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MsWrobel

MsWrobel

I'm an adventurous school librarian near Buffalo, NY, who reads constantly, whether it's the newspaper, magazines (music, health/fitness, library), web sites, blogs, toilet paper packages, cereal boxes, and even books (fiction *and* nonfiction). I'll help you find something fan-tab-u-lous to read!
  • NY, USA
  • member since September 6 2007

Reviews

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Displaying 31-40 of 65 reviews
  • The Hardest Working Man: How James Brown Saved the Soul of America
    • Rated 3 stars

    “This is a good book to read if you are interested in both music history and the social history of civil rights in the United States during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Or, it may be a good book to pick and choose chapters if you are researching Martin Luther King Jr. The author imparts much insight on the basic progress of civil rights, and how blacks and whites in America viewed this progress, all within the context of music, especially James Brown (whose rise to stardom occurred during the late 50s). However, it is a "thick" book to read - it is difficult to get through more than one or two chapters at a time. But as long as you are interested in these topics, and have the time to read it, I highly recommend this nonfiction, adult title. Keep in mind that if you are looking for a general biography of James Brown, this is *not* the title to choose. Like the inside of the book flap says, this book focuses on Brown's impact after Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1968 assassination, particularly in Boston, MA. Additionally, if you are interested in James Brown's music, or soul music in general, you may learn a thing or two about his singers, bands and the names of tracks you might have otherwise never known.”

    MsWrobel wrote this review Monday, April 6 2009. ( reply | permalink )
  • Click
    • Rated 4 stars

    “I love how this book mixes the hard data with weird, quirky online trends to create a new way of looking at the information. Some of my favorite books approach sociology like the author does in this book: how we can get insight out of patterns in our lives, and then apply that information. This is a great nonfiction choice for adults, especially those in the "information" business, or even those with just an interest in new ways of looking at technology and its affect on people.”

    MsWrobel wrote this review Wednesday, March 18 2009. ( reply | permalink )
  • Home Girl: Building a Dream House on a Lawless Block
    • Rated 5 stars

    “I absolutely loved this book! First, I found the information about renovating a house quite helpful & have stored it for future use (when and if I ever get around to buying a house). There was just enough insight into the decisions one needs to make when one knows nothing about making house-renovation decisions. Second, I truly enjoyed the author's description of her worldwide adventures as a foreign journalist, plus her observations of the local neighborhood culture of West Harlem. Third, I connected with her descriptions of people, especially the true characters like Salami (resident crackhead) and Miguel (resident dealer), among others. It reminded me of the "true characters" in my own city neighborhood! This book is definitely one of my top nonfiction picks.”

    MsWrobel wrote this review Tuesday, March 17 2009. ( reply | permalink )
  • Russell Simmons (The Library of Hip Hop Biographies)
    • Rated 4 stars

    “This is an elementary/middle school biography about hip-hop mogul and businessman Russell Simmons. I was a bit miffed it didn't include more information about the real start of hiphop, but since it's only a biography about Simmons, I suppose the brief mentions of Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash are appropriate. Overall, I think this is a great introduction that will lead teen readers to more detailed books about the man, the genre of music, and his philosophies of life. While I live for and love house music, hiphop is what I listen to for enjoyment - I don't study it, I just like it. But, this book gave me just enough background knowledge necessary to understand why I enjoy the music and where it comes from while still keeping it fun.”

    MsWrobel wrote this review Tuesday, March 10 2009. ( reply | permalink )
  • Waiter Rant: Thanks for the Tip--Confessions of a Cynical Waiter
    • Rated 5 stars

    “Best. Book. Ever. Okay, maybe not *ever* but it's definitely in my top-10 nonfiction books not related to music. :) Absolutely hilarious, but only if you've ever worked in a restaurant, fine dining or not. So true!!”

    MsWrobel wrote this review Tuesday, March 10 2009. ( reply | permalink )
  • Let It Snow: Three Holiday Stories
    • Rated 5 stars

    “ Wow, I absolutely loved this book! It was a bit weird reading a "Christmas" (well, holiday) story in March (when I'm really wishing it would just stay warm and stop snowing) but the 3-author gimmick, coupled with each author's unique style, is awesome. When I picked up this book, I was so excited to see who wrote it (John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle) that I somehow missed the phrase "interconnected tales" on the back cover's description. So I didn't quite realize until I started reading the second story that all 3 had the same characters! I thought they were 3 separate stories. (Oops.) And technically, I think they would qualify as "novellas." Anyway, Johnson did a great job setting up the story with sarcasm and an "oh my god, I can't believe it could get worse" string of events, Green continued it with his signature style (where a ridiculous adventure is so well-written that you really believe it could happen), and Myracle had the toughest job of wrapping it all up -- in a Starbucks, no less! As a former barista (6 1/2 loooong years), I can verify that nearly every snarky comment she made about life a la Starbucks-style was true. (My only complaint was that there was one small reference to "mocha latte" ... *Technically* no one "in the know" calls it that - it's just a "mocha." But I can forgive her, as that's just my barista bitterness coming on strong!)
    I highly recommend this book for young adult readers - the plot might be too confusing for younger readers, and a few bits of content might be too advanced for middle schoolers. Overall, each author did a wonderful job at including current references (iPods, Seven jeans, using the adjective "foxy," etc.) in a realistic way (as opposed to gratuitously trying to sound hip). And, I'm really glad that Addie did some intense thinking about her outlook on life!”

    MsWrobel wrote this review Friday, March 6 2009. ( reply | permalink )
  • Rits
    • Rated 4 stars

    “This is a great book for guys and girls in middle school. Originally written in Dutch, the translation comes through loud & clear. This book is low on action, big on thought. By that I mean it's a book for people who think too much, and like to get into other people's heads. If you thrive on action, this realistic fiction book is not for you. However, the subtle humor (often based on language) comes through perfectly even though the book is translated. The friendship between Rits and Rita is touching, without any pressure to be a boyfriend/girlfriend situation. Yes, it's possible for boys and girls to just be friends! This is also a good story for any student struggling with family problems. Those readers can examine Rits' thought process as he learns to be metacognitive about his own family's problems (think about his problems and come up with constructive solutions, rather than being consumed or enveloped by them). However, if you are even a little bit tired when reading this book -- even if you love diary-style books -- you might fall asleep! So, as long as you like the diary-style book that is heavy on the personal insight AND you're well-rested, you will find this book humorous, toughing and inspiring. But be warned -- American readers may find the few times when Rits & Rita have access to things such as purchasing cigars or drinking beer to be a bit odd, but these brief mentions are not gratuitous and are totally normal in Australian/European culture. It's just that an American teen who doesn't realize this book doesn't take place in America might find the brief mentions confusing. Overall, this is a terrific read!”

    MsWrobel wrote this review Tuesday, March 3 2009. ( reply | permalink )
  • Cricket Man
    • Rated 5 stars

    “This is a great middle-school book, especially for boys. Naylor's voice is the perfect middle-school boy. Her ability to jump inside the main character's head, and "say" what boys in his situation would think, make this novel a winner. It's modern and up-to-date, with references to iPods and the law (in some areas) allowing parents to leave a newborn safely with law enforcement. "Cricket Man" (the character, not the book) is genuine, and it's obvious he cares about his friends, family and neighbors. The plot moves along quickly enough - not too fast, not too slow. Definitely recommended for boys 10-14! ”

    MsWrobel wrote this review Tuesday, March 3 2009. ( reply | permalink )
  • Nothing
    • Rated 4 stars

    “I really liked this book because of its different approach. The main character with the problem was male -- usually this type of story is told with a female teen in that situation. However, I'm not sure if Parker and Danielle's dad's illness added to the story or was just a distraction -- seems like the author may have added that in to get publicity for her cause, rather than making it a seamless and authentic part of the story. This isn't to say it's still not a compelling story for older teens - it is. While I'm undecided on the author's intentions in writing Parker's voice in prose format and Danielle's in verse, it definitely worked. I'd like to think it was used because the personality of Danielle (Parker's sister) is more direct or secondary to the story (rather than as a gimmick). Danielle's place is the story doesn't feel gimmicky to me; it works, plus it will appeal to teens who like Ellen Hopkins' writing style.”

    MsWrobel wrote this review Monday, February 23 2009. ( reply | permalink )
  • Milkweed
    • Rated 4 stars

    “I'm surprised at how different this novel was from Spinelli's others. But it's terrific historical fiction, especially within the genre of Holocaust stories. However, I don't think it's a book for reluctant readers - the "action" gets slow just past the midpoint. Don't let this deter you from reading... keep the faith, because the ending ties the story together in an appealing, human-interest way. Plus, the persona of the main character ("Jew," "Gypsy," "Stopthief," etc.) throughout the story is heartwarming. I enjoyed the "Conversation with Jerry Spinelli" at the back of the book because he discusses the ending and why he included it. Definitely recommended for whole-class, guided reading or older teens interested in historical fiction (war or Holocaust stories).”

    MsWrobel wrote this review Monday, February 23 2009. ( reply | permalink )
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