Whoa. Just whoa.
I did NOT see THAT coming.
Audie is a mentally ill teenager about to age out of the foster care system. She lies about her age, moves in with a male and female friend, and becomes a professional paid medical study volunteer.
Now, I bet you've seen those billboards on 95 or maybe in the Register looking for medical study volunteers. I have some VERY mixed feelings. When traditional treatment did not help my mother, she volunteered to be part of a drug study. This miracle drug was seriously going to kill cancer. It could wipe out leukemia. Unfortunately, it killed my mother in the process, along with another study participant. I'm happy to say that drug will never see the light of day. In addition to those patients who are terminal and looking for a miracle, are healthy every day people volunteering to take part in studies and be compensated for their time. Some are pretty mundane. I did one in college where I had to answer questions on body image (please see my review of Dumplin'). Others not so much. Without human trials, we would not have some of the drugs that save lives today. However, there are most definitely cases where "healthy" volunteers are recruited from homeless shelters and outpatient mental health clinics. Desperate for money, many of these people will do whatever study is asked of them, even if they do not understand what they are consenting to.
As for Audie, we learn she was a foster child, her biological mother was a drunk/drug addict who died. Now, at 17, she is close to no longer being a ward of the court. One of her child psychologists suggests she try a new medication as part of a study. And thus, her career as a guinea pig begins.
I could not stop turning the pages on this one. And I was shocked, floored, speechless as we near the end.
Be advised, there is a LOT, and I mean A LOT, of profanity and some sexual content.
On the wish list now!
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #read
Submit your reviews to The Westie Review to appear in The Rostrum
Happy Thanksgiving! I'll be with friends and family over the next few days, so look for book reviews to start up again in early December!
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Saturday, November 21, 2015
The Witches, Salem 1692 by Stacy Schiff
When I had a classroom of sophomores in English II, we began the year with Miller's The Crucible. I always opened with the statement that the play was historically inaccurate. I'd say something to the effect of "do not think you are going to read this play and call yourself an expert on the Salem Witch Trials; you will make a fool of yourself". The reality though is that Miller's play has taken the place of true history, in part because just about every teenager in America reads his version, whether in American Literature or U.S. History. Even if they don't read it, they've likely seen the Winona Ryder/Daniel Day-Lewis movie version, since it's on all the time.
To combat this syndrome, I'd try to sneak in some accurate history Reading for Information stuff along with my curriculum requirements. I'd try to get in the Carrier trial piece in our anthology or something of Mather's. I'd also try to point out spots that aren't plausible in true history. Abigail was a child, she was not an overly sensual 17 year old out for Proctor's hand in marriage.
Reading Schiff's book, I found myself learning new things just a few pages in. I've been to Salem half a dozen times, both as a chaperone and with family. I've read a lot of background material (for anything I taught, not just Salem). I've watched the Ghost Adventures episode on Bridget Bishop (and yes, I snuck in a clip from that too!). I still learned a TON of new information.
When I review a book, you know I've either really liked it or see its value in adding it to our collection by telling you I'm buying it. Unfortunately, we are frozen budget wise at WHHS right now. We were able to get a small book order in (still waiting on the actual check to clear though...) just days before the freeze took effect, with some significant tantrum throwing by yours truly. As such, I am ordering it via Amazon using our bottle drive funds! Look for it after Thanksgiving!
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #read
Submit your reviews to The Westie Review in The Rostrum
To combat this syndrome, I'd try to sneak in some accurate history Reading for Information stuff along with my curriculum requirements. I'd try to get in the Carrier trial piece in our anthology or something of Mather's. I'd also try to point out spots that aren't plausible in true history. Abigail was a child, she was not an overly sensual 17 year old out for Proctor's hand in marriage.
Reading Schiff's book, I found myself learning new things just a few pages in. I've been to Salem half a dozen times, both as a chaperone and with family. I've read a lot of background material (for anything I taught, not just Salem). I've watched the Ghost Adventures episode on Bridget Bishop (and yes, I snuck in a clip from that too!). I still learned a TON of new information.
When I review a book, you know I've either really liked it or see its value in adding it to our collection by telling you I'm buying it. Unfortunately, we are frozen budget wise at WHHS right now. We were able to get a small book order in (still waiting on the actual check to clear though...) just days before the freeze took effect, with some significant tantrum throwing by yours truly. As such, I am ordering it via Amazon using our bottle drive funds! Look for it after Thanksgiving!
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #read
Submit your reviews to The Westie Review in The Rostrum
Saturday, November 14, 2015
The Aeronaut's Windlass by Jim Butcher
In my experience, kids and adults alike either love or hate steampunk as a literary genre. That of course refers to those who know what steampunk even is.
So a little lesson here. Steampunk is rooted in science fiction/fantasy. Stories feature inventions and technology as envisioned by those in the 1800s might have. The primary means of power is steam and dress resembles that of the Victorian era when pictured graphically. My husband, son, and I dressed as a steampunk family for an "old-time photo". It's old meets newly imagined. Giant flying airships powered by steam.
Why is it a love or hate thing? I'm not entirely sure. I am not a huge fan, but I'll read it. My first steampunk experience was a free Nook Book a few years ago, Viridis by Calista Taylor, which was a hybrid romance-steampunk novel. Butcher comes from the fantasy genre (based on reviews I read prior, he's not an author I know well). Many reviewers suggest they came to this novel by way of his prior series. Let's also get out of the way, for my student readers in particular, this is a long book. About 650 pages. It's not a one-day read. As it is a first serial, there is a lot of setup and background information that needs to be conveyed to get you to read book 2 when it arrives. I myself was not engrossed enough to get myself on the waiting list for book 2, but if a student suggests it, as they did with this one, I certainly will read it.
Yes, that's correct. This is a student suggested read. I take these suggestions most seriously of any. Students trump family, friends, colleagues, book reviews, movie previews, prior experience, basically anything else. If one of my kids is reading it, and says I should, that's going to be my next read!
You also know I love animals. Some of the best characters are not human. There's a literal cat fight. It was awesome.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading using #whhs #read
Submit your reviews to The Westie Review corner of The Rostrum
So a little lesson here. Steampunk is rooted in science fiction/fantasy. Stories feature inventions and technology as envisioned by those in the 1800s might have. The primary means of power is steam and dress resembles that of the Victorian era when pictured graphically. My husband, son, and I dressed as a steampunk family for an "old-time photo". It's old meets newly imagined. Giant flying airships powered by steam.
Why is it a love or hate thing? I'm not entirely sure. I am not a huge fan, but I'll read it. My first steampunk experience was a free Nook Book a few years ago, Viridis by Calista Taylor, which was a hybrid romance-steampunk novel. Butcher comes from the fantasy genre (based on reviews I read prior, he's not an author I know well). Many reviewers suggest they came to this novel by way of his prior series. Let's also get out of the way, for my student readers in particular, this is a long book. About 650 pages. It's not a one-day read. As it is a first serial, there is a lot of setup and background information that needs to be conveyed to get you to read book 2 when it arrives. I myself was not engrossed enough to get myself on the waiting list for book 2, but if a student suggests it, as they did with this one, I certainly will read it.
Yes, that's correct. This is a student suggested read. I take these suggestions most seriously of any. Students trump family, friends, colleagues, book reviews, movie previews, prior experience, basically anything else. If one of my kids is reading it, and says I should, that's going to be my next read!
You also know I love animals. Some of the best characters are not human. There's a literal cat fight. It was awesome.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading using #whhs #read
Submit your reviews to The Westie Review corner of The Rostrum
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Saturn Run by John Sandford and Ctein
I am fairly certain this was recommended based on my high reviews of The Martian or perhaps one of the other sciencey books I've read and reviewed. It was a long read (470+ pages) and yes, there is a ton of physics stuff. But, overall, enjoyable.
It's 2066. A hippie surfer working at Caltech (Daddy got him the job) assigned menial tasks notices something very strange happening in the rings of Saturn. Very quickly, the people of Earth have the answer to whether we are alone in the universe or not.
Sandy turns out to be way more than a stoned dropout. He's former military, suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Between discovering the alien activity, a knack for cinematography, and his resume as an officer, he's added to the mission. Clover, an anthropologist (also a stoner), and Cassie, a reporter, join the scientists on the journey.
The Americans are in a space race with the Chinese. The original intent was colonization of Mars. Now all attention is turned to Saturn, to make contact with the visitors and perhaps get hands on their technology. What happens when two warring nations show up at the same time?
Trust me, if you're an American, you will hate the Chinese characters. I'm guessing someone who is a loyal Chinese will hate the American characters. It's part of how well developed they are. No matter who you are, you will love Clover's cat Mr. Snuffles. You'll also love the alien communicator, who the landing party name Wurly because it looks like an old jukebox. Google it if you have no idea what I'm talking about.
All of the science fiction is backed up with science fact (as much as we know in 2015 that is) in the epilogue.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #read
Submit your reviews to The Westie Review in The Rostrum
It's 2066. A hippie surfer working at Caltech (Daddy got him the job) assigned menial tasks notices something very strange happening in the rings of Saturn. Very quickly, the people of Earth have the answer to whether we are alone in the universe or not.
Sandy turns out to be way more than a stoned dropout. He's former military, suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Between discovering the alien activity, a knack for cinematography, and his resume as an officer, he's added to the mission. Clover, an anthropologist (also a stoner), and Cassie, a reporter, join the scientists on the journey.
The Americans are in a space race with the Chinese. The original intent was colonization of Mars. Now all attention is turned to Saturn, to make contact with the visitors and perhaps get hands on their technology. What happens when two warring nations show up at the same time?
Trust me, if you're an American, you will hate the Chinese characters. I'm guessing someone who is a loyal Chinese will hate the American characters. It's part of how well developed they are. No matter who you are, you will love Clover's cat Mr. Snuffles. You'll also love the alien communicator, who the landing party name Wurly because it looks like an old jukebox. Google it if you have no idea what I'm talking about.
All of the science fiction is backed up with science fact (as much as we know in 2015 that is) in the epilogue.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #read
Submit your reviews to The Westie Review in The Rostrum
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Fortunate Son by John Fogerty
I really, really, really wanted to like this memoir. I have been a Creedence Clearwater Revival/Fogerty fan for, well, as long as I can remember. Their/his music was some of the earliest I can remember coming out of my Dad's speakers. I went to his most recent concert at the Oakdale. I wanted this to be another great music memoir we could add to our collection.
Unfortunately, I found the narrative too choppy to follow. Fogerty bounces around the memories of his childhood so much, it's tough to keep the timeline straight. This continues into the Creedence days. There are also interwoven commentaries from his wife Julie. The only bit that is crystal clear is the vignette regarding the copyright trials, when Fogerty fought for the rights to the music he wrote.
Much of what appears in the memoir is played in the opening video to Fogerty's current concerts, just in a much more succinct manner.
Disappointed to say the least.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS and tweet what you are reading #whhs #read
Submit your book reviews to The Westie Review in The Rostrum.
Unfortunately, I found the narrative too choppy to follow. Fogerty bounces around the memories of his childhood so much, it's tough to keep the timeline straight. This continues into the Creedence days. There are also interwoven commentaries from his wife Julie. The only bit that is crystal clear is the vignette regarding the copyright trials, when Fogerty fought for the rights to the music he wrote.
Much of what appears in the memoir is played in the opening video to Fogerty's current concerts, just in a much more succinct manner.
Disappointed to say the least.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS and tweet what you are reading #whhs #read
Submit your book reviews to The Westie Review in The Rostrum.
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