Our hero, Hugo Ross, is not as stupid as he comes across to the people he encounters. in fact he is extremely intelligent, and there is not a gullibleOur hero, Hugo Ross, is not as stupid as he comes across to the people he encounters. in fact he is extremely intelligent, and there is not a gullible bone in his body. His lady-love, with the fascinating if improbable given name of Loveday, however is silly and self-centered, can't keep to the point of a conversation, yet has flashes of inspiration when the situation calls for it. Wentworth is practicing for greatness to come, but she is not quite there yet. This situation is intriguing: a mad scientist, spies, plans for a great war-time invention (though it is referred to as a submarine, it is actually some kind of plane), and many consipiracies. Benbow Smith really figures only briefly and spends far too much time talking to his rude parrot....more
This book was absolutely terrific. I could appreciate the scientist in the author, since he was unsentimental and realistic with respect to the animalThis book was absolutely terrific. I could appreciate the scientist in the author, since he was unsentimental and realistic with respect to the animals encountered and the environmental conditions of northeastern Russia. Yet, he had a flair for poetic expression and description so that you could feel you were there, with him, enjoying (or not) the various, sometimes harrowing, experiences of his field work. This is a book for the popular press, and it is a darn good idea to publicize the importance of balance between industry and wildlife so everyone can participate in making the world a better, more inclusive place. In his acknowledgements, Slaght mentions that the editors didn’t always “get” his humor. Sometimes I didn’t either, but I think if I reread the book, I would find many places to laugh out loud—the most obvious one when he suffers a gastro-intestinal upset and identifies at least 8 instances of not practicing very careful sanitation, any one of which might have contributed to his distress. At heart, it is a serious book, so the editors and I were always taking it seriously and forgetting to lift our head in order to recognize the lighter moments. This review does not do it justice; it is just a glimpse of the myriad experiences of Slaght's field work....more
This is a terrific and riveting book. And a true story. Other men in this prison camp have also written their stories, but this is the best one. If yoThis is a terrific and riveting book. And a true story. Other men in this prison camp have also written their stories, but this is the best one. If you can find a copy. The author's name is Brigadier James Hargest, CBE, DSO, MC....more
This may be a Stand Alone novel in the Wentworth oeuvre, a not-Miss-Silver mystery, but it is so well done, so fast paced, it might belong among her bThis may be a Stand Alone novel in the Wentworth oeuvre, a not-Miss-Silver mystery, but it is so well done, so fast paced, it might belong among her best of the Miss Silvers. It has the usual element (boy and girl who want to get married), but the plot is a spy thriller. In the list of books by Wentworth, it is the last of the three with Detective Inspector Lamb without the back-up of Miss Silver, but Lamb is not the protagonist. He and Inspector Frank Abbot are not even introduced until Chapter 16 (of 20). No, the legwork and unraveling mostly belong to spy Anthony Rossiter, the afore-mentioned boy and the very astute and clever Delia Merridew, the afore-mentioned girl.
A couple of quibbles about loose ends. First, a dead body is identified, as far as I can tell, as Piet Maartens and Cornelius Roos, but this is never followed up--and the life of at least one person hangs in the balance of whether or not the Piet Maartens identification holds up. Second, why doesn't Delia tell Anthony exactly what she found when she opened the parcel? She tells him everything else and holds nothing back, yet inexplicably, she withholds this information. Hmmm. Not sure how it would change the plot, but it seems out of character for her.
Still. A good book. These quibbles did not spoil my enjoyment....more
This is the sixth time I have read this book, and it is just as good this time as the first time. Filled with adventure, and, what is unusual for WentThis is the sixth time I have read this book, and it is just as good this time as the first time. Filled with adventure, and, what is unusual for Wentworth, no person is really held accountable at the end by the authorities, but justice has a way of triumphing as well as validating the reader's belief in who is responsible for which crime. I like that ending very much.
There is a cloying attachment to family history, a hidden treasure and a warning passed down that bad things will happen to those who touch it, there is an orphaned young lady, a promising architect who once saved her life, an odious aunt, and many other people who are ordinary and pleasant to know, including the inimitable Miss Silver. And an ancient house, much updated and added onto, complete with secret passageways and a cellar. There isn't much more to ask for in a mystery....more
I am delighted to find so many Wentworth "Stand Alone" mysteries recently re-published. This one is 2nd of the 3 that feature Inspector Ernest Lamb anI am delighted to find so many Wentworth "Stand Alone" mysteries recently re-published. This one is 2nd of the 3 that feature Inspector Ernest Lamb and Detective Sargent Frank Abbot. The usual stock of characters inhabit this book: the strong woman, the weak sister, the love interest, the wicked [uncle-aunt-other relation], and so on. Of course, the boy friend is in jeopardy because he is the main suspect, and we (the readers) all know he didn't do it. The best thing about the book was that from the host of suspects, the real killer remained a secret until quite close the end--and I did not suspect that person until to guided to it by the author's process of elimination....more
This is a science fiction book, though not a book that concerns itself with creating a dystopian world. It concentrates instead on the relationship beThis is a science fiction book, though not a book that concerns itself with creating a dystopian world. It concentrates instead on the relationship between a boy and his (very intelligent) robot and the world(s) they inhabit. It is a tight story, episodic in that it moves rapidly from one dilemma to another, and is not shy about creating adults who are rather flawed in terms of their likability. Captain Becker is easily the poster child for having a multidimensional character.
From a teacher's point of view, this is definitely a "boy book," and suitable for upper elementary into middle school. It is an old book, first published in 1965, so it is not a fantasy. It reminds me more of Andy Weir's "The Martian," without all the math. Probably students today would expect (or want) a very different sort of book. But, again from a teacher's point of view, there is a lot to discuss about societal norms and other cultures. The robot, Rex, makes many discussion-worthy comments.
And I have to mention one more thing that struck me. This is a story about a boy and his robot, or more properly since it is told entirely from Rex's point of view, a robot and his boy. And the robot is named Rex. The relationship reminds me of the kind of loyalty one sees between a boy and his dog, but it is so much more than that. And unlike many pet stories, especially dogs, the pet does not die at the end....more
A charming post-world-war-II story about a family in Paris. The father died shortly after being released from a German prisoner of war camp. Mother goA charming post-world-war-II story about a family in Paris. The father died shortly after being released from a German prisoner of war camp. Mother goes to work every day to support the family. Charles, 10, takes care of his sister Zezette, 5. With his friends they reminisce about how it was Before. When there was milk, eggs, butter, meat, fuel for the fire, matches, soap, and a whole host of things that everyone must continue to do without. Most of all, with the beginning of Lent a week away, they long for crepes, traditionally eaten on Mardi Gras. Charles helps two American (large, friendly--are there any other kind?) soldiers find their way to a church, but refuses a tip in the form of money. They give him, instead, a box of Aunt Jemima pancake mix. Ah, but Charles cannot read the directions in English. In a stroke of inspiration, he visits the American Embassy where the receptionist/secretary translates the recipe. On his way out, he also meets again Jerry and John, the American soldiers. Spoiler alert: they show up on the evening of Mardi Gras bringing much more food (and soap!), make the pancakes, feed the family and all the other children in the apartment building who can smell the pancakes and cocoa. It is a warm, positive story. And it tells a truth about reality and the power of generosity and kindness....more
This book is just as fresh and realistic as the day it was published. Beverly Clearly is a remarkable talent. But then, everyone who reads children's This book is just as fresh and realistic as the day it was published. Beverly Clearly is a remarkable talent. But then, everyone who reads children's literature knows that....more
Although this book was first published in 1944, its topic of teasing and bullying is still relevant, especially in its portrayal of the "mean girls" wAlthough this book was first published in 1944, its topic of teasing and bullying is still relevant, especially in its portrayal of the "mean girls" who lead the pack. I suppose kids today bully others who are different, just not different in the way Wanda is. She is a poor Polish girl who has only one dress to wear to school every day. Reason #1 to make fun of her. Reason #2: She has a Polish name, Petronsky. And Reason #3: she is quiet and shy, and does not stand up for herself. Bottom line: kids make fun of others who are different. At least the two girls who are the most frequent teasers begin to have a bit of a conscience. That is a redeemable, though not quite believable consequence. My experience is girls like this always have a ready excuse, a justification, and no acceptance of responsibility....more
This is at times a rather harsh story. A homeless elderly man, Armand, lives under a bridge. Suddenly, he finds his place pre-empted by a mother (a wiThis is at times a rather harsh story. A homeless elderly man, Armand, lives under a bridge. Suddenly, he finds his place pre-empted by a mother (a widow), her three children, and their dog who have been evicted because there is no longer a father to pay the rent.
Gradually the old man becomes a grandfather to the children and wins over the mother who doesn't like him at all. And then, swayed by the yearning of the children for a real home again, he finds them a meager but suitable place: He and the mother become caretakers of a building with tenants, and this includes a salary and living quarters. And so it ends happily ever after.
But not without encountering several kinds of prejudice. The mother against Gypsies, although they are kind an generous. The population against homeless people. Armand against children--starlings, he calls them, witless twittering little pests.
The saving grace of this book is the illustrations. Despite the grimness of the homeless situation, Garth Williams' pictures have,, with their rounded lines and soft colors, a gentle warmth that ameliorates the problems and foretells happier times to come....more
What a wonderful, well-written biography about a woman who, were she alive today, would still be a role model for the autonomy of women and what can bWhat a wonderful, well-written biography about a woman who, were she alive today, would still be a role model for the autonomy of women and what can be accomplished. She led a fascinating life, and like all good teachers, had foremost in her mind an idea of what is best for her charges. The author, herself once a Camp Fire girl, writes with admiration and respect on the one hand, and with skill at research and communication on the other. It is a happy combination that produces this incredibly well-researched book....more
Rufus M. is an endearing child, filled with curiosity and imagination, who ought to get in more trouble than he does. He leads a charmed life. This isRufus M. is an endearing child, filled with curiosity and imagination, who ought to get in more trouble than he does. He leads a charmed life. This is a sweet mid-century book, and it is hard to believe it is set during WWII. The family doesn't have much money, but compared to some of the books I have read about this era in Europe, the hardships the Moffats suffer--like having to portion out the oleo so each one gets an even share during the week the pound must last, or having to burn bituminous (soft) coal instead of the harder, cleaner anthracite--seems laughable (though, at the same time, sad) in comparison....more
The best sentence in the book is the very first one which captures the major event (the boyfriend throws the baby across the room) from 8-year -old JaThe best sentence in the book is the very first one which captures the major event (the boyfriend throws the baby across the room) from 8-year -old Jamie's point of view, both in terms of the sight and his confusion, dismay, inability to process and understand, and fear.
The characters are few: Van (who threw the baby); Jamie's mom, Patty (who caught the baby); the baby, Nin; Patty's best friend Earl who lends them a trailer to live in; Van's mom, Agnes, who never appears in person but sometimes babysits Nin; and Mrs. Desrochers, Jamie's understanding and helpful teacher.
The story is about the struggle to come to terms with the violence they witnessed, and the struggle to build a new and better, safer life. At the end you feel it is a possibility that this will come true. In that sense, for youngsters experiencing this same kind of disconnect in their own lives, it is a hopeful, supportive story....more
This is the story of a family that moves from Carolina to Kentucky in 1780. The father cannot read or write. The mother can only read French. The chilThis is the story of a family that moves from Carolina to Kentucky in 1780. The father cannot read or write. The mother can only read French. The children range in age from toddler (age 3) to teenage--the narrator, Stephanie, and Noel, her older brother, is probably 14 or 15. Rob and Willie come in between Cassie and Steffy.
I was confused about two things. First, the blurb, both inside and on the back cover says, "...her family moved to Carolina from Kentucky..." and my first thought, was: that's the wrong direction! Pioneering families went west, and last time I checked, Kentucky was west of the Carolinas. That proved to be the case. The family was on its way to lay a claim to the rich soil of Kentucky.
Second, I could have used a little help with historical orientation. I had forgotten exactly how long the American Revolution lasted. If you count from the Stamp Act, it is 1765 to 1783 when the Treaty of Paris was signed. If you count from the beginning and end of hostilities, it is 1775 to 1781. So the Revolution is still being fought during this story. It helps to know that.
The major theme of the story is not war, but the ability to read. The father is illiterate and sees no need to learn to read when the skills called for on the frontier are the ability to build a house, clear land, plant crops, hunt game, and otherwise provide for the security of the family. And then he finds it would be a major help to be able to read a law. And a deed. Otherwise, he is prey to the schemes of land developers and other swindlers. Although he derides his son Noel, it is Noel's ability to read that saves the day. The father eventually comes round and sees the need to allow his children the time to be educated. And he wishes to also learn to read....more
I confess. I did not finish this book. But it is not because it was poorly written or for any other flaw. In many ways the story it tells is an importI confess. I did not finish this book. But it is not because it was poorly written or for any other flaw. In many ways the story it tells is an important story and apparently based on true facts. The Nazis did take young people prisoner to use as slave labor in work camps--the ones in this story came from Venice, and Italy was an ally. And these captives are not Jews (except one). They are, in fact, mostly Catholics, but that is not an important feature. Being Jewish, however, is.
It is a harsh story. It tells of the extortionist, a member of the work camp who takes another's food because he knows a secret and if his demand is not met, he will tell. It tells of witnessing Jews being crowded together, underfed, and otherwise abused in a barbed wire enclosure. Of witnessing an execution. And many other heart-wrenching narratives. I have read several books, personal accounts of Nazi work and death camps, such as Primo Levi, Odd Nansen, and Thomas Buergenthal, each one detailing the appalling conditions of their day to day life and the cruelty of their captors. I simply did not need to read another.
Unlike the other authors I named, the audience for this one is young adult. A young person reading this book would certainly want at hand someone who could answer questions about the circumstances and give support and understanding of what the reader is perhaps encountering for the very first time.
Definitely not for the faint of heart. The date given for when I "finished" was the day I stopped on page 70 (of 209)....more
Today, we would call this a cold case. Sixteen years ago the artist Amyas Crale died of poisoning and his wife was convicted of the crime. Now, his daToday, we would call this a cold case. Sixteen years ago the artist Amyas Crale died of poisoning and his wife was convicted of the crime. Now, his daughter would like to know the truth before she, herself, gets married.
This is a story that gets told twice, first, through personal interviews with each of the people who were present, and second, through the narratives Poirot asks each of them to write. From this he extrapolates the truth and is able to name the real murderer. Caroline Crale died in prison shortly after her incarceration, but her name is now cleared, and her daughter can get married having laid the past to rest.
I found the double telling of the evidence a little tedious (but then, I am not Poirot). And much of Poirot's conclusions are drawn from also imagining where each character was standing and what they could see or overhear when when the event took place. As always, the crime is neatly unraveled to its surprising conclusion....more
I have had this book on my shelf for a very long time, but I have been leery of reading a story about animals, because usually something awful befallsI have had this book on my shelf for a very long time, but I have been leery of reading a story about animals, because usually something awful befalls animals in books, for some reason, particularly in children's literature. I was not comforted knowing this kitty "fell dead, too happy to live another minute."
The story is basically a retelling of Buddha's life, and from the point of view of introducing this religion to children, it is engagingly told....more
This is a very harsh, terrifying story. Even more so because the author drew on his own experiences as an American pilot based in China during WWII. TThis is a very harsh, terrifying story. Even more so because the author drew on his own experiences as an American pilot based in China during WWII. The reader has to cope with the idea of disenfranchised people so starved they are reduced to eating grass and, worse, dirt. That they would be eyewitnesses to being strafed by jet planes, seeing people killed, their homes and cities burned. Many of these people, victims and witnesses, were children. And now, in a children's book, they get to witness it vicariously. This is all hard for the reader to stomach.
Yet, Tien Pao is a sweet and engaging boy, and despite the circumstances that befall him, he has been well brought up and minds his manners. He, also, suffers the hardships mentioned above, but has the good fortune to rescue and, in turn, be rescued by an American pilot. And because it is a children's book, Tien Pao is safely reunited with his parents and baby sister (miraculously, they all survive) on the very last page of the book.
I have previously read other, adult, accounts of what this war was like in China, and I was struck by how closely what was presented here matched those other books, particularly the description of Chinese guerilla warfare. I think that was when I began to like the book more, and it was no longer so much of an ordeal to read....more
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