A page turner from the first page! I could not put it down & am (very) impatiently awaiting the next installment!
As the parent of a teen &...moreA page turner from the first page! I could not put it down & am (very) impatiently awaiting the next installment!
As the parent of a teen & 2 tweens, I am always on the lookout for good reads for them. I am very picky about the literature I will allow them to read (some may disagree with that, but that's how *this* Mama works it ;) ) and so, during a friend's thread on Facebook, wherein parents were debating allowing their kids to read "The Hunger Games" series or not, someone suggested Michael Vey: Prisoner of Cell 25. I am *so* glad they did. The book has no cursing, no OMGs or anything like it, very light romance appropriate to middlers & "crushes." And, though, yes, there is espionage, intrique, etc. the violence isn't graphic at all. It was adventerous and "spinetingling" without being too dark, scary, or exploring themes too mature or emotionally inaccessible to this age group. The dialogue rang true, and the book was humorous in that snarky kind of way that many teens/tweens can relate to. It reminded me of a mix of Percy Jackson & the Mysterious Benedict Society, with a dash of the 39 Clues.(less)
I adore re-imaginings and retellings, and this is the best I've read of the tale "Beauty & the Beast." A close second would be "Beauty"...moreI adore re-imaginings and retellings, and this is the best I've read of the tale "Beauty & the Beast." A close second would be "Beauty" by Robin McKinley).
It is faithful in many ways to the original tale, but where it departs, it is wholly original, and in my opinion, improves upon the original.(less)
I really enjoyed the two main sections: the author's life in China; and her life once her family immigrated to the US. Both were vastly different, and...moreI really enjoyed the two main sections: the author's life in China; and her life once her family immigrated to the US. Both were vastly different, and that comes across in the narrative. Each comes with its own subset of realities, and the author doesn't hold back.
The book is very short (~174 pages), and could have been longer, I think. It appeared rushed toward the end, and I think a third section could have been added to address some of the loose ends tied up so quickly and to even lengthen the book.
I'll readily admit to not being a fan of profanity and there are pockets of all the "big'uns." None of it appeared in the Kindle sample I downloaded, so I didn't find out until after I had purchased the book and got knee deep in it. I will say, I think it detracted from the book, as the author's whole premise is self-dignity, self-governance, and self-respect. It's an odd juxtaposition because the author never lost sight of many of the things important to her, she just developed a nasty mouth, antithetical to all she had preached up until that point.
Other than these issues, the book is a very interesting read.(less)
This book is one of those rare life-changing books. I've only read about a quarter of the book, but it is a chilling, chilling book from an insider's ...moreThis book is one of those rare life-changing books. I've only read about a quarter of the book, but it is a chilling, chilling book from an insider's perspective of the Civil Rights movement, and what really happened in that building that terrible, tragic day...(less)
Excellent book, dispelling many of the myths surrounding ADD (including "does it really exist?"). Using brain imaging to *prove* ADD brains ...moreExcellent book, dispelling many of the myths surrounding ADD (including "does it really exist?"). Using brain imaging to *prove* ADD brains are wired differently, Dr. Amen goes on to state there are 6 types of ADD, not 2 as previously thought.
Using his twenty years of experience in the filed, and drawing on his own experience as a father of 3 children with ADD, Dr. Amen outlines traditional therapies and medications, but also advocates a whole integrated mind/body approach using complementary/alternative medicine, nutrition and exercise.
A "must read" for anyone with ADD or who deals with one in any capacity (parent, teacher, etc.)(less)
Star Parker is a voice to be reckoned with. She really lays out the mentality behind our dependence on social welfare programs. As someone who grew up...moreStar Parker is a voice to be reckoned with. She really lays out the mentality behind our dependence on social welfare programs. As someone who grew up in subsidized housing, on may of the programs she discusses, this book has the ring of truth for anyone brave enough to set aside pre-conceived ideas.(less)
Beck has a clear, engaging, easy-to-read conversational style that immediately sucks you in. I found myself nodding at his words through page after pa...moreBeck has a clear, engaging, easy-to-read conversational style that immediately sucks you in. I found myself nodding at his words through page after page.(less)
An amazing book that clearly explains our constitution and what the framers were thinking in creating it. A must for every American citizen, or those ...moreAn amazing book that clearly explains our constitution and what the framers were thinking in creating it. A must for every American citizen, or those who want to know more about the history of the United States.(less)
Simply *the* best book (save the annotated P&P) I've read about Austen's era. This little tome, cutely done up in Regency style binding (sewn, not glu...moreSimply *the* best book (save the annotated P&P) I've read about Austen's era. This little tome, cutely done up in Regency style binding (sewn, not glued, thank you!) has darling illustrations a la the original works. Fantastic information on the Regency period, with many tongue-in-cheek "insider" jokes, sure to delight any true Jane-ite! I love, love, love this book!(less)
I think it's hard for women to write about what men like. Every knitting book written by a woman for men's knits has been somewhat disappointing. A fe...moreI think it's hard for women to write about what men like. Every knitting book written by a woman for men's knits has been somewhat disappointing. A few cute designs, but Martin Storey's book (Knitting for Him)is much better.(less)