Milkweed

Decided to revisit one of my favorite authors Jerry Spinelli for one of his newer titles. Milkweed follows a young orphan boy who doesn't know his name or where he's from but has found a new home with Uri, a street urchin. Uri names the small boy, Misha and takes him under his wings. He teaches Misha how to survive on the streets of Warsaw, Poland during World War II. Uri and the ragtag group of orphans he runs with are Jews. Misha with the help of Uri's fairy tales decides he must be a Gypsy. As the crew moves about in the periphery of Warsaw stealing food, Misha meets a young Jewish girl named Janina. He begins taking food to her and becomes a permanent part of her family when the Nazis move them to the ghetto. It's an interesting look at the Nazi's treatment of Jews from a child's point of view. As a small boy, Misha is entralled by the Nazi uniforms and their "parades" until he realizes the horrors going on around him. Recommended read.

Missing in Action!

I know I haven't posted in a long time but I've been going through some job changes and I'm also working on a few chapters for a book with some of my colleagues. Needless to say, I've been busy, busy, busy. But I haven't neglected my reading. Oh no, I'd never do that. So, here's what I've read in the past month or so.


Of course, I was one of the first in line for the last Harry Potter. I really enjoyed it but felt the ending was a little tidy. But overall a great read. Sad that it's over but enjoyed the ride. I won't go into details because I'd hate to spoil it for those who wish to read it and are still waiting to get it from the library.


One Night at the Call Center had a very interesting plot. Set in India at one of its many international call centers a group of co-workers (some of which are old lovers, friends, etc.) receive a phone call from God. Very interesting setup but I don't think it was as great as it could have been. The call from God was actually a very small but poignant part of the book. Worth the read if you are interested in India culture.


A Thousand Splendid Suns was probably my favorite of the ones above. I adored The Kite Runner and Hosseini did not disappoint with his second novel. Highly recommended.


The Mangler of Malibu Canyon is just a great fluff read. If you like twins who are biker chicks and private investigators, this is for you. Funny, sarcastic mystery. Great for a beach read.


Recently I thought I would give Christian Fiction another try. I haven't read any in years but at one point I had read everything by Janette Oke. So, I gave The Calling of Emily Evans a quick read. It just didn't live up to my expectations. The characters are too superficial. But don't regret reading it. I'll just try others. Let me know if you have any good recommendations on the Christian Fiction front.

The Boy in Striped Pyjamas

A new copy of The Boy in Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne recently came into the library and I picked it up for a quick read. A young adult title, this book centers around Bruno, the eight-year-old son of a Nazi commandant during Hitler's reign. After a family dinner with Hitler, Bruno's father is transferred to a post as Out-With, guarding a high fence behind which hundreds of people in striped pyjamas live. Bruno is confused by the fact that all the people, besides soldiers, live behind this fence and one day while exploring he discovers a new friend, Schmuel, on the other side. Slowly coming to understand that Schmuel is a Jew and that he shouldn't like Jews, Bruno keeps his growing friendship with Schmuel secret. Eventually Bruno decides to climb under the fence and explore Schmuel's world. The ending is very unexpected. I was shocked and set the book aside, dumbfounded. I realized that it was a concentration camp but I never thought about the name, Out-With. Bruno was mispronouncing Auschwitz. Can't believe I missed that. A must read just for the ending. Boyne brings to light a very different viewpoint and brings to light many remaining questions.

Up A Road Slowly

One more down in my Newbery Challenge! I absolutely loved this book. Almost as much as I enjoyed Jacob Have I Loved. How did I miss out on so many good books as a child. I wasn't necessarily a popularity reader so I read some interesting things but I wish I could replace all the Sweet Valley High reading with titles like this. Although, I'm still hesitant to give up Baby-Sitter's Club. HA! Up a Road Slowly by Irene Hunt is the story of Julie Trelling, a seven year old, sent with her brother to live with her Aunt Cordelia after the death of her mother. From this new place in the country, Julie grows into a young woman and experiences all that goes along with it...loss, embarassment, friendship, and most importantly love. Really a must read for teen girls. Timeless!