Library of Clean Reads

The Painted Girls by Cathy Marie Buchanan

2013-05-22T09:03:00.002-04:00

The Painted Girls by Cathy Marie Buchanan
Harper Collins
ISBN: 9781443412346
Published Dec 18, 2012
Trade Paperback, 353 pages

This is the kind of historical fiction I love. The author evokes a time and place, Paris of the late 1800’s. The world of the Paris Opera and dance came alive as I saw the ballerinas with their greasepaint practicing their pas de deux, plies, etc. Excerpts from newspaper articles regarding a real-life criminal trial taking place at the time gives an authentic “voice” to the story. Sometimes, Ms Buchanan made me “feel” that I was viewing a scene in “Les Miserables.” And who can resist the book cover?

The story is told from two perspectives. Antoinette, 17 and Marie, 13 are poverty-stricken girls whose father has died and whose mother is addicted to absinthe. They are desperate to find work or be evicted from their apartment. Marie applies to the Paris Opera to train as a ballerina, a “petit rat” – girls struggling to elevate their lives through ballet. Times are difficult and the girls are forever pawning household items in order to buy food. At one point they burn a drawer from a treasured sideboard in order to keep warm.

Then, Marie accepts Edgar Degas’ invitation to paint her. He is obsessed with the ballet dancers of the Opera, and Marie becomes his muse for the painting ‘Little Dancer Aged Fourteen.’ She also poses for a would-be painter who wants nothing more than to see her undressed; readers need to be aware of some rather sordid sexual situations. So there is a dark underside to the beautiful paintings of tutus. But Marie is determined to rise from the gutter to the stage. Antoinette meanwhile accepts whatever work she can get, sometimes as a laundress, sometimes as an extra in a play. An opportunity arises and she gradually slips into the more profitable work of a “coquette” – euphemism for prostitute.

The characters in the story are well developed as Marie and Antoinette face the moral challenges that are presented. The time period, as well as the world of ballet is well researched. The author successfully weaves fact and fiction into this beautiful, lyrical story, the themes of which are love, determination, and family loyalty. And it has a happy ending.

I recommend this novel to readers who love Paris, ballet and Degas’ work. You won’t be disappointed. See some of Degas’ art at www.CathyMarieBuchanan.com/art.

Note: This book is rated S = some sexual situations

Reviewed by Sandra

Disclosure: I bought this book at Costco. I was not told how to rate or review this product.

Winners!

2013-05-22T08:54:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to:

Anne for winning
Mira's Diary: Home Sweet Rome by Marissa Moss
and
Diane for winning
The Happiness Handbook by Jenn Flaa

The winners were chosen using Random.org and have been emailed. The winners have 48 hours to claim the prize. Library of Clean Reads would like to thank the publishers and authors for offering these items to give away. Thanks also to all the participants and current and new followers!

Laura

Truths and Roses by Inglath Cooper

2013-05-20T16:16:00.001-04:00

Truths and Roses by Inglath Cooper
Fence Free Entertainment
ISBN: 978-0615701585
Published Oct 10, 2012
Kindle version, 296 pages

Sometimes I'm in the mood to read a romantic book, a love story into which I can escape. So I picked up Truths and Roses, and was happy to discover it was just what I was looking for.

Professional football player Will Kincaid ends his career by busting his knee just as he crosses the line for a glorious win at the Superbowl. He returns to his hometown a hero, wondering what he is now going to do with his life. But when he bumps into Hannah Jacobs, the only girl who ever rejected him in high school, old feelings come alive as they learn to deal with old secrets, bad memories and the growing attraction between them.

This was a fun book that dealt with serious issues realistically, yet without too much drama. I enjoyed the plotline and the characters as they both grew and changed. Hannah was stuck in a quiet life with unfulfilled dreams and couldn't move beyond a tragic event in her past. Will's whole life had been football and it seems he couldn't get his father's approval otherwise. He needed to come to terms with his strengths and weaknesses to determine where he was now headed in life.

Together Will and Hannah help each other, but must overcome their obstacles to be able to give the best of each other in their relationship. This is the message I really liked in this story. The romance builds well without silly bodice-ripping scenes or phrases telling me how gorgeous the characters are. Yes, there are some hot kissing scenes, but they are in good taste. And the sex scene isn't explicit.

I will definitely read another of Cooper's books when I'm in the mood for a good solid romance. Recommended to lovers of romance books.

Note: This book is rated S = some sexual content, not too explicit.

Reviewed by Laura

Disclosure: Thanks to the author for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

Mailbox Monday and It's Monday, What Are You Reading? May 20th Edition

2013-05-19T18:54:00.003-04:00

Mailbox Monday was created by Marcia who now blogs at To Be Continued. It is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. Abi at 4 the Love of Books is hosting for the month of May. You can also view the touring blog list here for the upcoming months.

Current Giveaways:

Mira's Diary: Home Sweet Rome by Marissa Moss (Ends May 20 -today!)
The Happiness Handbook by Jenn Flaa (Ends May 21)

Review Books:

I got a few gems from Netgalley. The first two are a new middle-grade adventure series. As I'm always looking for good books that will appeal to my 9-year-old son, I decided to give these a try. I started reading the first book with my son and he loves it!

Travels With Gannon and Wyatt: Botswana by Patti Wheeler and Keith Hemstreet

When Gannon and Wyatt arrive in Botswana for an African safari, they find themselves tangled up in much more than a family vacation. After receiving word that a poacher has shot and wounded a lioness, they set off into the wild in the hopes of saving the mother and her cubs before the poacher finishes the job. While on this amazing journey, they encounter Africa's Big Five--elephants, rhinos, cape buffalos, leopards, and lions--only to discover that the most dangerous predator in the African bush is not the king of beasts, but man himself.

In the tradition of the historic journals kept by explorers such as Lewis and Clark, Dr. David Livingstone, and Captain James Cook comes the adventure series Travels with Gannon and Wyatt. From Africa to the South Pacific, these twin brothers have traveled the world. You never know what they will encounter as they venture into the wild, but one thing is certain--wherever Gannon and Wyatt go, adventure is their constant companion.

Travels With Gannon and Wyatt: Great Bear Rainforest by Patti Wheeler and Keith Hemstreet

Gannon and Wyatt can't wait to trek into the Great Bear Rainforest in search of the mythical spirit bear, but surviving in this unforgiving wilderness proves more challenging than they could have ever imagined. When members of the expedition go missing, the brothers bravely set out on a search-and-rescue mission. Soon they find themselves lost in a forest teeming with grizzlies, wolves and mysterious gunmen. Guided by the wisdom of the First Nation people, Gannon and Wyatt uncover a sinister plot and must risk everything to save those who are missing and restore balance to the Great Bear.

In the tradition of the historic journals kept by explorers such as Lewis and Clark, Dr. David Livingstone, and Captain James Cook comes the adventure series Travels with Gannon and Wyatt. From Africa to the South Pacific, these twin brothers have traveled the world. You never know what they will encounter as they venture into the wild, but one thing is certain--wherever Gannon and Wyatt go, adventure is their constant companion.

The Spark: A Mother's Story of Nurturing Genius by Kristine Barnett

Kristine Barnett’s son Jacob has an IQ higher than Einstein’s, a photographic memory, and he taught himself calculus in two weeks. At nine he started working on an original theory in astrophysics that experts believe may someday put him in line for a Nobel Prize, and at age twelve he became a paid researcher in quantum physics. But the story of Kristine’s journey with Jake is all the more remarkable because his extraordinary mind was almost lost to autism. At age two, when Jake was diagnosed, Kristine was told he might never be able to tie his own shoes.

The Spark is a remarkable memoir of mother and son. Surrounded by “experts” at home and in special ed who tried to focus on Jake’s most basic skills and curtail his distracting interests—moving shadows on the wall, stars, plaid patterns on sofa fabric—Jake made no progress, withdrew more and more into his own world, and eventually stopped talking completely. Kristine knew in her heart that she had to make a change. Against the advice of her husband, Michael, and the developmental specialists, Kristine followed her instincts, pulled Jake out of special ed, and began preparing him for mainstream kindergarten on her own.

Relying on the insights she developed at the daycare center she runs out of the garage in her home, Kristine resolved to follow Jacob’s “spark”—his passionate interests. Why concentrate on what he couldn’t do? Why not focus on what he could? This basic philosophy, along with her belief in the power of ordinary childhood experiences (softball, picnics, s’mores around the campfire) and the importance of play, helped Kristine overcome huge odds.

The Barnetts were not wealthy people, and in addition to financial hardship, Kristine herself faced serious health issues. But through hard work and determination on behalf of Jake and his two younger brothers, as well as an undying faith in their community, friends, and family, Kristine and Michael prevailed. The results were beyond anything anyone could have imagined.

Dramatic, inspiring, and transformative, The Spark is about the power of love and courage in the face of overwhelming obstacles, and the dazzling possibilities that can occur when we learn how to tap the true potential that lies within every child, and in all of us.

Free Kindle Book:

Intwine (Intwine Saga #1) by Christina Moss

What happens when a girl falls madly in love, only to discover her new beau hails from a planet on the other side of the galaxy? A modern day Star Wars with nonstop adventure as she learns the secrets of his world, and other planets far beyond the Solar System.

INTWINE introduces Juliette Greenmoss, a shy but endearingly sweet girl from Southern California who, before meeting Seth Morrison, had never even stepped out of California much less stepped off of the planet.

INTWINE takes place over the course of a summer. The story eases you into an all too familiar world, and then hurls you into unforeseen dangers as Juliette confronts new enemies, other beings, and space travel. She learns of super human powers and advanced health and mechanical technologies that Earth doctors and scientists would kill to discover — all of it carefully hidden from the small planet Earth. By the end of a summer, our unlikely heroine begins to discover who she really is.

Bought:

Mother Warriors by Jenny McCarthy (Audiobook)

Stories of hope and recovery from a nation of parents of autistic children by the high-profile bestselling author of Louder than Words

When Jenny McCarthy published the story of her successful efforts to save her son from autism, the response was tremendous, including a number-three rank on the New York Times bestseller list and an appearance on the cover of Peoplemagazine. What she hadn’t anticipated was the overwhelming response from other parents of autistic children who wanted to share their own stories of success.

No two autistic children heal in exactly the same way. And in her new book, Jenny expands her message to share recovery stories from parents across the country, showing how each parent fought to find her own child’s perfect “remedy of interventions.” Along the way, Jenny shares her own journey as an autism advocate and mother, as well as the continuing progress of her son, Evan. Emotional and genuinely practical, Mother Warriors will inspire a generation of parents with hope.

Audiobook for review:

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it's the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth's last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie's only hope for rescuing her brother--or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

This meme is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. This is where we keep track of what we are currently reading and plan to read. The kidlit version is hosted by Jen at Teach Mentor Texts.

Read and reviewed:
Frozen in Time by Mitchell Zuckoff (another favorite!)
The Kashmir Shawl by Rosie Thomas (an epic tale)
Trauma Farm by Brian Brett (memoir in audiobook)
Bubble Tubbie by Epiphany Schwarz (awesome children's book)

Currently Reading:
Travels with Gannon and Wyatt: Botswana by Patti Wheeler and Keith Hemstreet (with my son)
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
However Long the Night by Aimee Molloy

Finished Reading:
The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Namesake by Sue MacLeod

Hope you all have a great reading week!

Kid Konnection: Bubble Tubbie by Epiphany Schwarz

2013-05-18T07:37:00.002-04:00

Bubble Tubbie by Epiphany Schwarz, photography by Gil Lempert-Schwarz, Epiphany Schwarz, Brian Swanson, Greg Christman and Studio West Photography
Black Catapult Publishing
ISBN: 978-0985292058
Published 2012
Hardcover, 32 pages

This bright book is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who loves bubble baths because through its oversized pages he can venture into imaginative worlds, such as the Bubble Shoe Shop, Bubble Ice Cream Parlor and the Bubble Marsh, which were favorites for me and both my kids. The thick glossy pages explode with original artwork and close-ups of photographic images. Really, this book has a lot for the eyes to feast on.

The rhyming text takes readers on a magical exploration of soap bubble orbs and what we can imagine in them. I particularly liked the many photographs because they can be used as a guessing game of trying to figure out what the close-up of each photo is. The author also includes on every page spread the definition of two words so that new words are learned. At the back of the book, there are vinyl stickers that can be stuck and used over and over on the pages, but also in the bathtub! Both my kids thought this was so cool.

The book is available in hardcover with a shiny white padded cover, as a waterproof bathtub book with LED light and also as an interactive iPad book app, which includes narration from the author's two daughters, sound effects and all kinds of fun stuff to do. This book is so attractive that my 12 year-old daughter loved looking through it as much as my younger son, and she thought both the artwork and the photos were awesome.

Highly recommended to brighten up the world of any child who loves big books, bright pictures and, of course, bubble baths.

Note: This book is rated C = clean read.

Here's a page from the Book app version which gives you an idea how colorful and bright this book is.

Reviewed by Laura and Son and Daughter

Disclosure: Thanks to the publisher and Author Marketing Services for sending us this book for review. We were not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

Every Saturday, Booking Mama hosts a feature called Kid Konnection—a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, visit Booking Mama.

Trauma Farm by Brian Brett

2013-05-17T06:59:00.003-04:00

Trauma Farm: A Rebel History of Rural Life by Brian Brett

Post Hypnotic Press

Released Feb 01, 2013

Narrator: Michael Puttonen

Length: 11 hrs, 47 mins, 10 CDs

When I read the synopsis of this book I thought it to be some sort of documentary about our Canadian farms and the meat-packaging industry, but instead it's a memoir of journalist and poet Brian Brett as he recounts the eighteen years he spent on his farm, which he refers to as Trauma Farm, situated in British Columbia on an island called Salt Spring Island which is nestled up against the east side of Vancouver Island. I looked it up and found it to be stunning.

Brett's writing is beautiful and his love of nature and the land are immediately apparent in his description of the flora and fauna, the farm animals, their behaviour (funny and awe-inspiring) and his experience with it all. Brett chooses not to write in chronological order but instead describes the eighteen years in one day, beginning with his memories of walking naked in the darkness of night on his 10-acre land, and on to the dawn, morning and so forth of that eighteen-year day.

Brett is forthright and honest about his opinions and observations on everything to do with farming. I marvelled at his discussion of the humble but versatile egg and also that of the honeybee, but I cringed and was saddened when he spoke of the horrific condition of animals on commercial farms. He speaks fondly of his everyday life experiences with his wife Sharon. And there are funny moments in the book, intimate moments too. I appreciated Brett's wisdom acquired from life on the farm and his reflections of it, even though I disagreed with his beliefs on evolution.

Being a city girl, I learned quite a few things listening to the musings of this poet-farmer and it made me long for the time when I believe (in the future under God's rule) we will go back to living in a paradise, a beautiful garden, as the Earth was meant to be, and be in harmony with the land, going back to a way of life that has becoming lost and destroyed by greed and commercialism. I even envied Brett his experiences with the land and farm, something I barely know about, and feel it as a loss.

Sometimes Brett lost me as he rambled on about everything along with his philosophical views only because there was no chronological order and his poetic mind could take on one subject after another. But for the most part, his humanity appealed to me and kept me listening.

I think that narrator Michael Puttonen captures well the voice of Brett, his moments of irony and humour. He conveys the feelings the author has of the farm life he muses on. I recommend this to readers who love memoirs, nature and learning about the life of farming.

Note: This book is rated C = clean read.

Reviewed by Laura

Disclosure: Thanks to Post Hypnotic Press for sending me this audiobook for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

Sound Bytes is hosted by Devourer of Books, a weekly Friday meme where you can link up your audio book reviews.

The Kashmir Shawl by Rosie Thomas

2013-05-15T06:46:00.001-04:00

The Kashmir Shawl by Rosie Thomas
The Overlook Press
ISBN: 978-1468302462
Published January 10, 2013
Hardcover, 480 pages

Mair Ellis finds an exquisite shawl, the craftsmanship of which is unparalleled today, as she is clearing out her dead parents' house. Along with it she finds the lock of a child's curly hair. With her adventurous spirit, Mair sets out to find out all she can about the shawl which belonged to her grandmother. She traces it back to Kashmir, India, where her grandparents Nerys and Evan Watkins did missionary work. There she embarks on a quest that changes her life.

The story alternates with that of her newlywed grandmother Nerys in 1941 during WWII when she and her husband Evan live a simple life doing missionary work in a remote area of India. When Nerys suffers a miscarriage, Evan sends her with friends to rest in Kashmir, an exotic lakeside city, where the British dance, have affairs and gossip, while he travels on a missionary assignment elsewhere. There Nerys learns a lot about herself and what makes her happy. She becomes involved with three people who become key players in her life, Myrtle, Rainer and Caroline.

Although the book has a slow start and some slow parts throughout, Thomas is a great storyteller as she brings her story from the present to the past and weaves the two together. India is exotic and poor, and I learned so much about the fascinating art of shawl weaving. Both the present story and the historical one kept my interest. There is a scene in Mair's story that is heartbreaking. I also couldn't help but be reminded a little of The Great Gatsby as I read the historical one because of how the British socialized. The War affected the British society in India, and I can appreciate this was hard on wives whose husbands left to fight. It was touching to see how Nerys and Myrtle came to the aid of one of the women.

Nerys is a level-headed woman who is unsure about her faith except she loves her role in helping the children in the missionary post. She doesn't have a relationship with God, but she is kind and generous and self-sacrificing. But she does eventually engage in an affair with another man who falls in love with her. She feels absolutely no guilt about doing so and she gives no thought to what this relationship will mean to her lover, especially when her husband returns. This made me uncomfortable as it seemed that the book's message was that having an affair could actually spice up one's marriage and would not affect a woman's relationship with her husband. I could understand what drove one of the other women to have an affair but not Nerys. Her husband was not perfect but neither did he deserve to be cuckolded.

I can see that quite a lot of research went into the writing of this epic novel with storytelling that pulled me in and kept me turning the pages. I was invested in the story, but not always in the characters.

Note: This book is rated S = sex scenes, not too explicit and P = profanity for some religious expletives.

Reviewed by Laura

Disclosure: Thanks to the publisher and from Author Marketing Services for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

Frozen in Time by Mitchell Zuckoff

2013-05-13T06:43:00.000-04:00

Frozen in Time: An Epic Story of Survival and a Modern Quest for Lost Heroes of World War II by Mitchell Zuckoff
HarperCollins
ISBN: 978-0062133434
Published May 2013
Hardcover, 400 pages

Have you ever read a thriller novel where extraordinary and harrowing things happen to the characters but somehow they get through it against all odds? Well, that's what it was like reading Frozen in Time, except that it's not fiction, it's the true-life thrilling story of how a handful of WWII officers crashed into the barren and frozen Ice Cap of Greenland and survived for months. The story also alternates with the present story of a quest to find the lost Grumman Duck plane and the frozen remains of three officers.

Just as he did with Lost in Shangri-La, Zuckoff once again blew me away with his writing, bringing to life through narrative prose these valiant men, their adventures, their survival stories, and their families. By the end of the book, I felt like I knew these people personally. This is the gift of Zuckoff's writing. He allows the reader to truly get to know the people he writes about—not just facts, but their hopes and dreams—making the reading experience a touching one.

I didn't know a thing about Greenland, but Zuckoff makes sure the reader understands what kind of land it is just so one could appreciate all the obstacles the survivors encountered and how miraculous their survival really was. There were several times I choked up with tears as I read about these men's self-sacrificing acts and their mental anguish.

This was a suspenseful read. I could feel the relentless cold, hear the howling wind through the many snowstorms and feel the fear as the men had to trudge through snow and watch out for hidden crevasses that were bottomless. I kept marveling at the men's resilience and ingenuity. One of the things that kept the men's hope alive was the power of prayer. Zuckoff writes that they prayed daily, stating, “There were no atheists in their ice hole.”

Zuckoff makes it clear in his note to the reader that he takes no liberties with facts, dialogue, characters, details or chronology. This nonfiction work is based on his thorough research in the form of declassified documents, maps, photographs, interviews and previously unknown journals. He also joined the expedition team that travelled to the remote glacier in Greenland in search of the lost Grumman Duck plane. He tells us firsthand all about it.

I am counting this book as a favorite of 2013. I am a big fan of Zuckoff and will read anything by him, knowing that I am in for a well-written, exciting, and grand story.

Note: This book is rated C = clean read with the exception of 2 f-words when quoting the words of a US Coast Guard commander.
For more reviews, please visit the TLC Book Tour Page.

Watch the book trailer:

About the Author:
Mitchell Zuckoff is the author of Lost in Shangri-La, a New York Times bestseller and winner of the Winship/PEN New England Award. His previous books include Robert Altman: The Oral Biography and Ponzi’s Scheme: The True Story of a Financial Legend. He has written for national and regional publications and is a former special projects reporter for the Boston Globe, where he was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for investigative reporting. He is a professor of journalism at Boston University and lives outside Boston.

Find out more about Zuckoff at his website, connect with him on Facebook, and follow him on Twitter.

Reviewed by Laura

Disclosure: Thanks to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

Mailbox Monday and It's Monday, What Are You Reading? May 13 Edition

2013-05-12T17:31:00.003-04:00

However Long the Night by Aimee Molloy

In However Long the Night, Aimee Molloy tells the unlikely and inspiring story of Molly Melching, an American woman whose experience as an exchange student in Senegal led her to found Tostan and dedicate almost four decades of her life to the girls and women of Africa.

This moving biography details Melching's beginnings at the University of Dakar and follows her journey of 40 years in Africa, where she became a social entrepreneur and one of humanity's strongest voices for the rights of girls and women.

Inspirational and beautifully written, However Long the Night: Molly Melching's Journey to Help Millions of African Women and Girls Triumph is a passionate entreaty for all global citizens. This book is published in partnership with the Skoll Foundation, dedicated to accelerating innovations from organizations like Tostan that address the world's most pressing problems.

Life is Full of Sweet Spots: An Exploration of Joy by Mary O'Connor

Explore and connect with the niches and nuances of the earth, the sea and sky, our bodies, minds and souls—the places where joy resides. Come away with new understanding of life and how its beauty and powers make us inwardly hum, how gardening or stargazing, touching something wild, listening to the sounds of silence, learning and loving, just simply being, all feed our emotional wellness and craving for joy.

• Meet and read the personal reflections of over 40 artists and individuals from 20 states, Canada and Australia who share the ways and places in which they found fulfillment or simple contentment in life.

• Find nuggets of insight, supportive research and notable quotes that will help illuminate your own sweet spots of life.

• Stretch your mind and nurture your creativity through more than 150 listings and links to actual places, activities and resources for turning the discovery of joy into an everyday affair.

This meme is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. This is where we keep track of what we are currently reading and plan to read. The kidlit version is hosted by Jen at Teach Mentor Texts.

Read and reviewed:
The Journey by John A. Heldt (good time travel story)
While We Were Watching Downton Abbey by Wendy Wax (audiobook review of fun story)
Nalah and the Pink Tiger by Anne Sawyer-Aitch (gorgeous illustrations!)

Currently Reading:
The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen
True (...Sort of) by Katherine Hannigan (with my son)
Namesake by Sue MacLeod (with my daughter)

Hope you all have a great reading week!

Kid Konnection: Nalah and the Pink Tiger by Anne Sawyer-Aitch

2013-05-11T13:15:00.001-04:00

Nalah and the Pink Tiger by Anne Sawyer-Aitch
Scarletta Kids
ISBN: 978-1938063008
Published March 5, 2013
Softcover, 40 pages
Ages: 3 and up

Synopsis:
Nalah and the Pink Tiger is about a rambunctious little girl who lives so intensely in her imagination that grown-ups view her as a troublemaker. Things come to a head when, in addition to all the exotic animals that Nalah has “placed” in the house, a pink tiger “follows” her home from the zoo and creates havoc.

Our Thoughts:

This book is a celebration of a child's imagination. Nalah is a girl who loves wild animals. Her imagination is so vivid that she explores it throughout her day and in every room of her house to the point where her family becomes frustrated with her, but this does not stop Nalah, especially when she discovers a pink tiger at the zoo.

I love when she says, "My mom says I have a big imagination. I think that means she can't see the animals." Sometimes as adults we run around getting things done and we forget how important imaginative play is for child development. For parents of young children, this book can be a good reminder to play along with our child's imaginary friends rather than ignore it.

The author has also illustrated this book, which my son and I think is one of the most colorful children's book we've ever read. The illustrations really make this book special. The author include a note at the end of the book explaining how she has created these illustrations called "illuminated illustrations" that involve cut-away designs, layering, and backlighting. What a talented author!

We highly recommend this beautiful and funny book about a spirited heroine whose imagination runs very wild!

Note: This book is rated C = clean read.

About the author:
Anne Sawyer-Aitch (pronounced like the letter “H”) is a puppeteer and stilt-walker. Nalah and the Pink Tiger is her first children’s book. She has worked for years with Minneapolis-based groups In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre and the all-women’s stilting troupe Chicks on Sticks. Anne likes to create all kinds of puppets: parade floats, giant stilt puppets, and intricate color shadow shows. Currently, she is performing her Nalah and the Pink Tiger puppet show in English and Spanish around MN. She is a recipient of awards from the Jim Henson Foundation, the Puppeteers of America, the MN State Arts Board, and the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council. She lives in Minneapolis with her computer genius husband and a pack of imaginary dogs.

You can view her website at www.nalahandthepinktiger.com. Connect with Anne on Facebook

Reviewed by Laura and Son

Disclosure: Thanks to the publisher and Pump Up Your Book Promotions for sending us this book for review. We were not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

While We Were Watching Downton Abbey by Wendy Wax (Audiobook Review)

2013-05-10T08:12:00.000-04:00

While We Were Watching Downton Abbey by Wendy Wax
Penguin Audio
Released April 2, 2013
Length: 10 hrs 24 mins, unabridged
Narrator: Orlagh Cassidy

Being a Downton Abbey fan, I was immediately attracted to the title of this story. Edward Parker, the concierge of a historic Atlanta apartment building invites the residents to enjoy weekly screenings of Downton Abbey and association afterwards so as to get to know each other better. Three very different women forge a friendship with each other and Edward.

Samantha Parker, a beautiful wealthy socialite who married young and for security, Claire Walker, a single mom who is now an empty nester and a struggling author, and recently divorced and young mom Brooke MacKenzie who suffers from low self-worth, find themselves enjoying these evenings and each others' company. As they experience life challenges, their friendship is tested and strengthened, all while watching Downton Abbey.

I really enjoyed this book and the characters. It was a fun book but it had its serious moments too. I think I could relate to Claire the most because she is a writer struggling with writer's block, but there was something in every character that appealed to me, including their struggles. Sometimes I wanted to shake Samantha for what seemed to be complacency, but as the story progressed I understood more where she was coming from.

Orlagh Cassidy is my new favorite narrator. Her narration was smooth and she was great with Edward's English accent and the Southern drawls of both the men and women. I was able to distinguish easily the voices of all three women, not only because of accents but also intonation. I was very impressed and I thing I wouldn't have enjoyed this book as much if I had just read it. If you haven't seen Downton Abbey you may miss some of the connections related to the story, but I think you can still enjoy this book without having seen the TV series. Or it may entice you to finally view it!

Just a note for those of you sensitive about alcohol. A lot of it flows in this novel. At every get-together there is either wine or hard liquor and the women have gotten drunk several times.

I recommend this book to all fans of contemporary fiction stories that deal with friendships and to Downton Abbey fans. This was a feel good book and perfect for light summer reading or listening.

Note: This book is rated P = profanity for religious expletives, and S = one sex scene, not too explicit.

Reviewed by Laura

Disclosure: Thanks to Penguin Audio and Audiobook Jukebox for sending me this audiobook for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

Sound Bytes is hosted by Devourer of Books, a weekly Friday meme where you can link up your audio book reviews.

The Journey by John A. Heldt

2013-05-08T12:30:00.000-04:00

The Journey by John A. Heldt
Self-published
Published Nov 3, 2012
Ebook, 242 pages

I'm a new fan of John Heldt because of his ability to write stories that uses the time travel element to propel forward a good story without the fantastical part overwhelming the plot. And unlike other time travel novels, his characters only travel back within fifty years rather than hundreds. His first book The Mine (read my review) captured my attention and I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to read this second novel.

Recently widowed and childless, 48 year-old Michelle Preston decides to go back to her hometown for a class reunion. After visiting an abandoned mansion and entering a mysterious room, she ends up travelling back in time thirty years to 1979. She finds a job as a secretary at her old high school and meets her former classmates, her parents and her younger self, all of whom have no idea who she is. She befriends her younger self Shelly, as she was known in school, and also finds a new love. But knowing about future events propels her to make a sacrifice in order to save lives and give herself a second shot at life.

Once again, I was quickly taken in with the story and wondered how the time travel element was going to direct it. Michelle is in the position of being a mature woman in the same environment as her teenage self. She can see herself as she was back then, young and confused, with different eyes. It made me wonder what I would feel and do if I was suddenly thrown back to my teenage years to see myself in school with my friends and former boyfriend. Would I want to give myself advice and see if I took a different path in life? Probably. Or maybe not at all because of what those changes might mean for the future? You know how we all wish we had done things differently during those tumultuous teen years?!

Well, this book made me question all that because of what Michelle did. I have to admit that at first I had a hard time believing Shelly did not recognize herself thirty years into the future. I know my face hasn't changed all that much and I look pretty much the same way I did when I was in high school 28 years ago. Even her parents didn't recognize her. Also, there seemed to be little reaction toward seeing her former boyfriend who had been her husband for many years and had recently died. But once I got past this lack of dramatic opening (must be the Italian in me that expected it!) I was able to focus more on the storyline to see where it was heading.

Heldt managed to surprise me once again with his ending, which was bittersweet and satisfying. If you like time travel stories that deal with relationships and second chances you will like this one. It took me back to my high school days and entertained me with a story that had me questioning what I would have done differently if given a second chance.

Note: This book is rated S = sexual scenes, not too explicit.

I will count this book toward the following challenges: My Personal Time Travel Challenge

Reviewed by Laura

Disclosure: Thanks to the author for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

Author Interview with Jenn Flaa and Giveaway of The Happiness Handbook!

2013-05-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

Last week I reviewed The Happiness Handbook by Jenn Flaa, a workbook that's simple and effective for finding out what makes you happy and how to attain it. You can read my review here. Jenn came across like such a fun person that I decided to have an interview with her. Please help me welcome Jenn Flaa who has also graciously offered to giveaway a copy of her book.

LCR: Hi Jenn! Welcome to Library of Clean Reads.

JF: Hi Laura, thanks so much for reviewing my book. I’m so glad you liked it!

LCR: Let me begin by saying that I loved your book's simple advice, which works! There are a few things I'd love for you to share with my readers. Now, there are many "how to find happiness" books out there. What makes yours different?

JF: What I know for sure is that everybody is different. What makes me happy might not even make you smile. The Happiness Handbook is NOT me, the author, telling you what to do to make you happy. I have no expertise in “you” but you do! So, I created a book that was more of an guide to help you figure out what makes you happy, based upon my journey from miserable to happy. In the end, you’ll wind up with your very own “user’s manual” of how you work. It’s like we are writing the book together.

LCR: I like that you don't pack the book with pages and pages of psychological know-how but instead keep it simple and to the point. It was easy and fun to read. Was this intentional?

JF: Yes! I wanted the book to feel like we (the reader and I) were sitting together, chatting over coffee. When I was at my most unhappy, I sure could have used a book that was a shoulder to cry on, a guide and a cheerleader all rolled into one. So, that was the goal – to create the book I wish I’d had ten years ago.

LCR: I did feel like you were chatting with me as I read the book, and I couldn't help thinking you're a fun person just by the way you come across. What's your favorite leisure activity?

JF: Thanks! I am fun (now) and try to live a big, full life. My favorite thing is singing with my rock band, Urban Fiction, that makes me happy. (www.urbanfictionband.com)

LCR: Singing in a rock band...that's so cool! Okay, so what's your best advice for those struggling to stay positive?

JF: First, I’m sorry you had to go through the stuff that brought you to this place. Many of us have been there, so you are not alone. Remember to be gentle with yourself and give yourself permission to feel bad, sad, mad. Because the only way I know how to get through to the other side - is to feel your feelings. The action of feeling them, helps to get them out of your body, mind and emotions. Don’t aim for happy yet. Aim for neutral – not happy but not sad. There’s more tips in The Happiness Handbook for moving through your emotions too. (For example: I like to go to a batting cage and just whack the ball to move anger and a long hot shower I can cry in private to help move sorrow).

LCR: I've cried in the shower too so my kids couldn't hear me... If you could travel back in time where would you go?

JF: Boy that’s hard to pick just one! We are so lucky to live right now with all the advances in plumbing, medicine, science, education and civil rights. On the other hand, the fashions were so fabulous in so many eras!

I loved the book Orlando and how it explored time travel. But if I have to pick just one period, I’d hop into my TARDIS and head back to the mid 1500s to Venice and the world of the courtesan before the war and the plague. (Check out the movie Dangerous Beauty for the story of the beautiful, witty, charming Veronica Franco and her life long romance with Marco Venier.)

If I could go forward in time … I’d be on the second flight of Virgin Galactic (after the first flight arrives back safely!)

LCR: I'm going to have to check out all these book and movie references. Favorite ice-cream?

JF: Mint chocolate chip because it brings back memories of summers with my grandparents and it’s tasty too.

LCR: Thanks, Jenn, for taking the time to share!

JF: Thank you!!

About Jenn Flaa:
Serial entrepreneur with deep roots in technology and a passion for music. Jenn merges creativity and tech with fun and energy. After starting her career as an engineer at NASA and a stint in Silicon Valley as a Quality Assurance Manager, Jenn started her first of four companies. Vettanna provides high tech resources and communications training on-camera.

Not content to use one side of her brain, Jenn is also the rock vocalist and song writer for the band Urban Fiction, the author of The Happiness Handbook and the Better Boyfriend blog. Visit www.happiness-handbook.com

You can find out more about Jenn and The Happiness Handbook in her interview on CBS:

And now for the giveaway!

Mandatory:

Leave a comment about why you want to win this book. Include an email address. If you do not include an email address your entry will not be valid.

Extra entries:

MUST be a separate comment or it will not count.
1) If you are a follower, new or current, leave a comment telling me so.

*Buttons for following found on top left-hand corner of blog.
*Giveaway ends May 21, 2013.

*Open to US and Canada.

*Please read my Giveaway Policy before entering my giveaways.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Author Interview of Marissa Moss and Giveaway of Mira's Diary: Home Sweet Rome

2013-05-06T06:52:00.003-04:00

I love Rome. It's my mother's city; the place where she grew up and where I have visited family and learned so much about my parents' courtship and history. So when I saw Mira's Diary: Home sweet Rome by Marissa Moss, a middle grade time travel novel set in Rome, I wanted to read it. My daughter and I did read it together and you can read our review here. I've also had the pleasure of interviewing Marissa Moss and asking her more about the setting of her novel.

Please help me welcome Marissa Moss.

LCR: Hi Marissa! Welcome to Library of Clean Reads. My 12-year-old daughter and I read your book and we got curious about a few things.

MM: Hi Laura. Thank you for the wonderful review on your blog. I enjoyed visiting your site, especially your Essentially Italian author blog -- fascinating!

LCR: Thanks, Marissa. So what made you decide to write a time travel novel?

MM: I love history, and time travel seemed like a great way to make a period more vivid. Plus, the wonderful thing about writing is that you can make whatever you want to happen, happen and I'd love to be able to go into the past and meet some of my favorite artists and authors.

LCR: Have you been to Rome? My mother was born and grew up there, immigrating to Canada after she married. So we've been to many of the places you mention in your book!

MM: Yes, Rome is my favorite city! We lived there for a year and still go back often, at least once a year, if not more.

LCR: How lucky! Why did you decide to feature Giordano Bruno?

MM: I've always found Bruno to be a compelling figure. He was such a brilliant thinker, but he's barely known today (except for the statue of him in Rome's Campo dei' Fiori). He was truly a Renaissance man -- a philosopher, mathematician, writer, and theologian, all in one. Galileo gets all the credit for not being condemned by the Inquisition because he recanted, while Bruno, who refused to recant and was punished for holding many of the same positions, doesn't even get an official pardon from the Vatican.

LCR: Yeah, I didn't know anything Bruno before I read your book. If you could travel back in time, where would you go?

MM: I'd love to follow Mira to 19th century Paris and 17th century Rome. And now I'm taking her to WWI London, though that might be a more difficult place to visit.

LCR: Now you've really got me curious about the third book in the series. What's the strangest thing that's happened to you?

MM: Probably getting published in the first place! It took me five years of sending stories out, getting them rejected, revising them and sending them back until I got my first book.

LCR: Just goes to show that writers need to persevere. Favorite ice-cream?

MM: American ice cream? That would be mint chocolate chip. Italian gelato? At Giolitti's in Rome? That would be a very tough decision! I love their date, fig, melon, pear, apple, and banana gelato. It's always hard to choose!

LCR: Nothing beats gelato for me, and it's less fattening too because it's actually made with milk and not cream. Thanks for stopping by, Marissa!

About Marissa Moss:

MARISSA MOSS has published over 50 children's books, and her illustrated Amelia series sold more than 2 million copies. Although she hopes to visit all the wonders of the world, right now she lives in the San Francisco Bay area where she can appreciate the Golden Gate Bridge from her window. Visit www.marissamoss.com.

And now for the giveaway!

Mandatory:

Leave a comment about why you want to win this book. Include an email address. If you do not include an email address your entry will not be valid.

Extra entries:

MUST be a separate comment or it will not count.
1) If you are a follower, new or current, leave a comment telling me so.

*Buttons for following found on top left-hand corner of blog.
*Giveaway ends May 20, 2013.

*Open to US and Canada.

*Please read my Giveaway Policy before entering my giveaways.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Mailbox Monday and It's Monday, What Are You Reading? May 6 Edition

2013-05-05T14:15:00.000-04:00

Review Books:

Sweet Mercy by Ann Tatlock

When Eve Marryat's father is laid off from the Ford Motor Company in 1931, he is forced to support his family by leaving St. Paul, Minnesota, and moving back to his Ohio roots. Eve's uncle Cyrus has invited the family to live and work at his Marryat Island Ballroom and Lodge.

St. Paul seemed like a haven for gangsters, and Eve had grown fearful of living there. At seventeen, she considers her family to be "good people." They aren't lawbreakers and criminals like so many people in her old neighborhood. Thrilled to be moving to a "safe haven," Eve is blissfully unaware that her uncle's lodge is a transfer station for illegal liquor smuggled from Canada.

Eve settles in to work and makes new friends, including an enigmatic but affecting young man. But when the reality of her situation finally becomes clear, Eve is faced with a dilemma. How can she ignore what is happening right under their very noses? Yet can she risk everything by condemning the man whose love and generosity is keeping her and her family from ruin?

Red Hot Internet Publicity by Penny C. Sansevieri

Authors, speakers, small business owners...you've got three choices:

1. Spend a fortune on advertising and other old-school marketing, and pray that you'll make back your investment, against all odds.
2. Fritter away two or three years blindly stumbling around, trying to figure out what works on your own, while competing for attention with more than 25,000,000,000 web pages.
3. Listen to an expert who can show you how to get your website noticed, visited, and purchased from--who can show you how to be smart and successful online while keeping your dollars in your own wallet, and whose own site is in the top 1 percent* for traffic of all the sites in the world.

Penny Sansevieri is that expert, and this book is your road map. In the rapidly changing world of Internet publicity, this book is up-to-the-minute (covering social media in detail--not just Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn but also recent powerhouse sites like Pinterest and Google Plus--even a chapter on the reputation-rating site Klout). You'll learn...

* How gain real visibility in Google, no matter how they shift their algorithms--and why that can make a tremendous difference in your business
* What to do on your own websites, what to do on social media, and how to make money in both of those worlds
* How to capture an online market far bigger than PC users (hint: look at what's clipped to your belt or inside your pocket)

Books I Bought:

True (...Sort of) by Katherine Hannigan

True: Delly Pattison likes surpresents (presents that are a surprise). The day the Boyds come to town, Delly's sure a special surpresent is on its way. But lately, everything that she thinks will be good and fun turns into trouble. She's never needed a surpresent more than now.

True: Brud Kinney wants to play basketball like nothing anybody's ever seen. When the Boyds arrive, though, Brud meets someone who plays like nothing he's ever seen.

True: Ferris Boyd isn't like anyone Delly or Brud have ever met. Ferris is a real mysturiosity (an extremely curious mystery).

True: Katherine Hannigan's first novel since her acclaimed Ida B is a compelling look at the ways friendships and truths are discovered.

It's all true ( . . . sort of).

The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson

A reluctant centenarian much like Forrest Gump (if Gump were an explosives expert with a fondness for vodka) decides it’s not too late to start over...

After a long and eventful life, Allan Karlsson ends up in a nursing home, believing it to be his last stop. The only problem is that he's still in good health, and in one day, he turns 100. A big celebration is in the works, but Allan really isn't interested (and he'd like a bit more control over his vodka consumption). So he decides to escape. He climbs out the window in his slippers and embarks on a hilarious and entirely unexpected journey, involving, among other surprises, a suitcase stuffed with cash, some unpleasant criminals, a friendly hot-dog stand operator, and an elephant (not to mention a death by elephant).

It would be the adventure of a lifetime for anyone else, but Allan has a larger-than-life backstory: Not only has he witnessed some of the most important events of the twentieth century, but he has actually played a key role in them. Starting out in munitions as a boy, he somehow finds himself involved in many of the key explosions of the twentieth century and travels the world, sharing meals and more with everyone from Stalin, Churchill, and Truman to Mao, Franco, and de Gaulle. Quirky and utterly unique, The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared has charmed readers across the world.

The Coconut Oil Miracle by Bruce Fife

Natural coconut oil is nature's perfect food. Unlike the hydrogenated versions found in processed food, this uniquely curative elixir has been show to have countless health benefits. When taken as a dietary supplement, used in cooking, or applied directly to the skin, coconut oil has been found to:

Promote weight loss
Help prevent heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and many other degenerative diseases
Strengthen the immune system
Improve digestion
Prevent premature aging of the skin
Beautify skin and hair

The Coconut Oil Miracle explains the benefits of coconut oil, and shows readers how to use it for maximum effect. This revised edition of the original, groundbreaking guide also includes a nutrition plan with 50 delicious recipes that will allow anyone to experience the healing miracles of coconut oil.

This meme is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. This is where we keep track of what we are currently reading and plan to read. The kidlit version is hosted by Jen at Teach Mentor Texts.

Read and reviewed:
Mira's Diary: Home Sweet Rome by Marissa Moss (middle-grade time travel)
The Happiness Handbook by Jenn Flaa (a little gem!)

Currently Reading:
Frozen in Time by Mitchell Zuckoff
True (...Sort of) by Katherine Hannigan (with my son)
Namesake by Sue MacLeod (with my daughter)

Hope you all have a great reading week!

Winner of The Chalice

2013-05-05T14:14:00.005-04:00

Congratulations to our winner!

Ellie
for winning The Chalice by Nancy Bilyeau

The winner was chosen using Random.org and has been emailed. The winner has 48 hours to claim the prize. Library of Clean Reads would like to thank Simon and Schuster for offering this product to give away. Thanks also to all the participants and current and new followers!

Laura & Sandra

The Happiness Handbook by Jenn Flaa

2013-05-03T06:55:00.000-04:00

The Happiness Handbook: A User's Manual for Living Your Extraordinary Life by Jenn Flaa
Bush Street Press
ISBN: 978-1937445225
Published May 10, 2012
Softcover, 158 pages

I'm sceptical when it comes to happiness self-help books because my first thought is, how does the author know what truly makes me happy? But I am drawn to happiness books. Just the word happiness makes me smile. Which is why I was interested in The Happiness Handbook by Jenn Flaa. And after reading just a few pages, I was smiling and thinking that this was going to be, not only a fun interactive book, but one that would draw insight into me, moi, yours truly...sigh, yes, complicated old me.

I loved the simplicity of this book, although it wasn't simplistic. This easy to read, practical book is really a handy workbook. It was just what I needed to really be honest with myself and put down on paper things about myself that I could then share with my husband and he in turn with me. The real reason I loved this book? It is foremost a communication book. It is a tool that adults of any age and gender can use to communicate who they are and what makes them happy. In my line of work, communication is key. In marriage communication is key. In the family dynamic communication is key. Which is why I think this book is great.

Flaa doesn't pretend to be a specialist in the field of happiness. She's a girlfriend sharing what she's learned: mainly, we're all unique and what makes one person happy may not make another feel the same way, so one needs to take the time to clarify what that is. Flaa tells us that she's been through very rough times without disclosing her past. Instead, she discusses ways that someone who is currently unhappy (for whatever reason) can move beyond that. Her troubleshooting section at the back of the book has some good suggestions.

I talked about this book with my hubby and we decided to fill out the worksheets and share our statements, ideas and thoughts with one another. Already, I can see that it has made a difference. I only wish the color of the book's cover would have been different (less chick-lit style) and more universal so that some men wouldn't disregard it but might actually think of picking it up.

I recommend this book for all couples, but I think it useful for single persons too because it will clarify what one needs in a partner or any relationship for that matter. Truly, it's a little gem of a book. Simple and effective.

Note: This book is rated C = clean read.

Watch for an interview with the author and a giveaway of a copy of this book on May 7th!

To read more reviews, you can follow the tour:

So Many Precious Books April 15 Review & Giveaway
Teena in Toronto April 17 Review
Luxury Reading April 18 Review & Giveaway
Live to Read April 19 Review (Postponed)
JoyStory April 24 Review
Saving for 6 April 25 Review
Books a la mode April 25 Excerpt & Giveaway
Dr. Bill’s Book Bazaar April 26 Review
MN Girl in LA April 29 Review
Love At First Book May 2 Review & Guest Post
Library of Clean Reads May 3 Review
Library of Clean Reads May 7 I & Giveaway
Sincerely Stacie May 6 Review

Reviewed by Laura

Disclosure: Thanks to the author and Premier Virtual Book Tour for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

Reading Plans for May 2013

2013-05-01T09:53:00.002-04:00

Here is a list of the books I plan to read for the month of May. I started this in January to help keep me on track every month, as well as organized and reading books for pleasure and not only for review. So far so good!

May List
To Read:
Bubble Tubbie by Epiphany Schwarz
Nalah and the Pink Tiger by Anne Sawyer-Aitch
Frozen in Time by Mitchell Zuckoff
The Keeper of Secrets by Julie Thomas
However Long the Night by Aimee Molloy
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson (Book club)
Namesake by Sue MacLeod (reading with my daughter)
True (...Sort of) by Katherine Hannigan (reading with my son)
Bible reading John chapters 1-16

Personal Reading to Continue:
The Happiness Project - Chapter Five: May by Gretchen Rubin

The Complete Arthritis Health Diet Guide and Cookbook - Chapter 4-6 by Kim Arrey

The Brain That Changes Itself - Chapter 1 and 2 by Norman Doidge

To Finish:
Fierce Beauty: Preserving the World of Wild Cats by Bhagavan Antle

Here's how I did in April:

April List

To Read:

~~Jack Absolute~~ by C.C. Humphreys (review)

~~The Art Forger~~ by B.A. Shapiro (book club read)

~~Past Tense~~ by Shawn and Ron Kilgarlin (non-fiction review)

~~Mira's Diary: Home Sweet Rome~~ by Marissa Moss (middle-grade)

Fierce Beauty: Preserving the World of Wild Cats by Bhagavan Antle (TBR Pile) I read half.

~~The Journey~~ by John A. Heldt (TBR pile)

~~Bible reading Luke chapters 7 - 24~~

To Continue:

~~The Happiness Project~~ ~~- Chapter Four: April~~ by Gretchen Rubin (personal copy)

To start:
Books to enhance my working knowledge:

~~The Complete Arthritis Health Diet Guide and Cookbook - Chapter 1-3~~ by Kim Arrey

~~The Brain That Changes Itself - Preface~~ and Chapter One by Norman Doidge

Extra Reading Done:
The Happiness Handbook by Jenn Flaa
Coming to Rosemont by Barbara Hinske
Face-Off by Stacy Juba (audiobook)
March of the Ants (children's audiobook)
Ida B by Katherine Hannigan
The Kashmir Shawl by Rosie Thomas

Have any of you read any of these books?
Hope you all have a great reading experience in May.

Mira's Diary: Home Sweet Rome by Marissa Moss

2013-04-29T08:32:00.001-04:00

Mira's Diary: Home Sweet Rome by Marissa Moss
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
ISBN: 978-1402266096
Published April 2, 2013
Hardcover, 192 pages

My daughter and I have really enjoyed middle grade books in diary format. Plus, we also like time travel, so when we saw this second book in the Mira's Diary series, we were excited to read it. We didn't read the first book, where Mira's mom goes missing for six months in the past because she is a time traveller and Mira's family goes to Paris to find her. Mira touches a gargoyle on the roof of Notre Dame and discovers she can also time travel.

In this second book, Mira, her Dad and her brother Malcolm get a postcard from the mom indicating they should go to Rome with instructions for Mira's next time travel. She is to be disguised as a boy. Once they get to Rome, Mira touches a relic and is transported to 16^th century Rome. She has a mission to do although she doesn't know what it is and finds out along the way that it has something to do with Giordano Bruno, a famous philosopher and mathematician.

My daughter and I have mixed feelings about this book. We liked the descriptions of ancient Rome and the honest portrayal of life back then. Because we've been to Rome (we have family there) we enjoyed reading about the places Mira went to and revisiting some well-known touristic spots. We also learned about history because Mira met the painter Caravaggio and Cardinal Del Monte. We liked the idea that Mira could time travel simply by touching a touchstone and not know where she would end up. We were also intrigued by the mystery of what dangerous mission the mom (who we never meet in this book) is trying to accomplish.

Mira is a smart and courageous girl, and although we really liked her as a character, my daughter couldn't relate to her because she came across as much older. She didn't really speak or act like a teen. The book did not have the feel of a diary, except for the occasional drawings Mira included. The topic was also heavy and serious with Mira witnessing the burning alive of one of the persons she came to know well. The Roman Inquisition was not a fun time in history.

The book ends with Mira having done something to help preserve history and travelling back to her time, but we still have no idea about the mom, where she is and what she's doing. Mira also ends her story hoping that someday soon they'd be together as a family again. She says, “With no more wonders, no more time travel, just a regular family doing ordinary things.” It was a sobering end to her adventure.

This book is well written and researched. I enjoyed reading the author's note at the end of the book and the author also includes a bibliography. It's a book for kids and adults who love history and time travel. However, it has a seriousness to it that may not appeal to kids who prefer light and fun time travel fantasy stories. I can see it being great for classroom discussions while studying history and ancient civilizations.

Note: This book is rated V = violence for a scene of a person burning alive at the stake.
I will count this book toward the following challenges: My Personal Time Travel Reading Challenge, I Love Italy Personal Reading Challenge

Reviewed by Laura and Daughter

Disclosure: Thanks to Sourcebooks for sending us this book for review. We were not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

Mailbox Monday and It's Monday, What are You Reading? April 29 Edition

2013-04-28T20:03:00.003-04:00

Mailbox Monday was created by Marcia who now blogs at To Be Continued. It is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. Mari at MariReads is hosting for the month of April. You can also view the touring blog list here for the upcoming months.

I have one giveaway currently running on my blog:
The Chalice by Nancy Bilyeau (Open to US and Can Ends May 1st)

Review Books:
I got children, middle grade and adult fiction!

Nalah and the Pink Tiger by Anne Sawyer-Aitch

Nalah and the Pink Tiger is about a rambunctious little girl who lives so intensely in her imagination that grown-ups view her as a troublemaker. Things come to a head when, in addition to all the exotic animals that Nalah has “placed” in the house, a pink tiger “follows” her home from the zoo and creates havoc.

Bubble Tubbie by Epiphany Schwarz

Bubble Tubbie is a sensory romp through a child's imagination as they experience the most cherished of childhood rituals; The Bubble Bath. Are you ready? Alrighty then, HOP IN THE TUBBIE! The hardcover version of Bubble Tubbie has been designed to ignite the senses. The shiny white, padded cover is substantial, and includes a peek of the images that you will find inside. Each brightly colored page is loaded with original art and photographic images. Every page has been double laminated, giving a fantastic, smooth feel. Also included are two full pages of vinyl stickers that can be stuck and re-stuck on the pages, the cover, and especially the bathtub. Bubble Tubbie is a book that children and adults will enjoy equally, reading together, time and again.

Namesake by Sue MacLeod

It started with a history project. Mr. Gregor assigned a research paper on a figure from the Tudor era, and of course Jane Grey had to pick her namesake-Lady Jane Grey, the fifteen-year-old girl whose parents schemed to place her on the throne of England, then abandoned her to face the executioner. The project is engrossing from the start, but when Jane opens a mysterious prayer book and finds herself in the Tower of London in 1553, she finds herself literally drawn into her namesake's story. Soon, Jane is slipping into the past whenever the present becomes too unbearable, avoiding her mother's demands, her best friend's fickleness, her crush's indifference. In the Tower she plays chess with the imprisoned Lady Jane, awed by her new friend's strength and courage. And it is in the Tower, keeping vigil as the day of the execution draws near, that Jane learns that she, too, must have the courage to fight for her own happiness.

The Illusion of Separateness by Simon Van Booy

In The Illusion of Separateness, award-winning author Simon Van Booy tells a harrowing and enchanting story of how one man’s act of mercy during World War II changed the lives of strangers, and how they each discover the astonishing truth of their connection.

Whether they are pursued by Nazi soldiers, old age, shame, deformity, disease, or regret, the characters in this utterly compelling novel discover in their, darkest moments of fear and isolation that they are not alone, that they were never alone, that every human being is a link in an unseen chain.

The Illusion of Separateness intertwines the stories of unique and compelling characters who—through seemingly random acts of selflessness—discover the vital parts they have played in each other’s lives.

This meme is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. This is where we keep track of what we are currently reading and plan to read. The kidlit version is hosted by Jen at Teach Mentor Texts.

Read and reviewed:
The Arts-Angel Track 1: Drawn to You by Janel Rodriguez Ferrer (YA reviewed by Sandra)
Jack Absolute by C.C. Humphreys

Currently Reading:
The Kashmir Shawl by Rosie Thomas

Still Listening to:
While We Were Watching Downton Abbey by Wendy Wax (very good!)

Hope you all have a great reading week!

Jack Absolute by C.C. Humphreys

2013-04-24T10:59:00.001-04:00

Jack Absolute by C.C. Humphreys
Sourcebooks Landmark
ISBN: 978-1402280702
Published May 2013
Hardcover, 288 pages

This book made me experience such a wide range of emotions! I laughed, grimaced, rolled my eyes, yawned, gasped (not in that particular order) and my heart raced as the story came to a climax with a plot twist I did not see coming. Jack Absolute is the first book in an historical fiction series set during the American revolution that features the swashbuckling rogue hero, Jack Absolute, known as a charming womanizer, cavalry officer and the blood brother of a Mohawk leader.

The novel opens with a scene where a dual takes place and thus begins the story of Jack's many escapes, enough to make me think he has nine lives as he survives nearly impossible situations. Jack has just returned from years abroad and is soon after recruited as a spy for the British in the Revolutionary War. They want to use his connection to the Iroquois people to recruit them on their side of the War. Jack quickly realizes there is a traitor among them, part of a secret society bent on ruling the world, and they want to get rid of Jack because he is on their trail.

Humphreys is a great writer, bringing alive the character of Jack as only he could have done since he, being also an actor, played the role of Jack Absolute in the play The Rivals in 1987. Because he enjoyed this role so much he decided to write a novel based on this character, making him “the Double-O Seven of the 1770s”. It's clear that Humphreys did extensive research and included real-life figures in his story. I have to admit the military talk got boring for me, but I knew it to be essential to the story, so I forced myself to pay attention when reading these parts.

The last part of the book was suspenseful as Jack got closer to discovering what this secret society was and who was their leader. There is plenty of action in this book. The battle scenes are bloody and gruesome, but there is also romance and some funny scenes. Jack wins your heart because he is adorably imperfect, one minute making me want to shake him for his silly mistakes and the next making me marvel at his kindheartedness.

If you like historical fiction set during the American Revolution, this one delivers a good story with unforgettable characters and an ending that left me reeling.

Note: This book is rated P = profanity, S = explicit sex scene and V = violence for war battle scenes, both American and Iroquois. There are a few f-bombs and a few religious expletives. There are two sex scenes in this novel. The first one is at the beginning of the novel and explicit and the second toward the end of the novel and not too explicit.

Reviewed by Laura

Disclosure: Thanks to Sourcebooks for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

The Arts-Angels Track 1: Drawn to You by Janel Rodriguez Ferrer

2013-04-21T21:45:00.002-04:00

The Arts-Angels Track 1: Drawn to You by Janel Rodriguez Ferrer
Brushstroke Books
ISBN: 978-1936214914
Published: September 29, 2012
Trade Paperback, 242 pages

The heroine of the story is strong-minded Gina Santiago, a 13-year-old guitarist and singer from Manhattan who wants to go to the same school as her hero, guitarist Angel “Wings” Dominguez. Despite receiving a full scholarship as an art major to that school, the prestigious New York Academy of Arts & Talents, she is disappointed. Her true love is music - she has song lyrics in her head just waiting to come out! “I love the way it (music) can transport me somewhere else, mentally and emotionally” says Gina.

At NYAAT she meets other talented teens, “schollies” – poor kids on scholarships and “dollies” – kids from affluent backgrounds. Then the inevitable disputes and jealousies erupt between rival girls when the handsome Craig comes into the picture. When Gina starts up a rock band at school, the one thing that attracts everyone and allows them to put aside their differences is music.

Gina is part of a single-parent family, her musician father having died in an accident before her birth. Although having a strong, supportive extended family, Gina yearns to know more about her own father. She attempts to imagine and draw a picture of him because there are no photographs of him in their apartment. Her mother is reluctant to talk about him, irrationally blaming music as the reason for his death! There is also some mystery involving Gina’s mom and a student called Willa. All is resolved!

This is a great book for teens and adults who want a fast-paced and charming read. It is well written by a young author not far from the teen years herself. She thus writes an entirely believable story with an authentic voice as she describes the typical parent-child tugs-of-war, the striving for independence, the teenage emotions, and the conflicts at school that Gina experiences as she tries to fit in. Cultural identity and family secrets are also explored.

I highly recommend this wholesome book. It rocks!

Note: This book is rated C = clean read.

Reviewed by Sandra

Disclosure: Thanks to Janel Rodriguez Ferrer for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

Mailbox Monday and It's Monday, What Are You Reading? April 22 Edition

2013-04-21T19:08:00.001-04:00

I have one giveaway currently running on my blog:
The Chalice by Nancy Bilyeau (Open to US and Can - Ends May 1st)

Review Book:

Frozen in Time by Mitchell Zuckoff

Frozen in Time is a gripping true story of survival, bravery, and honor in the vast Arctic wilderness during World War II, from the author of New York Times bestseller Lost in Shangri-La.

On November 5, 1942, a US cargo plane slammed into the Greenland Ice Cap. Four days later, the B-17 assigned to the search-and-rescue mission became lost in a blinding storm and also crashed. Miraculously, all nine men on board survived, and the US military launched a daring rescue operation. But after picking up one man, the Grumman Duck amphibious plane flew into a severe storm and vanished.

Frozen in Time tells the story of these crashes and the fate of the survivors, bringing vividly to life their battle to endure 148 days of the brutal Arctic winter, until an expedition headed by famed Arctic explorer Bernt Balchen brought them to safety. Mitchell Zuckoff takes the reader deep into the most hostile environment on earth, through hurricane-force winds, vicious blizzards, and subzero temperatures.

Moving forward to today, he recounts the efforts of the Coast Guard and North South Polar Inc. – led by indefatigable dreamer Lou Sapienza – who worked for years to solve the mystery of the Duck’s last flight and recover the remains of its crew.

Audiobooks for review:

While We Were Watching Downton Abbey by Wendy Wax

When the concierge of The Alexander, a historic Atlanta apartment building, invites his fellow residents to join him for weekly screenings ofDownton Abbey, four very different people find themselves connecting with the addictive drama, and—even more unexpectedly—with each other…

Samantha Davis married young and for the wrong reason: the security of old Atlanta money—for herself and for her orphaned brother and sister. She never expected her marriage to be complicated by love and compromised by a shattering family betrayal. Claire Walker is now an empty nester and struggling author who left her home in the suburbs for the old world charm of The Alexander, and for a new and productive life. But she soon wonders if clinging to old dreams can be more destructive than having no dreams at all. And then there’s Brooke MacKenzie, a woman in constant battle with her faithless ex-husband. She’s just starting to realize that it’s time to take a deep breath and come to terms with the fact that her life is not the fairy tale she thought it would be.

For Samantha, Claire, Brooke—and Edward, who arranges the weekly gatherings—it will be a season of surprises as they forge a bond that will sustain them through some of life’s hardest moments—all of it reflected in the unfolding drama, comedy, and convergent lives of Downton Abbey.

The Fever Tree by Jennifer McVeigh

In London she was caged by society. In South Africa, she is dangerously free.

Frances Irvine, left destitute in the wake of her father’s sudden death, has been forced to abandon her life of wealth and privilege in London and emigrate to the Southern Cape of Africa. 1880 South Africa is a country torn apart by greed. In this remote and inhospitable land she becomes entangled with two very different men—one driven by ambition, the other by his ideals. Only when the rumor of a smallpox epidemic takes her into the dark heart of the diamond mines does she see her path to happiness.

But this is a ruthless world of avarice and exploitation, where the spoils of the rich come at a terrible human cost and powerful men will go to any lengths to keep the mines in operation. Removed from civilization and disillusioned by her isolation, Frances must choose between passion and integrity, a decision that has devastating consequences.

The Fever Tree is a compelling portrait of colonial South Africa, its raw beauty and deprivation alive in equal measure. But above all it is a love story about how—just when we need it most—fear can blind us to the truth.

This meme is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. This is where we keep track of what we are currently reading and plan to read. The kidlit version is hosted by Jen at Teach Mentor Texts.

Read and reviewed:
The Chalice by Nancy Bilyeau (reviewed by Sandra and there is a giveaway too!)
March of the Ants (children's short audiobook)
Ida B by Katherine Hannigan (now one of my son's favorites!)

Currently Reading:
The Kashmir Shawl by Rosie Thomas

Listening to:
While We Were Watching Downton Abbey by Wendy Wax

Finished Reading: (review coming up)
The Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro
Mira's Diary: Home Sweet Rome by Marissa Moss

Hope you all have a great reading week!

Winners!

2013-04-21T13:35:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to our winners!

Angelie for winning the Dodinsky poster and signed bookmark
and
Kimberly @TurningThePages for winning the 3-book package from author Vikki VanSickle

The winners were chosen using Random.org and have been emailed. The winners have 48 hours to claim the prize. Library of Clean Reads would like to thank Sourcebooks and Scholastic Canada for offering these items to give away. Thanks also to all the participants and current and new followers!

Laura

Kid Konnection: Ida B by Katherine Hannigan

2013-04-20T08:04:00.001-04:00

Ida B by Katherine Hannigan
HarperTrophy
ISBN: 978-0060730260
Published Dec 26, 2006
Paperback, 272 pages

“This could possibly be one of my favorite books”, my 9-year-old son says to me. To me that says a lot about this book! My son loves non-fiction but doesn't have a long list of fiction books that he considers favorites. We found this book on our family bookshelf when we were looking for books to read. It was given to me by another book blogger. I decided to read it to my son and we enjoyed every minute. My son said that the character of Ida B really resonated with him. He totally liked her and understood what she felt. He could relate to her.

Ida B is not your average 9-year-old. She is homeschooled and lives on a large plot of land where she talks to the trees and the brook and spends most of her free time outdoors among the nature she loves so much. But her mother gets cancer, her father is forced to sell part of their land to pay for the treatments and Ida B is sent to school, a place she loathes because of a previous bad experience in kindergarten. Now she will be going into the third grade. Ida B is so angry that she feels her heart hardening, cuts herself off from everyone, and puts together a plan to save her world.

This book is brilliant. It's told from Ida B's point of view and is really about her and how she sees the world and deals with everything that happens to her. This is the main reason my son could really relate to her. Ida B came across as real. She was smart, funny and hurting. Our hearts went out to her. There is a scene with Ida B gently caressing her mom's cheek as her mom lay in bed sick from her treatments. My son spontaneously reached out his hand and did the same to me which touched me enormously, and then we briefly spoke of cancer when he asked me if I would ever get the disease.

I think my son didn't want this book to end because, when it did, he felt it was incomplete, probably because it never showed the response of Ida B's classmate to her apology. I liked the ending, but I understood my son's reluctance to let go of this book. It's a beautiful story with an unforgettable character. Highly recommended.

Note: This book is rated C = clean read.

Reviewed by Laura & Son

Disclosure: This book was from our personal library. We were not told how to rate or review this product.