Jovah’s Angel

Jovah’sAngel by Sharon Shinn, 358 pages

“More than a hundred years after the time of Rachel and Gabriel, Samaria is in deep turmoil. Charismatic Archangel Delilah has been injured and forced to give up her position, and she has been replaced by shy, uncertain Alleluia. What's worse, ungovernable storms are sweeping across the country, and the god never seems to hear the angels' pleas to abate the bad weather. Unless those prayers are offered by the new Archangel...” I didn’t remember reading the first book in this series when I got this book, but as I started it I found I remembered the world, even though I still didn’t remember the other story.  It didn’t really matter.  This book worked on its own and I would highly recommend it to people who like fantasy.

The Breadwinner

The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis, 152 pages

“Young Parvana lives with her family in one room of a bombed-out apartment building in Kabul, Afghanistan. Because Parvana's father has a foreign education, he is arrested by the Taliban. Women cannot appear in public unless covered head to toe, go to school, or work outside the home, so the family becomes increasingly desperate until Parvana conceives a plan.” A good story about a terrible time in Afghanistan.  This is a good choice for kids who like realistic fiction about other countries.

Fridays With The Wizards

FridaysWith The Wizards by Jessica Day George, 234 pages

“When the dangerous ancient wizard Arkwright escapes the dungeon and goes missing within the Castle, Princess Celie must find the wizard and save her family.” I really love this series.  Celie is an awesome character and I love her whole family and entire cadre of friends.  This series is a must-read for kids who like fantasy.

A Face Like Glass

AFace Like Glass by Frances Hardinge, 487 pages

Neverfell doesn’t have any memories from before she was five, and the cheesemaker, Grandible, found her in his tunnels.  He never let her leave his tunnels and made her wear a mask all of the time.  Neverfell assumed that she must be extraordinarily ugly until the day a rabbit escapes the tunnels and she goes after it and discovers part of the truth.  This is one of those books that left  me feeling like I had just experienced emotional trauma at the hands of a novel while everyone else is just carrying on with their lives.  I want to give this to every teen who likes fantasy.

Fuzzy

Fuzzy by Tom Angelberger & Paul Dellinger, 263 pages

Fuzzy is a robot who is supposed to integrate into the school as a 7^th grade student as part of the Robot Integration Program.  Max is a girl who loves robots.  She is very smart, but for some reason, she is having trouble in school, both academically and behaviorally.  Barbara is the Vice Principal robot who hands out discipline and grades tests, Max is assigned to help Fuzzy with the integration.  Fuzzy suspects that Barbara may have a hand in Max’s problems and decides to help her.  I loved this book and want to give to every kid who likes humorous stories.

The Last Star

TheLast Star by Rick Yancey, 338 pages

“The enemy is Other. The enemy is us. They're down here, they're up there, they're nowhere. They want the Earth, they want us to have it. They came to wipe us out, they came to save us. But beneath these riddles lies one truth: Cassie has been betrayed. So has Ringer. Zombie. Nugget. And all 7.5 billion people who used to live on our planet. Betrayed first by the Others, and now by ourselves. In these last days, Earth's remaining survivors will need to decide what's more important: saving themselves . . . or saving what makes us human.” I’m kind of glad this series is over.  I think I’ve realized that I don’t really like adventure stories when so many characters I like die.  However, teens who like dystopian stories will enjoy the series.

Hour Of The Bees

HourOf The Bees by Lindsay Eagar, 360 pages

Carol is disappointed that she has to spend the entire summer at her grandfather’s ranch, preparing him for a move.  Her grandfather has dementia, and can no longer live alone.  Her only consolation is that her parents are nearly as unhappy about the situation as she is.  But as the summer goes by and Carol gets to know her grandfather, the sadder she is about him having to move and selling the ranch.  She also wonders what drove her dad and grandfather apart.  As she listens to her grandfather’s stories, she also wonders how much truth is in them.  This book explores family relationships with a touch of magic thrown in.  This is for kids who like realistic and family stories and magical realism.

The Crown’s Game

TheCrown’s Game by Evelyn Skye, 399 pages

“Vika Andreyeva can summon the snow and turn ash into gold. Nikolai Karimov can see through walls and conjure bridges out of thin air. They are enchanters--the only two in Russia--and with the Ottoman Empire and the Kazakhs threatening, the tsar needs a powerful enchanter by his side. And so he initiates the Crown's Game, an ancient duel of magical skill--the greatest test an enchanter will ever know. The victor becomes the Imperial Enchanter and the tsar's most respected adviser. The defeated is sentenced to death. Raised on tiny Ovchinin Island her whole life, Vika is eager for the chance to show off her talent in the grand capital of Saint Petersburg. But can she kill another enchanter--even when his magic calls to her like nothing else ever has? For Nikolai, an orphan, the Crown's Game is the chance of a lifetime. But his deadly opponent is a force to be reckoned with--beautiful, whip smart, imaginative--and he can't stop thinking about her. And when Pasha, Nikolai's best friend and heir to the throne, also starts to fall for the mysterious enchantress, Nikolai must defeat the girl they both love . . . or be killed himself. As long-buried secrets emerge, threatening the future of the empire, it becomes dangerously clear . . . the Crown's Game is not one to lose.” I absolutely loved this book.  The characters, the setting, the story were all amazing. I can’t wait to read the sequel.

The Day I Died

The Day I Died by Lori Rader-Day, 406 pages

“Anna Winger can know people better than they know themselves with only a glance--at their handwriting. Hired out by companies wanting to land trustworthy employees and by the lovelorn hoping to find happiness, Anna likes to keep the real-life mess of other people at arm's length and on paper. But when she is called to use her expertise on a note left behind at a murder scene in the small town she and her son have recently moved to, the crime gets under Anna's skin and rips open her narrow life for all to see. To save her son--and herself--once and for all, Anna will face her every fear, her every mistake, and the past she thought she'd rewritten.” This was a fascinating, unexpected story.  It definitely fits under psychological thriller but it was a quitter book than that.  The thrill didn’t really come in until the end.  The story was compelling and I would give this to anyone who likes thrillers.

The Friends

The Friends by Rosa Guy, 185 pages

“Phyllisia eventually recognizes that her own selfish pride rather than her mothers̓ death and her fathers̓ tyrannical behavior created the gulf between her and her best friend.” This book didn’t age terribly well or maybe I just didn’t relate to it very well.  I didn’t like any of the characters a lot and, although there were parts that I found engaging, mostly I was just glad that I was done.  I wouldn’t recommend it to this to most teens.

The Secret Sheriff Of Sixth Grade

The Secret Sheriff Of Sixth Grade by Jordan Sonnenblick, 193 pages

“Maverick Falconer is just starting middle school and he wishes he were a hero like his father because maybe then he could deal with his mother's drinking and series of abusive boyfriends, not to mention the kids who bully him in middle school (pretty much the same ones who bullied him in elementary school)--but as the year passes he begins to realize that other kids have problems too, and maybe if they can all survive sixth-grade things will get better.” This is one of the most enjoyable books I’ve read this year.  This is a great book for kids who like humorous, realistic stories

Living Dead Girl

Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott, 169 pages

“Once upon a time, I was a little girl who disappeared. Once upon a time, my name was not Alice. Once upon a time, I didn't know how lucky I was. When Alice was ten, Ray took her away from her family, her friends -- her life. She learned to give up all power, to endure all pain. She waited for the nightmare to be over. Now Alice is fifteen and Ray still has her, but he speaks more and more of her death. He does not know it is what she longs for. She does not know he has something more terrifying than death in mind for her. This is Alice's story. It is one you have never heard, and one you will never, ever forget.” This may be one of the saddest books I’ve ever read but it’s a great book for teens who like realistic “issues” books.

Building A Bridge

Building A Bridge: How The Catholic Church And The LGBT Community Can Enter Into A Relationship Of Respect, Compassion, And Sensitivity by James Martin, SJ, 150 pages

“The New York Times bestselling author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything and Jesus: A Pilgrimage turns his attention to the relationship between LGBT Catholics and the Church in this loving, inclusive, and revolutionary book. On the day after the Orlando nightclub shooting, James Martin S.J. posted a video on Facebook in which he called for solidarity with our LGBT brothers and sisters. "The largest mass shooting in US history took place at a gay club and the LGBT community has been profoundly affected," he began. He then implored his fellow Catholics--and people everywhere--to "stand not only with the people of Orlando but also with their LGBT brothers and sisters." A powerful call for tolerance, acceptance, and support--and a reminder of Jesus' message for us to love one another--Father Martin's post went viral and was viewed more than 1.6 million times. Now, Martin expands on his reflections in this moving and inspiring book, offering a powerful, loving, and much-needed voice in a time marked by anger, prejudice, and divisiveness. Adapted from an address he gave to New Ways Ministry, a group that ministers to and advocates for LGBT Catholics, Building a Bridge provides a roadmap for repairing and strengthening the bonds that unite all of us as God's children. Martin uses the image of a two-way bridge to enable LGBT Catholics and the Church to come together in a call to end the "us" versus "them" mentality. Turning to the Catechism, he draws on the three criteria at the heart of the Christian ministry--"respect, compassion, and sensitivity"--as a model for how the Catholic Church should relate to the LGBT community.” Every Catholic should read this book.  I feel like the audience is fairly narrow for this book but it should be required reading for every member of every Catholic church, at least in the United States.

The Circuit

The Circuit by Francisco Jimenez, 134 pages

“These independent but intertwined autobiographical stories follow the author and his migrant family through their circuit, from picking cotton and strawberries to topping carrots, and back again over a number of years. As it moves from one labor camp to the next, the little family of four grows into ten. Impermanence and poverty define their lives. But with faith, hope, and back-breaking work, the family endures.” Sad but hopeful, this is a book for anyone who likes memoirs.

The Reek Of Red Herrings

TheReek Of Red Herrings by Catriona McPherson, 293 pages

“On the rain-drenched, wind-battered Banffshire coast dilapidated mansions cling to cliff tops, and tiny fishing villages perch on ledges that would make a seagull think twice. It's nowhere for Dandy Gilver, a child of gentle Northamptonshire, to spend Christmas. But when odd things start to turn up in barrels of fish--with a strong whiff of murder most foul--that's exactly where she finds herself. Enlisted to investigate, Dandy and her trusty cohort, Alec Osborne, are soon swept up in the fisherfolks' wedding season as well as the mystery. Between age-old traditions and brand-new horrors, Dandy must think the unthinkable to solve her most baffling case yet in The Reek of Red Herrings.” This series is always a delight.  People who like old fashioned mysteries need to read it.

Calamity

Calamity by Brandon Sanderson, 421 pages

“When Calamity lit up the sky, the Epics were born. David's fate has been tied to their villainy ever since that historic night. Steelheart killed his father. Firefight stole his heart. And now Regalia has turned his closest ally into a dangerous enemy. David knew Prof's secret, and kept it even when Prof struggled to control the effects of his Epic powers. But facing Obliteration in Babilar was too much. Once the Reckoners' leader, Prof has now embraced his Epic destiny. He's disappeared into those murky shadows of menace Epics are infamous for the world over, and everyone knows there's no turning back. . . . But everyone is wrong. Redemption is possible for Epics--Megan proved it. They're not lost. Not completely. And David is just about crazy enough to face down the most powerful High Epic of all to get his friend back. Or die trying.” I loved this book.  This was a fantastic ending to the series.  Any teen who likes fantasy, science fiction, or books about superheroes will need to read this series.

A Hero Ain’t Nothin’ But A Sandwich

A Hero Ain’t Nothin’ But A Sandwich by Alice Childress, 126 pages

“The life of a thirteen-year-old Harlem youth on his way to becoming a confirmed heroin addict is seen from his viewpoint and from that of several people around him.” This book is kind of tough to read but hopeful.  Teens who like realistic fiction about issues will want to read it.

The Hunted

The Hunted by Charlie Higson, 454 pages

“Ella is out in the country, alone now except for her silent rescuer, Scarface, about whom she knows nothing, while Ed leaves London on a dangerous quest, determined to find Ella and keep his promise to Small Sam that he will reunite sister and brother.” This series got a little difficult in the middle but the first couple of books were pretty good and I felt like this one was an improvement over some of the middle ones.  I kind of feel like it’s dragging out too long though.  I’ll be glad to get the end of this series.  However, teens who like horror, especially zombies, will like it.

The Fate Of Ten

The Fate OfTen by Pittacus Lore, 399 pages

“For years the Garde have fought the Mogardorians in secret. Now all of that has changed. The invasion has begun. John is on the front lines of the fight in New York City. And just as the odds seem stacked against him, his best friend, Sam, a human, inexplicably develops a Legacy - and Sam isn't the only one. While the pair try to track down Five and Nine amid the chaos, they encounter another teen who can wield abilities that were once only meant for the Garde. Whether she is a friend or a foe, however, remains to be seen. Meanwhile, Six, Marina, and Adam are trapped in Mexico. They fought their way into the Sanctuary and were able to awaken the power hidden within, but their preceding battle has left them without any way of reaching the others. The Mogs are returning in full force, and it will take a miracle to escape. The Garde are stretched thin, fighting this war on many fronts. If they can't find another way to stop the Mogs, humanity will suffer the same fate as the Loric- annihilation. But there is still hope. The power of the Sanctuary can save the world . . . or destroy it. It will all depend on who wields it.” This is not my favorite series but this particular book wasn’t too bad.  The character development felt stronger ad I cared a lot more about them.  This series is for teens who like science fiction.

Forever Or A Long Long Time

Forever Or A Long Long Time by Caela Carter, 311 pages

“Flora and her brother, Julian, don't believe they were born. They've lived in so many foster homes, they can't remember where they came from. And even now that they've been adopted, Flora still struggles to believe in forever. So along with their new mother, Flora and Julian begin a journey to go back and discover their past -- for only then can they really begin to build their future.” This is one of the saddest, best books I’ve read in a long time.  Even though these kids’ experience was not mine at all I completely related to Flora.  I want to give this book to every kid, but the length will probably make it better for older kids who enjoy reading.

Dorothy Must Die Stories Vol. 2

Dorothy Must Die Stories Vol. 2 by Danielle Paige, 307 pages

“A collection of three prequel novellas to the New York Times bestselling Dorothy Must Die series by Danielle Paige! Follow Dorothy's iconic companions from the beloved classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz as each of their gifts becomes key to the downfall of Oz. After Dorothy Gale wished her way home and long before Amy Gumm found herself in Oz, Dorothy's friends left the Road of Yellow Brick to go their separate ways. But in a place like Oz, where magic and temptation lurk, the gifts from the Wizard begin to take on a life of their own. The Tin Woodman becomes twisted with longing. The Scarecrow develops a taste for plotting. And doubt consumes the Cowardly Lion. Kiss the land where troubles melt like lemon drops good-bye. Here there's danger around every corner, and magical shoes won't be able to save you.” This series has been growing on me.  The first book was all right, but not great.  This collection of stories, though, was much better.  I really liked getting into the psyche of the Tin Woodman, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion.  It helps explain how everything could have gone so wrong.  The premise is still disturbing but I’m looking forward to the next book now.  Teens that like fairy tale adaptations or fantasy in general will probably like this series.

Swing It Sunny

Swing It Sunny by Jennifer Holm, 218 pages

This graphic novel is the sequel to Sunny Side Up.  Sunny is back home from Florida, her older brother, Dale, is in boarding school, and her younger brother, Teddy, is annoying and hilarious in turns.  Sunny just wants to live her life and have everything be normal but it’s hard when she misses Dale.  But even when Dale visits, she still misses him because he’s not the same.  This is a nice coming of age story for kids who like graphic novels.

The Dark Talent

The DarkTalent by Brandon Sanderson, 300 pages

“Having broken the Smedry Talents while saving the kingdom of Mokia from the Evil Librarian army, Alcatraz Smedry infiltrates the Highbrary as part of a desperate plan to save his comatose friend, Batille.” This is not my favorite series by Sanderson but I have to read to the end because I need to know how it all comes out.  I like the characters and I want to know about them but I can’t say that the story is very interesting to me.  Kids who like humorous stories will probably like the series but I think that the humor is just too juvenile for me to appreciate anymore.

Life On Surtsey

Life OnSurtsey by Loree Griffin Burns, 73 pages

“On November 14, 1963, a volcano fifteen miles off the shore of Iceland exploded under the sea, resulting in a brand-new island. Scientists immediately recognized Surtsey for what it was: an opportunity to observe the way life takes hold. Loree Griffin Burns follows entomologist Erling Ólafsson on a five-day trip to Surtsey, where since 1970 he has studied the arrival and survival of insects and other species. Readers see how demanding conditions on Surtsey can be, what it's like to eat and work while making the smallest impact possible, and the passion driving these remarkable scientists in one of the world's most unique fields ever!” This was an interesting book.  I’ve never given any thought to how life starts on new islands and this was fascinating.  This would be of interest to kids interested in biology and volcanos.

Hoodoo

Hoodoo by Ronald L. Smith, 208 pages

Hoodoo’s family are all workers in folk magic, except Hoodoo himself.  He’s never been able to do any kind of magic at all, despite his name.  Until the day he begins to be plagued by a menacing man in black, the Stranger, who wants something from him.  It is then that Hoodoo finds out that his family has been keeping secrets from him, secrets he needs to know if he wants to survive an encounter with the Stranger. This book was scary, and I’m sure it would be even scarier for an elementary age kid, which is the intended audience.  Kids who like scary stories will love this book.

Murder Games

Murder Games by James Patterson & Howard Roughan, 340 pages

“Dr. Dylan Reinhart wrote the book on criminal behavior. Literally--he's a renowned, bestselling Ivy League expert on the subject. When a copy of his book turns up at a gruesome murder scene--along with a threatening message from the killer--it looks like someone has been taking notes. Elizabeth Needham is the headstrong and brilliant NYPD Detective in charge of the case who recruits Dylan to help investigate another souvenir left at the scene--a playing card. Another murder, another card--and now Dylan suspects that the cards aren't a signature, they're a deadly hint--pointing directly toward the next victim. As tabloid headlines about the killer known as "The Dealer" scream from newstands, New York City descends into panic. With the cops at a loss, it's up to Dylan to hunt down a serial killer unlike any the city has ever seen. Only someone with Dylan's expertise can hope to go inside the mind of a criminal and convince The Dealer to lay down his cards. But after thinking like a criminal--could Dylan become one?” This has been one of my favorite Patterson books in a long time.  It was scary and I cared more about the characters than I usually do.  It was a really good piece of writing, especially compared to recent offerings.  Patterson fans should enjoy this one.

Forever In Love

Forever InLove by Susane Colasanti, 309 pages

“From bestselling author Susane Colasanti comes the bittersweet ending to the City Love trilogy, featuring three girls sharing an apartment in New York City the summer before college begins. Forever in Love captures the essence of summer love, self-discovery, and sisterhood, a perfect fit for fans of Sarah Dessen, Jenny Han, and Jennifer E. Smith. Sadie is trying to find the strength to confront a past family trauma and forgive the boy who broke her heart. Darcy needs to figure out how to make it on her own for the first time and finally accept the love she deserves. Rosanna's boyfriend might still be in love with his ex...and she can recognize the abuse of her past reflected in a girl who needs her help. As the summer comes to an end, will they learn to love themselves and support one another with a bond of sisterhood that will never be broken? Told from alternating points of view, Forever in Love celebrates three girls who will be forever in love with the endless possibilities their futures hold.” This was a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy and a fun, light read for teens.

The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, 444 pages

Starr attends a mostly white private school but lives in a poor black neighborhood.  One night she goes to a party with one of her friends in the neighborhood.  A fight breaks out involving guns and she quickly leaves with another friend, Khalil.  One the way home they are pulled over and, during the course of the interaction, Khalil is shot and killed by the officer.  Starr, who never really recovered from seeing another friend of hers killed in a drive by a few years before is left reeling from this death.  She wants to help Khalil get justice but she is afraid to speak up because of retaliation and because she is afraid that people will not understand.  This was an amazing book.  The characters are fantastic and very real.  I couldn’t put this book down because I really wanted to know what happened next.  Every teen should read this book.

Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverts

Quiet Power:  The Secret Strengths of Introverts by Susan Cain with Gregory Mone and Erica Moroz        Audio Book: 6 hours, 30 mins     Hardback Book:  288 pages             

Good book.   It explains a lot of things about why people are introverts or extroverts, the differences between them and why teachers should not hassle introvert students for not participating but should allow them to participate in ways that function with their psychological leanings.    Many introverts are overwhelmed being around loud busy sensory over-stimulated circumstances and simply prefer to recharge themselves mentally by having time alone to relax away from all the noise and activity to devote themselves to their own projects they are passionate about.    While some people are happier being around a crowd the more the merrier, introverts tend to have a good time with just one other or just a few friends.    They thrive in their comfort zone but become quiet and withdrawn oftentimes in visually or audibly or both situations where other people may be playing loud music or there is a lot of activity going on at once – think when the bell rings and you are between classes and everyone is trying to be heard over the din of noise in the hallways at school.   Introverts tend to spend time on their own or while they may be part of a group they have to find time to just be alone now and then in order to regroup and come back and be a part of all that may be happening in their lives.    It is not a bad thing for introverts to seek solace in their own comfortable space alone.   They may enjoy reading, they may enjoy gaming, they may like the quiet of enjoying some down time just to get away from all the hubbub of a day in the life.   It is O.K. scientists and psychologists have found that it is a prerequisite of the introverted personality to require time alone to recharge themselves.    To mentally seek quiet away from the mental and emotional overload going on around them.    Introverts have been found to be much more susceptible to others emotions and find loud noises far more bothersome as their sensitivity to stimulus outside their bodies is far more keen than their extrovert or ambivert fellow humans.   In order to stay happy and well, introverts need quiet time without harassment in order to clear their minds and shake off all the rowdiness of their peers, family and friends.    Introverts often grow up feeling “different” or that something is wrong because they don’t process things the way others around them do and are often ostracized or bullied for it.    As adults introverts continue to need time alone to mellow out from all the overwhelming ways things come at them in a day, but, this is not a bad thing, it is just in keeping with their higher sensitivity levels and should be handled in a way that is comfortable and comforting for them.   Once they have recharged, they are back in the game ripping and ready to go.   This book is geared to teenagers but holds true for adults as well.   It also speaks to parents of introverts and teachers of students that are introverts to explain why they need alone time and how best to address the facts that these young people are fine they just need to be accepted.   Teachers shouldn’t push them to participate in discussions more or lower their grades for not speaking aloud  as introverts aren’t comfortable with speaking up in class although they may be excellent students otherwise.  Introverts tend to be good at researching topics and writing papers but not necessarily good at group projects.   It isn’t bad, it is just their way of coping as quiet people in a loud society.   Parents, too, need to realize their kids are maybe showing the personality of being outgoing to the world but need down time in their rooms when they get home to process and clear their minds of all the stresses they have to deal with at school.   Kind of like parents coming home after a hard day at work where maybe things went a drift and then the parent gets home and the kids are fighting and screaming and they go off because they just needed a little time to cool off and de-stress but are met with more hyperness.    Everyone needs a little down time.   Introverts just need a little more.     Great book and I love the real-life stories and situations cited here to help young folks realize they are not alone and there is nothing amiss – they just pick up on things with finite sensitivity it isn’t that they are overreacting it is just how they process.    Things hit them harder and once they understand that they can learn to use this gift to their highest benefit.    Ways to channel are explained here too and ways others use their gift to excelerate their learning, their perceptions by others and their work life are shared.   This book is an essential learning tool for introverts of all ages.   Very ind-depth material covered in a pleasing easy to read and understand format.   Excellent book.

The Dresden Files

The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher, (14 books, 6005 pages)

As I was reading past reviews it occurred to me that while I reference Butcher, or the Dresden Files in comparison to other series, I never took the time to review the Dresden Files themselves. I did briefly gloss over them in my review of Butcher’s 15th book Skin Game, but this series needs a longer review. So let us look at the rest of the series.

Yes, that is a wizard with a shotgun.

Harry Dresden is a wizard, it even says so in the Chicago phone book. “HARRY DRESDEN — WIZARD Lost Items Found. Paranormal Investigations. Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates. No Love Potions, Endless Purses, Parties or Other Entertainment.” Despite this charming ad, Harry still has trouble finding work. It might be because people think he is crazy or it could be because most people believe magic is not real. With cases a rarity, most of Harry’s time is spent assisting Chicago Police Department’s Special Investigation unit and more directly Detective Karrin Murphy.


The Dresden Files are basically hard-boiled detective meets urban fantasy. It has werewolves, vampires, wizards and other beings, but also car chases, shootouts, kidnappings, and the mafia. In other words it is awesome.

The main reason I use the Dresden files when comparing fantasy series, is because Butcher got it right. In the Dresden Files the hero does not always win. In fact he routinely gets beat up, only figuring out who was behind the mayhem in hindsight or after everything is over. Magic is more of a crutch, rather than a fix all. At time magic simply doesn’t work, or screws things up further. Better yet, the characters are realistic and corruptible. They are neither saints nor devils but fall in that grey area like normal people. All of this combines to make a truly believable fantasy realm.

And that is why I highly recommend this series to everyone.

P.S. if you do not like reading books without pictures, there is also a graphic novel series for the first couple books

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women by Elena Favilli and
Francesca Cavallo     212 pages

A children's book that reinvents fairy tales, inspiring girls with the stories of 100 great women from Elizabeth I to Serena Williams.

This is a great introductory book to the lives of women. The book covers historically famous female figures as well as contemporary figures, giving a brief story-like overview of their life and accomplishments. While the stories are only a page long, they are a great starting place to get any child excited about a particular figure and in this way inspire them to seek more in-depth biographies.  I love the illustrations for this book. Each woman has a different artist's portrait of them and all are beautiful, colorful, and capture their subject very well. The book is laid out well and covers a very diverse range of women from all over the globe and a wide variety of ages.

I would highly recommend this book to young children, but even as an adult, I highly enjoyed reading this book myself and learning about the lives of women I myself had never heard of until this book. It was a wonderful read.

Witness

Witness by Whittaker Chambers, 799 pages

In 1948, Whittaker Chambers, then an editor at Time magazine, testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee.  He informed the committee of his long years in the Communist Party, first as a member of the "open" American Communist Party, later as a member of the Soviet Communist underground, assisting in the subversion of the US government, until his break with the Party in the mid-'30s.  Among the names Chambers named was that of Alger Hiss, then a highly placed official in the State Department.  The confrontation between Hiss and Chambers, as Hiss unsuccessfully sued Chambers for libel and then was himself convicted of perjury, polarized the nation.  Some saw Chambers' testimony as evidence of a vast Communist conspiracy, others as dangerous lies that had to be exposed, and still others believed that, even if what he said was true, it still had to be discredited lest it encourage the wrong kind of thinking.

Seventy years later, Witness, Chambers' autobiography written shortly after the conclusion of the Hiss case, can be read as a historical document chronicling a time when much of America's elites, faced with a choice between defending American institutions and providing cover for an aggressive dictatorship bent on subverting them, chose to side with Stalin.  More significantly, it can also be read as the story of the ultimately spiritual struggle of one man, sunk deep in darkness but saved by the light, who found the grace to witness to the truth in that world-historical moment.

A Year Full of Holidays

A Year Full of Holidays by Susan Middleton Elya               Hardback Book:  32 pages              

What a cute book!   Told in rhyme it is a story about a little girl’s 5^th birthday party in August and how she wants to know how long it will be before her next birthday party.   Her mother tells her there is something to celebrate in every month until her next birthday.  Good thing she was born in August cause the U.S. doesn’t have anything going that month other than IT IS GREAT BECAUSE IT IS STILL SUMMER!   A few weeks after her birthday the little girl notices her Dad is home on a Monday (Labor Day) and he is barbecuing then she starts school.   A few weeks later it is Halloween!  Then a little later than that it is Thanksgiving (oops they forgot Veterans’ Day!).   Next comes Christmas, then she gets to stay up late for New Years and Valentine’s Day (opps left of Presidents’ Day)  then St. Patrick’s Day, then Easter followed by Mother’s Day and Memorial Day then Father’s Day followed by the 4^th of July – then they went camping on vacation and THEN it was her birthday again!     Very good book.   I would recommend it for all little ones to learn about all the fun to be had in a year.   

The Darkness

The Darkness by Ragnar Jónasson     318 pages   read galley-will be published October, 2018

In this atmospheric, foreboding-feeling book, Detective Inspector Hulda Hermannsdóttir of the Reykjavík police is being forced into early retirement at 64. She's not happy at all about this, considering she has devoted years to her work. She's also not wild about the idea of facing the loneliness of life without work. Before she leaves, she's given two weeks to solve a single cold case of her choice. Hulda chooses to investigate the case of the body of a young Russian woman who washed up on an Icelandic shore a year ago. The case had been given a quick investigation and declared a suicide; however, Hulda is sure there is more to this case. As she investigates, she discovers there is, in fact, much more to this case and no one seems to be telling her the whole story about this Russian woman. Even as her boss seems determined to stop her, Hulda is set on finding the killer --- but is her own life in danger?

I wasn't familiar with this author, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I did find this book to have a foreboding feeling running through the story, like a dark smudge that you can't rub away. It's not just the dead Russian woman; there's something dark to Hulda, as well, which you can tell is important. However, that truth isn't revealed until the very end. I liked that the story kept me guessing and I also found Hulda to be an intriguing character. I also very much liked the sense of unease I had on her behalf when she's interacting with one or two other characters. You do get a sense that Hulda is in danger, but you're not sure which direction it will come from.

I was surprised by the ending -- and that's all I can say without giving anything away. I found myself blinking, though, at the pages and feeling, well, a bit stunned. Not sure yet if I enjoyed that or not.  Interesting book and I'm curious to read Snowblind by this author and see how that series is.

Twenty-One Days

Twenty-One Days (Daniel Pitt #1) by Anne Perry    320 pages

Anne Perry begins this new series in 1910, where Daniel Pitt (son of Thomas and Charlotte Pitt from Anne Perry's long-running series) is a reluctant lawyer who would rather be a detective. When Russell Graves, a biographer, is sentenced to death for the execution of his wife, Daniel is put on the case as second chair. However, Daniel learns that Graves is writing a rather nasty biography of Victor Narraway, the former head of Special Branch. And it gets worse: Thomas Pitt is mentioned, as well as other people very close to Pitt's family.  Is it possible that someone is framing Graves to keep him from finishing and publishing this biography?  With only twenty-one days before Graves is set to hang, Daniel Pitt is determined to find out.

Typical of Anne Perry, this book is filled with period details that make this time period come to life. Daniel Pitt is an engaging character, and you get to meet some new characters, as well (including a woman that I suspect will become a love interest of Daniel's in any future books).  I enjoyed this story, especially as Pitt uncovered more and more about Russell Graves. There are many realistic details in this book which made the characters especially interesting, and which made the story fun to read.  Perry does a nice job of keeping the pacing pretty taut, and you discover things along with Daniel, so things are revealed bit by bit. 

Man vs. Baby

Man vs. Baby by Matt Coyne    288 pages

Although I don't have children, I sometimes enjoy reading parenting memoirs (especially because I can gain a little insight into my niece and nephew).  I had read a review of this book and it sounded so funny that I couldn't pass it up.  In September 2015, Matt Coyne's partner Lyns gave birth to their first child, Charlie. One night, three months later, in the stupor of sleep deprivation, Matt stumbled to his PC and wrote a post on Facebook . . . which promptly went viral.

This is the kind of parenting book that is funny, but definitely full of truths about how hard it is for new parents. Matt reveals his experiences of having his and Lyns' lives turned upside down by, as he puts it, "a furious, sleep-murdering, unstable and incontinent, breast-obsessed midget lodger". 

I laughed out loud several times when I was reading this book and really enjoyed how honest Matt is.  Definitely a book I'd consider handing to new parents-to-be before the baby arrives.  

A Box of Butterflies

A Box of Butterflies by Roma Downey      Audio Book: 5 hours, 7 mins.      Hardback Book:  256 pages                    

Roma Downey, known best for her role as Monica on “Touched by an Angel” with Della Reese, tells about her life and how she came up in Derry, Ireland.   Her mother loved the flowers called pansies because she said they looked like butterflies.    Her mother passed away when she was 10 years old and while she and her father were at her mother’s grave covered in pansies a real butterfly flew up to Roma.     Her Dad told her that was her mother’s spirit letting her know she was still close to her just behind the veil.    Throughout her life whenever she has been sad, down on her luck or needing her mother somehow a butterfly would appear either on a picture, a piece of jewelry, an ad on the side of a bus or truck or she would see an actual butterfly and know that was her mother sending her a message that she would be o.k.    Once while up on a mountainside her husband gave her a box and told her to open it very gently and carefully.    When she did out flew 50 butterflies.    Everyone in her family and all of her friends know about her love of butterflies and their association with her mother’s spirit.   Her Dad used to tell her when she was away from home and lonely to look up at the moon he had left a message for her there and when she gazed at the moon she could feel the heartfelt message from her father – so the moon has always been representative of his spirit to her.   She has been through two marriages and has a daughter by her first marriage (he left when their daughter was a month old and the divorce was finalized when the baby was two months old) she was living in New York City then moved to Los Angeles.   She had graduated from university with a major in theater and got top honors.   She performed in London for a time, then after her father’s death, after graduation she took the advice of her fellow students and moved to New York.   She worked part-time and auditioned the other part of the day.   Finally lucking into a role that was scene by actor Rex Harrison who loved her performance and asked her to audition for the show he was doing.   She did, got the role and travelled with the troupe for 9 months.     She was spotted in the show and asked to audition for the role of   Jackie Kennedy in an upcoming miniseries.  She got it.   That role gave her the momentum to move to Los Angeles and try her luck there – kismet- she landed the role of Monica that lasted 10 years.   She also became like family with her co-star, Della Reese.   Della lost her daughter during shooting the series and flew from St. Lake City, UT where they filmed the show back to Los Angeles.   Roma went with her.   Della told her, “I am not going to feel like talking.”    Roma told her, “you don’t have to.   I will sit beside you quietly holding your hand until we get there.   I want to be with you, I don’t want you to have to fly back alone.”  And so they flew back together.   When they arrived at the airport, Della’s husband was waiting for her and Roma said goodbye.    She prayed for Della and her family then began to wonder what she should do, she didn’t bring a suitcase, but, one of the assistants on set had brought her purse to her as they were getting in the car taking them to the airport.   She decided to stay at a hotel then fly back in the morning but one of the producers on the show called her name.    She had been in L.A. and had come to the airport to meet Della and see if there was anything she could do to help.     Turns out Della had gone already, but, she asked Roma to stay at her house.   God provided a solution for Roma.    She is a praying religious woman and Della later told her to ask God for a good man to come into her life.   It hadn’t occurred to her to do so, she was happy working on the series, visiting sick children in the local hospital on weekends and spending time with her daughter so she wasn’t looking for anyone.    But Della had planted the seed.    One day while at a hair salon getting a pedicure, Roma and a man getting a haircut hit it off, got in touch with one another via one of the ladies that worked at the salon and the rest is history.   He was also from the U.K., divorced with 2 sons and he was a Godly man.  Perfect, another miracle.   They fell madly in love and now years later, their 3 kids are now grown and out on their own and Roma and her second husband are producing films and travelling a lot.    Cherishing every minute when the kids get to come back home for visits.  Throughout her book she recites poetry and Bible verses.   She relates many biblical stories and sites both humorous and real stories of God’s work in action.    She and her husband pitched a series on the Bible to the History Channel and were given the green light to film them in Morroco.   They were so well received that the History Channel also greenlighted an additional series on the events in the Bible after Jesus’ death titled A.D.    They did a remake of Ben-Hur for CBS in Malta.    Such a blessed life.  No one can believe she and her husband work so well together as co-producers on all their projects.   God really is smiling on her.   Good book.  I enjoyed it.

Maphead: Charting the Wide, Weird World of Geography Wonks

Maphead: Charting the Wide, Weird World of Geography Wonks by Ken Jennings              Hardcover: 266 pages           

     Have you ever spent hours looking at maps, fascinated with things like the courses of rivers, latitude and longitude, state and national capitals, the highest and lowest points of a state and why states are shaped like they are?  If so, you are the “title character” of this book— a “maphead” (aka geography wonk or cartophile)— and will love it.  If you’re not so inclined, but are curious how anyone could possibly find maps that interesting, you may also enjoy this read.  Personally, I’m in the first category; I can still remember going on car trips as a kid and following our route very closely on a road atlas, counting the number of water towers of small towns we passed through to assess the size of the burg (the more water towers, the bigger the town).  Jennings, the Jeopardy! champion and fellow map nerd, has written a very engaging book that makes us cartophiles feel less isolated in our pastime (or, in some cases, obsession).  Cleverly using geography terms as chapter titles, he discusses different kinds of geography wonks, including highpointers, geocachers, road atlas rally racers, confluence hunters and antique map collectors.  Jennings interviews contestants of the National Geography Bee (with a cameo appearance by Alex Trebek) and puts the often-decried American geographic ignorance in some perspective.  He talks about maps of imaginary worlds, like ones of Tolkien’s Middle Earth included in the pages of Lord of the Rings, and how technology is making paper maps obsolete for some of their traditional functions, while at the same time potentially making geography more engaging than ever.

Greeks Bearing Gifts

Greeks Bearing Gifts by Philip Kerr   506 pages

Look at that – as I’m writing this, I open Publisher’s Weekly and see that Philip Kerr has died, so this is his last work (not that that will influence my opinion about the book).

This book only caught my eye because it was an AR, so I wasn’t paying attention to the fact that it is a serial novel – argh! As a rule, I have to start a series from the first book, and my thinking is right on target with regard to this novel. Although the story was ok, I was perpetually lost as to the character of protagonist Bernie Gunther and references to his questionable past within the Nazi regime. It’s not that I don’t recommend the book but I would certainly start with the beginning of the series to appreciate the nuances of setting and character development.

1957, Munich. Bernie Gunther's latest move in a long string of varied careers sees him working for an insurance company. It makes a kind of sense: both cops and insurance companies have a vested interest in figuring out when people are lying to them, and Bernie has a lifetime of experience to call on.

Sent to Athens to investigate a claim from a fellow German for a ship that has sunk, Bernie takes an instant dislike to the claimant. When he discovers the ship in question once belonged to a Greek Jew deported to Auschwitz, he is convinced the sinking was no accident but an avenging arson attack. Then the claimant is found dead, shot through both eyes. Strong-armed into helping the Greek police with their investigation, Bernie is once again drawn inexorably back to the dark history of the Second World War, and the deportation of the Jews of Salonika - now Thessaloniki.

Posted By:   Regina C.