Less than engaging story about a spoiled little rich girl. Annie Tripp Town's father is facing the possibility of*Review is of an advanced reader copy
Less than engaging story about a spoiled little rich girl. Annie Tripp Town's father is facing the possibility of prison following accusations he has scammed hundreds of people out of their investments. In an effort to save face, her appearance oriented parents send her and her older brother out of town to live with their estranged aunt and uncle. Whilst hiding out in Breckenridge, Annie uncovers long buried secrets about her parents. Additionally, whilst employed at her uncle's restaurant, Annie hooks up with a couple of coworkers but, this is understandable, because poor thing, she is so angry and confused. If I sound less than sympathetic, it is because I do not believe her actions are excusable. I am well aware teenagers have sex, drink, and use drugs. I also support books not shying away from realistic situations. However, I see no upside to describing oral sex and frequent drug and alcohol use with little to no negative consequences to young readers. Especially when there are already so many negative influences on today's youth. A resounding thumbs down from this prude. ...more
A terrific picture book championing one of my favorite things, BOOKS! The charming illustrations set against a stark white background are the perfect A terrific picture book championing one of my favorite things, BOOKS! The charming illustrations set against a stark white background are the perfect accompaniment to a story about two siblings who find common ground with the aid of one clever librarian....more
Although I am not vegan I do enjoy vegan food and consume quite a lot of plant based foods. Almost every single r*Review is of an advanced reader copy
Although I am not vegan I do enjoy vegan food and consume quite a lot of plant based foods. Almost every single recipe in this mouthwatering cookbook is indeed mouthwatering. Author and creator, Nisha Vora, includes a wide variety of dishes for any time of the day. Never one to actually follow recipes, preferring instead to use them as inspiration, the fact that I do not own an instant pot, in no way detracts from my enthusiasm for the fare featured in this cookbook. ...more
Nah. I understand the reader is going to have to suspend belief for the sake of the story but I could not control my reoccurring protestations to the Nah. I understand the reader is going to have to suspend belief for the sake of the story but I could not control my reoccurring protestations to the improbability of Baby Frank's exploits. Had there been more humor I likely would have been swayed but, alas, I was not amused....more
This seems to be a fairly decent, albeit simplistic explanation. I know others will be quick to point out America's failings and the areas where we, tThis seems to be a fairly decent, albeit simplistic explanation. I know others will be quick to point out America's failings and the areas where we, the people, do not measure up to the values extolled in this book. But, keep in mind, this book is for children. Why not aim high? Also, I've seen some complaints that America is not the only country to hold some of these values. Fair enough but it never says, America is the ONLY one. It is however, a unique country, flawed to be sure, but definitely a country that has been blessed. The message of gratitude, is always welcome, in my view....more
Well this was certainly bleak. The saga of an on again off again, primarily sexual relationship between two aimle*Review is of an advanced reader copy
Well this was certainly bleak. The saga of an on again off again, primarily sexual relationship between two aimless Irish youth. I know depression is considered high brow art which is the only reason I can imagine this novel has been longlisted for the Man Booker Prize. If there was a point to the "story" such as it were, it was lost on me. I'm scratching my head trying to decipher what message the author was trying to send. Normally, I quite enjoy the routine comings and goings of ordinary daily existence but the sexual exploits and mumbling conversations detailed here failed to spark any interest and I felt no emotional connection to either Connell or Marianne. Therefore, I'm going to give this one a "Rotten Potatoes" award....more
This is the ideal summer read. An engaging story with fully-fleshed characters on an island setting. Meg Mitchell*Review is of an advanced reader copy
This is the ideal summer read. An engaging story with fully-fleshed characters on an island setting. Meg Mitchell Moore does Elin Hilderbrand better than Elin Hilderbrand! Unlike the tony island paradise of Hildebrand fare, the location here is the less upper crust, Block Island. Its full time residents are more working class, thus making the characters more accessible. (Note: I do not mean this to come across as a criticism of Elin Hildebrand because I throughly enjoy her novels. My point is, while Hildebrand offers fun, pleasure reads, The Islanders was overall, a more satisfying and relatable story, in my opinion.) I was heavily invested in the lives of all three of the central characters from the outset, cheering them on as the story progressed. Furthermore, what's not to like about a book that speaks favorable of one of cinema's best rom-coms of all time, When Harry Met Sally? Pack this one in your beach bag!
Because the copy I read was an unfinished edition, the recipe for the whoopie pies featured in the novel was not included. Too bad, as I am curious to learn Joy's culinary secret....more
Only in the current foodie culture could such a story be marketed towards children. Earlier generations likely would not have been familiar with fare Only in the current foodie culture could such a story be marketed towards children. Earlier generations likely would not have been familiar with fare such as falafel, gumbo, and arepas. This is the oft told story of feeling left out, from a small taco truck's point of view. It is fun, gastronomically appealing, and has a palatable message to boot. ...more
I like the unconventional shape of this picture book. The brightly colored illustrations are also a plus. And, it is refreshing to see something actuaI like the unconventional shape of this picture book. The brightly colored illustrations are also a plus. And, it is refreshing to see something actually champion a male figure, and fathers at that! Although the text itself is nothing special, the other positive aspects make this a solid three in my estimation....more
Although this book is obviously meant to be funny it lacks substance and humor. Basically, two hooligans terrorize their village but because they are Although this book is obviously meant to be funny it lacks substance and humor. Basically, two hooligans terrorize their village but because they are Viking youth the reader is supposed to be amused. Didn't work. The reckless behavior would not have bothered me had there been a witty line or two or a plot twist. Alas! As that is not the case, I was underwhelmed....more
In-depth seven lesson study of the New Testament book of Galatians. I truly value the Precept method of delving deeper into the Bible because it is coIn-depth seven lesson study of the New Testament book of Galatians. I truly value the Precept method of delving deeper into the Bible because it is comprehensive and thought provoking....more
It's not you, Song for a Whale, it's me. There is much to like about this book. The featured character, Iris, is *Review is of an advanced reader copy
It's not you, Song for a Whale, it's me. There is much to like about this book. The featured character, Iris, is a headstrong, resourceful, determined kid. Readers learn a lot about electronics, whale migration, planets, and sound. Although Iris is deaf, this is never portrayed as a disability. She is, in fact, quite the MacGyver of radio repair, a quality which serves her well in her quest to connect to a lonely whale. So why only the two star rating? Try as I might, I have never been able to muster much interest in the study of animals. I do like animals. However, for some reason I do not enjoy reading about them or watching programs on television or visiting places such as the zoo or aquarium. I much prefer to people watch. Don't know why, I've tried to cultivate a greater interest but, alas, animals fail to spark my curiosity. Therefore, I was kind of bored during some of the novel. That being said, if you are not me, first of all, consider yourself blessed, and secondly, you will most likely find Song for a Whale to your liking. It is definitely worth a read....more
An old soul book about an old soul child. There is something almost hauntingly bittersweet about this novel. Remi*Review is of an advanced reader copy
An old soul book about an old soul child. There is something almost hauntingly bittersweet about this novel. Reminiscent of Cynthia Rylant's Rosetown, Sweeping Up the Heart focuses on a lonely little girl stuck at home over spring break. When her emotionally distant father denies her pleas for a trip to Florida, Amelia instead spends her days molding clay at a local art studio. It is there she encounters a new friend, Casper. Together the pair sets out in search of signs from Amelia's long dead mother. Perhaps it is the pre Y2K setting but the characters in this novel seem more innocent than those one typically finds in the novels (and streets) today. Amelia and Casper appear more vulnerable and less jaded, thus making their thoughts and feelings more readily accessible which in turn makes them much more appealing than the children of today who cannot seem to be bothered to look up from their handheld devices. I'm not sure how wide or receptive of an audience there will be for such a tender story but I do believe, for "old souls" this book will indeed sweep up their hearts....more
A throughly engrossing novel. One of the best fictional accounts I've ever encountered about the devastation wrou*Review is of an advanced reader copy
A throughly engrossing novel. One of the best fictional accounts I've ever encountered about the devastation wrought by cancer. The focus of the story is Maddy, a bright, passionate sixteen-year-old girl battling a cruelly destructive disease. Raised by her devoted mother, Eve, Maddy has never known her father. As she wrestles with her own mortality she sets out to learn more about the man who contributed half her gene pool. Told in alternating points of view, the reader is able to glimpse a deeper understanding about both Maddy and her mother's states of mind. One of the things I liked best about this book is that, in addition to the detail about Maddy's medical treatment, she is ultimately, still very much a teenage girl with typical teenage yearnings. Her crush on the neighborhood boy and the clash between wanting to grow up yet simultaneously wishing to remain a child are nearly universal. Well-paced and almost lyrically written, this is definitely a winner!...more
Having read the first installment in what is, as evidenced by the final page of this novel, set to become a prete*Review is of an advanced reader copy
Having read the first installment in what is, as evidenced by the final page of this novel, set to become a preteen series, I decided to read Wish on All the Stars (that and the San Diego setting.) Although See You on a Starry Night was a decent if a bit saccharine story, this one was not a favorite. It felt as though the author tried to cover too much. The characters, particularly Juliet, the titular character, were far too wholesome and goody-goody to be believable. She and her two new friends embark on a project to save the neighborhood bookmobile, a cause which I could definitely stand behind. Along the way, a multitude of other causes come to light; immigration, the environment, puppy mills, hunger, poverty, divorce, the list goes on. That is not to say these issues are not problematic. They do deserve viable solutions. But, all of them in the same short novel? All causes taken on by three preteen girls? Girls who are earnestly good and loving? Juliet is basically a social justice warrior Pollyanna. A few flaws are necessary to flush out a character. Furthermore, the book had an almost propaganda feel to it, the kids even start a social action club with goals such as eliminating plastic straws and making yard signs declaring, "Choose Love, Not Hate." Again, not that I'm a proponent of hate or the overuse of plastic but, come on! I half expected the girls to break out in "Where Have all the Flowers Gone?" and stick flowers in their hair. Nothing bad here just too improbable to be enjoyable....more
I have long enjoyed books about summer camp. Much more so than I enjoyed the actual summer camp experience myself*Review is of an advanced reader copy
I have long enjoyed books about summer camp. Much more so than I enjoyed the actual summer camp experience myself. (Because it is awfully nice to have the comfort of my own bed and a non-communal shower with ample hot water.) Girls of July, although not exactly a summer camp story, has the summer camp feel. (How many times will I use the term "summer camp" throughout this review?) The novel is akin to The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, focusing on four somewhat different teen girls spending a month together at a rustic abode in the Adirondacks. Each teen has escaped to the mountain retreat with the hopes of both taking a break from something in her life and experiencing something meaningful. Predictably, although at the outset all they can see are their differences, before the novel's conclusion their bond is strong. In spite of the familiar plot line the month long trial is a throughly enjoyable summer read. It did not however, entice me to visit the Adirondacks as the cool temperatures were frequently mentioned. This chickadee prefers warmer climates! ...more
In a word - terrific! This is the absolutely delightful tale of a twelve-year-old girl, wheelchair bound due to c*Review is of an advanced reader copy
In a word - terrific! This is the absolutely delightful tale of a twelve-year-old girl, wheelchair bound due to cerebral palsy, who refuses to play the victim. Ellie is spunky and determined, blessed with a wry sense of humor and grit. When she and her mother move to Oklahoma to assist with the care of her grandfather, she continues to roll along in spite of the "new girl" status and trailer park residence. Soon befriended by a couple of other outsiders, Ellie's world takes some surprising turns. Ellie rises to the challenge, using her baking prowess as an outlet and hobby. Jamie Sumner, the mother to a child with cerebral palsy, has penned an outstanding middle grade novel. Refreshing in a world where playing the victim card is par for the course, Roll with It succeeds precisely because its central characters accept the hands their dealt with aplomb, determined to make the most of their abilities and never viewing life's circumstances as an excuse to give up....more
Set against an early 1980's backdrop, this tender novel is the story of a quintessential family of artists. Twelv*Review is of an advanced reader copy
Set against an early 1980's backdrop, this tender novel is the story of a quintessential family of artists. Twelve-year-old Olympia, "Ollie", itches to create. She is a consummate observer of her surroundings, predisposed to want to put her thoughts and feelings down on paper. As the book begins Ollie's father is missing and her mother has taken to bed, overwhelmed with depression. Ollie seeks to hide her family situation from her friends whilst simultaneously trying to track down her father and pacify her mother. Interspersed throughout the novel are some rather interesting facts about artists, colors, and art history. Ollie's determined and creative nature shine. Nonetheless, I did not find the story fully engaging, at times it seemed to drag. However, it definitely redeemed itself with wholly satisfying ending and a cast of likable, albeit quirky, characters. ...more
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