#35

#35 The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness (Book two Chaos Walking trilogy)

I've put off writing this review for a day because I wasn't sure what to say. This book took me on an unexpected emotional rollercoaster ride. This book pulled me in, gripped me tight, made me mad, pulled me in again, made me mad again, and kept me hooked until the very last page, where I got mad again. I had to finish it just to give myself some relief.

If you are a fan of recording the titles you read (I'm sure I'm not the only nerd I know), you may want to check out http://www.goodreads.com. If you do, look for me: goodreads.com/amontgomery. I mention this seemingly off topic comment because on the site, when you finish a book, you have the opportunity to rank it on a scale of 1-5 stars. I normally rank books in the 3-4 star range, reserving the 5 star ranking for those most special books. I gave this book 5 stars without hesitation. I don't want to go overboard with this title and make you believe this is the book everyone in the world has been waiting for, but it just really struck a cord with me. And isn't that what reading books is all about anyway? Finding books that really hit you?

POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT!

In this second book in the trilogy, we begin with Todd and Viola. The chapters are written from their alternating points of view, which I enjoyed. The two have been separated upon reaching the town of Haven where Mayor Prentiss is in full control and purposefully keeping Todd and Viola apart. As in book number one, The Noise continues to be a battle for the townspeople. Todd learns about the native people living in New World, the Spackle, and what has happened to them in Haven. The Mayor's true character is revealed when we learn of his ability to control The Noise and what he is doing with that ability. A quote that stuck out to me comes from Mayor/President Prentiss (evilevilevilevil!), "'I have two maxims that I believe...One, if you can control yourself, you can control others. Two, if you can control information, you can control others.'" This book is all about control; control of self, control of others, lack of control. Viola and Todd are on opposite sides of this "control" and each must decide how far they are willing to go to do what they believe to be right.

Read the first one, The Knife of Never Letting Go, and prepare yourself for The Ask and the Answer. I've got the third book on hold at the library, Monsters of Men and I'm planning to pick it up today. Go find a copy for yourself and share a comment with me about what you think!

#34

#34 The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson (Book 3 Millennium series)

I'm thrilled to say...I finished the Millennium Trilogy!! What a wild ride! I think this was my favorite of all three. It was the one I had the hardest time putting down. And I got very lucky since I was finishing it during my 4 unexpected snow days this past week. What a perfect time to cuddle up with crazed killers, corrupt police officers, and vicious lawyers. :)

This third book begins the same moment the second ends. Salander and Blomkvist continue as the main characters, but the story does spread wider to include many more big players. The reader gets to learn much more about Salander's (twisted) family and the injustices done to her thanks to her terrible father. And as all great crime stories, the books ends with a great trial scene. Be aware! The action truly doesn't stop until the very bitter end. I hate to give much more than that away dear readers. If you have gotten this far into the series, you absolutely must finish with this third book.

I admit, I forgot many of the character's names and roles in the story (there were so many!) and had to just keep reading. I was worried that I wouldn't get the story, but it ended up being okay. If I was to offer a suggestion to serious readers, keep track of the characters' names on a piece of paper. It's hard to remember them all.

Sidenote: I utilize my public library system as often as possible and try hard not to spend money on books, but this one had 22 people waiting ahead of me. There was no way I could wait that long. The book is only available in hardback at this point (at least $20), so I took the plunge and spent the $9.99 on the Kindle version. Shoutout to my Kindle! Love you!

#33

#33 Black Duck by Janet Taylor Lisle

Seeing as how this book was a Texas Lonestar book, I am surprised I hadn't read it sooner. I picked this one up to preview for a possible literature circle title for my sixth graders. I was hoping it would appeal to my boys and include opportunity for great historical research as well. It does! And I admit that I cheated just a little. I found this on CD at the library and listened to it going to and from work. But honestly, what a great use of time!

This story is set in present day with flashbacks to 1929. Rebuen Hart and Jeddy Mackenzie live in Rhode Island during Prohibition. One day Rebuen and Jeddy find a dead body on the beach, a man who was shot in the neck and washed up on the shore. They assume he was a rum runner. When they return later in the day with the police to take him, the body has disappeared. Pretty soon, the two boys are accused of taking an important item from the dead man and end up in the middle of a liquor smuggling battle. Jeddy's father is the police chief and both boys have to decide if it's more important to follow the law or watch out for your friends.

I think my kids will enjoy the story and all the rum running and liquor smuggling will be fun to talk about.