If Amelia Bedelia were a man, she'd be the dad in this book. Dad looks for quick fixes and sometimes doesn't read the room. When he misses the mark, MIf Amelia Bedelia were a man, she'd be the dad in this book. Dad looks for quick fixes and sometimes doesn't read the room. When he misses the mark, Mom lets her dragon out. Simply put, it is a very human book about a very human family that sometimes, when riles, lets the dragon out of the bag to set things straight!...more
Dr. Melba Stetz has lived a thousand different lives—veteran, therapist, Doctor, daughter, wife, mother, and finally, survivor. In this personal storyDr. Melba Stetz has lived a thousand different lives—veteran, therapist, Doctor, daughter, wife, mother, and finally, survivor. In this personal story, she shares her life's journey, including the highs and lows, the challenges and triumphs. Healing Talks is a testimony to a life appreciated and well-lived. Part information, but with a great sense of awe, her reflections give vivid details of her experiences. Finally, she is able to show how she grew to connect her intellectual and spiritual sides to better understand life's true meaning. Bittersweet and poignant, sometimes happy and sweet, it's a very personal story of one person's struggle to learn and cope with the challenges of life....more
Liquid Cool is totally cool. In a bleak, futuristic world where humanity is split between the good and the bad, the haves and have-nots, Cruz is tryinLiquid Cool is totally cool. In a bleak, futuristic world where humanity is split between the good and the bad, the haves and have-nots, Cruz is trying to carve out a place for himself as a private detective. In typical anti-hero style, he is living on the fringe, waiting to get his license to prove to his future in-laws he's a worthy son in law for their daughter Dot. Big business and big crime rule this place leaving the population wrapped in an insular world where they isolate themselves with headphones and other devices. Dragon's world building is stylistic, he captures the rhythm of the people and the streets, the book is fill with wit and humor. His descriptions reminded me of Total Recall, with a dash of Minority Report and a sprinkling of film noir as well as seventies television detectives thrown in for good measure. Was it cliched? Yep and that was part of the fun. Filled with humor and testosterone driven excitement, Liquid Cool was pure fun and a great way to spend the evening.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
Merged review:
Liquid Cool is totally cool. In a bleak, futuristic world where humanity is split between the good and the bad, the haves and have-nots, Cruz is trying to carve out a place for himself as a private detective. In typical anti-hero style, he is living on the fringe, waiting to get his license to prove to his future in-laws he's a worthy son in law for their daughter Dot. Big business and big crime rule this place leaving the population wrapped in an insular world where they isolate themselves with headphones and other devices. Dragon's world building is stylistic, he captures the rhythm of the people and the streets, the book is fill with wit and humor. His descriptions reminded me of Total Recall, with a dash of Minority Report and a sprinkling of film noir as well as seventies television detectives thrown in for good measure. Was it cliched? Yep and that was part of the fun. Filled with humor and testosterone driven excitement, Liquid Cool was pure fun and a great way to spend the evening.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review....more
Ainlinn Kearns starts her book with a thrilling chase leading to a total surprise. Christine Ramirez is awakened with a warning call that she is aboutAinlinn Kearns starts her book with a thrilling chase leading to a total surprise. Christine Ramirez is awakened with a warning call that she is about to be killed. The voice directs her through a hair raising escape where she will eventually meet the person who saved her life. Paul is ex-military who has taken a job with a security company. Together they will try to unravel the mystery of who is trying to kill her.Not your run of the mill romance, Kearns' hero Paul is not what Christina was expecting. They end up fleeing together leading to a slow burn of a romance. Kearns writes with a clear voice that create realistic characters. It was an entertaining read.
Merged review:
Ainlinn Kearns starts her book with a thrilling chase leading to a total surprise. Christine Ramirez is awakened with a warning call that she is about to be killed. The voice directs her through a hair raising escape where she will eventually meet the person who saved her life. Paul is ex-military who has taken a job with a security company. Together they will try to unravel the mystery of who is trying to kill her.Not your run of the mill romance, Kearns' hero Paul is not what Christina was expecting. They end up fleeing together leading to a slow burn of a romance. Kearns writes with a clear voice that create realistic characters. It was an entertaining read....more
On Location is a charming collection of short stories based on the exciting life of hair and make-up artist Pam Geiger. Geiger takes us behind the sceOn Location is a charming collection of short stories based on the exciting life of hair and make-up artist Pam Geiger. Geiger takes us behind the scenes, sometimes seedy, sometimes glitzy and glamorous, to describe the secret side of the modeling industry. From heartbreaks to weight issues, handling extreme heat or cold, the often invisible nuts and bolts of the industry go unnoticed... but they are the silent witnesses to the grinding business of beauty. The author describes intimate moments before the makeup goes on, and often, the stories bear the souls of both the people in front and behind the camera. Enjoyable, illuminating, and authentic glimpse of the modeling world. ...more
Stella Blunt is back in all her wise-mouth glory. This time she's losing patience with zombie boyfriend Howie. Stella loves him and wants to grow togeStella Blunt is back in all her wise-mouth glory. This time she's losing patience with zombie boyfriend Howie. Stella loves him and wants to grow together, but how do you build on a relationship when your boyfriend will never age past seventeen? Joining them are a host of friends and Stella's hilarious parents. CL Lynch raises the bar on YA, embracing teen angst and issues head-on with both sympathy and humor. I love her writing- this is not the sos- same old schtick. Lynch elevates the medium and I can't wait to see how Stella and Howie will fare in the next subject they tackle together.
Merged review:
Stella Blunt is back in all her wise-mouth glory. This time she's losing patience with zombie boyfriend Howie. Stella loves him and wants to grow together, but how do you build on a relationship when your boyfriend will never age past seventeen? Joining them are a host of friends and Stella's hilarious parents. CL Lynch raises the bar on YA, embracing teen angst and issues head-on with both sympathy and humor. I love her writing- this is not the sos- same old schtick. Lynch elevates the medium and I can't wait to see how Stella and Howie will fare in the next subject they tackle together....more
Adorable little rhyming book about building confidence to try, even when you know it may be too hard. Donkey enters an obstacle course with his fellowAdorable little rhyming book about building confidence to try, even when you know it may be too hard. Donkey enters an obstacle course with his fellow barnyard friends. Horse is a natural, even the chickens manage to accomplish more, yet they urge donkey to keep trying. "Failing is okay, but not giving in your spirit gets strong trying again." Inspiring and uplifting, this is a cute book about having faith and grit to achieve a goal that may feel impossible. However, it's also about learning that the effort of doing something and stepping out of your comfort zone is far more important than winning. "What place you finish is not the test; it's knowing you did your personal best."...more
Podcast host Irene Weinberg compiles a stunning and insightful compilation of articles and information about people tested but not bested by unimaginaPodcast host Irene Weinberg compiles a stunning and insightful compilation of articles and information about people tested but not bested by unimaginable challenges in life. The book has many articles written by people from all walks of life who have weathered losses, trauma, and tragedies. They share the mechanisms developed to cope and reassemble their lives. A great book for someone who feels overwhelmed and needs advice and a sense of companionship from someone who has been there and managed to come back....more
Atheist Edmund Kirsch, a Steve Jobs style billionaire tech maven has found the answer that has eluded the human race for years. Where did we come fromAtheist Edmund Kirsch, a Steve Jobs style billionaire tech maven has found the answer that has eluded the human race for years. Where did we come from and where are we going?As a courtesy he reveals the information to the top religious leaders of the world before being murdered, and so begins Dan Brown's adventure to see who gets to the finish line first- a crazed killer or Robert Langdon, a professor determined to reveal his tech friend's secret. All the characters are there, the clueless religious leaders, fanatical, militarist cults, stoic Robert and a beautiful woman who jumps on planes, helicopters and Uber to race throughout Spain to find the 47 letter code (in poem form) to reveal the billionaire's theory to the rest of the world. I will admit it was a page-turner. The Robert Langdon character took a back seat to the architecture and modern art in the story. I missed his doubt, his heroic attempts to step out of his element. The big reveal which kept me up until the wee hours made me grumpy. OH, that's what it is? Let me tell you, I wasn't impressed. I knew it already. I will say, Hal or Winston, rather, kept me engaged and the little twists at the end mollified my annoyance.
Still, it was entertaining- not as good as his first two books, which felt both exciting and groundbreaking.
Merged review:
Atheist Edmund Kirsch, a Steve Jobs style billionaire tech maven has found the answer that has eluded the human race for years. Where did we come from and where are we going?As a courtesy he reveals the information to the top religious leaders of the world before being murdered, and so begins Dan Brown's adventure to see who gets to the finish line first- a crazed killer or Robert Langdon, a professor determined to reveal his tech friend's secret. All the characters are there, the clueless religious leaders, fanatical, militarist cults, stoic Robert and a beautiful woman who jumps on planes, helicopters and Uber to race throughout Spain to find the 47 letter code (in poem form) to reveal the billionaire's theory to the rest of the world. I will admit it was a page-turner. The Robert Langdon character took a back seat to the architecture and modern art in the story. I missed his doubt, his heroic attempts to step out of his element. The big reveal which kept me up until the wee hours made me grumpy. OH, that's what it is? Let me tell you, I wasn't impressed. I knew it already. I will say, Hal or Winston, rather, kept me engaged and the little twists at the end mollified my annoyance.
Still, it was entertaining- not as good as his first two books, which felt both exciting and groundbreaking....more
Hockey Wars Journal is a great book for any child. Based on authors Lawrence and Jackson's Hockey Wars series, this journal is a stand-alone activity Hockey Wars Journal is a great book for any child. Based on authors Lawrence and Jackson's Hockey Wars series, this journal is a stand-alone activity book with 365 daily writing prompts, check-ins, puzzles, and a place to record stats. Whether you are an ice skater, karate student, dancer, or sports player, you can use this book to track milestones. Scattered inside are jokes, exciting tips, and other tidbits that will pique your child's interest. Perfect starter book to learn to journal; this makes a great gift for both boys and girls....more