Corydon & the Island of Monsters

Article by David Bisson

Within history’s progression has mankind been birthed and advanced unto its current state. Such perpetual life, however, was not achieved of that by consistency nor fact or truth. Prodigal amendment and that of observation and possibility has enabled us to grow and heighten as a people. And with such growth have our faculties for such observation and realization of opportunity been bettered. Yet of yore, were we absent of such presence that could we render explanation or derivation for such prodigious feats as weather, death, life and change. And thus, was the kingdom of mythology and gods, and in essence religion, birthed. For such explanations was indebted that of a god or goddess’ attribute for their term of mind, and being. However, none such mythology has been famed as that of the Grecian system. With Zeus the omnipotent monarch, in dominion of innumerable seraphs, including immortal children and foreboding monster alike, sat he upon the septum Olympus, in determining the lot of mankind. Long were the gods worshipped in ultimate prowess and immaculateness for countless centuries. However, with other religions of monotheistic derivation, as well as science making countless discovery in the field of natural laws, the great kingdom of mythology gradually declined into nothingness. And yet, we can always return to such a place as the Olympian palace.
“Corydon & the Island of Monsters,” written by Tobias Druitt, is an excellent book to return to this world. The book reveals the tale of a simple shepherd boy, Corydon, who when abandoned by his friends, family and village, is captured into a wandering band of pirates, where he finds himself in the midst of such creatures as the Minotaur, the Sphinx, and Medusa. Managing to break free when two gorgons, Sthenno and Euryale meet with the men, the boy takes refuge with the monsters, and commences his learning of their ways. Moreover, he learns much of himself. Born with a furred leg of a goat, Corydon learns from the knowledgeable Sphinx that he is the prophesized mormoluke who will unite with the monsters to fight for survival. And fight they must, for an army amasses against them, headed none other by the arrogant Perseus. Knowing of the destruction to come, Corydon must also master the abilities of a mysterious Staff: wielded to torture the monsters, yes, but perhaps the only hope of survival for him, and his friends. In this epic, all wonders await!
Some members of the book, upon occasion, do render the reader confused, as the author mends the perspective betwixt several characters from one to the other. Some dialogue may prove to be monotonous, and one hero, Kharmides, who is followed unto the island, is at times unnecessary, however his character and personality, as later manifested near the end of the battle, is imperative and imparts compassion lacked by all other heroes. The author then recaptures the course of the book, and brilliantly directs it unto a conclusion befitting of a sequel. Moreover, Corydon’s exploits in attempting his self-discovery, including his repair unto the Underworld, is most exquisite in its presentation. In entirety, the contrivance of the book is so violently unique in itself, for Corydon in the war chooses to side with the monsters. Through his inhabitation with them, personalities of humility, of friendship, and of trust are related by all. After centuries of being condemned as vile and base by other historians and myth-tellers, the monsters are denoted compassion once deterred them of being learned, and overall respected. Such a courageous feat as this, accompanied with the eloquent manner to still retain them as immortals and awesome beings, renders the monsters as the heroes themselves, and the Grecian heroes as monsters: incapable of tolerance of others, and uncompassionate of diversity.
Presented in a modern style of myth, those who have diverted in the opulent writings of lore will treasure this wealth of a book. Come and adventure unto a world long abandoned since the time of Roman posterity: where the lands are beteemed of cypress and fig trees, where the waters are deep and blue as sky, and with the hot sun upon your visage, anything and everything is possible. Adventure unto the Island of Monsters, where in every direction, all you can see is magic and opportunity. And you never know what shall happen next.

"The Prophet of Yonwood", by Jeanne DuPrau

~Review by Jonathan Bisson~

“The Prophet of Yonwood”, written by New York Times Bestselling Author Jeanne DuPrau, is a literary and moral triumph. This book is under the fantasy/sci-fi genre, and it is about $15.95 (hardcover format), was published by Random House Children’s Books, and is roughly 304 pages long. “The Prophet of Yonwood” is the third installment in the Book of Ember series; however it is actually a prequel to “The City of Ember” and “The People of Sparks”, telling the story of a time of turmoil and chaos before the city of Ember was constructed.

The setting is present (possibly a few decades into the future) in Yonwood, North Carolina, a small town in the United States. The book opens with Althea Tower having an apocalyptic vision, in which she sees a terrible future filled with explosions, fire, and violence. Althea Tower is then named a Prophet, yet is left in a dream like state after having this vision, and the residents of Yonwood are struck by terror at the face of such a horrible future (especially with the United States already on the brink of an all out war). Thus, based on the mumbled words of Ms. Tower and the acts of Brenda Beeson (Ms. Tower’s interpreter), Yonwood tries to better itself in the name of God so that they may be spared this prophesied future. A few months later, an 11-year-old girl named Nickie and her aunt, Crystal, arrive in Yonwood planning to sell Nickie’s great-grandfather’s house, appropriately named Greenhaven. The story then tells of how Nickie tries to accomplish 3 inner goals, and of how she and Yonwood react to one another.

Many themes of Jeanne DuPrau’s past books are also present in “The Prophet of Yonwood,” with some new additions as well. The characters and plot are extraordinarily constructed. All the characters are believable and quirky (from downright creepy to funny) and the plot is easy to follow and interesting. The overall feeling of the book differs with each chapter as well. For example, there are very cute and funny moments involving Otis (Nickie’s dog) or Grover (an interesting boy fascinated with snakes, with whom the story alternates perspectives with). At other times, the overall feeling is tense, like at moments when the President is issuing news on the dwindling deadline before war and with news of terrorists in the woods outside of the town.

In addition to delivering a riveting story, Jeanne DuPrau has also presented many moral questions and themes in “The Prophet of Yonwood”. It is for moral reasons most of all that I’m assuming she wrote this book. For example, on page 254 while the war is drawing closer, Nickie wonders that if terrorists, Americans, and other groups of people all say God is on their side, which side does he support? Can he be on everyone’s side and be talking to everyone? Does God really talk through people, or do people merely speak what they’re thinking/hearing from something else and just claim it’s God talking? Throughout the book, Jeanne DuPrau offers such themes as utopias, choice of trusts and sacrifice, what true love is, and life in general. Though she addresses such deep and philosophical topics as these, amazingly, she does not disrupt the flow of the book by doing so. Such topics are mainly brought up through the mental questions that Nickie asks herself, but they aren’t discussed in great length and they can be understood by children and adults alike.

When compared to “The City of Ember” and “The People of Sparks”, I would personally say that “The Prophet of Yonwood” delivers a less-fantastical story than its predecessors. Yet, I like this novel best because of its messages that hit home a bit more considering the terrorist activity in the world today, as well as fanaticism with God and war as well. “The Prophet of Yonwood” will appeal to children from ages 8-14, but this is not to say that teens and adults won’t enjoy it as well. If you’re looking for an interesting, new story beyond “Harry Potter” or “Lord of the Rings”, definitely read “The Prophet of Yonwood”; for the fantasy, for the morals, and for the future...

Romeo's Ex: Rosaline's Story

Article by David Bisson

For centuries, the canon of the great bard, William Shakespeare, has to the English language bestowed innumerable contributions. His employment and talents ensconced within the bloom of Renaissance revolution, the dexterity manifested of his many plays, sonnets and some 1700 words contributed to the English vocabulary, revolutionized his ether and ours. His toiled years fashioned him as a great member of the comprehension we derive of the English language; to this day, do we benefit and obtain much in our culture from his writings. Quotes and references, both of parody and utter seriousness, continue to thrive in media and modern society. With his name proclaimed with praise and recognition of all ages, he in literature, drama and history is the very masterpiece incarnate of literary achievement. Through such recognition, his works have grown to fame, especially one of “Romeo and Juliet.” Itself a classic, the play imparts the drama, competition, and bitterness over the achievement that clouds the Renaissance era, boasting a storm of social upheaval, and tragic conflict. However, a classic, when it engages insightful and brilliant modern incentive, the work can be forged a life of its own. The works of distant eras become one history, and their combined influence and plot, know then no bounds.
“Romeo’s Ex: Rosaline’s Story,” written by Lisa Fiedler (author of “Dating Hamlet”), is such a courageous and masterful book, beautifully complimenting that of “Romeo and Juliet.” The plot, in compliance with the flow of “Romeo and Juliet,” centers on Rosaline’s (Romeo’s first lover) interpretation of the events. However, many other characters voice their feelings throughout the course of the book, such as the dashing youth and gallant who is Benvolio, the hot-headed, impetuous Tybalt, the lovers and many more involved. Cleverly written in primary narratives of the characters involved, personalities also either sparkle or dull in the brilliantly extensive character development.
Throughout the course of the book, Lisa Fiedler presents a splendid preservation of the renowned Shakespearean dialect, and yet muses in the play of her own take upon the language. With such creativity, the masterpiece is now made accessible to those who found it too difficult to read Shakespeare’s original play. With an inclusion of such characters as the mischievous twins, Sebastian and Viola, from Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” and Petruchio, his man Grumio, and the shrewish Katherina from “Taming of the Shrew,” Fiedler delightedly intertwines the plots of several Shakespearean works together, and tells of the connections not imparted by Shakespeare in his time.
Most splendidly, the book preserves the greater extent, if not all of that of the plot of “Romeo and Juliet,” and yet contributes so much to the foundation and history. Fiedler courageously adventures even beyond that of the tragic end of “Romeo and Juliet,” to reveal an outcome, leading into the conclusion, that will surprise all who have previously known the play. The drama of the conclusion rivals the drama of the entirety of the book itself. In truth, the book, just as “Romeo and Juliet,” is that of a life. It is a history, and it is a thriving organism. Characters may be fabricated, but it tells of human emotion: it sheds feeling and influence, as would any live thing. Shakespeare once said: “Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind; And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.” Similarly, Lisa Fiedler says in this book, “Nay! All the poets, all the minstrels, all the Romeos on this earth could never convince me to fall in love.” As stated by each, you cannot live, and thus not love, with eyes alone. It is rather based on commitment and taking a chance. And such is the same with this book, for in this work lives masterpiece new and old. So go ahead, and take a chance, for you may very well fall in love with this book as I did. What proclamation is here; literary grandeur lives on!

How to Write a Great Book Review

A book review is not the same thing as a book report. (It's much more fun to write!) In a review you can share your opinion - no holds barred. Did you love it? hate it? A little of both? You can say what you really think - the key to a good review is to SHOW why you feel that way -- with examples.

A review can be 100 words or 1000 words, or anywhere in between. (You could write a 2-word review, i.e. "it sucked!"but most of the time you probably want to go into a LITTLE more detail than that!) Sometimes saying everything you have to say in a short paragraph is even more challenging than writing two pages about it!

Here are a few tips and suggestions, and for more, check out the links on the right. There is no one right way to do it - the best book review gives the readers a sense of what the book is like, and helps them decide whether they want to read it or not.

-Read the book! You can't talk about it if you haven't read it.
-Think and reflect before you start writing - make a few notes about what you remember most strongly, what feeling you had when you finished. Browse back through and note some examples of the best or worst parts of the book so you can mention or quote them.
-Make sure you cover the basic information - title, who it's by, what kind of book it is (sci-fi, fantasy, non-fiction, etc.) Most book review publications show all that in a sidebar or box, along with the publisher, price, number of pages, etc.
-You don't need to describe the whole plot - a sentence or two about the basics, and who the characters are, is helpful as a setup. Where does it take place? What time period? (If it's in the present you probably don't need to say so, but if it's in England in 1920, or in a fantasy world and place, you definitely do!)
-Think about what the author was trying to do - was she trying to teach a lesson, or impose a moral on the story? Was she being very creative or poetic with her language, creating beautiful descriptions? Was he trying to write a thriller or page-turner? What was the intention, and did he succeed? If you want to point out the beauty of the language (or how awful and cliche it was!) give an example. If you didn't believe that a character would act the way they did, explain what they did (without giving away the ending!)
-If you've read other books by the same author you can compare them.
-Again, don't give away the ending!

When you've written your review you can email it to us and we'll publish it here. Happy reading, and happy writing!

-Jenny Hansell, NECC Exec. Director (check out my dance and moview reviews in the Compass section of the Millerton News and Lakeville Journal!)

Gather 'Round . . .

for I am about to tell you a story! Or at least you can join us to read one. The NECC Book Review Club launched on Friday, July 14, 2006. Young adults gathered to pick out "soon to be published" books; as many as five at one time! We are expecting personal reviews to begin being posted in a matter of days. If you would like to gather more information about this group, email us at info@neccmillerton.org.

The Basics

If you enjoy reading and expressing your opinions, come join us. Partnering with Oblong Books, Jr., we have an assortment of "advance readers" copies of young adult books. Be the first in your community to turn the pages of upcoming publications! Then, after you have completed a book, post your review on this blog. Your review will not only be made available online and through the NECC website but Oblong Jr. will post them in their bookstore. You can borrow up to five books each month.

Don't enjoy writing? Prefer to express yourself artistically? Feel free to share your opinion any way you like. Make a diorama of your favorite scene, decorate a sidewalk square, or write a poem, whatever rocks your boat!

Our next meeting is scheduled for Friday, August 18 at 4PM at the North East Community Center located at 51 South Center Street in Millerton NY. Call 518-789-4259 or email us at info@neccmillerton.org to RSVP or simply get more information.

Current Members

If you are a current member, begin to post your reviews as soon as you're ready. If you've created something artistic, take a pic (or stop by the office so we can take one) and post it with a brief introduction to your work. If you have any questions or problems with this blog, let me know.

Look forward to hearing from you all!

Shonda Sheppard
Director of Programs