMER

Author:  Steve Kluger

Genre:  Fiction

Published:  1998

Personal Rating:  4.75/5

Yearly Count:  119

Brooklyn, New York is where 12-year-old Joey Margolis, a precocious Jewish boy, is coming-of-age during the early 1940s.  His love of baseball prompts him to write to Charlie Banks, the 3rd baseman of the New York Giants and asks him to "hit one out for him".  This event is the beginning of their relationship.

WOW!  Why isn't this book a bestseller?  It was fantastic.  Last Days of Summer is overflowing with something for everybody.  The story is told in letters, newspaper articles, telegrams, report cards, etc.  It contains an endearing story line, historical events, baseball, religion, Hollywood stars, politics, delightful characters, humor, and more!  At one point, I laughed until I cried.  I can't remember the last time that happened when reading a book.  After witnessing that uncontrolled laughing fit, my husband eagerly said, "Hurry up and finish that, so I can read it."  It was a pure joy.

Whether it was purposeful of not, the beginning kept me wondering what was true and what wasn't; therefore, it gets docked a quarter of a point.  Even so, it's a top-notch, poignant novel.  Now I'm on a quest to find other work by Kluger.

*Recommended By:  The Surly Bookseller, Redux (no review)

FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON

Author:  Daniel Keyes

Genre:  Science Fiction

Published:  1966

Personal Rating:  4/5

Yearly Count:  109

Charlie Gordon is an adult with a low IQ that has been chosen for an experimental brain operation that previously had only been performed on mice.  Algernon was one of those mice.  Charlie and Algernon become acquainted through maze testing and behavior comparisons.  Charlie shares his frequent progress reports of his mental capabilities before, during, and after his surgery.  He discovers a lot about himself and the world around him.

 Keyes has done a fabulous job with the voice of Charlie.  His character felt very genuine and honest.  Also, I'm impressed with Keyes ability to make this story flow and to blend the science fiction with reality.  The story of Charlie and Algernon is quite a thought provoker; therefore, making this a great choice for discussion groups.

B IS FOR BURGLAR

Author:  Sue Grafton

Genre:  Mystery

Published:  1985

Personal Rating:  3.75/5

Yearly Count:  106

Kinsey Milhone is a single, 32-year-old private investigator.  A woman named Beverly comes into Kinsey's office to hire her to find her widowed sister, Elaine.  Once Kinsey gets on Elaine's trail, she discovers much more than just a missing person.

With a host of somewhat quirky characters and an interesting missing person's mystery, Grafton made this a very good read.  It's been quite some time since I read A is for Alibi, so it was nice being reintroduced to Kinsey.  I like her character and will not wait as long to pick up C is for Corpse.

PERSEPOLIS: The Story of a Childhood

Author: Marjane Satrapi

Genre: YA NF Graphic Novel

Published: 2003

Personal Rating: 4.25/5

Yearly Count: 105

In Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi begins her story at the age of 10 and ends at the age of 14. She depicts the torment to her family and country through graphics by showing us the overthrowing of the Shah's regime, the Islamic Revolution and the war with Iraq. The graphic format clearly portrays the horrors of war, while at the same time educates its readers on the history of Iran. Marjane's preadolescent age contributes to this understanding by adding the innocence and intelligence of a child.

As this book settles in my mind, I'm "liking" it more and more. I felt a little out of sorts in the very beginning (looking back at it now - I have no clue why), but as it progressed I became immersed in Marjane's world. In the end, I have discovered that I learned a great deal from this story and look forward to Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return.

THE SPELLMAN FILES

Author:  Lisa Lutz

Genre:  Chick Lit

Published:  2007

Personal Rating:  3/5

Yearly Count:  101

The Spellman's are a family of private investigators that even tend to spy on one another.  The main character is Isabel Spellman.  She is a 28-year-old middle child that has had a rebellious childhood, which somewhat continues into her adult life.  Isabel shares past relationships, family stories and we go along with her as she tries to solve a 10 year old case.

This relatively new series (this being the first) is not what I expected.  I thought it would be based on cases that the family acquired, but it focused more on the Spellman family dynamics (dysfunction may be a better word choice here).  More than half the book was a "let's get acquainted fest" which was fine, but I was expecting more - like a case.  When I was finally reconciled to the fact that there was no case, a case appeared.  Don't choose this book if you are looking for a mystery, but if you enjoy character driven books (in this case - quirky family members) and light reads to pass the time, then this one may be for you.

Book Awards II

COMPLETED:  September, 2008

Hosted By: 3M

(10 award winning books/August, 2008 - May, 2009)

The Spellman Files (Lutz) ~ Alex Award, 2008 (1)

(Finished:  August, 2008)

Persepolis (Satrapi) ~ Alex Award, 2004

(Finished:  August, 2008)

B is for Burglar (Grafton) ~ Anthony Award, 1986 (2)

(Finished:  August, 2008)

Flowers for Algernon (Keyes) ~ Nebula Award, 1966 (3)

(Finished:  August, 2008)

Last Days of Summer (Kluger) ~ Alex Award, 1999

(Finished:  September, 2008)

Murphy's Law (Bowen) ~ Agatha Award, 2001 (4)

(Finished:  September, 2008)

Year of Wonders (Brooks) ~ Alex Award, 2002

(Finished:  September, 2008)

The Chatham School Affair (Cook) ~ Edgar Award, 1997

(Finished:  September, 2008)

The God of Animals (Kyle) ~ Spur Award, 2008 (5)

(Finished:  September, 2008)

Runaway (Munro) ~ Giller Prize, 2004 (6)

(Finished:  September, 2008)

OTHER POSSIBILITIES:

The Whistling Season (Doig) ~ Alex Award, 2007

The World Made Straight (Rash) ~ Alex Award, 2007

Half a Yellow Sun (Adichie) ~ Orange Prize, 2007

The Secret River (Grenville) ~ Commonwealth Writers Prize, 2006

The Tenderness of Wolves (Penney) ~ Costa/Whitbread, 2006

Raven Black (Cleeves) ~ Gold Dagger Award, 2006

Upstate (Buckhanon) ~ Alex Award, 2006

Silence of the Grave (Indridason) ~ Gold Dagger Award, 2005

True Notebooks (Salzman) ~ Alex Award, 2004

Peace Like a River (Enger) ~ Alex Award, 2002

Ship Fever and Other Stories (Barrett) ~ National Book Award, 1996

The Bootlegger's Daughter (Maron) ~ Edgar Award, 1993

GINGER PYE

Eleanor Estes
Genre: Children's Fiction

Published: 1951

Personal Rating: 2.25/5

Yearly Count: 13

The Pye children purchase a puppy that they name Ginger. Soon after Ginger becomes one of the family, he goes missing.

While the prospect of getting a new pet is exciting and losing a pet is devastating, the book was actually boring. There is action and mystery involved, but I couldn't get past the repetition and irritating sentence structure. Unfortunately, it's another Newbery winner that I didn't find impressive. It's time for me to shake it off and move on.

CALL IT COURAGE

Armstrong Sperry

Genre: Children's Fiction

Published: 1940

Personal Rating: 2.25/5

Yearly Count: 11

Call It Courage is about a young Polynesian boy that has a fear of the sea. After being branded a coward, he decides to prove that he is courageous and ventures out into the deep blue.

This book won the 1941 Newbery Award. I didn't find it worthy, but apparently someone did. Maybe there wasn't much competition that year.

Book Awards Reading Challenge (Newbery)

THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND
Elizabeth George Speare ~ BOiPod

Personal Rating: 3.75/5

Yearly Count: 95

This is another children's book that I've always had an interest in and finally had the opportunity to squeeze it into the line-up. Listening to books on my iPod has really broadened my ability to get to more books on my TBR list. I accomplish tasks and cross books off my list . . . love it!

Due to Kit's dire circumstances, she travels from Barbados to Connecticut, 1867, to live with relatives that she's never met. As she's adjusting to an unfamiliar lifestyle, Kit befriends a woman who the community believes to be a witch.

Book Awards Reading Challenge (Newbery) & By the Decades Challenge ~ 70's (1976)

ROLL OF THUNDER, HEAR MY CRY
Mildred D. Taylor ~ BOiPod
Personal Rating: 4.5/5

Yearly Count: 93

A portion of America’s history is brutally told through the lives of Cassie and her family who live in rural Mississippi. It is filled with the tragedy of racial injustice, yet also the perseverance and love of a devoted family. This was a very realistic and powerful book.

At this present stage in my life, I found this book to be fascinating and extremely well-written for children and adults, alike. It most definitely deserves the Newbery Award.

AND . . . I just discovered that this is the first in a trilogy! I will be reading or listening to the rest of them.

Book Awards Reading Challenge (Newbery)

CADDIE WOODLAWN

Carol Ryrie Brink ~ BOiPod

Personal Rating: 3.5/5

Yearly Count: 91

Caddie is a wild-running tomboy who lives on a Wisconsin farm with her parents and 6 siblings. We experience her life through schoolhouse antics, neighborhood Indians, sibling adventures, farm visitors, storytelling pastimes, etc.

I enjoyed the escapades and life of this family; however, many of the chapters reminded me of the television episodes of Little House on the Prairie more than a pleasant flow a book can deliver. Children, especially girls, who enjoy reading about the pioneer lifestyle, would be thrilled with this one.

Book Awards Reading Challenge (Newbery)

THE HIGHER POWER OF LUCKY

Susan Patron

Personal Rating: 3/5

Yearly Count: 86

Lucky is a 10-year-old that lives in a trailer in Hard Pan, California with her French guardian, Brigitte. As she seeks out her "higher power", she convinces herself that Brigitte wants to return to France, which causes her to develop a plan of her own.

As I was reading, I enjoyed the character of the unpredictable Lucky and thought that young girls may relate to her; however, I didn't care too much for the storyline. It was just okay.

Book Awards Reading Challenge (Newbery)

NUMBER THE STARS

Lois Lowry

Personal Rating: 4.25/5

Yearly Count: 85

This story is told through the eyes of Annemarie, a 10-year-old Danish girl. She lives in a town that has been occupied by the Nazis and must learn how to cope with them invading her life and the lives of those in her community. It reads as a book about friendship, but is filled with so much more.

Lois Lowry does a fabulous job of realistically portraying this time period from the eyes of a child. At the end of the book, she shares what parts of the story are fiction and non-fiction, which was very informative and pertinent to the book.

Book Awards Reading Challenge (Newbery)

ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS

Scott O'Dell ~ BOiPod

Personal Rating: 4/5

Yearly Count: 82

Now, this was a good one! Karana, a young Indian girl, has to depend upon herself for survival on the Island of the Blue Dolphins. She perseveres through the struggles with a determined mindset and she learns about herself along the way. Karana's life on the island is also educational as she goes about getting food, clothing and shelter. I enjoyed the storyline and the educational value from this 1961 Newbery winner.