Shannon Costello

I was looking for a readable book that would give me an overview of economics, and I found what I was looking for in a big way. Wheelan uses a great deal of humor and an abundance of extended examples; because of those two elements he teaches economics, a traditionally dry subject, in a [...]

I did this on purpose:  before starting this post I headed to Vivian Vande Velde’s website.  It helps me know a bit more of where the author is coming from and that, in turn, helps me temper whatever negative things I might say.  Hey- She is from Rochester, NY!   I have warm, fuzzy feelings [...]

I have finished my first attempt at a novel and am thinking about my second.  That made it more interesting to read a second novel by a real writer. 
I think what I loved best about this book was the way the author used her writing (including some gorgeous poetic phrases) to write things [...]

This Young Adult book is one of the few high school YA books I have read.  I enjoyed the book, but I’m glad to spend most of my time with the less edgy middle school stuff.
I thought the book was quite good.  The story drew me in and the plot was well-constructed, meaning that I [...]

I avoid serious literature when sick, but this time I coached myself through it with frequent Harry Potter breaks.
No Name was criticized because one character, Magdalen, instead of being properly punished for her wickedness, is allowed to repent and live happily ever after.  Magdalen’s deceit and schemes cause righteous persons to shrink from her.  While [...]

I’m not a fan of the idea of Jane Austen spin-off fiction, and Austenland isn’t delightful like The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, but it was still an entertaining book.  I know about Shannon Hale because she is yet another famous “young adult” fiction writer who graduated from BYU. I wonder what they [...]

I see Philip Pullman as an important voice in what I fondly refer to as middle-school fiction- though really his voice reaches much farther than juvenile fiction.  Because I’m trying to figure him out I keep reading his books.  Earlier this year I read The Scarecrow and His Servant, which did little to interest me. [...]

This is not a review, just some thoughts about the fourth book in Stephenie Meyer’s vampire quartet.  
Certain aspects of Bella’s life as a vampire sound like Heaven.  (I’m sure this was not intentional.  I do not think this book is allegorical or anything like that.) 
1)  Bella revels in the thought of immortality with Edward…without [...]