First, let me share that it is beautifully illustrated. It shows the changing seasons, and the importance of friendship.
SHow do I begin this review?
First, let me share that it is beautifully illustrated. It shows the changing seasons, and the importance of friendship.
Second, this will be a teachable and touching story for kids. About what we learn from others, as the city dog learned from the frog and the frog learned from the dog. It also depicts the cycle of life.
Kleenex may be needed. (I did.)
Lastly, and most importantly, this is a heart-felt story about accepting change (seasons and loss), because there will be that moment when something changes and kids will learn about what that change/loss and acceptance means, too.
I didn’t know why I wanted to read this story. But my Goodreads friend, Mark Porton’s review was so compelling, it called to me. Review here: https://I didn’t know why I wanted to read this story. But my Goodreads friend, Mark Porton’s review was so compelling, it called to me. Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
And then several of my other GR friends chimed in with their notes telling me that they couldn’t wait to hear what I thought about this book. Something told me I was going to be in for my own chilling experience.
So, when it arrived from my local library, I opened the pages.
I wasn’t wrong.
The first page got me. How are we to feel?
We are following an inmate on death row. Obviously, he is not a good person. He is on death row for a reason. He did bad things and he is being punished for it. He is going to be put to death for his crimes. How can we humanize him for his bad deeds?
Well, the author is asking us to do just that.
How many lives are affected by what a murderer does? It isn’t just those individuals that are killed. There are others that are affected. The family members. The friends. The community. The law enforcement who investigate their crimes. There are so many people who feel the loss. So, every decision made in that moment, an altered universe is created by that loss.
But is this the intention of the author for us to feel or see or understand?
What does this author want us to experience with Ansel, our death row inmate as we progress through the chapters in hours, and minutes before his final moment?
As readers, we will meet the people whose lives have been affected. And, as readers we will feel things.
Are we supposed to care about Ansel? Because there is something in me that is fighting this feeling – and I am not comfortable, at all.
We are also invited into Ansel’s early life. We in a sense are being introduced to the beginnings of a serial killer. Is this giving an excuse to the makings of a serial killer?
Are we supposed to feel empathy for this person? To say that creates a feeling of discomfort for this reader is an understatement. Not just because this person/character is a serial killer of multiple women, but also because he is going to be executed by his state.
How can I feel empathy for someone that has killed all these women?
Although it is a legal penalty in 27 states (in the United States), 20 states currently have the ability to execute death sentences.
Our state of California has not instituted the death penalty since 2006. A federal judge ruled in 2014 that capital punishment is unconstitutional because it is arbitrary and plagued with delay.
And here in this story, we are being asked to show empathy towards Ansel, someone who has shown horrific behaviors since age 3.
And then we are at the zero hour.
“Too soon, you are in the room.”
Did I want to be there?
No. But the words were there for me to read.
And being asked to witness his execution, how do I do that? Skip read? Not witness it at all?
And what about these women that he killed? Is it fair to imagine the lives they may have led?
I wanted the book to end. I still feel the chills.
There is a seductiveness to the way this story is told. In this fascination about Ansel’s life, his ending, how do I reconcile my feelings about this story?
I recognize how compelling this story was, and how artfully the author leads readers on this journey.
But as unsettling and disturbing as it was, it was heart-felt, at the same time. Which makes it a perfect book group selection.
“What did you do with the time and talents I gave you? God’s question…” - Hilary Rodham Clinton – “Living History”
Catching up…
When the donation was dr“What did you do with the time and talents I gave you? God’s question…” - Hilary Rodham Clinton – “Living History”
Catching up…
When the donation was dropped off at my Little Free Library Shed, it reminded me of when I first read this book. I knew I needed to re-visit it again so I could bring my review to Goodreads.
I love a good “what if” story, if it is told in just the right way. And this one asks us to imagine if Hilary Rodham didn’t marry Bill Clinton and went her own way.
And, with this story, it even has us reimagine what it would be like if Clinton’s sexual scandals happened earlier in his career life, so that he never made it to the Presidency, and thus life looked differently in the White House.
And then…
The 2016 election. Rodham will face off against several challengers.
But before then we do get to see Bill Clinton be brilliant and charming and fall in love with her.
Which will make that part of this story an interesting highlight. Their love affair will be portrayed with its ups and downs, and as readers we will be left to wonder, will she always put up with this?
As the novel fast forwards through the years, we see glimpses of Hilary’s political career – and as familiar as her rise is, it is interesting to watch the fictional side of what we know of her real life play out in the novel.
Still, Rodham as a character has a way of creating a level of intimacy, too. We read about her bad hair days, her jogging, her occasional diets, and preparations for a date.
But if we were expecting her to be personable, and our best friend, we are reading the wrong novel. Rodham as a character is clearly distant. And maybe in Sittenfeld’s eyes, that is how she sees the “real” Rodham Clinton, so this is how she chose to create her character Rodham.
By the time 2016 comes around and Rodham is running for President, the attacks feel real. And anyone who followed the real news, almost feel like Rodham just might not be given a chance here either.
But, for once, could something finally change? And imagine what our world would look like today if the outcome had occurred the way Sittenfeld envisioned it.
I know there are supporters and detractors out there as it relates to Hilary. There will always be fences when it comes to politics. But there are some admirable qualities here.
Consider the substantial educational/professional resume of this competent, intelligent woman that can’t be underestimated, no matter what anyone’s beliefs are about her. She truly is someone who was and still is devoted, and loyal to this country, constitution and world peace. And perhaps this is what Sittenfeld was wanting us to consider, as we envisioned Rodham throughout this story.
This was an interesting “what if” experience. Having enjoyed following both Clintons, it is hard for me to imagine Hilary without Bill or vice versa, but this reimagining, was a nice touch.
For anyone who has ever been curious about what it takes to be a woman in politics, or even a woman in a leadership position, this might be considered an engaging read....more
I am obviously on a Jodi Picoult read and re-visit phase of getting my reviews to Goodreads. I remember our Library book discussion group Catching up…
I am obviously on a Jodi Picoult read and re-visit phase of getting my reviews to Goodreads. I remember our Library book discussion group loved her, and so we discussed her books a lot. And, because she always had such compelling themes to her stories, one of her books was usually easy to select for a discussion.
With this story, published in 2007, and me re-visiting it in 2024, it almost felt like as a generation, we aren’t learning anything. We just keep repeating history.
Nineteen minutes makes reference to the duration of a high-school shooting rampage perpetrated by a teenager named Peter. Picoult’s intention is to tell this story in healing mode, emphasizing the slights, taunts and oversights that brought Peter to this point – that would create these devastating 19 minutes.
How did Peter begin? Was it his home life? Was it his first day of kindergarten? Was it him being a bullied kid? Was he a victim of his circumstances?
As readers are we led to be compassionate towards Peter? More understanding to his breakdown? His pain?
What about the victims of the shooting?
As a writer, Picoult is articulate. She is clear. She is a soap-opera with twists but providing a thoughtful closure. How else are we to interpret the book cover of hands being held?
There are so many ways of looking at this story, that readers become judge and jury. Will we be sympathetic overall? There is so much to feel here.
I was thrilled when I saw this one so prominently displayed in the children’s 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’s 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’t 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’t 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, “skilled dead letter detectives.” Sometimes being tasked with opening the letters to find potential clues.
And thus, this becomes our protagonist, Esther “EJ” Cloud’s story when Evelyn dumps some letters addressed to a Miss Mary Ann Evans on her desk.
Soon it becomes clear that these aren’t 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’t take center stage, readers are aware that because the book setting is in the south, in 1960, racism is felt through the author’s 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’s personal evolution and self-discovery.
The added beauty of this novel is that there is a blend of literary, historical and mystery – 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).
I debated whether I wanted to re-visit this book and add my review to Goodreads.
Why?
Well, this one has a multitude of triggers. And for Catching up…
I debated whether I wanted to re-visit this book and add my review to Goodreads.
Why?
Well, this one has a multitude of triggers. And for many, with these kind of triggers, it may make it difficult to read. Still, as harrowing as the subject matter may be, as readers we may be more inclined to say, “well, this is perfect as a book discussion selection because it has all the elements necessary to address issues not easily talked openly about amongst families.”
So, let me just lay the “trigger” issues out upfront. Because even if they may be considered spoilers, (which I don’t like revealing), if I didn’t share them in this review, I would feel irresponsible.
Triggers: rape, suicide, homicide, promiscuous sexual games by 14-year-olds, infidelity by mothers, assault by fathers, and dead childhood friends.
Okay, I said it. Heavy, right?
Now the story deals with childhood/adolescent struggles of growing up, broken families, disappointments with father figures. And obviously some horrific other issues, as I mentioned above.
But Picoult typically is a sensitive writer. And she did her research with her location writing and attention to detail about the Alaskan Yup’ik tribe.
And, there is an interesting element with comic book superheroes in which Picoult uses a comic strip at the end of each of her chapters (fictionally drawn by the father, as a way to tell a story, too).
As complicated as everything sounds, the story finds its way to a somewhat satisfactory ending. Not easily.
Still, it is clearly, a Jodi Picoult story. But to be honest, it wasn’t an easy one to read the first time, and definitely not an easy one to re-visit in order to write this review.
Also, in a final note from the author, she shares that the letters embedded in the comic book drawings spell out a quotation that expresses the theme of the book when they are put together. I’ve included the quote below. Maybe that too, can be addressed in a book group discussion, as well.
Certainly, the book discussion questions provided by the author/publisher might help with this story?
But…when a book is this hard to read, maybe it is better just not to read it. I sincerely am conflicted. Thoughts?
They were dark charcoal gray knee-high UGG boots. I loved those UGG boots. I remember when they went on sale at N“Every pair of shoes tells a story.”
They were dark charcoal gray knee-high UGG boots. I loved those UGG boots. I remember when they went on sale at Nordstroms when I lived in Southern California. I had saved my dollars so I could buy them. They were the thing! They were perfect when I moved to the Central Coast. So warm and cozy to wear on wintry cold days.
And one day while I was visiting my horse Buddy that I had at the time, I was wearing those very same UGG boots. And then…
Buddy moved left when I wasn’t paying attention (shame on me) and he stepped on my left foot and ended up tearing open my UGG boot. I don’t know what I was more upset about – the torn UGG boot or the torn/strained tendon in my foot. I loved those UGG boots. I was heartbroken when I realized that they were irreplaceable.
But those boots have nothing to do with this story. I just thought the first line, brought that memory back for me.
“One day at a time.”
No, this is Esme’s story. About dreams shattered and changed when a car accident kills her mother and makes her father a paraplegic. So instead of celebration on her college graduation day, she finds herself for the next 7 years taking care of her father and losing herself.
After he dies, this becomes Esme’s opportunity for self-discovery. And through her love of shoes, she takes a month, and baby-sits a dog named Elvis and finds a way to reconcile the past, discover her future, and learn about herself, so that she can create the life she truly deserves.
“You are my north.”
“You are my north, my south, my east, and my west.”
But, will she find her happily ever after?
With a deeply developed cast of characters, that have their own heart-wrenching stories to tell, this is a true gem of a story that will keep any reader wanting to stay with it from the moment they pick it up.
And perhaps have memories about favorite shoes, too!...more
“The heart is the inner face of your life. The human journey strives to make this inner face beautiful. It is here that love gathers within you. Love “The heart is the inner face of your life. The human journey strives to make this inner face beautiful. It is here that love gathers within you. Love is absolutely vital for a human life. For love alone can awaken what is divine within you.”
Catching up…
This is one of those books that is with you, that you pick up and read as you need it when you need it. And so, even as I review it, I share with you, that this book has been with me for years. It is ageless to me. I started reading it slowly years ago. Then I read it cover to cover years ago. I still read it. It is an old book to me. It is a new book to me. I always see it with fresh eyes every time I open its pages.
And so, if you find this book, it may be one that once you get it, you may be like me. You may choose not to let it go.
Listen closely to his opening words…
“It is strange to be here. The mystery never leaves you alone. Behind your image, below your words, above your thought, the silence of another world exists. A world lives within you. No one else can bring you news of this inner world.”
If I were to even begin to attempt to interpret his thoughts, I would consider that he is asking us to go within. To recognize what is in each of us. To see the true artist within each of us. How can we not be mesmerized by what he sees within each of us? Or what he is asking each of us to see that exists within us?
This book taps into the richness of Celtic spirituality, poetry and stories. He explores friendship, awareness, and intimacy. Our senses. Our soul.
He asks us to recognize the aging process as living in rhythm with our soul and our life. Even looking at life all the way through to his last chapter as we affirm death and see it as an invitation to freedom.
There is so much to appreciate about his words. He is truly stirring our soul and stoking the fires of our imagination. He reminds us of the precious gift of present moment living.
Most the time my books are read and reviewed and released to my Little Free Library Shed. But this one evokes a different and deeper meaning for me. And so, it stays with me. Where I can read it again and again. As I need it, when I want it.
The words continue to resonate with me and remind me of the preciousness of life. The gift of what we have been given. And what comes back each time for me is a feeling of immense gratitude. I am grateful for this life.
Dolly Alderton’s day job is as a Sunday Times columnist. This was her fiction debut. Her chosen topic is her fictional protagonist, Nina Dean, a wittyDolly Alderton’s day job is as a Sunday Times columnist. This was her fiction debut. Her chosen topic is her fictional protagonist, Nina Dean, a witty, British, food columnist cookbook author who owns a charming apartment in Archway who is ready for a meet-cute.
The reason for the title, Ghosts, is because this is a story about dating, and being ghosted after signing up on a dating app looking for love. Instead of love she gets 27 conversations with 27 different suitors. And when she thinks she finds the “one” with Max, “poof” he disappears. Thus, the universal “I’ve been ghosted” moves occur.
So, what does that mean exactly?
Is he alive? ✔ Is he posting on social media? ✔ Can she come to terms with it and move on? ✔
But what happens when Max chooses to return?
Alderton does a good job of showing what single life looks like for a woman of 30+ against a married woman with babies comfortably tucked away in the suburbs.
The message of ghosting is more than a dating metaphor. It also plays into the story of an aging parent as they are losing their mind and becoming a ghost. What happens with the father character is probably the saddest ‘ghosting’ that occurs in this story.
Alderton tells her story with humor and grace. She gives us the highs and lows and pitfalls of online dating. Singles vs marrieds. The difficulties of caregiving. The sadness of loss of mind and the impact on families. And, makes us truly wonder if our person is really find-able on that app....more
This is another book that I read a while ago, and I finally have the opportunity to bring my review to Goodreads.
This author isn’t afraid Catching up…
This is another book that I read a while ago, and I finally have the opportunity to bring my review to Goodreads.
This author isn’t afraid to take up sensitive and difficult issues. And possibly even remind the reader that sometimes right versus wrong is often more complicated than a simple answer.
And even though this was written at a time when abortion was legal (Roe v Wade - US), or even presuming that a family wants a child no matter what the intended disability, there is still much to consider here.
So, what happens when it is revealed that a prenatal diagnosis is osteogenesis imperfacta, i.e.,“brittle bone disease,” a very rare severe genetic disorder that primarily affects bone development and strength.
Which means that the child with this condition will suffer fractures from mild or even no trauma. Not only is this a physical and emotional burden on the child, the disability will affect everyone – emotionally and financially.
The question becomes…
Should this child be born?
In this circumstance, Charlotte has her child, Willow. She says…
“I had a beautiful baby girl, who was as fragile as a soap bubble. As your mother, I was supposed to protect you. But what if I tried and only wound up doing harm?”
And this is the struggle we read throughout these pages – an emotional tug-of-war for Charlotte’s character who fiercely loves Willow.
As readers, we can see poor Willow’s pain and suffering, with multiple broken bones. She can’t play like regular kids. She can only be an observer of life. Will Willow ever be able to achieve independence? And even if she does, at what cost?
Charlotte’s role – protector – carer. And who will suffer because all of her attention is going to just this child? Her other older adopted child? Her husband?
And when Willow’s broken bones are thought to be caused by child abuse, and the family wants to sue, an attorney suggests instead to sue for wrongful birth. Will this allow the family to give Willow a better life?
While all these issues percolate for readers, Picoult challenges readers with questions about moral beliefs. What would have been the best decisions for Charlotte to have made?
This story is told through multiple points of views, which questions medical ethics, personal choice, and the emotional complications on the family.
There was much to unravel here, and sometimes it felt soap opera-ish. But there were some important talk-able issues that would make this story book discussion relevant.
And…It truly seems like there is much to be felt here. What will it be for each reader?
Living is one thing, certainly quality of life is precious and fleeting and something to appreciate....more
Oh, how I love my neighbors and their generosity to my Little Free Library Shed. And, it just so happens that this one is going to be a diCatching up…
Oh, how I love my neighbors and their generosity to my Little Free Library Shed. And, it just so happens that this one is going to be a discussion book for the Mobile Public Library in August which I have been invited to attend via Zoom. So, I am looking forward to the discussion. It was nice to re-visit this book again and catch up with all the characters.
Of course, this is not the typical Grisham. I love Grisham for his courtroom dramas. But he has been known to write other stories that have tugged at the heartstrings, and garnering readers attention.
So, if this isn’t courtroom drama, or a legal thriller, what is it?
Well. It is one of Grisham’s favorite pastimes, baseball. And even though baseball may not be a favorite type of story for me to read, it was something I enjoyed watching as a spectator in my younger days living in Southern California. (I was a Dodgers and Angels fan.)
And, this turned out to be quite a compelling and heart-felt story. So, I am grateful to have let myself be open to a different kind of reading experience.
This is a sweet, simple story. A story with a moral. Most importantly, a story about the importance of forgiveness.
“It’s known as the restorative powers of forgiveness.”
Joe Castle is a 21-year-old rather talented rookie first baseman for the Chicago Cubs. His nickname is the name of the book, Calico Joe. His nickname comes from his hometown of Calico Rock, Arkansas. His talent is all those homeruns he seems to hit every time he comes to bat!
Unfortunately, there is a pitcher, Warren Tracey who doesn’t play fair, and his intentions are to challenge batters which sometimes include throwing balls directly at batter’s heads. Will he do this to Joe?
And then there is the pitcher’s son, Paul, the narrator of the story, who knows that ball is coming but, stands silent as he watches the pitch.
What is going to happen next will leave readers spellbound. But it doesn’t happen right away. Grisham builds to that moment. And when it finally does…many lives will be changed, including Paul’s.
And that is what keeps readers turning pages in this captivating, easy-to-read, beautifully written story.
What will happen years later is what brings this story to its amazing climax. Including the emotions of its readers.
Is redemption possible? Perhaps Kleenex might be welcome in this moment.
But that isn’t the only moment. There is more. Keep reading to its very satisfying end. You’ll need the Kleenex again....more
On April 2 this debut novel can be available for all readers to read. I just happened to be one of the early ones to be provided a complimentary copy On April 2 this debut novel can be available for all readers to read. I just happened to be one of the early ones to be provided a complimentary copy by Avid Reader Press for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review.
“Here! We’ll help you.” And that seems to be what follows Aubry Tourvel throughout her endless travels.
There are so many who are willing to help her. Because her fate has been to keep moving since she was 9 years old in 1885 when a puzzle ball found its way to her.
The problem is, now she is sick with a “disease.” And, the only way to get ahead of the “disease” is to keep moving. And because she keeps moving, she belongs to no one. And supposedly the constant movement to various unknown places is what keeps her alive.
And as readers we are baffled by this, just as those who are within her “world” struggle and strive to help or “cure” her or worse, so that perhaps she can stop moving and stay for once.
And as Aubry tells her story to the many who are willing to sit captivated and listen, as readers we wait patiently (and sometimes impatiently) to understand what this story truly is.
Is the disease a curse or is there a simpler answer? Is it curable? Can she stop moving? And possibly live in one place? And, is there some special significance to the puzzle ball?
Wandering these pages, I can’t help but feel her loneliness. As well as her deep yearning for knowledge…especially as she finds herself attracted to libraries throughout the world.
But I also have to be honest. This was one of the most unusual reading experiences I have had in recent history. Still, I kept on reading, because I had a strong desire for understanding of what I was reading.
So, as I write this review, I come back to find myself asking, will we as readers ever find the answer to Aubry Tourvel?
Or will it always be about the puzzle…ball?
Or maybe the answer isn’t about reaching a destination…it is about the journey.
Thank you, Avid Reader Press for the opportunity to read this compelling debut novel!...more
As I was working in my Little Free Library Shed, my neighbor literally handed me this book as her latest donation. She said, “this is her first in theAs I was working in my Little Free Library Shed, my neighbor literally handed me this book as her latest donation. She said, “this is her first in the series, you’ll love it.”
Well, of course, I loved knowing it was the first in the series. I have already learned my lesson reading books out of order! So, I was happy to read this Emmy Award Winning Journalist’s first in the series book.
The author, Tamron Hall has experience being in the limelight as a journalist. She knows what it is like when there are stories that make the news. A white woman goes missing and it is all over the 24-hour news cycle. But what happens when Black girls go missing? This story brings a vulnerability and systemic neglect to the victims of that violent crime into the forefront. Also, how quick are people ready to accuse the Black boys as the perpetrators? How does the media react? And how does the public respond?
So, is this really just a case of a potential runaway when a 15-year-old Black girl who is the pride of her family vanishes in Chicago? Local TV Reporter, Jordan Manning, the star of this series, is upset that nobody seems to be all that concerned, other than the family.
This story is told through the eyes of a reporter, where her probing is done deeper than the police, who don’t seem to be taking this disappearance as seriously as Jordan feels it needs to be.
Unfortunately, Jordan’s musings sometimes slow the action, and Hall’s story and pacing can feel somewhat drawn out. But her intentions are good.
If you read any interviews with this author, you will find that the novel draws upon Hall’s own time as a reporter in Texas and Chicago about cases that have haunted her for years. Certainly these type of cases are going to have large ramifications involving many agencies – police – politicians – family – lawyers – spokespersons – community activists and justice advocates. And Hall includes them all within these pages.
If readers are interested in crime reporting investigations this story may be considered intriguing.
What I appreciate about graphic novels is that you can sit down with it and read it cover to cover within a very short time. It is the digestion of thWhat I appreciate about graphic novels is that you can sit down with it and read it cover to cover within a very short time. It is the digestion of that short period of reading time that takes a moment. Especially a book like this one. (Its graphics are dark and angry. Easily understandable as one reads.)
This is a semi-autobiographical tale that is set in South Korea, 1983. This is the story of a teen girl’s political awakening under a repressive and brutal dictatorship. There is violence shown.
But mostly this is a message book.
A message about the fight for truth and one’s own voice. As well as, standing together openly for accessing information and literature and the discovery of truth.
This is a book targeted for the YA population, helping them understand what it takes to find their own beliefs and values, and what happens when people live under a brutal military dictatorship.
In many ways, this may make for an interesting book discussion selection considering today's political environment.
Love that dog. How can one resist such a title? Or even this book cover? Even some of the poem verses were delightful in honoring the dog.
How did I cLove that dog. How can one resist such a title? Or even this book cover? Even some of the poem verses were delightful in honoring the dog.
How did I come upon this one? My Goodreads friend, Stephen Wallace. He asked me to find him a dog book to read. So, I went searching on my local library database. And I found this one. I was so excited when the search brought this one forward. And then I couldn’t wait to tell Steve about it. The problem was, as soon as I was ready to tell him, I noticed he had already read and reviewed it. Oh well.
The book is actually about the power of poetry to a child. Where kids can express their thoughts and feelings in free verse form.
In this particular story, Jack gets to share the story of the importance of his late dog, Sky. Through his writing. There is much to appreciate about the emotional connection and intellectual attachment between the boy’s feelings and thoughts about how he sees his life and what his dog meant to him.
Especially facing how his dog died. Which may be an important trigger for parents to address with their kids. As well as, how one can process feelings of grief.
“…and especially I liked the dog In the dog poem Because that’s just how My yellow dog Used to lie down, With his tongue all limp And his chin Between his paws And how he’d sometimes Chomp at a fly And then sleep In his loose skin, Just like that poet, Miss Valerie Worth, Says, In her small Dog poem.”
Pass the Kleenex please.
Again…The beauty of a book like this in reading it with a child is to guide them in two ways.
One: To show them that writing – can be done in free form. Journal writing. As an example.
Or, two: Talking about their feelings. Because, if they have lost an important pet to them, just as Jack lost his Sky, this would be an opportunity to talk about their feelings about that loss....more
Whenever I write a post on my Facebook page, I always end my posts this way – Hand Over Heart ♥️Breathe.
I do this as an opHand Over Heart ♥️Breathe.
Whenever I write a post on my Facebook page, I always end my posts this way – Hand Over Heart ♥️Breathe.
I do this as an opportunity to breathe in the moment I am experiencing/reading. As I consider this book, I just want to take it in. Pause. Reflect. To take it in…Because this book experience was truly achingly beautiful. The story gives readers so much…Beauty. Heartache. Tragedy. Pain. Sweetness. Sadness. Gladness. Shock. Readers even feel…Enraged. Helpless. And eventually…Hopeful.
This is a story about what happens when a Black man (Chris) falls in love with a White woman (Sidonie) and they form a relationship and choose to live together. He is a sound engineer. She is the manager of the club where he works.
And then, one day as he heads to his job, he is stopped, and questioned by the police, arrested, and chaos ensues.
And then something else, comes up which creates a fracture in their relationship. Will they be able to overcome these stresses? Will she believe in him?
As readers we are immersed in the emotional depth that the author takes us. And when the characters are pushed to extremes, we can’t help but feel the strain.
The letter that Sidonie writes to Chris calls to all of us to embrace her feelings of concern…(partial shown)
“It’s not that I’m naïve or unaware. Events shock me. I’m outraged about people being treated differently, by the statistics and stories that prove that everything about life in this country can be, and too often is, biased and bigoted against people of color. I’m ashamed to say I wasn’t as aware that everyday people – honest, hard-working good people living their lives while existing in black skin – were just as vulnerable.”
As readers, we can’t help but root for this couple. And, in the author’s note, she shares some insights from her own personal experiences.
Also, through her writing, she has brought a sensitivity and awareness to some of the issues that are key for conversation regarding race and bias.
This is a book that needs to be read and discussed.
This story takes us back and forth in time so that readers can get a better sense of our main characters, Marial, Ned and Florence, and the importanceThis story takes us back and forth in time so that readers can get a better sense of our main characters, Marial, Ned and Florence, and the importance of the Lakeside Supper Club to them. But more than anything we feel the feelings and experience it all…Love. Family. Loss. Community. Devotion.
And there is also the humor. The quirkiness that exists between the complicated relationship of Florence (mother) to Marial and what it will take for the two to come together after years of conflict.
Also, there are the moments of profound sadness as characters address tragedy in different ways.
But mostly readers will be rooting for the characters, in every possible way, through heart-break and tears.
This is truly a heart-felt, thoughtful, joyful, warm hug kind of a story into a lovely community and family life.
As readers we feel this story deeply. We care about each of the characters. We want the best for them. And by the last page, we are sad to leave the town.
It is obvious I have been on a Grisham roll. Sometimes that happens to me. I just enjoy being in the midst of an author’s words, until I tire of them.It is obvious I have been on a Grisham roll. Sometimes that happens to me. I just enjoy being in the midst of an author’s words, until I tire of them. But for now, I am relishing them.
In this case, I am enjoying the older Grisham novels. Especially the courtroom dramas. His willingness to do the research cases. Taking on a cause. And this one is rather different and interesting at the same time. It is highly entertaining with an engrossing narrative. His intention, it feels is to showcase the strengths and failings of the American law system. In this story, he takes on the field of mass tort litigation.
It starts with an insignificant, but unfortunate murder that introduces us to our main protagonist, Public Defender, Clay Carter. He is appointed to represent Tequila Watson, the perpetrator of the crime. While in the midst of collecting evidence about Tequila’s crime, Max Pace, a man of mystery visits Carter. He offers Carter the opportunity to initiate litigation against a drug manufacturer who has negligently produced a product that causes people to kill. Hmmm….could this have anything to do with his current case?
So how does this open the door to class action lawsuits? And the direction the novel takes?
What happens when a class action lawsuit is created? And what kind of attorneys are we dealing with in this arena?
What will happen with Tequila’s case?
It is clear that Grisham has issues here. There is a message here. A debate. A conversation. And Grisham has opened the door for that conversation and discussion for tort reform. Anyone interested in the issue, or just interested in another appealing Grisham novel might enjoy this one.
Perhaps even a great book selection discussion book? ...more
I first became aware of this book when actor, Mark Harmon was in an interview around the time he announced his retirement from his CBS NCIS series, asI first became aware of this book when actor, Mark Harmon was in an interview around the time he announced his retirement from his CBS NCIS series, as the popular, Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs. He tells of how he was writing and researching this book with his technical adviser, retired NCIS veteran Leon Carroll, Jr. Because of his experience on the show, he wanted to go back and find out more about how the NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) came to be.
He didn’t realize then, how this was to become a passion project and that it would take him through piles of research back to WWII.
Which truly is the beginning. Because that beginning becomes a true story of a big crime – the Japanese attack that ignited World War II, and how these early days of what use to be known as the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) would eventually birth itself into what is now known as NCIS.
And with any story, there is a hero. And this hero is ONI spy, Douglas Wada, Hawaiian born, to Japanese immigrant parents. He was recruited specifically to sleuth out Japan’s spies in Honolulu. Unbeknownst to Wada, he actually did see the smoke on that fateful day of December 7, 1941, but it was the person working at the lighthouse that announced to him that the attack had actually happened. Still Wada was the first Japanese American ever to work in intelligence in American government, and he now had a job to do. Notify everyone else!
Also within the story is Takeo Yoshikawa, a Japanese spy sent to Pearl Harbor to gather information on the U.S. fleet. Their dueling stories anchor the gripping depiction of the outbreak and upheaval of the beginnings of WWII stateside.
Reviewing long-buried historical documents to bring forward truths not before known, the authors provide this inside view of history.
And through their lens, as readers we come to discover…Deception. Danger. High stakes. Naval intelligence in its infancy.
That even as a non-fiction story, this one is a fast-paced, interesting page-turner.
One last thing, for those of you who are fans of the television program, NCIS, if you haven’t already wondered…
The character of NCIS Director Leon Vance, who is played by American actor Rocky Carroll (no relation to the co-author, Leon Carroll) is partly named after him. Another interesting tidbit, as the character, he also chews on a toothpick, which is inspired by Carroll’s real-life habit.
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