鈥淲rite the truest thing you know. Dear reader, this is it.鈥�
I have been a fan of this author for years. In fact, it was years ago, that our Library Boo鈥淲rite the truest thing you know. Dear reader, this is it.鈥�
I have been a fan of this author for years. In fact, it was years ago, that our Library Book Discussion Group discussed, 鈥淐aleb鈥檚 Crossing鈥� which was quite a compelling conversation. I loved her story, 鈥淧eople of the Book,鈥� and was completely taken in by 鈥淗orse.鈥� If you are interested in my reviews for any of these books, I have included the links below.
So, when I heard about her memoir, I was in.
What happens when your life partner dies unexpectedly? How does one cope? This is what faced the author. Suddenly, her husband of 35 years, Tony Horwitz, successful author/journalist and Pulitzer Prize Winner for National Reporting (1995), 60-years young, collapsed and died while on his own book tour.
鈥淚 stood there and suppressed that howl. Because I was alone, and no one could help me. And if I let go, if I fell, I might not be able to get back up. (Nearly 4 years later鈥�) That howl has become the beast in the basement of my heart. I need to find a way to set it free.鈥�
How many of us have ever wondered what we would do, or how we would be if we ever faced a similar moment? For me, I don鈥檛 want to go there. I value present moment living. I don鈥檛 want to project myself into an unknown future, that can create anxiety and angst.
But still, what if?
I have to believe for any of us, if faced with something similar, we would need inner strength. Resilience. The ability to cope. And, not some thoughts that would take us to a worst-case scenario.
And, yet, this was the moment in which a phone call created a reality Brooks was unprepared for 鈥� and perhaps any of us would be unprepared for, especially if we were miles away from our loved one.
What would happen next?
For this author, she needed to find a way to cope with her grief. Which comes nearly 4 years later, by way of a solo trip to Flinders Island, a remote island off the coast of Tasmania. Her husband died on the American holiday, Memorial Day in 2019, and this will be her opportunity to begin her own memorial days. (Hence the title of the book.)
鈥溾€o feel the immensity of his loss.鈥�
And, part of her journey will be going back and forth in time in sharing that horrible phone call alert moment of loss, as well as her loving relationship that encompassed life with Tony. And, all the people touched by his loss.
And, we, her readers will be her calming, soothing partners as we thoughtfully hold her hand through this journey. She may not know we are there, but we do. Because we are in touch with her feelings and her experience and her thoughts, and we are moved. And, heart-broken along with her. We know loss in our own ways. We have experienced losses of partners, or parents, or friends, or important relatives, or pets. And, we know the heartache. So, we are with her. Feeling her words. Her sorrow. Her loneliness. Her love. Her disbelief. Her immense grief. And, need to help hold it together, despite it all.
In some ways, I am reminded of Amy Bloom鈥檚 devastatingly beautiful memoir, 鈥淚n Love鈥� where she helped her husband, Brian Ameche, achieve assisted death. Obviously, the circumstances were different, but the expression of love shared by both women for their husbands, was whole-hearted.
Still, as I kept reading, I couldn鈥檛 help but feel her words were personally relatable.
鈥淲ho will die first? Because I was older, because I survived cancer鈥�, I did not ask that question. I just assumed it would be me.鈥�
So, many times I will reflect with humor and truthfulness to my husband, who is 5 years younger, that it is a good thing he is younger. Because I honestly would not know what to do without him. I have enjoyed him being my partner, my protector, my caregiver during the cancer journey, my best friend, and my forever love who I appreciate beyond words. So, much of the simple tasks of life, like driving, or grocery shopping, which he prefers to do, and I prefer not to do. So, he does it for both of us. (I am still intimidated by our electric car.) As a senior software specialist during his career, even in retirement, he continues to be tech savvy. Where the simplest problem, has me shrieking out in frustration. And yet, he just comes in, and with a simple key stroke, it is fixed.
At the same time, I want to consider the tasks of shared living with my partner, so that if something were to happen, I would know how to cope in his absence. I know I avoid these thoughts, but I also know it is something I need to consider seriously. If I should suddenly be alone. And, before that should ever happen, if it does.
But I still assume it will be me going first. But what if it isn鈥檛? Even if I am not ready to go there, Brooks had no choice. She was there.
鈥淚nstead, I am here. Missing him. Alone.鈥�
How does one live within their sorrow?
For Brooks, it was to learn to return to the 鈥渃omplicated grief鈥� and 鈥渞elive the trauma of the death.鈥� It may sound maudlin, but there was much to appreciate in the author鈥檚 journey of doing so.
Because what we are learning along the way is what she came to appreciate in feeling all her emotions 鈥� to 鈥渕ake more time for the beauty.鈥� Notice everything. Experience everything. Feel everything. Celebrate the moment, because it has 鈥渢he power to elevate us out of sadness.鈥� Where those enveloped in grief can give themselves time and space to be with their feelings. There is no deadline for getting over grief. And, we shouldn鈥檛 expect one.
This is a beautifully written, thoughtful, heart-felt and deeply emotional memoir.
For those who want to understand the impacts of grief or are attempting to process their own grief, readers will appreciate her experience and thoughts. Lovers of this author will value her intimate telling of her love story and grief journey.
Lastly鈥wo things to do before leaving this book.
First, read the author鈥檚 Afterword.
Second, take a look at the back cover insert. There is a pensive picture of the author having coffee with her husband. It is a moment in time, with smiles, that appears precious and thoughtful. Reminding all of us to treasure all those moments we may take for granted. Because, we truly have no idea of what tomorrow will bring.
I read this a while ago, and I am now bringing my review to 欧宝娱乐.
I typically like this author for his courtroom drama. But this one iCatching up鈥�
I read this a while ago, and I am now bringing my review to 欧宝娱乐.
I typically like this author for his courtroom drama. But this one is not a legal thriller. This is a college basketball story. And, since I am not a typical sports fan, as Grisham declares himself, I wasn鈥檛 sure how I would feel about it.
But to be fair, this is more than a sports story. Because Samuel Sooleyman, our main protagonist, is a teen basketball player originally from the war-torn area of the Sudan whose family has emigrated to America for a better life.
The vivid descriptions of his family fleeing their village in the Sudan will be heart-wrenching. Readers will feel what the family experiences in their fight for survival during the war and life in a refugee camp. The feelings of societal injustice will also ring loudly, as it is typical for Grisham to write stories that have a cause behind them.
And, for those who love a good story about college basketball, Grisham writes it as if he was a coach for years.
There is good character development, a compelling plot and historical references to the Sudan and the plight of the refugees that will surely be felt by readers.
The story although slow-moving at times, is also filled with immense details that can sometimes feel like tedious reading. But the story still provided its own bittersweet conclusion that will stay with readers long after leaving the last page ...more
This week, my husband and I and our 2 cardigan corgis, Oliver and Oscar took a short trip up the coast of California. We d鈥淚 am more than me鈥� I am we.鈥�
This week, my husband and I and our 2 cardigan corgis, Oliver and Oscar took a short trip up the coast of California. We decided to walk in Monterey (Steinbeck Country), before settling in for two nights in Carmel-by-the-sea. This was our first overnight trip together in five years. It was also our first dog-friendly hotel experience. We stayed at the Cypress Inn, which use to be co-owned by late actress and animal activist, Doris Day. Her movies play on a television screen in the lobby.
I loved being in Carmel. Be-ing in nature amongst the white-sands, sparkly ocean, walkable, dog-friendly beach. The shops all within walking distance. And, it was at one of those shops, Pilgrim鈥檚 Way Community Bookstore & Secret Garden that I found this book.
This book teaches self-care. Self-love. Self-understanding. And, just how all of that makes us available to be there for others, 鈥溾€ecause I do not exist alone; I am part of something bigger than myself.鈥�
The book has a formidable, healing, and dynamic message for both parents, teachers and children to learn, set amongst colorful, bright and descriptive illustrations.
It鈥檚 message shares that we are more than just being me, because 鈥淚 am we.鈥� That we are a community. We are not alone on this journey.
The messages are powerful and passionate. Considering the world today, this book would be a great reminder for adults, about the importance of community. Recognizing how we learn and gain from our diversity. And, the significance of humanity working together.
鈥淐onnection is how I grow. Connection is how we grow. Connected is what we are: part of a worldwide community, diverse and magnificent, kind and accepting, supportive and present. All of us important, none of us alone.鈥�
We took this short trip, not just as an opportunity for us to celebrate our current freedom from health drama that we have experienced for the past couple of years, but to also escape the current ugliness of what we bear witness to here in America. I wish America could see the value of this book鈥檚 messages right now. In fact, everyone across the world would benefit from this book鈥檚 messages. It is books like this that would be perfect as required reading in schools.
Be sure and read the Author鈥檚 Note which includes activities for building community.
In closing, it seems only fitting that I should post this review on Valentine鈥檚 Day. 鈾ワ笍A day of love. For ourselves. For each other. For our communities.
The Author鈥檚 Note is at the beginning of this book, letting readers in on a couple of important points. First, she recommends that readers understand The Author鈥檚 Note is at the beginning of this book, letting readers in on a couple of important points. First, she recommends that readers understand that this book is an 鈥渋nterconnected stand-alone after book 1, 鈥淥ut on a Limb.鈥� But there are no expectations to read book 1 to connect with the characters in this one. And second, she provides trigger warnings which are particularly helpful to prospective readers, especially if any of these triggers are something that would keep them from reading her book鈥�
*death of a parent *medical treatments, illness, terminal diagnosis *questioning religion/spirituality *references to alcohol and marijuana consumption *descriptive sex scenes
On to the review鈥�
For those who love rom-coms this one gives a different type of trope, in that you have a long-time married couple going through some challenges. Will they be able to overcome them and find their way back to that forever love they experienced at the beginning of their lives together? Especially when love started as early as high school, and they are now finding themselves all grown up? How do they learn to evolve and love this grown-up version of themselves 鈥� individually and together as a couple?
This book will give readers all the feel-good, cozy, tearful moments that are expected from most rom-com鈥檚. Friendship. Romance. Spicy sexiness. Comic relief. Grief. Trauma. Healing. Belief in true love.
The author writes well-developed characters that readers can connect to, as they watch them feel the love they have for one another, and navigate the changes and challenges they experience together through the years. Almost like a personal journey of self-reflection. Even exploring marrying young and the evolution of the marriage as they grow into their own, added a compelling viewpoint to the story.
Readers will most likely want to know鈥�
Will this marriage in crisis work itself out? Will their investment of time in each other be enough?
This is my first book by this author, that also makes me interested in considering reading more of her. ...more
I was fortunate to receive this book as a donation to my Little Free Library Shed. Her book, 鈥淔inding Dorothy鈥� has been che鈥淟ove, loyalty, gratitude.鈥�
I was fortunate to receive this book as a donation to my Little Free Library Shed. Her book, 鈥淔inding Dorothy鈥� has been checked out often from my LFL. Review here: /review/show...
This is the true story of Annie Wilkins and her two best friends. Her horse, Tarzan and her terrier, Depeche Toi. And, I can certainly relate to how one would consider them their best friends. In this personal situation, Annie is left destitute when she loses her Maine farm, and is diagnosed with a debilitating lung dis-ease.
So, what is she to do?
She sets off on a road trip to see the Pacific Ocean with her two best friends.
鈥淣ot only was her calm assurance infectious, but she also transmitted to our audience the quiet strength of her personal philosophy鈥攖hat happiness comes only to those who participate in the adventure of life, and that true security is, in essence, a state of mind.鈥�
The story takes place in the early 1950鈥檚, a time when people were willing to lend a hand and open homes to strangers. And, even offer a meal or a stable overnight stay for a horse.
But it was also a time of change, when people feared strangers and were more inclined to lock doors. Most likely the cold war and McCarthyism played a part in this behavior.
What readers witness is a sign of both, and how Annie traverses the experience. Of course, it is also an opportunity for readers to enjoy the love between human and animals, and how much of a difference they make in our lives 鈥� sometimes at the most unexpected times. Keep your Kleenex handy.
Be sure to read the epilogue and the Author鈥檚 Note at the end. And, pay attention to the quotes at the top of each chapter. Like鈥�
鈥淢ap out your future鈥攂ut do it in pencil. The road ahead is as long as you make it. Make it worth the trip.鈥� 鈥� Jon Bon Jovi...more
On one of my Thursday afternoon local library trips, this book stood out to me. I was intrigued by the older gentleman protagonist. And, as I have shaOn one of my Thursday afternoon local library trips, this book stood out to me. I was intrigued by the older gentleman protagonist. And, as I have shared in other reviews, I have been reading a lot of stories lately that feature older protagonists. Perhaps I am trying to tell myself something. Or maybe I am being a bit revealing about myself through my reading choices. Or maybe I like the idea that at any age we have the opportunity to discover we are capable of anything. No matter what time of life we are in.
Even the author鈥檚 dedication says鈥�
鈥淭his book is dedicated to four people who prove to me that getting old does not mean winding down.鈥�
Beautiful, right?
The 4 people he chose in his dedication were individuals who were 92, 80, 80+ and 73. Obviously, his point being, that anything is possible at any age 鈥� especially advanced ages.
And, so, it is the same with Henry Stuart, his protagonist. Who in 1925, he learns that he is, at age 67, terminally ill with tuberculosis. Instead of lamenting his diagnosis, readers find Henry taking off his boots and walking home barefoot in the rain. Now doesn鈥檛 that put a smile on one鈥檚 face?
In the style of Tolstoy, his strongest influence, Henry decides to leave everything he knows 鈥� his Idaho, his two sons, his friends, and move to what he presumes will be an uncomplicated life in Fairhope, Alabama.
Why not? It will allow him a simple, final exit to his own life. He will build a round cottage for himself, be self-sufficient, find his inner-self, and then die peacefully.
But that isn鈥檛 quite what happens. Something more occurs.
And, that is what readers will enjoy most about this story 鈥� a touching peace that teaches and inspires us in ways unexpected....more
A friend of mine donated this book to my Little Free Library Shed. She told me that I may not want to read it because it was somewhat autobiographicalA friend of mine donated this book to my Little Free Library Shed. She told me that I may not want to read it because it was somewhat autobiographical in nature about the author鈥檚 own cancer journey. And, it might seem too personal for me. I said, maybe this might be the very reason I would like to read it. So, I did.
I remember years ago, I enjoyed reading this author鈥檚 鈥楽hopaholic鈥� series, but soon grew tired of the stories, as they seemed too formulaic. But considering this novella and it鈥檚 subject, I was more than willing to venture into the story.
I am glad I did. Yes, cancer is a difficult subject to read. Feel. Or experience. But the author handled it with great warmth and sensitivity. And, even in fiction, it was believable and heart-felt. There were so many moments that I could relate to, especially when it came to the many scans the character Eve had to endure.
鈥淭he way to get through scanxiety: Is there a way? Please let me know what it is.鈥�
I can so relate to what she wrote here! I can remember my last scan experience in December 2024. I thought I was fully prepared for it, but when the technician strapped me in, suddenly I felt anxious, as if I was going to have a panic attack and wanted to escape. Why was this happening to me now? I had over 7 scans this past year. I knew I needed to be still and stop my racing heart. I had to think fast about how I was going to get myself to a place of calm. So, I told myself to be-friend the scan machine. That it was going to give me the information that I needed to have. I said to myself, 鈥測ou are my friend. You are giving me the information I need. I value you.鈥� I also closed my eyes, and visualized my corgi dog, Oliver. I imagined him and us playing on the beach. And, as I did, I could feel my breathing start to feel normal. Even though I was strapped in, I continued to visualize Oliver with my Hand over my Heart 鈾ワ笍 and I kept breathing. In and Out. And, I began to relax.
鈥淓very scan is a plot twist.鈥�
I knew that, too about the scans. Even as I dreaded them. I wanted to know what story it could tell me. What would this scan reveal? Would it tell me I was in remission? That the cancer was in-active and still benign? I knew intuitively I valued the information it would provide me.
This novella tells the story of Eve, a popular successful author, wife, and mother who suddenly is faced with a debilitating, terminal cancer. It is her story. The before. The during. And, her recovery. Of her family. Especially her relationship with her husband, Nick. And, the professionals who work alongside her. It is inspiring. It is a quick-read. It is nothing like any of her other books. And, that makes this book special.
This book was recommended by my 欧宝娱乐 friend, TL. Her review is here: /review/show...
Not only did her review make me wanThis book was recommended by my 欧宝娱乐 friend, TL. Her review is here: /review/show...
Not only did her review make me want to read this story, but the cover of the book enticed me, as well.
The story centers around a brother and sister who spend their summers exploring the salt marshes of South Carolina. Readers will learn something about the salt marsh ecosystem, and gain insights about art and the creative process.
It is a deep story of loss and love and family and compassion and empathy. And, even though there will be themes of death and loss, it is done in a compassionate way giving readers the learning lessons of being true to oneself, trusting one鈥檚 instincts, and reaching out to others when one is in pain. As well as, recognizing that change is natural.
We may be more aware of him because of the lead role he played during the Covid pandemic. But his career spans so much more than the battle he had to We may be more aware of him because of the lead role he played during the Covid pandemic. But his career spans so much more than the battle he had to endure through anti-vaxxers and an egotistical President who wouldn鈥檛 listen to his sage advice.
This is his story. His career. His life. And, there is so much more to appreciate about what he brought to our country that went unappreciated by the many who did not value or understand the science.
This is the author鈥檚 straightforward review of his work and reason for being an epidemiologist, and love of other scientific subjects. It covers his childhood, his medical training, his career at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and as the longtime director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
Even if it isn鈥檛 a literary masterpiece, and sometimes slogs along, he is still thoughtfully plain-spoken and direct in sharing his remarkable life story. His dedication to medicine and public service is evident. Sometimes at quite the personal cost to him.
As we know, he was the revered and reviled face of the Covid-19 government response. Prior to that, he was mostly identified by his work on HIV/AIDS. Known mostly as a healer and an activist. And, as shared earlier, at great personal cost 鈥� the loss of a first marriage, a friend to death from AIDS, PTSD for the author, amongst a few other things. But his contributions are many.
The discussion about Covid-19 takes center-stage throughout the book, and anyone who has been around during that period of time knows how that went. But hearing it from the author鈥檚 point of view helps. He has a right to tell it from his side. After all, he was at the center.
He is an optimistic storyteller, in some ways about all he has been through in his life 鈥� in all that he has experienced, especially as it relates to scientific breakthroughs. But there is also some truth to his experience that he shares.
鈥淎t times, I am deeply disturbed about the state of our society. But it is not so much about the impending public health disaster. It is about the crisis of truth in my country and to some extent throughout the world, which has the potential to make these disasters so much worse. We are living in an era in which information that is patently untrue gets repeated enough times that it becomes part of our everyday dialogue and starts to sound true and in a time in which lies are normalized and people invent their own set of facts. We have seen complete fabrications become some people鈥檚 accepted reality.鈥�
Perhaps the state of our country as we walk in to 2025 is exactly why we are where we are now. Because of the misinformation that people chose to believe as fact. How else could some of the voters have put a criminal/con man at the head of our government for the next 4 years?
Fauci in his optimism, felt that our hope 鈥渓ies in young people鈥� when he also shared鈥�
鈥淲hat became even more clear to me was something I already knew: that the diversity in our country in its myriad forms 鈥� geographic, economic, cultural, racial, ethnic, and political 鈥� makes us an attractive and great country.鈥�
The book was published in June, 2024. Before the November 2024 election. So, I don鈥檛 know if he knew what the intended outcome was going to be with another term of Trump. It will definitely be a while before we see ourselves as the author had 鈥渉oped鈥� for our country. We can still appreciate the wisdom of Fauci's medical experience shared through these pages....more
鈥淲hat a gift, I thought, to be a humble subject in this glorious new realm.鈥�
This is the book that found its story in a very unique way. It started wit鈥淲hat a gift, I thought, to be a humble subject in this glorious new realm.鈥�
This is the book that found its story in a very unique way. It started with social media. Upworthy. A media brand that focused on positive storytelling. Their intention was always to shine lights on the best of humanity, and usually it would start with a simple question鈥ike鈥�
鈥淲hat鈥檚 the kindest thing a stranger has ever done for you?鈥�
And, people responded. With their own stories. Sharing what was in their heart, based on their experiences. Eventually, they decided why not take this theme, and create a project that will create a book. And, that is how this book came to be.
鈥淢y son telling me that I smell like love.鈥� 鈥� Angela D.
They settled on 6 themes that were laid out into chapters. And, these chapters would feature stories based on those themes. The kindest of strangers. Learn by the heart. It鈥檚 the little things. The kids are all right. When I needed it most. Away from home.
Throughout the chapters, they would showcase a 鈥渟potlight.鈥� Which would typically be someone sharing something that happened to them.
鈥淲as on my weekly night with my five-year-old having fun chatting and eating. When I received the bill, another table had paid it and said to tell me that I鈥檓 a really good mother.鈥� 鈥� Daphne F.
Each story throughout this book provides insight into the best of humanity. Giving a sense of hope and comfort knowing that people truly can be decent and kind and giving to one another.
For those looking for a break from the world of everyday, this can be a perfect book to read when you need a pick-me-up moment, in-between your other books.
This book is heart-felt. It shares stories about ordinary people having everyday experiences with no expectations. And, this is a book about compassion, courage, joy, and faith in humanity. Sometimes we need a dose of all of this to remind us of the goodness in people. ...more
This will not be a typical book review. It is more like a feeling felt after reading a book that touches readers deeply. At least that is Catching up鈥�
This will not be a typical book review. It is more like a feeling felt after reading a book that touches readers deeply. At least that is what happened for me when I read it.
This is what she said.
鈥淵ou belong. Everywhere. Yes, you 鈥� with all your history, anxiety, pain. Yes, everywhere 鈥� in every culture, community, circumstance. You belong in this body. You belong in this very moment. You belong in this breath鈥nd this one. You have always belonged.鈥�
Sebene Selassie was sharing this in her book. It is as if we need to have someone tell us a few times just how important we are, because sometimes we forget. Yes? This life. This present moment. This complicated, messy time. You are Here. Now. Important. To me. To us. To everyone. You belong.
Maybe that is what we need. Reminders like this. From books like this.
鈥淵ou belong in this world just as much as anyone else. No matter how others see you, or how you see yourself.鈥� 鈥� Morgan Harper-Nich鈥橭ls...more
When Pete Buttigieg was introduced to the world, he became someone to pay attention to, not just because he was a young man running for President, at When Pete Buttigieg was introduced to the world, he became someone to pay attention to, not just because he was a young man running for President, at the time, but because he was a gay man who could talk openly about himself. This was a powerful moment to consider. Would America be ready for their first gay President?
Well, we know how everything played out in that election, and gratefully Pete has stayed front and center as Secretary of Transportation in the Biden administration. But what he brought with him was Chasten. His husband. And, Chasten has a story to tell, as well. In this beautiful memoir.
I wanted to read the young adult version, because I understand how hard it can sometimes be for young adults trying to find themselves. Especially if they are labeled as 鈥渄ifferent.鈥� And, even as Chasten points out to readers that we may not be fully in a place where all LGBTQIA+ people can feel safe and accepted, he believes we are heading there. He shows this in his own story about growing up. Change may be slow, according to Chasten, but for him, he believes, it is happening.
Growing up gay wasn鈥檛 easy for him, and he was taunted by classmates. Bullying was the medicine most often received. But it did not darken his spirit. He felt loved and accepted by family, and he knew he could overcome these personal hurdles by not feeling ashamed about who he was鈥ut instead proud. And, finding the courage to be himself.
What I loved most about this story was his ability to relate to a younger audience. He shows himself as a positive role model for any reader who is struggling to fit in, even in his honesty about the difficulties of being an outsider.
His strongest message鈥hat readers are not alone. He empowers them to believe they can write their own story and not be defined by how others see them or the circumstances of their life.
There is so much about this reading experience through the pages that feels so hopeful and comforting and quite inspiring.
What is particularly helpful is at the end of the story where he provides 鈥淩eflection Questions鈥� which help encourage thought-provoking discussion. This book would be wonderful in any local library or classroom.
This is the story about Errol and his Teddy named Thomas who wears a bow tie. They do everything together.
But one day, Errol notices that Thomas is nThis is the story about Errol and his Teddy named Thomas who wears a bow tie. They do everything together.
But one day, Errol notices that Thomas is not feeling particularly playful. So, he asks him what is wrong. And, Thomas says that he is not feeling like a Thomas he is feeling like a Tilly. And, he is afraid that because he wants to be a Tilly, that maybe Errol won鈥檛 want to be his friend anymore.
Well, Errol who loves Thomas very much gives the bear a hug and is happy to embrace Tilly鈥檚 new identity. And, when Errol鈥檚 friend, Ava comes over she offers to give Tilly her bow to wear.
This book offers opportunities for parents and teachers to talk with children about gender identity, being true to themselves and friendship in a thoughtful and caring way.
The question is, when is the appropriate age to understand this topic?
The artistic renderings through the illustrations are gently presented which makes it easy for young ones to relate to, but the subject matter may not be. So, this truly is an educable subject that needs to be managed sensitively.
The publisher says that Reading level is: Age 3 鈥� 6 鈥� Pre-school 鈥� Grade 1st...more
As I started reading this book, at first, I wasn鈥檛 sure I could tolerate much more of bratty, Marilyn and her insolent ways. Sometimes I appreciated tAs I started reading this book, at first, I wasn鈥檛 sure I could tolerate much more of bratty, Marilyn and her insolent ways. Sometimes I appreciated that she was ahead of her times, and didn鈥檛 want to settle for what was expected of her as a 1960鈥檚 young woman 鈥� to just get married and have babies, or to go to college to find a husband instead of a career. But because she was presumptuous in her actions of kissing the Rabbi鈥檚 son, Daniel so brazenly, she now was going to be sent to her Great Aunt Ada to 鈥渨ork鈥� as her assistant to learn some discipline.
Maybe then it would knock some sense into her, as far as her father was concerned. The question is, does it?
Will Marilyn be able to find herself and her own 鈥渨riting鈥� gifts and talents to become who she is meant to be under the strict disciplines of her great Aunt Ada? How will love embrace her 鈥� will it be romantic or something else 鈥� maybe even something better? And, what will readers learn as they continue to turn the pages as they watch Marilyn hopefully blossom under great Aunt Ada鈥檚 tutelage?
With many endearing characters (especially Ada), and scenic countryside to appreciate, this story eventually moves beyond bratty and spoiled, to introspective, humorous, and interesting with a relatively realistic plot for the time period that is not always predictable.
Especially when secrets are better when they aren鈥檛 discovered until the end (even when suspected)....more
Did you ever walk into the pages of a book and get that sensation of feeling cozy? Like you just wanted to wrap yourself upFavorite Book I won in 2024
Did you ever walk into the pages of a book and get that sensation of feeling cozy? Like you just wanted to wrap yourself up in a nice warm blanket with enough pillows supporting your head, knowing that whatever came through the pages, it was going to be a good read?
And, even if there were moments where you could feel that some things may appear predictable, or silly or imperfect, you just wanted to go with it, because you were enjoying the feeling of being in these characters lives? You know what I mean?
Well, this is what happened to me with this book. I was one of the lucky ones who won this book as a 欧宝娱乐 giveaway, and I can鈥檛 be more pleased to share with you how it has kept me warm and welcomed to have the opportunity to meet 82-year-old Frederick Fife.
Now, let鈥檚 be real here. Fred didn鈥檛 start off this adventure on a good foot. He was coming on homeless, disenchanted with life, lonely without his precious, beautiful wife Dawn who had passed away.
鈥淕rief was love with nowhere to go.鈥�
So, we weren鈥檛 sure what was going to happen to him, until he happened to be by the river. And, in one moment, everything changed. For Fred. And, probably Bernard.
Whose Bernard you wonder? Well, this is what makes this story so appealing. As it happens, Bernard is almost a 鈥渢win鈥� to Fred, so that when Bernard finds him, already passed away in his wheelchair at the river, and he thinks he is doing the right thing to return him to where he probably belongs, something happens again.
Let us just say, that Bernard is no longer present. (I really want you to experience the moment 鈥� so no spoilers from me!)
And, Fred is now mistaken for Bernard, and living Bernard鈥檚 life at Bernard鈥檚 care home. And, no matter how much Fred tries to tell everybody he isn鈥檛 Bernard, they won鈥檛 believe him.
鈥淎 pleasure to meet you. People call me Bernard.鈥�
鈥淵ou鈥檇 be surprised how people treat you differently when you鈥檙e older. You don鈥檛 feel any different, but it鈥檚 as though you fade away, like a Polaroid picture in reverse.鈥�
Now, will Fred be discovered? How long can he keep up this masquerade that he didn鈥檛 want, even though this is a really nice home? And, what if Bernard is found?
So, Fred makes the most of this experience, and as readers we are watching Fred make a difference among the other residents and staff at the care home.
鈥淎sking for help isn鈥檛 failing, you know 鈥� it鈥檚 refusing to fail.鈥�
鈥淲hat a blessing sleep could be sometimes, a merciful relief from dementia, from pain, from grief. A brief holiday where there were no suitcases full of burdens to carry. In dreams you could forget that you didn鈥檛 remember, and remember those who were no longer there.鈥�
But Fred was there. And, he cared. And surprisingly, even though Bernard was so very grumpy, this new Bernard was anything but. So, how could they not like him?
We are also getting alternate chapters telling the story of Sadie and Hannah. How do these girls play into this story?
How will Fred make a difference in another young woman鈥檚 life 鈥� one associated with Bernard 鈥� and one who might just make a difference in his?
Will they discover that Fred is not Bernard? Or, will he live out the rest of his life as Bernard?
Sometimes we find family in the most unlikely places. For a few pages, I felt like I was with family. I think you will find some incredible characters to enjoy and appreciate and hope good things for 鈥� and maybe, just maybe, this one can provide a happily ever after for an 82-year-old man named Fred/Bernard. Can we hope? (No spoilers from me.)
Thank you, 欧宝娱乐 for this gift read. This book will be available this coming September!...more
I had read this one a while ago. But what made me want to re-visit it is that I read recently that 28 years after the late Andrew ClementsCatching up鈥�
I had read this one a while ago. But what made me want to re-visit it is that I read recently that 28 years after the late Andrew Clements introduced this iconic debut novel, Random House Books for Young Readers will posthumously publish its follow-up, 鈥淭he Frindle Files鈥� on August 27th. It will also feature art by Caldecott Medalist Brian Selznick who also created the cover illustration for Frindle.
This is the story of Nick who challenges his teacher by thinking he is smarter. He is always trying to find clever ways to use up class time to avoid school work. How many ways can he distract his teachers?
But one way a teacher gets to him is to give him extra homework on how words get into the dictionary 鈥� the origin of words, that he will have to read out loud in class. He only sees this as another opportunity to take up class time.
Will Nick win this argument, or will the teacher teach him something he needs to learn?
In many ways this is a story about the power of language 鈥� to think deeply and creatively about it. It is also a story about how kids test boundaries, question authority, but how they can also learn to respect it.
And who knows, maybe one day a word that kids creatively create can actually be added to the dictionary... (did that really happen?)
frin * dle 鈥� a device used to write or make marks with ink.
What seems like the perfect 鈥渞etirement鈥� new life 鈥渃areer鈥� quickly feels like a dream gone badly for Sam and Swami. The idea to live and work along thWhat seems like the perfect 鈥渞etirement鈥� new life 鈥渃areer鈥� quickly feels like a dream gone badly for Sam and Swami. The idea to live and work along the river seems to slowly melt away into troubles and slick well-financed competition.
Sam and Swami are struggling as a couple, and the dreams are definitely being challenged. But there is something about this feel-good plot (if you can be patient with it) that feels like hope is just around the corner. With white-water rafting as a backdrop, who doesn鈥檛 want to believe that the water is great and the flow of the river will make everything feel better eventually.
Sam just wasn鈥檛 willing to give up, so maybe as readers, we shouldn鈥檛 either. There is something warm-hearted between these pages....more
Four years ago, we all were changed. The pandemic hit our lives and nothing was ever the same again. No matMy Favorite Non-Fiction Book I read in 2024
Four years ago, we all were changed. The pandemic hit our lives and nothing was ever the same again. No matter how we felt about it, we were all touched by it in different ways.
Some of us may have been spared by not getting COVID, some may have gotten it, some may have witnessed close friends or family members dying from it. Some may still be suffering from long COVID. Some may have worked in the trenches. All of us had an experience with it that changed our view of life.
For me, I developed a pandemic social anxiety. I have been in therapy for the last year. I am doing much better about being around others, but I am still cautious about indoor spaces, and have yet to go to a restaurant or movie theatre. But my social experiences with others have improved.
The author decided to write this book as a way to highlight the experience of seven people in the first year of the pandemic in New York City. I decided to read it as part of my own therapy. To face the trauma of this pandemic helps me to address the anxiety. The author鈥檚 first paragraph captured my attention immediately.
鈥淏reathing isn鈥檛 just about staying alive. It鈥檚 about living. It鈥檚 how you inhabit a place. Where you live. Where you work. Where you eat. You take in the air, bring the world in. You exhale, give something back. Breathing is our fundamental chemistry. It鈥檚 where all our connections begin. And that, for me, was the thing that made COVID so difficult, so scary. It was like, suddenly, whenever I left home, I was afraid to take a breath.鈥�
Those were the words of Benjamin Bier a cardiologist and critical care physician in New York City in his fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital at the start of 2020.
I could relate to his words. Hand Over Heart 鈾ワ笍Breathe was everything to me. I always would put my hand over my heart and then breathe, whenever I felt any level of anxiety. This simple touch helps to curb my anxiety.
And yet, when COVID hit, I was so fearful of breathing. So many of us wondered鈥�
Would breathing give me COVID?
There were so many unknowns in those early days. So much fear of walking outside. Being around others. And yet, I loved where I lived. I loved being in nature. I loved walking my dogs with my husband. And, I craved those things.
What was happening to us?
Our world had narrowed and this book showcased just how much it had done to these 7 people. And their life examples felt so real to me. I felt torn open and exposed all over again.
But this time, I felt stronger and capable and ready to understand. Because it was 4 years later that I was reading this. And, I had been going through therapy and feeling strong enough to address my own challenges about COVID and the world around me.
Still, there were things the author presented that were old wounds.
鈥淲hy, in some places, did face masks become loaded objects that triggered cultural, political, and physical conflict, while in others they were used widely, with little controversy or debate?鈥�
Obviously, this book is a warning. It is chilling. It is political. It can鈥檛 help but be. 2020 was a highly charged year. It was a reminder of what happened 鈥� what needed to be done 鈥� what had to be done 鈥� what didn鈥檛 happen 鈥� and what possibly could happen if we are not vigilant 鈥� as a community 鈥� a society 鈥� a civilized, caring country.
But it was also personal. By sharing the lives of 7 people, the author showed how it personally affected them. It helped those of us who read about them come to grips with our own experiences around the pandemic.
This book is well-researched and written. I took my time with it. Like an in-between book. (Reading it slowly, in-between my novels.) It was about 370 pages. The appendix, notes and index begin on page 371 and continue to page 444. I highly recommend it....more
I was thrilled when I saw this one so prominently displayed in the children鈥檚 section of my local library.
It is clear from the beginning that this isI was thrilled when I saw this one so prominently displayed in the children鈥檚 section of my local library.
It is clear from the beginning that this is a teaching book. One that hopes to change the landscape of our thinking about racism. Of how we can teach children to think and have explicit conversations about race and equity.
Through beautiful, colorful illustrations and nine lessons, the author outlines those nine ways to be an antiracist baby.
I can鈥檛 emphasize enough how much this book is such a powerful teaching tool that needs to be available in all homes and libraries throughout the world!
The author provides a note to parents and caregivers at the back of the book that helps with conversation about race and racism with young children. ...more
This story takes place in 1960, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
So, let us first understand what dead letters at a post office mean at that time and plaThis story takes place in 1960, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
So, let us first understand what dead letters at a post office mean at that time and place.
Back in the day, there was such a thing as a dead letter office (DLO) within the postal system where undeliverable mail was processed. Mail would be considered undeliverable when the address was considered invalid because it couldn鈥檛 be delivered to the addressee, or there was no return address. But the people who worked in the DLO would do everything within their powers to attempt to find the individuals before declaring the letters completely undeliverable. Thus, declaring the postal workers, 鈥渟killed dead letter detectives.鈥� Sometimes being tasked with opening the letters to find potential clues.
And thus, this becomes our protagonist, Esther 鈥淓J鈥� Cloud鈥檚 story when Evelyn dumps some letters addressed to a Miss Mary Ann Evans on her desk.
Soon it becomes clear that these aren鈥檛 ordinary letters. And EJ becomes quite fascinated in her intent to find who the mysterious Dorothea, the sender could be.
In the meantime, she has a new neighbor who is determined to involve EJ in rehabilitating her garden. EJ who has enjoyed her quiet spinsterhood, is finding her life being disrupted in more ways than one with this added task at work, and now her quiet life at home being filled with people.
Will all these disruptions and change add something new or special to her life?
And what mysteries will be unraveled behind those dead letters that might spark something for EJ to discover about herself?
Although it doesn鈥檛 take center stage, readers are aware that because the book setting is in the south, in 1960, racism is felt through the author鈥檚 depiction of the civil rights movement.
The minimal scenes the author exposes readers to involve the rebellions against race, class, segregation, social injustice and sex discrimination of that time. But she also depicts characters being guided towards an allyship journey.
The story is character-driven with a great cast of characters.
Overall, the dialogue and humor keep the story moving at a quick pace, and the historical details help the narrative feel believable. And certainly, the mystery of the dead letters, keep readers curious about EJ鈥檚 personal evolution and self-discovery.
The added beauty of this novel is that there is a blend of literary, historical and mystery 鈥� with no dead bodies! When has that ever happened in a mystery (no dead bodies)?
And that book cover? So artful. There is something to be said about that flaming red hair (which will be important) and those flowers (gardens also are important here).
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