The Black Circle The 39 Clues #5 by Patrick Carman
My rating: 4.5 / 5 Genre: Children’s mystery, adventure
Spoiler notice: The following review may contain some spoilers for the previous books in the series, starting with The Maze of Bones.
A cryptic telegram leads Amy and Dan Cahill to Russia without the one adult that’s had their backs in the clue hunt so far. Palaces and lost treasure looted by the Nazis pale in comparison to the promise of learning more about their parents, but are Amy and Dan walking into a trap?
Five books in, I’m starting to feel like every time I’m ready to read the next book, I should re-read all the ones before it again to remember the important details. I know some of that is my own memory problems, but there’s just so much happening over the course of these books. It’s hard to keep up with who might be bad, who definitely is bad, and who seemed to be good but double-crossed someone else. Little hints that aren’t followed-up on right away get lost in the greater story. The fact that this bothers me probably means that I’m enjoying the series, though, and I am. I just may have to start taking notes about what’s going on.
Somehow I knew that when, in my review for the previous book, I said that a future book might give me a different look at the Holts than the family of meatheads they’ve been portrayed as so far, it would end up happening soon, and I was right. Though really, it’s only the eldest son, Hamilton Holt who has a bit of character development here. I thought it was weird that after receiving actionable intel, he takes part in some kind of family capture-the-flag game before telling his dad that they need to get moving. Makes little sense. I also didn’t really get how the black circle was a big enough deal in the book to be put in the title. But overall, I enjoyed this book and look forward to continuing the series.
The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes Sherlock Holmes #9 by Arthur Conan Doyle Read by Ben Werling, Kevin Theis, and Sara Nichols
My rating: 4.5 / 5 Genre: Classic mystery
I think this has been my favorite collection of short stories in this series so far. I almost didn’t read it, thinking to skip this and His Last Bow and just reading The Hound of the Baskervilles to finish up my foray into Sherlock Holmes. But then I found an audiobook version that intrigued me, and I really can’t say that it wasn’t the reason it was my favorite. But even outside of liking the narration (more on that later), I was more engaged throughout this book. Most of the mysteries were intriguing (except for the one where the woman literally just tells everything to Holmes; there’s nothing for him to solve at all—I did like the very end of that one though), and I particularly liked the villain Baron Gruner. I’m surprised we don’t hear of him at least as much as Moriarty; he’s in only one less story than Moriarty (who is only in two), but he has more “screen time” and is also clearly quite clever. I am not sure how I would have felt about the stories narrated by Holmes instead of Watson if I weren’t listening to them read by Kevin Theis, but overall, I enjoyed my time listening to this book.
Regarding the audiobook, this version was narrated by Ben Werling, who also voiced Watson, and Kevin Theis, who voiced Sherlock. They both also performed various other male characters, and Sara Nichols voiced any female or child roles. I wasn’t impressed by Ben Werling who was a little odd with some of his dialog tags. He commonly put full emphasis on both words in the tag, “said Holmes.” with more of an exclamation point than a period after them. It was strange. But Kevin Theis, who I have gotten used to as the voice of Bertie Wooster, was great as Holmes. I would go back and listen to every single Holmes book, even the ones I didn’t care for much, if he was narrating them. Sara Nichols I don’t really have anything to say about, but I didn’t have any issues with her.
Meet Molly Molly Learns a Lesson Molly’s Surprise Happy Birthday, Molly Molly Saves the Day Changes for Molly American Girl: Molly series #1-6 by Valerie Tripp
My overall rating: 5 / 5 Genre: Children’s historical fiction
I’ve been aware of American Girl books my whole life, though I didn’t realize how recently more were still being released. I’ve collected a few of these at thrift stores or sales over the years and decided to combine all 6 of one girl’s series into one review. I started with Molly, partly because it’s the only one I have all 6 of and partly because it’s the only one I remember for sure reading when I was younger. I thought the series might be silly or feel too light, since these books were written to go along with actual dolls, thus they could have been very quick and simple. However, they don’t smack of a marketing ploy; the author did a great job with them, and they’re really just like any other book series written for kids this age. Also, the “Looking Back” section at the end of each book is really interesting! I love that it gives a little history of the time period, generally relating to the story, with pictures and even examples of ads/posters/propaganda from that time period. The focus is on children and even women, which is something that you really aren’t going to see a lot of places. I think these books could be a great resource for teaching kids age 7+ about the time period, how kids lived in those days, and the hardships they had to deal with. If I’d gotten to these books when my daughter was younger, I would have had her read them and then discussed them with her afterward. Brief, individual reviews follow below:
Meet Molly: Molly and her brother are quite mean in this book, though it’s also very realistic. The end result is that they are shown a comparison between how they are treating each other and the war their father is away helping with, which I believe is the entire point. Many reviewers seem bothered by the way they treat each other, and it certainly isn’t the best example for the kids who read it, but hopefully they will pick up on the message at the end.
Molly Learns a Lesson: Molly’s got a little bit of a manipulative streak, which I totally can relate with. I like the way this one works out in the end—it might be a bit easy, but it is a kid’s book, after all.
Molly’s Surprise: Christmastime is hard for a lot of people, and Molly’s situation is not an easy one. As she tries to make Christmas as close to normal as possible, she learns that it’s just as much fun (or even moreso) to be the one giving surprises as to be the one getting them. I love the ending of this one. I may have teared up a little.
Happy Birthday, Molly!: I mean, it’s kind of strange that there’s a book dedicated to Molly learning a lesson, considering that she learns a lesson in pretty much every book in the series. Again, I feel for Molly here, as she regrets her decision to share her birthday with the displaced English girl. No one wins when you play the who-suffers-most game, except in fiction.
Molly Saves the Day: I particularly enjoyed the setting in this book, and while I would have absolutely hated a game like the one they play at camp (I hated a lot of things about camp, really, but most of that is because of my social issues that were developing at the time), it was fun to read about the strategy, wins, and losses. I will tell you right now, though, (possible spoiler) that if anyone dumped a jar of spiders on my head (or even just 1 spider, anywhere on me), I would never talk to them again. I would definitely not be bringing them an ice cream cone later that day.
Changes for Molly: This may be one of the most difficult to relate to in the series, which is sad, because it’s the final one (in the main series, at least). I wish the focus hadn’t been so strongly on Molly “looking the part,” that perhaps she could have learned that talent and ability were more important. But that’s not how it plays out and is probably the only one in the series that I would rate 4/5, instead of 5/5. Still, the ending is really great!
Storm of Lightning Michael Vey #5 by Richard Paul Evans
My rating: 3 / 5 Genre: YA sci-fi adventure
Spoiler notice: The following review may contain some spoilers for the previous books in the series, starting with The Prisoner of Cell 25.
Michael Vey and most of the rest of the Electroclan are faced with the loss of the rest of the resistance and, for some of them, members of their own family. While they try to find some answers, Hatch goes forward with the plan that the sinking of the Ampere only delayed, rather than stopping.
This isn’t the first book in this series to feel full of filler, but it is the one that seems to be most full of filler. There’s not really any one main quest, even the kind that doesn’t get started until far into the book. I suppose technically going back to help Taylor’s parents can be seen as the quest of the book, but it’s not set up until well into the book, so until then, all we get is Michael and the gang trying to get answers or get to safety. And they’re mostly led around by other people. The only powers that are really used are when Michael is (yet again) stupid and draws attention to himself. Add to that the wholly unnecessary format that Evans uses, which he’s probably always done but is just a lot more noticeable now, of starting a new “part” every time there’s a new perspective to show, and this book doesn’t really feel like action—it’s more like one long rest hold.
Other things in this book that would have been minor points if the rest of the book had been more interesting became bigger distractions. For example, why wouldn’t Quentin’s power that is basically an EMP knock out the locator beacon he’s been implanted with? How does he even have a phone that works? Since the first resistance base was kept super secret, yet Michael managed to reveal its location to the bad guys, why on earth do they tell him the name and location of the next one? And how are we supposed to take Hatch seriously as a super powerful (if not over-the-top) bad guy when one of his favorite methods of punishment is to lock his enemy in a cage with monkeys? I don’t really have a problem with the cliffhanger at the end, though the way it was written was maybe a bit unnatural-sounding. I’m still interested in the series, but while a filler episode in a TV show can sometimes be excused (especially if it’s enjoyable in its own right), my investment in a nearly 300-page book leaves me much more dissatisfied with filler (plus, it wasn’t particularly enjoyable in its own right). Though if you’re reading the series, you probably shouldn’t skip it, unless you find a recap somewhere that gives spoilers.
Ramona and Her Father Ramona Quimby #4 by Beverly Cleary Read by Stockard Channing
My rating: 5 / 5 Genre: Children’s classic
I so wish I had read these books when I was a child. I remember knowing about them. I may have read one, or maybe it was a different one set in the same world. But I really think I would have connected with Ramona. This book was my favorite so far, and that’s considering that I’ve really liked them all. Ramona gets to spend more time with her dad than usual, but it’s at the cost of him having lost his job and taking some time to find a new one. The scenes that stuck out to me the most are those related to her dad’s smoking habit. The scene where Beezus confronts him about it is relatively intense, and when her dad confesses his brief slip to Ramona, I teared up a little! This book is not just about the adventures of a young girl; it’s full of so much heart! Stockard Channing’s narration is pretty great, too, and I recommend it for anyone who might be interested, young or old.
These Happy Golden Years Little House #8 by Laura Ingalls Wilder read by Cherry Jones
My rating: 4 / 5 Genre: Children’s historical classic
Of course I knew that Laura would grow up and this family that started in the Big Woods of Wisconsin would eventually change as some of them moved on, but that doesn’t mean it’s not still a little sad when it happens. Still, most of it was enjoyable, as a few years go by with Laura teaching school and finding other ways to make money to help her family, as well as spending time with Almanzo Wilder, who isn’t dissuaded when Laura tells him there’s no future for them. Unlike another series I read with a young main character, it’s not really the change in Laura’s maturity, motivations, or even location that make this book slightly less enjoyable for me than the rest of the series. I think it had more to do with the somewhat shallowness of the writing, even though I’m used to it by now. In this particular book, with the progression from wanting to be an old maid so she doesn’t have to leave home to happily accepting Almanzo’s marriage proposal, it really would have been nice to get a little more in depth on Laura’s thoughts and feelings. Overall, though, I liked what is essentially the end to the series, since the last one is a departure from the rest of the series.
As before, my enjoyment of the book was greatly enhanced by the audiobook narrator, Cherry Jones, who does a fantastic job, and being able to hear Pa’s fiddle, thanks to Paul Woodiel. If you’ve ever considered reading this series, or have already read it and have occasion to listen to the audiobooks, I say do it!
The Cat Who Saw Stars Book #21 by Lilian Jackson Braun
My rating: 3 / 5 Genre: Cozy mystery
Former crime reporter Jim Qwilleran attempts to spend a two-week vacation in his cabin on the lake, but it turns out to be less restful than staying home would have been. Besides still writing his column and doing favors for friends, he becomes entangled in a couple of mysteries that locals attribute to extraterrestrial “visitors,” though he’s certain there’s an answer closer to home.
Not one of my favorites in the series (though not my least favorite either). The solution to the main mystery came more out of nowhere than it normally does in these books, so it was anti-climactic. Braun seemed to forgo much of the investigating this time, in favor of yet another weather-related local disaster. Add to that the frustration that a death in the book had noresolution of any kind, not even speculation or a mention of the fact that it would have to remain a mystery. It was just dropped. I do like that Qwilleran was able to compare his tendency to half-believe that Koko’s antics helping him solve mysteries could be compared to the locals who firmly believe in UFOs, though he always leaves room for the possibility that everything Koko does is just a coincidence. I’m still enjoying my trip through this series of fairly quick reads and hope the next will be better.
Back to the Drawing Board McGee and Me! #6 by Bill Myers
My rating: 5 / 5 Genre: Children’s Christian fiction
Oh, Nick, I really feel ya in this story. Not that I’m an artist, not even close, but I definitely know what it’s like to feel threatened by someone who comes along and seems to be better than you at something you felt was your strong point. Quite frankly, everything Nick feels here I have felt before, so this book hit me closer to home than most of the others in the series. The lesson Nick learns—to simply do your best and focus on using your talents and abilities in whatever way God has planned for you, rather than worry about comparing yourself to others—is a good one for everyone and even a good reminder for those who may have learned that in the past. Definitely one of my favorites in the series. McGee, Nick’s animated friend, isn’t as enjoyable on the page as he is on the screen, but I tend to just skim the all-animated sections now. These books may not be easy to find anymore, but if you do have the chance to read this book or procure it for an 8-10-year-old child, I recommend it.
If I were rating this book by just the story, I’d give it 5 stars like I did the previous books in the series. But the gratuitous violence and death that I feared when I started reading the first book came in full force in this book. Much more death and much grislier deaths than necessary were spread throughout the latter portions of this book, but especially in part 3. And the pods, though of course they had already been in the first two books, but to a much smaller degree, reminded me a lot of the bizarre methods of attack in The Maze Runner series—over the top and completely unnecessary.
The story itself, including the ending, though, I liked. I can understand why some people didn’t, but I totally got it. I always knew this wasn’t going to end in rainbows and sunshine for Katniss after all the horrors she’d been through and the terrible things she’d been forced to do. Her PTSD would have to be more extreme than anything most of us can imagine, which is exactly what I saw in her in those last chapters. Add to that the fact that she still wasn’t really free, and it’s really no wonder she had no real fight left in her. I was still hooked, reading it as often as I could come back to it, which has not been as common for me in recent months, so that must say something.
I still think it’s funny that I was adamant I’d never read this series, yet I ended up loving it. I haven’t watched the movies yet…I suppose I will try to get to that soon. I am already looking forward to reading the series again though.
Ralph S. Mouse Ralph S. Mouse #3 by Beverly Cleary
My rating: 5 / 5 Genre: Children’s classic, fantasy
I thought this book would be redundant, considering that Ralph runs away in this book like he did in the previous. And it did start out that way, with Ralph annoyed at his young relatives wanting to borrow his motorcycle and then leaving the hotel. But his experience at school was different enough from his experience at camp that it felt completely fresh. I really liked Miss K and the way she taught and that even Ralph learned some important things from her. The ending to the book, which is the ending to the series, went better than I expected it to. I again find myself wishing that I’d read these books to my kids when they were young, as I think it would have been a fun adventure series to read together.
A Journey of Words 