Early Book Review: I Remember Beirut by Zeinia Abirached

I Remember Beirut is a graphic novel by Zeinia Abirached that is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2014.Zeina Abirached grew up in Beirut in the 1980s as fighting between Christians and Muslims divided the city streets. Abirached recalls the details of ordinary life inside a war zone with a combination of stark reality and simple innocence.

I Remember Beirut has simple but striking black and white images that do a wonderful job of telling the story of everyday life. as a child we often see more than adults expect us too, and still miss vital bits of information until we look back at our childhood from a safe distance. Abirached show readers what it can be like living in a war zone, a situation far too many children have had to deal with throughout history, and are still dealing with today. the juxtaposition of what she saw and thought as a child with the full picture that see has of events today make everything come to life and really let readers understand where she is coming from and what others are still struggling with in a variety of locals today. 

I would highly recommend I Remember Beirut to readers that want to dive in and understand what it was like to live in Beirut in the 1980's and beyond. it will go a long way to show readers just how lucky they may be, and that even though situations and locations may be very different, we are all the same at heart. For another, more detailed look at life during war and Abirached's family and experiences, I would also recommend A Game for Swallows to Die, to Leave, to Return.

Early Book Review: Cast in Flame by Michelle Sagara

Cast in Flame is the tenth book in the Chronicles of Elantra series by Michelle Sagara. It is currently schedule for release on July 29 2014. Kaylin knows that any day that starts with dragon arguments is going to be bad, and far too many days have started that way since she returned from the West March in one piece. She does not fit in, or feel comfortable, living in the Imperial Palace. All she wants is to get back to her normal work routine, apprehending average criminals,  and a place of her own. Well, a place with a dragon as a roommate. But the newest residents of her city are having some trouble adjusting and are causing some serious problems in the fiefs. When a family argument wakes something that should have been left alone everything and everyone that Kaylin has ever cared about is at risk.

I cannot believe that Cast in Flame is book 10! Some series start to either all read the same or get so off track when they get past five or so books that I only read them because I have already invested so much time into the series. This is not the case here. i feel like this series is getting better with each book. While it is getting more complicated and metaphysical, the threat to life and limb and the importance of specific characters and relationships is growing and going strong. If you have need read the previous books, do not (I repeat DO NOT) start here. You need to start at the beginning with Cast In Shadow. Go ahead, get reading. This review will still be here when you are ready for it!

Anyone that has started this series and enjoyed it needs to read Cast in Flame. The last few books have gotten better and better. The only issue is that now I have to wait to see what Kaylin has to deal with next. 

Book Review: His Enchantment by Diana Crosby

His Enchantment by Diana Crosby is a historical romance with a fantasy twist. Lady Catarine MacLaren is a fairy princess, but English knights have murdered her Uncle and there is danger to her entire family is in danger. Lord Trálin MacGruder, Lord Grey, will stop at nothing to defend the Scottish crown against the Comyns. As they plot to rescue the kidnapped king and queen, Trálin and Catarine will discover a love made all but impossible by her obligations to the Otherworld. Now, Catarine is torn between loyalty to her people and helping Lord Trálin rescue the Scottish king. 

His Enchantment is labeled as the sixth book in the MacGruder Brothers, none of which I remember reading, but it is apperently more like a prequel to the series. So, if you have not read any thus far, do not worry that you will be missing anything. 

Now, I liked that Catarine is a strong woman, a warrior and full of honor and loyalty. I also liked that Trálin shared similar traits, and dispite his desire to protect her still generally respects her and her abilities once he gets his head around her skills. The story and the characters were all reasonably well written, and I did enjoy seeing Catarine show of her warrior prowess on occasion. I liked that each character had thier own inner conflict, which they were open about, as well as the larger more life threatening conflicts. I really liked that the characters actually talked to each other about thier issues, rather than just thinking about them through the whole book which is one of my biggest pet peeves in romance.

I would recommend His Enchantment to readers that have read and enjoyed the other books in the series. I think readers that are fond of books that overlap Fae and historical storylines will enjoy the book. I felt like parts of the book were a little rush while other bits dragged, but overall I was satisfied with the read.

Book Review: Knightley and Son by Rohan Gavin

Knightley and Son by Rohan Gavin is a young adult novel about family, mystery, and connections. Alan Knightley is an expert in crimes too strange for Scotland Yard to handle, but four years ago he fell into a mysterious coma. His thirteen year old son Darkus is determined to follow in his father’s footsteps and find out what really happened. But when Alan suddenly wakes up, his memory is out of wack and he needs some help. There is a mystery that gets weirder by the minute, a bestselling book that makes its readers commit terrible crimes, and a sinister organization known as the Combination, and unusual family members who are all more than they seem.

Knightley and Son is a novel with a little bit of everything. There is mystery and humor with quirky characters and connections that will keep you wondering what will happen next. I always love a book with odd characters that are written sop realistically or surreally that I half expect to bump into them out in public. Alan Knightly, Darkus, and the variety of characters are each well fleshed out, and each have a vital role in the story. the larger mystery has enough twists and turns to keep every reader on thier toes while giving us just enough to feel like we already saw coming that we feel smart and engaged as we read. Darkus is dedicated to his father, and solving mysteries. While I felt like there were a couple aspects of him that I just did not get, like I had missed a prequel or something, I still found him to be a character I would watch on television.

Young adult and preteen readers that enjoy Sherlock Holmes, mystery, and humor will enjoy Knightley and Son. Adults that monitor their children's reading and those that are willing to pick up books labeled children's or teen books will get some enjoyment from the book as well. I will admit that there were some slow moments, but there were some break neck speed moments as well, so I feel it all balanced in the end and left me as a satisfied reader. 

Book Review: Rival by Lacy Yager

Rival is the second book in the Unholy Alliance series by Lacy Yager. This young to new adult novel is about  a fifth generation vampire Chaser, seventeen-year-old Emily Santos wants nothing more than to join the family business. But Emily's mother refuses, so Emily must channel her aggression into her martial arts training, at least until her eighteenth birthday. Black belt senior Brett Carson has decided it's time to rid himself of his unrequited feelings for Emily. But when he finds himself in the middle of an altercation with Emily and a gang of vampires, he is drawn into a world he never expected. And Brett is hiding his own secret.

I have not read Unholy Alliance, the first book in the series. I am glad to say that while there is some connection between the two, I do not feel like I enjoyed Rival any less for that lack. Emily is a smart and strong teen that would rather be off riding four wheelers in the mud with her cousin, sparing at the gym, or even hunting vampires than getting ready for a catilion. Brett is a fellow martial artist with a crush on Emily, and a secret he thinks will make her view him as weak. Coinidence and vampire attackes make thier relationship even more complicated, and might be just what they need to see each other as they really are. I liked that Emily is strong, not just mentally but physically as well and that she want take part in a dangerous proffesion she is not reckless. Brett is dealing with his own issues, and while he has feelings for Emily he is aware of hoe unobtainable she was and was not being the dopey suiter you sometimes see in this sort of book. He is aware of himself and his ewmotions and how the effect those around him. 

I enjoyed Rival, and while I do not know if I will go back and read the first book, but I know i will keep an eye out for future books by Yager. this is not typical vampire fiction, in faction the vampires in this book are not actual characters, only a source of danger and violence, which is not true in Unholy Alliance according to the description.

Early Book Review: There's a Mouse Hiding in This Book! by Benjamin Bird

There's a Mouse Hiding in This Book! is an interactive picturebook written by Benjamin Bird and illustrated by Carmen Pérez. It features Tom and Jerry and is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2014. On each page Tom and the reader are challenged to find Jerry. Is he on the title page, on the back cover, or somewhere in between? Readers that know and love the characters, and those who have never been introduced to the cat and mouse team, will be delighted to help Tom find the mischievous mouse. Perfect for storytime.

There's a Mouse Hiding in This Book! is a book that makes me think of my favorite picturebook when i was little, There's a Monster at the End of this Book. Young readers and their caregivers can find something to appreciate in this interactive story. the book is a great way to get younger readers excited about books and keep them entertained.

I would recommend There's a Mouse Hiding in This Book! for one on one sharing or for storytimes. The story might not be incredibly unique, but it is great fun.

Blog Tour Blitz Giveaway and Book Review: The Captive by Grace Burrowes

The Captive is the first book in the Captive Hearts series by Grace Burrowes. Christian Severn, Duke of Mercia, survives capture and torture by the French by vowing to take revenge. Before he can do so, or even recover fully, Gillian, Countess of Greendale, reminds him that his small daughter has suffered much in his absence, and needs her papa desperately. Gilly endured her abusive marriage by avoiding confrontation and keeping peace regardless of the cost. Christian's devotion to his daughter and his kindness toward Gilly give her hope that she could enjoy a future with him, for surely he of all men shares her loathing for violence in any form. Little does Gilly know, the battle for Christian's heart is only beginning.

The Captive had much going for it. The characters, both the main cast and the secondary characters that I am sure will be featured in books of their own in the near future, are likable but flawed enough to make them interesting. Christian is dealing with huge issues, because captivity and torture is not something to be taken lightly, while Gillian has had to suffer through her own form of both, however hers was pretty much sanctioned by society and her family. There are deceptions and twists along the way, some of which were fairly obvious from the beginning, but the journey was still an exciting one. My main disappointment is that I felt like we could have dealt with less of the introspection and moved it along a wee bit quicker. The 'big reveal' could have come a bit sooner, but I was happy with the path the story took and was left happy at the end.

I would recommend The Captive to readers that enjoy historical romance, suspense, and  characters that are both wounded and likable. Despite the small annoyance on my part feeling like the story dragged a bit in the middle, I was pleased and entertain with the story over all.

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Author Biography

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes' bestsellers include The Heir, The Soldier, Lady Maggie's Secret Scandal, Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish and Lady Eve's Indiscretion. Her Regency romances have received extensive praise, including starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Grace is branching out into short stories and Scotland-set Victorian romance with Sourcebooks. She is a practicing family law attorney and lives in rural Maryland.

Social Media Links

Website: http://graceburrowes.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Grace-Burrowes/115039058572197 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceBurrowes 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4152482.Grace_Burrowes

Book Review: Alice in Tumblr-land: And Other Fairy Tales for a New Generation by Tim Manley

Alice in Tumblr-land: And Other Fairy Tales for a New Generation by Tim Manley is a quirky and sardonic look at what would happen after the stories we know ended, but set in the era of social media. This book is a funny look at how princesses and their princes, the Ugly Duckling, the Frog Prince, Alice, Peter Pan and more might have continued their tales in the age of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, OkCupid and more. Peter Pan deals with an internet addiction, Red Riding hood deals with a different kind of wolf, the Tortoise and the Hare stalk each other via Facebook, and much more. The book is formatted in short paragraphs and pictures, much like the social media sites that the book uses in the stories.

Alice in Tumblr-land is a quick read that will have middle grade, young adult, and adult readers chuckling as they recognize behavior that seems most prevalent on social media. Fairy tale characters losing themselves in Facebook and dealing with the social issues we all struggle with makes the little bursts of stories that much more relatable and humorous. The illustrations are a perfect pairing to the tiny tales, adding some humor and insight to the stories. I will admit that  expected some of the stories to come together, but the book still really worked for me.

Alice in Tumblr-land is an entertaining and quick read. It is perfect for light reading outside or where you might need to occasionally put the book down to take a swim to beat the heat. It was funny, and sometimes surprisingly insightful. I really enjoyed the read, and finished it off in a single sitting.

Book Review: The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires is a picturebook that will speak to the inner perfectionist in us all. The book follows a young girl and her canine assistant as they try to make the most magnificent thing ever. They plan and work and build, but despite all the hard work the girl is not happy with any of their creations.She quits and walks away, but during a long walk with her assistant the young girl figures out just what she needs in order to succeed.

I really enjoyed The Most Magnificent Thing. I can relate to the young girl with an image of something perfect, but not quite able to met her expectations. It is only after walking away and seeing the bits of good in what she had deemed rows of failures that she sees how magnificent her work had been to that point. I feel like many of us can even relate o the canine companion, who sees the potential early and can only offer support. Many parents and teachers have felt like the cute little pug as they see wonderful artwork or writing tossed away as the creators cannot see the good in their own work. The story offers some perspective to both the youngest readers and the adults that might be sharing the story. I have failed to mention the wonderful artwork in the book, for shame! The illustrations are perfect in combination with the text of the story. A great deal of the story, especially the greatness of the young girls work, is told in the illustrations alone. The pictures are charming and a perfect addition to the story as a whole.

I would highly recommend The Most Magnificent Thing to readers of all ages. It could be used to start discussions with young children with perfectionist tendency, and help parents deal with their role as quiet supporter. The book would do wonderfully in a storytime setting, a small group, or for sharing one on one. I would suggest it as an addition to public and personal library collections.

Book Review: The Cartoon Introduction to Climate Change by Yoram Bauman, Grady Klein

The Cartoon Introduction to Climate Change written by Yoram Bauman and illustrated Grady Klein  is a quick and easy guide to a topic that is critical to everyone from students to politicians. While the topic is not all that funny, this book offers humor and information side by side to truly educate and entertain.

The Cartoon Introduction to Climate Change offers an enjoyable presentation of mind-blowing facts and critical concepts. This is the most entertaining overview of the science, predictions, policies, and everything else pertaining to climate change that I have seen. I like that daunting subjects are explained, put into perspective, and made entertaining. I like that the information is well researched and based on the latest report from the authoritative Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and integrated with Bauman’s expertise on economics and policy.

I would Highly recommend The Cartoon Introduction to Climate Change to anyone that wants to understand the science and policy surrounding climate change. The topic is daunting, but made understandable and readable here.

Book Review: Eerie America: Travel Guide of the Macabre by Eric R. Vernor and Kevin Ead

Eerie America: Travel Guide of the Macabre by Eric R. Vernor and Kevin Eads is a nonfiction book for children about the more unusual attractions around the United States, with a slant towards the haunted and most interesting. there is alt least one attraction per state with more detailed descriptions for a few of the attractions. The book has 150 images, addresses, and directions, go state-by-state to tour the macabre side of the United States.

I found Eerie America to be an amusing diversion with some interesting photographs and descriptions. The photographs were full color, and there was a nice creepy atmosphere to the book. however, I found some of the descriptions to be vague and some of the discussion of the history and alleged hauntings did not always match with the information I have read from other sources. I think the book might be a nice start for young readers interested in what weird attractions might be found in their upcoming travels, but I would not buy it or take it along with me as a guide.

Eerie America does a decent job at satisfying a young readers curiosity about a few weird or creepy tourist attractions they might be able to visit, but is not for the more invested child. Those that have already done some research will find nothing new here, except for some information on where to eat, so it is more of a starting point than a valuable resource.

Book Review:Grim a Young Adult Short Story Anthology

Grim is a collection of 17 short stories based off fairy tales collected by Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm. Some of the tales are better known such as Beauty and the Beast and The Snow Queen, and some are lesser known, such as The Shroud and The Robber Bridegroom. The authors in the anthology are: Ellen Hopkins, Amanda Hocking, Julie Kagawa, Claudia Gray, Rachel Hawkins, Kimberly Derting, Myra McEntire, Malinda Lo, Sarah Rees-Brennan, Jackson Pearce, Christine Johnson, Jeri Smith Ready, Shaun David Hutchinson, Saundra Mitchell, Sonia Gensler, Tessa Gratton, and Jon Skrovon.

I do not want to go to much into each of the stories, because reading a full summary of a short story might give away to much and destroy some of the fun. So, I will highlight some of my favorites. The Key by Rachel Hawkins is about a girl with a special gift, and has an open ending. The Raven Princess by Jon Skovron offers a fun twist to a lesser known story. Thinner Than Water by Saundra Mitchell is a retelling of Donkeyskin, with a vengeful flavor. The tale is tough to read, but so worth it. Beast/Beast by Tessa Gratton, a retelling of a tale you can figure out by the title, featured characters that break the preconceptions you might have of them.

The stories were generally very well done, and left me with only a couple moments of wishing I skipped a story. However, for the most part I enjoyed the reading. I take great pleasure in reading new twists on classic tales, and even more pleasure in having a lesser know story or even one I do not recognize introduced. This is a definite young adult and adult selection, and one worth exploring.

I would recommend Grim to young adults, new adults and adults. The stories are a bit grim, as the title suggests, and sometimes a little gritty. In this regard I think the short story format is perfect. If you like new and unusual takes of folklore and learning new stories from the past then you will enjoy this collection.

Early Book Review and Author Interview: Toby by Stacy Nyikos, Shawn Sisneros

Toby is a children's picturebook written by Stacy Nyikos and illustrated by Shawn Sisneros. It is currently scheduled for release on July 15 2014. Birds, and crabs, and crocodiles stand between Toby and his new ocean home. Can he out-slip, out-slide,and otherwise outsmart them? Just jump in to find out!

Toby is bright, fun, and teaches young readers about how newly hatched turtles make their way to the relative safety of the ocean. While the plucky Toby faces many dangers on his way to the water, and there is tension in the story, there is not a frightening feel to the story. Readers will root for Toby and enjoy both the rhythm and flow of the text. the illustrations pair pretty much perfectly with the story, imparting extra bits of information and some fun on each page.

I would recommend Toby for reading one on one with young readers, in classroom or storytime settings, and for interested readers to explore on their own. the story will speak particularly to animal and adventure fans, but could also be used as a discussion starter about nature, turtles, young animals, the environment, and more.

Questions for Stacy A. Nyikos:
1. Exactly how many pencils did you destroy in the making of Toby? As a fellow pencil chewer I really need to know.

• Toby pencil toll: Well...let's just say I'm learning to whittle my own pencils now. You wouldn't think chewing pencils is an expensive habit, but oh the things teachers don't tell us. Pencils are expensive! I tried mechanical, but plastic isn't nearly as inspiring as wood slivers between my teeth. The upside: I can now whittle! 

2. My favorite munchies of choice while reading or writing vary between Goldfish and anything chocolate. What is in your secret stash?

• Munchies (besides pencils): Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate! I have two chocolate bars in my right hand desk drawer (see incriminating photo). So, chocolate is definitely my munchie of choice. However, if that's not cutting it, I bring in the gummy bears. I like how I can squish them when I'm really frustrated, but they spring right back, and then we get these little gummy bear adventures going where they scale my computer (no incriminating photos. Gummy bears are way too shy), which makes me totally forget why I got them in the first place...until I eat them. Oops.

3. Do you have any special writing quirks, besides pencil chewing. I often need to be barefoot to think well, do you perhaps write sitting cross legged, on the floor, in pj's, or something else that just helps you focus?

• Super secret writing quirk: I run. I run every morning at about 5:30. It's so early and so dark, it's like being in a half sleep/meditation place where my dog, Desi, who runs with me, and I have conversations about writing. Desi swears this isn't true, but since she refuses to talk outside out little runs, it's my word against hers. Between you and me, we all know who's right. Dogs talk! or is it rock?? Either way, running with my dog is where I work out story problems and get a lot of cool new ideas. My dog is my best writing partner ever, which is why I feature her in my upcoming picture book, WAGGERS.  

About Stacy A. Nyikos:
Stacy A. Nyikos is the author of three aquatic picture books, Squirt, Shelby & Dizzy (Stonehorse), as well as a middle grade novel, Dragon Wishes (Blooming Tree Press, 2008). Her books have received numerous awards, including Winner in the Arizona Authors Literary Contest, Finalist in ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year, and Featured Picture Book of the Oklahoma Aquarium.

Stacy conducts school visits at both elementary and middle schools across the U.S., using dummy books, selected (somewhat embarrassing) early drafts of her writing, and power point presentations to teach children about story-making and sea life. In 2008, she will finally! be able to add Chinese dragons to her presentations. 

Book Review: Little One-Yard Wonders: Irresistible Clothes, Toys, and Accessories You Can Make for Babies and Kids by Patricia Hoskins and Rebecca Yaker

Little One-Yard Wonders: Irresistible Clothes, Toys, and Accessories You Can Make for Babies and Kids by Patricia Hoskins and Rebecca Yaker is a wonderful spiral bound book with patterns that are easy to understand and follow. Each project uses one yard (or less) of fabric. Some are so simple that they only take a few hours to complete. There are step-by-step illustrated instructions, beautiful close-up photographs, and pattern pieces included in a bound-in envelope make it easy and fun to create all kinds of adorable items.  My favorite patterns were the Pajama Monster and Little Stuffie, Monster Towel, Booster Chair, and the Insulated lunch bag. Some were very functional and money saving ideas, while others are just great fun for the maker and the little one that it could be gifted to. I plan and making more than a few of the projects in this book.

Little One-Yard Wonders is a well organized and useable resources. So often I look at pattern books and find only a couple worth while patterns while the rest are either incomprehensible or completely unwanted.  This volume had a good number of patterns that I was eager to get started on, and no patterns that left me wondering 'why anyone would want to make that'? The Secret Monster Overalls and the wearable towels are something that I can see any toddler thrilled to have, and the variety and inspiration in this book made me very happy. There are clothes, accessories, toys, and furnishings for little ones from newborn to elementary-school age. The categories and projects were set up logically and the instructions are easy to understand and put into action.

I would recommend Little One-Yard Wonders to anyone that sews. Readers that enjoy making items for children, babies, nursery sets, and so on will find something here that makes the book worth adding to their collection.

Book Review: Rodale's Basic Organic Gardening: A Beginner's Guide to Starting a Healthy Garden by Deborah L. Martin, Editors Organic Gardening

Rodale's Basic Organic Gardening: A Beginner's Guide to Starting a Healthy Garden by Deborah L. Martin, is a great resource for those starting out in gardening, and for those that now a bit about gardening but want to go organic. The guidebook starts with the questions any begining gardener will have, such as "Do I need to dig?", "Where do I dig?", "How do I plant a seed?", and "How much should I water?". questions and their answers are presented in growing-season order, from garden planning and planting to growing and harvesting. other important subjects such as soil, compost, seeds, pest control, and weeds are explained in simple language to ensure success. over one hundred common garden terms are defined, and flower, vegetable, and herb finder highlights plants with good track records.

Rodale's Basic Organic Gardening offers the answers to just about every question a novice, and some more experienced, gardener might have. as someone that has always been around gardens and plants there were still small bits of information for me to make use of in this current growing season. I really liked that there were no-dig garden methods, simple garden layouts, and tips and hints on just about everything. I found the troubleshooting section particularly helpful since it targeted the most likely problems, and offers realistic solutions for gardeners of all skill levels.

If you are looking for an all around guidebook on getting started with a garden, particularly an organic garden, I suggest making use of the Rodale's Basic Organic Gardening. It is a good starting place, and a nice reference to keep around for the entire season as your garden, plants, and possible complications grow.