This week, I am going to talk about three books. They are: Maid by Stephanie Land, The Vanishing Stair by Maureen Johnson, and Who in the World is Carmen Sandiego by Rebecca Tinker.
More books out this week:
The Witches of St. Petersburg by Imogen Edwards-Jones (Paperback, $16.99)*
The Weight of a Piano by Chris Cander (Hardcover, $26.95)*
Talent by Juliet Lapidos (Hardcover, $27.00)*
Daughters of the Winter Queen by Nancy Goldstone (Paperback, $18.99)*
A Thousand Sisters by Elizabeth Wein (Hardcover, $19.99)*
The Royal Rabbits of London by Santa Montefiore, Simon Montefiore (Paperback, $7.99)*
Escape from The Palace by Santa Montefiore, Simon Montefiore (Hardcover, $16.99)
Maid by Stephanie Land (Hardcover, $27.00)*
Giving insight to a single story, an experience, this book helps to create a window to a very large problem that persists. One that many people in today's society are still pretty ignorant, blissful or otherwise, about.
So please, next time you go out, please be kind to everyone really, but especially those working jobs that you feel that you are above doing yourself.
Some 80+ years later, a student by the name of Stevie Bell joins the student roster, and is determined to try and solve the great unsolved Ellingham Mystery.
When trying to think of what these books are in any way like, the first that comes to mind is a bit of Nancy Drew with a dash of Agatha Christie. And yet, completely Maureen Johnson.
I first read Maureen Johnson, without knowing, or thinking to know who Maureen Johnson is. As a teenager I read 13 Little Blue Envelopes. (Think P.S. I Love You but Teen...) I also recently read by her a book that she co-wrote with John Green and Lauren Myracle, Let It Snow. (Soon to be a Netflix Movie.)
I "rediscovered" her a few years ago at a sadly now defunct conference, NerdCon: Stories. Created by Hank Green and Patrick Rothfuss, it was a local conference that focused and celebrated the different ways of telling stories. I met some great people and had some great laughs. Unfortunately, due to complexities beyond my understanding at this point, they decided not to continue it past the first two years. Some day, maybe, they will bring it back. They really had a great thing going.
Anyway.... at this event, Maureen Johnson was introduced to the stage as an honorary Green Brother (for John & Hank Green). Note, this was a time when The Fault In Our Stars was still at the height of most literary conversation, as well as the Vlog Brothers.
Also worth noting is that Maureen Johnson is in fact, a woman of her own merit. Her writing has a sharp, almost deadpan sense of humor that is easily identifiable as hers.
Jumping a head a couple of years, I finally, and officially met the Great Maureen Johnson last June in New York at BookCon. She is truly great, and I will definitely be talking more about her books in the future.
(photo of the Hardcover)
Maid is the memoir of Stephanie Land, who in getting out of an abusive relationship and without a support system, ended up being caught in a vicious cycle of poverty and the system that both helps and hurts those in it. She quickly found that minimum wage is not the same as a livable wage. Smart and talented - and trapped below the poverty line.
No matter what she did or how many jobs she worked, nothing seemed to be enough. She truly suffered the prejudice of poverty, when all she just trying to was survive and provide for her daughter. Sadly, this isn't a rarity. And as a result, her story isn't all that exceptional. What is exceptional is that she was finally able to get out of that trap. That she is able to tell her story, with such a platform that people might listen and learn.
No matter what she did or how many jobs she worked, nothing seemed to be enough. She truly suffered the prejudice of poverty, when all she just trying to was survive and provide for her daughter. Sadly, this isn't a rarity. And as a result, her story isn't all that exceptional. What is exceptional is that she was finally able to get out of that trap. That she is able to tell her story, with such a platform that people might listen and learn.
(My ARC)
I received an advanced copy of this oh...last June? I read a good chunk of it right away, but ended up having to put it down for a while.
I was so frustrated.I was frustrated with what she had to go through. I was frustrated by some of what she witnessed. I was frustrated with my own experiences from working in retail. I was frustrated by the ignorance of some of my peers.
The stigma, and the exhaustion alone, is frustrating at best.
As someone who took a pay cut to get out of stressful work environment, I can tell you that Minimum Wage is NOT a livable wage. But we all do what we have to; to survive.
This is a book that is heartbreaking because the situation and topic is all too commonplace. And thing is, this isn't the first book to take on this subject matter, nor will it be the last.
I was so frustrated.I was frustrated with what she had to go through. I was frustrated by some of what she witnessed. I was frustrated with my own experiences from working in retail. I was frustrated by the ignorance of some of my peers.
The stigma, and the exhaustion alone, is frustrating at best.
As someone who took a pay cut to get out of stressful work environment, I can tell you that Minimum Wage is NOT a livable wage. But we all do what we have to; to survive.
This is a book that is heartbreaking because the situation and topic is all too commonplace. And thing is, this isn't the first book to take on this subject matter, nor will it be the last.
Giving insight to a single story, an experience, this book helps to create a window to a very large problem that persists. One that many people in today's society are still pretty ignorant, blissful or otherwise, about.
So please, next time you go out, please be kind to everyone really, but especially those working jobs that you feel that you are above doing yourself.
Stephanie Land narrates the audiobook herself.
Now let's change it up a bit with a Murder mystery! The Vanishing Stair is book #2 in a trilogy. Book one ( and true to its title) is Truly Devious.
(My copy of Truly Devious)
Another boarding school setting! (I am really getting to be on a roll with these.) This one takes place at Ellingham Academy, established in the 1930's by the great and glorious (and fictional) Albert Ellingham.
The school, initially garnering attention for being free to the students, regardless of social status and background, and only for the exceptionally brilliant/ talented. Shortly after it opens, however a triple homicide makes the school infamous.
Some 80+ years later, a student by the name of Stevie Bell joins the student roster, and is determined to try and solve the great unsolved Ellingham Mystery.
When trying to think of what these books are in any way like, the first that comes to mind is a bit of Nancy Drew with a dash of Agatha Christie. And yet, completely Maureen Johnson.
I first read Maureen Johnson, without knowing, or thinking to know who Maureen Johnson is. As a teenager I read 13 Little Blue Envelopes. (Think P.S. I Love You but Teen...) I also recently read by her a book that she co-wrote with John Green and Lauren Myracle, Let It Snow. (Soon to be a Netflix Movie.)
I "rediscovered" her a few years ago at a sadly now defunct conference, NerdCon: Stories. Created by Hank Green and Patrick Rothfuss, it was a local conference that focused and celebrated the different ways of telling stories. I met some great people and had some great laughs. Unfortunately, due to complexities beyond my understanding at this point, they decided not to continue it past the first two years. Some day, maybe, they will bring it back. They really had a great thing going.
Anyway.... at this event, Maureen Johnson was introduced to the stage as an honorary Green Brother (for John & Hank Green). Note, this was a time when The Fault In Our Stars was still at the height of most literary conversation, as well as the Vlog Brothers.
Also worth noting is that Maureen Johnson is in fact, a woman of her own merit. Her writing has a sharp, almost deadpan sense of humor that is easily identifiable as hers.
Jumping a head a couple of years, I finally, and officially met the Great Maureen Johnson last June in New York at BookCon. She is truly great, and I will definitely be talking more about her books in the future.
Maureen peaking over my shoulder in New York. How sneaky!
Who in the World is Carmen Sandiego? (Hardcover, $12.99)
The book is considered the official Tie-In novel to accompany the new Netflix show, Carmen Sandiego! It essentially covers the first two episodes, with a few extra tidbits here and there. I don't know too much about the Author, Rebecca Tinker, but I think she does a good job with the book.
The show was released this last Friday, the 18th.
The show was released this last Friday, the 18th.
I watched a bit of the original show way back when. Mostly, I played the computer game. In fact, I played a few different versions of the game. My particular favourite, in addition to the OG of course, was Carmen Sandiego Math Detective. Ah, in another life I might have been a math whiz...
International intrigue, A strong female character, puns, educational and so much more, from childhood to adulthood, Carmen Sandiego is one badass woman to be intrigued by.
(yes, this is a photo of my computer.)
There are only 9 episodes each about 20-30 minutes, so it's a quick binge. but I am already thrilled by the nostalgia feels along with the updated pop culture references. Fun for all ages. There is also talks of a potential Live action film being in the works, along with a whole slew of books. I will be keeping my attention alert for whatever comes next.
Okay Gumshoe, looking for more Carmen Sandiego?
More books out this week:
The Witches of St. Petersburg by Imogen Edwards-Jones (Paperback, $16.99)*
The Weight of a Piano by Chris Cander (Hardcover, $26.95)*
Talent by Juliet Lapidos (Hardcover, $27.00)*
Daughters of the Winter Queen by Nancy Goldstone (Paperback, $18.99)*
A Thousand Sisters by Elizabeth Wein (Hardcover, $19.99)*
The Royal Rabbits of London by Santa Montefiore, Simon Montefiore (Paperback, $7.99)*
Escape from The Palace by Santa Montefiore, Simon Montefiore (Hardcover, $16.99)
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