Readersaurus > Recent Status Updates

I read an earlier version in manuscript form and am happy to finally get around to reading the published version for the MA Center for the Book’s October challenge (a title published by a MA press). Some things have changed since the book came out, some have not. Some chapters leave me feeling hopeful, others, melancholy. We are still in the thick of trying to make this little co-op work.

I gave it 2 chapters, but the writing style is not for me.

Not especially humorous or exciting. A bit plodding. A look at the lives of several young women living in a Manhattan residential hotel that has seen better days. I think it’s supposed to be witty and droll, but it never got there for me. Still, it occupied my mind while in a hospital waiting room and for that I am grateful.

This one lives up to its hype! Nearly perfect.

There are times when reading this I thought. “This is essential reading for everyone!” and times when, even for dorky me, it felt like a text heavy slog. The pictures are appealing, the information is important, but it’s not a quick or easy graphic novel.

Fantasy! Science fiction! Dragons on the moon! Sentient swords, talking beavers, and a disembodied consciousness aware of all human history. All written by an author who I have enjoyed before. Why is it so dull?

Saw the author give a reading and an interview with Annie Hartnett and I had to pick up a copy. Started reading that night and was drawn in immediately. A thoughtful and charming look at life in that first bewildering summer after college when you’re not sure what shape your life will take.

I wasn’t sure I had enough bandwidth to read “essays” (such a daunting word), but Parker’s writing voice is so strong and clear that I was drawn in immediately.

Surprisingly entertaining.

There are some glimpses of sparkle here but by page 81 it has grown repetitive and tiresome. Sigh.

I had the pleasure of meeting the author at a CT steampunk event. Time travel, inventors, clones, and female solidarity! It captured my interest right away.

I am so uncomfortable reading this book. June is almost unbelievably out of line. I have to keep stepping away.

The Butler Wing and the Atwood Wing - I’m in love.

This wasn’t on my TBR list. However, I like the movie cast and will probably see it so it only seems right to read it first!

I brought this one home because I just loved that cover illustration of the glasses-wearing lady with the cat on her head. I figured I’d read a few entries and be done but the writing is so clear and interesting and informative that I ate it all up. Full citations of research articles in the back if you want to follow up. A painless way to learn some things about brain and behavior.

Oh, my goodness. That first story, read by LeVar Burton.

Very reminiscent of The Phantom Tollbooth or Sharkboy and Lavagirl.

Short, snappy chapters perfect for reading aloud and talking about.