"The Rithmatist" by Brian Sanderson

I wrote a short post telling other librarians where I think Brian Sanderson's The Rithmatist should be shelved on a site I created for the Children's Services Division of Nassau County.

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Mystery Authors R and On

My books to read list is teetering on the top edge of eight pages. Part of the problem is that I get to read various professional review journals as part of my job and I subscribe to Bookmarks (“For everyone who hasn’t read everything.”) It’s actually Bookmarks ’ fault that my crime fiction list is so long. Just now I added “Peter Robinson’s Inspector Banks” to it after reading a review of Children of the Revolution . Which reminded me I never completed my list of mystery authors. So, let’s get that party finished. 28. Michael Robotham I’ve read two Robotham books and but I started his Joseph O’Loughlin series in the middle, which never makes me happy. I really enjoyed book six– Say Your Sorry – but I liked Bleed for Me (book 4) a little less. I’m not totally sold on a clinical psychologist solving mysteries (his family and medical problems seem a little too much), but Robotham is a former journalist and I do like the way he writes. So, I have plans to either start at the be...

"The Wikkeling" by Steven Arntson

I really wanted to like The Wikkeling , a dystopian novel by Steven Arntson with illustrations by Daniela Terrazzini. The book got some good reviews, dystopian novels are one of my favorite genres, and I need some horror books to review for our library’s next cable show (during which we recommend books to our local audience). But I found so many problems with this book that I’m just left disappointed. The author paints a picture of a future where children are constantly watched by devices, including bedroom cams. Cars honk advertisements and everyone is connected by cell phones. In school, all the children do is prepare for standardized tests, which determine if they’re fit for better jobs or have to be lowly sanitation workers. No one washes dishes anymore – everyone is extremely germ-phobic – and everyday items are used and then discarded. Guys, this isn’t some far off future. This is now for some kids. A school environment where they’re drilled in the correct answers for standa...

Harry vs. Septimus

Sometimes, I like the Septimus Heap series more than the Harry Potter series. There I said it. It’s a secret I’ve kept from all but my kids for a long time. Don’t get me wrong: I’m wild about Harry. I’ve knitted Harry Potter bookmarks (in Gryffindor colors, naturally). I’ve thrown at least two Harry Potter-themed birthday parties, complete with a sorting hat I made. I’ve stood at line overnight at Barnes and Noble waiting for the next book to come out three times. I read Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in one day. But, often, I like Angie Sage’s Septimus Heap books ( Magyk , Flyte , Physik , Queste , Syren , and the just published Darke ) more. And I’m not entirely sure why. My current theory is that the Septimus Heap books are better written and, while also highly derivative, much more charming. The characters are human (muggles, even) and fraught with faults. Also, the Harry Potter books are, rightly so, about Harry. Everything is from Harry’s perspective. Sadly, we don...

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