Torn
The Missing: Book 4
Margaret Peterson Haddix
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
New York, New York
ISBN: 9781416989806
August 2011
$ 15.99
352 pages
Time travelers need to respect continuity and to realize that by changing one small thing, everything in the past, present, and future can and must change.
Jonah and Katherine find themselves on Henry Hudson's ship, Discovery, in the year 1611 just as the crew is ready to mutiny. This historic event places Hudson in a small ship along with his son and a few who are near to death. The doomed boat is never to be heard from again. Jonah quickly discovers that he is to take the place of John Hudson, the son on the boat. Will history repeat itself? Life on the ship, Discovery in the early 1600s life was not easy with the crew low on food, a tired and irritated crew and a captain wanting to extend their exploration into finding the Northwest Passage to the Pacific Ocean. Hudson and many other explorers were certain that there had to be a waterway to the other side of the American continent. Logically with the new land explorations and the number of newly discovered waterways, there had to be rivers, streams, and creeks that were unexplored and one could actually reach to the Pacific
Torn is a gripping tale of life and death on the Discovery weaving logic into past history based on real events that were never completely concluded. Taking what is already known of Henry Hudson and creating a character true to the historical documents of the time, Haddix's approach of filling-in the missing information was well-organized in a wonderful science fiction historical mystery.
Torn is the fourth novel in Haddix's Missing series following Found, Sent and Sabotaged. Even with being a part of a series, Torn can easily be understood without having read the previous books. Each of the novels in this series centers around a historical event that has elements that are not well-known such as the Roanoke settlement and in this particular novel, the disappearance of Henry Hudson. Since this was published further books in this series are now available. Caught focusing on Albert Einstein's daughter and Risked is about the Russian Revolution have been.
Margaret Peterson Haddix is the author of many middle-grade and teen novels, all of which quickly become the favorite of these tween readers. Her stories are always appropriate for all audiences within gripping tales enjoyed by young and old and all her books are page-turners that cannot be put down. Her series of the Shadow Children is both chilling but realistic science fiction for younger readers.
Torn is a fascinating story teaching history through science fiction.
Friday, March 21, 2014
The Valley of Amazement
The Valley of Amazement
Amy Tan
Harper Collins Publishers
New York, New York
ISBN: 978-0-06-210731-2
2013
$ 29.99
589 pages
An American woman becomes pregnant by a Chinese man while he is in America. Being disgraced, she feels that she has no choice but to follow him to his home in Shanghai in the hopes that he will marry her. His family has promised him to another. Even though he loves the American woman, he will not marry her but claims to only love her.
This is the story of Lulu and her daughter, Violet.
Violet Minturn doesn't have friends her own age for many reasons. She is a mixed-race child living in her American mother's courtesan house in Shanghai during the year of 1912.
Lulu, her mother had a relationship with a man from Shanghai while living at her home in California. When she discovered that she was pregnant, her family was obviously upset. They knew that a mixed-race child would unquestionably not fit into their social setting. Violet's father will not marry her mother since he plans to follow his family's wishes and to marry a bride chosen to him for the family. What is her mother to do?
Lulu decides to travel to Shanghai truly believing that he will marry her. His family has to accept her. What are her choices? How do you live you survive in a foreign country where you don't know the language or customs and have been abandoned?
Violet is naturally curious about her past and the identity of her father. Could one of her mother's patrons be her father?
With the collapse of the last Chinese imperial dynasty, life is quickly changing throughout the country. For years, Lulu has relied on the loyalty of her staff and patrons and now that is changing as the country changes. Who can she trust to help her?
Lulu decides that is time to take her daughter back to her native California. She needs to trust another person to retrieve Violet's birth certificate from the embassy. Since the city is rioting, it is not safe for her to be in the streets. She has no choice but to trust.
Through deceit, Violet's mother is on the ship as it leaves for America. Violet is not.
How does a mixed-race child with limited language and real life experiences survive in a country during a revolution?
Dealing with the changes in traditional practices of marriages as well as the influences of the opium usage, the hierarchy and practices of the prostitution trade, gambling dens and the activities of the Green Gang, as well as life in the countryside as opposed to the city are all what makes The Valley of Amazement an outstanding novel for life in Shanghai in the early twentieth century. The theme of this novel is the constant strain of mother/daughter relationships and the perspective of each constantly judging and unfulfilling each others' dreams. The constant battle between control and submission involves both women and their similar lives.
The Valley of Amazement is unquestionably an epic novel covering years for both Violet and her mother with frequent windows into the past which at times is a little confusing. Amy Tan writes the continual story of Lulu, the mother, Violet and with multiple episodes into the past.
The Valley of Amazement does relate some of the previous experiences in Amy Tan's other novels. For a novel that truly pictures Shanghai, The Valley of Amazement truly is amazing. tale.
Amy Tan
Harper Collins Publishers
New York, New York
ISBN: 978-0-06-210731-2
2013
$ 29.99
589 pages
An American woman becomes pregnant by a Chinese man while he is in America. Being disgraced, she feels that she has no choice but to follow him to his home in Shanghai in the hopes that he will marry her. His family has promised him to another. Even though he loves the American woman, he will not marry her but claims to only love her.
This is the story of Lulu and her daughter, Violet.
Violet Minturn doesn't have friends her own age for many reasons. She is a mixed-race child living in her American mother's courtesan house in Shanghai during the year of 1912.
Lulu, her mother had a relationship with a man from Shanghai while living at her home in California. When she discovered that she was pregnant, her family was obviously upset. They knew that a mixed-race child would unquestionably not fit into their social setting. Violet's father will not marry her mother since he plans to follow his family's wishes and to marry a bride chosen to him for the family. What is her mother to do?
Lulu decides to travel to Shanghai truly believing that he will marry her. His family has to accept her. What are her choices? How do you live you survive in a foreign country where you don't know the language or customs and have been abandoned?
Violet is naturally curious about her past and the identity of her father. Could one of her mother's patrons be her father?
With the collapse of the last Chinese imperial dynasty, life is quickly changing throughout the country. For years, Lulu has relied on the loyalty of her staff and patrons and now that is changing as the country changes. Who can she trust to help her?
Lulu decides that is time to take her daughter back to her native California. She needs to trust another person to retrieve Violet's birth certificate from the embassy. Since the city is rioting, it is not safe for her to be in the streets. She has no choice but to trust.
Through deceit, Violet's mother is on the ship as it leaves for America. Violet is not.
How does a mixed-race child with limited language and real life experiences survive in a country during a revolution?
Dealing with the changes in traditional practices of marriages as well as the influences of the opium usage, the hierarchy and practices of the prostitution trade, gambling dens and the activities of the Green Gang, as well as life in the countryside as opposed to the city are all what makes The Valley of Amazement an outstanding novel for life in Shanghai in the early twentieth century. The theme of this novel is the constant strain of mother/daughter relationships and the perspective of each constantly judging and unfulfilling each others' dreams. The constant battle between control and submission involves both women and their similar lives.
The Valley of Amazement is unquestionably an epic novel covering years for both Violet and her mother with frequent windows into the past which at times is a little confusing. Amy Tan writes the continual story of Lulu, the mother, Violet and with multiple episodes into the past.
The Valley of Amazement does relate some of the previous experiences in Amy Tan's other novels. For a novel that truly pictures Shanghai, The Valley of Amazement truly is amazing. tale.
Gordon Lightfoot
I admit that I wanted to hear "If You Could Read My Mind" actually sung by the legendary songwriter and singer Gordon Lightfoot in person last Thurday night at the Holland Center in Omaha. Considering that the song was released in 1970, forty-four years ago, the seventy-five year old man did not quite sound like he did years ago, but he can still hold the tune and has an amazing voice for his age.
Also amazing is that this man has probably sung this song at every concert in his long touring and recording history. After listening again to the song from a 1974 recording on You Tube, I realized that it was a little unrealistic to expect the performer's same love of the song with his unique voice quality. What made the song to special way back then was the intensity through dynamic changes mixed with words and a tune that everyone could feel a connection.
Yes, this was the same person singing but now the voice is a little less melodic and edgier. He still has a wonderful tenor voice but the years have not always been kind to him.
The concert began with many of Lightfoot's country songs. Being that he has composed music for years and for many performers, these were not songs that were well-known, but they were enjoyable. At times his singing seemed a little weak but as the night progressed and the bestsellers were performed, his strength and connection with the audience grew. All the songs were well-balanced with the focus on the words and tune of selection rather than volume.
Much of the night was listening to the country and folk music of Gordon Lightfoot who actually started in the music business in the early 1960s. During the night filled with many of his ballads, folk music, and country songs were also the favorite "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald", "Sundown", The band playing along maintained the perfect balance while always centering on the singer. Barry Keane on percussion, Rich Haynes playing bass guitar, and Mike Hefferman playing the keyboards have been a part of the creation of Gordon Lightfoot's music since the 1970s. Carter Lancaster on the lead guitar is the newest member who joined this group in 2009.
It has been five years since Gordon Lightfoot last visited Omaha. For a seventy-five year old, he created a magical experience for the audience of memories and songs from years ago.
Also amazing is that this man has probably sung this song at every concert in his long touring and recording history. After listening again to the song from a 1974 recording on You Tube, I realized that it was a little unrealistic to expect the performer's same love of the song with his unique voice quality. What made the song to special way back then was the intensity through dynamic changes mixed with words and a tune that everyone could feel a connection.
Yes, this was the same person singing but now the voice is a little less melodic and edgier. He still has a wonderful tenor voice but the years have not always been kind to him.
The concert began with many of Lightfoot's country songs. Being that he has composed music for years and for many performers, these were not songs that were well-known, but they were enjoyable. At times his singing seemed a little weak but as the night progressed and the bestsellers were performed, his strength and connection with the audience grew. All the songs were well-balanced with the focus on the words and tune of selection rather than volume.
Much of the night was listening to the country and folk music of Gordon Lightfoot who actually started in the music business in the early 1960s. During the night filled with many of his ballads, folk music, and country songs were also the favorite "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald", "Sundown", The band playing along maintained the perfect balance while always centering on the singer. Barry Keane on percussion, Rich Haynes playing bass guitar, and Mike Hefferman playing the keyboards have been a part of the creation of Gordon Lightfoot's music since the 1970s. Carter Lancaster on the lead guitar is the newest member who joined this group in 2009.
It has been five years since Gordon Lightfoot last visited Omaha. For a seventy-five year old, he created a magical experience for the audience of memories and songs from years ago.
Monday, March 10, 2014
After Eli
After Eli
Terry Kay
Untreed Reads
ASIN: B00A7UPCO2
November 2012
Previously published in 1981
e-book
$ 5.99
271 pages
"Death's just God's way of showin' his believers what it's like to be forever achin' with happiness."
In 1939, it was not unusual for a family living in the Nahella Valley in the Appalachian Mountains to be isolated. Familes frequently spent days or weeks without seeing another person outside of their immediate household. Life was different there and then. If someone needs a temporary home when just passing through, it was not unusual to have shelter for the night in a family's barn.
For the drifter, Michael O'Rear this is an opportunity. With his Irish accent and being a previous performer, he also possesses the skills to charm and for people to trust him.
Unfortunately a young couple first met Michael. They pay the price of being hospitable to him. However, they also tell about a neighboring farm where there are just three women: a mother, daughter, and the mother's sister. The father, Eli, just disappeared. The local talk is that Eli stole some money and hid it before he left. To Michael, this seems like a wish come true.
He can read people and has an understanding about their acceptance of him as a stranger.
Michael visits this farm with the legendary hidden treasure of stolen money. Certainly a man with his talents can charm these lonely women into revealing the treasure.
Quickly Michael learns about an elderly woman who has the power of healing in her hands. Even though the community has a local doctor, he even has been astonished about Mama Ada's skills. Mama Ada seems to sense something in Michael but doesn't say a word.
As Michael builds a relationship with Rachel, Sarah, and Dora, they notice that he seems similar to Eli. So Michael feels it is safe for others to believe that he is Eli's distant relative from Ireland.
Terry Kay is best known for his novel To Dance with the White Dog which was made into an award winning Hallmark Hall of Fame production. He has written numerous novels set in the South of life during the depressed times of the 1930s.
After Eli is a unique novel in that the reader has insight that is not immediately revealed to the characters giving depth to each protagonist and trepidation to the antagonist.
In all of Terry Kay's writings all his characters are loved by the author whether good or bad. His stories are reminiscent of a skilled storyteller weaving an enticing tale into a captivating web.
Terry Kay
Untreed Reads
ASIN: B00A7UPCO2
November 2012
Previously published in 1981
e-book
$ 5.99
271 pages
"Death's just God's way of showin' his believers what it's like to be forever achin' with happiness."
In 1939, it was not unusual for a family living in the Nahella Valley in the Appalachian Mountains to be isolated. Familes frequently spent days or weeks without seeing another person outside of their immediate household. Life was different there and then. If someone needs a temporary home when just passing through, it was not unusual to have shelter for the night in a family's barn.
For the drifter, Michael O'Rear this is an opportunity. With his Irish accent and being a previous performer, he also possesses the skills to charm and for people to trust him.
Unfortunately a young couple first met Michael. They pay the price of being hospitable to him. However, they also tell about a neighboring farm where there are just three women: a mother, daughter, and the mother's sister. The father, Eli, just disappeared. The local talk is that Eli stole some money and hid it before he left. To Michael, this seems like a wish come true.
He can read people and has an understanding about their acceptance of him as a stranger.
Michael visits this farm with the legendary hidden treasure of stolen money. Certainly a man with his talents can charm these lonely women into revealing the treasure.
Quickly Michael learns about an elderly woman who has the power of healing in her hands. Even though the community has a local doctor, he even has been astonished about Mama Ada's skills. Mama Ada seems to sense something in Michael but doesn't say a word.
As Michael builds a relationship with Rachel, Sarah, and Dora, they notice that he seems similar to Eli. So Michael feels it is safe for others to believe that he is Eli's distant relative from Ireland.
Terry Kay is best known for his novel To Dance with the White Dog which was made into an award winning Hallmark Hall of Fame production. He has written numerous novels set in the South of life during the depressed times of the 1930s.
After Eli is a unique novel in that the reader has insight that is not immediately revealed to the characters giving depth to each protagonist and trepidation to the antagonist.
In all of Terry Kay's writings all his characters are loved by the author whether good or bad. His stories are reminiscent of a skilled storyteller weaving an enticing tale into a captivating web.
Tao: Phoenix Rising
Rock, paper, scissors mixed with Japanese music, drums, dance and martial arts created excitement last Friday night at the Orpheum Theater in Omaha. Tao: Phoenix Rising overwhelmingly delighted the audiences of all ages.
Tao began engaging the audience early on before the show while playing "Rock, Paper, Scissors" with many of the children and adults creating laughter on the main floor while also settling the audience into their seats for the show to begin on time.
The show opened with a cloth nature scene in various shades of green and performers adding to the nature sounds with flute and drum music creating a gorgeous introduction to the night's performance. Peacefulness in harmony with nature established the standard for the evening.
Tao displayed the perfect balance between musicianship and athleticism. With an assortment of elaborate costumes, a variety of drums, harps, sticks, cymbals, and stringed instruments blending the visual with the melodic, harmonious, and percussive tunes each selection varied in tempo and style from the previous. Numerous selections were delightful to hear the assortment of tones and tunes along side the excitement and energy of the visual scene.
One of the selections involved three performers playing small cymbals with the three playing catch with an invisible object and often changing to a game of keep away. Their unique awareness of the visual and the musical performance created picturesque and memorable experiences for the audience.
Another of the selections involved lanterns while drumming. In contrast a later scene involved lights creating huge circles in darkness.
Athletically, everyone in the audience was impressed with the athleticism of the male performers who were on their back drumming. They needed to do crunches while performing and holding the large drums between their legs with their toes balancing themselves in a partial sit-up in order to play the drums.
The shamisen, a banjo-like three-stringed lute was frequently used throughout the show in a variety of styles from hard rock to dueling banjos. The flutes were mesmerizing throughout their various songs. Another noticeable instrument was the plucked strings on the harps which created beautiful melodies.
Tao: Phoenix Rising was fun family entertainment while also experiencing the musical traditions of old Japan. This is a show that the audience did not want to end and the performers continued in their various roles exhibiting a wide range of talents and skills to the delight of everyone.
Tao began engaging the audience early on before the show while playing "Rock, Paper, Scissors" with many of the children and adults creating laughter on the main floor while also settling the audience into their seats for the show to begin on time.
The show opened with a cloth nature scene in various shades of green and performers adding to the nature sounds with flute and drum music creating a gorgeous introduction to the night's performance. Peacefulness in harmony with nature established the standard for the evening.
Tao displayed the perfect balance between musicianship and athleticism. With an assortment of elaborate costumes, a variety of drums, harps, sticks, cymbals, and stringed instruments blending the visual with the melodic, harmonious, and percussive tunes each selection varied in tempo and style from the previous. Numerous selections were delightful to hear the assortment of tones and tunes along side the excitement and energy of the visual scene.
One of the selections involved three performers playing small cymbals with the three playing catch with an invisible object and often changing to a game of keep away. Their unique awareness of the visual and the musical performance created picturesque and memorable experiences for the audience.
Another of the selections involved lanterns while drumming. In contrast a later scene involved lights creating huge circles in darkness.
Athletically, everyone in the audience was impressed with the athleticism of the male performers who were on their back drumming. They needed to do crunches while performing and holding the large drums between their legs with their toes balancing themselves in a partial sit-up in order to play the drums.
The shamisen, a banjo-like three-stringed lute was frequently used throughout the show in a variety of styles from hard rock to dueling banjos. The flutes were mesmerizing throughout their various songs. Another noticeable instrument was the plucked strings on the harps which created beautiful melodies.
Tao: Phoenix Rising was fun family entertainment while also experiencing the musical traditions of old Japan. This is a show that the audience did not want to end and the performers continued in their various roles exhibiting a wide range of talents and skills to the delight of everyone.
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