The Sin Eater's Daughter

Bibliography
Salisbury, Melinda. Read by Amy Shiels. The Sin Eater's Daughter. Scholastic Audio,  2015. Audiobook.

image from: www.titlewave.com

Summary (from audiobook overview):
"Sixteen-year-old Twylla lives in the castle. But although she's engaged to the prince, no one speaks to her. No one even looks at her. Because Twylla isn't a member of the court. She's the executioner.

As the goddess-embodied, Twylla kills with a single touch. So each week, she's taken to the prison and forced to lay her hands on those accused of treason. No one will ever love her. Who could care for a girl with murder in her veins? Even the prince, whose royal blood supposedly makes him immune to her touch, avoids her.

But then a new guard arrives, a boy whose playful smile belies his deadly swordsmanship. And unlike the others, he's able to look past Twylla's executioner robes and sees the girl, not the goddess. Yet a treasonous romance is the least of Twylla's problems. The queen has a plan to destroy her enemies--a plan that requires an unthinkable sacrifice. Will Twylla do what it takes to protect her kingdom? Or will she abandon her duty in favor of a doomed love?"

My Thoughts
At first, I didn't think I'd get into this book. The author's voice was accented (Irish? Scottish, perhaps?), and I could tell pretty quickly that it was going to be a fantasy read. I just didn't know if I was in the mood for that after listening to Vivian Apple's story. But, I stuck it out and listened. I did catch my mind wandering off and having to back up the book (I was listening) to rehear what I'd zoned out hearing.

My notes as I listened. You might want to skip these and go on down to the line break if you don't want the book spoiled.  As I'm listening, I'm not sure of spelling.--side note: found spellings on the author's web page. HOORAY!

Queen Helewys--evil!
Merek-is Prince (Queen's biological son)

Unspoken pact--ladies cannot become pregnant if the queen cannot. Queen sentences Loreal (sp?); King pardons and then kneels before Queen (unprecedented!).

Lief (new guard)--was to inherit land, father died, ended up at castle

"We must be ghosts. That's how we stay alive in this castle"--Twylla to Lief

Lief kisses her and she doesn’t die!

she is questioning what is truth—doesn’t drink the vial of mornings bane (poison) at The Telling to prove she’s Daunen embodied 

King is now “ill”—Twylla confronts Merek and he asks who she’s been talking to—

T's "victims" poisoned beforehand—drops of Oleander in their last meal (Merek confesses)—Tyrek knew it wasn’t Twylla—planned to tell her, so he was killed

“people need something to believe in”—hope. 

Twylla is a symbol--had to make people believe new queen is divine to take the thrown

Queen & King pretended Twylla was a tribute to gods

“Why would the man I’m to marry let me think I’m a killer?”-Twylla

Tregellans know MUCH about apothecary—they would know about a poison that kills to the touch..

Tregellans believe in oak, holly gods (Lief doesn’t believe in any gods)…some people just need gods to believe in 

Twylla admits that she’s in love with Lief 

come up with plan to escape—will let Merek think Twylla will be part of the rouse on the kingdom

Lief and Twylla have sex (implied)

Queen poisons King—wants to marry son (UGH!!!)

Queen accuses Tregellan (Lief?) of killing King

Sin Eater slows down the eating of King’s sin—shows her power (including over the Queen)

Twylla finds out sister died two harvests ago

Twylla realizes that she’s never asked about sister—wanted to leave mother’s house so she wouldn’t be sin eater

says she “deserves” to stay her as punishment—she’ll become the queen (as punishment of sorts)

“I will take the one thing she values and she will know what it means to suffer!” Twylla’s thoughts

Lief returns—Queen “catches” them after sex 

Queen has two sons—one by birth and one by inheritance (land/kingdom)

Merek learns of betrayal (he comes in and Queen tells him). Merek is confused, disbelieving

Twylla remembers story of piper—queen summoned Bringer—guess I should have paid more attention to the piper’s story Lief told Twylla. Twylla is figuring out Queen’s motive and tells Merek.  Bringer is son of Sleeping Prince—medallion is not filed like Queen said—

she wants own alchemist—to make gold and finance war with Tregellan 

MEREK BELIEVES HER! Calls for “trial” and Twylla is a witness. Calls Queen out on the entire lie of Daunen embodied. 

Queen says Merek needs her to control the Bringer. 

Queen says “how & why did Lief get here”?

Chapter 23-Lief explains that Queen hired him to seduce Twylla, his real backstory—OH MY! 

Merek still wants Twylla. She wants to think on this and make sure that SHE wants this.  

Lief tries to say that we would have told her truth…he would have run with Twylla and he loves her. “He went back and forth” with Twylla—when he saw Merek kiss her, Lief realized that he loved her

story stops and leaves room for sequel 

Epilogue: “wrap, tap, tap”…who is knocking? 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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This concept of the "sin eater" is interesting and sprinkled through the story. It made me think of the many lessons we learn about people through our customs.

I'm glad to have listened to this because I wouldn't have pronounced the names correctly. I would say /twi la/ for /twill a/, for example. 

Some words I had to look up to see the spelling since I wasn't reading the actual book:
Lormere-land/realm where Twylla lives 
Daunen-goddess (ok, "a child of gods, but not a goddess herself"-Twylla to Lief)
Tregellan (a science-minded democracy)
I never did find the best friend that Twylla killed early in the book. It starts with a "T" I think. 

While researching, I read some reviews through Titlewave (my book vendor) and found this: 

"Twylla's mother is a Sin Eater, one who eats symbolic foods of the deceased person's sins at their grave site;

Salisbury's concept is not new: Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me (HarperCollins, 2011) and Kristin Cashore's Graceling (Houghton Harcourt, 2008) have similar heroines with tactile killing powers. However, her luscious world-building and mythology make this fantasy a worthy read. Twylla is strong and sensible, and teen fans of royal intrigue titles will be rooting for her.-Amanda C. Buschmann, Atascocita Middle School, Humble, TX (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted."

I thought this part interesting, since I recently finished Graceling. Yes, I can see some parallels between the two stories. Interesting timing. I am always amused when it seems my reading connects. 

Ok, when I saw that I only had 8 minutes left to listen, I was afraid that 1. my download wasn't complete or 2. the story was going to drop and leave me waiting for a sequel--the second option happens. 
Here's something I found on the author's website that I thought was good (melindasalisbury.com):

"I thought I was writing a fairytale; a girl in a tower who falls in love at the wrong time. A wicked queen, and a handsome prince and a damsel in distress. It’s a tale as old as time, and one we all know. 

And I did write that. All of those things are in the book. What I didn’t realise until the end was that it was also a story about emotional abuse. Control. Manipulation, lies, and threats. Neglect. Growing up in a loveless environment. Being taken advantage of. Being used.

In writing about a girl who is trapped by her heritage, and her abilities, and her gender, I wrote about a girl discovering who she is, and what she wants, in a world that’s never considered she may be anything more than what it decides for her. I thought I was telling a story about a caged bird who longed to be freed. And I was. but it was also more. Darker. Less palatable. Twylla’s story might be fiction, but for a lot of girls it isn’t."

Yes, I agree. This is a fairy tale story that we all know, but yet it isn't. The author puts a name pronunciation guide on her website (I should have looked at her site sooner). Also on the author's website, I learned that this book may come "alive" on television. I hope the author gets to help create this version of her story.  

Vivian Apple at the End of the World

Coyle, Katie. Read by Julia Whelan. Vivian Apple at the End of the World. Dreamscape Media, 2015. Audiobook.
image from: www.audiobooksync.com

Summary (from audiobook overview):
"Seventeen-year-old Vivian Apple never believed in the evangelical Church of America, unlike her recently devout parents. But when Vivian returns home the night after the supposed 'Rapture,' all that's left of her parents are two holes in the roof. Suddenly, she doesn't know who or what to believe. With her best friend Harp and a mysterious ally, Peter, Vivian embarks on a desperate cross-country roadtrip through a paranoid and panic-stricken America to find answers. Because at the end of the world, Vivian Apple isn't looking for a savior. She's looking for the truth."

My Thoughts
From the prologue, this book caught my attention. As I began listening, I wondered what the publishing date was for this book. It seemed to be very timely to events of 2016.

I laughed out loud when Harp exclaims that she's spent 17 years in Pittsburgh living practically on top of each other and all this time there's this empty state out here (Wyoming). I laughed because it's true and also, I visited Wyoming last summer and listened to several audio books while driving through that state. There are parts that do seem desolate (including the sketchy place we stopped in the middle of nowhere where there was this random convenience store, but I digress.).

I listened to this book mostly in the car. While I was listening, I would chuckle or laugh out right and my family would just look at me. I'd smile, shrug my shoulders and mouth, "This book is funny."  I laughed many times.

There are several twists in the story and some predicted outcomes.  There are 22 chapters in this installment.  I will be reading the second book in the series to find out what happens to Viv, Harp and Peter as well as some other characters that are in the story (no plot spoilers here!).

I have this (printed) book in my Religious/Spiritual section in the library.  I think it fits here because after listening, there are definite elements of spiritual belief and questioning here. However, there's also a LOT of cussing (including the "f-bomb), so I may order an additional copy for the "chick lit" section. It will fit there as well. There's some romance and interpersonal relationships.

The Great Tennessee Monkey Trial

Bibliography
Goodchild, Peter. Read by Edward Asner, John de Lancie, et. al. The Great Tennessee Monkey Trial. L.A. Theater Works, 2006. Audiobook.

Summary

• "A recreation of the 1925 trial of young science teacher John Thomas Scopes, which sparked the evolution versus creationism debate."

My Thoughts

I started listening to this audio book while getting ready for my day off of school. I ended up listening to the whole book that day--while cleaning, sorting pictures, making lunch. It was interesting to hear this historical court case "played" out. It was much more interesting than I remember learning about in school. In fact, I think we just heard "Here's a case--know about it---it's important." OK, in fairness, we probably actually talked about it with more detail, but as I was a boy-crazy teenager, I probably wasn't paying attention. 

There are many actors in this play, so at times, I actually wasn't sure who was talking. It didn't matter. The story kept going. I kept thinking about Paul Harvey's "the rest of the story" when hearing the back story of how this monumental court case came to be. 

Glad to have listened to this play. 

Graceling

Bibliography
Cashore, Kristin. Graceling. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2008. Print.
image from: en.wikipedia.org

My Thoughts
This was a book I've seen go across my check out counter numerous times. A few months ago, I was at a teen event, and this was a "prize" I picked. The book came home with me and sat on the shelf. The other day I picked it up on my way out of the door because I wanted to have a book with me. Good choice!

This is the story of a Graceling--someone "enchanted" with a special ability. Katsa thinks her ability is killing others. She learns that is only part of it.

This book is part feminist tale, part love story. There's definitely a heroine's journey. I"m excited to read the next two books in the series, but I have to get the library inventory done first. I guess these will have to wait until summer.

Changing the blog

I'm considering making some changes to my blog.

My goals for this blog:

1. promote books
2. give myself some reminders about what the book is about
3. offer some thoughts about the style, story, characters, my relationship with the book

Obstacles I sometimes have writing this blog:

• I just don't know how to articulate my thoughts & feelings.
• I mostly read books I like, therefore, my thoughts seem the same: "great book," "I enjoyed the story," "the characters are wonderful," etc. 

• I think the reader just has to experience the book. 

• I read books faster than I can blog about them, or
• I sometimes take months to read (or listen) to a book, so it looks like I'm not reading because there's lag time between posts, or
• I am reading several books at one time (pieces here and there), or
• I want to read an entire series before writing about it. 

• I forget to include pivotal plot points (see note above about the reader experiencing the book). I've found that I don't always include the scenes that readers may have wanted a warning about (such as a character's death).

• Should every book I read be included?

Solutions: 

1. Quit the blog. (Nope, I don't like this one!)

2.  Just post biographical info, cover picture and make this more of a list (Then why blog?).

3.  Stop stressing about the thing and just keep doing what I'm doing.

4. 

Afterward

Bibliography
Mathieu, Jennifer. Afterward. New York: Roaring Brook Press, 2016. Print.
Image from: www.fiercereads.com
My Thoughts
I got this book this year at TLA--on Wednesday. I had it read before Friday. The story is compelling and heartbreaking and scary and horrific, yet it is also hopeful. The teaser on the front cover captured my attention: "Ethan went on a bike ride. Four years later, he came home." I thought it was going to be a murder/mystery type book. It has some mystery elements, and I found myself reading like a detective trying to put clues together to create the full story, but it's not like a detective story in a traditional sense. Ethan's story is revealed as his brain allows the memories to surface. He's been through a traumatic experience. He's seeing a psychiatrist to help him deal with returning home.

This is Mathieu's third published book. I read the first one (The Truth About Alice) and bought her second one (Devoted), but I haven't read it yet.

Summary (from back cover): "When Caroline's little brother is kidnapped, his rescue leads to the discovery of Ethan, a teenager who has been living with his kidnapper since he was a young child himself. Caroline wonders what Ethan knows about all that happened to her brother. And Ethan can't see Caroline without experiencing a resurgence of traumatic memories. But they live in the same small Texas town, and after the media circus surrounding the kidnappings departs and the families are left to pick up the pieces, both Caroline and Ethan need a friend, and their best option might be each other."

I didn't slow down enough to mark many pages. I marked some plot things that I thought I might want to refer back to as the story progressed---little threads that would tie it all together. The story is a little mystery, but I would describe it as compelling. I had to learn what happened. How & why did Dylan, a boy with autism, get kidnapped? What is Ethan doing there? Will Ethan's therapy (upon returning home) actually help him? Will his parents ever be "normal" again? [Side note--Ethan's mom cracks me up! I can see her checking every few minutes, to the point of smothering, but I understand why. She's lost her boy and he's returned. I'm not sure I'd ever let my child out of my sight again.]

Ethan & Caroline's friendship seems believable. Through music (and their budding friendship), they are dealing with what's happened. At first, I thought this friendship was unrealistic, but as the story continued, I could see the truth of this friendship. It is not fairy tale perfect, which makes it real. They argue and step away from each other. They come together. They talk about nothing and don't talk about the things they should. There are walls and boundaries and respect.

This book releases in September. I already know some kids I will share this book with before my library gets the "official" copy.

Between Hurt and Healing

Bibliography
Melvin, Jackie. Between Hurt and Healing. Mustang, OK: Tate Publishing, 2016. Print.
image from: missusgonzo.files.wordpress.com

My Thoughts
I was afraid to read this book because I know the author. Really. I taught one of her sons and worked with her for a year. I know her. I was afraid that if I read the book and didn't like it, I wouldn't be able to tell her. Well, there's no need to worry about it. This is a GREAT story! I found myself not wanting to put the book down, but I made myself stop reading in order to sleep. I became attached to the characters. In fact, I didn't know if I could get through Chapter 14. That was a tear jerker. But I did get through it, and the story kept getting better.

I tried to be objective, but I couldn't help but read what I know about Jackie into this story. I wondered if I knew the characters or were they composites of people I know? But, it really isn't Jackie's autobiography. She's followed the first rule of writing--"write what you know." She's crafted a story of dedicated love (she's been married 30 years). She writes about relationships and heartbreak and living life in Texas. She even writes a little about football.

I think this story stands up as a good plot with believable characters. I think people who don't know the author will enjoy this story.

Synopsis from back of book: "Introverted Denise Staukhill just wanted a quiet life. She never dreamed she would find a man like Darren Olsen to share it with. An unexpected tragedy ends their fairy-tale romance, and Denise once again finds herself alone and devastated.  Years later, the handsome head football coach from the local high school and Darren's best friend, Eric Ortellio, tries desperately to help her find peace. As their relationship starts to grow, the manipulative Coach Nick Nelson, trying to protect his secretive past, steps in to ruin both of them. Will Denise and Eric's friendship sustain the lies and manipulation that the evil Nelson has weaved? Can Denise find the strength to let go of Darren and hold on to Eric, or will her faithfulness to Darren keep Eric out of her life forever?"

Some things I marked in this book:

• Denise was going to "try to understand why so many people participate in 'selfish' acts of kindness. 'Kindness' that is done to make the giver feel better about themselves with absolutely no regard for the receiver's feelings, thoughts, or needs is not kindness at all" (Melvin 17).  Ouch! I wondered how many times over my lifetime I've been guilty of this? 
• She uses "ambivert" (Melvin 80)! I learned this word from Jackie. I think she was reading Susan Cain's book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking when she shared it with me because I often say that I'm an introvert who wants to be an extrovert. Ambivert is the word that describes this middle space. I actually smiled when I saw this word worked into the story. 
• Schools across the state use various tutorial methods, but when I read the part of the story when Coach Eric writes a note for Colton, I could only think of Stephenville High School's Extended Day program (Melvin193).   
• "This is why I love Texas. Everywhere you go across this big state, you will always run into a friend" (Melvin 231). This is so true. I've run into Texas "friends" in other states and even an another country. 
• I liked oven mitt Christmas game described on page 381. I might try this with my family.  

So, Jackie Melvin, I'm so proud of your story. I will be recommending it to others and hope they enjoy it as much as I did!