Review: The Handmaid's Tale

Purchase The Handmaid's Tale here.

Synopsis:

In the world of the near future, who will control women's bodies?

Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She may leave the home of the Commander and his wife once a day to walk to food markets whose signs are now pictures instead of words because women are no longer allowed to read. She must lie on her back once a month and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant, because in an age of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are only valued if their ovaries are viable.

Offred can remember the days before, when she lived and made love with her husband Luke; when she played with and protected her daughter; when she had a job, money of her own, and access to knowledge. But all of that is gone now....

Funny, unexpected, horrifying, and altogether convincing, The Handmaid's Tale is at once scathing satire, dire warning, and tour de force.

Review:

Another day, another dystopian novel for me to fall in love with.  The Handmaid's Tale, though, is in an entirely different experience than any possible future I have heretofore delved into.  Perhaps it is how immediate the novel is, how swift and plausible the overthrow of the state by the church is.  With the ongoing discussion of the control over women's bodies, The Handmaid's Tale becomes more and more relevant with each passing day.  Margaret Atwood seamlessly blends a horrifying dystopia with a religious critique and a resonating political statement.  If you haven't read Atwood before, now would be the time to start.

Until next time, happy reading!
-Amanda

Review: Don't Worry, It Gets Worse

Oh, hello internet!  Fancy seeing you here.  It turns out that when your computer is stolen and then you move into a house that doesn't have internet yet, it's pretty tough to write reviews.  Never fear, I am back from hiatus, and I've been reading plenty in the meantime.  Now on to your regularly scheduled review.

Purchase Don't Worry, It Gets Worse here.

Synopsis:

other, eager to trade in parties and all-nighters for “the real world.” But post-grad wasn’t the glam life she imagined. Soon buried under a pile of bills, laundry, and three-dollar bottles of wine, it quickly became clear that she hadno idea what she was doing. But hey, what twentysomething does?

In Don’t Worry, It Gets Worse, Nugent shares what it takes to make the awkward leap from undergrad to “mature and responsible adult that definitely never eats peanut butter straight from the jar and considers it a meal.” From trying to find an apartment on the black hole otherwise known as Craigslist to the creative maneuvering needed to pay off student loans and still enjoy happy hour, Nugent documents the formative moments of being a twentysomething with a little bit of snark and a lot of heart. Perfect for fans of HBO's Girls and Allie Brosh's Hyperbole and a Half, and based on her popular Tumblr blog The Frenemy, Don’t Worry, It Gets Worse is a love note to boozin’, bitchin’ ladies everywhere.

Review:

If you are the parent of a twentysomething (or soon-to-be), for your own sanity, do not read this book.

If you are a twentysomething, for your own sanity, read this book.  Alida Nugent manages to perfectly capture what it is to be in college (and to be just out of college) in this economy.  Her stories are funny in a way that kind of hurts.  Nugent hits close to home - too close.  This book will make you feel less alone.  It will make you laugh, then cry a little bit, then make you want to have Nugent alongside you on a night out.  To be honest, I'm just incredibly happy she writes the Frenemy blog so I get to read more of her writing on a regular basis.  Nugent's writing is a vital companion to anyone stumbling along in the grey area of oh-my-gosh-is-this-really-adulthood.

Until next time, happy reading!
-Amanda

Review: The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation

Purchase The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation here.

Synopsis:

Our leaders swear to uphold it, our military to defend it. It is the blueprint for the shape and function of government itself and what defines Americans as Americans. But how many of us truly know our Constitution?
The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation uses the art of illustrated storytelling to breathe life into our nation’s cornerstone principles. Simply put, it is the most enjoyable and groundbreaking way to read the governing document of the United States. Spirited and visually witty, it roves article by article, amendment by amendment, to get at the meaning, background, and enduring relevance of the law of the land. What revolutionary ideas made the Constitution’s authors dare to cast off centuries of rule by kings and queens? Why do we have an electoral college rather than a popular vote for president and vice president? How did a document that once sanctioned slavery, denied voting rights to women, and turned a blind eye to state governments running roughshod over the liberties of minorities transform into a bulwark of protection for all? The United States Constitution answers all of these questions. Sure to surprise, challenge, and provoke, it is hands down the most memorable introduction to America’s founding document.

Review:

I got this book a while ago, as a friend had to read it for her freshman year of college.  I recently picked it up again, expecting just the text of the constitution with some pictures.  Instead I found a fascinating story that brought up questions about our nation's founding document that I never thought to ask.  The novel isn't patronizing or overly biased.  Instead, it's thoughtful and thought-provoking, brilliantly weaving an interesting story that's even better because it's true.  This would especially be a great way for teachers to get their students to want to learn about the Constitution.  My one gripe is that all of the presidents and vice presidents are portrayed as white men.  However, at the time this book was published, that was historically all we'd had for presidents.  The author does point out diversity in the government in another section of the book.  All in all, this book is a great way to learn about the US government and actually be excited about it.

Review: The Selection

Purchase The Selection here.

Synopsis:

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Review:

Okay, so by now we all know that I have a massive soft spot for dystopians.  There's just something about a world that's ours, but gone slightly...wrong that draws me in.  So how could I resist an America with royalty and a The Bachelor-type set up?  I devoured The Selection in an afternoon, wrapped up in the world and politics of the palace.

Let's be straight here.  This is not an incredible work of literature.  The writing isn't always the best, and there is YET ANOTHER LOVE TRIANGLE (guys please come up with a new plot device this is boring).  However, it's a lot of fun.  I liked getting whisked off to be treated like royalty and I liked the royal intrigue.  It was a fun read to escape into, and we all need a book like that sometimes.  Also, when America said "I'm choosing me," I cheered almost as hard as when the Khaleesi threatened to cut her brother's hands off in Game of Thrones.  You go girl.

Seriously, this book is fun and a super quick read.  If you have an afternoon to spare, go for it. 

Until next time, happy reading!
-Amanda

Review: What Learning Leaves

Purchase What Learning Leaves: New Edition here.

Synopsis:

YouTube search “What Teachers Make” and witness almost 5 million views. It’s not a video about teacher’s salaries; it’s a poem performed by New York City poet and four-time National Poetry Slam champion Taylor Mali, the world’s most popular, passionate teacher turned full-time poet. His new spring release, What Learning Leaves, is an eloquent and entertaining poetry collection centering on his experiences as a middle school teacher.

What Learning Leaves is Mali’s second poetry collection published with Write Bloody Publishing. His first, The Last Time as We Are sold over 10,000 copies. And, Mali, like any writer worth their salt, is getting better with age. His words don’t just stick, they reverberate. 

Review:

When I was first dipping my toe into slam poetry videos on YouTube, I found Taylor Mali almost immediately.  I enjoyed school growing up, so I liked listening to a teacher.  I love his approach to teaching and his approach to slam; in a way, Mali is also a teacher to new slam poets.  This collection is sprinkled liberally with his recognizable poems, as well as newer material that shows a more personal part of Mali's life, and all of it is wonderful.  I may be biased, but this is my review, so tough cookies.  Taylor Mali will make you laugh, he will make you angry, he will make you pause, and he will make you think.  And you will be better off for it.

Until next time, happy reading!

-Amanda

Review: To Be Maria

Check out Deanna Proach's Amazon page here: Deanna Proach

Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Anya Preschnikov wants to become a famous actress but she's faced with two problems. Her father ignores her and doesn't have any money to support her. At school, she's bullied on a daily basis, yet she believes that she will gain her stepping-stone to stardom if she's accepted by her peers.

All of this changes when Maria Hernandez--an immigrant from Spain--comes to Peach Valley Senior High. Maria knows what it takes to fit in. She's assertive, confident and she dresses suggestively, characteristics that all of the popular kids admire. Yet she sees in Anya what no one else sees: beauty and talent.

When Maria extends her hand of friendship, Anya is elated. Her rise to popularity is about to become a reality, but it ends at a house party when a boy's rude comment sends her into a rage.

Desperate to belong somewhere, Anya and Maria seek new friends outside of school. They meet Alex and Marissa, a young couple who eagerly welcomes them into their world of parties and drugs. Anya and Maria soon find out that Alex is a drug dealer, but they are so lured by his wealth, good looks and aggressive confidence that they can't resist his friendship. They don't know that Alex's gang is at war with a rival gang--one that's run by Anya's older brother, Adrik--until one incident puts their lives in danger's path. To make matters worse, Alex won't let Anya and Maria out of his sight. The two teens are forced to make a decision that's a matter of life or death.

Review:

The best way I can think to describe this book is "that escalated quickly." To Be Maria starts out as a novel about a poor girl trying to make friends with the popular crowd and get started as an actress. It ends...very far from there. I get the point; the book is an after school special-type cautionary tale about getting involved with the wrong people, with a completely unforeseen religious twist at the end. However, it comes across in the same way shows like Degrassi do, trying to fit too many teen problems into one small episode. Add to that the similar naming of two main characters and the unexplained use of present tense, and readers end up a bit...confused.

I saw where the author was trying to go, and I agree that it's an important message. I just think the story could be pared down a bit. There were too many issues, too many points of view. However, if you're an Ellen Hopkins fan, this will be right up your alley. It's a quick, if confusing read and a convoluted story.

Until next time, happy reading!
-Amanda

Review: The Art of BioShock Infinite

Purchase The Art of BioShock Infinite here.

Synopsis:

In The Art of BioShock Infinite, delve deeper into the city of Columbia—the fabled floating metropolis that serves as a beacon of technology and achievement for the early 1900s!

This deluxe hardcover features production designs and concept illustrations focusing on main characters Booker DeWitt, Elizabeth, and Songbird from the highly anticipated BioShock Infinite video game.

See the evolution of the Heavy Hitters, the populace of Columbia, the Sky-Hook, vigors, airships, and much more!

This deluxe hardcover also features an introduction from BioShock Infinite Creative Director Ken Levine!

Review:

I am terrible at first-person shooters.  I mean, beyond awful, shoot-my-own-foot, make-everyone-motion-sick bad.  I'm great at other games, but an FPS is just not going to happen for me.  However, I make an exception for BioShock games.  The art of the games and the intricate story lines drive me insane, to the point where I will watch hours of walkthroughs while waiting for the game to come out for Mac.

When I got the chance to read through a book entirely about the art of the most recent BioShock game, BioShock Infinite, I couldn't wait.  This book does not disappoint.  Filled with beautiful, full-page illustrations that immerse the reader completely in the world of Columbia, The Art of BioShock Infinite is perfect for any video game or graphic design nerd.  It's also incredible getting to see what baddies and other designs didn't make it into the final game; the reader can see the designers going through completely different moods for the game.  It's also interesting to see them struggle to make a game that sticks to the type of play and design we love in BioShock, but keep from making a villain that is too close to "A Big Daddy with wings."

The book is fairly spoiler-free.  You'll get names of characters and pictures of baddies you haven't encountered in the game and you'll learn a little about Elizabeth's character, but nothing you don't learn in the first hour. This is a beautiful and fascinating book that any fan of the game will love.

Until next time, happy reading!
-Amanda