November 2005: Books Read

g Brown, Dan, The DaVinci Code, New York: Doubleday, 2003

An excellent study in how to build a novel. Plot builds, chapters end with a question that leaves you wanting to read more, author gives away little tips that allow the reader to figure out the riddles with the characters. Almost all of the information is either made up or embellished (i.e. Opus Dei characterization, DaVinci's use of symbols, etc.). Good example of viral marketing, too, because the book's success was built upon word-of-mouth recommendations.


g Charpy, Elizabeth, Roux, Marie-Genevieve, Claude Dinnat, eds. Sister Rosalie Rendu: A Daughterf Charity with a Heart on Fire

A short biography that shows the contributions made by Sister Rosalie Rendu, a Daughter of Charity who lived in 19th century Paris. A piece of Sister of Charity history because of the connection to Saint Vincent de Paul.


g Lowry, Lois. The Giver. New York: Dell-Laurel-Leaf, 1993.

A Newberry Medal winning book that lives up to the honor. A great ending that is open to interpretation, as well as discussion questions and an interview with the author. A great look at how memories "color" our life, precision of language, feelings, animals as pets, and what lies beyond the city walls.


g Mackler, Carolyn. The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press, 2003.

The winner of six awards, including the Michael L. Printz Honor for Excellence in Young Adult Literature. I liked this book because I liked how Virginia became her own person. The book dealt with serious issues: obesity, pre-marital sex, rape, issues with parents, and rebellion to name a few. Mackler does a good job of introducing issues in such a way that they are not threatening or judgmental. Shows great insight into the teen mindset.


g Niffenegger, Audrey. The Time Traveler's Wife. San Francisco: MacAdam Cage, 2003.

An interesting approach to a love story. Plot starts out slowly but builds to an emotional, touching ending. Story revolves around Henry, who travels back and forth in time, and his wife Clare, whom he meets when she is a child. Good study in use of alternating POV. I especially enjoyed the part after the daughter was born, because she time travels too.


g Snyder, Maria V. Poison Study. New York: Luna Books, 2005.

Nice fantasy novel written by soon-to-be graduate of the SHU program. Yelena (main character) is spared death by hanging by agreeing to become the food taster for the Commander of Ixia. Strong female characters, nice plot twists, great job of setting up for the next book in the series. I stayed up until 2 in the morning during the week in order to finish this book.