Friday, April 20, 2012

Book Review :: The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud

The Amulet of Smarkand, a book by Jonathan Stroud, shows us a unique form of magic. Magic that is unlike that of Harry Potter, or Eragon, or even “the force” in star wars. It shows us much darker kinds of magic, sorcery of the kind where ghoulish creatures and demons are summoned mostly to do the dirty work for their masters and to protect them from other magicians and their servants.

The author uses footnotes at the bottom of several pages to help explain what is going on in the book, something that I have not seen done before, but that works very well with the book. These footnotes are very entertaining and contain a lot of information, so it would be a good idea to read them as you go. He also writes from Nathaniel and Bartimaeus’ points of view so the reader gets to see what each is thinking and how their perspectives compare and/or contrast.


Introduction to the characters:

Nathaniel was once a normal boy, but after being abandoned by his parents, he finds himself in a new life where deception and revenge are common and where power and intelligence are the key to survival. After being humiliated by another magician Nathaniel summons Bartimaeus to help him get revenge by stealing the Amulet of Smarkand. However, everything starts to go wrong when the djinn learns Nathaniel’s true name, something that gives him power over his master.

Bartimaeus is a powerful djinn who suddenly finds himself under the power of a young boy seeking to steal a very powerful amulet from a powerful magician. He tries to trick the boy, but he soon realizes that this is futile and is forced to do what the boy asks. That is until he finds out Nathaniel’s name.



If you want to find out what happens, read the book! Hopefully you’ll love it and will want to come to our book club to share your thoughts.


Book review by Gabriela L. (Jan Platt Regional Library Teen Advisory Board member)

On Thursday, April 26th at 5:30pm The Jan Platt Regional Library Teen Book Club will be discussing The Amulet of Samarkand. Come join the discussion and help select future books for the group to read. Copies of the book are available at Jan Platt Library for check out. Refreshments will be provided.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Jan Platt Library Teen Book Club :: The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud

Do you love reading? Looking for something new? Join us for our monthly Teen Book Club. We read and talk about books selected by teens like you!

On Thursday, April 26th at 5:30pm we will be discussing The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud at Jan Platt Library. Come join the discussion and help select future books for the group to read. Copies of the book are available at Jan Platt Library for check out. Refreshments will be provided.

The Amulet of Samarkand was selected for the 2004 American Library Association's Best Books for Young Adults list.

Come an hour earlier at 4:30 and join our Teen Advisory Board. Have a voice in creating library programs and recommending materials like graphic novels, manga, young adult fiction, and music. Help promote the library to other teens. T.A.B. members earn community service hours toward graduation, scholarships and more!

"Nathaniel, a magician's apprentice, summons up the djinni Bartimaeus and instructs him to steal the Amulet of Samarkand from the powerful magician Simon Lovelace."

See what other books our Book Club has been reading by checking out our bookshelf on Goodreads.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Khaotic Kon!

Right here in Tampa! Right this weekend! It's Khaotic Kon! Featuring special events such as the Murder Mystery Theater, Hetalia Nation, and Evil Shinding of Ma-Intent. And of course, old con favorites such as Anime Music Video and Cosplay contests. Join us for Tampa's first springtime anime convention!

Khaotic Kon

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Teen Talent Show @ West Tampa Library



First Place Winner High School

Talented Teens from all over Tampa visited the West Tampa Branch Library for great performances of poetry, music and dancing. The standing room only crowd of 85 fans were cheering throughout the contest. It must have been difficult for the judges because the competition was steep. Who could forget the cowboy... or the mimes or the dance crew or the cute little steppers ... Pop, Hip Hop, Country, Dance, Step, Keyboards, Pianos, Poetry, Show Tunes, and Gospel! Oh My! Each one of those talented teens fought fiercely for the prize, but the winners were a middle school singer named Miranda and a high school student named Jonathon, “The Piano Man". Each winner took home the first place cash prizes of $100 each.

West Tampa was one of six regional contests throughout the county. The first and second place winners for the middle and high school divisions in each regional contest are invited to the John F. Germany Public Library this Saturday, April 14th at 2pm. Best of luck to the West Tampa Winners in the finale! Go West Tampa! GO! GO!

A special Shout-Out goes to the Ada T. Payne Friends of the Urban Libraries for their support in making such programs possible!