Rutabaga's Reads 2015: Part 1

These stories regard an American Girl historical character re-branded in their BeForever line.* I would like potential purchasers of the BeForever line of books to be aware, if they’re not already, that the first two books in each doll’s “new” collection are the original six in a now-condensed form. So, if you’re worried about missing out on new material, you aren’t with the first two books. If the line comes with a third book, that one will contain any new content.

Sunlight and Shadows: A Josefina Classic 1 (Aug. 28, 2014) by Valerie Tripp.

The Montoya family has been reeling. Josefina and her older sisters – Ana, Francisca and Clara – have been trying to care for their family’s rancho just as their mother did. They each harbor grief in their hearts and worry that with the passing of days, so too do their memories of Mamá. This worry is intensified when their abuelito brings their Tía Dolores to them. Josefina has never met her, as she was not yet born the last time Dolores visited from Mexico City. Josefina’s papá invites Tía Dolores to stay with them in order to teach the girls and help the rancho, which struggles when a torrential rain floods the area, taking with it crops that their village friends depend on and hundreds of the Montoyas’ sheep. As Dolores steps in, the girls wonder if her ways will chase away their memories of Mamá.

            It has been awhile since I’ve read the six books in Josefina’s collection, but I still recalled much of the stories. This first volume covers the first three books: “Meet Josefina,” “Josefina Learns a Lesson” and “Josefina’s Surprise.” Ultimately, I prefer the original six-book set, but this is still a nice, slender volume published in chapter book fashion. It hits all of the high points, including the Christmas tradition of Las Posadas. Through the story, the reader understands that Josefina and her sisters will always carry precious memories of their mother, and that their individual talents reflect gifts that their mom held. In knowing that, they find healing and hope for the future.

Second Chances: A Josefina Classic 2 (Aug. 28, 2014) by Valerie Tripp.

To be a curandera is to know how to make medicines from plants and be skilled at healing others. When Josefina asks Tía Magdalena how she’ll know if she’s a healer, her aunt replies, “You’ll know.” She cares for a runty, motherless goat and watches her grow into a healthy “little shadow,” whom she names Sombrita. Josefina and her sisters meet their first americano trader, whom her father is hoping to establish good trading ties with. Things turn shaky, though, when it appears that the americano has cheated them and Tía Dolores makes plans to leave the Montoya family. Josefina is good at finding “the sweet in the sour” and “the light in the dark,” but even a light has its limits. When her heart’s desire is dashed, how can she find hope to heal the heartache and her inner light to drive away the darkness?

            The second volume covers the remaining three books: “Happy Birthday, Josefina!,” “Josefina Saves the Day” and “Changes for Josefina.” The condensed version segues seamlessly so that you don’t really realize that the volume is actually comprised of three books. These volumes are easy-to-read and may be a better option for some than the original six-book set. However, I do miss the family portraits that are included at the very beginning of the original books. Imagination is a great thing, but I have always felt that the pictures were a nice touch to the young chapter books. Still, these are good books to own, for they bring a little history lesson wrapped up in a cute story that’s easy to understand. Plus, young girls will relate to Josefina’s strength of character and youthful spirit more than a plain history lesson of places and dates. In these books there are connections. Connections of family, hope and a brighter, progressive future.

* Disclosure of Material Connection: While I am not required or obligated to read and review these books, I want to disclose that I did receive them at no cost. That was thanks to promotional coupons that were mailed by American Girl to hundreds of thousands of people. All opinions are expressly my own, and I have no connection to American Girl, Mattel or Valerie Tripp.

"Submerged" by Dani Pettrey

A quick shout-out to my brother and sister-in-law for this book. THANK YOU! It was one of four gifted to me from them this past Christmas. How wise they are to gift books my way!

Submerged (May 1, 2012) by Dani Pettrey.

Yancey, Alaska, isn’t a place that Bailey Craig ever planned on returning to. Not even for the briefest of visits. But she’s back for the worst reason: the death of her beloved aunt. Bailey has a past that she is ashamed of and sees herself as a woman undeserving of love and goodness. She’s found faith again, but she can’t forgive herself for the tumultuous and self-destructive ways of her teens. She doesn’t want to face the people of Yancey, whom she expects to be judgmental of her based on her long-ago transgressions. And she doesn’t want to face Cole McKenna.

            But Cole wants to see Bailey. Having endured the loss of both of his parents, he understands the loss of loved ones and knows that Bailey is grieving terribly. He tells himself he wants to keep things platonic and just be a supportive friend, but he remembers all-too-well the feelings he had for Bailey a decade ago. And how she dashed his heart then.

            There’s no avoiding each other completely in the small town where everyone knows one another and news seems to travel faster than the speed of light. Before long, Cole and Bailey find themselves working together, as evidence shows that her aunt’s plane crash was no accident. There’s also a rising body count to make it obvious that something is very wrong. Bailey’s expertise in Russian history proves invaluable to the case, and curiosity gets the best of her. She’s searching and now wants the answers. But in doing that, she may cast herself under the spotlight of the murderer, along with those she discovers she cares very much about.

            It may seem like I’m doing this a bit backwards. Thanks to the publisher, I have read the second, third and fourth books in this series (with the fifth one soon to come my way). But I’ve enjoyed the Alaskan Courage series enough that I’ve wanted to read the one that started the series. I was not disappointed.

            As I’ve felt while reading the other books in the series, the McKennas are a family to want to know. Their faith is deep, their bond is strong, and their love for others is enduring. Pettrey’s got a good storyline going and the characters are created distinctly with characteristics we may see in ourselves and others, so their questions and trials resonate with us. About the only awkward thing is how the characters are all so bloody good-looking and have amazing talents. What I’m saying is, they may seem a little too perfect despite their imperfections. But that’s not the heart of this story. Faith is, first of all, but not in a preachy way. It’s more encouraging and quietly persistent – like water lapping gently against a boat. There’s also an air of mystery to the story, along with the power of love, learning to forgive oneself and allowing yourself to accept second chances. After all, we are all imperfect, yet we are His beloved children!

"My True Love Gave to Me" Edited by Stephanie Perkins

My True Love Gave to Me (Oct. 14, 2014) Edited and with a Story by Stephanie Perkins.

In this compilation of twelve holiday stories, there is a little something for most everyone. Bear in mind that the stories are the imaginings of skillful YA authors and therefore their characters are YA characters, full of whimsy and angst and youthfulness of varying backgrounds. I will mention some of my favorites from the book.

            But before that, I want to mention that the illustrator’s name is Jim Tierney. The cover is great and actually connects all the stories. And the interior illustrations are terrific. They’re not lavish, but are inclusive of what you’re about to read even if the picture appears to make no sense compared to its title.

1.    The Girl Who Woke the Dreamer (Laini Taylor): Neve Ellaquin doesn’t expect any of the Isle’s men to proclaim his adoration for her by leaving gifts on each of the twenty-four days of Advent until someone does. She sends a plea to Wisha (“Dreamer, it meant in the old tongue.”), and he answers. Hundredfold. In amazing ways. Taylor creates a story steeped in fantasy, and it is pure excellence to read. Finesse at its finest! The author’s talented imagination is as wondrous as this tale is spectacular!

2.   Welcome to Christmas, CA (Kiersten White): Maria lives in “just some place” called Christmas. It’s not even a town, and she can’t wait until the day she can leave it and attend college. But financing that is going to take way more than she makes waitressing at the Christmas Café, which is run by her mom. And the café has just gotten a new cook; he’s tall, lean, young and “not unattractive.” His name is Ben, which isn’t short for Benjamin, Bennett or Benji. White’s story isn’t rooted in fantasy. What makes me like this story so much is the heartwarming aspect. There’s sentiment in it, and from an author whose books I’ve known to be filled with rapid-fire ranting and chuckle-aloud wit while at times dripping in sarcasm, I appreciated the sweetness all the more.

3.   Polaris is Where You’ll Find Me (Jenny Han): Natalie is the adopted Korean daughter of … Santa Claus. Yes, that’s right. She’s the only human child (teenager, actually, she’s 15) living at the North Pole surrounded by elves and Santa’s workshop. Not little elves adorned with jingle bells, but elves that “are long and lovely and lean.” Her favorite is Flynn, but she once met a human boy on a certain sleigh ride that she’s never forgotten, and I love the magic of this story. This was the shortest story in the book, and I wish it lasted a whole lot longer. It is bittersweet, full of wistfulness and wishes. Han’s morsel-of-a-story is a fantasy in that we can’t really be adopted by Santa and live at the North Pole with tall, attractive elves, but it isn’t over-bright with magic. The yearning of Natalie; however, is clear, and I suppose that’s what resonates most, for who hasn’t ever yearned for something or someone?

4.   I have other favorites as well. Like Fenwick Septimus Honeywell a.k.a. Fenny from The Lady and the Fox (Kelly Link) and North Drummond in It’s a Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown (Stephanie Perkins). And I really wish I knew the Krampus boy, for he is handsome and not entirely human. He shows us that magic is real in an otherwise normal world in Krampuslauf (Holly Black).

            Never mind that I didn’t get this book read until after the holidays; it’s a marvelous collection to read anytime of year! Read it now, read it when you feel all Christmas-in-July-ish or be super patient and read it when the holidays descend upon us again this year (you know, right after Halloween!). At any rate, read it!

            No two writing styles are the same. After all, there are 12 short stories contributed by 12 YA authors. It’s a literary treat filled with depth of characters, richness of storylines and a plethora of settings and backgrounds. I was completely absorbed by this anthology of tales, by the sophistication of the stories the authors created, most of whom I’ve never read novels by. It is the stuff of dreams, really, whether you’ve dreamt of handsome other-boys or of getting out of dodge. The stories also range from little or no expletives to stronger language (for those concerned). That aside, it is a terrifically rollicking collection of holiday magic, as satisfying as the Christmas meal I ate but without all the extra calories. No humbugs here!

"Beyond All Dreams" by Elizabeth Camden

Beyond All Dreams (Jan. 6, 2015) by Elizabeth Camden.*

Smart. Bookish. Practical. Quiet. Those attributes describe Anna O’Brien perfectly, and she is content with her life as a map librarian at the most illustrious library in the country, the Library of Congress. It’s the fall of 1897, and as a woman holding such a position in a workplace, she feels quite honored. Working in a library is her dream job, but the pitfall to working in the Library of Congress stems from the amount of requests-like-demands she must field when a politician is searching for a certain map. And no one rankles her more or attracts her so like Luke Callahan, an impetuous, arrogant and handsome congressman from Maine. Anna wants to discover the truth behind the Culpeper’s purported sinking for personal reasons, and Luke wants to dissuade the Speaker of the House’s supporters by having Anna do his research.

            Anna wants to conduct research of her own, but her research steps on the toes of the navy, and they do not downplay their ferocity at her intrusive ways. Anna turns to Luke for assistance, though amidst his own scandals and struggle with anger management, his assistance may be less than helpful. And feelings. She may be mum on voicing hers, but he believes in coup de foudre – “force of lightning” – or love at first sight.

            Secrets are involved in the answers that Anna wants, and she may discover the  truth is more painful than ignorance. Is love stronger than the answers Anna seeks? Is love stronger than Luke’s political ambitions?

            Dramatic. Inspirational. Intriguing. These words describe this story, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It also reads as historically competent, but I’m no history buff, so I will leave that exacting conclusion to those who are. This story is a tale of love, yes, but love amongst two imperfect people in a nation on the brink of war where peacemakers root for peace among hecklers, an impressionable young man stumbles when a failure occurs out of passion, and technology advances. Anna, by-the-way, loves the modernizing technology (“It’s called a flashlight”), and she has her childhood friend, Neville Bernhard, to thank for the connection to it, as he works in the US Patent Office. At the heart of the book is the relationship between Anna and Luke, which Camden has mapped out meticulously, and her characters are described in such detail that I feel like I have a sense of who each character is (even the minor ones). “Beyond All Dreams” is sharp with gentility, outbursts, wit, life lessons and inspirational wisdom.

Favorite Line: “I may look skinny and weak, but if you hurt Anna,

I will metaphorically kill you, burn your village, and

sow your fields with salt. Is that clear?” --Neville

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"The Secret of Pembrooke Park" by Julie Klassen

The Secret of Pembrooke Park (Dec. 2, 2014) by Julie Klassen.*

Compared to her beautiful sister, Louisa, Abigail Foster feels homely. Her season has come and gone without any prospects for a husband, not even from the one man she thought might marry her, and with her dowry severely lacking, she expects she’ll be a spinster. On top of that, her father is facing financial ruin, and Abigail feels responsible. Of the sisters, Abigail is the level-headed, business-minded one, and she influenced her father to post a large amount of money (bond of guarantee) to invest in her uncle’s new bank. The banks failed because her uncle’s partners made unwise loans. In the search for more affordable lodgings – much to the distress of her mother and sister – an offer too good to be true arises at the invitation to reside at Pembrooke Park for a pittance rent. (Is it so inexpensive because of its clouded history that no one will speak of?) Abigail and her father go early, though her father is away a lot and leaves Abigail to oversee the freshening and fixing of the estate. This gives her the opportunity to befriend the handsome local curate, William Chapman, and his family, including his father, Mac, former and unofficially current steward of Pembrooke Park, and Leah, his lovely but shy sister.

            William is very taken with Abigail, and she with him, though she worries that he’ll look right past her once her mother and sister arrive and he meets Louisa. Things are also going bump in the night: dust is disturbed, the creak of footsteps are heard, and there is someone suspicious in a hooded cloak. There’s also the strange coincidence of a long-lost relative arriving at Pembrooke Park. Why is he there? Is he after the supposed room of treasure hidden at the estate? She suspects he is, and her drive to find the hidden room is only fueled by the anonymous letters she receives from someone who knows Pembrooke Park all too well, including where the secret room lies …

            This historical Christian fiction novel isn’t just the story of a budding romance in London in 1817, but also a tale of mystery and a dash of danger. “The Secret of Pembrooke Park” was my first novel by Julie Klassen, and I wasn’t disappointed. She’s created characters that are easy to know in that you’d either want to know them or definitely wouldn’t. For example, I’d love for the Chapman family to be my neighbors; they’re kind, honest and caring, plus they have a great sense of humor and faith, and I’d definitely not want to know Clive Pembrooke. The story is well-written and the plot moves right along. Keeping the mystery of the novel by doling out pieces of interest here and there in an organized plot prevented the novel from being a turbulent mess of mish-mashed information. Strong story. Good read!

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Lost in Translation: An Illustrated Compendium of Untranslatable Words from Around the World"

Lost in Translation: An Illustrated Compendium of Untranslatable Words from Around the World (Sept. 16, 2014) by Ella Frances Sanders.

It is a long title, but it is expressing a lot. As the author asks right away in her introduction, “How do you introduce the untranslatable?” Mostly you say some words and launch right into the compendium of words. That’s really what this is. It’s slim as far as books go. Each word has its own spread, and there are only 52 “untranslatable” words. Untranslatable doesn’t mean there are no words to describe this collection of international words. It means that there isn’t a simple, one-or-two-word direct translation (e.g. ¡Hola! = Hello!, Grazie = Thank you).

            To entice any logophiles out there or those who are just plain curious, here is a sampling of what you will find in this book.

1)      The next time you notice sunlight filtering through the trees, you are noting Komorebi (Japanese) n.: The sunlight that filters through the leaves of the trees.

2)     The Finns must really like their reindeer, which would make Frozen’s Sven very proud. Next time you see a real or animated reindeer, you can wonder about Poronkusema (Finnish) n.: The distance a reindeer can comfortably travel before taking a break.

3)     This one is for all the married women out there who’ve ever received a gift from a spouse with a guilty conscience. The word Drachenfutter (German) n.: Literally, “dragon-fodder.” The gift a husband gives his wife when he’s trying to make up for bad behavior.

            I LOVED this little book. Then again, I love words, so this makes sense. I was intrigued from the first “untranslatable” word that I saw. The greatest thing about this book aren’t the fun words (though the words are great), but the cultural importance of it all. Studying languages is challenging and traveling to other countries is expensive, but this little compendium can open up vistas of awareness. The words introduce you to other languages without the stress of memorizing them, and it’s fun, fascinating and sneakily educational all at the same time! I do wish there were page numbers, and the illustrations are quirky (this is not a bad thing). I think the font could’ve been cleaner – instead of looking like someone wrote it – but that is a little nitpick. This book is terrific, and I hope it does well enough that the author is encouraged to compile more such compendiums.

"The Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan

This is the fifth story in The Heroes of Olympus series. It is a concluding novel. Like always, I promise not to include any major spoilers (e.g. how it ends), but there will still be spoilers. Again, not super-spoilers and perhaps not spoilers to the untrained eye, but spoilers all the same.

The Blood of Olympus (Oct. 7, 2014) by Rick Riordan.

There’s nothing like a countdown to an end-of-days, is there? The monsters wonder why their enemies bother trying to save the day, and the heroes continue to battle on. Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, Jason Grace, Leo Valdez, Piper McLean, Frank Zhang and Hazel Levesque are aboard the Argo II battling across Europe to reach Athens before the Feast of Spes and to prevent Gaea’s wakening. Naturally, Gaea has promised all of her monster children (a.k.a. allies) the world once it is devoid of gods, demigods, enemies of any kind and mere human mortals. They split up in various locations, but each is fraught with danger. There’s Kymopoleia (look her up!) at the bottom of the ocean, angry giants (they’re all over) and Nike, the Greek goddess (not the brand name), the latter of whom they abduct, and she’s really not happy about it (who can blame her?). But never fear, there’s also Festus, Buford the Wonder Table (now happily complete with a yelling Coach Hedge holographic image) and the newly invented Valdezinator (sadly, there’s only one in existence and the god of music has it).

            In other various parts of the world, Nico di Angelo, Reyna Ramírez-Arellano and Coach Hedge are trying to get the Athena Parthenos to Camp Half-Blood. They hope it will bridge the rift between the Greek demigod camp and the Roman demigod camp, Camp Jupiter, of which Reyna is still praetor (even though Octavian doesn’t heed this). Reyna is determined to present the Athena Parthenos to the Greek demigods despite being hunted by a giant who, of course, wants her to die a slow, painful death. Still, the constant threat of danger doesn’t mean she doesn’t worry about her past ghosts. And she isn’t the only one disturbed by haunted memories, painful emotions and pent-up anguish. Nico is really hurting and feels there is no one he can confide in. He’s also fighting so he doesn’t get lost in shadows. Meanwhile, Coach Hedge is very worried about his wife, Mellie, and is anxious to return to her. At least he’s able to send her paper-airplanes-on-the-wind messages.

            Like its predecessors in The Heroes of Olympus and even Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, this story is full of action and adventure, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. There are dangers around every bend, meaning there’s never a dull moment. “The Blood of Olympus” has as much excitement and adventure as a ventus has air … which is to say, quite a lot and rather constant. In fact, there’s so much adventure and danger that any sporadic moment of romance feels a little awkward, but no worries. The reader will remember the monsters and the heroes and maybe even the name Kymopoleia. But that isn’t to say it’s all action and adventure and no feeling. Nico and Reyna emote the most, as both of them are also journeying toward self-love and acceptance, though Jason and Leo are trying to find where they belong, even amongst friends. The tricky part is that they’re figuring this all out while battling mythological monsters and an evil earth goddess in a fiery (sometimes literally) cataclysmic showdown of good versus evil. This prophecy-driven adventure is a wonderful tale, bound to entertain the minds of many, regardless of age. I had a great time reading this concluding novel; I found it to be highly entertaining and as fantastical as the mythology behind it.

            According to the author, this story marks the end of his focus on the Greeks (and Percy Jackson). But for those who’ve read the book, he doesn’t totally squash the idea that the adventure can’t continue later …

            Out of politeness, I didn’t include the Great Prophecy poem in my Percy Jackson compilation. At that time, I felt it was only fair to include the poem representing each book. But now that this series is concluded, I feel all right including it here, for those who want a quick reference to it. (If you don’t, quit reading now!)

Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,

To storm or fire the world must fall.

An oath to keep with a final breath,

And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.

"Becoming Bea" by Leslie Gould

Becoming Bea (Oct. 7, 2014) by Leslie Gould.*

A job as a mother’s helper/housekeeper/cook comes at an opportune time for Beatrice Zook. She doesn’t have to go to Montana with her sister, brother-in-law and mother. She can remain the homebody that she is, except at Nan and Bob Miller’s, where she’s helping to care for their three preemie Bopplis. The newborns are, understandably, a lot to handle, especially when the triplets are colicky through the night! Bea hasn’t handled babies much and is almost fearful at first, but it turns out that she has a way with the little ones.

            The one she doesn’t have a way – of patience – with is Benjamin Rupp. Bea and Ben have known each other since before they can remember, and Ben really knows how to push Bea’s buttons. She might say that he is A-N-N-O-Y-I-N-G and P-R-E-T-E-N-T-I-O-U-S. They’re each other’s biggest competition when it comes to words and getting the last word. I guess that happens when you have two lovers-of-words – L-O-G-O-P-H-I-L-E-S – butting personalities. Ben is antagonistic toward Bea, but perhaps he doesn’t mean to be. Attraction is waiting under the surface if they can both get past the other’s façade and understand past hurts.

            Normally, the only Amish fiction I read is authored by Beverly Lewis, so it’s reasonable to say that I have a high standard when it comes to Amish fiction. This was the first story I’d read by Leslie Gould, and I was pleased by the overall story. Gould presents a solid plot with characters that are well-fleshed-out. It’s easy to assume that the Amish are naturally patient, but patience is something that Bea struggles with, and I appreciated that Gould created Bea in that light. I know I related to her, and I’m guessing many others do as well. I also liked her inclusion of spelling words. It strengthened the connection between Bea and Ben and their competitive spirits toward one another. I also connected to the characters through their academically competitive spirits. Bea’s increasing maturity and growing confidence throughout the story is nice to read, and I always love to read stories situated in Lancaster County. I didn’t feel lost not having read the first three books in the series, but I’d start at the beginning of The Courtships of Lancaster County series. If Gould’s first stories are anything like this one, they are G-E-M-S!

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"The River" by Beverly Lewis

The River (Sept. 2, 2014) by Beverly Lewis.

Having never been baptized in their Old Order Amish church in [fictional] Eden Valley, Pennsylvania, in [factual] Lancaster County, formerly Amish sisters Tilly Barrows (née Lantz) and Ruth Lantz are not shunned by their family or community, but there remains no lack of guilt. The sisters left for completely different reasons. Tilly, eight years Ruthie’s senior, is racked with guilt over the death of her youngest sister, Anna, nine years ago. Tilly left Eden Valley eight years ago and never returned. Not for a visit, not for a nostalgic-yet-secret visit, not to introduce her family to her Englischer husband, Kris, or their now-four-year-old identical twin daughters, Jenya and Tavani. She also carries memories of a tough childhood, lacking the love her dad seemed to shower on everyone but her.

            Their parents, Lester and Sylvia, are about to celebrate a hallmark wedding anniversary (40 years). Celebrating such events, however big a milestone, is not a norm in Amish society, so the sisters are surprised at this. Then they find out that their father’s health is in decline. Modern medical advancements could help him, but he’s stubborn. Their father’s worrisome health prompts Ruthie to return to Lancaster County, but she doesn’t want to go without Tilly at her side for support. Ruthie never married after her failed courtship with Wilmer Kauffman, nor has she forgotten Will. Both sisters, while remaining God-fearing, faithful women, have their individual struggles with returning to their childhood home. They seek redemption, and, in Tilly’s case, maybe even the confirmation of love.

            When they left, they didn’t turn around and look back. What will transpire when they return? The past is past, but can members of the Lantz family overcome the tension of years ago in less than a week?

            Lancaster County seems like such an idyllic place, and it’s an actual county on the map. I love that, no matter what struggles the characters are facing, faith centers them and love fills them. Sometimes it must be re-discovered or strengthened, but it’s there. Lewis has created another heartfelt novel of love, forgiveness, facing the past and finding inspiration toward a brighter tomorrow. The journey through the story isn’t fraught with danger, but it is burdened by guilt and sorrow, love lost and love seemingly absent. Lewis is always good about tying up her stories with a nice bow, and I like that about her books, because there is always a great message to go along with it. Case in point: Life has thrown Tilly lemons, and while it seems that she’s made lemonade out of those lemons, she has in fact been harboring tart seeds of guilt for a long time. She doesn’t only need to forgive others, but she must also forgive herself. For how can she truly move forward when she’s dwelling on the past? How can any of us?

"Percy Jackson's Greek Gods" by Rick Riordan

Random piece of advice if you buy this book: Know where you’re going to store it. This book is just over nine inches wide and just over a foot tall. So if you think it’s going to fit nicely on your bookshelf, think again! (Unless you have a shelf specifically for oversized books, in which case I’m envious!) :-)

Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods (Aug. 19, 2014) by Rick Riordan.

What is the best way to describe this space-taking book? I wouldn’t really describe it as an encyclopedia, though it is, in a sense. However, it’s written from the perspective of Percy Jackson, who, for those unfamiliar with him, is a fictional character with his own series of books. And he isn’t just any fictional character, he’s a demigod. And calling this a fact list might be to take a few liberties. Although it’s based on plenty of research, it is research based on myths, so take that as you will. I’d like to call this a compendium. It’s a collection of the major Greek gods and goddesses with a sort-of pre-history, all explained in Percy Jackson’s words.

            Percy, if you don’t know, is a teen, full of sarcasm and smack talk, but also full of bravery and heart, not to mention the ability to control water. It’s a handy talent, but probably unsurprising for a son of the sea god. Percy is up to his usual ribbing of his, um, elders by helpfully informing readers of things such as “… this dude’s ego does not need to get any bigger,” when glancing on Zeus. And don’t forget great chapter headings such as ‘Demeter Turns Into Grainzilla,’ ‘Ares, the Manly Man’s Manly Man,’ and ‘Apollo Sings and Dances and Shoots People.’

            One of the main reasons this book is great is Percy Jackson’s perspective. Even more  than the Percy Jackson series or The Kane Chronicles, it seems like Percy talks to you, the reader, more than ever. It isn’t Rick Riordan talking about a bunch of super powerful old gods; it’s Percy talking about his super powerful, horrific, back-stabbing, twisted, ancient relatives in his usual snarky manner. It’s like the who’s who of ancient Greeks. (That would be a good title, actually: Who’s Who Among the Ancient Greeks? Someone work on that book, but remember to give me credit for that title! Ha.)

            If you know what I like to read, then you probably think that I enjoyed this book by default. That’s not true. I mean, I did enjoy this book. I even loved the personality of the book (even though I know it’s an inanimate object). A lot. I laughed out loud more times than I can count and didn’t care who witnessed it. But I didn’t declare I loved this book by default. I read it first. Because you never know when a favorite author will produce something that you don’t find favorable. However, readers have nothing to worry about with this book. It is hilarious, filled with sardonic flair, whip-smart storytelling and plenty of cheekiness. The Titans and Olympians are the gold standard when it comes to dysfunctional families. As Percy says in the introduction, “There will be blood.” Yes. Yes, there will be. And it seems to be a recurring theme …