If you are the owner of a blog that incorporates any slow loading widget then you have probably experienced the seemingly unavoidable effects: the post section loads first, but the background of the post section or sidebar doesn't fill in until everything in your blog's sidebar finishes loading. Or, a slow widget in your sidebar prevents everything else below it from loading until it is done loading. I began experiencing this difficulty myself after I added several widgets to Inkweaver Review's sidebar.
Fortunately I have now developed a technique which eliminates this formerly unpleasant effect. Basically, the internet browser can't finish drawing a page element until everything inside that page element has finished loading. In this case, with the sidebar, the slow loading widget stops the sidebar from being drawn correctly until after the widget has loaded. My solution to this problem is to add code so that the widget loads at the bottom of my blog and then is moved up to its proper position in the sidebar. This can be accomplished in three easy steps.
First add a new HTML/Javascript page element at the bottom of your blog. Place the following code in the new page element:
<div id='cut1'>
//Insert code between here...
//...and here.
</div>
<script type='text/javascript'>
/* <![CDATA[ */
document.getElementById('paste1').innerHTML = document.getElementById('cut1').innerHTML;
document.getElementById('cut1').innerHTML = '';
/* ]]> */
</script>
Second, copy the code for your widget from its place in the sidebar and place the widget code inside the <div> tag, between the two comments.
Lastly, delete the widget code from your sidebar and replace it with the following code:
<div id='paste1'>
</div>
Repeat this process for every widget in your blog's sidebar, but remember that for the second widget you must change the identifying names 'cut1' and 'paste1' to 'cut2' and 'paste2', and so on for every additional widget.
This new code will operate in the following manner. Your blog's post area and sidebar will load extremely fast, because the sidebar starts out with no widgets in it. After that the blog widgets will start to load. As each widget is loaded, the code copies it up to your sidebar, then erases the copy at the bottom of the page. The important thing is that the browser will not have to wait until the widgets load to complete drawing the post area of your blog.
Hopefully this tutorial will help you to improve the load appearance of your blog or web page. If you appreciated this tutorial, then please link back to it from your blog so that others can benefit as well. If you have an difficulty with any of the steps feel free to ask a question in the comments. I will answer it as quickly as possible.
“The Remarkable Life and Times of Eliza Rose,” by Mary Hooper
Other related posts:
1 Star Books,
Historical Fiction,
Modern Novels,
Young Adult Books
“The Remarkable Life and Times of Eliza Rose,” by Mary Hooper, was one of the most disappointing historical novels I have ever read.
The storyline is set in the seventeenth century. Eliza Rose is a fifteen-year-old girl who travels to London to find her father. Soon she is imprisoned for stealing a mouthful of pastry from a shop. When a woman gains her release from jail Eliza feels that her life is taking a turn for the better. Little does she realize, but everyone in London wants something from her. Eliza travels throughout London using a variety of disguises, but in the end it turns out to be harder that she thought to find what she really wants: a place where she can belong.
“The Remarkable Life and Times of Eliza Rose,” had a plot that could hardly be considered remarkable: the child of rich nobles grows up with a peasant family and then finally discovers her true family. This rather cliché plot forms the backbone of so many books that it almost gets tiring. Usually the author finds a good way to conceal it behind twists and turns in the storyline. Mary Hooper, however, reveals the truth in the book's first few pages, then tries to enliven Eliza's story using sex. From reading “The Remarkable Life and Times of Eliza Rose” one would think that nearly everyone in seventeenth century London was either a prostitute, a mistress, a pimp, or something in-between. Surely there must have been a better way to breathe life into a worn out plot.
Unfortunately, I would have to say that “The Remarkable Life and Times of Eliza Rose” was rather disappointing to me.
The storyline is set in the seventeenth century. Eliza Rose is a fifteen-year-old girl who travels to London to find her father. Soon she is imprisoned for stealing a mouthful of pastry from a shop. When a woman gains her release from jail Eliza feels that her life is taking a turn for the better. Little does she realize, but everyone in London wants something from her. Eliza travels throughout London using a variety of disguises, but in the end it turns out to be harder that she thought to find what she really wants: a place where she can belong.“The Remarkable Life and Times of Eliza Rose,” had a plot that could hardly be considered remarkable: the child of rich nobles grows up with a peasant family and then finally discovers her true family. This rather cliché plot forms the backbone of so many books that it almost gets tiring. Usually the author finds a good way to conceal it behind twists and turns in the storyline. Mary Hooper, however, reveals the truth in the book's first few pages, then tries to enliven Eliza's story using sex. From reading “The Remarkable Life and Times of Eliza Rose” one would think that nearly everyone in seventeenth century London was either a prostitute, a mistress, a pimp, or something in-between. Surely there must have been a better way to breathe life into a worn out plot.
Unfortunately, I would have to say that “The Remarkable Life and Times of Eliza Rose” was rather disappointing to me.
Plot
Characters
Presentation
Overall
“The Big Empty,” by J.B. Stephens
Other related posts:
4 Star Books,
Modern Novels,
Science Fiction,
Utopian/Dystopian,
Young Adult Books
“The Big Empty,” by J.B. Stephens is a science fiction novel about a post disaster world.
Before the plague had been named it had already killed more than half of the world's population. With entire cities wiped out, the United States infrastructure came to a halt. When communication systems and other services failed a military government came to power. The new governments solution was to make the U.S. interior an evacuated zone. With all the survivors moved to the coast lands the nation's infrastructure can be maintained. But inside the evacuated zone, called The Big Empty, government soldiers patrol with orders to shoot to kill.
Seven teenagers, however, will band together in the Big Empty. Some left the populated area because they were on the run, some are just looking to start a new life, and some want to escape the oppressive military government, but they all have one goal: find Novo Mundum, a secret Utopian society that has been established in the heart of The Big Empty.
“The Big Empty” is a very realistic science fiction story. The plot makes sense, and the characters are solid. J.B. Stephen has created a richly detailed world that stands alone very well. Science fiction readers should enjoy this fascinating book.
Inkweaver Book Rating:
Before the plague had been named it had already killed more than half of the world's population. With entire cities wiped out, the United States infrastructure came to a halt. When communication systems and other services failed a military government came to power. The new governments solution was to make the U.S. interior an evacuated zone. With all the survivors moved to the coast lands the nation's infrastructure can be maintained. But inside the evacuated zone, called The Big Empty, government soldiers patrol with orders to shoot to kill.
Seven teenagers, however, will band together in the Big Empty. Some left the populated area because they were on the run, some are just looking to start a new life, and some want to escape the oppressive military government, but they all have one goal: find Novo Mundum, a secret Utopian society that has been established in the heart of The Big Empty.
“The Big Empty” is a very realistic science fiction story. The plot makes sense, and the characters are solid. J.B. Stephen has created a richly detailed world that stands alone very well. Science fiction readers should enjoy this fascinating book.
Inkweaver Book Rating:
Plot
CharactersPresentationOverall
“Fergus Crane,” by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell
Other related posts:
5 Star Books,
Fantasy,
Junior Fiction,
Young Adult Books
“Fergus Crane,” by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell is the first adventure story in the Far-Flung Adventures series.
Fergus Crane is a young boy who lives with his mother in an attic home at the top of the Archduke Ferdinand Apartments. Fergus Crane and his mother are very poor, so when the School Ship Betty-Jeanne offers Fergus a free education, both him and his mother are happy to accept. While Fergus attends the school his mother works at a bakery and does odd jobs for the Fateful Voyage Trading Co, a mysterious organization that sends them large paychecks for small jobs.
The plot thickens, however, when Fergus begins receiving strange messages delivered to him in the middle of the night by a flying mechanical box. They indicate that the School Ship Betty-Jeanne is not what it seems and that Fergus is in great danger. When Fergus finally realizes what the messages mean it is already too late. The ship disappears on a “school trip,” leaving Fergus behind, and only Fergus knows that the trip is not what it seems.
Fergus Crane sets out on a mission to save his schoolmates, aided by mechanical wonders created by the Fateful Voyage Trading, Co. A flying mechanical horse and a lunch box that sprouts legs and walks are Fergus' tools in his rescue endeavor.
I enjoyed the detailed world defined by “Fergus Crane.” The rich descriptions written by Paul Stewart, and the beautiful pencil drawings by Chris Riddell are a winning combination that never fail to amaze me. The plot in “Fergus Crane” is exciting and the characters interesting. “Fergus Crane” is a fantasy story that any young reader will enjoy.
Fergus Crane is a young boy who lives with his mother in an attic home at the top of the Archduke Ferdinand Apartments. Fergus Crane and his mother are very poor, so when the School Ship Betty-Jeanne offers Fergus a free education, both him and his mother are happy to accept. While Fergus attends the school his mother works at a bakery and does odd jobs for the Fateful Voyage Trading Co, a mysterious organization that sends them large paychecks for small jobs.The plot thickens, however, when Fergus begins receiving strange messages delivered to him in the middle of the night by a flying mechanical box. They indicate that the School Ship Betty-Jeanne is not what it seems and that Fergus is in great danger. When Fergus finally realizes what the messages mean it is already too late. The ship disappears on a “school trip,” leaving Fergus behind, and only Fergus knows that the trip is not what it seems.
Fergus Crane sets out on a mission to save his schoolmates, aided by mechanical wonders created by the Fateful Voyage Trading, Co. A flying mechanical horse and a lunch box that sprouts legs and walks are Fergus' tools in his rescue endeavor.
I enjoyed the detailed world defined by “Fergus Crane.” The rich descriptions written by Paul Stewart, and the beautiful pencil drawings by Chris Riddell are a winning combination that never fail to amaze me. The plot in “Fergus Crane” is exciting and the characters interesting. “Fergus Crane” is a fantasy story that any young reader will enjoy.
Characters
Overall
“Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat,” by Lynne Jonell
Other related posts:
3 Star Books,
Animals,
Junior Fiction
“Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat,” by Lynne Jonell is a junior fiction novel that is surprisingly well designed and entertaining.
Emmy is young girl who always tries to be good. She does her all homework, gets straight A's, and eats her vegetables, but for some reason no one seems to notice her. Not only do people forget her name, but they seem to look straight through her. Emmy's parents are always away on business travels and they too seem to forget about her most of the time.
But then Emmy's life changes when she forms a relationship with the classroom pet, a sulky and obnoxious rat that enjoys biting that hands that would feed it. No one else seems to notice that the rat can speak. But when Emmy opens the cage, giving the rat its freedom it begins a chain of events that will reveal a strange collection of rats with marvelous powers, an underground rodent city, and a deadly plot being carried out by Emmy's nanny.
When I first selected “Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat” to add to my reading list I was a little dubious, expecting the average junior fiction novel with overly exaggerated characters, a disappointing plot, etc. However, “Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat” is not what it seems at first glance. The story is surprisingly well created, with a complex plot that was actually quite entertaining. The unique plot ideas that Lynne Jonell has created make the story refreshingly different. “Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat” is an excellent and very well written story for junior audiences.
Emmy is young girl who always tries to be good. She does her all homework, gets straight A's, and eats her vegetables, but for some reason no one seems to notice her. Not only do people forget her name, but they seem to look straight through her. Emmy's parents are always away on business travels and they too seem to forget about her most of the time.
But then Emmy's life changes when she forms a relationship with the classroom pet, a sulky and obnoxious rat that enjoys biting that hands that would feed it. No one else seems to notice that the rat can speak. But when Emmy opens the cage, giving the rat its freedom it begins a chain of events that will reveal a strange collection of rats with marvelous powers, an underground rodent city, and a deadly plot being carried out by Emmy's nanny.
When I first selected “Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat” to add to my reading list I was a little dubious, expecting the average junior fiction novel with overly exaggerated characters, a disappointing plot, etc. However, “Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat” is not what it seems at first glance. The story is surprisingly well created, with a complex plot that was actually quite entertaining. The unique plot ideas that Lynne Jonell has created make the story refreshingly different. “Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat” is an excellent and very well written story for junior audiences.
Inkweaver Book Rating:PlotCharacters
PresentationOverall
Book Review Blog Carnival
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Website Messages
Inkweaver Review is an official contributor to the new Book Review Blog Carnival. Over thirty prominent book review blogs will be contributing to this special effort, bringing you only the best reviews of the best books.
From the blog:
"People who like books and like to read reviews of them can come to our carnival post every other Sunday and find a wide variety of book reviews to read."
If you own a book review blog, then please join us in this book review drive. All you have to do is go to Blog Carnival, and submit your own blog post.
From the blog:
"People who like books and like to read reviews of them can come to our carnival post every other Sunday and find a wide variety of book reviews to read."
If you own a book review blog, then please join us in this book review drive. All you have to do is go to Blog Carnival, and submit your own blog post.
“The Starry Rift – Tales of New Tomorrows,” by Jonathan Strahan
Other related posts:
5 Star Books,
Science Fiction,
Utopian/Dystopian,
Young Adult Books
“The Starry Rift – Tales of New Tomorrows,” is an original science fiction anthology compiled by Jonathan Strahan.
Among the many science fiction anthologies that I've read I must recommend “The Starry Rift” as one of the best. First of all, this special anthology is not merely a reprint of stories that have appeared elsewhere. All of the short stories were created specifically for this volume. The lineup of writers includes such marvelous authors as Scott Westerfield, notable for his high-tech fashion series (Uglies, Pretties, Specials, and Extras),Niel Gaiman, and Garth Nix.
The pieces that make up “The Starry Rift” vary widely in scope and theme. Some are set in virtual gaming worlds, others in spaceships and cities. My favorite piece, however, was “The Dismantled Invention of Fate,” by Jeffrey Ford. The story is highly descriptive with a twisted plot and multiple surreal settings that completely swept me away.
Jonathan Straham has done an excellent job in compiling “The Starry Rift – Tales of New Tomorrows.” The pieces are well balanced and all of impeccable quality. I would highly recommend this 500 page science fiction anthology to all science fiction lovers.
Among the many science fiction anthologies that I've read I must recommend “The Starry Rift” as one of the best. First of all, this special anthology is not merely a reprint of stories that have appeared elsewhere. All of the short stories were created specifically for this volume. The lineup of writers includes such marvelous authors as Scott Westerfield, notable for his high-tech fashion series (Uglies, Pretties, Specials, and Extras),Niel Gaiman, and Garth Nix.The pieces that make up “The Starry Rift” vary widely in scope and theme. Some are set in virtual gaming worlds, others in spaceships and cities. My favorite piece, however, was “The Dismantled Invention of Fate,” by Jeffrey Ford. The story is highly descriptive with a twisted plot and multiple surreal settings that completely swept me away.
Jonathan Straham has done an excellent job in compiling “The Starry Rift – Tales of New Tomorrows.” The pieces are well balanced and all of impeccable quality. I would highly recommend this 500 page science fiction anthology to all science fiction lovers.
Characters
Message
Overall
“George's Secret Key to the Universe,” by Lucy & Stephen Hawking
Other related posts:
3 Star Books,
Junior Fiction,
Science Fiction
“George's Secret Key to the Universe” is a children's novel written by Lucy Hawking & Stephen Hawking, the best selling author of “A Brief History of Time” and “The Universe in a Nutshell.” These two books made the field of theoretical physics interesting and understandable to adults. “George's Secret Key to the Universe” is designed to make some of the same concepts available for children to understand.
The main character is George, a young boy whose life is defined by two things: his eco-friendly parents, who prohibit all technology in George's house; and his pet pig. But when the pig breaks through the fence and escapes into the yard next door, George meets his new next door neighbors: a girl named Annie and her scientist father, named Eric.
Eric and Annie open up a whole new world of experience for George as the explain scientific concepts to George and take him on surprising adventures using their supercomputer Cosmos. Cosmos can take its users to any part of the universe in a blink of the eye. But little do George, Annie, and Eric realize, but someone out there wants Cosmos, and soon all of them will be in grave danger.
“George's Secret Key to the Universe” has an interesting focus. It presents complicated scientific ideas in a way that children can understand, with small sidebars and information boxes along the way. What is more, the storyline is interspersed with beautiful full color pictures of space and various space objects. However, in reading the book I felt that “George's Secret Key to the Universe” was really designed as a vehicle to spread Hawking's theories concerning black holes. I don't think that this is necessarily a bad thing, but “George's Secret Key to the Universe” presents as truth that which has not yet been conclusively proved.
In conclusion, “George's Secret Key to the Universe” has a great plot, interesting characters, and plenty of science facts. I think that it is a good introduction to science for young readers.
Inkweaver Book Rating:
Plot
Characters
Presentation
Overall
The main character is George, a young boy whose life is defined by two things: his eco-friendly parents, who prohibit all technology in George's house; and his pet pig. But when the pig breaks through the fence and escapes into the yard next door, George meets his new next door neighbors: a girl named Annie and her scientist father, named Eric.Eric and Annie open up a whole new world of experience for George as the explain scientific concepts to George and take him on surprising adventures using their supercomputer Cosmos. Cosmos can take its users to any part of the universe in a blink of the eye. But little do George, Annie, and Eric realize, but someone out there wants Cosmos, and soon all of them will be in grave danger.
“George's Secret Key to the Universe” has an interesting focus. It presents complicated scientific ideas in a way that children can understand, with small sidebars and information boxes along the way. What is more, the storyline is interspersed with beautiful full color pictures of space and various space objects. However, in reading the book I felt that “George's Secret Key to the Universe” was really designed as a vehicle to spread Hawking's theories concerning black holes. I don't think that this is necessarily a bad thing, but “George's Secret Key to the Universe” presents as truth that which has not yet been conclusively proved.
In conclusion, “George's Secret Key to the Universe” has a great plot, interesting characters, and plenty of science facts. I think that it is a good introduction to science for young readers.
Inkweaver Book Rating:
PlotCharactersPresentationOverall
Imagination Manifesto
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Website Messages
Inkweaver Review is pleased to announce the launch of an associate blog:
Imagination Manifesto
This writing related blog will feature works of prose and poetry designed to explore the surreal and sublime.
Please stop by today and visit.
Imagination Manifesto
This writing related blog will feature works of prose and poetry designed to explore the surreal and sublime.
Please stop by today and visit.
“Alex and the Ironic Gentleman,” by Adrienne Kress
Other related posts:
5 Star Books,
Fantasy,
Junior Fiction
“Alex and the Ironic Gentleman,” by Adrienne Kress is a mesmerizing adventure story about a young heroine on a mission to save her sixth grade teacher from a group of deadly pirates.Alex is a ten-and-a-half year old girl who attends the Wigpowder-Steele Academy, a prestigious institution noteworthy for its stuffy personalities and ancient teachers. Needless to say Alex doesn't exactly enjoy attending school, that is, until her class gets a new teacher. Mr. Underwood knows how to teach lessons in a way that makes them interesting, and he always answers the student's questions. Not only that, but for P.E. he teaches the students how to fence!
Inkweaver Review has moved to a new web address. Please read the rest of this review at its new location:
Review of "Alex and the Ironic Gentleman" by Adrienne Kress
“Double Identity,” by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Other related posts:
4 Star Books,
Science Fiction,
Young Adult Books
“Double Identity,” by Margaret Peterson Haddix is a fascinating science fiction mystery novel.
Just before Bethany turns thirteen her parents begin to act strangely. Her mother cries constantly and her father won't let her go anywhere alone. Then one day Bethany's parents pack her into the car and take her to live with an aunt that she has never met before. When they leave they merely tell her that here she will be safe, and that she couldn't know where they are going.
The mystery deepens when her father sends her package containing four different birth certificates with four different names, and thousands of dollars in cash. Not only that but everyone who sees Bethany seems to think that she looks like someone they used to know, someone who is now dead. Bethany must unravel this mystery and figure out what is happening, and why she is in danger.
Margaret Haddix develops “Double Identity” in a very skillful manner. As the plot progresses she is careful to reveal just enough information to satisfy the reader and yet keep the ending unforeseen. I really enjoyed Haddix' writing style and the interesting characters she has populated the plot with. “Double Identity” should satisfy any science fiction or mystery fan.
Inkweaver Book Rating:
Plot
Characters
Presentation
Overall
Just before Bethany turns thirteen her parents begin to act strangely. Her mother cries constantly and her father won't let her go anywhere alone. Then one day Bethany's parents pack her into the car and take her to live with an aunt that she has never met before. When they leave they merely tell her that here she will be safe, and that she couldn't know where they are going.The mystery deepens when her father sends her package containing four different birth certificates with four different names, and thousands of dollars in cash. Not only that but everyone who sees Bethany seems to think that she looks like someone they used to know, someone who is now dead. Bethany must unravel this mystery and figure out what is happening, and why she is in danger.
Margaret Haddix develops “Double Identity” in a very skillful manner. As the plot progresses she is careful to reveal just enough information to satisfy the reader and yet keep the ending unforeseen. I really enjoyed Haddix' writing style and the interesting characters she has populated the plot with. “Double Identity” should satisfy any science fiction or mystery fan.
Inkweaver Book Rating:
PlotCharactersPresentationOverall
“The Merchant of Venice,” by William Shakespeare
Other related posts:
Classic Literature
“The Merchant of Venice,” by William Shakespeare, is an entertaining play with a wonderfully complicated plot.
A Complete Summary
The merchant of Venice is Antonio, a rich man who has sea ventures in all parts of the world. At the time that the play begins almost all of his money is invested in boats which are now returning to their home port, loaded with goods that he can sell. Needless to say Antonio is worried about the success of his ventures:
“Should I go to church, And see the holy edifice of stone, And not bethink me straight of dangerous rocks, Which, touching but my gentle vessel's side, Would scatter all her spices on the stream, Enrobe the roaring waters with my silks, And, in a word, but even now worth this, And now worth nothing?”
But Antonio is also a kind man who values his friends and desires to help them in whatever way possible. When his friend Bassanio comes to him, desiring to borrow three thousand ducats to go woo the beautiful heiress Portia, Antonio wants to give him the money. But until his ships return, he does not have three thousand spare ducats to lend. Instead of letting this stop him, Antonio without hesitation lets Bassanio use his name as credit to borrow three thousand ducats from Shylock. Shylock is a stereotypical Jew: greedy for money, and out to harm “Christians” in any way that he can. When Shylock gives the money to Bassanio he adds an dangerous condition to the bond. If Bassanio and Antonio are unable to repay the money before the bond expires, then Shylock can exact payment by taking a pound of flesh from whatever part of Antonio's body he wants. Antonio and Bassanio agree to this condition, and Bassanio and his friend Gratiano leave Venice on a mission of romance.
Meanwhile the beautiful Portia awaits suitors, with her waiting maid Nerissa. Before any man can approach Portia, however, he must pass a unusual test devised by her father just before his death. It consists of three chests: one of gold, one of silver, and one of lead. The golden chest bears the inscription: “Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire.” The silver chest promises “Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves.” The lead chest is marked: “Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath.” One of the chests contains a portrait of Portia, and this is the one that allows a man to marry her.
While Bassanio travels to meet Portia and take this critical test, momentous events are taking place back in Venice. Shylock's daughter Jessica has fallen in love with Lorenzo, a young dandy who promises to elope with her. When Jessica leaves Venice with Lorenzo she takes two gemstones and a considerable number of ducats that belong to her father. When Shylock discovers the loss he is thunderstruck. His true character is revealed as he voices his outrage: “I would my daughter were dead at my foot, and the jewels in her ear! would she were hearsed at my foot, and the ducats in her coffin!” In his anger Shylock promises to reap his revenge if Antonio fails to repay the three thousand ducats.
Meanwhile Bassanio is at Portia's estate, considering the three chests that he must choose from. Bassanio chooses to “give and hazard all he hath” by selecting the lead chest and wins the hand of Portia. At the same time Nerissa and Gratiano fall in love. A double marriage results, but their combined jubilation is short lived, for Bassiano receives a message from Antonio:
“Sweet Bassanio, my ships have all miscarried, my creditors grow cruel, my estate is very low, my bond to the Jew is forfeit; and since, in paying it, it is impossible I should live, all debts are cleared between you and I, if I might but see you at my death.”
Shylock has cruelly chosen to get his revenge using the bond by taking his pound of flesh from the area closest to Antonio's heart. Portia gives Bassanio six thousand ducats to repay his loan, and Bassiano and Gratiano travel back to Venice to save Antonio's life. But, on arriving they find that Shylock refuses to take payment except in flesh. He is determined to take Antonio's life and the situation seems very grim indeed.
At the very last moment Portia and Nerissa, disguised as a officials, enter the court and deliver an innovative piece of reasoning that completely turns the tables:
“This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood; The words expressly are a pound of flesh; Take then thy bond, take thou thy pound of flesh; But, in the cutting, if thou dost shed One drop of Christian blood, thy land and goods Are, by the laws of Venice, confiscate Unto the state of Venice... ...The law hath yet another hold on you. It is enacted in the laws of Venice,- If it be prov'd against an alien, That by direct or indirect attempts He seek the life of any citizen, The party 'gainst the which he doth contrive Shall seize one half his goods; the other half Comes to the privy coffer of the state.”
Needless to say, Shylock is utterly debased, and his fortune is redistributed: half to Antonio, and the other half given to Lorenzo and Jessica. On top of that, three of Antonio's ships come safely to harbor, proving wrong the reports that they had sunk.
The play concludes with a humorous scene that involves Bassiano and Portia, and Gratiano and Nerissa. While disguised as court officials the two wives tricked their husbands completely, and they did not even realize who it was that saved Antonio's life. In disguise Portia and Nerissa ask that the men give them their rings out of gratitude, and the men comply. Later, they confront the men and ask them what happened to the rings. After teasing and tormenting the men for their unfaithfulness they reveal that they were the ones who saved Antonio's life.
The play concludes with Gratiano's statement:
“Well, while I live, I'll fear no other thing So sore as keeping safe Nerissa's ring.”
Theme Synopsis
The overall theme of Shakespeare's “The Merchant of Venice” can be summarized by the inscriptions on the three chests used to test Portia's suitors:
“Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire.” “Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves.” “Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath.”
“The Merchant of Venice” is all about how the characters must be willing to give and hazard all they have. Shylock chooses silver and gold as more important than forgiveness and reasonableness. As a result he gets exactly what he deserves. On the other hand, Antonio and Bassanio, who are willing to hazard all they have, benefit in the end.
William Shakespeare's play also shows that sometimes the most obvious path, what many men desire, is not the most beneficial. It is the seemingly dull things, like lead, that can be the most rewarding.
Final Analysis
If you want to read one of William Shakespeare's plays, “The Merchant of Venice” is a wonderful choice. Although the archaic language used was sometimes a little difficult to understand, I felt that “The Merchant of Venice” was truly spectacular. The complicated plot twists, the use of foreshadowing, and the encompassing theme make it very enjoyable to read.
A Complete Summary
The merchant of Venice is Antonio, a rich man who has sea ventures in all parts of the world. At the time that the play begins almost all of his money is invested in boats which are now returning to their home port, loaded with goods that he can sell. Needless to say Antonio is worried about the success of his ventures:
“Should I go to church, And see the holy edifice of stone, And not bethink me straight of dangerous rocks, Which, touching but my gentle vessel's side, Would scatter all her spices on the stream, Enrobe the roaring waters with my silks, And, in a word, but even now worth this, And now worth nothing?”
But Antonio is also a kind man who values his friends and desires to help them in whatever way possible. When his friend Bassanio comes to him, desiring to borrow three thousand ducats to go woo the beautiful heiress Portia, Antonio wants to give him the money. But until his ships return, he does not have three thousand spare ducats to lend. Instead of letting this stop him, Antonio without hesitation lets Bassanio use his name as credit to borrow three thousand ducats from Shylock. Shylock is a stereotypical Jew: greedy for money, and out to harm “Christians” in any way that he can. When Shylock gives the money to Bassanio he adds an dangerous condition to the bond. If Bassanio and Antonio are unable to repay the money before the bond expires, then Shylock can exact payment by taking a pound of flesh from whatever part of Antonio's body he wants. Antonio and Bassanio agree to this condition, and Bassanio and his friend Gratiano leave Venice on a mission of romance.
Meanwhile the beautiful Portia awaits suitors, with her waiting maid Nerissa. Before any man can approach Portia, however, he must pass a unusual test devised by her father just before his death. It consists of three chests: one of gold, one of silver, and one of lead. The golden chest bears the inscription: “Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire.” The silver chest promises “Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves.” The lead chest is marked: “Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath.” One of the chests contains a portrait of Portia, and this is the one that allows a man to marry her.
While Bassanio travels to meet Portia and take this critical test, momentous events are taking place back in Venice. Shylock's daughter Jessica has fallen in love with Lorenzo, a young dandy who promises to elope with her. When Jessica leaves Venice with Lorenzo she takes two gemstones and a considerable number of ducats that belong to her father. When Shylock discovers the loss he is thunderstruck. His true character is revealed as he voices his outrage: “I would my daughter were dead at my foot, and the jewels in her ear! would she were hearsed at my foot, and the ducats in her coffin!” In his anger Shylock promises to reap his revenge if Antonio fails to repay the three thousand ducats.
Meanwhile Bassanio is at Portia's estate, considering the three chests that he must choose from. Bassanio chooses to “give and hazard all he hath” by selecting the lead chest and wins the hand of Portia. At the same time Nerissa and Gratiano fall in love. A double marriage results, but their combined jubilation is short lived, for Bassiano receives a message from Antonio:
“Sweet Bassanio, my ships have all miscarried, my creditors grow cruel, my estate is very low, my bond to the Jew is forfeit; and since, in paying it, it is impossible I should live, all debts are cleared between you and I, if I might but see you at my death.”
Shylock has cruelly chosen to get his revenge using the bond by taking his pound of flesh from the area closest to Antonio's heart. Portia gives Bassanio six thousand ducats to repay his loan, and Bassiano and Gratiano travel back to Venice to save Antonio's life. But, on arriving they find that Shylock refuses to take payment except in flesh. He is determined to take Antonio's life and the situation seems very grim indeed.
At the very last moment Portia and Nerissa, disguised as a officials, enter the court and deliver an innovative piece of reasoning that completely turns the tables:
“This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood; The words expressly are a pound of flesh; Take then thy bond, take thou thy pound of flesh; But, in the cutting, if thou dost shed One drop of Christian blood, thy land and goods Are, by the laws of Venice, confiscate Unto the state of Venice... ...The law hath yet another hold on you. It is enacted in the laws of Venice,- If it be prov'd against an alien, That by direct or indirect attempts He seek the life of any citizen, The party 'gainst the which he doth contrive Shall seize one half his goods; the other half Comes to the privy coffer of the state.”
Needless to say, Shylock is utterly debased, and his fortune is redistributed: half to Antonio, and the other half given to Lorenzo and Jessica. On top of that, three of Antonio's ships come safely to harbor, proving wrong the reports that they had sunk.
The play concludes with a humorous scene that involves Bassiano and Portia, and Gratiano and Nerissa. While disguised as court officials the two wives tricked their husbands completely, and they did not even realize who it was that saved Antonio's life. In disguise Portia and Nerissa ask that the men give them their rings out of gratitude, and the men comply. Later, they confront the men and ask them what happened to the rings. After teasing and tormenting the men for their unfaithfulness they reveal that they were the ones who saved Antonio's life.
The play concludes with Gratiano's statement:
“Well, while I live, I'll fear no other thing So sore as keeping safe Nerissa's ring.”
Theme Synopsis
The overall theme of Shakespeare's “The Merchant of Venice” can be summarized by the inscriptions on the three chests used to test Portia's suitors:
“Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire.” “Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves.” “Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath.”
“The Merchant of Venice” is all about how the characters must be willing to give and hazard all they have. Shylock chooses silver and gold as more important than forgiveness and reasonableness. As a result he gets exactly what he deserves. On the other hand, Antonio and Bassanio, who are willing to hazard all they have, benefit in the end.
William Shakespeare's play also shows that sometimes the most obvious path, what many men desire, is not the most beneficial. It is the seemingly dull things, like lead, that can be the most rewarding.
Final Analysis
If you want to read one of William Shakespeare's plays, “The Merchant of Venice” is a wonderful choice. Although the archaic language used was sometimes a little difficult to understand, I felt that “The Merchant of Venice” was truly spectacular. The complicated plot twists, the use of foreshadowing, and the encompassing theme make it very enjoyable to read.
Critical Analysis of “The Grapes of Wrath,” by John Steinbeck
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Adult Books,
Classic Literature,
Historical Fiction
“The Grapes of Wrath,” by John Steinbeck is a classic novel noted for its descriptive quality, and fascinating writing techniques. However, its seemingly historical theme is mainly designed to promote socialistic theories.“The Grapes of Wrath” was greatly influenced by the background and associates of its writer, John Steinbeck. When Steinbeck left Stanford College in 1925 to become a writer, he came into association with Leftist and Socialistic advocates. For example, one of his friends during the process of producing “The Grapes of Wrath” was Francis Whitaker, a member of the Communist Party’s John Reed club for writers. He also spent time with the radical writer Lincoln Steffens and his wife Ella Winter. It was through Steffens that Steinbeck was introduced to George West, a San Francisco News editor who commissioned Steinbeck to write a series of newspaper articles about the living conditions of California migrant workers. This writing experience inspired Steinbeck to write a full length novel, “The Grapes of Wrath.”
Inkweaver Review is moving to a new web address. Please read the rest of this critical analysis paper at its new location:
Critical Analysis of "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck
More Books By John Steinbeck:
Lighthouse - The Responsibility Project
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Reviewed Websites
While surfing the web I found a fascinating website called "The Responsibility Project". From the website's about page:
"We believe that the more people think and talk about responsibility, and even debate what it means, the more it can affect how we live our daily lives. And perhaps, in this small way, together, we can make the world just a little better."
The site's focus is admirable and the content that it presents is really quite amazing. For and example, please watch the following movie.
In the future I will be watching for more fantastic productions by "The Responsibility Project."
Message
Content
Design
Overall
“The Woman in the Wall,” by Patrice Kindl
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5 Star Books,
Modern Novels,
Realistic Fiction,
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“The Woman in the Wall,” by Patrice Kindl is an intriguing story about a shy young girl named Anna.
From the time she was born Anna has never been very easy to notice. As she herself explains: “I don't really disappear, no exactly. I'm just not very noticeable. I'm small and thin, with a face like a glass of water. And I like to hide.” Anna's story begins with her birth and explains how she grew up, eventually making the decision to form an alternate habitat in her family's large mansion-like home. Anna builds a network of false walls, hidden rooms, and narrow passageways that allow her to navigate the home without being seen. Anna disappears into the woodwork, literally, and for years her family does not see her. Anna leaves gifts for her family and uses her mechanical skills to make repairs around the house, and eventually the family comes to regard her almost as a sort of “home spirit” that can fulfill their requests.
Anna's life completely changes however, when she finds a love letter hidden in a crack in the wall. Soon she is exchanging written messages with a mysterious boy who calls himself “F.” But Anna's correspondence with F. reveals important news that gives her a reason to emerge from her hidden world.
I felt that “The Woman in the Wall” was a very interesting book. Anna is very sensitive in some aspects but strong in others, and this divided personality comes through strongly in Patrice Kindl's storyline. The magical world and fascinating heroine make “The Woman in the Wall” a book that I feel is highly worth reading.
Inkweaver Book Rating:
From the time she was born Anna has never been very easy to notice. As she herself explains: “I don't really disappear, no exactly. I'm just not very noticeable. I'm small and thin, with a face like a glass of water. And I like to hide.” Anna's story begins with her birth and explains how she grew up, eventually making the decision to form an alternate habitat in her family's large mansion-like home. Anna builds a network of false walls, hidden rooms, and narrow passageways that allow her to navigate the home without being seen. Anna disappears into the woodwork, literally, and for years her family does not see her. Anna leaves gifts for her family and uses her mechanical skills to make repairs around the house, and eventually the family comes to regard her almost as a sort of “home spirit” that can fulfill their requests.Anna's life completely changes however, when she finds a love letter hidden in a crack in the wall. Soon she is exchanging written messages with a mysterious boy who calls himself “F.” But Anna's correspondence with F. reveals important news that gives her a reason to emerge from her hidden world.
I felt that “The Woman in the Wall” was a very interesting book. Anna is very sensitive in some aspects but strong in others, and this divided personality comes through strongly in Patrice Kindl's storyline. The magical world and fascinating heroine make “The Woman in the Wall” a book that I feel is highly worth reading.
Inkweaver Book Rating:
Plot
Characters
Presentation
Overall
“Goody Hall,” by Natalie Babbitt
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2 Star Books,
Mysteries,
Young Adult Books
“Goody Hall,” by Natalie Babbitt is mystery with a rather strange plot.
When Hercules Feltwright joins the Goody household in the
position of tutor he doesn’t realize that he’s walking into a web of deception and mystery. The people of Goody Hall are strangely troubled, and no one knows why. Hercules takes it as his commission to restore peace of mind to the Goody household.
Soon he uncovers a fortune in jewels, a mysterious legend that seems to be coming true, a tomb with an empty coffin, and a statue of a three headed dog. All are clues that Hercules must use to solve this mystery.
I must say that “Goody Hall” has so far been the only Babbit book to disappoint me. The plot could be interesting if it was not developed in such a ridiculous fashion. The only thing that I liked about “Goody Hall” was the book’s characters.
In summary, “Goody Hall” is a book with great characters but a disappointing plot.
Inkweaver Book Rating:
When Hercules Feltwright joins the Goody household in the
position of tutor he doesn’t realize that he’s walking into a web of deception and mystery. The people of Goody Hall are strangely troubled, and no one knows why. Hercules takes it as his commission to restore peace of mind to the Goody household.Soon he uncovers a fortune in jewels, a mysterious legend that seems to be coming true, a tomb with an empty coffin, and a statue of a three headed dog. All are clues that Hercules must use to solve this mystery.
I must say that “Goody Hall” has so far been the only Babbit book to disappoint me. The plot could be interesting if it was not developed in such a ridiculous fashion. The only thing that I liked about “Goody Hall” was the book’s characters.
In summary, “Goody Hall” is a book with great characters but a disappointing plot.
Inkweaver Book Rating:
Plot
CharactersPresentationOverall
September Recommended Reading List
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Recommended Reading
For the month of September my reading theme revolves around the unusual and the sublime. I have selected three great reads that may shock you, may move you, or may expand your horizons just a little bit.
This shocking thriller is about a powerful, supernatural creature that visits a remote town during the dead of winter. "Frozen Fire" is characterized by cold winter imagery, and a disquieting tone that percolates through the entire text. The book's surprise ending completely blew me away.
Lynne Rae Perkins has created a sublime novel about the summertime experiences of a group of teens. This book starts with a wish and the journey that commences is flavored with the warm feeling of summer afternoons. This Newberry Award Winning book is about fireflies, love, and dreams.
When Brent Bishop, a young man desperate to fit in, is involved in a drunk driving accident that takes the life of fellow student Lea Zamora., his life changes forever. As restitution he must make a unusual journey to the four corners of the United States. Along the way he learns about what really matters in life.
“Frozen Fire,” by Tim Bowler
This shocking thriller is about a powerful, supernatural creature that visits a remote town during the dead of winter. "Frozen Fire" is characterized by cold winter imagery, and a disquieting tone that percolates through the entire text. The book's surprise ending completely blew me away.
“Criss Cross” by Lynne Rae Perkins
Lynne Rae Perkins has created a sublime novel about the summertime experiences of a group of teens. This book starts with a wish and the journey that commences is flavored with the warm feeling of summer afternoons. This Newberry Award Winning book is about fireflies, love, and dreams.
“Whirligig,” by Paul Fleischman
When Brent Bishop, a young man desperate to fit in, is involved in a drunk driving accident that takes the life of fellow student Lea Zamora., his life changes forever. As restitution he must make a unusual journey to the four corners of the United States. Along the way he learns about what really matters in life.“Living with the Truth,” by Jim Murdoch
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5 Star Books,
Adult Books,
Modern Novels
“Living with the Truth,” by Jim Murdoch is a fascinating exploration on the nature of truth.
The main character is an old man named Jonathan. Throughout the book, readers are given an almost embarrassingly personal look at Jonathan's life and history. The rich details and subtle ingredients that make up Jonathan's thought patterns, personal habits, and desires are all laid bare for the reader to see.
In contrast Jonathan is a relatively isolated man, who feels that he can and should keep his personal life hidden from the outside world. That changes completely, though, when he is visited by Truth personified. At first Jonathan is incredulous, but before to long it becomes painfully obvious that his strange visitor, must really be who he says he is: the quality of truth in human form. To Jonathan this force that has invaded his life both intrigues and repels him to some extent.
As the story progresses Jonathan is motivated by his otherworldly visitor to take a deeper look into his own life and past. Along the way there is plenty of time for strange adventures and encounters, and discussion of such questions as “Is there a God?”
Jim Murdoch has created a fascinating novel that has deep meaning beyond its face value. ”Living with the Truth” is about the lies that are all around us, the hidden things that we can't see, and the way humans hide the truth from both themselves and others. This novel will make you consider the truth about yourself and your own life. I really enjoyed reading “Living with the Truth” and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to read a thought-provoking novel.
The main character is an old man named Jonathan. Throughout the book, readers are given an almost embarrassingly personal look at Jonathan's life and history. The rich details and subtle ingredients that make up Jonathan's thought patterns, personal habits, and desires are all laid bare for the reader to see.
In contrast Jonathan is a relatively isolated man, who feels that he can and should keep his personal life hidden from the outside world. That changes completely, though, when he is visited by Truth personified. At first Jonathan is incredulous, but before to long it becomes painfully obvious that his strange visitor, must really be who he says he is: the quality of truth in human form. To Jonathan this force that has invaded his life both intrigues and repels him to some extent.
As the story progresses Jonathan is motivated by his otherworldly visitor to take a deeper look into his own life and past. Along the way there is plenty of time for strange adventures and encounters, and discussion of such questions as “Is there a God?”
Jim Murdoch has created a fascinating novel that has deep meaning beyond its face value. ”Living with the Truth” is about the lies that are all around us, the hidden things that we can't see, and the way humans hide the truth from both themselves and others. This novel will make you consider the truth about yourself and your own life. I really enjoyed reading “Living with the Truth” and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to read a thought-provoking novel.
Characters
Message
Overall
“Candide,” by Voltaire
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3 Star Books,
Classic Literature
“Candide,” by Voltaire is a classic piece of literature that is both humorous and philosophical at the same time.The stories plot revolves around Candide, a young man shoved out into the world after “one sweet kiss, and twenty kicks on the rump.” Candide's romance is put on hold as he experiences both the opulence and the suffering of this world. Though helped by a philosopher who ensures him that “all is for the best in this best of all possible worlds” Candide comes to realize that there is little reason for optimism, and not everything occurs for a good reason.
Voltaire seems to have written “Candide” primarily for the purpose of satirizing unreasoning optimism. Each time that I have read “Candide” I have discovered new meaning in its humorous yet biting passages. I would recommend Voltaire's book for its meaning and its position as a worthy classic.
You can read this classic story through Google Books
PlotCharactersPresentationOverall
“Things Not Seen,” by Andrew Clements
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Realistic Fiction,
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“Things Not Seen,” by Andrew Clements is a marvelous science fiction story.The main character is Bobby Phillips, a young teenager whose life completely changes one morning when he wakes up invisible. Bobby wasn't trying to become invisible, it just happened, and now he wants to become normal again. His parents are shocked by this occurrence but they understand that Bobby must stay hidden so that his strange quality is not publicized by the press or discovered by people who might want to misuse it.
Inkweaver Review is moving to a new web address. Please read the rest of this review at its new location:
Review of "Things Not Seen" by Andrew Clements
“The Black Room,” by Gillian Cross
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Fantasy,
Young Adult Books
“The Black Room,” by Gillian Cross is sequel to her earlier book “The Dark Ground,” and the second book in the Dark Ground trilogy.
In “The Dark Ground” Robert was somehow reduced to tiny size, ending up 
in the park near his home. Suddenly the familiar place that he used to know so well was a dangerous wilderness that could easily kill him. However, a small band of other small people helped Robert: first to survive, and then to make the journey that resulted in his restoration to normal size.
The ordeal may be over for Robert, but he will never forget the small people who are still living in the park, still trapped by their small state. Worse yet, winter is coming, and Robert knows that many of them will die from the cold. Robert is determined to help save those people, starting with his friend Lorn. He wants to help her become large again, but it will prove to be a difficult and dangerous undertaking.
“The Black Room” is a story told from two different vantages. It tells of Robert's struggle to find Lorn's large self and reunite it with the small person now living in the park. But meanwhile, Lorn and her small group of survivors are struggling to survive the winter. Gillian Cross has created another marvelous story in “The Black Room.” The plot is interesting, but slightly convoluted, not as clear cut and defined as the plot in “The Dark Ground.” However the story is still a wonderful fantasy that all who read “The Dark Ground” will want to read.
Inkweaver Book Rating:PlotCharactersPresentationOverall
Random Post Link Addon Script for Blogger
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Website Messages
This addon has been updated. Please use the new version.
You may have noticed a new feature on my blog, namely the addition of a random post message at the top. I programmed a cool Javascript addon to accomplish this, and I've decided to share it with the world.
It is made up of two main parts. First, place the following code where ever you want the random message to appear:
Now place this code section below both the blog archive and the section that you just placed. The best place is probably the bottom of the page. The script will retrieve a random post from your blog archive and display a message advertising it.
Further notes: Your blog archive widget must be organized by months so that the code can pull out the links.
Hopefully this can be of some help to you as a blogger. If you like this script and decide to use it on your blog please link back to my blog or to this post specifically. I thank you in advance.
You may have noticed a new feature on my blog, namely the addition of a random post message at the top. I programmed a cool Javascript addon to accomplish this, and I've decided to share it with the world.
It is made up of two main parts. First, place the following code where ever you want the random message to appear:
<div id="extract_output">
</div>
Now place this code section below both the blog archive and the section that you just placed. The best place is probably the bottom of the page. The script will retrieve a random post from your blog archive and display a message advertising it.
<script type="text/javascript">
/*<[CDATA[ <!-- */
//Beginning dynamic archive extract code.
//Locate the archive list.
var archive = document.getElementById("ArchiveList");
var archive_html = archive.innerHTML;
var links = [];
var introArray = new Array(
"Have you read ^?",
"Check out ^.",
"Looking for something to read? How about ^.",
"My blog says: \"Look at ^\"",
"I dredged up an old post just for you: ^",
"Please look at ^.",
"I wonder if you'd like to read ^?",
"You might enjoy reading ^.",
"Look what I found for you: ^",
"My blog has a post just for you: ^."
)
//Now search for child elements that have the class "posts"
//These contain the links that we want to extract.
function random_number(range)
{
return (Math.round(Math.random()*200000)%range);
}
var found_place = archive_html.search('<');
while(found_place!=-1)
{
var extract_string = archive_html.substring(found_place,found_place+10);
//Check to see if we found the beginning of the link section we want.
if(extract_string.localeCompare("<ul class=")==0|
extract_string.localeCompare("<UL class=")==0)
{
//Found the link list, now go through and extract the links.
var inner_search = archive_html.search("<");
if(inner_search==-1)
{
links[links.length]="(Failed)";
exit;
}
var loop_flag = true;
while(loop_flag)
{
if(inner_search==-1)
{
exit;
}
else
{
if(archive_html.substring(inner_search,inner_search+5).localeCompare('</ul>')==0|
archive_html.substring(inner_search,inner_search+5).localeCompare('</UL>')==0)
{
//Finished with this archive section so exit.
loop_flag = false;
}
else if(archive_html.substring(inner_search,inner_search+2).localeCompare('<a')==0|
archive_html.substring(inner_search,inner_search+2).localeCompare('<A')==0)
{
//Found a link to extract, now find the end of the link.
var end_link = archive_html.search("</a>")+4;
if(end_link==3) //Returns negative one if fail, so +4 becomes 3.
{
//Must be Internet Exploder, do a capital search.
end_link = archive_html.search("</A>")+4;
}
//Do the slice
links[links.length] = archive_html.substring(inner_search,end_link);
}
}
//Cut out opening just found.
archive_html = archive_html.substring(inner_search+1);
//Search again.
inner_search = archive_html.search('<');
}
}
//Trim out the opening we just found.
archive_html = archive_html.substring(found_place+1);
//Search again.
found_place = archive_html.search('<');
}
//Great, now we have a list of links from the archive
//Do something with them.
var output_string = introArray[random_number(introArray.length)];
output_string = output_string.replace("^",links[random_number(links.length)]);
//Pick a random link and put it in the output area.
document.getElementById("extract_output").innerHTML = output_string;
/* ]]> --> */
</script>
Further notes: Your blog archive widget must be organized by months so that the code can pull out the links.
Hopefully this can be of some help to you as a blogger. If you like this script and decide to use it on your blog please link back to my blog or to this post specifically. I thank you in advance.
One Word
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Reviewed Websites
Recently I discovered a fascinating little site that will appeal to all you aspiring and/or professional writers who visit Inkweaver Review.
The site's concept is delightfully simple but deep at the same time. Visitors are provided with a single word and sixty seconds to write as much or as little as they like about that word. Their creations are posted on the site for all to enjoy. One Word stores a massive archive of all the daily words and reader's responses.
Stop by and visit One Word today!
The site's concept is delightfully simple but deep at the same time. Visitors are provided with a single word and sixty seconds to write as much or as little as they like about that word. Their creations are posted on the site for all to enjoy. One Word stores a massive archive of all the daily words and reader's responses.
Stop by and visit One Word today!
“The Dark Ground,” by Gillian Cross
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5 Star Books,
Fantasy,
Mysteries,
Young Adult Books
“The Dark Ground,” by Gillian Cross is the first book in a fantasy trilogy that is simply amazing.
When Robert wakes up he is completely alone and naked in a strange alien landscape. The last thing he can remember is being on a plane, on the way home from a vacation with his family. He doesn't know if the plane crashed or even how he came to be in this state. All he knows is that he must survive.
With no food, shelter, or tools Robert must try to make do with what he can find around him. But there is something strange about the landscape around him. Not only does it seem familiar and strange at the same time, but there also appear to be other people in the area, people who are willing to help him, but at the same time don't want to be found. When Robert finally discovers where he is, though, it will be a shocking truth far stranger than anything he would ever have imagined. The only question: Is there a way to get back?
In writing “The Dark Ground,” Gillian Cross has created an unquestionably genius novel. The world is beautifully described, with so many details that it is easy to understand exactly how Robert feels during the experience. In addition “The Dark Ground” is perfectly timed and proportioned. Gillian Cross withholds certain details and explanations just long enough to allure, but not so long that she frustrates the reader. I would highly recommend “The Dark Ground” and its two sequels to all readers.
Inkweaver Book Rating:
Plot
Characters
Presentation
Overall
When Robert wakes up he is completely alone and naked in a strange alien landscape. The last thing he can remember is being on a plane, on the way home from a vacation with his family. He doesn't know if the plane crashed or even how he came to be in this state. All he knows is that he must survive.With no food, shelter, or tools Robert must try to make do with what he can find around him. But there is something strange about the landscape around him. Not only does it seem familiar and strange at the same time, but there also appear to be other people in the area, people who are willing to help him, but at the same time don't want to be found. When Robert finally discovers where he is, though, it will be a shocking truth far stranger than anything he would ever have imagined. The only question: Is there a way to get back?
In writing “The Dark Ground,” Gillian Cross has created an unquestionably genius novel. The world is beautifully described, with so many details that it is easy to understand exactly how Robert feels during the experience. In addition “The Dark Ground” is perfectly timed and proportioned. Gillian Cross withholds certain details and explanations just long enough to allure, but not so long that she frustrates the reader. I would highly recommend “The Dark Ground” and its two sequels to all readers.
Inkweaver Book Rating:
Plot Characters 
Presentation Overall
“Omega Place,” by Graham Marks
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Modern Novels,
Realistic Fiction,
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“Omega Place,” by Graham Marks is a thrilling novel about the controversial issue of security camera usage.
When Paul Hendry runs away from home its a spur of the moment decision provoked by disagreements with his parents. Suddenly homeless and alone, Paul decides to head to London, where he just might be able to find a job. But Paul's life changes suddenly when he meets up with two members of a radical group called Omega Place.
Omega Place is devoted to destroying CCTV cameras across the British Isle. They feel that millions of cameras that the government has installed are just one step in a larger Big Brother type plot to spy on the British people. In need of friends and intrigued by Omega Place's ideas Paul joins the group. Paul and his companions journey to London to spread their manifesto and attract public attention.
Needless to say the police are soon begin tracking Omega Place's destructive actions, and Paul and his companions are on the run. Little do they realize, though, but the police are the least of their worries. Someone else wants to stop Omega Place, and he'll stop at nothing to do so.
“Omega Place” is very exciting. Graham Mark's storyline is very believable, and I feel that it shows the dangerous consequences that result when teenagers run away from home. Its obvious that Graham Marks wants readers to think about that the issue of camera spying more closely. However, the story also shows that radical movements such as Omega Place are a dangerous thing to associate with.
“Omega Place” is a well-written and involving tale that has an interesting and thought-provoking message.
When Paul Hendry runs away from home its a spur of the moment decision provoked by disagreements with his parents. Suddenly homeless and alone, Paul decides to head to London, where he just might be able to find a job. But Paul's life changes suddenly when he meets up with two members of a radical group called Omega Place.
Omega Place is devoted to destroying CCTV cameras across the British Isle. They feel that millions of cameras that the government has installed are just one step in a larger Big Brother type plot to spy on the British people. In need of friends and intrigued by Omega Place's ideas Paul joins the group. Paul and his companions journey to London to spread their manifesto and attract public attention.
Needless to say the police are soon begin tracking Omega Place's destructive actions, and Paul and his companions are on the run. Little do they realize, though, but the police are the least of their worries. Someone else wants to stop Omega Place, and he'll stop at nothing to do so.
“Omega Place” is very exciting. Graham Mark's storyline is very believable, and I feel that it shows the dangerous consequences that result when teenagers run away from home. Its obvious that Graham Marks wants readers to think about that the issue of camera spying more closely. However, the story also shows that radical movements such as Omega Place are a dangerous thing to associate with.
“Omega Place” is a well-written and involving tale that has an interesting and thought-provoking message.
Plot
CharactersMessageOverall
Clockwork
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Featured Poetry
Clockwork sun, and clockwork moon,
You have your paths to take.
And on this earth,
This clockwork earth,
We follow in your wake.
Clockwork life, and clockwork death,
We’re built from wood and tears,
Inside these eyes,
These clockwork eyes,
I hide my deepest fears.
Clockwork smile, and clockwork laugh,
I bring all people joy,
But in this place,
This clockwork place,
I’m nothing but a toy.
Clockwork gears, and clockwork spring,
To move is clockwork’s will.
But in the end,
That certain end,
All clockwork must stand still.
You have your paths to take.
And on this earth,
This clockwork earth,
We follow in your wake.
Clockwork life, and clockwork death,
We’re built from wood and tears,
Inside these eyes,
These clockwork eyes,
I hide my deepest fears.
Clockwork smile, and clockwork laugh,
I bring all people joy,
But in this place,
This clockwork place,
I’m nothing but a toy.
Clockwork gears, and clockwork spring,
To move is clockwork’s will.
But in the end,
That certain end,
All clockwork must stand still.
“The Taker,” by J.M. Steele
Other related posts:
5 Star Books,
Mysteries,
Realistic Fiction,
Young Adult Books
“The Taker,” by J.M. Steele is an academic mystery about a student considering cheating on the SAT.
Carly Biels would appear to have a perfect life. She has decent grades and a popular boyfriend. Although she has never enjoyed taking tests, Carly always felt that she would do fairly well on the SAT. But when she gets her SAT results Carly is shocked: she completely failed the test.
Carly's low SAT score ruins her parents plan to enroll her at Princeton, and it also threatens Carly's most important plans for the future. Faced by the prospect of complete failure she decides that her last hope is to retake the test. That's when Carly receives a mysterious note from “The Taker.” This devious individual guarantees that he will take the SAT for her, and get a point within 150 points of perfect. But Carly has to pay a price...
“The Taker” is quite well written. Carly's predicament is very believable, and will doubtlessly strike a chord with any teens who are facing the SAT themselves. The book's supporting characters are rich and diverse. What I most liked about the book, however, was its O. Henry style ending, but you'll have to read it yourself to discover the book's final secret.
Extra Information:
J.M. Steele is not a real person, rather it is a pseudonym for two writers who collaborated to create this novel.
Inkweaver Book Rating:
Plot
Characters
Presentation
Overall
Carly Biels would appear to have a perfect life. She has decent grades and a popular boyfriend. Although she has never enjoyed taking tests, Carly always felt that she would do fairly well on the SAT. But when she gets her SAT results Carly is shocked: she completely failed the test.
Carly's low SAT score ruins her parents plan to enroll her at Princeton, and it also threatens Carly's most important plans for the future. Faced by the prospect of complete failure she decides that her last hope is to retake the test. That's when Carly receives a mysterious note from “The Taker.” This devious individual guarantees that he will take the SAT for her, and get a point within 150 points of perfect. But Carly has to pay a price...
“The Taker” is quite well written. Carly's predicament is very believable, and will doubtlessly strike a chord with any teens who are facing the SAT themselves. The book's supporting characters are rich and diverse. What I most liked about the book, however, was its O. Henry style ending, but you'll have to read it yourself to discover the book's final secret.
Extra Information:
J.M. Steele is not a real person, rather it is a pseudonym for two writers who collaborated to create this novel.
Inkweaver Book Rating:
Plot Characters Presentation Overall
“Schooled,” by Gordan Korman
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4 Star Books,
Humorous Books,
Realistic Fiction,
Young Adult Books
“Schooled,” by Gordan Korman is a humorous story about a young hippie in the modern world.
Capricorn Anderson has grown up on a farm commune, home schooled by his grandmother Rain. But when his grandmother falls out of a tree and breaks her hip she has to undergo therapy, and Capricorn can't stay on the commune by himself.
Capricorn has to live with a guidance counselor and her teenage daughter, attend the local high school and learn about the world outside the commune. Capricorn may be an expert on meditation, tie-dying, and tai chi, but he's clueless when it comes to iPods, pizza, and the other important elements of modern life.
“Schooled” made me laugh more than a few times. The main character Capricorn is humorous without being too ridiculous. Also Korman tells the story not only from Capricorn's point of view but also through the words of his classmates and other people around him. The resulting book is a very enjoyable and pleasant piece of entertainment.
Capricorn Anderson has grown up on a farm commune, home schooled by his grandmother Rain. But when his grandmother falls out of a tree and breaks her hip she has to undergo therapy, and Capricorn can't stay on the commune by himself.Capricorn has to live with a guidance counselor and her teenage daughter, attend the local high school and learn about the world outside the commune. Capricorn may be an expert on meditation, tie-dying, and tai chi, but he's clueless when it comes to iPods, pizza, and the other important elements of modern life.
“Schooled” made me laugh more than a few times. The main character Capricorn is humorous without being too ridiculous. Also Korman tells the story not only from Capricorn's point of view but also through the words of his classmates and other people around him. The resulting book is a very enjoyable and pleasant piece of entertainment.
Inkweaver Book Rating:PlotCharactersPresentation
Overall
“The Real Question,” by Adrian Fogelin
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3 Star Books,
Modern Novels,
Realistic Fiction,
Young Adult Books
“The Real Question,” by Adrian Fogelin is a coming-of-age type story about a teenager on a life changing trip.
Straight-A student Fisher Brown feels like he is on the verge of an academic burnout when his next door neighbor Lonny offers him a way out. Lonny's carefree lifestyle appeals to Fisher, so when Lonny offers to take him out of town on a mission to repair a friend's roof, Fisher decides to skip a few days of school to join him.
Little does Fisher know, but this journey will take him hundred's of miles and put him in situations that he never would have considered before. Fisher has to make choices about what really matters, and where his first loyalties lie.
I feel that Adrian Fogelin did a good job writing “The Real Question.” The book's plot is unique, and the characters in the story are quite realistic. “The Real Question” shows events as well as consequences, and that is always something I admire. This interesting story is, in my opinion, definitely worth reading.
Straight-A student Fisher Brown feels like he is on the verge of an academic burnout when his next door neighbor Lonny offers him a way out. Lonny's carefree lifestyle appeals to Fisher, so when Lonny offers to take him out of town on a mission to repair a friend's roof, Fisher decides to skip a few days of school to join him.
Little does Fisher know, but this journey will take him hundred's of miles and put him in situations that he never would have considered before. Fisher has to make choices about what really matters, and where his first loyalties lie.
I feel that Adrian Fogelin did a good job writing “The Real Question.” The book's plot is unique, and the characters in the story are quite realistic. “The Real Question” shows events as well as consequences, and that is always something I admire. This interesting story is, in my opinion, definitely worth reading.
PlotCharactersPresentationOverall
“The Day My Mother Left,” by James Prosek
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5 Star Books,
Modern Novels,
Realistic Fiction,
Sad Stories,
Young Adult Books
“The Day My Mother Left,” by James Prosek is a moving novel based on the author's own experience of dealing with his parent's divorce.
The main character is nine-year-old Jeremy, a young artist. Jeremy's mother leaves the family to start a new life with the father of a schoolmate that is Jeremy's worst enemy. As his father deals with depression and his sister spends more and more time away from home, Jeremy finds that he must support himself and find his own way to cope with the loss.
Jeremy turns his focus to art, releasing his personal feelings through redrawing the “Book of Birds,” a collection of avian drawings that his mother took with her when she left. Jeremy's art leads him to form other relationships, and find solace in his nature drawings.
There are two things that I most liked about “The Day My Mother Left.” First, I found James Prosek's voice to be very calm and collected. Jeremy is neither cynical, nor overcome with pain, and as a result I think that this book will really strike a chord with anyone who has lost a parent. Second, I enjoyed the powerful images that fill “The Day My Mother Left.” The cover features colorful songbirds, happy memories from the lost “Book of Birds,” but the inside is full of black and white images of dead birds, with empty eyes, and curled feet. Sometimes these images serve as a contrast with the text, and sometimes as a support, but throughout they add extra depth and emotion to the plot.
“The Day My Mother Left” by James Prosek is a great novel that I highly recommend to all readers.
Inkweaver Book Rating:
The main character is nine-year-old Jeremy, a young artist. Jeremy's mother leaves the family to start a new life with the father of a schoolmate that is Jeremy's worst enemy. As his father deals with depression and his sister spends more and more time away from home, Jeremy finds that he must support himself and find his own way to cope with the loss.
Jeremy turns his focus to art, releasing his personal feelings through redrawing the “Book of Birds,” a collection of avian drawings that his mother took with her when she left. Jeremy's art leads him to form other relationships, and find solace in his nature drawings.
There are two things that I most liked about “The Day My Mother Left.” First, I found James Prosek's voice to be very calm and collected. Jeremy is neither cynical, nor overcome with pain, and as a result I think that this book will really strike a chord with anyone who has lost a parent. Second, I enjoyed the powerful images that fill “The Day My Mother Left.” The cover features colorful songbirds, happy memories from the lost “Book of Birds,” but the inside is full of black and white images of dead birds, with empty eyes, and curled feet. Sometimes these images serve as a contrast with the text, and sometimes as a support, but throughout they add extra depth and emotion to the plot.
“The Day My Mother Left” by James Prosek is a great novel that I highly recommend to all readers.
Inkweaver Book Rating:
PlotCharactersPresentationOverall
Dream Colors
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Featured Poetry
i dream in blue,
as a quiet, flowing arctic sea
leaching upward into the frozen ice
a stain of sky in liquid hues
fallen from above to rest in peace
beneath the cold cloud canopy
as a quiet, flowing arctic sea
leaching upward into the frozen ice
a stain of sky in liquid hues
fallen from above to rest in peace
beneath the cold cloud canopy
i dream in gray,
in swirl hues, a droplet dance
cold kisses from the wraiths
dripping off the empty black twigs
in welling drops as clear as crystal glass,
as large as a falling world
i dream in red
in crimson velvet, thorns and petals
bejeweled with frigid dewdrop tears
lying on the dark polished granite
where visitor's faces are reflected
as dark eyes that look out from the stone
i dream in black
searching hues like deep waters
a charcoal sketch in powder smudges
slipping across the cream white paper
like veins in a dying brown fall leaf
clothed with frost and snowflakes
i dream in yellow
below the swinging sunlight fringe
of her golden springtime dress
bare feet trod the virgin earth
and grass grows in every soft step
like a carpet for her feet only
“Evil Genius,” by Catherine Jinks
Other related posts:
5 Star Books,
Modern Novels,
Mysteries,
Science Fiction,
Young Adult Books
“Evil Genius,” by Catherine Jinks is an exciting novel about a genius boy with criminal parents.
Cadel is a young boy with a high IQ, and a boring life. School is not even a challenge for him, and his parents barely seem to notice him at all. But when he gets in trouble for hacking into computers they take him to see a counselor who specializes in dealing with intelligent but troubled children. But the counselor is not what he seems. He reveals that Cadel is the son of a criminal mastermind, and he begins teaching Cadel the art of crime. Soon Cadel is studying systems of all kinds, leading him to carry out such devious experiments as bringing the cities entire transportation system to a halt and influencing the behavior of his fellow students so that they all fail their finals.
Soon Cadel is enrolled at the Axis Institute, an institute of crime masquerading as an exclusive private school. As Cadel meets the fellow students and begins to be taught the fundamentals of a devious lifestyle, he starts to realize that perhaps he is being manipulated. His father wants him to become an evil genius, but is that what Cadel wants?
“Evil Genius” is full of technological details, interesting characters and criminals. The star character Cadel reminded me of Artemis Fowl, with the same intelligence and devious attitude. But the point of “Evil Genius” is not crime, but rather the choice that Cadel must make. Is he going to become an evil person just to please his criminal father, or can he make his own decision?
Inkweaver Book Rating:
Plot
Characters
Presentation
Message
Overall
Cadel is a young boy with a high IQ, and a boring life. School is not even a challenge for him, and his parents barely seem to notice him at all. But when he gets in trouble for hacking into computers they take him to see a counselor who specializes in dealing with intelligent but troubled children. But the counselor is not what he seems. He reveals that Cadel is the son of a criminal mastermind, and he begins teaching Cadel the art of crime. Soon Cadel is studying systems of all kinds, leading him to carry out such devious experiments as bringing the cities entire transportation system to a halt and influencing the behavior of his fellow students so that they all fail their finals.Soon Cadel is enrolled at the Axis Institute, an institute of crime masquerading as an exclusive private school. As Cadel meets the fellow students and begins to be taught the fundamentals of a devious lifestyle, he starts to realize that perhaps he is being manipulated. His father wants him to become an evil genius, but is that what Cadel wants?
“Evil Genius” is full of technological details, interesting characters and criminals. The star character Cadel reminded me of Artemis Fowl, with the same intelligence and devious attitude. But the point of “Evil Genius” is not crime, but rather the choice that Cadel must make. Is he going to become an evil person just to please his criminal father, or can he make his own decision?
Inkweaver Book Rating:
PlotCharactersPresentationMessageOverall
“The Surrender Tree,” by Margarita Engle
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4 Star Books,
Historical Fiction,
Modern Novels,
Newbery Honor Books,
Poetry,
Realistic Fiction,
Young Adult Books
“The Surrender Tree,” by Margarita Engle is the story of Cuba's struggle for freedom told through poetry.
The main character in “The Surrender Tree” is Rosa, a real historical character whose full name was Rosario Castellanos Castellanos, also known in Cuba as Rosa la Bayamesa. Rosa was a healer during Cuba's bloody wars for independence. Although she worked primarily on the side of the rebels, she sometimes healed soldiers fighting on the Spanish side as well.
“The Surrender Tree” follows the story of Rosa through three of Cuba's wars of independence, showing her feelings and reaction to the war. Margarita Engle's poetry is well written with balanced and well distributed lines. The storyline is a little sparse, but the rewarding jewels of poetry encountered along the way make me recommend “The Surrender Tree” as a worthwhile poetry book to read.
Inkweaver Book Rating:
Plot
Characters
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Overall
The main character in “The Surrender Tree” is Rosa, a real historical character whose full name was Rosario Castellanos Castellanos, also known in Cuba as Rosa la Bayamesa. Rosa was a healer during Cuba's bloody wars for independence. Although she worked primarily on the side of the rebels, she sometimes healed soldiers fighting on the Spanish side as well.
“The Surrender Tree” follows the story of Rosa through three of Cuba's wars of independence, showing her feelings and reaction to the war. Margarita Engle's poetry is well written with balanced and well distributed lines. The storyline is a little sparse, but the rewarding jewels of poetry encountered along the way make me recommend “The Surrender Tree” as a worthwhile poetry book to read.
Inkweaver Book Rating:
PlotCharactersPresentationOverall
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