Books

Follows you (block)

Requested to follow you (accept | block)

Blocked (unblock)

A Fly On The Wall

A Fly On The Wall

has 76 followers and is following 188 people

Teen & YA Author Wrangler - Teen Stage Manager - Social Media Manager for the Orange County Children's Book Festival
http://kidsbookfestival.com/
http://teensread.posterous.com/
  • Orange County, CA, USA
  • member since June 26, 2008

Reviews

  • Sort by:
 
1 2 3 4 5  | Next »
Displaying 1-10 of 41 reviews
  • The Earthquake Machine

    The Earthquake Machine

    by Mary Pauline Lowry
    • Rated 5 stars

    Mary Pauline Lowry offers up an action filled, brilliant debut novel that takes the reader on one WILD ride! ...and she pulls from her varied background to develop her characters and storyline.


    The Earthquake Machine is the story of a very unhappy 14 year old Rhonda who "escapes" her painful home life to find the one person in her life that she has been able to rely on...Jesus, the family gardener. Her adventure takes her south of the border and teaches her the value of the people that surround you and illustrates the inequities that exsist between traveling as a young girl versus as a young girl...while also sxposing the reader to Mexico's historically exotic culture.

    The story moves well and the charachters will draw you in...from the delightful 14 year old Rhonda who has assumed the blame for he Mother's insanity; her abusive Father; the drug adled Bartender who manages to become a key part of Rhondas travels; to the tender and supportive Jesus and his Mama.

    Exploring topics of Mexican and American Culture and Norms along with the obvious "coming of age" issues that any story of a 14 year old will...this is a book that I highly recommend.

    Thank you to the author for providing a review copy of The Earthquake Machine.

    A Fly On The Wall wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink )
  • 500 Silver Jewelry Designs: The Powerful Allure of a Precious Metal (500 Series)
    • Rated 5 stars

    500 Silver Jewelry Designs: The Powerful Allure of a Precious Metal (500 Series)is, as the title reveals, one of Lark's "500 Series". I don't know about you but these books have helped me through many a design drought...

    The Lark "500 Series" if you aren't already aware of them, are brilliantly curated books that showcase some of the most incredible artisans in the field. Each bares the unique viewpoint of the person that juries the work in it along with the editing genius of Marthe LeVan. The juror in this issue is Israel born, Talya Baharal - who, like so many took her first Jewelry Design class at the 92nd Street "Y" in NYC. Known for her sculptural style Talya is, for the most part self-taught and has had exhibits throughout the country and was written up in Metalsmith magazine.

    These will be the books that will service as a reference library for appraisers decades down the road --- they are the only thorough look at Art Jewelry in the 20th & 21st Centuries.

    This particular edition is great in that it encompasses all forms of design as long as the piece is silver...and the range is amazing!

    From the subtle sexy movement of Loretta Tryon's "Satin Curve Cuff" chosen for the Title Page with her feature on page 415 to the insanely intricate work of Vina Rust, whose work is featured twice...pg. 46 "Eastern Cottonwood Defense" and pg. 181 "Stained Cell Series: Equisetum Bracelet".

    With this addition to the 500 Series Lark once again provides maximum color photos of amazing jewelry at a very economic price - these books run around the $25 - 30 price point. Worth EVERY penny!

    A Fly On The Wall wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink )
  • Solomon's Thieves, Book One

    Solomon's Thieves, Book One

    by Jordan Mechner
    • Rated 4 stars

    Using the dissolution of the French Templar's as the beginning premise this tale takes off from the start...swashbuckling adventure, a woman betrayed, and a vow of revenge...so of course I loved it!!!

    The art work is rough and dramatic and though set in the 1400's the dialog would be easily followed by teen readers. Fan's of First Second's Prince of Persia and the gamers Prince of Persia Collector's Edition: Prima Official Game Guide (Prima Official Game Guides) will find this telling of the story of Martin and his loss - between the loss of his brothers of the order and the loss of the woman he loves - a compelling read.

    Lover's of the adult books about the Templar Legacy will love introducing this exciting era to their kids through Solomon's Thieves, Book One, did I mention that this is book one of a trilogy? It carries the same mystery, ancient religion, and drama of the DaVinci Code or Steven Berry Cotton Malone Series.

    Product Description From Amazon:
    On the run from the law . . . in 14th century France

    Life as a Templar Knight returning from the Crusades is dull— bread, beans, and lots and lots of walking. But after Martin stumbles upon his lost love (now married—to someone else), things begin to get more interesting very quickly. There’s a vast conspiracy afoot to destroy the Templar Order and steal their treasure. Soon, Martin finds himself one of the only Templars out of prison—and out for revenge!

    A swashbuckling story of betrayal, adventure, and an epic swindle, Solomon’s Thieves is the first volume in a trilogy written by Jordan Mechner (the creator of the acclaimed Prince of Persia video games) and illustrated by LeUyen Pham and Alex Puvilland.

    A Fly On The Wall wrote this review Friday, June 11, 2010. ( reply | permalink )
  • White Cat
    • Rated 5 stars

    This new world of "curse workers" is a winner...

    Holly Black is known to leagues of teenlit fans for her books of fae worlds...with White Cat (Curse Workers, Book 1) she draws us into the world of the "curse workers".

    From the product description: curse workers -- people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they're all mobsters, or con artists.

    ...and when I say she draws you in I truly mean it - the excitement, action and characters draw you in immediately and if this is just the beginning I can't wait for more...Lila, Cassel and his family offer characters that we can relate to and involve ourselves in...thanks Holly Black for yet another new world!

    BTW - I have a white cat with one blue eye and one green eye...what do you think?

    A Fly On The Wall wrote this review Friday, June 11, 2010. ( reply | permalink )
  • The Iron King
    • Rated 5 stars

    The Only Thing Missing is The White Rabbit!

    The Iron King (Harlequin Teen) by Julie Kagawa is a fantastical mashup of Alice in Wonderland meets the Fairy Kingdom of Shakespeare's Midsummer Nights Dream...it has the energy and a cast of characters that you would expect from a ride at Disneyland!
    Things have been "off" in Meghan Chase's life since the disappearance of her father and now, 24 hours away from her 16th Birthday her brother has been kidnapped and she finds that her only true friend in the world isn't Robbie Goodfellow but the fairie Puck!

    Why hadn't she believed her little brothers pleas and warnings about the monsters in his closet?

    What really happened to her father?

    This is an edge of the seat, thrill-a-minute tumble through the rabbit hole - or in Meghan's case the hole in the closet of her little brother Ethan's room...and Kagawa manages to keep up the pace while giving each character ample time to reveal themselves. It is peppered with enough action to keep the attention of a teen boy and teen girls will love the touch of romance and it is beautifully pulled together by the skillful wordcraft of Julie Kagawa.

    The Iron King (Harlequin Teen) is book one of the Iron Fey from Harlequin Teen - can't wait for more...The Iron Daughter in August 2010!!!!

    A Fly On The Wall wrote this review Sunday, March 14, 2010. ( reply | permalink )
  • Fairy Hunters, InK.

    Fairy Hunters, InK.

    by Sheila A. Dane
    • Rated 4 stars

    I have had this book for quite a while - It was sent to me by the author for review prior to my last move and got packed in a box of books...well time to move again and I found it!

    It is a wonderful collection of imaginative and whimsical stories of discovery - from the authors need to occupy the attention of her grandchildren.

    There is no need to leave the backyard when you are a Fairy Hunter...the illustrations are wondrous...the stories are fun and edgy enough to hold an older child's imagination.

    A Fly On The Wall wrote this review Sunday, March 14, 2010. ( reply | permalink )
  • Exotic Gems: How to Identify and Buy Tanzanite, Ammolite, Rhodochrosite, Zultanite, Sunstone, Moonstone & Other Feldspars (Newman Exotic Gem Series)
    • Rated 5 stars

    Professional to Layman...Newman Does It Again!, March 3, 2010
    By Reading It All "Reading It All - Robyn"

    Renee Newman knocks it out of the park again!!!! In her latest book Exotic Gems: How to Identify and Buy Tanzanite, Ammolite, Rhodochrosite, Zultanite, Sunstone, Moonstone & Other Feldspars (Newman Exotic Gem Series) Ms. Newman opens the world of the exotic to her loyal fans.

    The great thing about any Renee Newman guide is that she writes for everyone - the professional jeweler, gemologist and hobbyist will all be able to glean important information and inspiration from her books.

    In the first volume of her Exotic Gems series Newman looks specifically at Tanzanite, Ammolite, Rhodocrosite, Zultanite and several of the Felspar family of gems (Moonstone, Labradorite, Spectrolite, Sunstone and more).

    In words that everyone can understand she walks you through the chemical, physical and optical qualities and then she takes you to the mines, shows you what it takes to cut some of these exotics and then finishes up with some of the most gorgeous photos of faceted gems, carved gems and gems in jewelry...and she even talks about the Metaphysical Lore of the gem.

    The popularity of the television shopping networks has opened up a new era in gems in jewelry - there was a day when gem Rhodocrosite was considered to soft for jewelry and it was only found in mineral collections - those days are gone and Renee Newman's book give us the information we need to make decisions about using these materials in jewelry and for those looking to purchase them.

    This book is worth buying just for the "eye candy" value - delightful to see such a great range from bridge to fine jewelry - cutters to carvers. Thanks Renee - I am looking forward to volume two!

    A Fly On The Wall wrote this review Thursday, March 4, 2010. ( reply | permalink )
  • Sea Glass
    • Rated 4 stars

    A wonderfully beautiful magic - the magic carried in the art of glass - Opal's talent has caused her to become both feared by the Council and a necessary ally!

    This book has everything I love in an entertaining book...a great story line, a strong female heroine, magic and romance.

    Trust is the underlying theme in this book - or should I say lack of trust - the Council, Derrick, Opal, Janco...

    With the Glass series Maria V. Snyder affirms that all the praise reaped on the Study trilogy was deserved and this series follows through as a well crafted and suspenseful tale of adventure, romance, magic and above all...trust!


    Product Description
    Student glass magician Opal Cowan's newfound ability to steal a magician's powers makes her too powerful. Ordered to house arrest by the Council, Opal dares defy them, traveling to the Moon Clan's lands in search of Ulrick, the man she thinks she loves. Thinks because she is sure another man now her prisoner has switched souls with Ulrick.

    In hostile territory, without proof or allies, Opal isn't sure whom to trust. She can't forget Kade, the handsome Stormdancer who doesn't want to let her get close. And now everyone is after Opal's special powers for their own deadly gain....

    A Fly On The Wall wrote this review Thursday, February 18, 2010. ( reply | permalink )
  • North of Beautiful
    • Rated 4 stars

    In today's world where kids are bombarded by unobtainable "ideals" of what is pretty, what makes you attractive to others...it is refreshing to read a book that smashes through the ridiculous standards set by the fashion magazines.

    At first glance Terra Cooper has everything - tall, slender, blonde beauty...and a large port wine stain on her gorgeous face!

    Her meeting with a boy - an attractive boy - would normally add the stress of insecurity to the equation...but on closer examination Jacob, the Goth Chinese boy she's just met has a cleft lip.

    This story weaves the lives of Jacob, Terra and their mothers in an unforgettable fabric of circumstances...this is a wonderful look at a very touchy subject.

    Justina Chen Headley has written a book that will stay with you about mending fractured families and the true meaning of beauty!

    Product Description
    As he continued to stare, I wanted to point to my cheek and remind him, But you were the one who wanted this, remember? You're the one who asked-and I repeat-Why not fix your face?

    It's hard not to notice Terra Cooper.

    She's tall, blond, and has an enviable body. But with one turn of her cheek, all people notice is her unmistakably "flawed" face. Terra secretly plans to leave her stifling small town in the Northwest and escape to an East Coast college, but gets pushed off-course by her controlling father. When an unexpected collision puts Terra directly in Jacob's path, the handsome but quirky Goth boy immediately challenges her assumptions about herself and her life, and she is forced in yet another direction. With her carefully laid plans disrupted, will Terra be able to find her true path?

    Written in lively, artful prose, award-winning author Justina Chen Headley has woven together a powerful novel about a fractured family, falling in love, travel, and the meaning of true beauty.

    A Fly On The Wall wrote this review Thursday, February 18, 2010. ( reply | permalink )
  • Wish
    • Rated 4 stars

    Wish is an impressive debut effort from Alexandra Bullen...and a brave step - looking into the "what if's" of sibling grief.

    This book could have been silly but Bullen pulls you into Oliva's fantasy and you are ready to believe that she has her sister back...but as with all things magical, at some point you have to deal with reality.

    I loved the writing style in Wish and feel that young girls as well as teens/YA's will enjoy this book - it speaks their language. My recommendation would be for Intermediate and High School (8th - up).

    Product Description from Amazon
    For broken-hearted Olivia Larsen, nothing can change the fact that her twin sister, Violet, is gone... until a mysterious, beautiful gown arrives on her doorstep. The dress doesn't just look magical; it is magical. It has the power to grant her one wish, and the only thing Olivia wants is her sister back.

    With Violet again by her side, both girls get a second chance at life. And as the sisters soon discover, they have two more dresses-and two more wishes left. But magic can't solve everything, and Olivia is forced to confront her ghosts to learn how to laugh, love, and live again.

    In a breathtaking debut from Alexandra Bullen, WISH asks the question: If you could have anything, what would you wish for?

    A Fly On The Wall wrote this review Thursday, February 18, 2010. ( reply | permalink )
1 2 3 4 5  | Next »
Displaying 1-10 of 41 reviews