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I review all genres and I post them in 30 spots. Check out previous posts and I'm sure you'll find several books to catch your interest. I am a published reviewer and an award winning one. I am one of the best reviewers around. CELEBRATING 14 YEARS OF BOOK REVIEWS!!

Friday, March 28, 2014

The Battle Scarred Journey by Kim Wheeler

     A little baby boy born and abandoned simply for the color of his skin, begins life.  Never getting the love and affection needed and desired for growth, this little boy was truly alone.  Years of abuse took their toll on his body and though confused by it, he dealt with it.    The toll on his mind was another matter. It would be years before he could harness the anger, frustration and confusion. With help, he will work through much of the mental anguish.  The question remains, will he find love?

     A story of survival at the most basic levels. Mr. Wheeler allows us to take the journey through his past and his mind, with him.   This book is not for the meek or those who have never suffered. This book is, however, a testament to the strength within us all but is rarely touched.  You will be changed after you read this book.  I do recommend it. Highly.

     I found no issues.

     I gave this book 5 cheers out of 5 because it really is an horrific journey of truth. 

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Whaley's Big Adventure Written and Illustrated by Alexander Luke, presented by Carole P. Roman

     Whaley is a big blue whale. He decides to see if there are any others like him.  He ends up finding forty varieties of whales.  He learns about each one and then shares all the information when he gets back home. Whaley even gets to have a playdate with one of the whales. 

     A debut book by Mr Luke, this is so well written and illustrated your children will love it.  He does very detailed work and I am proud to have been one of the first to review it.  We look forward to more work from Alexander Luke.

     I found no issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's an amazing book. 

I Want To Do Yoga Too by Carole P. Roman

     Hallie's mom took a Yoga class and Hallie want to do Yoga too.  She decided she was big enough to join the adults.  Her mother leaves her with the caregiver at the Yoga class. Her name is Robin. After that, Hallie learns quickly things aren't always what they seem.

     What a fantastic way to get your children  motivated to exercise.  Allow them to join you and eventually, it will become a habit they'll love. Not only do you get more one on one time with them, they are keeping their bodies healthy too. 

     I found no issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because I am all for it. 

Living with Grownups; Duties and Responsibilities by Nadege Nicoll

     Since Isaac is now a "tween", his younger brother Aaron has taken up where he left off.  Aaron is a bit more thoughtful in his observations.  He has a scientific approach.  He helps his peers understand the duties and responsibilities adults have and what that in turn means for children.  It's really well thought out.

     This second book is just as much fun as the first was.  I'm sure your children would agree with most of what Aaron has written.   Even we adults would be hard pressed to find fault with it.  It really does take you back to those days when you were saying I'll do things differently with my children. LOL! Let the games begin.

     I found no issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because I laughed out loud and remembered these from my childhood.

Living With Grownups; Raising Parents by Nadege Nicoll

     Isaac decided he needed to help out his peers and so he wrote this book.  Isaac is certain they will benefit from his keen observations about grownups.  With a little help from his younger brother Aaron, they decide it's time children knew the truth.

     Witty and sweet, you'll want to share this book with every child you know.  I'm sure you'll remember many of these issues from your own childhood.  Ms Nicoll has a wonderful gem on her hands here. What a series of books this will make.  If you need a look back to when you were a child, and a good chuckle, this book will do it.

     I found no issues.

      I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because I SO remember these from my childhood.

Fashionably Deceptive by Tonia

    Kayla is a senior at LSU and at the top of her class.  She also has two of the very best friends any young woman could ask for. Pharris and Jordan were the type of friends who didn't ask questions, they just supported their friend.   Then there was Dareon. Handsome, wealthy, and about to turn pro. He was all Kayla's, at least she hoped he was. She had that feeling though, he was cheating.  Now to find evidence.

   Captivating, erotic and dangerous, this book will keep you riveted to your seat.  Just when you think you've figured everything out, a new element is added. Loved the layering Tonia did in this book.  I also enjoyed the brutal honesty between the friends. Really was a testament to how much they valued their friendship.  This is your next new read.

   The only issue I found was the prologue. It was really an unnecessary part of this book and a shame someone didn't see that before print. 

     I gave this one 4 out of 5 cheers simply because of the prologue.  You'll love the story though.

     

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Dradnats and The Metric Measurement Kids by Linda Dawson

     Are your kids struggling with the metric system? Do they find it tough to understand and remember? Now there is a fun way to learn and understand the metric system. Your kids will enjoy this book and barely realize they are learning.

     Ms Dawson found an excellent way to teach your children the metric system. I struggled myself with the metric system. I just couldn't remember all of those measurements.  This book is a fantastic way to slip learning in with fun.  The story is terrific and does such a fabulous job of teaching.

     I didn't find issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because even I learned with this one.

How I Taught My Kids to Become Responsible Using Simple Household Chores by Justin Kregger

       Do you wish your children would keep their room clean?  Do you want them to know where their homework and papers from school are? How about helping around the house? You can teach them to be more independent, organized and helpful.

       This book is a perfect tool to get your kids on the right track.  I love that little things around the house can teach them the skills they will use their whole lives.  It is amazing you can use such simple household  chores to get them started.  Mr Kregger really is on to something here. You need this book if you have children.

      I didn't find issues.

      I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because you really need these "handbooks" if you have children.

Monday, March 10, 2014

My Little Puppies by Nicola Kluge, Ph.D.

     This book is a novel way to teach skills to kids. Math, Science, Art and more are all in this book. Using puppies makes it fun and interesting.  The really fun part is there are activities to tie it all together.  More than a story, this book is a learning experience and just keeps on giving.  Your children will love having this book to learn from.

     Nicola Kluge, PhD did a wonderful job of incorporating everything into one book.  It's not overwhelming but just enough to keep them busy for an hour or so at a time. I really love this idea.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it really has the children's growth in mind. GET THIS ONE for the little in your life. 

If You Were Me and Lived In.... Turkey by Carole P. Roman

     This trip we head to Turkey.  What a colorful place that is rich in history Turkey is.  We get to experience the things the people of Turkey do in a weeks time.  

     Carole P. Roman does a fantastic job of sharing the culture, language and history of far away places.  Children get the chance to peek into someone else's world with these books.  New words  and different celebrations but Ms Roman shows we are all basically the same.

     I didn't find any issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's another window into the world. 

My First Kill ( Ryan Matters Series) by D. Odell Benson

     Ryan is a seventeen year old Senior in high school.  He's all around tops in sports. Captain of the football and basketball teams. The only way he's different from most teens is his mother ran off when he was younger. His father is abusive and very secretive.  Ryan just tries to get along so he can make it to college. Then he'll better his life.  Only his father's unexpected death changes things more than Ryan ever dreamed it would.  Ryan learns things he never knew before. Now to decide what to do.

     This horrifying thriller is an amazing story!  You'll be startled by this story of family and how death is justified in their own little clique. A very tightly written story with characters you'll recognize from your neighborhood or schools makes this even more electrifying.  D. Odell Benson gives Stephen King a run for his money with this book. You have to read this one. You'll never forget it.

     I found only that it is graphic. Be aware of that before you dig in.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because this book is a blockbuster movie waiting to happen.

Peaceful Meadows by Tracey Madeley

       Jarred  is eighteen and burying his mother. It's a tough way to begin your college education.  Slowly, with time Jarred gets back on track and heads off to college.  There he meets by chance, a beautiful young woman in a coffee shop.  Jarred meets her again in the library.  Fleur is the woman Jarred wants to be with.  After getting to know her, he begins to get to know her family.  In time Jarred will find the place he feels most at home.

      This book is one you will want to be sure to read. It's the sequel to 'Love & Haight'.  The characters are solid and the story well plotted. I love that Jarred has to balance both halves of his life.  He seems to be very eager to make himself happy, but also please those he loves most.  Ms. Madeley has a fantastic way of leading you through the story and giving you both sides of an issue.  I adore it.

     I did find one issue.  The biggest secret, the wrap up of the whole book, was only given 15 pages.  I felt it minimized the importance of this part of the book.  It really gave me a feeling of being let down.  

     I gave this one 3 out of 5 cheers for the issue above.  This is a terrific book though. 

Love & Haight by Tracey Madeley

      It was the 1960's and Solomon King was the first in his Irish family to attend college.  When he won the scholarship, it was even more amazing. Now off to America to learn and study.  Solomon couldn't wait.  He met some really nice people right from the beginning but he also met one woman he couldn't forget.  Petula seemed to be perfect yet they couldn't see eye to eye. Suddenly  it all came together for them and back to the UK they went.  Life would soon change forever.

     If you are looking for a book with romance and the true message of the 60's.. this is it! Well written, this book is a guided tour through the heart of two young people and the 60's as they saw them.  Characters you could find in any poster of the time period, you'll fall in love with them.  I read right through this book 3 times. It was that terrific.

     I did find one small issue. It does bog down in spots and seems to take awhile to get back on track, but other than that, it's a fantastic read.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it gave me a new perspective of the 1960's.