Book Review #782 - Stuart Little by E.B. White

Stuart Little is no ordinary mouse. Born to a family of humans he lives in New York City with his parents, his older brother George and Snowball the cat. He's an adventurous and heroic little mouse. When his best friend, a beautiful little bird called Margalo disappears from her nest, Stuart is determined to track her down. He ventures away from home for the very first time in his life and finds himself embroiled in one exciting adventure after another, making new friends and meeting old ones along the way.

My Rating: 2.5/5

I read this book for the 2018 Popsugar Reading Challenge to read a book made into a movie you have already seen.

I grew up watching the film adaptation of this book although I have not seen it recently.

This book was more about Stuart's life as a mouse in New York rather than the strong family connections he has that the film focuses on.

I was really disappointed by the ending as I felt like it just stopped mid-story. There was no real resolution.

Book Review #780 - The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White

Like the rest of his family, Louis is a trumpeter swan. But unlike his four brothers and sisters, Louis can't trumpet joyfully. In fact, he can't even make a sound. And since he can't trumpet his love, the beautiful swan Serena pays absolutely no attention to him.

Louis tries everything he can think of to win Serena's affection -- he even goes to school to learn to read and write. But nothing seems to work. Then his father steals him a real brass trumpet. Is a musical instrument the key to winning Louis his love?

My Rating: 2/5

This is my third E.B. White children's book that I have read and definitely my least favourite of the three. The other two are obviously also more well known being Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little.

Firstly, this book was published in 1970 and has not aged as well as his other books. Whilst none of his stories told through animal protagonists are realistic in any way this book went way too far in making anything plausible. 

Louis as a protagonist was something I loved. He was always the underdog in every situation and you couldn't help but hope he achieved everything he wanted.

Book Review #596 - The Dog, Ray by Linda Coggin

My Rating: 4/5

Source: The Five Mile Press

Buy: Booktopia

Goodreads

A girl, a dog, a boy, a journey

'When my death came, it was swift. Swift as a racing horse.'

Twelve-year-old Daisy has just died in a car crash. But in a twist of fate, and through a heavenly bureaucratic mistake Daisy ends up, not where she is supposed to be - but in the body of a dog. Daisy may now be inhabiting a dog's body, but inside she is still very much Daisy, and is as bouncy, loyal, positive, energetic as she ever was. 

Daisy's only thought is to somehow be reunited with her parents, who she knows will be missing her. And this is how she meets Pip, a boy who is homeless and on his own journey, and a lasting, tender and very moving friendship between boy and dog/girl is formed.

I love dogs and so this book appealed to me as it is told from the perspective of a dog. 

The book begins with the death of a 12 year old girl. I know this sounds a little dark for a children's book, but where there is death there is also life which is where this fantastic little adventure begins. 

There is a mix-up in the afterlife and 12 year old Daisy gets reincarnated as a dog! At first she is adamant on tracking down her parents but being a dog communication is impossible. 

The portrayal of life as a dog was realistic. The voice as a dog was the best thing about this book. I loved how excitable, loyal and likable she was. 

When Daisy meets Pip, a boy who has problems of his own, and her memories of her previous life as a human start to fade she finally finds happiness in her new life as The Dog, Ray. 

Book Review #565 - The Sound of Whales by Kerr Thomson

My Rating: 3.5/5


Source: Scholastic Australia


Buy: TBD




Goodreads

Three children are spending their summer on a wild Scottish island. Fraser is desperate for adventure; Hayley is fed up she's even there; while Dunny spends his days staring out to sea. He hasn't said a word in years. But everything changes with the discovery of two bodies on the beach: a whale and a man. Fraser and Hayley see a mystery-adventure to be solved, but Dunny is inconsolable. And in the end, it will take someone who listens to the sea to put it right.

I loved that this book was set in Scotland as it was a very atmospheric setting. I loved that it was set on a small, remote island as the ocean plays a huge role in the book. 

The three main children worked well together as characters even though they were all completely different from one another. 

Fraser, is a native of Nim, the small Scottish island where the story takes place. He is sick of the boring lifestyle Nim provides and craves adventure. 

Hayley, is an American tourist who is unwillingly thrust upon Nim due to her mother's job. She is outgoing and confident. 

Dunny is Fraser's younger autistic brother who doesn't talk. He is mysterious, unpredictable and his strained relationship with Fraser was a fantastic sub-plot. 

The plot was well developed with a lot of twists and turns. The mystery element was great without being overly predictable. 

As you can probably tell from the title of the book, whales do play a crucial role in the story which I loved. 

Book Review #545 - The Honest Truth by Dan Gemeinhart

Mark has been in and out of hospital his whole life – and he’s fed up.

So when his cancer returns, he decides he’s had enough. Running away with his dog Beau, he sets out to climb a mountain – and it’s only when he’s left everything behind that Mark realises he has everything to live for.

My Rating: 4.5/5

I received this book for review from Chicken House for Scholastic Australia. 

When I first laid eyes on this book and read the synopsis I thought it not only sounded similar to The Fault in Our Stars but also that their covers are the same colours. 

This book is so much more than that. In fact, this is hands down the best book I have read so far this year. 

I love dogs in literature and will more than likely read a book simply because there is a dog involved so I was probably always going to love this book. 

Book Review #520 - Legacy of the Claw (Animas #1) by C.R. Grey

When Bailey enters the prestigious Fairmount Academy as a freshman, he is the only member of his class who doesn't yet have an Animas. And in a world where the bond between human and animal is the guiding principle to life, this makes him an outsider both at school and in the world at large.

But Bailey is more important than he knows. He is the key to an ancient prophecy that will restore the rightful heir to the throne of a kingdom ripping at the seams. Through his budding friendships with Hal, Tori, and Phi, along with the unlikely help of renegade teacher and former conspiracy theorist Tremelo, Bailey must learn to find his Animas, piece together the riddle of the prophecy and start on the path that will lead them all to their destinies.

My Rating: 3/5

I received this book for review from The Five Mile Press. 

I will pretty much read any kind of book involved with animals and so a book about animals bonding with them really intrigued me.

From very, very early in this book I began to pick up slight similarities with Harry Potter. By about 50 pages in I had already lost count of the amount of similarities there were. 

I really liked this book most when Bailey was narrating. I didn't care for the odd chapter from other characters as I felt like the book was trying to do too much. 

I loved the whole idea of humans and animals bonding however this didn't develop anywhere near enough for my liking. 

The way the book ends, it opens the door for there to be more development of the Fairmount Academy in the second book which I am interested to see. 

Overall, this book had an intriguing concept that got lost amongst the political subplot. 

Book Review #519 - Take the Reins (Canterwood Crest #1) by Jessica Burkhart

When Sasha Silver and her horse, Charm, arrive on the campus of the elite Canterwood Crest Academy, Sasha knows that she's in trouble. She's not exactly welcomed with open arms. One group of girls in particular is used to being the best, the brightest, and the prettiest on the team, and when Sasha shows her skills in the arena, the girls' claws come out. 

Sasha is determined to prove that she belongs at Canterwood. Will she rise to the occasion and make the advanced riding team by the end of her first semester? Or will the pressure send Sasha packing?

My Rating: 3.5/5

I received this book for review from Simon and Schuster Australia.

I was looking forward to reading this book not only because I have heard a lot of amazing things about this series but because I have a guilty pleasure for animal related literature. 

As this book is rated more as a children's book rather than a young adult book I was surprised how mature the protagonist Sasha was. 

There was a bit of a romantic element developing which I didn't expect from a children's book. That really added a whole other dimension to the story. 

I found the plot unoriginal but the dialogue was fresh and kept me interested throughout. 

I have ridden a horse probably 2-3 times in my life and so know next to nothing about riding. I liked how this book didn't confuse me with all the technical terms etc about horses but rather educated me.  

Book Review #454 - As Stars Fall by Christie Nieman

In north-eastern Victoria, bush-covered hills erupt into flames. A Bush Stone-curlew escapes the fire but a woman studying the endangered bird does not.

When Robin's parents split up after the fire, her mother drags her from the country to a new life in the ugly city. Robin misses her dog, her best-friend, the cows, trees, creek, bushland and, especially, the birds. Robin is a self-confessed, signed-up, card-carrying bird-nerd. Just like her dad.

On the first day at her new school, Robin meets Delia. She's freaky, a bit of a workaholic, and definitely not good for Robin's image.

Delia's older brother Seth has given up school to prowl the city streets. He is angry at everything, but mostly at the fire that killed his mother.

When the Bush Stone-curlew turns up in the city parklands next to Seth and Delia's house the three teenagers become inextricably linked. Soon their lives are circling tighter and tighter around each other, and the curlew.

My Rating: 4.5/5

I received this book for review from Pan Macmillan Australia.

Before reading this book I had found myself in a bit of a reading slump, but this book was so beautifully written that it pulled me from that from its opening sentence.

This book tells the story of three teenagers Robin, Delia and Seth whose lives intertwine because of a unique bird they discover in their local bushland. 

For Robin, the bird in a connection to the bush she was forced to leave for city life. For siblings Delia and Seth the bird's appearance is much more emotional as it reminds them of their mother who died recently. 

Delia and Robin become somewhat friends although neither of them know the others connection with their bird. Whilst their side of it is innocent, Seth's is much darker as he has an intense need to protect Delia.

This book has a very authentic Australian feel to it which I could obviously relate to. It incorporated the Australian wildlife and the unforgiving landscape perfectly.

I also thought that the characters were all genuine portrayals of everyday Australians.

Book Review #421 - We Bought a Zoo by Benjamin Mee

Benjamin Mee decided to uproot his family and move them to an unlikely new home: a dilapidated zoo on the English countryside, complete with over 200 exotic animals. It was his dream to refurbish the zoo and run it as a family business. There was much work to be done, and none of it easy. Tigers broke loose, money ran low, the staff grew skeptical, and family tensions ran high. Then tragedy struck. His wife had a recurrence of a brain tumor, forcing Benjamin and his children to face the heartbreak of illness and the devastating loss of a wife and mother. But inspired by her memory and the healing power of the incredible family of animals they had grown to love, Benjamin and his kids resovled to move forward. The Mee family opened the gates of the revitalized zoo in July 2007.

My Rating: 3.5/5

I was interested in reading this book as I am somewhat of an animal lover. I thought that this book gave a great insight into the inner management of a zoo.

The writing was the only problem I had with this book. At times it seemed too clinical. I would have liked there to have been a heavier focus on the animals rather than the funding problems.

The book starts slowly, solely focusing on his family life in France. His wife's battle with a brain tumour was very detailed which was something that I found really interesting.

Book Review #395 - Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

In Depression-era America, everyone's running away from something. Some people join the circus to escape. Jacob Jankowski hitches a ride on a freight train and in that instant his life changes. By morning, he's landed a job with the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. By nightfall, he's in love.

 

 

My Rating: 5/5

 

 

I don't read a lot of Adult Fiction nor do I read much Historical Fiction so I am surprised I liked this book as much as I did. I would rate this as one of my favourite books that I have read in 2013.

 

 

This book is told from two perspectives. Jacob as a 93 year old and then him looking back at himself as a 23 year old.

 

 

I found the whole circus part very interesting and could see how much research must have gone into creating it.

 

 

I loved all the animals especially Rosie and Queenie. Even though he was pure evil, one of my favourite characters was August simply because I found him interesting and unpredictable.

 

 

I really loved the writing style and so I can definitely see myself reading more of Sara Gruen's books in the future.

 

 

There were a few awkward moments throughout which is why I wouldn't recommend this for younger readers.

Book Review #356 - Cleo by Helen Brown

 

Helen Brown wasn't a cat person, but her nine-year-old son Sam was. So when Sam heard a woman telling his mum that her cat had just had kittens, Sam pleaded to go and see them.

 

Helen's heart melted as Sam held one of the kittens in his hands with a look of total adoration. In a trice the deal was done - the kitten would be delivered when she was big enough to leave her mother.

 

A week later, Sam was dead. Not long after, a little black kitten was delivered to the grieving family. Totally traumatised by Sam's death, Helen had forgotten all about the new arrival. After all, that was back in another universe when Sam was alive.

Helen was ready to send the kitten back, but Sam's younger brother wanted to keep her, identifying with the tiny black kitten who'd also lost her brothers. When Rob stroked her fur, it was the first time Helen had seen him smile since Sam's death. There was no choice: the kitten - dubbed Cleo - had to stay.

 

 

Kitten or not, there seemed no hope of becoming a normal family. But Cleo's zest for life slowly taught the traumatised family to laugh. She went on to become the uppity high priestess of Helen's household, vetoing her new men, terrifying visiting dogs and building a special bond with Rob, his sister Lydia, Helen - and later a baby daughter.

 

 

My Rating: 5/5

 

 

As I have stated on this blog before, I don't read too many memoir's of non-sporting personalities. However, I decided to read this because of its inclusion on the 2010 50 Books You Can't Put Down list which I am seriously behind in completing.

 

 

This book was published in 2009 and so I think it is clear that it was probably influenced by Marley and Me. The two are very similar, this obviously being the cat version.

 

 

I liked this book more than Marley and Me which surprised me a lot as I am definitely a dog person. I felt like this book had a lot more emotion and depth.

 

 

I really liked how as a reader you get to experience the journey of not only the cat Cleo but also a great bunch of real people who go through an unimaginable trauma.

 

 

This was a very honest portrayal of loss and amazing impact a pet can have on a family, even one as damaged as this one.

 

Book Review #202 - Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

An affectionate pig named Wilbur befriends a spider named Charlotte, who lives in the rafters above his pen. In this story of friendship, hardship, and the passing on into time, White reminds readers to open their eyes to the wonder and miracle found in the simplest of things.

 

 

My Rating: 4/5

 

 

This is the first time I had ever read this book. I was familar with parts of the story though prior to reading.

 

 

I would describe this book as the perfect book for children to read. I think that adults will enjoy it as well, but children will get the most enjoyment from it.

 

 

From the opening chapter I thought this book was going to be about Fern's life and her relationship with Wilbur. I soon understood it was more around Wilbur and Charlotte, but was mystified why Fern disappeared at the end.

 

 

I didn't like Wilbur all that much. He was too immature and whiny, and I know that he was only young but I found him really annoying.

 

 

I really liked the descriptive language used, especially used when describing the farm. It was really realistic and felt like you were there.

 

 

The ending was not what I was expecting, especially since this is a children's book but overall I really did enjoy reading it.

 

Book Review #155 - Xoc by Matt Dembicki

Explore the ocean's wonders through the eyes of a greatwhite as it treks from the Farallon Islands off the coast of California tothe warm waters of Hawaii some 2,300 miles away. Along its journey, the17-foot shark encounters natural prey and predators-from skittish sealsto brazen orcas-as well as man-made impediments that threaten notonly the giant fish, but the balance of ocean's ecology.

My Rating: 3/5

I received this book for review from Netgalley.

I was really interested in reading this book because I love sharks.

This book was a very quick read. It took me less than a hour to read.

I really liked the pictures used in the book especially the fight scenes.

The only disappointment with this book was that I thought that it had potential to be alot better than what it was.

I am interested to read any sequels that get published because this book ends with a huge cliffhanger.

Book Review #126 - A dog Named Christmas by Greg Kincaid

When Todd McCray, a developmentally challenged young man still living on his parents’ Kansas farm, hears that a local animal shelter is seeking temporary homes for its dogs during the days leading to Christmas, he knows exactly what he wants for the holidays. His father objects, but Todd’s persistence quickly wins out. Soon the McCrays are the short-term foster family for a lovable pooch the young man names Christmas.

But what about all the other dogs who will be forced to spend the Yuletide season in cages? In the days that follow, Todd uses his special gifts of persuasion to encourage his hometown to participate in the “Adopt a Dog for Christmas Program.” What follows from his small act of kindness will teach his family, and his community, about peace on earth and good will toward men—and animals.

My Rating: 5/5

I knew I would like this book before I read it because I love to read books about dogs.

What I liked most about this book was that the whole book you think that this is Todd's story when really it is about Todd's father.

I loved Christmas, he was by far my favourite character. He had all the typical characteristics that everyone loves about dogs.

I just watched the movie adaptation of this book and it didn't compare to the book at all.

If you have this book on your TBR shelf I would recommend reading it around Christmas time.