Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat Book Review

Since I'm horribly unorganized and forgetful, I missed a book review! Should have been publish before Book Haul but I got too exited. So sorry Emmy.

Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat

By Lynne Jonell 

(I love the authur's name! Jonell, ohh la laa)

Formal Information

Pages- 346 pages

published- Henry Holt and Co in 2007

FOR THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW

Emmy's family suddenly inherits a ton of money when a distant relative dies. They suddenly decide move across town and Emmy gets a new house, a new school, and a new nanny: Ms. Barmy. Her parents also suddenly aren't home anymore and are always out on trips and with people they don't care about, and the children and teachers in Emmy's school act like she's invisible- literally. After a sudden act of defiance, Emmy discovers her Nanny's evil plans, why everyone is acting strange, and how the talking rat that she sit next to ties in to all these mysteries. 

NOW YOU KNOW YOU'LL WANT TO KNOW MORE

"-wishing you a good evening from Channel 82 , where we care about you, we share about you. we lay every detail bare about you"

This channel- oh this channel. I mean this channel. I read this quote and had to pause for a moment to let the words sink in and then felt this rush of thankfullnes for my normal, privacy-respectable, news channel.

The twists and turns! The SLY FORSHADOING and I love sly forshadoing. LOVE. and this book is full of that. This is a re-read and I've read the second book and noticed how Lynne included a lot of small, seeming insignificant, details that make a BIG DEAL in the second book. You know what? This whole book is just a collection of Lynne slyness.

But its not all sun shine.

The Villain: SHE'S A *****

Let me introduce you to  Mr. Barmy. A manipulate, evil, liying, horride person. She reminds me of the worst kind of teacher. The type that blames you for everything and celebrates nothing. I felt so bad for Emmy to have to deal with that- and ALONE, since he parents aren't there. As you read you see her little plans and words that are done and said to slowly crush Emmy's spirit and its horrible. But in a weird way I did like reading about her- in a 'I love to hate you' way.

Annddddd Emmy. I was wondering how I felt about her for a bit and figured it out: She has her priorities. She wants to save her friends but more than that she wants to save her parents. And that made me routing for her through out the book and- although it made me disappointed- I understood the moments where she wished someone else had to go through this and considered things that weren't the nicest. But in the end of the day she's loyal and she's kind and she tries her best.

'Emmy was a good girl. At least she tired very hard to be'

First sentence in the book sums up her character pretty well.

But surprisingly by the end of the book my favorite characters were the rats. These rats can easily steal the spot light from the other characters. Ratson, the main rat, has hilarious to read about. He acts very confident and haughty and at first I didn't like him very much. But he has too frequent moments where his over condifence leads to disaster and embarrasment. So when he finally had his moment to shine I was pretty happy and revealed (no more second hand embarrassment.) But there were many other furry characters- one that left me so envious that Emmy had him was Endear mouse. The most ADORABLE person er- rat I have ever met er- read....

Zee Art.

The hardcover is all nice and papery like sketchbook paper and I really love that texture. But. BUT. I removed the dust jacket to find- ahhhh! It's so pretty!!! Orange cover with  rat drawing embedded in blue and the book title bunched up and bending. I really liked it. and while reading you have a flip book illustration that runs all along the side of the pages and if you flip through them quickly the pictures move! *Giddly* I just really like it and after showing it to my little cousin- she never let me read in peace afterwards. I have to show her the animation-

9 times.

What I'm Trying to Say is

Read this story. It's entertaining, the characters are funny and adorable and fun to read about. The plot is surprising and with a lot of small foreshadow here and there that makes you smile- or frown in shock. The ending is the best part of the story- you'll see why.

Sincerely,
Nadine

READING BR-BR- BREAKE!?!

From Flickr 

I have put myself on an official re-re- AHEM- READING BREAK. Because I have neglected my duties as a book reviewer and I know- I know- I won't get anything done like this.

I've recently finished reading 'Well Witched' by Frances Hardinge (I.LOVE.HER.ITS OFFICIAL NOW), Before that I finished 'A Face Like Glass' by her also...and before that I read 'Behind the Bookcase' while I was in the middle of writing 'Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat' review. I also haven't even started writing any Book Talks; my notes are just sitting there...judging me.  

So, with the knowledge of having so much on my plate, what did I do today?

Picked up The Chaos King and read.

Then this happened:

"What are you doing Nadine my gosh- STOP reading- and start WRITING KISS ASS REVIEWS I SWEAR YOU HAVE NO SELF CONTROL" 

-Nadine's sadistic mind. 

And so, after getting scolded by my brain (me? insane? nah.) I have put myself on a 'Book Reading Ban' until I get all (or most) of my planned posts written, proof read, and waiting to be published to pick up The Chaos King again.

Anyone else ever had to put themselves on Reading Bands? I can't be the only one with a sadistic mind.

My Life?

I've recently got my best friend, Noha, to get into Vocaloid (don't know what that is? Youtube. You're so welcome.) and have been sending her videos regularly (mostly of Rin and Len since I love them.) And she's getting her 2 friends into it and I'm here feeling proud and happy. 

After the latest episode of Tokyo Ghoul thoroughly broke my heart ( I KNEW it was coming but they made it so sad) I can only write sad stories- but today the new episode of Haikyuu is airing. Also! Durarara season 2 is airing in January!! My birthday month! 

Slowly getting more sucked into anime and manga. I'm not too worried, My heart has already been broken to a million pieces- I have little to lose.

Sincerely,
Nadine

Forgetfullness. It's Not a Choice, its a CONDITON

and its been with me for as long as I can remember (pun intended- I'm not going to lie)

My memory works in mysterious ways. I can remember what my mother told my father to buy in the morning and can recite the list in the store, I can remember that character's name from that movie my cousin mentioned last week.

But I can't, for the LIFE of me, keep a pair of gloves for more than 3 days. I literally had to buy new ones everyday while in kindergarten I swear that closet had something in it and no one can tell me differently. I can't remember where I put my book bag or that I left the tab open for my bath so I now have a flooded living room.

I'm the WORST at remembering dates and assignments.

But, during these two years since I've moved to Egypt and now have my own official room with a classic desk, (my pride and joy and Nora's playground), I have developed a very 'Nadine' way of remembering things:

1. Write
2. Rip
3. Stick
4. Glare
5. Remove

Now I know this in't a breakthrough in student behavior physiology or home decorating but I like to think my way is unique or just not said since there are those who care about reputation and neatness. Look at these pretty boards I found on Pinterest!

I feel like a completely different species

Ha, this isn't me nor will I ever have something like this. My method? THIS:

Who Doesn't Love A List?

• School schedule? slap some rolled duck date on the back and stick it in the wall right in front of you- eye level is ideal (look at me making rules)
• Assignments? Projects? Write them in the nearest notebook, 
• tear it out, 
• stick it.
• JUST STICK IT

By the end of the term I had a collage of lined note paper on my wall- I stuck some quotes in the mix to liven up the party and give me a boost.

What makes this unique, other than the unceremonious technique, is the utter satisfaction I get when I finish something and get to rip it off the wall like a stain in my pretty star filled plaster.

I'm competitive and I'm a perfectionist, and I'm lazy.

Staring up and having that paper- that CHALLENGE- staring back at me makes me want to do it just to get it to shut up and OFF MY WALL. My mom didn't kick me out of the room for 2 days so the men could paint the ceiling and walls with pretty golden stars so that SCHOOL can come and RUIN it.

And since it's written in notebook paper and not, say, a fancy, pretty, card stock or pined to a pink cardboard, my eco-friendly side gets to shut up and I can savor the satisfying scrunch of the paper in my palms as I throw in the waste bin.

MUAHAHAH WORLD WAR 2 PROJECT? YOU HAVE NOTHING AGAINST MY RAGE. I'LL HAVE YOU DONE BY NOON YOU EYESORE.

Ahem.

Its me saying that its nothing and its a challenge I WON.

BEING A TOP STUDENT IS HARD, OKAY? ITS HARD WHEN YOUR NATURE IS TO PROCRASTINATE AND HAVE A BOOK PULLING AT YOU EVERY SECOND BUT AT THE SAME TIME I HAVE 3 ANNOYED TEAM MATES (a bit of threatening is needed in a leader) WHO ARE WAITING FOR ME TO SLIP UP AND THE TEACHERS WAVING THEIR SCARY RED PENS.

There are those who are disciplined and those who are insane.

I think its obvious which one I am.

Sincerely,

Nadine.

P.S

Tell me if you followed my instructions, 

I can't be the only one.

DATE AT THE BOOKSTORE

I'm well aware that a 'dream date' typically consists of either candles, slow music, a violinist and a lot of staring at each others eyes, or a slow stroll on a beautiful beach during a sunset with doves flying. and, of course,  a violinist.

My dream date is a trip to the bookstore. waking between the shelves and seeing each other's choices. Then walking home carrying our bags with books and talking about stupid things and random thoughts. and, heck, lets throw in soft violin music playing in the background of barns and nobles so it could somewhat be traditional. 

honestly

BOOK HAUL #1

My father's plane safety arrived yesterday and he was met with a lot of hugging and kissing from me and my mom. My baby sister, Nora, was a bit hesitant and clung to her hero older sister (me) but she's warming up to him, oh so adorably! After the pleasantries were done, my father gave me the keys and my second favorite part of his visits began- the UNPACKING!!!

It's an unspoken rule that I am the one who must do the honors. Or else.

Now, these are the stages of my book unpacking

• Find luggage with books
• Carefully take them out
• Admire covers
• Stack them up on any available surface
• Count to make sure that no one got left behind (or was kidnapped by amazon or those sneaky people in the airport- Security? DON'T YOU MEAN BOOK THIEVES??)
• Lastly, take my time to carefully examine each book:  looking through the pages, the dust jacket, the hardback , any bookmarks or coupons, reading comments and sneaking a peek inside to read the dedications and a few first sentences.

Since it's been a long since I last saw these books, I don't remember the plot of any of them but I trust Past Nadine to have done a good job picking them. I'm going to try something new with these books and NOT read the blurb. You gotta live life dangerously sometimes.

What I discovered half way through the last stage of my unpacking is that ALMOST ALL MY BOOKS HAVE ILLUSTRATIONS IN THEM. But since I didn't wanna ruin the fun for myself when I actually READ the books, I didn't look TOO thoroughly plus Nora was getting threateningly close to my pile so I had to relocate.

MOVING ON TO THE ACTUAL HAUL

 The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place- The Hidden Gallery

You probably already guessed it: THIS IS THE SECOND BOOK IN THE INCORRIGIBLE SERIES!! I'm so exited!! It's satisfyingly 100 pages thicker than the first book and has a lovely texture that lures me in. I have just started reading this. So far so good. From my little understanding Penelope and the children (along with lady Constance, lord Fredrick, and the staff) all move to London until the repairs for the house is finished. There Penelope discovers more about the children's past and how it *DUN DUN DOON* ties into her's. We also get to meet Ms. Mortimer! 

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place- The Unseen Guest

And, of course, I got the third book also. I DON'T REMEMBER DOING THIS  BUT I JUST HAVE SO MUCH FAITH IN THESE CHARACTERS.

No regrets. It was painful waiting for book 2 to come so just in case to prevent future injures I got the 3rd book as well.

BUT APPARENTLY I'M NOT SAFE SINCE ITS A 6 BOOK SERIES!!

Behind the Bookcase 

I just finished this book today, review pending- I have A LOT to say about this one. My first impression is that its a horror story. It's FULL of illustration (the kinds that are on the corners or taking up half the page) that are all creepy like and, after my re-read of The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls (my review here) I've been craving creepy which is what influenced me to buy this book

About a girl whose family moves into her grandma's to renovate it. There she discovers a passage to another world behind her bookcase and meets all these creepy interesting characters like the king of the cats and a boy with half his face.  

Doll Bones

*not sure if the tittle is one or two words?*

*probably two, I'm just being stupid.*

THIS COVER IS SO PRETTY. I love looking at it and feeling it. This is also illustrated every few chapters I think (only flipped through it). My creepy cravings also lead me to buy this. The quotes on the back talk about it being scary so I'm waiting to be in the right mood- perhaps during the first few days of school; where I need to be reminded that there are fates worse than homework- to read it. But Holly Black let me down hard when I read 'Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles' but I'm willing to give her another chance.

What I remember is that 3 friends go on a quest to return a doll that may or may not be made of human bones and it involves some sort of curse.

Fly Trap

Favorite author? Frances Hardinge- YOU HAVE BEEN SUMMONED. After reading Fly by Night I exchanged a few emails with her and just fell in love even more! Oh how lovely it is when you discover an amazing book accompanied by a charming author! When I pulled it out of the luggage I was taken back by how LARGE it is. I mean, Fly by night was BIG, but this? Whoa. Planning to read it somewhere near the middle of the school year where I need something to liven up the midterm mood that ends with me feeling like BLAH. 

Yes, yes I DO have books assigned to different positions in the year. I need a pinch of awesome during the hard parts of my school life

About an orphan who travels with a con man and gets into mysteries while she tries to keep the con man out of trouble. (I'm BARLEY containing myself. It's ether this one sentence summary or an essay length one.)

Well Witched

Did I not say Frances is awesome? I could have just taken this book and moved on......BUT THEN I SAW THE UK COVER AND THE WAVES OF ENVY AND JEALOUS HAVE OVER TAKEN ME.

LOOK AT THIS. VERDIGRIS DEEP??? I WANT THAT. WHY DO THE ENGLISH GET TO HAVE THIS?? HUH??? WHY DO THEY GET THE COOL SOUNDING TITLE AND AMERICA GETS THE WATERED DOWN TITLE AND COVER!!

Oops my fingers slipped.


But honestly is there a reason why the cover change sucks? Well it doesn't SUCK... But when one compares I can't help but cringe. If I saw this British version in the bookstore I would lunge to get it but the American one I would hesitate. And what's with the font used to write the author's name? It reminds me of old tv shows.

*Annoyed and acting immature.*

About 3 friends who take coins from a wishing well and then get in trouble with a witch because of it.

THE COVER IS TAUNTING ME. 

A Face Like Glass

Again, Frances, LUV YA. But, Frances aside, this plot really did pull me in. I read the first chapter online and I felt myself fall into that void called desperate love for what happens next. The preview still had a few more chapters but I didn't want to experience this from my laptop. But this one I wanna save for a bit- maybe a mouth or so into my new school where it'll be known I'm a reader so I could get others to read this as well.
BUT, WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO ME? I DIDN'T WANT THIS COVER DARN IT BRITAIN  

LOOK AT THIS. COME ONE. I FEEL INTRIGUED. I WANNA HOLD THIS BOOK AND LOOK AT THE COVER AND MAKE HYPOTHESIZES ABOUT THE SYMBOLISM OR SOMETHING DEEP LIKE THAT.
 But the STORY is really awesome and unique so I don't mind TOO much. THE SEA OF ENVY CAN BE CONTAINED FOR NOW BRITAIN BUT I SWEAR

Ahem.

It's about an underground world where different kinds of food give you different abilities like to glow. The people there can't naturally make facial expressions and have to learn them but then this girl is discovered and she can make her face express things naturally (like us) and that makes her dangerous for some reason. This is what I remember but just writing about it makes me want to read it immediately!

The Jewel of the Kalderash

Since I'm on a roll of books I'm really exited about:
<----THIS.

It's the third book in the Cabinet of Wonders series. My love for these books is suffocation. I got this book in hardcover and ITS SO PRETTY. I also noticed, with a gasp, that the series covers have a clever theme. I hope I'm not the last person on earth to notice this.I know this series also has another set of covers that are HORRIBLE and I'm grateful Amazon didn't give me those.

About a girl who has to save her father from becoming a monster while running away from a blood thirsty prince who she managed to tick of. Big time. So exited!!

ZORGAMAZOO

THIS BOOK. It's been on my 'To Read List' on Goodreads for such a long time but it never JUMPED at me so I always just pushed it aside. But then I heard from a little birdie that

the whole book is written in rhyme....- THE WHOLE BOOK IS WRITTEN IN POEM FORM.  As in 

THE WHOLE STORY RHYMES.

 It's small and smooth and cute- I have a thing for small hardcovers. I think they are charming and they appeal to me greatly. Reading the first few pages: I.AM.IN.LOVE. I'll read this perhaps during the summer- maybe on the car ride to the beach or something like that. Currently my friend- Maya, took it since she also couldn't believe that it's written in rhymes and she just so happens to be taking a family trip so its perfect. I'm waiting for her to come back from her vacation to tell me about it.  

THE COVER, THE COVER! HELP ME, MY EYES!!! *pun not intended*

Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes

The whole book just screams charming and epic and all kinds of awesome. The first chapter grabbed me in so fast it should be called kidnap. All I know about it is that it's about a blind boy who is a thief andddd....that's all. But the narrator is witty and I never read a book with a blind hero so I have high expectation....AND ITS SO PRETTY.

Gonna sound weird but it's in That Size. ThatSize is when a book is in this just so size I love. I've only encountered another one like it.  

Nicholas St.North and the Battle of the Nightmare King

Hopefully I'm not the only person on earth who didn't know that the Rise of the Guardians (Spectacular movie!!) is actually a book.  I saw it on Goodreads and the plot sounds OH SO FAMILIAR for some UNKNOWN reason. When I pulled the book out- OH! WHAT IS THIS SMALL AND CONVENIENTLY PLACED STICKER ON THE COVER ANNOUNCING THAT THIS BOOK IS BEING TURNED INTO A MOVIE?? oh......OH...

Utterly gorgeous book inside and out with a beautiful spin that taunts me. 

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland In a Ship of Her Own Making

How many times have a picked you up in a book store only to put you down? How long are we going to keep this curious- love from afar relationship? THAT'S IT. I HAD ENOUGH. You are coming with me.

Larger than I remembered it to be in the book store but it has a ton of great praise and the girl's name is September.

And I love unique names. And dragons. And the color scheme of the cover. And long tittles.
I think the tittle can explain better than I can what the book is about.

ON THE EDGE OF THE DARK SEA OD DARKNESS

You know what I love? I love puns. and I love corny jokes. and I love awkwardness and quirkiness. And...come on 'DARK SEA OF DARKNESS', it pretty much screams 'Nadine. You know you have to.' 

And so I did. Don't remember what the plot is but I remember reading the first page and laughing at the names of things. Didn't left myself second guess.

It also has illustrations, the pages are all yellowed and have that OLD BOOK smell and are soft to touch. My guess it that its a...dragon? on the cover? This seems like a book I'll read in a random time.
NO IDEA what this book is about- still trying to figure out what's that on the cover.

The Willoughbys

The author's name. I'm in love with it. It just SOUNDS awesome and looks nice and yes I'm insane but the blog title already warns you about that. It's also charmingly small- the smallest book I own actually- and it feel like drawing paper. Without the dust jacket it's a lovely red that contracts nicely with the white of the cover. 

The author's name reminds me of Lemoy Snicket because I also loved that name. 

About 3 siblings (the number 3 is popular no?) and that's all I know.

The Chaos King

OH I'VE WAITED LONG ENOUGH FOR YOU. I loved The wing and the wall and so I have no idea why I didn't buy this sooner- oh. Right,

NO BOOKSTORE OR LIBRARY EVER HAD IT and during that time I didn't know what Amazon is.

No need to say that I'm exited to read this (cause OF COURSE I am) and it came from a library just like the first book- oh. maybe that's why they aren't available in libraries ...

About Gurl- I mean Geogie- and her friend bug and they go against the king of chaos or I believe the plot is something along those lines.

ONE WAS LEFT BEHIND- I WAS BETRAYED

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy

IF YOU SEE THIS PLEASE TELL IT THAT IT'S OWNER IS MISSING IT DEARLY AND WOULD LOVE FOR IT TO CAME BACK HOME. 

I dunno what happened but a quick check in my email says that there was a problem with the shipping or something I couldn't see the text from my blurry eyed vision from all the crying. It took my 2 days to notice- love is blind. I'm SORRY OPHELIA I WAS DISTRACTED.  

I HEARD it's suppose to be a re-telling of snow white and I love re-tellings but I couldn't see the similarities in the preview. About a girl whose family moves into a museum and she finds a boy who doesn't age and they have to fight the evil queen. Something along those lines.

UPDATES AND NOTIFICATIONS

It seems like the universe is conspiring to keep me in my creepy craving mood since I recently watched Tokyo Ghoul (a new anime) and I'm so exited for the new episodes! Currently reading The Hidden Gallery and writing a review for Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat.

Sincerely,
Nadine

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place 

By Maryrose Wood (sounds like one name if you read it out loud)

Rating - It's really enjoyable and all the characters quickly grown on you and the ending- THE FORESHADOW IS INTENSE- HOW COULD I NOT BUY THE SECOND BOOK?

Formal Information- This is a fiction book printed by Blazer + Bray in 2010. Illustrations by Jon Klassen (whose Tumblr is really cool). And has 267 pages

CONCERNING THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW: Governess is a fancy name for nanny.

The main character is Penelope Lumley (Lumply is how I pronounced it in my head), a 15-year-old girl who recently graduated from Swanburne Academy for Young Poor Bright Females-where a loving and peculiar education was given to her. She goes to Aston Place for a job interview to be a governess to 3 'unruly' children. Shortly after arriving she finds out the children aren't Lord Ashton and Lady Constance's. Lord Ashton found them in his forest while hunting and it's obvious that they were raised by wolves. Lady Constance, a newly wed, isn't found of children and is desperate to find a governess who'd be willing to teach them proper manners. Penelope is known for her soft spot for animals and is determined to teach these children. With patient example and a few treats she slowly begins make progress with them. But suddenly Penelope has to get them ready for the party- Lady Constance's debut- a party that will determine the future of the children. Can Penelope teach them proper table manners and pleasantries to get them ready in time?

And she soon finds out that there are mysteries surrounding these three pups. Is someone out to get Lord Ashton? Or is someone out to get the children? 

NOW YOU KNOW, NOW YOU'LL KNOW MORE:

THE WRITING

The writing. Let's talk about the writing!! I loved reading the story and the comments of the narrator and the constant quoting of Agatha Swanburne- a wise and witty woman who founded Penelope's Academy. Something I noticed and began to look forward too was the first paragraph of every chapter. It's when the narrator is at her wittiest as she talks about something seemingly random and irrelevant to the last chapter's events but she always smoothly ties it into the chapter:

"If you have ever visited a theme park full of roller coasters, water slides, and thrilling games of chance, you were undoubtedly tickled half to death by it all. But then, just when it seemed the excitement had reached a fever pitch from which you might never recover, the tedious ordeal of waiting in a long line for the bathroom may have suddenly made you so bored that you wished you were home in bed with the flu."

After reading this you might wonder what does this have to do with the chapter where Penelope is at her job interview? Well, I suppose you'll just have to read the book to find out.

PENELOPE, THE CHILDREN, and Lady Constance

(Her name doesn't need to be in bold. She is already too pompous as it is.)

Let's shove this obnoxious queen of annoying out of the picture to focus on- Penelope Lumley. I grew fond of her very quickly. I found myself admiring her actions and the way she's able to stay composed and know exactly the way to act- and how she thinks before she speaks. I'll try to use her example as much as possible. You can gain a lot from the nuggets of wisdom from Agatha Swanburne ( Penelope's role model and founder of the academy) :

"'lady Constance, we are confronted with a mystery,' Penelope said 'It reminds me of the words of Agatha Swanburne: 'One can board one's train only after it arrives at the station. Until then, enjoy your newspaper!'

"Enjoy your newspaper?" Lady Constance gave a little snort "what on Earth does that mean?" 

IF YOU WAIT A MOMENT PENELOPE EXPLAINS YOU LITTLE BRAT S

But she's not all prim and proper and that's one of the main reasons I love her. I loved reading about her eccentric thoughts (that made me laugh out loud for the randomness of them). I easily sympathized and saw a bit of myself in her ways- although she can handle a situation far better than I can. she's a character I grew to feel protective of. I didn't want anything BAD to happen to her and I just wanted Lady Constance to STAY AWAY and let her do what she wanted in peace.

But there are more than a few moments where Penny (for Penelope is getting tedious to wright) shows her 'natural boldness' and that made me swell up in pride- for she does so during situations where something she  feels strongly about is threatened (usually involving the children- characters whom I fell so swiftly in love I might have scraped a knee). 

Since I mentioned The Children-

  ALLOW ME TO EXPRESS MY GOOFY LOVE FOR THESE LOVELY ADORABLE KIDS WHO ARE SO CUTE AND UTTERLY CHARMING There are three- and I don't understand how anyone couldn't fall in love with them as fast as I did- and most the characters (those who were patient and kind) very soon found their charms and grew found as well. Whenever it concerned any of them - Penelope got protective and thoughtful and concerned and I quickly started to feel that way towards them myself.

I wanted to leave her out- but I can't can I?

Sadly the author had to include this bitch On the subject of characters who grew found of the children- I have to mention the one who DIDN'T. Lady Constance. She is the newly wedded bride of Lord Ashton and is used to living a very...privileged life. She is also thoughtless, selfish, and close minded towards the children at all times. Even when she tried to do something for them it never worked out and- if it wasn't for a certain chapter which I will talk about in the Book Talk  I think she would have been my lest favorite character.  She's EXTREMELY annoying and I tap off my hat for Penny- the girl has nerves to be able to endear this lady for 267 pages.

Dispit all of this though, she's actually not my lest favorite character.This surprised me since I truly disliked her and had to press my lips together in annoyance whenever she was talking about the children or slyly insulting Penny (whom, as I mentioned, I also feel protective of).

Surprisingly though,

Coming to this decision was a surprise.

Who had the honors of becoming my lest favorite character? Lord Ashton. Want to know why? Read the book,  then go to my Book Talk where I'll explain and between the two of us maybe we can figure out which character truly deserved the award of LEST FAVORITE CHARACTER. Lord Ashton wasn't present very often in the story but the more screen time he got the more I- as well as Penny- saw the truth of this character.

THE ART

The art.

The whole book- I'm including the touch the feel  (I hope yo can relate?) of the book, It makes me think of 'old-fashion' but in a charming way.

The word that perfectly describes this book as a whole- including the story- is Quaint. 

Quaint

  [kweynt] 

adjective, quaint·er, quaint·est.

• 1.
  

  having an old-fashioned attractiveness or charm; oddly picturesque: a quaint old house.

  2.
  

  strange, peculiar, or unusual in an interesting, pleasing, or amusing way: a quaint sense of humor.

The cover and illustrations are quaint and oh so adorable!! GOODNESS I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW WELL I'M CONTAINING MYSELF IN THIS REVIEW WHEN I JUST WANT TO RAVE ALL DAY ABOUT THE CHARACTERS.

But, nevertheless, I shall have to contain my rampaging love and enthusiasm for the Book Talk
    "When will that be posted?" Asks Reader
    "Oh, dear Marshmallow-er Reader. When I can stop reading long enough to stop writing reviews long enough to stop EDITING reviews- that's when I can write the Book Talk. So. Soon. Promise!"

Updates and notifications

I recently got a TON of books and I plan to post a BOOK HAUL soon! So look forward to that! And Today I had my friend over so we can watch an anime called Corpse Party- oh. oh. oh-the blood- oh. More of that later though!

Sincerely,
Nadine.

Introductions and Making Acquaintances

Hello and welcome to my blog! 

My name is Nadine, I'm 14 and I'm the writer of MANIACTIC READS. 

STORY TO BREAK THE ICE

One day, after school, friend and I are walking to the library. We've just came from MC Donald and we both bought this new ice-cream they had called McFlurry. I'm looking down admiring the broken up bits of Oreo with my spoon (that I honestly mistook for a large straw for 3 minutes until my friend silently pulled it out and showed me that it's a spoon) and not looking where I'm walking since I know the Library is straight ahead. We're talking and suddenly she stops walking. Now, I continue walking a few steps before turning around to see what stopped her.

On my lips is the question "Why did you stop?" but I could only let out a "Wh-" before she yells,

"NADINE!!" 

LUNGES, grabs my arm and pulls me towards her.

As I', jerked forward, I turn my face to see what's wrong-  when the speeding metal of a bus comes within CENTIMETERS of my face and it beeps way too late.

I stand there with my friend who's hand is still holding my arm in a death grip as we stare at each other. All the bystanders who also stopped at the red light stare at me. The girl who almost got run over... and is laughing about it?

My ears are ringing and my heart is furiously beating to make for the half second it stopped working as I was faced with death. Then proceeds a lot of laughing and disbelief at how smart and quick thinking my friend is and I joked about how romantic it would have been if she was a boy and I would have fainted in his arms and we'd tell our grandchildren about how a McFlurry could have been the end of me.

What did I learn from this experience? Well,

• The cliche scenarios that happen in movies can happen in life if the right stupidity (me+new icecreams) is applied
• Do NOT be distracted by 3$ ice-creams as you cross the street
• It's strongly recommended to have a rational minded friend when you're prone to carelessness

I think that gave you a peek of my personality, aye? You can call me Nadine, we've now been acquainted. 

 PROPER INTRODUCTIONS AND OTHER PLEASANTRIES

Why I'm making this blog is to talk about my favorite thing: Books. And everything that comes along with them. While it's an obvious fact that I love to read, I've recently realized that I love something even more:  getting others to read. Especially if I can talk about it and thoughts can be exchanged and sparks fly off walls and the stars start dancing- 

 -Ahem.

This blog will have book reviews and book talks (more detail below). But also I'd like to share my thoughts and ideas that are usually inspired by the books I'm currently reading. I'd love if this sparks a disscussion! Along with all this book related stuff I'll post anything interesting that I bump into and crazy stories (not all involving near death of course) 

I'll explain in the list.

• Book Reviews *Where I try my UTMOST BEST to get you to read this book so that-
• BOOK TALKS *-you could join me as I go into detail about my favorite (and not so favorite) parts of the book. This place where I'd LOVE for you to join in!- of course this will be SPOILER PARTY so better read the book before peeking in.
• Thought Train Station *Thoughts that have been swimming in my head and I'd like to share (ranging from insignificant notices to deep themes that have crossed my mind) Your opinions, again, is greatly encouraged here! honestly its encouraged throughout the blog
• Many other things that I have yet to name and yet to write and my imagination races with the possibles of the 'New Post' button! (also compressing the temptation of the pretty 'Publish' button since I KNOW how bad my spelling can be- first impressions are everything)

I hope you come for the ride and stay around with this MANIACTIC READER.

Sincerely,

Nadine.

The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls by Claire Legrand

The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls 

by Claire Legrand

• Rating- OH CAN'T YOU JUST READ IT AND JOIN ME IN MY INTENSE LOVE FOR EVERYTHING IN THIS BOOK??Absolutely amazing and I recommend it to everyone no matter the age.
• Formal Information- The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls is a Middle Grade fiction novel that's published by Simon & Schuster in 2012.

I got the book last year in Amazon.com. From the flip of the cover I already thought how peculiar this book is. From the charming black and white design on the inside cover to the curious filigree at the head of the first chapter- this book sucked me in and promised it'll be worth it.

and now, after the third re-read I can honestly say:

It only gets better and better after every read. 

SUMMARY

The story is set in Bellavile, a town that thrives on being perfect: It has perfect, pretty houses that have neat lawns and black gates, with perfectly respectable people who have perfect, beautiful children.

The main character is Victoria Wright, a 12-year-old who is a server perfectionist. She's top of her class, has a room full of trophies and honor rolls- she makes sure she is the best of the best. She's a no no nonsense girl who loves everything in her life to be in order and to make sense. Something that first stuck out to me about her is that she even avoids making friends because:

          "Victoria hated messes. She hated distractions. Friends were the worst distraction of all"

Charming, isn't she.

Despite this Victoria has one best friend named Lawrence Perwitt who is a prodigy at the piano but not very good at doing anything else. Victoria at first befriended him in 4th grade as a 'project':

          "Sacrificing her valuable tine to fix Lawrence will be a gift to the community of Bellavile"

someone she can boss around and fix. Lawrence tires to push her away and ignore her. But, Somehow, they become best friends (and my favorite characters of all time)

Then one day Lawrence disappears and no one seems to notice or care- No one except Victoria who won't take the lies that the adults try to give her, adults who's faces become strangely animated and hard- wolfish- at the mention of Lawrence's name

As Victoria starts to investigate she also starts to notice things that never crossed her mind before- like how the number of children at her school seems to be decreasing, or the creepy orphanage that's always been there and how everything seems to point to the loving Ms.Cavendish. The more she digs into the history of her 'perfect' town, the more she's realizing everything is not as perfect as it seems.

How much is Victoria Wright willing to get into to find her best friend and to get things back in order?

-Whoof! Is it time to rave yet? Review time!

I love the main character, prickly Victoria and her best friend, Lawrence both have a special place in my heart, (Interview of them both here *dies of adorableness*). Victoria has become a sort of role model for me. I never read a book with a heroine that reminded me so much of myself in so many ways. I loved Victoria's character and personality. and on of the best things of this book is the ever so subtle way Victoria changes by the end. She's still Victoria but with a slightly changed perspective that makes a world of a difference. I'll stop myself here to not spoil anyone. SINCE SHE IS THE MOST KICK-ASS CHARACTER EVER LIKE YOU DON'T WANT A PIECE OF VICTORIA WRIGHT.



Victoria Wright ladies and gentlemen.

Now, lets talk about the ever so lovely, charming, and kind, Ms. CAVENDISH. Now this bitch, She is a very well hated character- the type you love to hate I swear I'm calling Rapunzel to SMACK this roach with a frying pan SO HARD right now, how DARE she do that to-

Ahem.

Mrs. Cavendish truly does show the perfect nightmare. She displays a safe home and claims to only want to be a loving mother to all her children (the 'orphans'), you can't help but love her and want to fall asleep in her lap and tell her everything that's wrong.....But she's a monster. and, even more terrifying, she's a monster with her own moral compass that, sadly, I, in my hearts or hearts, understand. She does what she did and knows that no one can stop her. Not the adults, and definitely not the children. She's why the story is truly horror. She makes you feel helpless and alone. What's the point in fighting when you know there is no way you could win?

WHAT DEPTH OF HELL DID SHE CRAWL OUT OF I WILL NEVER KNOW BUT I'M SURE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN TOO DEEP TO COME OUT

AHEM.

Let's talk about something more cheerful! Shall we? Like how BEAUTIFUL  this book is. and the AMAZING writing of Legrand.

WRITING & ART

Lets talk about the ART in this book. Lets talk about how BEAUTIFUL this book is. How every aspect of this book from the cover to the interior designs is charming and well put together to fit the mood and tone of the story so perfectly. There is also a hand full of illustrations scattered between every few chapters by the ever so talented Sarah Watts. Honestly, I don't think there could have been a better choice that Sarah Watts. Her drawings just added that much more to the story.

As you read, there are random squashed up bugs randomly placed on pages that I thought was ever so charming and were a pleasant surprise when I first opened the book. And the best part is the more you read the more chilling it is to see the bugs. I'm not sure if I'm right but I feel like the number of bugs increase the moment Mrs. Cavendish is mentioned or 'the room gets cold'.

Legrand's writing is spectacular, intriguing, it pulls you in from page one. Actually, my favorite part of the book is the first chapter, along with, you know, the REST of the book. I have yet to be able to pass the book on my bookshelf and not read the first chapter. The writing just naturally pulls you in and you're caught, swaying in an awestruck state like Victoria in Ms. Cavendish's kitchen.

WHAT MAKES THIS BOOK UNIQUE (the message)

But, most importantly, this story shows the consequence of forcing children to be something they're not in hope that they will act 'normal' and 'not stand out

SO, WHAT I'M TRYING TO SAY IS

you're not going to regret ever picking this book up.

UPDATES & NOTIFICATIONS

I decided to post once a week on this blog so I hope you get to reading while I'm gone!

I left out A TON of stuff that I'm saving for my BOOK TALK! That's for those who READ the book, (but I'm not banning anyone). It's a post where I'll discuss the book and my thoughts and pretty much go crazy and into detail. Anything you want to say? In the comments or go to my email:

MANIACTICREADS@gmail.com

Sincerely,
Nadine