Book Review: The Sheikh's Instant Family (Safar Sheikhs) by Leslie North

The Sheikh's Instant Family is the second book in the Safar Sheikhs series by Leslie North.  You do not need to read the books in order, or as series to fully enjoy each one. However returning readers will understand the family drama and secondary characters a little more than new readers.

Sheikh Amad has always gone with his gut, which is why his ventures abroad have multiplied his tribe’s wealth and business connections. But with his 30th birthday approaching—and with expectations that he be married by then—he’s got to go home soon...That means leaving his life in Las Vegas, and Vanessa, the sexy waitress he’s falling for, behind. Vanessa Hammerman has had to work for everything she’s ever had, left by every man from her father on up. Sheikh Amad has been fun, but she’s not thinking of a long-term commitment with a Middle Eastern prince. She’d rather keep it fun…until the pregnancy test comes back positive. Now she’s out on the biggest limb of her life: Will this man run from her, too? Or will he be the one to stay? It seems like fate when Vanessa tells Amad he’s going to be a father, and his marriage proposal is instantaneous. It’s the perfect solution for fulfilling his duty while at the same time satisfying his heart. But when he brings her home to his tribe, he realizes his independent, Western bride might not work so well in the traditional structure of the Middle East. Vanessa has put everything on the line for this: her heart, her career, and her life. So when she refuses to fall in line with Amad’s expectations, they begin to doubt if they can make it work. But if they take the chance, love could become the biggest win of their lives. 

The Sheikh's Instant Family is a book that I had more trouble connecting to than the first in the series. I found the set up and Vanessa's character to be well done. Vanessa is a strong woman that wants to be different than her scheming mother and needs to be busy and useful. I liked her reluctance to accept extravagant gifts and her eagerness to pitch in an contribute. I like that she sometimes wavered, but stood up for herself when it mattered most. I had trouble with Amad. I know he needed room to grow in the story- but his general attitude about women in the workplace and whatnot rubbed me the wrong way very early on. I saw what the conflict was going to be quickly- and while I wanted Vanessa to have her happy ever after, I was not necessarily rooting for Amad.  The story worked, and there were moments that I enjoyed. However, I did not connect with this story. Others might not have the strong reaction I did to Amad, and they are likely to enjoy the read much more than I did. 

The Sheikh's Instant Family is a story with good characters. I did not connect with it was much as I had hoped, but it was still a solid story.

Early Book Review: Strong is the New Pretty: A Celebration of Girls Being Themselves by Kate T Parker

Strong is the New Pretty: A Celebration of Girls Being Themselves by Kate T Parker is a book of photography that is currently scheduled for release on March 7 2017. It is a celebration of strong girls being 100% themselves in 175 gorgeous photographs. The images show girls being strong in every way, being fearless, being silly, being wild, stubborn, and proud. 

Strong is the New Pretty is a wonderful collection of photographs and text. The text is made up of quotes from girls and women about their lives, particularly moments when they had to stand up for themselves and be themselves in the face of other people's expectations. The combination of words and wonderful photographs had me tearing up within the first ten pages. It inspired me to be more of what I want than what other people expect, and to encourage the girls and women in my life to do the same. I hope to show my daughter that being yourself is beautiful, regardless of who that might be, and what pursuits that includes.

Strong is the New Pretty is a perfect gift for anyone that thinks that being true to yourself and following their dreams is beautiful. While it will move many girls and women that have the chance to read it, I think anyone that loves another trapped by the gender or other social expectations of the world will appreciate the message and gain something from taking the take to look and read.

Book Review: Who Are You: The Kid's Guide to Gender Identity by Brook Pessin-Whedbee

Who Are You by Brooke Pessin-Whebdee is an illustrated children's book with a straightforward introduction to gender for anyone aged 3+. It presents clear and direct language for understanding and talking about how we experience gender: our bodies, our expression and our identity. An interactive three-layered wheel included in the book is a simple, yet powerful, tool to clearly demonstrate the difference between our body, how we express ourselves through our clothes and hobbies, and our gender identity. A short page-by-page guide for adults at the back of the book further explains the key concepts and identifies useful discussion points. This is a one-of-a-kind resource for understanding and celebrating the gender diversity that surrounds us.

Who Are You is helpful and understandable resource for children, and the adults in their lives, in dealing with the idea of gender identity and all of its implications. I like that the book uses the ideas that everyone is unique and that how anyone feels about themselves is valid, and can change. My favorite point is that no one knows you better than you. While I can see some problems with the youngest children and this philosophy- like when my daughter decides she feels like a wolf and hence must act and be treated like one, however when the book is used to further or begin a discussion about gender and identity I do not think this will be a real issue. The additional questions and discussion information was thought provoking as a solo reader, but I think it could be a valuable tool for having or leading this discussion one on one or with a group.