~BOOKS~AND~MY OPINION~: February 2008

Sunday, February 24, 2008

The Translator: A Tribesman's Memoir of Darfur… by Daoud Hari

The Translator: A Tribesman's Memoir of Darfur… by Daoud Hari

Early reviewer selection

Simple words and a country torn apart from within. Who would ever believe that they would combine to weave a story of such huge dimensions. Of a people who though torn from their homes, some tortured or killed by their own countrymen hold love within themselves for their brothers.

Like so many others I have heard some stories and seem pictures of Darfur. I knew that I had no idea of the truth of what is happening in that corner of the world. Daoud Hari uses the stories of individual or of families to bring us the true depth of the horror that occurs there every day.

This young man felt compelled to bring this story to the world in any way that he was able. First by being a translator and guide to reporters from other nations. Reporters that he counted on to bring their accounts to people that he counted on to help.

The help did come, but all too often it was and is only the help given by organizations and individuals, not governments. The story is being told in whispers, when it should be shouted from the rooftops. It is the not being acknowledged by those with the power to bring the suffering to an end.

Hari is continuing his journey, his quest, in the hope that his people will be able to return to the life and families that they so cherish.

This is most of all a story filled with hope, and optimism. We all have something to learn here. (

The Journal of Curious Letters (Book One of The 13th Reality Series)… by James Dashner

The Journal of Curious Letters (Book One of The 13th Reality Series)… by James Dashner

early reviewers selection

The longer you stay with this story, the better it gets.
I admit that there were some parts that I believe could be changed, but they are parts that I am looking at as an adult, a mom in fact.

Letting go of that and reading it as a child might, just accepting the story, made all the difference.

I like Tick.. I like his dad and his friends. This is an entertaining read. I will probably not be a phenomenon, but it is a book that kids will read, and that alone is a positive, in my opinion.

The story is filled with improbabilities, but good ones. I am always concerned about magic being allowed to simply die in our world. Books like this one help to keep it alive . That too, is a good thing. I like the fact that the main character is a bit nerdy, not one of the "in" crowd. I like the way that he was allowed to grow in his own eyes, which is where it matters the most. I like the fact that he likes and trusts his family, that sends a good message.

I agree with some others that some characters could be fleshed out a bit more, but then, that could happen as the story continues. Something had to be saved for book two. And again, we are judging as adults, not youngsters.

This is a decent read for an adult who is reading a kids book, and I think a really good read for kids. I look forward to the next one.

The Yoga Zoo Adventure: Animal Poses and Games for Little Kids (SmartFun Activity Books)… by Helen Purperhart

This book had me from the very beginning...

" 1. Feeling the Sun:

*The sun has risen, and the sunbeams shine through the window onto your face

*lie on your back with your arms by our sides

*feel the warmth of the sunbeams on your body

* feel the sun warming your face, your chest, your tummy, your arms, your hands, your legs and your feet."

It begins like a guided meditation... a fun guided meditation for little ones.

It moves on to stretches, waking your fingers, shaking to wake your body, and playing at simple activities such as tooth brushing.

This is using techniques similar to what I see used by our OT's and PT's every day and putting them into a fun and entertaining context.

I work with special needs children in the pre-school level, ages three to five. This book has so much that will be beneficial to them. Much of what is in this book can be used with even the lower functioning children in our classes.

Typical pre-schoolers will be challenged to use their imaginations and to play together. So many of the poses and postures are those used by the children in their play during the day. To take them a step farther will be simple and fun for everyone. It is like bringing some of the fun of a visit to the zoo into your living room, classroom or your own backyard.

I was surprised and pleased to find a section on Animal Fables. Not only the can the children learn to move and stretch their bodies and their imaginations, but they will be learning from these wonderful stories as well. Turtles, Starfish, Lions and Owls and so much more.

One of the best things about this book is the way it not only encourages parents to spend time with their children, but gives them ideas and information on how to make it more fun.

This is going to be a very well used book in our classroom.

Stand By Me: A Holistic Handbook for Animals, Their People, and the Lives They Share Together… by Douglas E. Knueven

This is a book that was written with the Cayce readings in mind. It is book for those who love their animals and want to understand them more completely. It has a completely holistic view of how animals fit into our lives. Written simply, and beautifully, it is like having a conversation with the author who is clearly an animal lover as well as an animal healer.

Have you found her : a memoir by Janice Erlbaum

Have you found her : a memoir by Janice Erlbaum

early review selection

I hardly know where to begin. I have been holding my breath through the entire last half of the book. I am not sure if I was holding it for Janice, or for Sam.

This is the most emotionally provoking book I have read in a very long time. It reads like a novel, but it is all too real. Each page is filled with compassion, yearning and vulnerability. The author is brutally honest about herself and her feelings, her motives.

To say that I could not put this book down is an understatement. Even now, when I have come to the end of the book, I know that it is not a true ending. How can it be? I think I will always wonder what has become of Sam. Will she always be hovering on the edges of the lives of women who cared enough to bring her into their lives, and truly care for and about her? How many more will there be?

I have been angry with Sam, and felt compassion for her. I have mentally raged at Janice, and wondered why she could not see! And I have understood how she could be drawn in. Most of us want to do good things. We want to be helpful. I feel so much a part of what happened here, due to the remarkable storytelling abilities of this author. Before the end of the day I will have ordered her previous book, Girlbomb from Amazon.

I urge everyone to read this book, in order to be reassured that there are still more good people than bad surrounding us. There is love and selflessness., kindness and generosity. There is hope for us, due to the kinsness of strangers.

Girlbomb: A Halfway Homeless Memoir by Janice Erlbaum

It is simply extraordinary that the author is able to write so dispassionately about her own life.
This is a revealing story about a young girl who made many dramatic choices, and so many of them poor and life altering.

In this coming of age memoir that reads like a novel, Erlbaum relates how she managed to survive in a city filled with temptations and pitfalls. She shares with you the wild ride that took her from her mothers home, through a girls shelter and group home. It is a breathtaking ride through several years filled with drugs, sex and a palpable aloneness.

This is can't put it down read from the author of Have You Found Her. This is actually the beginning of her story, well and simply, if shockingly told. highly recommend this book. Read it, and then read Have You Found Her. You will want to know what happened next.

I look forward to more remarkable stories in the years to come. I suspect that whatever or whoever her subject will be, that they will be revealed in a clear and penetratingly honest way.

Yoga Games for Children: Fun and Fitness with Postures, Movements and Breath (SmartFun Activity Books)… by Danielle Bersma

I work with children. I am a paraprofessional in a special needs school, and was very excited to read this book, to see if there might be anything I could use with our kids.
One of the things that I noticed right away is how many of the games and exercises were done in groups or pairs. This is fantastic in my opinion! It seems to me that these days kids are more isolated than in the past. I am not sure what it is, but I rarely see little girls walking and holding hands or boys roughhousing. Fighting yes, just roughhousing, no. I also have noted that most parents do not hold their children’s hands any more. This is very sad in my opinion, as touch in and of its own is healing. Touch during play is a good thing!

So, I was very pleased to find that there were things that there were games where the kids held hands or leaned back against each other. I believe this helps to build co-operation and understanding.
There are also plenty of games where it is individuals alone. My favorite is Sun Salutations! It incorporates many basic yoga positions, and it will be a lot of fun for the kids. The Mountain is a close runner up. I can just see the kids enjoying those games, and having fun.
The relaxation exercises are ideal as well. Sometimes kids, as well as adults, need to just let it go and breathe. This book gives several examples of how to do this.
I will not be able to use many of these games with my special needs classroom. We have a low functioning group and the understanding is not there in some cases, and the physical abilities are not there in others. My niece is a preschool teacher in a daycare facility, as well as being Assistant Director. She is very excited about trying many of these games with her class! I had a hard time holding onto the book long enough to finish reading it before passing it on. She is thinking that if it works out she can suggest it for other sites in the corporate system she works in .

This book would also be great fun for any family with young or even not so young kids. I raised four kids of my own, and know how valuable that together time is, and there are many fun suggestions here. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has young ones in their life.

Brigid's Charge by Cynthia Lamb

Brigid's Charge by Cynthia Lamb

Deborah Leeds comes from a family where the women are devoted to Brigid, a goddess of the Celts. Events in her family and a hope to avoid the persecution that is becoming even more common in her native England, she moves to a town in New Jersey. It is Colonial times and she finds herself in a Quaker community.. and in fact the wife of a Quaker man.

She bears many children, and continues her heritage if practicing as a midwife, while continuing to honor Brigid... and teach her own daughter the old ways.

This book is a story for and about women. It is a story of family and healing, and the changing place of women as midwives and healers throughout the years. It is a novel based on a true story. It tells of women who demand respect and in the end, receive it.

Blue Cats and Chartreuse Kittens: How Synesthetes Color Their Worlds… by Patricia Lynne Duffy

This is an interesting and simple to understand book on the phenomenon of synesthesia. Iimagine seeing numbers as colors or words as shapes. What would music be like if you not only heard it, but saw it in your minds eye?

This book also explains that some synesthetes "see" time in a different way.

Intriguing read

Affinity by Sarah Waters

As always when Waters writes a story, I enjoy it immensely.

Margaret Prior begins visiting a womans prison as a form of therapy. All goes as well as can be expected when a lady visitor spends time with women who are incarcerated for sometimes heinous crimes. Then she meets Selena. Selena is quiet, seemingly shy and withdrawn. She is different from so many of the others. She sees dead people. Selena is a medium. A young woman imprisoned due to misadventure.

The story of how the lives of Selena and Margaret become entwined, is pure compelling Waters. You will not want to miss this one.

The characters are sometimes dark, but always exquisite, as are all of Waters characters. I can never put down a Waters book until I reach the end. I always read them more than once. If endings are important to you, this one is for you.

Fingersmith by Sarah Waters

Another extraordinary story from Sarah Waters. Amazing and compelling characters. The dramatic and often dark story is the story of Sue Trinder. You step into her life in Victorian London where she lives in house of pickpockets. It takes you along with her as she plays the maid, falls in love and finds her life entwined with the life of another young girl named Maud. Twists and turns, but you follow them easily to and ending that will leave you breathless.

Your heart is pounding in your chest and you feel all of the pain, the fear and finally the joy that Waters brings to you in this beautiful story.

Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters

This is my favorite of Sarah Waters books. Having said that I admit to loving them all. This should not be considered simply lesbian fiction. It is a love story.

It has compelling and believable characters, but so do all of waters books. It draws you in and makes you a part of the story. Waters holds nothing back. All of her emotion is poured into her books, enriching and filling out her characters . We have all been Nancy..all known a Kitty. I could not put this book down.

From her fathers seaside restaurant where she worked shucking oysters, to music halls, to political demonstrations This is a story of Nancy's life and loves, her coming of age and the often difficult road to her destiny. I dampened it with my tears...I read it all over again. After sharing seven years of her life, I just could not walk away from Nan.

An exceptional read. An author not to be taken likely...

I also recommend the DVD. Fantastic!

The Arthritis Handbook: The Essential Guide to a Pain-Free, Drug-Free Life… by Grant Cooper

I was happy to receive this book. I have arthritis myself, and hoped it would give me some ideas.

I am an advocate of natural remedies and holistic healthcare.

This book begins by providing a simple, factual and complete understanding of the body’s joints and what is necessary to keep them healthy and ourselves active.

The Arthritis Handbook is just what I was looking for as a guide. All avenues are explored, including our diets, and how ample water in our diets is absolutely necessary. I knew that exercise is helpful, but this book offers easy to do exercises along with helpful photographs showing exactly how they should be done. The use of specific supplements is suggested, along with advice to use them under a physician’s care, and how to recognize those that follow basic manufacturing standards. At a time when so many supplements are available, this is something that is useful across the board, not just in management and prevention of arthritis.

After reading The Arthritis Handbook, I felt that I was on the right path. Instead of facing a future of increased pain and limited mobility, this book has shown me how to combat arthritis rather than accept it and try to manage the pain with medication.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book. I once worked at and managed a holistic veterinary clinic. I know for a fact that the suggestions put forth in this guide work. I saw them used for animals, who have no preconceived notions or expectations. That proves the efficacy of a holistic approach, in my opinion. I use most of these techniques already, but have relied on walking and my rather physically demanding job for exercise. I am happy to see some alternatives.

The Birth House: A Novel by Ami McKay

This is one of the best books that I have ever read.
I hated to finish it. It is a compelling story of a girl, a village, a family. It is a time of change for women.It is the story of a wise women, generous and loving.

Dora will be you, your daughter, your mother and your teacher. You will feel that you know her, or wish that you did. Marie.. so much wisdom, love and compassion. Knowledge passed down through a family. Magic implied, healing a gift she gives generously. You will not just read this story, you will fall into it....and when it is over, you will wish for more.

Buy it. Read it.

Thread Of Grace by Mary Doria Russell

Once again Russell gave us a compelling story, well written.. a good story. You will not want to put it down...

A story of the people who live during WWII.Mussolini surrenders. Families, their trials and losses and their survival. Wartime and the general goodness of people are equally portrayed. Russell seems to be compelled to try her hand in different genres, and she manages with grace.
This complex story is sometimes haunting, and sometimes ugly. But it was an ugly time. Hitler was in power. Many people died. This story tells of some who were saved.

The rich detail could become tedious under the pen of a less skilled writer, but not Russell.

The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell

This is by far the best sci-fi novel I have ever read. It has compelling characters, that stay with you long after the story is done. I strongly recommend this for anyone who is interested in good story telling, good research and a well written book.

Anyone who is an avid reader understand how it is to wonder what the characters have been up to while you are away from the book. Such a book is this. Jesuits going into space? Naturally. Political intrigue? Of course. Nothing this writer suggests will seem improbable once you sink into one of the best stories written in this genre in years.

This story revolves around some of the most lovable literary folk I have ever come across. You will laugh, cry and mourn. You will sing and ache and ultimately, I predict, come back and read this one again.

Children of God (Ballantine Reader's Circle) by Mary Doria Russell

Sequel to The Sparrow... fantastic read.. somewhat sad..Russell is among the best storytellers I have found.

The Sparrow introduced us to a rich cast of characters who shared a journey that might seem unlikely, but at the hands of this writer became completely plausible. This book takes us into the year following that story, and updates us on the lives of those we came to love in the first novel. While her storytelling is equally as rich in both books, the events of the first book preclude some of the emotional attachments we formed there. A must read for anyone who read The Sparrow, but I am not sure that it can stand alone.

Lily Dale: The True Story of the Town that Talks to the Dead… by Christine Wicker

I love this book! It is a story of the town of Lily Dale, its history, its inhabitants and even some of its visitors. It is compelling and honest. Each character is explained and discussed in such a way, that one feels that they could walk into the town, and simply walk up to folks and know them!

I have wanted to visit Lily Dale for many years, but have so far not had the opportunity, After reading this book, I feel that I have managed a visit . I know for certain that I have learned much more than I ever could on my own about the mediums and townsfolk. I strongly recommend Lily Dale to any one who is interested in Spiritualism, psychic mediums, or what we find when we cross over.

In your own voice : using life stories to develop writing skills… by Bernard Selling

This is a book unlike any other book on writing that I have ever read. This is not chapter after chapter that explains the mechanics of putting words on paper. This is not going to leave you feeling that you should leave your pen in the drawer and take up knitting. This is a book that is filled with encouragement. It definitely leaves one feeling that they too can write something that others would enjoy reading.

In Your Own Words is like having a warm and caring teacher showing you how it is done. This book encourages you to develop your own style, and to write from the heart. It gives you confidence. Confidence to not only write from your heart, but to tell your stories. Story telling is beginning to be a lost art. I hope that in some small way this helps those who read it to remember how natural, how important, and how special it is to share your story, your thoughts, and your beliefs by word of mouth. That is the way we began. It should be carried on through the generations. There are things conveyed by word of mouth that can never be told with pen and ink.

Perhaps best of all, this book is filled with touching stories. It shows the progression of the stories from first draft to a polished and finished piece. The key word here is shows. It does not just tell how it is done, but it shows you the difference a tweak or two can make.

I have read quite a few books on writing. Writing is something that I enjoy doing myself. I have never really felt that what I can write is good enough to share, but I now feel differently.

In a simple, understandable and sometimes amusing format, this book will help those of all ages to begin, or continue to share their thoughts. It is a book that I would like to see in any classroom where creative writing was part of the curriculum, as well as school and public libraries.

Changeling Garden by Winifred Elze

This is a warm, thoughtful and magical offering. I enjoyed every page It is definitely a relaxing read.It is a little quirky, and I like a little quirky. It is a bit of fluff, but fluff has its place. The garden is filled with magic, children and of course changes..

Eleven on Top (A Stephanie Plum Novel) by Janet Evanovich

I can't remember if I have ever before read Janet Evanovich. This has turned out to be a perfect read for a Saturday afternoon. It features a silly girl detective with an uncanny ability to have things blown to smithereens around her. Most often it is cars, occasionally...what or who is inside the car as well.

I started out thinking that I was wasting my time reading this book.. and ended up laughing out loud. Do I recommend it? Well, if you are looking to improve your mind, forget this book. If you are looking for an entertaining, if improbable read... by all means, I do.

The Double Bind: A Novel by Chris Bohjalian

Bohjalian never disappoints. This is a story of a young woman Laurel Estabrook, who is a social worker in a homeless shelter She has a bond to the broken spirits who end up in her care, because she is a broken spirit herself. She endured an horrific attack one day while still a college student. No one really knows just how broken her spirit is, not even Laurel herself. At least, not until it is brought home to her while doing some research.

A sweet and charming mentally ill man who passed through the shelter and was successfully homed and monitored by Laural and her co-workers passes away. He leaves behind a box of photographs. While browsing through these pictures, Laurel finds clues to her own past, and she becomes consumed with the need to learn more.

Thus begins her journey, a journey that will draw you in, bring you to tears, and come finally to a stunning ending.

The Buffalo Soldier: A Novel by Chris Bohjalian

This was a story that seems unlikely, but for that very reason tends to ring true.
We have all heard of tragedies that seem almost overwhelming in other families,
situations so dreadful that no author could imagine them.

Bohjalian does. This is a story of a family tragedy that becomes a life changing, and loving situation for a boy that starts out as a stranger and becomes a son. Twin daughters are swept away in a flood in the first pages. The town rallies to console the family in the early days, but as is true in real situation of this sort, support falls away as people realize that there is nothing that they can do to assuage the grief following such loss.

This family finds its way out of darkness into the light and in doing so, the lives of an elderly neighbor and a young foster child are changed along with theirs. The ending is absolutely heart stopping, and was for me, unexpected. This is a compelling read with all too real characters. It is a can't put it down book, like all of Bohjalian's books.

Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog… by Ted Kerasote

I am having a hard time giving this book the credit that it deserves. This is a beautifully written book about a beautiful and loving relationship between a dog and his person. I loved this dog. Mer;e's story is about a fun loving, respectful and respected dog. His early months were a mystery, and he found his home with a loving person while living as a stray. His story is that of one of those once in a lifetime dogs. A dog that knows what his person is thinking and how to make his person understand his own thoughts and needs.
I was in love with this dog from his first appearance on the page.
I took a chance on this book. I rarely buy books about a dog, a cat or specific pet. As we are all too sadly aware we too often lose those we love most, and with our four legged family, it is always too soon.

This book made me sad.

This book made my dog happy, because after I read it and cried into his golden coat, I went off to the store to buy him a bag filled with beef soup bones and chicken backs, took him for a long walk and massaged his ears until he nearly swooned.

Raising Hope by Katie Willard

A mediocre read about the members of two families. It seemed rather predictable to me as well as dull.
Fortunately it was a short book, an easy read and was over quickly

Still Summer by Jacquelyn Mitchard

I have read all of Mitchard's books. I read a books in most every genre, as I am an avid reader with a wide array of interests, yet I am rather choosy. There are so many good books to be read, I do not want to waste time ( or money) on badly written books.

I no longer bother to read the book description, or review of a book by Mitchard. They can never do her justice in any case. Somehow they all come out making the story sound less than it is.

The characters in Still Summer ( as in all of Mitchard's novels) are so rich, the story captivating, that you will find it hard to put this book down. A cruise that is meant to be a little bit of paradise for the four women in the story ends up being anything but.

The storm at sea, and the personal storms within the lives of these women combine to make a story that is compelling and extraordinary.

read it.

Then pick up another of her books and read it too!

The Yoga Zoo Adventure: Animal Poses and Games for Little Kids (SmartFun Activity Books)… by Helen Purperhart

The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls

This is an incredible read. From the first sentences the reader is filled with emotion.
Imagine looking out of a taxi window and seeing your mother , your homeless mother, digging through garbage while dressed in rags.

This is a story of a unique family. No, it is the story of a very strange family. A family who for many years lived in hovels and allowed the children to go without food, decent shelter and warm clothing. It tells of the indomitable spirit of these children, and the ways each of them found to survive.

The more I read, the more anger I felt. The most dreadful situations were made light of. The children were neither taught boundaries nor given guidance or support. Somehow they managed to grow and learn and thrive.

Just when you begin to feel as if this family has finally made it, managed to climb their way out and make their way, there is another surprise in store. Was it all necessary? All the hungry nights spent sleeping in boxes, trying to stay warm. Did it have to happen? The answer is found at the end of the story, which is really the beginning in so many ways for this family.

I went from despising the author for leaving her mother to dig through the trash, to understanding her, to admiring her with all of my heart. I suspect that you will too.

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

I wanted to love this book. I cannot tell you how many times I picked this book up at the bookstore, carried it around and put it back. Finally, I gave in and brought it home.

Perhaps I expected too much. The story often drags. There is more violence than I was prepared for. All in all I found it to be a depressing read, never compelling, the characters mostly drab.

The storyline is basically a good one, but seems to get lost in the family details. There were so many characters that I sometimes had to stop and sort them out.

There were very few moments of pleasure or "highs" in this book, which made it seem rather depressing

The Worried Child: Recognizing Anxiety in Children and Helping Them Heal… by Ph.D. Paul Foxman

How do I know if my child is worried or anxious?
What causes a child to worry or become anxious?
How can I talk to her about the problem?
What resources are there for us?

These and many other questions will be answered in the book The Worried Child by Paul Foxman PHD.

Dr Foxman takes a gentle and common sense approach to helping the child and the family in this situation. He explains that there are many things that can cause stress and anxiety for a child, and discusses the impact it has on their daily lives and well being.

He explains the difference between the normal every day stress and worry a child might feel and when it crosses the line to become a disorder that needs to be reckoned with. He presents information on how to recognize if your child is showing symptoms of anxiety. Issues from home life to school to the possible sexual abuse are addressed in these pages. disorders from Generalized Anxiety to OCD, Panic and Seperation anxiety explained. There is imformation on conflict resolution, which can be so important, not just for our children, but for ourselves.

All types of therapy are discussed, from conventional "talk therapy" to medications, and alternatives such as herbals, flower remedies and homeopathy. No matter what your personal philosophy of treatment might be, this book will help you along the way. The importance of good nutrition, and relaxation is emphasized.

From the birth, to the child in college. Fears and stressors are discussed and possible solutions for allaying them are suggested. The important matter of bonding is addressed. Not just bonding with the child before and at birth, but staying connected with her throughout the years.

This is a wonderful handbook for anyone with a child of any age. It gives calm and reassuring suggestions on how to handle those bumps in the road that we all face at some times or another. I highly recommend this to anyone who has or works with a child of any age.