Blackbird House, by Alice Hoffman

Blackbird House by Alice Hoffman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this poignant collection of interlinked short stories. The outer Cape Cod setting was so evocative for me, and following the generations of owners of a particular home from its construction during the pre-colonial era to modern day was enthralling. The stories are often dark and tragic, with a touch of mysticism. Even though the characters shift from story to story, their development is so rich that they feel as robust as those in a full length novel. What resonated most was the author’s depiction of love, whether between a long-married couple, or a mother and child, it was authentic. Hoffman’s love is palpable. This is a really short and delicious read. Try it even if you don’t think you like short stories, because they flow together beautifully with the original homestead providing the architectural framework for several lifetimes of love, pain and salvation. ~ Ms Dimmick

View all my reviews

Student Review: Assasin’s Creed: Renaissance, by Oliver Bowden (reviewed by Anddy G.)

Assassin’s Creed: Renaissance by Oliver Bowden

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What would you do to take vengeance for those you have cared for? Assassin’s Creed: Renaissance by Oliver Bowden is a story that will lead you to the truth, keep you at the edge of your seat and will make you wonder how it all wraps up. The story is set in Florence, Italy during the 15th and early 16th century. A young man named Ezio Auditore, a man with a fiery charisma who was known for his noble family name, has only known the life of a banker and a delinquent. But later his family name was slandered by their closest friends the Pazzi family, and Rodrigo Borgia accuses them of being traitors and murderers. With the help of Leonardo Da Vinci, Niccolo Machiavelli and many others, Ezio seeks vengeance on those who had betrayed his family and redeem its name. The book leads to betrayal, sorrow, suspense, and an amazing secret that will make you never believe in what you hear again. This book will as well leave you astonished making it feel as if you were there.

I would recommend this book to my teacher Mr.Rinaldi a History teacher who may enjoy this book due to its historical accuracy.” The truth is written in blood.” ~ Student: Anddy G.

View all my reviews

The Caged Graves by Dianne K. Salerni

The Caged Graves by Dianne K. Salerni

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’s 1867, and Verity Boone is leaving her home in busy Worcester, MA to go live with her father in rural Catawissa, Penn., where she will marry Nate, a neighboring farmer who won her heart through his letters and gifts of poetry. But when she arrives in the country, she doesn’t find the romantic reunion she was expecting. Her father is distant and busy with farm work, and Nate is nothing like his letters (which were were written based on suggestions from his sisters) and more interested in her father’s farm than her. Worse, she finds herself the subject of town gossip and rumors. Some of it is based on jealousy – Nate was one of the few eligible men left after the Civil War – but other nasty rumors reach her about her late mother and her family’s mysterious past.

Then, as Verity walks through a local churchyard, she discovers the graves of her mother and aunt, buried outside the cemetery walls, and enclosed in iron cages. As Verity tries to discover the stories of her mother’s life and death, and find the reason for the cages, she unearths more than she expected, with tales of witchcraft, strange deaths, and stolen Army gold. She also finds herself in a love triangle as she tries to deal with her complicated feelings about the semi-arranged marriage that she agreed to.

Salerni creates honest, relatable characters, especially Verity, a strong-willed girl with progressive ideas, who is not afraid to stand up for herself and for what she believes. And just as in life, most of the characters are more complicated than they appear at first, including Nate. A spooky, don’t-put-it-down thriller.

Ms. Schoen

View all my reviews

Student Review: Clockwork Prince, by Cassandra Clare (review by Heather R.)

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The blood that sprang immediately to the surface was a savagely satisfying sight. The book Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare is about Jem, Will, and Tessa who are shadow hunters. These are people who fight demons. They must find what the magister wants, which is to figure out who their enemy is, while they are part of a love triangle and see a long lost brother. A life lesson I learned while reading this book is never betray your friends for love. One of the minor characters Jessamine fell in love with Tessa’s long lost brother who was working with the magister. If you want romance, action and adventure then you must read this but first you have to read Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare, because this book is the sequel.–Student:  Heather R.

View all my reviews