William Shakespeare's the Phantom of Menace

"O Threepio,

O Threepio, 

Wherefore Art Thou Threepio?"

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

Storyline - The Trade Federation has taken over the peaceful planet of Naboo, trying to force its queen, Amidala, to sign a treaty to make their occupation legal, allowing innocents to die. With the help of two Jedi knights, the queen escapes but their ship is damaged and has to land on the lonely planet Tatooine for supplies. While there, the Jedi meet a boy, Anakin Skywalker, who might be the one to bring the Force into balance. As the Jedi try to help Anakin and take them with them, Naboo is in desperate need but it is unknown if the Republic will send aid in time to save its people.

Author - Ian Doescher

Publisher - Quirk Books

Age Group - 15 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Queen Amidala, Anakin, and the Jedi are determined to protect Naboo and do the right thing, even at the cost of their own lives. Jar Jar is a bit manipulative. Many of them just want peace.  They call on the Fates and the Force of support and help on numerous occasions.

Personal Opinion - A great retelling of the film in Shakespearian form. The known dialogue and actions are contain within the story as well as going into the thoughts and feelings of the characters as well as adding some small, additional arcs, such as Jar Jar Binks aside dialogue. I also appreciated two Jedi's who talked about seeing a pattern in the Force, mostly because it related to an observation my mom made about the movies but, if I say more I'll spoil it. I think the only thing I would have liked different is knowing what the prophesy is. For everything that is added and expanded upon, this explanation is still missing like it did in the movie. I hope someday to hear what the prophesy actually says besides people just referencing it. Still, a great read for those who like the movies yet would enjoy them told a little differently. (In fact, Squirmy, the Ty, enjoyed it so much, he tried using the force to levitate the book for the picture. Please don't tell him you see his tale.)

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Other Reviews for this Author - William Shakespeare's The Jedi Doth Return

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I Could Chew on This

"And Other Poems by Dogs"

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

 

About - Dogs release their voices in this collection of poems that describe their joy, sorrow, and fears as they see them. Humor fills the pages as the dogs recount being left alone, running free, and playing games. See the world through your dogs eyes and appreciate them new.

Author - Francesco Marciuliano

Publisher - Chronicle Books

Personal Opinion - This collection of poems from a dog's point of view on various topics is charming and, at times, laugh out loud funny. They really get at the heart of the dog's brain and thought processes. Some of the funniness also comes from the dog not fully comprehending what is going on in the poem while the reader does. Even those who are not fond of poems could find these enjoyable. The only thing I did not like about these poems were to ones concerning sex. People who love dogs will be able to identify and enjoy these poems.  

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Cover Reveal - A Wish Made of Glass by Ashlee Willis

Hey Bookworms,

Today, Ashlee Willis, author of The Word Changers (which is a fantasy and sounds really good so have to get it), is releasing the cover of her newest novella A Wish Made of Glass. Here is her bio: Ashlee Willis is the author of fantasy for young adults. She lives in the heart of Missouri with her husband and young son. While most of her days are balanced between writing, reading and being a stay-at-home mom, she also finds time to enjoy forest rambles, photography, and playing the piano.

Below is the summary.

Deep in a forest glade, the fey folk dance with Isidore, a young human child. Their kinship is the very fabric of her childhood. When her mother dies and her world darkens with sorrow, Isidore finds her belief in the fey folk wavering.

The love of her new step-sister, Blessing, proves an unexpected gift in her time of need. Yet even as their friendship blooms, Isidore begins to see that Blessing is everything she herself has always wanted to be, but is not. Jealousy grips Isidore as she watches this beautiful new sister steal away all she holds dear.

Driven to desperation, Isidore turns to the fey folk once more. She has only one wish to claim from them, one chance to make things right. But she must tread carefully. For wishes, like hearts, are easily broken. And obtaining the one thing she desires could mean destroying the one thing she truly needs.

Beautiful, right? This sounds like a fun story and has a perfect cover. I will have to get this book when it becomes available which will be some time this summer! If you want to learn more about the book and author, take a look at these links.

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While your here, please leave a note for the author in the comments on her upcoming novella.

Dreamworks Dragons: Riders of Berk; Volumes 1-4

Bookworm's Ranking - 3.5 - 4 Worms

Storyline - Hiccup and his friends are defending Berk, fighting dragons, and meeting new enemies in this comic book series based off the TV show, Riders of Berk. In the series, we meet old and new enemies as the dragons and Vikings get in trouble a well as the heroes using their ingenuity to conquer their antagonists. Ride along with the dragons and riders as the work together and learn new lessons on their crazy adventures.

Publisher - Titan Comics

Age Group - 13 and up
 
Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Hiccup tries to be a good leader but also disobeys his father from time to time. He is determined to protect his dragon and friends. Jealousy also comes into play. All the gang tries to work together and protect their home and dragons.

Personal Opinion - This series is fun and charming but I found some of the stories missing something. These stories are not recreations of the episodes on TV but their own adventures to add to the show which makes them new. That artwork was colorful and bright, bringing the story to life. The new enemies were interesting and challenging, requiring the dragon riders to use their famous ingenuity to win. Yet, something seemed to be missing from the books. For some, it might have been a sense of immediacy with the danger and the stories went fast. One of the comic's art was a bit strange but, I like this series and can't wait to see the rest of the stories.

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Mother's Day

Hey Bookworms,

For Mother's Day, the review has been postponed until tomorrow. Have a great day and feel free to use the search engine above if you want to find a good book for Mom (or are planning to take her shopping and want some ideas).

Remember to chew on a good book today.

Very Good Lives

"The Fringe Benefits of Failure and
the Importance of Imagination"

 

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms

 

About - In 2008, J. K. Rowling gave the commencement speech to Harvard graduates which is now reprinted in this book. In it, she tells them the importance of failing (and that they will) and how that can help you. With personal stories, she encourages them to face that failer as they also find success. Imagination will also see each person through those difficult times as they struggle to find their path. With accompanying art, the message of the speech comes alive on the page to pass along her advice to a whole new audience.

Author - J. K. Rowling

Publisher - Little, Brown and Company

Age Group - 15 and up

Personal Opinion - This book reproduces J. K. Rowling's Harvard commencement speech in book form with all her advice, personal lessons learned, and words along with pictures to deepen the message. I liked the advice she gave and the pictures just added to the thoughts presented in the speech. Each page had a small section of the speech and, while it was written in order, the book reminded me of a table top book that you can pick up and just read a page from. I think the only thing that got to me about the book was how much it cost for it being so short and only having one of her speeches. I guess I wish it was longer. But, this book would make a nice graduation gift for high school or college students but can also be enjoyed by who ever picks it up.

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Other Reviews for this Author - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

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