Review: Enclave

Enclave by Ann Aguirre

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



There's a book out there about the Mole People that live underground in New York's subway tunnels and sewers. Enclave gave me a taste of what life would be like if it were even remotely true. In fact, the Burrowers seemed like the elusive Moles.

Darkness, cramped spaces, abandoned stations and trains, fighting for each meal, living in small communities, life expectancy of 20...Girl15 only knows that existence until she becomes a huntress for her enclave. Raised to fight and kill, she ends up topside and has to deal with a world she never expected to see.

I liked it for its novelty and it's approach to revealing the world as it would appear to someone who has never even seen the sun. It was interesting and the main characters (who I won't name since it would be a bit spoilerish) have different lives and understanding of the world. I liked the ending and will likely read the next book in the series.



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Review: Rot & Ruin

Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I've never read a zombie book. I've watched a few zombie movies but none really impressed me. I watched the Walking Dead on tv but it was too gory. So why did I read it? Well, I've been trying to force myself into new genres this year and this came up on Recommendations because of my recent foray into teen dystopian.

I didn't expect to like it but I loved it from the first page. In fact, the part about zombie killing simulations at scouts hooked me. I read it twice and had my husband read it. He was not interested at all...but it was too late for me.

The zombies in this post-apocalyptic book are not the zombies of the movies. They are gravity-driven, stay-at-home types of beings, only driven to eat the living when they stumble into them. Easily distracted by fluttering flags and unable to open a door, they are mindless forms that used to be human.

I'm glad this is a series - I'm ready to see where Benny goes next!



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Review: My Big Creative Activity Book

My Big Creative Activity Book by Roger Priddy

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



4 stars is based on my daughter's review. The projects were very kid-friendly and gave her a chance to play with every craft medium in her room - glue, glitter, paper, felt, rocks, markers, paint, etc. We actually covered a schoolbook with a fabric book cover and it was the hit of her classroom. And, I'm happy to report, I finally know how to make those woven hearts you see at Valentine's Day!



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Review: Sewing With Felt: Learn Basic Stitches to Create More Than 60 Colorful Projects

Sewing With Felt: Learn Basic Stitches to Create More Than 60 Colorful Projects by Buff McAllister

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Cute book for young crafters. With help, little ones could make many of the projects and once they are 8, kids could make most of them independently. Some of the projects are a little odd or dated but the average child would probably find a handful to make.



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Review: Cake Pops: Tips, Tricks, and Recipes for More Than 40 Irresistible Mini Treats

Cake Pops: Tips, Tricks, and Recipes for More Than 40 Irresistible Mini Treats by Bakerella

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



You know how Bento takes school lunches to a whole new level? Well, this is the Bento of the cupcake world. The ideas are absolutely adorable and I want to make every single one of them. But, like Bento, I look at them and think, "Wow. That is a LOT of time." Will I make them? Some. For events that are really, really important to me. Will I make these for an after school snack? Nope. However, I am happy to say that the level of work necessary is actually less than I expected, which is a relief. I have my candy ready and we'll see how the pops turn out at my daughter's birthday party.



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Review: Fa la la la Felt: 45 Handmade Holiday Decorations

Fa la la la Felt: 45 Handmade Holiday Decorations by Amanda Carestio

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Cute projects aimed at winter and Christmas. The level of difficulty varied by project and some including felting wool sweaters (which it did provide instructions for) while others were simply cut and stitch. A nice supply of beads and other decorative bits are necessary but the end results will be cute and festive.



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Review: Make It in Minutes: Felt Accessories

Make It in Minutes: Felt Accessories by Taylor Hagerty

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Truly a book of projects you can make in a minute. Great projects for my 7 year old and I to make together - cards, envelopes, mouse pad, iPod case, etc. If you have felt, embroidery floss and a pair of scissors you can make dozens of fun accessories. Some of these items would be fun crafts for Brownies or slumber parties.



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