Why I have this book: My friends' book club was considering it for a selection a while ago, and it sounded good, so I bought it. Then my other friend told me she read it, which reminded me that I had it in my Kindle. So... I finally read it.
I think every school teacher (including special education teachers) should read this book... and I think every teacher from maybe 3nd grade up should read it to their class. In fact, pretty much everyone should read it.
It took me a few chapters to get completely sucked in, but once I did, I was in for good. It's a story told from the perspective of an 11-year-old girl with cerebral palsy. Her mind is brilliant, but because of her disability, she has limited control of her body... including the ability to speak.
I was sooooooo happy when she received a computer to help her express herself. What a blessing technology is!
This is such a worthwhile read. I highly recommend it.
Clean, other than using the "other F-word." We don't say that word in our house... we say "toot" or "fluff." :) Well, my grown-up kids have become corrupted and THEY come visit and say the "other F-word" in front of my little kids and then I have to keep my little ones from being corrupted, too. Haha!
Friday, September 20, 2013
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Shannon's Hope (Josi S. Kilpack)
Why I have this book: I finished my other "lonely weekend" book purchase long before the lonely weekend was over, so I had to have another "comfort read" to carry me through. ;)
This is the fifth book in the Newport Ladies' Book Club Series.
The heavy topic of drug addiction was the focus of this book. It was not really a light read... I could feel the stress of the situation, but I still enjoyed it and it was an "easy" read as far as being able to get into it and away from real life for a bit. (Although my real life is much nicer than the situation in the book.)
Another keeper by Josi Kilpack.
Clean, although the subject of drug addiction often involves other difficult topics, none of which are graphically described.
This is the fifth book in the Newport Ladies' Book Club Series.
The heavy topic of drug addiction was the focus of this book. It was not really a light read... I could feel the stress of the situation, but I still enjoyed it and it was an "easy" read as far as being able to get into it and away from real life for a bit. (Although my real life is much nicer than the situation in the book.)
Another keeper by Josi Kilpack.
Clean, although the subject of drug addiction often involves other difficult topics, none of which are graphically described.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Rocky Road (Josi S. Kilpack)
Why I have this book: My husband made plans to go on a camp-out AND a college football game on the same weekend. Not with me. (Both events are with my teenage son, so it's a good thing.) Anyway, two days of being home while he is out playing made me feel totally justified in buying a book that was on my Amazon Wish List.
After reading a couple of "heavy" books, I really needed this nice, clean, light read in Josi's culinary mystery series. They have just the right level of suspense for my sensitivity to creepiness. This one wasn't really creepy at all, which I am just fine with! I just enjoyed the whole thing without feeling any yucky shivers.
It was also fun that it was set in St. George, Utah. I've been there enough to be able to picture it in my mind. And, as always, there are lots of good recipes that I really should try.
One problem with this one: Now I really want some Pork Barbacoa from Cafe Rio.
Whether in print or ebook (mine are all ebook), these books are keepers for me.
Clean.
After reading a couple of "heavy" books, I really needed this nice, clean, light read in Josi's culinary mystery series. They have just the right level of suspense for my sensitivity to creepiness. This one wasn't really creepy at all, which I am just fine with! I just enjoyed the whole thing without feeling any yucky shivers.
It was also fun that it was set in St. George, Utah. I've been there enough to be able to picture it in my mind. And, as always, there are lots of good recipes that I really should try.
One problem with this one: Now I really want some Pork Barbacoa from Cafe Rio.
Whether in print or ebook (mine are all ebook), these books are keepers for me.
Clean.
Friday, September 6, 2013
The Curiosity: A Novel (Stephen Kiernan)
Why I have this book: It was our book club pick for this month.
I would like to begin my review with a quote from the main character in the book (The Honorable Jeremiah Rice) in regards to the foul language he hears all around him:
"Had no one told them that coarseness lacks dignity?"
I find it very ironic that the author penned those words on behalf of his dignified and respectable protagonist, then filled the rest of the book with vulgarity. Hmmm... really? Might want to listen to what your friend, Judge Rice, has to say.
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, the story is interesting. I thought the general plot was good. The last third of the book kept me pretty engaged... I stayed up past midnight to finish it so I would know what happens. The conflict of ethics was somewhat thought-provoking, except that the scenario seems pretty far-fetched. It doesn't lend itself to deep thought for me. (Then again, maybe I'm just ignorant about what is happening out there in the scientific world.)
On the other hand... the writing was mediocre. The story is told by four characters. The female voice sounds... not distinctly female. (I know the author is male, but the author of Honolulu - reviewed earlier - managed to pull off a female voice even though he is male...) One character's way of speaking is almost like the author tried too hard to make him sound "different" than the others. In fact, even with Jeremiah, it sounds like he is trying too hard to "create" his early-1900's personality. I don't know... for the most part, the writing just didn't mesh for me. And the early chapters were entirely too scientific and boring.
I cared about a couple of the characters, not so much about anyone else.
The strength of the story isn't really worth wading through the muck of the profanity. So... if this was a print edition, I'd probably donate it to the library. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it. I'll be deleting it from my Kindle.
Tons of profanity, including abundant use of the F-word. A couple of sentences mention sexual attraction. Some coarseness in male oggling of women.
I would like to begin my review with a quote from the main character in the book (The Honorable Jeremiah Rice) in regards to the foul language he hears all around him:
"Had no one told them that coarseness lacks dignity?"
I find it very ironic that the author penned those words on behalf of his dignified and respectable protagonist, then filled the rest of the book with vulgarity. Hmmm... really? Might want to listen to what your friend, Judge Rice, has to say.
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, the story is interesting. I thought the general plot was good. The last third of the book kept me pretty engaged... I stayed up past midnight to finish it so I would know what happens. The conflict of ethics was somewhat thought-provoking, except that the scenario seems pretty far-fetched. It doesn't lend itself to deep thought for me. (Then again, maybe I'm just ignorant about what is happening out there in the scientific world.)
On the other hand... the writing was mediocre. The story is told by four characters. The female voice sounds... not distinctly female. (I know the author is male, but the author of Honolulu - reviewed earlier - managed to pull off a female voice even though he is male...) One character's way of speaking is almost like the author tried too hard to make him sound "different" than the others. In fact, even with Jeremiah, it sounds like he is trying too hard to "create" his early-1900's personality. I don't know... for the most part, the writing just didn't mesh for me. And the early chapters were entirely too scientific and boring.
I cared about a couple of the characters, not so much about anyone else.
The strength of the story isn't really worth wading through the muck of the profanity. So... if this was a print edition, I'd probably donate it to the library. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it. I'll be deleting it from my Kindle.
Tons of profanity, including abundant use of the F-word. A couple of sentences mention sexual attraction. Some coarseness in male oggling of women.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
The World's Strongest Librarian: A Memoir of Tourette's, Faith, Strength, and the Power of Family (Josh Hanagarne)
Why I have this book: A friend of mine checked it out of the library and had me read it before it was due overdue by too many days.
I had seen this author on the local news several months ago.... I found his story interesting then, but had no idea he had written a book. (Maybe it was mentioned in the news story and I just didn't catch it.)
So my first impression is, "I loved this book!" In fact, when I closed it at the end, the first thing I said to my husband was, "What a good book!" And it is. I enjoyed his writing style, I learned some new things about Tourette's, libraries (mostly that I'm even more convinced that I prefer to buy new books or borrow on my Kindle than actually go to a library and borrow books that have been who-knows-where), and humanity. I really admire his family life. What a neat woman his mom must be! What a great dad! His wife seems amazing, as well. Really, for examples of pure love, his family is tops.
A few disappointments: Why, oh why, must authors use profanity??? I understand that in some stories, to keep things true, the use of profanity paints the picture the author wants the reader to see. I think that's very rare. I also don't think this book is one of those books. The story would have been just as complete without the profanity, and would have been easier to recommend to others. Really, he uses the "big" bad words, and not just a few times. It's curious to me that his devout LDS mom and wife didn't persuade him to leave them out, if his own LDS background alone didn't convince him. Even leaving religion out of it... isn't there just a standard of decency authors can choose to follow?
Also, there were a few things in there pertaining to sexuality that didn't need to be shared. Really. Not necessary.
The story of his religious journey is well written. I found it interesting and touching... and somewhat contradictory at first glance. But I think there are many people who have undeniable spiritual experiences who still doubt.
The stories of his family of origin and the family he created are inspiring. There are such good people in this world, and most live quiet lives that nobody notices... except those who are touched by them. There is a lot to respect in those who live extraordinary lives without needing fanfare.
All in all, this book was thought-provoking and enjoyable to read. I'm glad I read it and will totally recommend it to those who can overlook the profanity and other unnecessary passages to see the deeper story of humanity.
One question though: Did he win? At the end of the book... Did he win the contest???
This book contains profanity, including the worst of it, and not just a few times. There are a few not-really-graphic sexual references, as well.
P.S. The Amazon page for this book contains a "book trailer" video in the words of the author.
Also, a couple of quotes I liked from this book. (I usually highlight in my own books, but as this is a library book...)
pg 208: "A mind can be lost without its owner's death. A mind that no longer questions only fulfills the rudimentary aspects of its function. A mind without wonder is a mere engine, a walking parasympathetic nervous system, seeing without observing, reacting without thinking, a forgotten ghost in a passive machine.
The mind that asks and experiments and evaluates will die one day, but will provide a richer life for its owner."
pg. 244: "If your body is your biography, then you are, at any given time, a perfect representation of all of your resolved and unresolved stresses."
(You can see this book covers a lot of topics the author has thought about.)
I had seen this author on the local news several months ago.... I found his story interesting then, but had no idea he had written a book. (Maybe it was mentioned in the news story and I just didn't catch it.)
So my first impression is, "I loved this book!" In fact, when I closed it at the end, the first thing I said to my husband was, "What a good book!" And it is. I enjoyed his writing style, I learned some new things about Tourette's, libraries (mostly that I'm even more convinced that I prefer to buy new books or borrow on my Kindle than actually go to a library and borrow books that have been who-knows-where), and humanity. I really admire his family life. What a neat woman his mom must be! What a great dad! His wife seems amazing, as well. Really, for examples of pure love, his family is tops.
A few disappointments: Why, oh why, must authors use profanity??? I understand that in some stories, to keep things true, the use of profanity paints the picture the author wants the reader to see. I think that's very rare. I also don't think this book is one of those books. The story would have been just as complete without the profanity, and would have been easier to recommend to others. Really, he uses the "big" bad words, and not just a few times. It's curious to me that his devout LDS mom and wife didn't persuade him to leave them out, if his own LDS background alone didn't convince him. Even leaving religion out of it... isn't there just a standard of decency authors can choose to follow?
Also, there were a few things in there pertaining to sexuality that didn't need to be shared. Really. Not necessary.
The story of his religious journey is well written. I found it interesting and touching... and somewhat contradictory at first glance. But I think there are many people who have undeniable spiritual experiences who still doubt.
The stories of his family of origin and the family he created are inspiring. There are such good people in this world, and most live quiet lives that nobody notices... except those who are touched by them. There is a lot to respect in those who live extraordinary lives without needing fanfare.
All in all, this book was thought-provoking and enjoyable to read. I'm glad I read it and will totally recommend it to those who can overlook the profanity and other unnecessary passages to see the deeper story of humanity.
One question though: Did he win? At the end of the book... Did he win the contest???
This book contains profanity, including the worst of it, and not just a few times. There are a few not-really-graphic sexual references, as well.
P.S. The Amazon page for this book contains a "book trailer" video in the words of the author.
Also, a couple of quotes I liked from this book. (I usually highlight in my own books, but as this is a library book...)
pg 208: "A mind can be lost without its owner's death. A mind that no longer questions only fulfills the rudimentary aspects of its function. A mind without wonder is a mere engine, a walking parasympathetic nervous system, seeing without observing, reacting without thinking, a forgotten ghost in a passive machine.
The mind that asks and experiments and evaluates will die one day, but will provide a richer life for its owner."
pg. 244: "If your body is your biography, then you are, at any given time, a perfect representation of all of your resolved and unresolved stresses."
(You can see this book covers a lot of topics the author has thought about.)
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