New Releases: Tuesday, May 15th

There are a lot of fantastic books being released tomorrow. The few posted below are just some highlights. I'm definitely adding some of these to my reading list: 

1. The Testament of Jessie Lamb by Jane Rogers (Paperback, Nook, Kindle)

Brief Overview (courtesy of B&N): 

Set in a world irreparably altered by an act of biological terrorism, The Testament of Jessie Lamb explores a young woman's struggle to become independent of her parents. As the certainties of her childhood are ripped apart, Jessie begins to question her parents' attitudes, their behavior, & the very world they have bequeathed her. 

Winner of the 2012 Arthur C. Clarke Award. Slate published a great article discussing the use of science and technology in the novel. You can find that article here.

2. The Secrets of Mary Bowser by Lois Leveen (Paperback, Nook, Kindle) 

According to B&N: 

Based on a remarkable true story, The Secrets of Mary Bowser is an inspiring tale of one daring woman's willingness to sacrifice her own freedom to change the course of history.

The novel has received positive reviews so far. I'm curious to see what this book brings to the table. This seems to be a story that's been done before, so I'd like to see what new elements it has to offer. 

3. The Cranes Dance by Meg Howrey (Paperback, Nook, Kindle, Audiobook) 

B&N has included an excerpt from the novel on their website. You can find that here. Here's part of the synopsis they've provided:  

So begins the tale of Kate Crane, a soloist in a celebrated New York City ballet company who is struggling to keep her place in a very demanding world. At every turn she is haunted by her close relationship with her younger sister, Gwen, a fellow company dancer whose career quickly surpassed Kate’s, but who has recently suffered a breakdown and returned home.

4. The Taliban Cricket Club: A Novel by Timeri N. Murari (Hardback, Nook, Kindle)

Synopsis: Inspired by the Taliban's actual & unprecedented promotion of cricket in 2000 in an attempt to gain acceptance in the global community, internationally bestselling author Murari weaves a riveting story of strength, hope, & soaring human triumph that proves no tyranny is ever absolute in the face of love.

This one is moving to the top of my "To Read" list. I'm a sucker for creative, interesting covers and I love this one. The story sounds great, too. Great plot, renowned author, inspirational story. Sounds like a great summer read. 

Any other new releases you're looking forward to? Will any of these books top your summer reading list? Comment & let me know! 

Top Five: Literary Moms

This post is a bit late in the day, so apologies! Better late than never though. In honor of Mother's Day, I've made a list of my top five favorite literary moms. In no particular order:

1. Molly Weasley and Lily Potter (Harry Potter) 
• So much to say about these awesome moms. Nothing beats the scene in HP7 with Molly and Bellatrix. Lily Potter sacrificed herself for her child. Not sure if you can really top either of these moms. Both would (and did!) do anything for their children. Dying for your kids? That's real motherly love. 
2. Hester Prynne (The Scarlet Letter) 
• Not one of my favorite books, but you can't deny that Hester was a legit mom. Her daughter, Pearl, was a total brat, but Hester made do as best as an adulterous mother can in Puritan times.
3. Mrs. Bennet (Pride & Prejudice)
• I might be leaning more towards the film portrayals of Mrs. Bennet, but can you really deny that the woman didn't want the best (or what she considered the best) for her kids? Yeah, she's a little improper and embarrassing, but she's hilarious and practical --to an extent. 
4. Mrs. Darling (Peter Pan) 
• Mrs. Darling is the first to encourage her children to never grow up. She's kind, loving, and completely endearing. Her compassion towards her family, and her innate motherliness solidifies her as one of the most wonderful literary moms. 
5. Topaz (I Capture The Castle)
• Some people might not know this one, but if you've never read the book, do it. It's one of my personal favorites. Topaz, honorary step-mother, is a supportive, free spirit of a mom. She supports her crazy husband, truly loves her step-daughters, and runs around naked, "communing with nature." 

While I was coming up with this list, I realized how few moms there are in literature. Moms seem to be absent, (somewhat) insane, or just serve as background characters. It's an interesting thing to note, and something I'd like to do some further research on. Thoughts on why? 

Anyway! Thoughts on the list? Any other moms you would add? 

Currently Reading

I'm graduating from college on Saturday, and the only thing I'm truly looking forward to at this point in time is reading. My studies have made reading not so fun in the last four years, with the exception of a few books here and there. I want to read for pleasure, not for class. And I cannot wait.


Because I'm so incredibly excited about this, I am going to make a list of things I have sitting on my desk and my e-reader shelf that I have:  a) started & haven't finished, b) have wanted to start, but never got a chance, or c) have just been sitting on my desk collecting dust.


Here it goes (after the jump!)

"Let the wild rumpus start!" -- R.I.P Maurice Sendak

"There is no such thing as fantasy unrelated to reality." -Maurice Sendak 

Best known for his children's book, Where the Wild Things Are, as well as his beautiful illustrations, Sendak will be incredibly missed. 

C.S. Lewis once said, "A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.” I can't think of a better quote that encompasses Sendak's work. He had the wonderful ability to make his readers enjoy life & discover their child. 

MSNBC posted this wonderful picture of Sendak with one of his characters. R.I.P, sir. Another great literary figure lost. You will be missed. 


The Guardian has posted a lovely obituary. You can read it here:  Maurice Sendak Obituary

Question: What's your favorite Sendak memory?