The Daily Dahl 6/23/13

The Daily Dahl -- Sunday Edition
23 June 2013

I really enjoy reading the New York Times online. Today I jumped into the book section and found this interesting article. I have a lot of respect for Children's Literature and completely agree with the specialization of this genre. Here's a review of an exhibition for children's literature at the New York Public Library. 

Article Title: Bedtime with Puritans and Wild Things: Public Library's 'ABC of It' Looks at Children's Books
Found directly from source
Originally written by Edward Rothstein
Published June 20, 2013


My Summary:
In this review of the New York Public Library's exhibition, Rothstein makes many valid considerations of children's literature and its progression throughout the ages. The exhibition covers the history of children's literature from The New England Primer to Where the Wild Things Are. One point Rothstein makes is that the exhibition's use of ipads to encourage learning and interaction in the exhibition, is the realization that "you are using a technology that may already be displacing these hallowed artifacts." And that by the end you wonder how children's books today "can even come close." 
There's a certain power to children's literature, and it is witnessed throughout the history of the genre. Rothstein acknowledges the Romantic shift in children's literature to the Progressive writings. Both have merit in acclaimed children's literature. From the "here and now" philosophy of Progressive writings to the high fantasy of Romantic writings, yet both reflect the "world of authority and the world of play." 

Check out this slideshow from the exhibition. These are just a few images from the exhibition. I'd love to go! It looks great. 

I really enjoyed this article and I encourage all to read it. Children's literature is incredibly important. It brings the child and adult together to discover what growing up is all about, but also to remember the power of fantasy and curiosity. 

I'm interested what power your favorite children's books have had on you. No matter your age, returning to those books can be more than just nostalgic. What is that makes you love them still? Would you say the favorite books from your childhood had a stronger grip on you than the ones in adulthood? 


Citation:
Rothstein, Edward. "Bedtime with Puritans and Wild Things: Public Library's 'ABC of It' Looks    at Children's Books." New York Times     20 June 2013: C25. Web. 23 June 2013. <http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/21/books/public-librarys-abc-of-it-looks-at-childrens-books.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=books&>.

Review: World War Z by Max Brooks

World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War
by Max Brooks
Published by Three Rivers Press, 2006
Source: Library

Goodreads Description: 

The Zombie War came unthinkably close to eradicating humanity. Max Brooks, driven by the urgency of preserving the acid-etched first-hand experiences of the survivoros from those apocalyptic years, traveled across the United States of America and throughout the world, from decimated cities that once teemed with upwards of thirty million souls to the most remote and inhospitable areas of the planet. He recorded the testimony of men, women, and sometimes children who came face-to-face with the living, or at least the undead, hell of that dreadful time. World War Z is the result. Never before have we had access to a document that so powerfully conveys the depth of fear and horror, and also ineradicable spirit of resistance, that gripped human society through the plague years.

My Review:
Max Brooks certainly has a chilling gift. It is clear that he is highly intelligent throughout this work, and that he has definitely done his homework on this one. The detail about religions and cultures made this book almost hauntingly real. It also made me appreciate Brooks as an author. If anything, one could read this book to witness Brooks's demonstration of quality authorship. 

Brooks really did a great job - this book is a work of art. However, as far as my investment in the actual plot, that's another story. I liked the book, I really did. However, the story is more like clips of a different events by different people. I often forgot the name of the person being interviewed and had to refer to the bold title before each new story. There was no one character to follow, to root for. That made it a difficult read at first, but I did end up getting into the plot and appreciating the action and emotion in each narrative.

Perhaps the most difficult aspect of the reading was the technical terms, especially those of weapons and war maneuvers. During long narratives discussing weaponry, I would find my eyelids drooping. It just wasn't my interest. For some, I'm sure, this would become a highlight of the novel, so that must be taken into consideration - that this review is based on my personal reading experience. 

The story of the war was covered from each vantage point - really. Brooks did not forget a single thing. From the ocean floor to outer space, the war had different effects and Brooks considered them all.  
This book was written with such focus it almost seemed real. Very, very rarely did I feel like I needed to suspend my disbelief - beyond the existence of zombies of course (which I realize is a hot topic of its own). The story was terrifying in this way, that Brooks made it seem so very real. 

This book is an insightful story on the nature of humanity and people's responses to trauma and crisis. This is what I loved about this story! Brooks discusses difficult realities and makes several sharp observations about past crises and the human condition. I don't want to make this sound like some political work - its not. World War Z is a great piece of fiction from a very intelligent author. Though it is a work of fiction, the horror comes from the reality of it. From phony miracle drugs to "quislings" experiencing what resembles Stockholm Syndrome, Brooks really drives the story home, right to your front door. When you close the book you'll be asking, "would I really want to live?" 

I highly recommend this story to fans of apocalyptic fiction and for those entertained by war details and mechanics. I'm going to give this book a three out of five foxes because as much as I enjoyed the story, I still always felt disconnected from characters. I know Brooks made a point to avoid the human element as stated in the introduction, but it did not really please my personal reading tastes. Also, I had some difficulty getting through the highly technical narratives and often skipped over weaponry details simply for my lack of understanding and desire to understand. 

** This book was read for a book club with the intent to watch the film soon after. I will include a follow up review of the film and briefly discuss how it relates to the book. Check back soon to read the film review **

Picturebook Review: Creepy Carrots!

Creepy Carrots!
Words by Aaron Reynolds
Pictures by Peter Brown
Published by Simon & Schuster, 2012
Illustrations are in pencil and paper, then digitally composited and colored

Goodreads Description:
 
The Twilight Zone comes to the carrot patch in this clever picture book parable about a rabbit who fears his favorite treats are out to get him. Jasper Rabbit loves carrots - especially Crackenhopper Field carrots. 

He eats them on the way to school. 
He eats them going to Little League.
He eats them walking home.

Until the day the carrots start following him...or are they?

Celebrated artist Peter Brown's stylish illustrations pair perfectly with Aaron Reynold's text in this hilarious eBook with audio that shows it's all fun and games... until you get too greedy. 

My Review:
Perusing the aisles at the Scholastic Book Fair, my eyes landed on this book and I knew I had to have it. 
The story is about a child rabbit who stops by the same carrot patch too often in order to eat the best carrots. But how do you think the carrots feel about that? Little Jasper didn't take any time to consider the effects of his over-consumption until one day, the carrots give him a scare of a lifetime... or so it seems. 

From beginning to end, these silky pages are sketched in all black and white, except for very bold orange highlights. Orange and black remind me of Halloween, but this book isn't geared for any holiday. It's just a fun book about a carrots revenge. 

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was suspenseful, yet the images didn't make it too scary. Also, with a touch of humor, the book came together nicely. I especially love the spread that features Jasper in a trance of fear, bright carrots forming around him and shadows all across is body. On the following page, when Jasper gets an idea (complete with lightbulb above the head), the scene becomes perfectly normal, Romantic even. Beautiful!

The whole story plays out in what seems like framed vignettes, or like scenes from an old film. It was a lot of fun to read and I think that black and white illustration was a bold, yet wise choice by the author. Especially considering the readers of this book; children could easily be offset by a bland image, but the images in this book are broken down to individual frames, many with the hint of orange in them if not major highlights of orange to offset the scene. 

While this was a fun read, suspense and humor in one, it wasn't quite as awed by it as I'd thought I'd be. The plot and illustrations were unique as well as entertaining, but I wasn't left with any great, compelling feelings after finishing it. A paranoid rabbit and some carrots that don't like to be eaten makes a fun story, but in the end, what was the point? I'm not saying some books can't just be written for fun, but something about this book is seriously twisted. Should Jasper not eat carrots then? what should he eat instead? Many validate the story's happy ending, but truly I'm not certain it has one. Not that its a bad ending, just that one should be wary how they interpret it. 

I give this a three out of five foxes. 

Library Love!

Here's a story too good not to share - 

http://sirenz.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/yalsa-giveaway-librarian-glasses.png

I have the coolest librarian. Three weeks ago I was desperately hunting for a rentable copy of World War Z by Max Brooks. To my dismay, waiting lists were growing and the library exchange throughout the state seemed to be completely depleted as well. I mentioned this to my librarian while checking out some books for my younger siblings. He helped me search but could not find a readily available copy in the system. I was faced with the option of scrounging up couch coins to buy myself a copy or joining the lengthy waiting lists. I was resigned to my fate when my librarian pulled out a copy of the book. It was his personal copy which he had just bought at a book fair. In complete trust he lent me his copy. I had it read just in time for my book club meeting and just in time to see the movie coming out this weekend. If it weren't for him I might still be on a waiting list! Not only did he give me a personal copy of his book, but spoke with me for nearly thirty minutes about zombie novels. It felt great to have a real book conversation that didn't happen in cyberspace. This librarian should wear a cape!

I'd love to hear some other great library stories - comment or email me if you have one to share. 

http://t.qkme.me/3pbawo.jpg

When I returned the book, I included a note of thanks along with a free movie pass for his great service (perhaps he'll see the book's film). It was my pleasure to share this story with my coworkers as well. I've been working in customer service for almost ten years now, so I know how difficult it can be to always go above and beyond. The company I currently work for has begun a 'tagging' project where employees are able to pass out a free film pass for celebrated service. I am proud that mine was given to a librarian. You know, we bookish people need to stick together. 

http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/400x/34083547.jpg

Also, I will be posting my review of World War Z this Saturday, so check back to read my thoughts on the novel! 

In the meantime, spread some library love.
Zooey xx

The Daily Dahl 6/16/13

The Daily Dahl -- Sunday Edition
16 June 2013

This popped up on my Facebook feed yesterday. It's from Publisher's Weekly again - top book choices for this week! These all look like great reads and I intend to add them to my ever-growing "to-read" list. 

Article Title: PW Picks: The Best New Books for the Week of June 17, 2013

Found via: Facebook

Originally Written by Gabe Habash 

Published June 14, 2013

My Summary:

Since I can't really summarize a list, I've added the list here along with a link to its Goodreads page (click the number to follow the link). I like to visit Goodreads to see what other readers like myself think. You can read more about the books by following the links on the original article as well. Read the reviews and chip in if you've read any of these. Looks like some quality books on this list. I'd love to hear your opinion if you've read any of them!

Here's the list:

1. In The House Upon the Dirt Between the Lake and the Woods by Matt Bell (Soho Press) 

2. Italo Calvino: Letters, 1941-1985 by Italo Calvino (translated) (Princeton Univ.)

3. Cemetery Lake by Paul Cleave (Atria)

4. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman (William Morrow)

5. Bobcat and Other Stories by Rebecca Lee (Algonquin) 

[an extra link included with this original entry - don't miss it!]

6. Proxy by Alex London (Philomel)

7. Mo' Meta Blues: The World According to Questlove by Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson and Ben Greenman (Grand Central)

I think The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Bobcat and Other Stories, and Proxy look like exciting reads to pick up. What's your top choice? Anything different you've read lately that you'd add to this list?

Citation: 

Habash, Gabe. "PW Picks: The Best New Books for the Week of June 17, 2013." Publishers Weekly. Ed. Michael Coffey and Jim Milliot. PWxyz, 14 June 2013. Web. 15 June 2013.

Picturebook Review: Art & Max by David Wiesner

Art & Max
by David Wiesner
Clarion Books, 2010
Illustrations in acrylic pastel, watercolor, and India ink.

Goodreads Description:

Max and Arthur are friends who share an interest in painting. Arthur is an accomplished painter; Maxi is a beginner. Max's first attempt at using a paintbrush sends the two friends on a whirlwind trip through various artistic media, which turn out to have unexpected pitfalls. Although Max in inexperienced  he's courageous - and a quick learner. His energy and enthusiasm bring the adventure to its triumphant conclusion. Beginners everywhere will take heart. 

My Review:
Wiesner never disappoints me. He's wonderful at exploring new forms and challenging boundaries. And this book is no different. 
The story is a cute one. Art and Max remind me of siblings, the initially unwilling leader (Art) is overwhelmed by the young energy of his new follower (Max). Max is convinced that he can paint too, which Art only sourly agrees to let him try. Max's energy leads to many unconventional paint forms - mostly at Art's expense. And while he seems to be a little ball of chaos, it turns out that Max has one talent that Art may not, which he proves to very worried Art (read the book, and you'll understand his worry!) The story is cute and remains very simple. The text is very brief and entirely dialogue between Art and Max. Much of the deeper interpretation is left to the reader. Don't worry though, the message is clear. 

The book explores many different art forms that could be discussed with readers, but the book does not simply explore different art forms - it explores boundaries and tests conventions. The relationship between Art and Max, though undefined at the start of the novel, suggests that the two have bonded through their artistic adventure. In fact, at the conclusion, the two seem to have earned many insights about the other; though this, of course, is only implied. This book makes art look fun (but when do kids not think art is fun). It's more than that too. It's about discovery - and not just discovering new ways to draw and color.

The illustrations are amazing. From the book cover to the last page, I loved all of the artwork. Very soft backgrounds brought a lot of the focus to the foreground, filled with vibrant, moving colors. The detail is great as well! I could probably go on for a while about the illustrations, but I want to bring attention to the jacket cover and the actual book cover. You'll have to buy the book to see it, but the jacket cover (pictured above) is a delightful work that captures much of the plot expectations and emotions. However, beneath the sleeve is the hard cover is a splatter-work of paint drops and large swoops, all in colors of bright red, orange, yellow, and grey. It's fun, inviting, and it proves that the book itself is a work of art. It's a very clever paratext in my opinion; hidden beneath the initial image is the beautiful chaos that Max truly represents. 

I'm going to give this book a four out of five foxes. It's a fun book and begs to be read aloud!

Zahn Reads Harry Potter... Again

HI All!!

So, I don't have a traditional book review for this week because I haven't read anything new this week. I spent this week rereading the Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling.

I have just recently reread the Harry Potter series. They are truly fantastic, and I had an urge to reread them again. The series, as most people know, is about a boy named Harry Potter, whose parents were killed by the Dark Lord Voldemort when he was a baby. Now he is living with his relatives, and learns he is a wizard. 

I like these books because they are a perfect mix of mystery and adventure. I like Harry because he seems to always know what to do. I think everyone should read these books because they have a little bit of everything a good reader loves. You'd be crazy not to like them! 

I think the books are beter than the movies, mostly because there's more detail. It shows what modern people love, these books. I like wizards and whatnot, like most people, and this gives readers a new look at them. They also show how the good guys have the more powerful weapons, even if the bad side does have giants. 

In conclusion, this is one series I intend to read multiple times. On to round three!


Zahn.