Science Fiction and Fantasy

Here's where we SUSPEND OUR DISBELIEF!!!

I am the first to admit, I am not well-read in either of these categories but...I might actually  like an escape to another realm or a foray into the future once in a while.  Here's what intrigued me this week:

The City in the Lake

By Rachel Neumeir

Northborough Public Library

This book has many of the typical elements of a fantasy or fairytale; a kingdom in trouble; enchanted forests, mages and elves, to name a few.    When the prince of the magical city mysteriously disappears the kingdom is thrown into turmoil.   Far across the kingdom, Timou is a teen daughter of a mage who sets out to right what has gone wrong.   A battle for the throne and displays of courage all take place in this story which is written with beautiful descriptions.  I chose this book for the descriptive text which can make you almost feel like you are there!

 

Claim to Fame

Margaret Peterson Haddix

Northborough Public Library

Lindsay Scott is a former child star with a secret.  She disappears from the public eye, only to be brought into the limelight years later with rumors of being held captive by her father.  After being “kidnapped” by well-meaning rescuers, we learn the true reason for her being housebound…Lindsay has special powers. 

 “I would call it hidden talent, but talents are supposed to be happy possessions…..At any given moment I can hear anything anybody says about me. Anywhere in the world.” 

 I chose this book for its blend of a current day pop-culture theme with a thought provoking look at friendships, family and spirituality.  Kind of like Mary Kate and Ashley meet Ralph Waldo Emerson.

The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp

By Rick Yancey

Northborough Public Library

Alfred is a shy, awkward teenage boy who prefers to be alone.  When he reluctantly agrees to help out his uncle in yet another “get-rich-quick” scheme he finds out that he has actually become an accomplice in the theft of Excalibur.  This book is a great combination of modern day teen life and the legendary tales of King Arthur.  I chose this book because it is a classic example of an often neglected underdog rising to a challenge, with lots of humor along the way…oh and who wouldn't love the image of a knight riding in a Ferrari.

Spacer and Rat

By Margaret Bechard

Northborough Public Library

In a future world, Earthies and Spacies co-exist on Freedom Station.  This story revolves around Jack, who has lived on the space colony all his life, and Kit who changes his beliefs in the “us against them” mentality of the Earthies vs. Spacies . I chose this book because it seems to go against the dystopian model of science fiction.  It tells of how things in the future can be, with positive outcomes among the challenges.