March Mother Daughter Book Club -- All the Lovely Bad Ones

All the Lovely Bad Ones by Mary Downing Hahn

My enjoyment rating: 3 of 5 stars

Daisy Daughter rating:  4 of 5 stars

Book source:  Public library

Genre:  Juvenile fiction

Corey and her brother, Travis, are spending the summer at their Grandmother’s Inn in Vermont. With a history of ghost sightings, Corey and Travis are determined to do their part in adding to the Inn’s spooky reputation by staging their own ghostly apparitions. What they don’t realize is their antics will awaken a vast community of dormant spirits and unleash the very evil, Miss Ada.

All the Lovely Bad Ones by Mary Downing Hahn, was our Mother/Daughter book club selection for March.

This was surprisingly eerie! I started it one night, after the kids were in bed, and my husband out of town, only to realize, that I was a bit uncomfortable reading about a haunted Inn. I was even more surprised that my daughter FINISHED it and liked it, in spite of its supernatural setting.

The tale of the Inn being a former “work farm” for orphans, operated by two ruthless caretakers, was clever and authentic. And that the orphans died at the hands of their tormentors was equally sad.

Then ending was quite chilling as well.

For a juvenile work of fiction – it gave me the shivers!

All the girls loved it. It was a great discussion about ghosts, whether they’d ever seen one, whether they believed in them or not, would they stay in a haunted house or not – all very interesting questions and answers.

Next book selection:

April: Mackenzie Blue: Friends Forever? by Tina Wells

May: Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine (I read this a month ago and LOVED it!)

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Book Review -- Flunking Sainthood



Flunking Sainthood: A Year of Breaking the Sabbath, Forgetting to Pray, and Still Loving My Neighbor by Jana Riess

My enjoyment rating: 4 of 5 stars

Source:  Nook

Genre:  Non-fiction; Self-help

If you had a plan to increase your spirituality over the course of a year what would you do?

Jana Riess, in her book Flunking Sainthood, decides to seek out reading ancient texts and embracing religious traditions – everything from a month of fasting to strict Sabbath day observance to rigorous daily prayer – a journey she expected to succeed at on a monthly basis.

What she realizes is that each of her endeavors are much more difficult – and need a LOT more time – to accomplish and master. At the end of her year, she feels like she has “flunked.” After the death of her father, she recognizes that even though she didn’t meet the expectation she set out for herself – she had indeed increased her spiritual strength and because of her year long journey, was able to put into practice many of the tenants she had learned, to cope with his death.

I loved this book – it was witty, honest, revelatory, and full of failure. And considering I fail on an all too regular basis – it was refreshing.

The most significant point the author makes is: to be a better Christian (or any other religious belief for that matter) takes PRACTICE. If you want to be generous – you need to practice generosity, if you want to forgive – you need to be more forgiving, if you want to be more prayerful in your everyday life – you need to pray! Duh?!   And some of these goals take months, if not a lifetime, to achieve.

One particular personal reaction I had to this book was found in her chapter on Fasting. For months now I've been struggling with my personal self worth -- without being able to pinpoint why. When I came across the following: "I'm craving community almost as much as food..." I thought I’d been sent a personal revelation. Nearly a year ago, I had a profound shift in my community, and have been in mourning ever since. In the mean time, I've been trying to fill that "craving" with food -- which has left me even more empty and community-less. I’m thankful to Ms. Riess for showing me (even though I know it wasn’t her intention!) that I can create a community without using food as a crutch – and over the next year – that is my goal.

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March Book Group -- Half Broke Horses

Half Broke Horses: A True-Life Novel by Jeannette Walls

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Source:  Personal copy

March Book Group Choice

Genre:  "Real life" fiction

When you seek shelter in a tree with your siblings because of a flash flood, and subsequently spend the night there too – you know your life is destined to be an adventure.

Lily Casey Smith did it all – rode on a horse across the state of Arizona at the age of 15, broke horses, taught school, lived in Chicago, worked a ranch, played poker, boot-legged moonshine – oh, and married and had 2 kids. One of them being Rose Mary Smith Walls – the eccentric mother of Jeannette Walls of The Glass Castle. Half Broke Horses is Jeannette’s second book and homage to her fiercely independent and unique grandmother.

This was our book club selection for March and we all loved it. Not as much as The Glass Castle – but that book was such a dysfunctional masterpiece that it would be hard to measure up.

Lily was an amazing woman – especially at a time in our history when independence, free thought, and escapades were not valued traits in women. Lily made it seem “normal” to hold a pistol to the head of a disagreeable elder, or transport your kids to each school where you teach, or beat most men in a game of poker. Maybe not the perfect mother…but she did what she thought was best. We need more women in the world like Lily Casey Smith.

This is the perfect companion to The Glass Castle…but I need to re-read it again to put all the puzzle pieces together.

Highly recommended for book clubs/groups.

Listen to the author talk more about her grandmother here:

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Book Review -- Immortal Bird





Immortal Bird: A Family Memoir by Doron Weber

My enjoyment rating: (Mr. Weber's story 1 star; Damon's story 5 stars) = 3 of 5 stars

Book Source:  Library copy

Genre:  Memoir

Is it even possible to be critical about a book that details the death of one’s son without sounding callous? I’m going to try…

Damon Weber was born with a congenital heart defect – the number one leading birth defect in all children – a single ventricle that required two surgeries immediately after his birth. For the next 13 years, Damon and his family lived a fairly normal life, free of heart complications. But that would soon change when Damon develops a rare, life threatening disease directly related to his initial heart repair. After years of treatments, medications, and failed procedures, Damon and his family are faced with the only option left – a heart transplant. What transpires after his transplant is truly tragic and a parent’s worst nightmare.

Doron Weber has written an angry, caustic, and powerful account of the life and death of his son, Damon.

Although Mr. Weber’s takes us on an amazing, but painful journey through the final years of Damon’s life and treats us to a Damon who is talented, witty, brilliant, and tireless, I’m not sure if this was Damon’s memoir or Mr. Weber’s?

It is loaded with references to Mr. Weber’s education, experience, connections, colleagues – and an arrogance that is nearly suffocating. While an advocate for his very ill son, Mr. Weber believes his own intellect and knowledge and his access to the elite echelon of achievers in each sector of society will best the doctors who are treating his son. In reality, Mr. Weber was trying to use his contacts to play God.

But in the final pages, even with Mr. Weber’s haughty attitude, it’s ultimately a father’s (and mother’s) love that permeates the story about Damon and his fight to survive and his tragic death.

As a side note: My connection to this book is personal – my youngest son was also born with a congenital heart defect – and although his issues are different than Damon’s, the anguish I felt at the end of this book rocked my soul.

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Book Review -- The Lions of Little Rock



 The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine

My enjoyment rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book source:  Library copy

Genre:  Juvenile fiction (recommended for 10 and older)

Every once in awhile you read a book that hits too close to home. Or in my case, it is home.

In 1958, Gov. Faubus and the Little Rock school district closed all 4 high schools instead of following a court order to integrate, thus propelling the fight over desegregation into what was called The Lost Year.

In her book, The Lions of Little Rock, Kristin Levine tells a poignant story set in The Lost Year and of a little girl desperate for a friend, a community at war, and the fight to allow ALL children the right to an education.

Twelve year old Marlee, struggles to communicate. What she lacks in verbal skills she makes up in spectacular math ability. But what Marlee really wants is a friend. When Liz arrives at the lunch table and asks if she may eat with Marlee, it is a dream come true. What neither of them realizes is their friendship will put at risk their families, their friends, and their own lives.

It is hard for me to be objective with this book – my children go to the same schools as these characters, we are members of the same Zoo, they will graduate from Central High, we drive past the memorial honoring the Little Rock Nine on a daily basis. But with that objectivity (or lack thereof) noted: I thought this was a marvelous novel. The single most important thing to Marlee and Liz was their friendship. They did not care about the color of their skin or about court orders. All they wanted to do was play at the Zoo and do mathematical magic squares.

For parents wanting to discuss the events of 1957 (and 1958) and a broader discussion of integration and civil rights, this is the perfect book to read with your child(ren).

I will be suggesting this for our Mother/Daughter book club.

This novel will linger with me for a long time.

Highly recommended.

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Book Review -- The Murders of Richard III





The Murders of Richard III by Elizabeth Peters

My enjoyment rating: 3 of 5 stars

Source:  Nook

Genre:  Mystery

Challenge:  Just for Fun Reading Challenge

American librarian, Jacqueline Kirby, has arrived at an English manor house for a weekend of research, debate, and all things surrounding the legend of Richard III of England. She has been invited to join a group of scholars to determine whether a letter, that purportedly vindicates Richard in the deaths of his two nephews, is authentic.

When accidents start occurring to the guests, in the order of Richard’s past victims, suspicion is heightened that they have a “comedian” in their midst. But determining who it is, and their motivation, is left to Jacqueline to solve.

This was a very entertaining “mystery.” As a closet Anglophile -- I LOVED all the “Ricardian” history. I had no idea that there were societies and conspiracy theorists who still met and discussed Richard’s evil deeds. I thought author, Elizabeth Peters, did a fantastic job with her research in bringing 600 year old history to life.

However, the overall story line was convoluted and confusing. Even as I read the last page, I still had NO idea who each of the characters represented and I didn’t even care. And the motive behind the accidents and ultimate attempted murder, made no sense.

But, even with all those failures, I thought Jacqueline was a spunky, witty, middle aged, sleuth and again, the Ricardian history made up for the lack of cohesive plot.

I’d be willing to give Elizabeth Peters another go around.

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February Book Club -- The Pact

The Pact: Three Young Men Make a Promise and Fulfill a Dream by Sampson Davis

My enjoyment rating: 3 of 5 stars (5 stars for inspiration; 3 stars for mediocre writing)

Source:  Personal copy

February Book Club choice

Black History Month choice

Born in the projects of New Jersey, the future seems bleak for Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck Hunt. Their neighborhoods are saturated with drug dealers, crime, and hopelessness. But when they forge a friendship in junior high, these three young men make a “pact” that their lives will be different – that they will finish high school and graduate from college. It’s a tough road – so many influences trying to derail their dreams – but with the help of many mentors and their own determination – they succeed.

One of the blessings of being in a book club is the opportunity to read books you have either never heard of or would not normally pick up on your own. This is one of those. I’d never heard of “The Pact” and I’m so glad our discussion group leader made this our choice.

My life is so VASTLY different from these young men. I’ve never been arrested for the simple fact that my skin color is different. I’ve never been threatened with violence or drugs. I’ve been raised in a stable family with a mom and dad: So many things that can change the outcome of one’s life.

What they were able to accomplish with so little is truly amazing – when so many of their friends were succumbing to the pull of peer pressure, drugs, and street life.

The only negative to this book was the writing. For what was a truly inspirational story, the writing was uninspired – which really took the gloss off trying to read about their accomplishments.

It was an excellent book club choice – so much to discuss about race issues, the plight of inner city education – and education in general really – and giving back to one’s community: A Pandora’s box of social issues discussion. But also guiltily so as we were a group of very naïve white women.

For more on The Pact -- check out the related video:

 

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Book Review -- The One and Only Ivan

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

My enjoyment rating: 5 of 5 stars

Source:  ARC provided by the author (I was not compensated in any way for my review; my thoughts are mine alone).

Genre:  Juvenile fiction

Ivan has a family – a nontraditional one, but a family nonetheless. It includes, Bob the dog, Stella the elephant and Not-tag a stuffed animal. Ivan’s place in the family – the one and only gorilla.

Ivan and Stella are in the unfortunate position of being the entertainment for Mack, who runs a “show” in the Big Top Mall and video arcade. Life within the confines of their “domain” – their cages – is miserable, and Mack is a neglectful keeper and trainer. They live with filthy hay, messy enclosures, and foul treatment.

Because sales and tourists are declining, an additional family member is added – Ruby, a juvenile elephant, who Mack hopes will boost visitors. But it is clear that it will take more than Ruby to save this faltering attraction. After Stella becomes ill, Ivan is determined to do everything in his ape power to make things better for his family. And with a little artistic ability – he succeeds.

Katherine Applegate has written a compassionate novel about the plight of Ivan and his friends. The reader is filled with anguish and sorrow as you follow their mistreatment at the hands of Mack: how is it that that one of the humans in this story is also the one that is the most inhumane? Fortunately, we are buoyed by the fact that George, the mall’s maintenance man, and his daughter, Julia, do show the animals the love and care they deserve.

Ivan, Stella, Ruby, and Bob all become friends that you are desperate to help. They are more thoughtful and caring than most individuals. Ms. Applegate has given us a glorious example that our animal friends might know more about endurance, hope, and faith than their caregivers do. And Ivan is the one and only one to help them all.

This was a joy to read.

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Book Review -- The Rose Garden





Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley

My enjoyment rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Book Source:  Ebook (Nook)

Genre:  Historical Fiction (with a twist)

Eva Ward has returned to the coast of Cornwall to scatter the ashes of her sister. Cornwall was their childhood home and where they scampered through the beautiful Cornish gardens and along the coast. Eva felt it was the most suitable final resting place for Katrina.

While there, she reacquaints herself with Halletts -- long time family friends who inhabit an ancient estate, Trelowarth. While a guest, Eva experiences mysterious voices and visions that she can’t place nor does she understand. Unexpectedly, during a walk on the grounds of this grand estate, she is transported to a Trelowarth she no longer recognizes – one from a time and place long past. Thus begins Eva’s shadowy, parallel life between 21st century Cornwall and 18th Century Cornwall – a Cornwall brimmed with smugglers, rebellions, treachery, and one very handsome Daniel Butler.

I was so skeptical of this book – I am not a “time traveler” reader  – but – I really liked it!

Author Susanna Kearsley does a good job of balancing both present and past story lines. I loved her writing and dialogue. But it is Eva that really won me over, because she was skeptical just like me – and very funny. I caught myself chuckling at some of Eva’s reactions when she “time shifted” – it was like, “what the heck just happened? Where am I?” And the 18th century world in which she was thrust was equally unprepared to accept and understand her either. Obviously, if one is in Cornwall, one must fall in love with a handsome renegade – and Kearsley writes a very believable and G-rated relationship between Eva and Daniel. It was tender and loving.

My only criticism (as seems to be the case with me) was the ending. It was confusing – with the introduction of another time traveler (that I’d already figured out), where they came from, and who they were related to, both past and present. It required several readings to process (hence a 3.5 not a 4).

All in all though, a fun, enjoyable read. Enough so that I am eager to read Ms. Kearsley’s other novels.

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Long live print books

I highly recommend The Bookstore's Last Stand from today's issue of the New York Times (Sunday, January 29th).