Daisy from Overland Park, KS, USA
Sun Cat!
Snowzie from Prairie Village, KS, USA
Maggie & Joey from Lenexa, KS, USA
Road tripping with their human, Gail
Millie from Shawnee, KS, USA
Books
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Happy Caturday #8
This is a book blog first and foremost, but it's also a book blog written by someone owned by cats. So every Saturday is officially Caturday here at Purrfectly Bookish. If you have an awesome kitty, doggy, peeg, ratty or any other pet you would like to see here, you can either comment with a link to a picture or email me about sharing your cute pictures on some Caturday Saturday.
Thursday, March 23, 2017
A Graceful Journey Through Small-Town Intrigue: Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger
Ordinary Grace by William Kent KruegerMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Year read: 2015
“That was it. That was all of it. A grace so ordinary there was no reason at all to remember it. Yet I have never across the forty years since it was spoken forgotten a single word.” Ordinary Grace follows the lives of two young boys in small-town Minnesota in the summer of 1961. Death comes often that summer, and Frank and Jake find themselves more and more thrust into a grown-up world as they navigate the dynamics of their family and their town.
My favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird. In the sense that this book also focused on the kids' perspective in a small town in a "simpler" time, Ordinary Grace reminded me of To Kill a Mockingbird. My enjoyment of Ordinary Grace benefited from my love of the Harper Lee classic. This book was, at its core, a who-dun-it - an enjoyable one. Some "conclusions" were evident initially, but many twists and turns surprised you.
The father, Nathan, was almost unbelievably gracious and forgiving, while the mother, Ruth, played foil with significant emotional instability. My favorite character was Gus, a friend of Nathan's from the war, who was constantly a rock upon which the boys could lean and a lighthouse in the dark to help Frank and Jake navigate challenging issues. Yet, he was flawed in authentic ways.
The one distraction for me was the layout of the town. The author didn't use a real town or a map of his imaginary town, or he was terrible at describing directions of things. I often found myself "lost" in town (no, the trestle is the OTHER WAY!). Or a description that something was past the edge of town, with a real sense that it was far away - tucked away on purpose - but then it was only a 5-minute car ride later. Or a bike ride in the middle of the night from the poor part of town to WAY up in the high-rent area - again, earlier depicted as far away - that takes very little time. Given how I mentally "Google map" my books, these discrepancies were jarringly noteworthy as I read.
All in all, an engaging read. This was a book club selection, not something I would have likely picked up.
View all my reviews
“That was it. That was all of it. A grace so ordinary there was no reason at all to remember it. Yet I have never across the forty years since it was spoken forgotten a single word.” Ordinary Grace follows the lives of two young boys in small-town Minnesota in the summer of 1961. Death comes often that summer, and Frank and Jake find themselves more and more thrust into a grown-up world as they navigate the dynamics of their family and their town.
My favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird. In the sense that this book also focused on the kids' perspective in a small town in a "simpler" time, Ordinary Grace reminded me of To Kill a Mockingbird. My enjoyment of Ordinary Grace benefited from my love of the Harper Lee classic. This book was, at its core, a who-dun-it - an enjoyable one. Some "conclusions" were evident initially, but many twists and turns surprised you.
The father, Nathan, was almost unbelievably gracious and forgiving, while the mother, Ruth, played foil with significant emotional instability. My favorite character was Gus, a friend of Nathan's from the war, who was constantly a rock upon which the boys could lean and a lighthouse in the dark to help Frank and Jake navigate challenging issues. Yet, he was flawed in authentic ways.
The one distraction for me was the layout of the town. The author didn't use a real town or a map of his imaginary town, or he was terrible at describing directions of things. I often found myself "lost" in town (no, the trestle is the OTHER WAY!). Or a description that something was past the edge of town, with a real sense that it was far away - tucked away on purpose - but then it was only a 5-minute car ride later. Or a bike ride in the middle of the night from the poor part of town to WAY up in the high-rent area - again, earlier depicted as far away - that takes very little time. Given how I mentally "Google map" my books, these discrepancies were jarringly noteworthy as I read.
All in all, an engaging read. This was a book club selection, not something I would have likely picked up.
View all my reviews
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Happy Caturday #7
This is a book blog first and foremost, but it's also a book blog written by someone owned by cats. So every Saturday is officially Caturday here at Purrfectly Bookish. If you have an awesome kitty, doggy, peeg, ratty or any other pet you would like to see here, you can either comment with a link to a picture or email me about sharing your cute pictures on some Caturday Saturday.
Peaceful Fifi from Prairie Village, KS, USA
Frankie from Beaverton, OR, USA
Goo & Peapa from San Francisco, CA, USA
Mother & daughter tabby beauties
Molly & Babs from Ocala, FL, USA
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Resilience and Redemption: A Deep Dive into Karen White's 'The Sound of Glass'
The Sound of Glass by Karen WhiteMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Year read: 2015
You may have noticed that I've been hard on the last few realistic fiction books I reviewed. Well, that ends here. In fact, I've had a hard time thinking of anything critical to say about The Sound of Glass. Karen White has created a fantastic set of characters, broken and flawed but worthy of compassion.
At its core, The Sound of Glass is about an unlikely sisterhood of survivors of domestic violence. They are tied together across decades and by coincidence. Every character has tragedy in their background (or in their present). Each chapter shifts in voice between characters. In the current time, there is Merritt, the recent widow of a violent man, and Loralee, Merritt's step-mom, who is only five years older. With a voice spanning across the decades before, from 1955 to 1993, the reader hears Edith's perspective. Edith owns the grand Southern home, which is the backdrop to the story. She was the grandmother of Merritt's recently deceased husband. Merritt finds herself inheriting this old house, half a country (and, practically, a whole world) away from the only home she has ever known in Maine.
Ms. White took a rather complicated storyline with a complex set of characters. She wove them beautifully together into a story of new chances and redemptions. My favorite character was Loralee. Though all the characters in the book exhibited strength and grace (especially when they didn't believe themselves to possess either), Loralee was the one who helped build up and fortify everyone else. She had more strength, sass, and constitution in her pinky than most of us have in our whole bodies. And she did it all in lipstick and high heels. A reader who has never lived in the South may not find her character believable. However, having lived in Alabama for 15 years (Loralee's home state), she is entirely plausible - a steel magnolia.
When a book covers a trigger issue - in this case, domestic violence - I like to touch on it so readers who may be sensitive to the topic can make an informed decision. While domestic violence is this book's central theme, no scenes graphically depict it. There are references to what happened - a hand broken in a car door, being held underwater - but all references are made in remembrance or in the words of a letter. There is one first-hand account when the abusive grandson slaps Edith in one of her "flashback" chapters. This book is mainly about the victims finding themselves again and being strong.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys women's literature, realistic fiction, and books set in the South. The book also has a significant mystery element for those who like a good mystery. Both Merritt and her late husband hid secrets from each other. As such, much of the book is about Merritt uncovering his secrets and revealing her own. Be sure to keep a box of tissues handy!
I received a complimentary copy of The Sound of Glass in exchange for my honest review. All opinions shared are 100% my own.
View all my reviews
You may have noticed that I've been hard on the last few realistic fiction books I reviewed. Well, that ends here. In fact, I've had a hard time thinking of anything critical to say about The Sound of Glass. Karen White has created a fantastic set of characters, broken and flawed but worthy of compassion.
At its core, The Sound of Glass is about an unlikely sisterhood of survivors of domestic violence. They are tied together across decades and by coincidence. Every character has tragedy in their background (or in their present). Each chapter shifts in voice between characters. In the current time, there is Merritt, the recent widow of a violent man, and Loralee, Merritt's step-mom, who is only five years older. With a voice spanning across the decades before, from 1955 to 1993, the reader hears Edith's perspective. Edith owns the grand Southern home, which is the backdrop to the story. She was the grandmother of Merritt's recently deceased husband. Merritt finds herself inheriting this old house, half a country (and, practically, a whole world) away from the only home she has ever known in Maine.
Ms. White took a rather complicated storyline with a complex set of characters. She wove them beautifully together into a story of new chances and redemptions. My favorite character was Loralee. Though all the characters in the book exhibited strength and grace (especially when they didn't believe themselves to possess either), Loralee was the one who helped build up and fortify everyone else. She had more strength, sass, and constitution in her pinky than most of us have in our whole bodies. And she did it all in lipstick and high heels. A reader who has never lived in the South may not find her character believable. However, having lived in Alabama for 15 years (Loralee's home state), she is entirely plausible - a steel magnolia.
When a book covers a trigger issue - in this case, domestic violence - I like to touch on it so readers who may be sensitive to the topic can make an informed decision. While domestic violence is this book's central theme, no scenes graphically depict it. There are references to what happened - a hand broken in a car door, being held underwater - but all references are made in remembrance or in the words of a letter. There is one first-hand account when the abusive grandson slaps Edith in one of her "flashback" chapters. This book is mainly about the victims finding themselves again and being strong.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys women's literature, realistic fiction, and books set in the South. The book also has a significant mystery element for those who like a good mystery. Both Merritt and her late husband hid secrets from each other. As such, much of the book is about Merritt uncovering his secrets and revealing her own. Be sure to keep a box of tissues handy!
I received a complimentary copy of The Sound of Glass in exchange for my honest review. All opinions shared are 100% my own.
View all my reviews
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Happy Caturday 11 March 2017
This is a book blog first and foremost, but it's also a book blog written by someone owned by cats. So every Saturday is officially Caturday here at Purrfectly Bookish. If you have an awesome kitty, doggy, peeg, ratty or any other pet you would like to see here, you can either comment with a link to a picture or email me about sharing your cute pictures on some Caturday Saturday.
The late Buff from San Francisco, CA
"This dental floss is terrible!"
Sheldon from Overland Park, KS, USA
TOE BEANS!
Ariel from Lee's Summit, MO, USA
Making her opinion heard.
Ginger Blue from Norman, OK, USA
So pretty!
Friday, March 10, 2017
Crenshaw: A Heartfelt Tale for Young Readers
Crenshaw by Katherine ApplegateMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Year read: 2017
My review
Oh! The feels! This book will get any parent right in the feels. It is told from the perspective of Jackson as his family is going through really hard times (again!). We all want to protect our children from the harsh realities of the world, especially if those harsh realities involve our own personal finances!
Jackson knows what's going on - he's a big kid and wishes his parents would just level with him instead of trying to pretend everything is happy-go-lucky all the time. And just as things are getting really bad, fact-loving, scientist-wannabe Jackson finds his old imaginary friend, Crenshaw, has shown back up in his life.
Crenshaw turns out to be Jackson's Jiminy Cricket, helping him through a really tough time. He is a big, funny cat who always has the right advice. Jackson wishes Crenshaw away - after all, he's too old for imaginary friends - but just like a real friend, Crenshaw isn't going anywhere as long as Jackson still needs him.
This book covers some pretty dark topics for a book aimed at elementary kids - homelessness, sick parents, and hunger. It would have been hard to pull off in an age-appropriate manner without the plot device of a funny, imaginary friend. For all of Crenshaw's necessity and likeability, I still think he wasn't as refined or as integral to the story as he could or should have been. Either go with the fantasy element of an imaginary friend or not. He felt underdeveloped. I still really liked the book, though, and would love to have my own big, fluffy Crenshaw following me around.
I would recommend this as a read-aloud with your kids. There are a lot of big topics in here that kids are likely going to have questions about and will need a parent's immediate and heartfelt answers. And it's pretty scary - the idea of losing your home and a sick parent. Common Sense Media has a few talking point questions you might want to discuss with your kids. This is not a light and fluffy read, but I recommend it. This is exactly the story that helps develop empathy for others, and we need more empathy in the world - now and always.
Miss R's review
It was a pretty cool book. I like that it's kind of sad and touching. In the end, it's not the happiest, but it's pretty nice. I don't want to spoil it.
Crenshaw is a cat. I liked to imagine him as a purple cat, but he was supposed to be black and white. He tries to help Jackson be safe. He doesn't really get to come and help Jackson that much. It's only when an imaginary friend's real friend needs help that they can come to help them. I think it was a really cute book. I loved Crenshaw.
It would be good for kids who don't mind a bit of sadness in their books. It might be too much for kids who are super sensitive to sad stuff.
View all my reviews
My review
Oh! The feels! This book will get any parent right in the feels. It is told from the perspective of Jackson as his family is going through really hard times (again!). We all want to protect our children from the harsh realities of the world, especially if those harsh realities involve our own personal finances!
Jackson knows what's going on - he's a big kid and wishes his parents would just level with him instead of trying to pretend everything is happy-go-lucky all the time. And just as things are getting really bad, fact-loving, scientist-wannabe Jackson finds his old imaginary friend, Crenshaw, has shown back up in his life.
Crenshaw turns out to be Jackson's Jiminy Cricket, helping him through a really tough time. He is a big, funny cat who always has the right advice. Jackson wishes Crenshaw away - after all, he's too old for imaginary friends - but just like a real friend, Crenshaw isn't going anywhere as long as Jackson still needs him.
This book covers some pretty dark topics for a book aimed at elementary kids - homelessness, sick parents, and hunger. It would have been hard to pull off in an age-appropriate manner without the plot device of a funny, imaginary friend. For all of Crenshaw's necessity and likeability, I still think he wasn't as refined or as integral to the story as he could or should have been. Either go with the fantasy element of an imaginary friend or not. He felt underdeveloped. I still really liked the book, though, and would love to have my own big, fluffy Crenshaw following me around.
I would recommend this as a read-aloud with your kids. There are a lot of big topics in here that kids are likely going to have questions about and will need a parent's immediate and heartfelt answers. And it's pretty scary - the idea of losing your home and a sick parent. Common Sense Media has a few talking point questions you might want to discuss with your kids. This is not a light and fluffy read, but I recommend it. This is exactly the story that helps develop empathy for others, and we need more empathy in the world - now and always.
Miss R's review
It was a pretty cool book. I like that it's kind of sad and touching. In the end, it's not the happiest, but it's pretty nice. I don't want to spoil it.
Crenshaw is a cat. I liked to imagine him as a purple cat, but he was supposed to be black and white. He tries to help Jackson be safe. He doesn't really get to come and help Jackson that much. It's only when an imaginary friend's real friend needs help that they can come to help them. I think it was a really cute book. I loved Crenshaw.
It would be good for kids who don't mind a bit of sadness in their books. It might be too much for kids who are super sensitive to sad stuff.
View all my reviews
Thursday, March 9, 2017
Shards of History: A Riveting Fantasy with a Fearless Heroine and Intriguing World-Building
Shards of History by Rebecca RolandMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Year read: 2015
Regarding world-building, Rebecca has done it beautifully in Shards of History. She eschews most fantasy novels' traditional Medieval Europe angle for a decidedly American Indian one. Malia is a strong heroine who must make perilous choices that fly in the face of generations of history to save her people. In Malia's world, gender roles are somewhat reversed. I say “somewhat” because the men are still the hunters and warriors, but the women are the leaders, and the men must show them full respect and deference. Malia's mother is the Clan Mother, and Malia is training to take her place.
To save her people, Malia must overcome countless obstacles, the biggest being her own people’s prejudice and fear of the creatures protecting them from grave danger. The Taakwa are so fearful of the Jegudun that anyone caught sympathizing with the winged creatures is exiled from the villages. The twist on why the Taakwa fear the Jeguden is brilliant and creates an incredibly nuanced layer to the story that Rebecca weaves magnificently. Malia must navigate generations of fear, a deranged husband, forest fires, potential exile, and her own sometimes faltering self-confidence to save her people. Ultimately, she trusts her instinct and heart, and neither leads her astray.
One interesting facet of the novel is that we hear not only Malia’s perspective but also Kushtrim’s, the leader of the Maddions (those are the bad guys), and Rasmus’s, an exile who aids Malia. Kushtrim almost becomes a sympathetic character. We rarely get to see both points of view in a struggle of opposing sides like this. When we do, the tactic often paints the bad guy as even worse than we could learn from the hero or heroine’s perspective. Still, Kushtrim’s troubles are painted with an empathetic brush. While I won’t say you’ll root for him, you definitely will find sympathy in your heart for his plight.
As with all fantasy, the author can add magic, mystery, and unusual beings to create their world. Shards of History has quite a few new and different twists that will delight and surprise many fantasy readers. However, Malia's tenacity and struggles are authentic and approachable, even for the non-fantasy reader. And for thrill seekers, be prepared to not put the book down by about two-thirds of the way through because it does not let up once the climactic action starts. It will keep you reading a little more, just a little more, just a little more - don't start it after midnight if you have an early day the next morning.
There is some language and some graphic depictions of violence. There are a few minor sexual references, and the “bad guys,” the Maddions, are not respectful of women at all. I would let my fantasy-loving 12-year-old read this book if you need an age reference. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy and enjoys a strong heroine.
View all my reviews
Regarding world-building, Rebecca has done it beautifully in Shards of History. She eschews most fantasy novels' traditional Medieval Europe angle for a decidedly American Indian one. Malia is a strong heroine who must make perilous choices that fly in the face of generations of history to save her people. In Malia's world, gender roles are somewhat reversed. I say “somewhat” because the men are still the hunters and warriors, but the women are the leaders, and the men must show them full respect and deference. Malia's mother is the Clan Mother, and Malia is training to take her place.
To save her people, Malia must overcome countless obstacles, the biggest being her own people’s prejudice and fear of the creatures protecting them from grave danger. The Taakwa are so fearful of the Jegudun that anyone caught sympathizing with the winged creatures is exiled from the villages. The twist on why the Taakwa fear the Jeguden is brilliant and creates an incredibly nuanced layer to the story that Rebecca weaves magnificently. Malia must navigate generations of fear, a deranged husband, forest fires, potential exile, and her own sometimes faltering self-confidence to save her people. Ultimately, she trusts her instinct and heart, and neither leads her astray.
One interesting facet of the novel is that we hear not only Malia’s perspective but also Kushtrim’s, the leader of the Maddions (those are the bad guys), and Rasmus’s, an exile who aids Malia. Kushtrim almost becomes a sympathetic character. We rarely get to see both points of view in a struggle of opposing sides like this. When we do, the tactic often paints the bad guy as even worse than we could learn from the hero or heroine’s perspective. Still, Kushtrim’s troubles are painted with an empathetic brush. While I won’t say you’ll root for him, you definitely will find sympathy in your heart for his plight.
As with all fantasy, the author can add magic, mystery, and unusual beings to create their world. Shards of History has quite a few new and different twists that will delight and surprise many fantasy readers. However, Malia's tenacity and struggles are authentic and approachable, even for the non-fantasy reader. And for thrill seekers, be prepared to not put the book down by about two-thirds of the way through because it does not let up once the climactic action starts. It will keep you reading a little more, just a little more, just a little more - don't start it after midnight if you have an early day the next morning.
There is some language and some graphic depictions of violence. There are a few minor sexual references, and the “bad guys,” the Maddions, are not respectful of women at all. I would let my fantasy-loving 12-year-old read this book if you need an age reference. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy and enjoys a strong heroine.
View all my reviews
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