Bran Hambric

Title: Bran Hambric
To be released 09-09-09
Author: Kaleb Nation
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Number of pages: 353
Rating: 4 out of 5

"Are you going to be ordinary like everyone else?" she said, and he could almost feel her voice like a presence against his skin.

"Will you just give up when things get hard? Let them force you to forget who you are? Or will you find the courage to make the choice---and be a hero?" p.331

It was clear to me that a teenager wrote this book. A teenager who has read a lot of fantasy, watched a lot of action films, and perhaps dreamed of obtaining secret powers of his own. And yet...

Bran Hambric grabbed my attention.

At first my attention was arrested by the similarities to Harry Potter:  the font, the ability to do magic, the abandonment of a young boy, and the fulfillment of a curse.

In this case it is The Farfield Curse; a curse created by Baslyn, who tries to pretend that evil is good, and Bran's mother, who once believed him. A curse so horrible one could easily imagine it within a Hitchcock film. Or, within your own worst nightmare.

Will Bran succumb to the curse his mother helped to create? Or, will he be strong enough to overthrow it? It is a question that you can answer only by reading the novel, which is an engaging one at that.

Even if you're not a teenager.

Let me know in your comment if you'd like a chance to win my copy of this book.

Find other stops along the tour here:

Sunday, August 30^th

Jenn’s Bookshelf  

Homespun Light

Monday, August 31^st

StevenTill.com

Bobbi’s Book Nook

Tuesday, September 1^st

The Looking Glass Review

Edward-Cullen.net

Beth Fish Reads

SMS Book Reviews

James Holder’s YouTube Channel

Wednesday, September 2^nd

Bookalicio.us

Reading Rumpus

Katie’s Literature Lounge

Ultimate Bookhound

Thursday, September 3^rd

Brimful Curiosities

Charlotte’s Library

Friday, September 4^th

BriMeetsBooks.com

Bran Hambric by Kaleb Nation

Saturday, September 5^th

Library Lounge Lizard

Sarah’s Random Musings

Saulchichas

GreenFyr.com

Sunday, September 6^th

Cindy’s Love of Books

Monday, September 7^th

Lauren’s Crammed Bookshelf

Grasping for the Wind

Life After Twilight vlog channel

Tuesday, September 8^th

Shooting Stars Magazine

Mrs. Magoo Reads

Lori Calabrese Writes

Wednesday, September 9^th

The Brain Lair

Dulemba.com

The Children’s Book Review

TV Watch Online

Thursday, September 10^th

The Friendly Book Nook

Book Journey

Stephanie’s Written Word

Home School Buzz

Spidurmunkey.com

Friday, September 11^th

The Inside Scoop With Chandelle

Booking Mama

Saturday, September 12^th

Zoe’s Book Reviews

Lit for Kids

Sunday, September 13^th

Never Jam Today

A Bibliophile’s Reverie

Monday, September 14^th

Café of Dreams

Marta’s Meanderings

Galleysmith.com

A Book Blogger’s Diary

The Reader’s Quill

Tuesday, September 15^th

a book in hand

MistiSchindele.com

Not Just for Kids

Wednesday, September 16^th

Write for a Reader

CumpulsiveReader.com

Thursday, September 17^th

Howling Good Books

The Written World

Friday, September 18^th

Always Riddikulus

YA Books Central

Saturday, September 19^th

Ms. Bookish

Into the Wardrobe

The JLC3 Prize for August 30

Going back to school always makes me think of school supplies. You know, buying fresh notebooks. Unsharpened pencils. New erasers. So, what better prize for this month than some Japanese "school supplies"?

The winner will receive an unwrapped Moleskine notebook, labeled "Japanese Album". The pages fold out in an accordian style when opened:



 

Included in the deal are two square pencils made in Japan,



and four ever popular erasers in the shape of fast food (which I understand are hugely collectible):



How can you win this prize package? Simply visit three new-to-you blogs from the sidebar on the JLC3 review site, leave them a comment, and tell me you've done so below. The winner will be announced next Saturday.

As always, happy reading!

RIP IV and The JLC3: A Double Dip

Carl's R.I.P. IV Challenge, which normally runs from September 1 until October 31, began today. This is an exciting challenge, in which Readers Imbibing Peril can opt for how many perilous books they'll read (from four to one); most importantly, we get to share the danger with one another.

I'm tying my choices in with the Japanese Literature Challenge 3. The best book I read for both of them was two years ago, when I read Tales of Moonlight and Rain. It is a collection of eerie ghost stories I won't soon forget.



This year, I have selected a book I bought this summer by Uchida Hyakken called, appropriately enough, Realm of The Dead. Again, it is a compilation of stories which I hope to share with you not only through the JLC3, or Carl's RIP IV, but C.B. James' Short Story Sunday. As I haven't read any of the short stories yet, purposely saving them for such a time as this, here's a little blurb about the book:

Realm of the Dead is set in a dark and mysterious world where logic and reality are subject to constant change and where ideas about identity and self are continually questioned. In one story, the narrator watches footage from the Russo-Japanese War, but then, moving across the screen, finds himself fighting the war. In another, the narrator goes to a freak show with a woman, only to find the woman herself has become a freak.

Considered one of the foremost innovators of Japanese modernism, Hyakken incorporates a distinctly non-Western set of myths and folklore to create dreamscapes that open doors into another world. (front flap)

Another book which looks especially good for the RIP IV, and JLC3, is Mono No Aware. Won't you join us, either in peril or Japanese literature? Or, how about a little bit of both?

Crow Boy

Every year, I read this little book to my class on the first day of school. It is such a beautiful book that I think every teacher, and perhaps every adult, should read it to the children they know.

It tells the story of Chibi, a boy from the countryside of Japan who walks to school every day no matter what the weather may be. He is small, and so intimidated by the boys who tease him that he withdraws into himself. Soon, he becomes so preoccupied with his desk, or the scene outside the classroom windows, that he is unable to learn anything at all. And everyone accepts that he is ignorant.

But, one day, he has a new teacher. A teacher who smiles at him. Who listens to him. Who reaches down into Chibi and pulls out all the beautiful and wonderful parts that make up this boy who has hidden himself from his classmates.

We learn that Chibi is able to make every sound a crow can make: the voices of newly hatched crows, the mother crow's voice, the father crow's voice, the crows' cry from early in the morning, or their cry when the village people have some unhappy accident. How has he learned these caws? By walking to school every day for six years, not missing even one day.

We are awed by his stamina, by his gifts, and by our own insensitivity to those around us whom we haven't cared enough to fully know.

It is a powerful lesson for everyone.

North! Or Be Eaten

Title: North! or Be Eaten
Author: Andrew Peterson
Publisher: Waterbrook Press
Number of pages: 323
Rating: Did not finish

I tried. I really did. But, at page 115 I just had to abandon ship.

There were parts I like, don't get me wrong. I like the family, or what's left of them, sticking together with Podo (the grandfather) at the head. I like the dog, Nugget, who gives his all protecting the family. I especially like the wisdom which ties to Christianity in my opinion.

For example, when Podo says,

 If something terrible happens and us old codgers don't make it through this, then you kids stay together, hear? Fight with yer teeth if you have to, but stay together. I don't know what old Gnag has planned for you, but you just trust the Maker and...do like your father would have you do. Do like me and yer ma would have you do. Don't just follow your heart. Your heart will betray you. (p. 50)

it reminds me of this verse in the Old Testament:

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9

But, I think I should have read Book One of The Wingfeather Saga before attempting Book Two. All the Igisby's going on a journey across perilous ground to the Ice Prairies, encountering every horrible creature you can imagine, just got wearisome at page 80. And plain annoying at page 115.

So, it will take a better fantasy lover than I to finish this book with true appreciation. Maybe that person is you.

Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby thought they were normal children with normal lives and a normal past. But now they know they're really the Lost Jewels of Anniera, heirs to a legendary kingdom across the sea, and suddenly everyone wants to kill them.

In order to survive, the Igibys must flee to the safety of the Ice Prairies, where the lizard-like Fans of Dang cannot follow. First, however, they have to escape the monsters of Glipwood Forest, the thieving Stranders of the East Bend, and the dreaded Fork Factory.

But even more dangerous is the jealousy and bitterness that threaten to tear them apart, and Janner and his siblings must learn the hard way that the love of a family is more important than anything else. (back cover)

Other stops along the tour can be enjoyed here:

The 160 Acre Woods, A Christian Worldview of Fiction, All About Children’s Books, Becky’s Book Reviews, Booking Mama, Cafe of Dreams, Fireside Musings, Homeschool Book Buzz, KidzBookBuzz.com, My Own Little Corner of the World, My utopia, Novel Teen, Olive Tree, Reading is My Superpower, Through a Child’s Eyes

How Long Are Two Days?

It feels like I've been working at school forever although it's only been since Monday. Um, yesterday.

Surely I'll have something interesting to say soon.

As soon as the children come through the door on Thursday. Or, I finish a book. Or, I stay up later than nine o'clock. But, I have to go to bed now.

' Night.

Friday Fill-Ins

 

 

1. When will Christmas decorations be up because we are already seeing Halloween displays!

2. Julia and Julie was the last good movie I saw because of Meryl Streep's portrayal of Julia's expression of joy and adventure.

3. Everything has its beauty but nothing compares to the mystery of French perfume.

4. Grilled beer bratwurst with a white cheddar cheese sandwich is what I had for dinner.

5. I'd like your appreciation and acceptance.

6. In a small town in Italy is where I want to be right now.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to reading, tomorrow my plans include mailing the JLC3 prizes and Sunday, I want to rest up before the first day of school: Institute Day!

Ruby Tuesday

 

...the journal that my friend Kevin brought me from Hangzhou, China, in 1986.

Hello Twenty-fifth Year of Teaching!

Summer is officially over for me. Sure, there may be three days left until Institute Day, next Monday, but essentially? It's over. I know, because I went back into the classroom yesterday to start setting things up.

My son went with me. He's gone ever since he was 3 months old, and the most help he could give me was to lie on the kidney shaped table without getting in my way. Now he thinks it's his classroom. He pulled the desks which had been stacked upon each other over the summer (so the carpet could be cleaned, and you don't even want to know what's on that carpet) apart so fast it was like they were made of paper.

He lined them all up according to size and put the short ones in the front, with the higher ones in the back. He made me sit down,"because when there's all this movement behind me I can't think!" We decided on rows of two, instead of pods of four, because it's so much nicer when I can see the children's faces  looking directly at me.

It used to be that I'd get all nervous at the end of July, and I'd set up my room completely by the first of August. But, I'm working against anxiety now. In three days no one will care that I was in my room the last few days of summer. Plus, there's little I have to set up. I really hate a room filled with visual distractions: things hanging from the ceiling, things stuck on all four walls, stuffed animals on shelves, clutter reigning.

You can imagine my room, I'm sure. I have two enormous bookcases filled with books. I have origami I've folded for prizes. I have the surfaces clean and bare, so I can display the children's work instead of mine.

I'm looking forward to school. I'm looking forward to who will stand out this year as extra smart, extra funny, extra kind.

I love teaching. It never gets old.

Even if I do.

Let's Talk About Prizes

At first, I wanted to respond to each one of your comments on my Sunday Salon. Then, when I woke up this morning and saw that there were 30 I thought I'd better write a whole new post.

First of all, let me say how pleased I am that a teeny little prize like a bookmark is so thrilling to you! Now, I'm going to give a prize away on the 30th of every month, as well as small, random prizes like these bookmarks as the mood strikes. But, because there was so much interest in these little guys, I went ahead and ordered another set. As soon as they arrive, I'll have 12 to give away.



The first twelve winners of these bookmarks are:

1. C.B. James (Ready When You Are, C.B.)


2. Kailana (The Written World)


3. Sara (Make Music From Your Heart To The Lord)


4. Tony (Tony's Reading List)


5. Madeleine (Madeleine's Book and Photo Blog)


6. Mark David (Absorbed In Words)


7. Claire (Kiss A Cloud)


8. Colleen (Bookphilia.com)


9. Emily (Faith Adeline Reviews)


10. Sandy (You've GOTTA Read This!)


11. JoAnn (Lakeside Musing)


12. Nymeth (Things Mean A Lot)

(Please email me your addresses so I can send your bookmark to you.)

Congratulations to the winners I've pulled out of a hat, and if you didn't win? As I tell my students, "Don't despair! You've got many more chances to come!"

The Housekeeper And The Professor

Title: The Housekeeper and The Professor
Author: Yoko Ogawa
Publisher: Picador, 2009 (for English translation)
Number of pages: 180
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

How is family defined? Certainly not in the tradition of Dick and Jane stories that were in all of my 1960's Readers for elementary school: mom at home, father returning from work with his hat, every one cheerfully greeting him to a clean home and prepared dinner.  That would be nice, I suppose, if such a world existed. But, rarely can we define it as such.

I love how Ogawa pictures family in this book: a professor who only has 80 minutes of short term memory before he lapses back into forgetfulness; a housekeeper who is a single mother; her son, a boy nicknamed Root by the professor because the flat top of his head reminds the professor of a square root sign.

The professor resembles a sort of Ray Raynor: he clips notes to his suit, which he has written during his lucid moments, in order to remind himself of what has transpired in his life. Every day when the housekeeper comes to his door, he points to a drawing of her clipped on his suit to remind himself who she is.

How unlikely it is, then that these three make a family. And, make a family they do. It is quite obvious that no one loves Root as much as his mother, or the professor. The two of them share a passion for baseball, and the professor teaches Root (and his mother) a certain passion for numbers.

We are able to live with this family for a short time, as Ogawa tells us of their simple lives; those that are filled with beauty and heartache, but above all, love for one another.

Sunday Salon

I am so excited about the response to the Japanese Literature Challenge 3.

Guess how many people have said they'd like to participate this year?

91!

From that list, and from anyone else who would like to join, (remember: it's never too late!) I'm going to give away six bookmarks which are made in Japan. They are under a collection entitled The Japanese Beauties and include:

• Beauty playing the glass pipe


• Geisha Hanazuma and Tsukioka


• Geisha Naniwaya Okita


• Giesha Ohisa


• Geisha Hanaohgi


• Three Modern Beauties

So, if you'd like a chance to win one of the six bookmarks leave a comment about a.) either joining or b.) how it's going for you so far.

As for me, I'm dancing on air. Or, whatever geishas do.

Friday Fill-Ins

1. Reading and riding my bicycle are my favorite summertime activities, although it would be sitting on the beach if I lived closer to one.

2. My favorite John Hughes' movie is Uncle Buck. No, maybe it's Ferris Bueller's Day Off. No, maybe it's Breakfast Club. I don't think I have one...

3. My kitty, Minou, is something I love to touch.

4. The full moon never looks as beautiful as it does from a pier in the Northwoods when you're lying next to someone you love.

5. I feel summer has ended already right now.

6. When daylight fades and dusk begins, it's my favorite time of day.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to finishing The Housekeeper and The Professor by Ogawa, tomorrow my plans include picking up my red Beetle from the shop because I smashed its rear fender into my son's car backing out of the garage and Sunday, I want to listen to Luis Palau speak at our church!

Underground by Haruki Murakami

Title: UndergroundAuthor: Haruki Murakami
Publisher: Vintage Books, 1997
Number of pages: 309
Rating: 4 out of 5

After being entranced with Haruki Murakami's magical way with words, creating a world I dove into headfirst with  Kafka On The Shore, I wanted to see what he did with nonfiction. His book, Underground, is a series of interviews with those who suffered the gas attack in the Japanese subway system on March 20, 1995.

Members of the Aum cult were instructed to carry plastic bags of deadly sarin gas into the train carriages. They were to then pierce the bags with the sharpened tips of their umbrellas and quickly exit the train, leaving chaos, pain and destruction behind.

After being both shocked, and simultaneously terrified, while watching the attacks America suffered on 9-11, I couldn't help but pick up this book; not only to read how people managed under such duress, but to try to understand what makes the terrorist mind bow to such an evil authority. It will remain incomprehensible to me, but there seems to be an explanation in this quote:

On 18 March Toyoda received his gas attack orders from his superior at the Ministry of Science and Technology. Until then he had been involved with the cult's Automatic Light Weapons Development Scheme and had dirtied his hands in various illegal activities, but even he was shocked by the plan to release sarin on the subway. With his abundant knowledge of chemistry and having also participated in the secret manufacture of sarin at Satyam No. 7, he could easily imagine the tragic consequences of the plan. It was nothing short of random mass slaughter. And he was being asked to take part himself.

Naturally Toyoda anguished over the possibilities. To an ordinary person with normal human feelings even entertaining the notion of such an outrageous act must seem inconceivable, but Toyada could not criticize a command from his Master. It was as if he'd climbed into a car that was about to plummet down a steep hill at breakneck speed. At this point he lacked both the courage and the judgement to bail out and avoid the coming destruction. p. 103

The victims realized that they had been gassed when they saw fellow passengers collapse, or heard others coughing. Their eyes burned, and many said that it seemed as if someone had turned out the lights. They also described an inability to get enough air; even though they were breathing, they were not getting the oxygen they needed.

It is shocking to see how this act created such devastation in so many families. While "only" twelve people died, thousands were injured. Not only were their lives never the same again, their families' lives were changed as well. It is inconceivable to me how people can inflict such suffering on other humans.

Halfway through this book, I must admit that I tired of hearing so many interviews. (Doesn't that sound incredibly petty?!) It was the same story over and over, describing the symptoms, the dismay, the fear of riding on trains again, the need to get back to work. But, I continued because I was fascinated by the glimpses into the Japanese culture that Murakami gave.

For example, his interviewees said repeatedly how ineffective the Japanese emergency systems were. Hospitals turned people away at first, saying, "We're not eye doctors!" The police didn't communicate with the doctors about the terrorist act which had been commited, and the hospitals were dependant on news for their information.  Ambulances were not dispatched, so many victims had to take taxis to the hospital. Of course, this was a surprise attack, but I was interested to hear how Japan coped under such an emergency.

Perhaps one of the best reasons for reading this book, or maybe in Murakami's writing it, is how it allowed the Japanese to express themselves. One victim says,

At the hospital I saw some of the others who had helped me rescue people from Kodemmacho Station. Some were bedridden. We all inhaled sarin. I don't want to keep quiet about this thing; keeping quiet is a bad Japanese habit. By now, I know everyone's beginning to forget about this whole incident, but I absolutely do not want people to forget. (p. 147)

Thanks to Murakami's courage in writing, we won't.

Mailbox Monday: Office Furniture

In my box of emails came such a kind invitation from CSN Office Furniture: please choose an item to receive in return for a review on your blog. Being a reader, and a teacher, how could I refuse? The problem was what to choose...

I went on their web site all weekend. There were desks, there were filing cabinets, there were bookcases, and there were chairs. Each picture showed an item more exciting than the last. And, the site was so easy to navigate through! If you're looking for a bookcase, you can choose between these distinctions in their sidebar: traditional, wooden, with doors, corner, country, office, you name it. Then, you can choose which price bracket within which you'd like to shop. After you click on that, all the possibilities magically appear, and you just have to scroll down without drooling on your keyboard.

I couldn't choose. Do I need a filing cabinet? Yes. Do I need a bookcase? Yes! But, do I need somewhere soft to sit, with no arms to encumber me, while I grade the papers or meet with the students? YES! And so I have settled on this beautiful chair which comes in five colors. I anticipate looking very cute, and feeling very comfortable, within its contours.

I also anticipate buying lots of bookcases.

If you're looking for home office furniture go visit this site. You don't even need to leave the very chair you're currently sitting in.