Tag Archives: literature

homer & langley by e. l. doctorow

Publisher: Random House Published: 2009 Genre: Fiction Rating: 3 Summary: The story is loosley based on the real lives of two brothers.  If you’ve ever seen the sagging jeans in urban America, then, yeah, you’ll understand the concept of “loosley.”  … Continue reading

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the good thief by hannah tinti

Publisher: Random House Published: 2008 Genre: Fiction Rating: 3 Summary: We begin with an orphanage administered by Catholic monks.  And in this beginning we meet a young orphan named Ren, whose name is sewn into his shirt collar.  Ren is … Continue reading

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the tale of despereaux by kate dicamillo

Publisher: Candlewick Press Published: 2001 Genre: Juvenile Rating: 4 Summary: A little mouse born in a castle and with big floppy ears meets a princess.  He falls in love.  And then, so Romeo and Juliet-esque, the mouse community banishes him … Continue reading

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animal crackers by hannah tinti

Publisher: Dial Press Published: 2004 Genre: Short story Rating: 2 Okay, so the book is a collection of short stories, which would seem to make a summary somewhat unfeasible.  But I will summarize the patterns and characteristics of the collection … Continue reading

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comedy in a minor key by hans keilson

Publisher: Hesperus Press Published: 2010 Translated by: Damion Searls Summary: It is WW II.  And the place is Holland.  A Dutch couple takes in a Jewish refugee named Nico.  But then he dies.  Now the couple must decide what to … Continue reading

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the charlatan’s boy by jonathan rogers

Publisher: WaterBrook Press Published: 2010 Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, YA Rating: 4 Summary: A charlatan’s boy, literally a boy employed by a charlatan, tells the story of his adventures in the island nation of Corenwald as he roams from village to … Continue reading

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demons of chitrakut by ashok k. banker

Publisher: Orbit Published: 2004 Genre: Epic, Hindu Rating: 4 Summary: Rama having decimated the armies of Ravana attacking Mithila, has now wed Sita and is travelling back to Ayodhya where Rama will be crowned King.  Events occur which send Rama … Continue reading

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chinese literature anyone?

Know much about Chinese literature?  Probably not, if you’re an American (and with this proviso: you have no Chinese ancestry).  We read in small circles here in America.  Alright, okay, it’s fine.  Sort of.  But we’re missing out. Here’s a … Continue reading

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for the love of a good book: andrew winer

An awesome testimonial on how a good book can change us.  Especially concerning how we read and write. Find the article at Jacket Copy here: School Reading: Andrew Winer on ‘Bleak House’. I say “awesome” because, first, I love Charles … Continue reading

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prince of ayodhya

Publisher: Warner Books Published: 2003 Genre: Epic, Hindu Rating: 4 Summary: Rama, heir to the throne of Ayodhya an ancient kingdom situated in India, is sent with a mighty guru (Vishwamitra) to destroy a great demoness (Tataka) and so ensure … Continue reading

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