A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton 🔖🔖🔖🔖

I enjoy books like this once in a while. Fast easy read, keeps me hook with the suspense, allows me to work along with the one figuring out the crime. I'm not a fan of the f word, used sporadically in this one, neither am I a fan of sex scenes, of which there were two, which were pretty tame compared to other books. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to fans of fast, easy, mystery reads, but there's no need for me to have it on my favorites shelf.

The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier 🔖🔖🔖

First published January 1, 1974 

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Literary awards: Lewis Carroll Shelf Award 1979, Margaret A. Edwards Award 1991

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Jerry Renault ponders the question on the poster in his locker: Do I dare disturb the universe? Refusing to sell chocolates in the annual Trinity school fund-raiser may not seem like a radical thing to do. But when Jerry challenges a secret school society called The Vigils, his defiant act turns into an all-out war. Now the only question is: Who will survive? (Source: Goodreads)

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This was a fairly interesting read, but I'd likely relate to it more if I were a boy still in school. I love the writing style, loved reading the thought processes of the characters, enjoyed their processing and realizing adults don't have it all together, may not be honest, good, or content. I'm not recommending the book, however, as it didn't catch me or move me enough. It also won't go on my favorites shelf, but I don't feel I wasted my time.

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Why this book was banned: 

This is "one of the top ten most-challenged books of the 21^st century for sexual content, offensive language, and violence."

From the article sourced below: 

In January, 2000, parents in Lancaster, Massachusetts, wanted the book removed from classrooms because of its profanity. ...

The Chocolate War resonated with the students because it involved characters their age that were realistic and relatable. While the sexual content wasn'’t discussed, students did talk about the language. Most discussions centered on being willing to break from what\’s popular, and the consequences thereof.

...

In 2001, it was challenged in York County, Virginia, for sexually explicit language. ... It was also challenged at a Lisbon, Ohio, board of education meeting as ”pornography” and removed from high school English classes.

2002 brought more challenges for profanity, masturbation, and sexual fantasy, along with “segments denigrating to girls.”

... Parents Against Bad Books in Schools, challenged it in 2003 in Fairfax, Virginia, school libraries for “profanity, descriptions of drug abuse, sexually explicit conduct, and torture.”

2004-2005 challenges echoed issues with its sexual content, offensive language, being unsuited to intended age group, violence, and for its perceived religious viewpoint.

In 2006, the book was challenged at King Philip Middle School in West Hartford, Connecticut, when the parents of an eighth grader thought the book was unsuitable for students. That same year it was challenged in Wake County, North Carolina, schools by parents who received support of the ban from Called2Action, a Christian group that says its mission is to “promote and defend our shared family and social values.” …

...

In 2008 it was initially removed from a Harford County, Maryland, high school curriculum due to “vulgar language,” thus overshadowing its anti-bullying message. Ironically, it was challenged as optional reading in a bullying unit at a Lake Oswego, Oregon, junior high school because the novel is “peppered with profanities, ranging from derogatory slang terms to sexual encounters, and violence.” In the Coeur d\’Alene, Idaho School District ... parents say the book ... should require parental permission for students to read them.

It was also challenged as required reading for seventh grade students at the John H. Kinzie Elementary School in Chicago, Illinois, and at the Northridge School District in Johnstown, Ohio, because “if these books were a movie, they would be rated R.”  (Source: Banned Books Awareness: “The Chocolate War” - World leading higher education information and services)

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My thoughts: 

I think the book was realistic and though there were indeed curse words, sexual thoughts and fantasies, I don't remember it being gratuitous or for the author's intent to be "cool", which is what I feel about John Green.  This just felt different from his attempts. 

Bottom line: notice if your kid is reading this and have discussions.

Soldier Boys by Dean Hughes 🔖🔖🔖🔖

Heartbreaking. Yet the fact that it effected me means it drew me in. Great character development. I found myself frustrated when I had to take breaks in reading, so it grabbed my interest as well.

I'm left with a lot of emotion about war, death, young men in battle. Because of these reactions, I almost hesitate to recommend the book, but these aftereffects say a lot about the quality of the story.

I might have to attempt to hug my sons today.

Postcards from No Man's Land by Aidan Chambers 🔖🔖

So now I feel incredibly old fashioned. Young adult fiction? Definitely not like the fiction when I was a young adult. Definitely not the fiction I'd be pleased to have my children read as young adults. Maybe I'm incredibly naive, but having such sexual/near sexual experiences at 17 blows my mind.

The scenes aren't too graphic, but enough to cause me discomfort. And even though I don't like some description, what was offered was slanted. This is very obviously written by a man who thinks penises are the end all. Good descriptions of at least three of those. And even though there are actually male-female experiences here, not much mention of her parts. Weird.

Quite surprised this won so many awards. I'd not recommend this book. To anyone.

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert 🔖🔖🔖

This is more 2.5 for me. I enjoyed Italy, but the rest felt a lot like reading a self help book I was never interested in.

What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day by Pearl Cleage 🔖🔖🔖

There were a few times I was ready to stop reading due to some boredom, but then I'd get angry at the main antagonist and read on hoping to see justice. I did not enjoy the sappy Eddie, but I guess that's what appeals to some. He seemed far too fairy tale for my liking. Overall it was an okay read, though I'd likely not recommend it to others generally speaking.

Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult 🔖🔖🔖🔖🔖

I wasn't sure if I was going to give this 4 or 5 stars, but determined it was worth the full stars. Likely because it's the first novel I've read with lesbian characters (like myself) that wasn't sexually offensive. It was a love story, a story about commitment and relationship. Now *that* I can relate to. I loved how it was not "in your face" - and in fact there was more time given to the anti-gay rhetoric than pro. What was shared was deep and meaningful, rich and relateable. Worth reading, recommending, and being on my shelf.

The Naked and the Dead by Norman Mailer 🔖🔖

I did not enjoy this book. There were no redeemable characters. I disliked the portrayal of women as harlots and men as promiscuous and shallow. While I enjoyed the writing style for the most part, I can't get past the blatant flaws in character portrayal. Not only would I not recommend this one, I'm likely to encourage avoiding it all together.

The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy ✖️

 Couldn't get into it. 

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon 🔖🔖🔖

First published July 31, 2003

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Literary awards: Booker Prize Nominee for Longlist (2003), James Tait Black Memorial Prize Nominee for Fiction (2003), Whitbread Award for Novel and Book of the Year (2003), Guardian Children's Fiction Prize (2003), Booktrust Teenage Prize (2003), McKitterick Prize (2004), Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Art Seidenbaum Award for First Fiction (2003), Exclusive Books Boeke Prize (2004), ALA Alex Award (2004), Zilveren Zoen (2004), Lincoln Award Nominee (2006), Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best First Book Overall (2004), North East Teenage Book Award Nominee (2004), Carnegie Medal Nominee (2003), Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award (2004), Premi Protagonista Jove for Categoria 14-16 anys (2005)

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This is a story "about a 15-year-old boy, with Asperger’s Syndrome, who investigates the death of a neighbour’s dog and uncovers dark truths about his family." (Source: time.com)

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I enjoyed this point of view from an autistic young man trying to solve a mystery. It was simple in many ways, complicated in others, creating a great balance. Great character development of the parents (even though I didn't much like them) and the main character. I liked having a glimpse of what it might be like inside the mind of an autistic person and found the representation quite believable. Yet ... This doesn't fall into my category of one I'd recommend others read. I think because I didn't feel the book left me with a feeling of having read something with meaning and purpose, or that anyone had any great redeeming quality.

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Why this was banned:  

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time was banned from a summer reading list in the Westmont Hilltop School District after complaints about “foul language,” “profane use of God’s name,” and a “negative portrayal of a character with autism or a similar disorder”. The book was also taken off a summer reading list after parents complained about swear words and the book “taking of God’s name in vain”. 

My take: 

There were about 28 F words, lots of S words, and the C word once. The name of Christ was taken in vain. 

They did not seem "out of place" or "out of character" and seemed more realistic than if they were not used. 

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For further discussion: 

Ms. Lara Rankin's Educational Escapade

Penguin Random House Reader's Guide

Empathy Explorers

Reading Heroes Book Discussion Guide

Teaching Ideas

Book Browse

World War Z: An Oral History of The Zombie War by Max Brooks 🔖🔖

I found this to be gritty, graphic, and used the f word a lot. "Made into major motion picture" is totally misleading. The only similarity is that they both deal with zombies.

There were interesting parts to the book. Other parts very boring. It wasn't in story format, which wasn't necessarily a drawback, but one does not connect with characters or circumstances. Overall, I just couldn't connect to any part of the book.

I did come to the solid important conclusion, however, that I would not survive a zombie apocalypse.

The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout 🔖🔖🔖

I enjoy books with redeeming characters and nearly nixed this one 3/4 of the way through. It seemed everyone was on their worst behavior most of the time and it was looking like no one would redeem themselves. I am glad I finished, though I can't say anyone came through glowing. It felt like Zach's character, though huge to the story, was highly undeveloped. Then again, perhaps it was masterful storytelling that had his character so shadowed by the siblings, particularly Jim. This isn't a favorite and I'm not going to be recommending it to anyone.

The Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult 🔖🔖

Wow. Not her best. I found the living-with-the-wolves idea distracting and the more it went on, the more annoying it was. And honestly, I have a hard time believing some of the findings about wolves. Sure, it's a work of fiction and she can take liberties, but let's make it close to reality. I ended up skipping most of the boring monologue about living with wolves and took issue with Luke's lack of humanness. I think Jodi took it to the extreme. I also tired of bratty girl, so much so, I skimmed the last half.

Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo by Obert Skye 🔖🔖🔖🔖🔖

I would actually give this one 4.5. I read it, finished it, enjoyed it, and would likely recommend it to others as a fun read. However, I do want to read the next part of the series. That does say something.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn 🔖🔖🔖

A few words come to mind about this book: psycho and brilliant. Flynn is amazing to pull this off with few, if any, glaring flaws in flow and plot and presentation. Well done. It only gets three stars for me, though, because it doesn't meet my own criteria for any further praises. I wasn't moved enough to need to own it, I wasn't entertained enough to want to keep it. I'd not find myself saying, "You should read this" to my book loving circle, but I won't discourage anyone from giving it a try. While it was clever, suspenseful, and well done, it's just not personally "shelf worthy". I found the character development fascinating and expertly crafted, but can't say much more without giving spoilers.

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink 🔖🔖

I just couldn't get into this. This may be a good time to admit that as a kid, I was one of the only ones, especially girls, who not only didn't like Little House on the Prairie, but hated it. I know, who has that experience? This book was all too familiar. Couldn't bear to finish.

Paper Towns by John Green 🔖🔖🔖

This book has a resume! 

This is not a favorite and I likely won't recommend it. Yet it kept my interest because of the mystery, drawing me into the drive to find Margo. That was well done. The "message" was a bit in my face, though not overbearing. It felt as if John Green wants to teach the reader something and doesn't trust the reader to be smart enough to catch on to subtle.

One caution is the talk some of the boys used regarding their penises, which could be quite "normal" but also a bit on the offensive side for some.

Criminal Promises by Nikki Duncan ✖️

Sorry to be the downer in all the good reviews. Maybe it's not totally fair as this is not the genre I enjoy. I got the book for First Reads. I knew by page 24 this was going to waste my time. Seriously, a woman finds a mutilated and gutted raccoon on her porch with photos of her murdered husband and his replacement murdered down the street the other day, goes to call the hot and buff detective and worries about how his voice will effect her!? Oh, please. I found the writing style juvenile and obviously not believable. Didn't finish.

Gods of Manhattan by Scott Mebus 🔖🔖🔖

If I could give 2.5, this would be what this one gets. My first thought was this was a take off from Leven Thumps, though it gained its own story as it went along. I was bothered by the character development of Bridget, 9-year old girl. So many times her words, thoughts, and responses were not compatible with her age. I may have thought it was part of her character if there were not other places in which she was definitely 9. Further, while it is apparent there are future installments, this one was left at an ending that left a whole lot desired, not excluding more explanation. I'm all for mystery and suspense, but huge holes and gaps don't qualify. I don't recommend this one.

Let's Pretend This Never Happened: A Mostly True Memoir by Jenny Lawson 🔖🔖🔖🔖

The biggest reason I may not recommend this book is the over use of the f word. Some may be offended by it. There were many times I laughed full on out loud while reading this book. I enjoyed it for the most part, but didn't enjoy her trying to get the reader to "understand" her mental illness or arthritis by likely exaggerating the effects. Luckily that's only a few chapters. Without the abundance of swearing, it'd likely be one of my all time favorites.

Vinegar Hill by A Manette Ansay ✖️

I couldn't finish this one. So negative and depressing, and according to several other reviews, it ends the same. I have many other books to read and don't want to waste my time. Once again, I have no idea what Oprah sees in stories like this.

The View From Saturday by E L Konigsburg 🔖🔖🔖🔖

This is the story of a sixth grade academic quiz team. Inside are five small stories that build up to develop the overall plot.

I enjoyed this one. Quick easy read, but kept my interest. I loved how the characters intertwined and ended up forming a kinship. The lesson about kindness is wonderful. Positive and uplifting.

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

Loved this classic! Adventurous and kept me reading. I am keeping this one on my favorites shelf.

The Trial by Franz Kafka 🔖🔖

This book was hard for me because I related so well with the character. It's a nightmarish story, really, of "Joseph K, a respectable functionary in a bank, who is suddenly arrested and must defend his innocence against a charge about which he can get no information". His confusion, frustration, and absolute helplessness were so tangible and too close to heart for me. So while this is on my "couldn't finish" shelf, it's not because it was boring or poorly written, but that the character drew me in perfectly.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See 🔖🔖🔖

This was tough for me to get into at first. At almost half way point, it grabbed me until the very end. I found the Chinese culture fascinating as I've never known much about it. Foot binding was disturbing, but described so well! I had no idea.

The novel introduces the custom "In nineteenth-century China ... some girls were paired with laotongs, 'old sames,' in emotional matches that lasted throughout their lives. They painted letters on fans, embroidered messages on handkerchiefs, and composed stories, thereby reaching out of their isolation to share their hopes, dreams, and accomplishments.

With the arrival of a silk fan on which Snow Flower has composed for Lily a poem of introduction in nu shu, their friendship is sealed and they become “old sames” at the tender age of seven. As the years pass, through famine and rebellion, they reflect upon their arranged marriages, loneliness, and the joys and tragedies of motherhood. The two find solace, developing a bond that keeps their spirits alive. But when a misunderstanding arises, their lifelong friendship suddenly threatens to tear apart."

Part of my difficulty with the book is totally personal. I knew ahead of time some misunderstanding was going to ruin things. I hate that, so I tried not to get too tied to this relationship. When they started turning more to each other for deeper things (like survival), I got taken in. Without giving too much away, I will admit to tremendous emotion on my part during the entire last 20 pages. I think, for me, that's the sign of a good book.

Only three stars because I don't need to own it and the difficulty in getting into it might keep me from recommending it to others.

A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel 🔖🔖🔖🔖

I enjoyed this. Having spent some years living in a small town while growing up, I could relate to much of the town dynamics. I liked how Kimmel was able to describe her experiences from the perspective of youth. It was delightful, and again I could relate to some of her youthful "reasoning" and choices. I think character development was good, particularly for the parents and "Zippy".

I'd recommend this as a light, easy read.

The Daydreamer by Ian McEwan 🔖

Although this is a kids' book, it is not one I would have read to my children. Boring and inane.

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn 🔖🔖

The most positive thing about this book was it kept me reading til the end so I could figure out who the killer was. I couldn't relate to the characters - thank goodness; most were terribly mentally ill, some for good reason. So how can I really judge the book when the flawed people may have been less flawed than I might be, considering? Still, I found the behaviors of the main character in the realm of stupid bordering on unbelievable. Drugs with a 13 year old, sex with an 18 year old, while in her early 30s? Yet ... Considering the mental state ... Maybe that's my conflict with this book: it's easy to excuse deplorable behavior.

Bottom line, I don't want to keep it and I'd not recommend it. I liked Gone Girl better, but barely.

The Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher ✖️

When I borrow books from friends, I really want to enjoy them. In this case, I couldn't get into it because of the genre, which means I probably shouldn't review it. Fantasy just isn't something I generally enjoy. This one couldn't win me over. :(. I made it almost half way through before I decided to call it quits. There were some exciting parts that kept me interested, yet not often enough to keep me going. I probably just don't have imagination enough to totally understand furies and powers and such. I'm sure if those were easy for me to grasp and picture, this would have been a fun read.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd 🔖🔖🔖🔖🔖

Loved this book! Her writing style drew me in. The story kept me interested and wanting to read more. The wisdom appeals to me. One I'm definitely keeping on my favorites shelf!

Mercy by Jodi Picoult 🔖🔖🔖

I am not a romance fan and this was heavy on the romance. It's my first Jodi Picoult book, so I'm not sure if they're all this way. I finished it, rather quickly because it was at least interesting, but I'm not likely to recommend it to others and I surely don't need to own it.

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen ✖️

I found this one boring. I gave it my usual "40 pages or 4 chapters" and found myself hating that guideline.