Monthly Archives: August 2011

The Power of a Library

Posted on August 31, 2011 by

First, a question unrelated to this book review: I’m taking a trip to Washington D.C. next month, and usually when I go on vacation I like to read a book set in the place I’m visiting.  So I was wondering–any … Continue reading →

Posted in Fantasy, Juvenile, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Disappointed with the Mockingjay

Posted on August 29, 2011 by

I am so sorry to say this, but–I was disappointed by Mockingjay.  If you read my earlier reviews, you know that I thought The Hunger Games was brilliant.  Catching Fire had flaws, but was promising.  And Mockingjay never fulfilled on … Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews, Science Fiction, Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

A Bit of Humor at the Opera

Posted on August 26, 2011 by

It’s Friday, and I thought I’d share a little more fiction from my Phantom of the Opera novel.  This is a fun scene with the managers of the Paris Opera House, Andre and Firmin.  Context: this is a while after … Continue reading →

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A Writing Lesson from Barry Manilow’s “Mandy”

Posted on August 25, 2011 by

As you learned from my recent review of 15 Minutes, I’m a Barry Manilow fan.  Much as I love 15 Minutes, one thing I thought it was missing was a really good “loved her and lost her” song at the … Continue reading →

Posted in Ruminations | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Stranded with a Talking Mouse

Posted on August 24, 2011 by

It’s funny the books that stay with you.  I remember around about third grade (maybe, I don’t remember that part for sure) we had to do a certain number of book reports during the school year, maybe per month.  I … Continue reading →

Posted in Fantasy, Juvenile, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment