35.
Title: [Princesses Behaving Badly]
Author: Linda Rodriguez McRobbie
Genre: Nonfiction
Medium: Hardback
Acquisition: Library Book
Date Completed: May 16, 2014
Rating: ***1/2

This book is just what it appears to be: a collection of brief snippets from the lives of women who do not always behave as various societies expect.  As with most books of this type, the content is extremely limited, and offers little depth.  However, McRobbie's narrative voice and sense of humor is appealing, offering a contemporary perspective on the often ludicrous and occasionally outrageous treatment these women have faced. 

36.
Title: [Cress]
Author: Marissa Meyer
Genre: Science Fiction
Medium: Hardback
Acquisition: Library Book
Date Completed: May 17, 2014
Rating: *****

After a lukewarm reading of Scarlet, which too greatly forces elements fairy tales into a bit of a slapdash story, I was wary of Cress. My hesitancy was completely unfounded, as the third book in the Lunar Chronicles is stellar (I couldn't avoid the pun).  Cress as a figure is sympathetic and interesting, and Meyers does well to weave her story into the narrative she has established over Cinder and Scarlet. Here, the allusions to the story of Rapunzel are well-integrated, flowing naturally into the whole as opposed to being forced by expectations. The further development of the previously-introduced characters is enthralling, with strong development and the promise of an exceptional crescendo.  I am won-over again, and cannot wait for the next (and perhaps final?) installment. 

37.
Title: [American Born Chinese]
Author: Gene Luen Yang
Genre: Graphic Novel
Medium: Paperback
Acquisition: Library Book
Date Completed: May 19, 2014
Rating: ***

I picked up American Born Chinese on the recommendation of a colleague; unfortunately, I did not find it as appealing as he.  The novel offers several strong messages, and promotes interest through three separate story lines that converge in the end. The artwork is very well suited to the story, and the episodic nature of the organization will keep readers engaged. So why just three stars?  Personal taste - it just wasn't for me.