Bomb by Steve Sheinkin- Alyson's Review

I was psyched that this was a Newbery Honor book--I love history, especially WWII--but I had no idea I'd find it as fascinating as I did.  Steve Sheinkin brings faces and personalities to all different kinds of people here, from the Norwegian resistance fighters who destroyed Germany's chances of winning the race to the scientists--old, middle-aged, and freakishly young--who won it for America (as well as those who then gave away the victory to the waiting KGB). Much of the story was new to me, and I was spellbound.  

What I loved most about Bomb is how it marries being accessible with being intelligent and informative.  It's hard to see this as a book specifically for young people--it works just as well for adults, I think--and it manages to be incredibly well-researched without actually feeling scholarly (in the dry, academic sense, that is.).  It's an introduction to the topic, it's true, but it's all the introduction most people will ever need.  And in case you were wondering, it's just as gripping for those of us whose worst subjects were Chemistry and Physics!

Bottom line--I loved it.  Sheinkin weaves together all kinds of different threads to tell a remarkable story, and it requires concentration, but it's more than worth it.  Do not miss this one.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer, Alyson's Review

Introducing my fabulous friend Alyson, who is going to be doing reviews from time to time around here.  
Since there were a few Beehive Nominees that I had already read and reviewed, I'm having her give another perspective. :)

Cinder may have come highly recommended, but I wouldn't have read it if it hadn't been someone else's book club pick.  It's really, really not my usual kind of book.  That said--I was hooked from the first chapter.  I stayed up past midnight 3 nights in a row to finish it, early rising children notwithstanding.  What better compliment can you give?

The premise is intriguing enough--a Cinderella retelling where 'Cinder' is a cyborg--but I was impressed at how well I liked the plot details.  I sank pretty comfortably into Cinder's world for someone who doesn't generally enjoy sci-fi, and I absolutely loved how the traditional plot elements from the fairy tale fit in.  

Bottom line--a winner for a wide audience (I gave 3 copies as Christmas gifts).  Enjoy!  And don't be surprised if you find yourself hooked enough to put Scarlet on hold at your library...