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Best of 2004
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From: Steven Engelfried <sengelfried>
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 2004 12:49:59 -0800 (PST)
My favorite novels this year are all British. Best of the bunch is "The Fire Eaters" by Allmond. I can't believe it was only 200 pages...there's so much in it. Great characters, a fully realized setting, and a historical moment that comes through vividly and meaningfully. And somehow all the diverse events come together and take on greater meaning. "Indigo's Star" is another gem from Hillary McKay. A humorous book with more going on behind the scenes. The highlights are Rose's funny, but aslo touching letters to her dad (her parents have split up, and everyone knows it but her
(though she almost does)). And then there's "Millions" by Cottrell, where two brothers find a bunch of money and try to spend it in a hurry. That sets up some funny scenes, and the younger brother's obsession with Saints is also funny, but the recent death of their mother is an unspoken part of everything.
My top non-fiction picks: "The Voice That Shook America" is another excellent Russell Freedman biography. He tells us just enough so that we really get to know Marian Anderson. By the time she finally gives her landmark performance in Washington, the moment is as triumphant as any hero's victory in a novel. I also thought that "Top Secret" by Janeczko was an exceptional non-fiction title. It's about how to write and break codes. It's filled with historical examples and clear instructions that get into the thinking behind the codes, not just how to use them. One of those rare how-to books that are fun to read even if you're never going to actually try the stuff...and if you are going to try it, it gives you just what you need. Also "My Light" by Molly Bang. Great use of illustration to teach a concept. The pictures themselves are dazzling, and they work together to show how all energy comes from the sun. It's a concept you can understand without needing to know yet exactly how it all happens, and she presents it powerfully, but at just the right level of simplicity.
Steven Engelfried, Beaverton City Library 12375 SW 5th Street Beaverton, OR 97005 503R6%99 sengelfried at ci.beaverton.or.us
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Received on Sat 04 Dec 2004 02:49:59 PM CST
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 2004 12:49:59 -0800 (PST)
My favorite novels this year are all British. Best of the bunch is "The Fire Eaters" by Allmond. I can't believe it was only 200 pages...there's so much in it. Great characters, a fully realized setting, and a historical moment that comes through vividly and meaningfully. And somehow all the diverse events come together and take on greater meaning. "Indigo's Star" is another gem from Hillary McKay. A humorous book with more going on behind the scenes. The highlights are Rose's funny, but aslo touching letters to her dad (her parents have split up, and everyone knows it but her
(though she almost does)). And then there's "Millions" by Cottrell, where two brothers find a bunch of money and try to spend it in a hurry. That sets up some funny scenes, and the younger brother's obsession with Saints is also funny, but the recent death of their mother is an unspoken part of everything.
My top non-fiction picks: "The Voice That Shook America" is another excellent Russell Freedman biography. He tells us just enough so that we really get to know Marian Anderson. By the time she finally gives her landmark performance in Washington, the moment is as triumphant as any hero's victory in a novel. I also thought that "Top Secret" by Janeczko was an exceptional non-fiction title. It's about how to write and break codes. It's filled with historical examples and clear instructions that get into the thinking behind the codes, not just how to use them. One of those rare how-to books that are fun to read even if you're never going to actually try the stuff...and if you are going to try it, it gives you just what you need. Also "My Light" by Molly Bang. Great use of illustration to teach a concept. The pictures themselves are dazzling, and they work together to show how all energy comes from the sun. It's a concept you can understand without needing to know yet exactly how it all happens, and she presents it powerfully, but at just the right level of simplicity.
Steven Engelfried, Beaverton City Library 12375 SW 5th Street Beaverton, OR 97005 503R6%99 sengelfried at ci.beaverton.or.us
--------------------------------Do you Yahoo!?
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Received on Sat 04 Dec 2004 02:49:59 PM CST
