Saturday, March 31, 2012

Children's Book Saturday: "Tumford the Terrible" By: Nancy Tillman Review

 
"Tumford the Terrible"
Written & Illustrated By: Nancy Tillman

Synopsis from Amazon:

Tumford isn’t really a terrible cat. He just has a way of finding mischief—tracking dirt into the house, knocking over breakable things, and disrupting fancy parties. But even though he feels bad, he has a hard time saying, “I’m sorry.” Will the fact that his owners love him, no matter what, help Tummy say the magic words? 



My Thoughts:
      “Tumford the Terrible” is a story about a cat named Tumford Stoutt who doesn't like to say sorry. He has a really great human family that makes him pies and takes him on vacation, but the one thing he can't do is say sorry when he does something wrong. Instead, he hides, which doesn't help anyone.
     Written in a rhyming prose, Tumford is an incredibly cute story with wonderful illustrations. While teaching a great lesson to children, they will enjoy the creative artwork. A great read aloud for children, I would suggest this story for the preschool age group.
Illustration from "Tumford the Terrible" By: Nancy Tillman 
My favorite quote:

“And so, there you go, that's the end of the story
of how Tumford Stoutt finally said he was sorry.

There aren't always cheers when he knocks over platters,
but he's always loved,
and that's all that matters.”
Illustration by: Nancy Tillman
Book Details

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Date of Publication: May 24, 2011
# of Pages: 32
ISBN: 978-0312368401

Thursday, March 29, 2012

"It's In His Kiss" By: Julia Quinn Review

"It's In His Kiss" 
By: Julia Quinn
Synopsis from Amazon:
Meet Our Hero . . .

Gareth St. Clair is in a bind. His father, who detests him, is determined to beggar the St. Clair estates and ruin his inheritance. Gareth's sole bequest is an old family diary, which may or may not contain the secrets of his past . . . and the key to his future. The problem is—it's written in Italian, of which Gareth speaks not a word.
Meet Our Heroine . . .
All the ton agreed: there was no one quite like Hyacinth Bridgerton. She's fiendishly smart, devilishly outspoken, and according to Gareth, probably best in small doses. But there's something about her—something charming and vexing—that grabs him and won't quite let go . . .
Meet Poor Mr. Mozart . . .
Or don't. But rest assured, he's spinning in his grave when Gareth and Hyacinth cross paths at the annual—and annually discordant—Smythe-Smith musicale. To Hyacinth, Gareth's every word seems a dare, and she offers to translate his diary, even though her Italian is slightly less than perfect. But as they delve into the mysterious text, they discover that the answers they seek lie not in the diary, but in each other . . . and that there is nothing as simple—or as complicated—as a single, perfect kiss.
My Thoughts:
      I have been a fan of Julia Quinn since the beginning of her Bridgerton Series, "The Duke and I." For some reason, I had missed the last two in the series, so when I was at the library the other day, I picked up "It's In His Kiss," the story of Hyacinth, the youngest of the Bridgerton's. While I was enjoyed entering the Quinn's world, I can see why I missed this title when it was published.
      Hyacinth Bridgerton is the youngest child of the Bridgerton clan. In previous books you see her as she grows into herself, so its fun to see her finally get her happily ever after. She is matched with Gareth St. Clair, the grandson of Lady Danbury. Fan of the series will easily identify Lady Danbury, she's a dragon lady from previous books and knows the ton like the back of her hand.
      Hyacinth initially meets Gareth at a legendary Smythe-Smith musical. Each time they meet, they trade verbal barbs, which I enjoy. I love witty heroines, and I think Hyacinth is extremely funny while being intelligent. Being the grandson of Lady Danbury, Gareth is bound to be a little onery too, which was fun to witness.
    Beyond the character though, I have to say, the story was incredibly boring. The Bridgerton siblings only make limited appearances, not nearly enough for me. I understand the book is about the two main characters, but the secondary characters have brought me here and I want to see them! I also felt there wasn't very much romance between Hyacinth and Gareth, it was almost as if they heard they should be together so they were.
     Fairly disappointed with this title, "It's In His Kiss" is just your standard romance. Nothing your going to rave about but a nice addition if you want to find out about Hyacinth's life. Julia Quinn is an amazing writer, I just don't think this is her best effort. 


Book Details
Publisher: Avon
Date of Publication: June 28, 2005
# of Pages: 384
ISBN: 978-0060531249

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly book meme where we let everyone know what books we are eagerly anticipating the release of. 

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine.

 
"The Duke's Perfect Wife"
By: Jennifer Ashley
Lady Eleanor Ramsay is the only one who knows the truth about Hart Mackenzie. Once his fiancee, she is the sole woman to whom he could ever pour out his heart. 
Hart has it all--a dukedom, wealth, power, influence, whatever he desires. Every woman wants him--his seductive skills are legendary. But Hart has sacrificed much to keep his brothers safe, first from their brutal father, and then from the world. He's also suffered loss--his wife, his infant son, and the woman he loved with all his heart though he realized it too late. 
Now, Eleanor has reappeared on Hart's doorstep, with scandalous nude photographs of Hart taken long ago. Intrigued by the challenge in her blue eyes--and aroused by her charming, no-nonsense determination--Hart wonders if his young love has come to ruin him . . . or save him. 
Book Four of the Highland Pleasures (Mackenzies) series. 
Releases on April 3, 2012

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

"A Rogue By Any Other Name" By: Sarah MacLean Review

"A Rogue By Any Other Name"
By: Sarah MacLean


Synopsis from Amazon:
What a scoundrel wants, a scoundrel gets. . .
A decade ago, the Marquess of Bourne was cast from society with nothing but his title. Now a partner in London's most exclusive gaming hell, the cold, ruthless Bourne will do whatever it takes to regain his inheritance—including marrying perfect, proper Lady Penelope Marbury.
A broken engagement and years of disappointing courtships have left Penelope with little interest in a quiet, comfortable marriage, and a longing for something more. How lucky that her new husband has access to an unexplored world of pleasures.
Bourne may be a prince of London's illicit underworld, but he vows to keep Penelope untouched by its wickedness—a challenge indeed as the lady discovers her own desires, and her willingness to wager anything for them...even her heart.


My Thoughts:
          Wow! Sarah MacLean pretty much cements her position as one of Avon's emerging authors with her newest title, "A Rogue By Any Other Name." Avon has some pretty amazing authors, Stephanie Laurens or Julia Quinn, anyone? I have enjoyed MacLean's other titles but this book pretty much makes her a must buy author now!
     Penelope (love her name) has harbored this secret flame for her neighbor, Michael, the Marquess of Bourne since she was a child. She never married and when at the age of 28, her father decides she must marry and offers Bourne's property as a dowry, Michael returns. During his abscence, Michael has lost everything (including the property now held in Penelope's dowry) and gained everything back...except the property.
      What starts out as a marriage of convenience for property, quickly turns into a love match, with neither party really knowing how to be themselves in each other's company. The hero and heroine are pretty amazing characters. You understand the motivations and the romance, whew. Pretty heady, sigh worthy stuff!
       I am excited to see what becomes of the secondary characters in this series. The author sets up the second in this new series as Michael's friend and Penelope's sister. Crossing my fingers its coming soon! Run out to the store or to your computer and get this one today, it'll put a smile on your face! :)

Check out other titles by Sarah MacLean:
  • "Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake"
  • "Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord"
  • "Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart"


Book Details
Publisher: Avon
Date of Publication: February 28, 2012
# of Pages: 400
ISBN: 978-0062068521

Sunday, March 25, 2012

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?


It's Monday! -
What Are You Reading?
is hosted weekly on Mondays
by Sheila from
"One Person's Journey"

Post the books you read last week, books currently reading, and books you plan on finishing this week.




What I Read This Week...
"The Ice Princess"
By: Elizabeth Hoyt
SEVEN NIGHTS OF SIN As the madam of Aphrodite's Grotto, the most infamous brothel in London, Coral Smythe knows everything possible about men's needs and desires. Yet she's never experienced the love of a single man-not even that of Captain Isaac Wargate whose hawk-like eyes stare at her with both condemnation...and lust.


SEVEN NIGHTS OF ECSTASY Captain Wargate heartily disapproves of the sensuous madam who always wears a golden mask. She lures his officers from both his ship and their duty. But when Coral herself is offered up as the prize in a game of chance, Wargate impulsively enters...and wins.


SEVEN NIGHTS OF LOVE Now the puritanical navy captain has just seven nights to learn everything he can about the mysterious madam and what she knows of a man's desires. But when Coral is threatened by the new owner of Aphrodite's Grotto, will Wargate take a chance on the woman beneath the mask...and on love?

 
"Body Guard" 
By: Jennifer Ashley
Elizabeth Chapman is saved from an armed robber by a giant Kodiak bear who shifts into a large, well-muscled, and fully naked human male. But when it's revealed that the robber is the brother of a dangerous criminal, Elizabeth finds herself the target of a vendetta. Ronan, the Bear Shifter, takes her to Shiftertown for safety, where Elizabeth learns that the mateless Ronan, alone in the world, takes care of Shifters who have also been left on their own. Having grown up in foster care, Elizabeth can only admire how protective Ronan is. But Ronan will only let Elizabeth leave the confines of Shiftertown if he becomes her 24/7 bodyguard. Elizabeth chafes at the restriction, but agrees. The trouble is, the sassy human Elizabeth is triggering Ronan's long-buried need to find himself a mate.


    
What I'm Reading Now...
"Taking a Shot"
By: Jaci Burton
The last thing Jenna Riley needs is more sports in her life. While her brothers are off being athletic superstars, she's stuck running the family's sports bar, whether she likes it or not. Then in walks pro hockey stud Tyler Anderson. As much as Jenna would like to go to the boards with him, she's vowed to never fall for a jock-even one as hot as Ty.


Ty, intrigued by the beautiful bar owner, becomes a regular. He senses that Jenna wants to do something more with her life. And as he gains her trust, the passion between them grows, as does Ty's insistence that Jenna should start living for herself. With his encouragement, Jenna starts to believe it, too...

But first, Jenna has to figure out what she wants, what she needs, who she loves, and if she has the passion and pride to take a shot at having it all-including Ty...

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Children's Book Saturday "A Color Game for Chester Raccoon" By: Audrey Penn

"A Color Game for Chester Raccoon"
By: Audrey Penn
Synopsis from Amazon:
In this new Kissing Hand board book, Audrey Penn brings us more maternal wisdom to solve another of early childhood’s little issues. Whether on a trip, in a restaurant or a store, children can become bored and fussy. Chester’s Favorite Game provides an activity that will entertain young children anywhere -- finding things in many colors: White, blue, yellow, red, orange, brown, and black.
My Thoughts:
     Definitely geared towards a very young age group, "A Color Game for Chester Raccoon" is a delightful story about Chester learning his colors. Written in verse, Chester goes throughout his world pointing out animals who have certain colors. It's a really sweet story that teaches colors through real world situations. 
     I enjoyed the verse, but I simply did not care for the illustrations. They didn't seem finished to me and I kept feeling like the pencil markings should have been smoothed out. I'm sure that was the intention, yet I didn't like it at all. The story is great for teaching though, so don't let the illustrations throw you off too much. This would be a great read aloud and I can see children having fun interacting with the book.
      Audrey Penn is a prolific children's author who has many titles under her belt. For more information on other titles and upcoming books, check out her website at http://www.audreypenn.com/


The book "A Color Game for Chester Raccoon" was sent to me in return for an honest review from Netgalley


Book Details
Publisher: Tanglewood Press
Date of Publication: March 20, 2012
# of Pages: 14
ISBN: 978-1933718583

Friday, March 23, 2012

Follow Friday



FEATURE AND FOLLOW FRIDAY IS A BLOG HOP PUT TOGETHER BY TWO HOSTS:PARAJUNKEE AND ALISON CAN READ AS A WAY TO HELP BLOGGERS BECOME AWARE OF OTHER BLOGS AND BLOGGERS. 

IT'S A GREAT WAY TO MAKE NEW BLOGGER FRIENDS.

 


I am incredibly embarrassed to say this but...I honestly don't think I have ever read a 600+ book. I've been wracking my brain this morning and can't think of anything! 

So the longest book that I can remember reading is.....
"Lothaire" By: Krseley Cole! 

An amazing read, with characters that will blow your mind and a romance that will make your heart go awwww :)

What have you read that was super duper long??

Thursday, March 22, 2012

"Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?" By: Mindy Kaling Review

"Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?"
By: Mindy Kaling
Synopsis from Amazon:
       Mindy Kaling has lived many lives: the obedient child of immigrant professionals, a timid chubster afraid of her own bike, a Ben Affleck–impersonating Off-Broadway performer and playwright, and, finally, a comedy writer and actress prone to starting fights with her friends and coworkers with the sentence “Can I just say one last thing about this, and then I swear I’ll shut up about it?”
     Perhaps you want to know what Mindy thinks makes a great best friend (someone who will fill your prescription in the middle of the night), or what makes a great guy (one who is aware of all elderly people in any room at any time and acts accordingly), or what is the perfect amount of fame (so famous you can never get convicted of murder in a court of law), or how to maintain a trim figure (you will not find that information in these pages). If so, you’ve come to the right book, mostly!
      In Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, Mindy invites readers on a tour of her life and her unscientific observations on romance, friendship, and Hollywood, with several conveniently placed stopping points for you to run errands and make phone calls. Mindy Kaling really is just a Girl Next Door—not so much literally anywhere in the continental United States, but definitely if you live in India or Sri Lanka.
 My Thoughts:
       First off, I am such a huge fan girl of Mindy Kaling. I started my fangirldom when I first saw her on "The Office" and love reading all of her articles and interviews. She's fun, interesting, and not your normal Hollywood startlet, which appeals to me. Her quirky sense of self always makes me smile too, although her character on "The Office" drives me crazy sometimes!
       "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me" is kind of a tongue in cheek view on life. Mindy shares some childhood experiences, but this is by no means a biography of her life. She kind of makes her way through topics with a randomness that is at times funny while other times confusing. One minute she can be talking about being chubby in her childhood and the next sh is describing the right shoes guys should wear to appear attractive. The book is seriously funny though and made me laugh many times. She requests that you don't compare it to "Bossypants" By: Tina Fey, but it does remind you alot of the tone of that novel.
       If you have a spare evening, check out "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?" Very cute, funny, and a great way to get you out of a funky mood. I'm in the mood to watch some Kelly on the Office now, so I'll see ya!

Excerpt
(My Absolute FAVORITE passage...love Colin Firth!)

MARK DARCY
       All women love Colin Firth: Mr. Darcy, Mark Darcy, George VI — at this point he could play the Craigslist Killer and people would be like, "Oh my God, the Craigslist Killer has the most boyish smile!" I love Colin Firth in everything, even as the obsessed, miffed, tortured non-Ralph Fiennes husband in The English Pa­tient. But the role that makes me cry is Mark Darcy, from Bridget Jones's Diary.
      When we first meet Mark, he's kind of a, well, dick. He's arro­gant and judgmental and seems to take himself so seriously. But he is secretly wonderful (and not so secretly gorgeous). There is a part in the movie — I've seen it six or seven times, and I swear to God, every time I see it coming, I start tearing up in anticipa­tion — when we first see that Mark    Darcy is not a bad guy. In fact, we see that he is the best guy ever.
       Do you guys remember the scene when Bridget is sneaking out of the horrible couples dinner, having humiliated herself in front of all of her "smug marrieds"? And when she's at the door, Mark stops her and he says, "I like you, very much. Just as you are."
      It's ridiculous that I love this so much. It's so simple. It's not a witty, perfectly phrased, Ephron-y declaration by our charm­ing, neurotic hero. It's so . . . plain. But the idea is the most beau­tiful thing in the world. So, obviously, it makes me cry. (PAGE 171)
Book Details
Publisher: Crown Archetype
Date of Publication: November 1, 2011
# of Pages: 240
ISBN: 978-0307886262

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly book meme where we let everyone know what books we are eagerly anticipating the release of. 

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine.

 
"Taming an Impossible Rogue"
By: Suzanne Enoch
One year ago, Lady Camille Pryce left her haughty fiancé at the altar—for good reason. Not only was the marriage arranged before she could even walk, her betrothed was too smug to exert himself to meet her! Now, disowned, with no husband or family to support her, she’s left with one option: go to work in the notorious Tantalus Club…A gentleman’s gaming house run by a woman, the Tantalus is no place for a proper lady; so, to save face, her jilted fiancé must retrieve her. But banned from the club, he’s forced to employ his ne’er-do-well cousin instead. A handsome, experienced rogue, Keating Blackwood is the perfect man to lure Camille away. But the moment they meet, Keating instead wants to save her…for himself. Impossible? Perhaps. But if Camille can make the ultimate player lay his cards on the table—and risk his heart—all bets are off…
Releases March 27, 2012

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

"Guilty Pleasures" By: Laura Lee Guhrke

"Guilty Pleasures"
By: Laura Lee Guhrke


Synopsis from Amazon:
One of Daphne Wade's guilty pleasures is to watch the Duke of Tremore as he works, shirtless, on the excavation site of his ducal estate. Anthony Courtland is by far the most exciting and handsome man she has ever known, and she dreams of one day being able to speak with him without getting tongue tied.
Anthony, meanwhile, only sees Daphne as a hard worker on his excavation team. He considers her a plain young lady and says so in a careless remark to a friend, unaware that Daphne is outside the library door, her heart shattering to pieces. So Daphne decides she will not be so silly any longer. She begins to be tutored in the social graces, forcing Anthony to see the beauty who has been right in front of his eyes.

My Thoughts:

     In the mood for a romance, I picked up "Guilty Pleasures" out of my library book stack. A fan of Laura Lee Guhrke's earlier works, I was somewhat disappointed with this title, both in terms of characterization and the romance. 
     Daphne is your stereotypical smart girl behind her glasses. Sure she knows how to date a antique, but she doesn't know how to use her femininity to catch a husband. It isn't until she hears Anthony, the Duke, talking about how unattractive she is to his sister that she decides  she doesn't need a man and goes through a transformation. Very much like Olivia Newton John in Grease.
     Anthony is not a very good hero, plain and simple. He is arrogant, small minded and selfish. Every time he spoke, I just wanted to cringe. He honestly expects Daphne to come running to him because now he sees (insert air quotes) the real Daphne. Bleh. If you can't tell she's awesome when she's wearing her glasses, you shouldn't have her when she's out of them.
      Please don't start reading Laura Lee Guhrke with this book. Many people enjoyed this one, but I just didn't see the appeal. A disappointment, I kept reading to get to the good parts but never got there.

Product Description
Publisher: Avon
Date of Publication: January 27, 2004
# of Pages: 384
ISBN: 978-0060541743

Monday, March 19, 2012

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?


It's Monday! -
What Are You Reading?
is hosted weekly on Mondays
by Sheila from
"One Person's Journey"

Post the books you read last week, books currently reading, and books you plan on finishing this week.




What I Read This Week...
"Oracle's Moon"
By: Thea Harrison
When Grace Andreas's sister, Petra, and her husband are both killed, Grace inherits the Power and responsibilities of the Oracle of Louisville, as well as her sister's two young children--neither of which she is prepared for. Then Khalil, Demonkind and Djinn Prince of House Marid, decides to make himself a part of the household both as guardian and counterpoint to Grace's impudence towards the Elder Races.
 
"A Night Like This" 
By: Julia Quinn

Anne Wynter might not be who she says she is . . .
But she's managing quite well as a governess to three highborn young ladies. Her job can be a challenge—in a single week she finds herself hiding in a closet full of tubas, playing an evil queen in a play that might be a tragedy (or might be a comedy—no one is sure), and tending to the wounds of the oh-so-dashing Earl of Winstead. After years of dodging unwanted advances, he's the first man who has truly tempted her, and it's getting harder and harder to remind herself that a governess has no business flirting with a nobleman.
Daniel Smythe-Smith Might be in mortal danger . . .
But that's not going to stop the young earl from falling in love. And when he spies a mysterious woman at his family's annual musicale, he vows to pursue her, even if that means spending his days with a ten-year-old who thinks she's a unicorn. But Daniel has an enemy, one who has vowed to see him dead. And when Anne is thrown into peril, he will stop at nothing to ensure their happy ending . . .

 
"Bunny and the Bear"
By: Eve Langlais

Bears and bunnies aren't supposed to mix, or that's what Chase keeps telling himself when his bouncy new neighbor won't stay out of his business--and his mind. However, the more he gets to know his overly perky neighbor, the more he craves her, a desire worse than his addiction to honey and pie.

Miranda's on a mission for the Furry United Coalition, and it involves secretly guarding one grumpy ol' bear. Staying focused on the job isn't easy when all she can think about is turning his frown upside down, a task made harder when she gets a glimpse of his passion. When she hears about his theory on woodland creatures and predators not mixing, she thinks all is lost, but she didn't count on a bear's curious nature--and possessive need. 

When an evil force abducts Chase, Miranda unleashes her bunny in order to save him, but the revelation of her shifter side puts her in danger. Is one ornery bear enough to save her from a mad scientist? And if he does, can a bear forget her woodland creature status long enough to love her and make her his mate? 


What I'm Reading Now...
 
"The Winter Palace"
By: Eva Stachniak

Her name is Barbara—in Russian, Varvara. Nimble-witted and attentive, she’s allowed into the employ of the Empress Elizabeth, amid the glitter and cruelty of the world’s most eminent court. Under the tutelage of Count Bestuzhev, Chancellor and spymaster, Varvara will be educated in skills from lock picking to lovemaking, learning above all else to listen—and to wait for opportunity. That opportunity arrives in a slender young princess from Zerbst named Sophie, a playful teenager destined to become the indomitable Catherine the Great. Sophie’s destiny at court is to marry the Empress’s nephew, but she has other, loftier, more dangerous ambitions, and she proves to be more guileful than she first appears.

What Sophie needs is an insider at court, a loyal pair of eyes and ears who knows the traps, the conspiracies, and the treacheries that surround her. Varvara will become Sophie’s confidante—and together the two young women will rise to the pinnacle of absolute power. 

With dazzling details and intense drama, Eva Stachniak depicts Varvara’s secret alliance with Catherine as the princess grows into a legend—through an enforced marriage, illicit seductions, and, at last, the shocking coup to assume the throne of all of Russia. 

Sunday, March 18, 2012

"Sworn to Silence" By: Linda Castillo Review

"Sworn to Silence"
By: Linda Castillo


Synopsis from Amazon:
In the sleepy rural town of Painters Mill, Ohio, the Amish and English residents have lived side by side for two centuries. But sixteen years ago, a series of brutal murders shattered the peaceful farming community. In the aftermath of the violence, the town was left with a sense of fragility, a loss of innocence. Kate Burkholder, a young Amish girl, survived the terror of the Slaughterhouse Killer but came away from its brutality with the realization that she no longer belonged with the Amish.
My Thoughts:
      Wow! “Sworn to Silence” couldn't be described as anything other than intense. A friend picked up this book up and loved the character of Kate, so I decided I better try her out too! I was incredibly surprised by how much I enjoyed this novel, which is so outside the realm of what I normally read.
      Kate Burkholder used to be of the Amish faith, but decided to leave at the age of 16. When she decided to leave the faith, her family placed her under a bann and refused pretty much all communication with her. They felt the bann would bring her back to her place in the Amish community, but ultimately she left her family, went to college, and comes back as the Chief of Police. The town views this as a weird, but good combination since they had such a high Amish population.
      Kate is an interesting character. She was raised plain, but has lived in the English world for far too long to go back to her former life. She smokes, she drinks, and she curses but she understands Amish culture and personalities. The book revolves around a murder mystery affecting both the English and the Amish populations, and its interesting to see the differences.
       The book is intense, no doubt about it. While being a standard “who did it”, the novel is filled with Amish culture, police procedural, and interesting characters that really round out the story. I honestly was clueless about the bad guy until the very end! Perhaps the only thing I didn't like about the book were the intense passages about rape and the murders. Be warned because boy are they graphic. I'm going to find the second novel in this series, “Pray for Silence” this weekend, so I can learn a little more about Kate Burkholder's world. An intense mystery novel that most definitely isn't your mother's Amish book!  
Book Details
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Date of Publication: June 23, 2009
# of Pages: 336
ISBN: 0312374976

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Children's Book Saturday: "Chicken, Pig, Cow's First Fight" By: Ruth Ohi Review

"Chicken, Pig, Cow's First Fight"
By: Ruth Ohi


Synopsis from Amazon:
Even best friends can have a fight.
My Thoughts:
     This is the tale of a little chicken, a small cow, and a teeny pig and their great big fight. This is a most peculiar little story and its hard not to like it. The premise of the story is that these three animals have a fight when Pig knocks over the blocks during playtime. He goes off to pout and eventually returns apologetic and everyone is happy once more.
     While the story is simple and easy to follow, I was still confused. I wasn't sure if the animals were truly animals or were supposed to be toys come to life. The presence of the blocks and their size kind of confused me. But, I think I may just be overthinking it! 
     The illustrations are sweet and the colors are comforting. The animals are drawn in such a way that you just want to cuddle with them, which I adored. I'm not sure this book would be a great read aloud in a library setting, but I think this would be ideal for a family reading.   Great for children who have conflicts and need a good conflict resolution strategy.


Illustration by Ruth Ohi from "Chicken, Pig, Cow's First Fight"
Book Details
Publisher: Annick Press
Date of Publication: January 19, 2012
# of Pages: 32
ISBN: 978-1554513703

Friday, March 16, 2012

Follow Friday



FEATURE AND FOLLOW FRIDAY IS A BLOG HOP PUT TOGETHER BY TWO HOSTS: PARAJUNKEE AND ALISON CAN READ AS A WAY TO HELP BLOGGERS BECOME AWARE OF OTHER BLOGS AND BLOGGERS. 

IT'S A GREAT WAY TO MAKE NEW BLOGGER FRIENDS.

Q: What is the best book you’ve read in the last month? What is the worst book you’ve read in the last month?

The absolute best book I have read in the past month would have to be... 
 
"Winter Garden" By: Kristin Hannah
Meredith and Nina Whitson are as different as sisters can be. One stayed at home to raise her children and manage the family apple orchard; the other followed a dream and traveled the world to become a famous photojournalist. But when their beloved father falls ill, Meredith and Nina find themselves together again, standing alongside their cold, disapproving mother, Anya, who even now, offers no comfort to her daughters. As children, the only connection between them was the Russian fairy tale Anya sometimes told the girls at night. On his deathbed, their father extracts a promise from the women in his life: the fairy tale will be told one last time—and all the way to the end. Thus begins an unexpected journey into the truth of Anya’s life in war-torn Leningrad, more than five decades ago. Alternating between the past and present, Meredith and Nina will finally hear the singular, harrowing story of their mother’s life, and what they learn is a secret so terrible and terrifying that it will shake the very foundation of their family and change who they believe they are.

Reasons: Amazing characters, heart breaking story, and a GREAT book club book. We had a ball discussing this one because there is just so much there! Mental issues, Mother-Daughter drama, history, families, work...you can definitely identify with this one.

The worst book I've read this past month would be...
 
"Skyward" By: Mary Alice Monroe

E.R. nurse Ella Majors has seen all the misery that she can handle. Burned-out and unsure of her next step, she accepts the temporary position as caregiver to Marion Henderson, a frightened five-year-old who suffers from juvenile diabetes.
But Ella soon realizes there is more sorrow in the isolated home than the little girl's illness. Harris Henderson, a single father, is withdrawn, seemingly better able to deal with wild birds he rehabilitates in his birds-of-prey sanctuary than with his own daughter.
Then something magical begins to happen: the timeless beauty of the South Carolina coast and the majestic grace of the wild birds weave a healing spell on the injured hearts at the sanctuary. But a troubled mother's unexpected return will test the fragile bonds of trust and new love, and reveal the inherent risks and exhilarating beauty of flying free.
Reasons: I just couldn't get into this one. I started reading and it just reminded me too much of Jane Eyre so I put it away. Everyone in my book group enjoyed it, but me...so its just a little different for my tastes. 

What about you?

Thursday, March 15, 2012

"Winter Garden" By: Kristin Hannah Review

"Winter Garden" 
By: Kristin Hannah

Synopsis from Amazon:
Meredith and Nina Whitson are as different as sisters can be. One stayed at home to raise her children and manage the family apple orchard; the other followed a dream and traveled the world to become a famous photojournalist. But when their beloved father falls ill, Meredith and Nina find themselves together again, standing alongside their cold, disapproving mother, Anya, who even now, offers no comfort to her daughters. As children, the only connection between them was the Russian fairy tale Anya sometimes told the girls at night. On his deathbed, their father extracts a promise from the women in his life: the fairy tale will be told one last time—and all the way to the end. Thus begins an unexpected journey into the truth of Anya’s life in war-torn Leningrad, more than five decades ago. Alternating between the past and present, Meredith and Nina will finally hear the singular, harrowing story of their mother’s life, and what they learn is a secret so terrible and terrifying that it will shake the very foundation of their family and change who they believe they are.
My Thoughts:

     Easily one of the best books I have read this year, "Winter Garden," introduced to me one of my favorite new authors, Kristin Hannah. Dealing with family, sisters, death, past events and all of the drama that goes with those big themes, Hannah expertly juggles the characters and the plot seamlessly. At times heart warming and other times gut wrenching, "Winter Garden," is the ultimate mother-daughter book to read this year!
      The book starts out with the death of Meredith and Nina's father, who has pretty much held the family together his entire life. Their Mother, Anya, is very distant and doesn't seem to connect with the family, nor does she really want to. Meredith and Nina watch helplessly as their Mother seems to drift after their Father's death, becoming nonsensical and confused easily...until she begins recounting an old Russian fairytale. 
     The girls find the fairytale silly until they begin noticing things from the fairy tale in real life. Slowly as more of the tale is related by their mother, they realize instead of a imaginary story it is actually their Mother's life story before coming to America. 
     I cannot possibly describe how rich and wonderful this story is. As you start the story, you hate Anya for her detachment to her two daughters, who only want to be loved. As you learn her story though, you begin to understand why she is the way she is and how she became to be that way. The novel shows clear character growth and you actually can see the characters changing.
      I can't wait to talk about this book at book group. There is so much to discuss! First we have mother/daughter issues, aging, mental illness, death, war issues and so much more. Oye, its going to be a jam packed reading discussion, I can tell you that. Please, if you haven't read this one, run out and find it. Amazing in every aspect, I loved it!


Book Details
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Date of Publication: February 2, 2010
# of Pages: 394
ISBN: 978-0312364120