First read in a 7th grade English class and again this year as part of a list of classics suggested to me for each month of the year. This was the booFirst read in a 7th grade English class and again this year as part of a list of classics suggested to me for each month of the year. This was the book for February. Wow, what surprised me was that this was an assigned book for twelve and thirteen year-olds in the early 1980s. Rereading it, it definitely felt that it was originally written as an adult novel. Also, my memories of it were that the whole book took place in the trenches of France during World War II and that we didn't learn until the end of the story that the main character was a German. Untrue on both accounts. Still a grim portrayal of war, there is more happening than spending time in the trenches waiting for battles while smoking cigarettes and having little to eat. (view spoiler)[There's a visit home and time spent in a hospital. (hide spoiler)] And most readers will realize early on that this story is being told by a German soldier. This is the book for anyone who is interested in The Great War (aka World War I) or like me is trying to increase the number of classics they have read....more
Wilderness survival story about two boys set in the Arctic. Fans of Hatchet or Will Hobbs's Never Say Die who are looking for similar titles will wantWilderness survival story about two boys set in the Arctic. Fans of Hatchet or Will Hobbs's Never Say Die who are looking for similar titles will want to give this one a try....more
Dan Gemeinhart is an amazing and quotable writer in this road trip story. As a way of coping with loss, Coyote and her father Rodeo (view spoiler)[notDan Gemeinhart is an amazing and quotable writer in this road trip story. As a way of coping with loss, Coyote and her father Rodeo (view spoiler)[not their real names (hide spoiler)] have been living out of a school bus for five years. They come across as modern day hippies who go wherever the road or their whims lead them. Sometimes they even pick up strangers and take them to their destinations. Coyote is now 12 and ready to go home. Can she convince her father to travel in that direction without him realizing that's her actual destination? Give to those who like stories like Half a Chance by Cynthia Lord or Wish by Barbara O'Connor. Or let the absolutely gorgeous cover sell the book on its own. ...more
Ben hasn't had an easy life. (view spoiler)[He was in foster care for the the first ten years of his life, the Mom who adopted him dies and his new hoBen hasn't had an easy life. (view spoiler)[He was in foster care for the the first ten years of his life, the Mom who adopted him dies and his new home with his aunt and her boyfriend is less than perfect for him. (hide spoiler)] He bonds with a ten pound dog who follows him one day and becomes friends with Halley, a young aspiring writer. Both help him to see the good and bad in others. Fans of stories with dogs and drama will want to give this one a read....more
A little known book by Maud Hart Lovelace. Her fans will recognize bits and piecess from her Betsy-Tacy stories in this Valentines themed story about A little known book by Maud Hart Lovelace. Her fans will recognize bits and piecess from her Betsy-Tacy stories in this Valentines themed story about shy new girl Janice her outgoing classmate Margaret....more
Who knew that behind every craft beer there is a great story? For some, this will leave you longing for simpler times when beer was beer and the biggeWho knew that behind every craft beer there is a great story? For some, this will leave you longing for simpler times when beer was beer and the biggest choice was deciding between regular or light. Starting in the 1950s and ending with the present day, this is the story of three Minnesotan women; sisters Edith and Helen and Edith's granddaughter Diana. Two of them, Helen and Diana will brew beer to make their fortunes. One as a traditional brewer of a mass market beer and the other as a modern day brew master. Being mostly Edith's story, she will find her life shaped by both brewers. As in any family saga, there will be joy and tragedy for all. If you are a fan of family sagas, stories set in the upper Midwest or passionate about craft beer; this is the book for you....more
There are stories with ghosts and spirits that want to befriend you. Sometimes because they are evil and sometimes because they're good. But this bookThere are stories with ghosts and spirits that want to befriend you. Sometimes because they are evil and sometimes because they're good. But this book ups the game; (view spoiler)[there are multiple ghosts and spirits in this story. Some of them want to possess you. (hide spoiler)] There's something creepy about the old house that Harper and her family move into in Washington DC. (view spoiler)[Harper's younger brother is not his usual sweet self. He is hurting the house and his tantrums are becoming more and more dangerous. With help from estranged Grandma Lee, can Harper save Michael before its too late? (hide spoiler)] For those looking for a book that's not afraid to talk about repressed memories, spirit possession, and exorcisms; this is the book....more
Still an amazing book! This was a reread and I enjoyed it even more the second time. I could probably read this story (view spoiler)[about Matt who whStill an amazing book! This was a reread and I enjoyed it even more the second time. I could probably read this story (view spoiler)[about Matt who while giving dog sled lessons makes a couple new friends (hide spoiler)] once a year and not grow tired of it. The perfect mix of dog sled adventure, school drama and unconventional family life. 7/25/19 4 stars, it was fun to read a story about dog sledding. To earn extra credit in math class; Matt must start a business of his own and keep track of his expenses and income. His off the grid family (no electricty, no indoor plumbing) raises sled dogs. Matt knows and loves these dogs, so he decides to give lessons to teach others how to be mushers. To successfully complete the school assignment, Matt needs at least 3 students. Will he be able to attract enough students? How challenging can it be to teach others a skill? Will his students be able to pass the test? In addition, Matt must watch his younger sister Lily while giving lessons. Can he balance it all? Not only a story about dogs, it is also a story about making new friends and finding yourself in new and unexpected situations. With a little bit of humor mixed in, this is a book that is sure to find lots of fans....more
Can newlyweds Roy and Celestial's marriage survive when Roy is wrongfully accused of and convicted for a crime he didn't commit?Can newlyweds Roy and Celestial's marriage survive when Roy is wrongfully accused of and convicted for a crime he didn't commit?...more
Scandinavian humor, a group of seniors believing that the living conditions in prison (there's a gym, delicious meals, etc.) are better than those at Scandinavian humor, a group of seniors believing that the living conditions in prison (there's a gym, delicious meals, etc.) are better than those at their senior home decide to go on a crime spree to improve their lot in life. If you liked the humor in Strawberry Fields by Marina Lewycka, you'll enjoy this. This book could make a great movie!...more
Enjoyable story about Evelyn (Evie), James, Delphine, Kate and the diamond ring that finds its way into all their lives. Interspersed with chapters abEnjoyable story about Evelyn (Evie), James, Delphine, Kate and the diamond ring that finds its way into all their lives. Interspersed with chapters about the real life Frances Gerety, the advertising copywriter who came up with the timeless slogan, "A Diamond is Forever" for De Beers in 1947....more
Loved this inner generational story about four woman. Follow the happenings of Alice the matriarch who is around 80, her daughter Kathleen, daughter-iLoved this inner generational story about four woman. Follow the happenings of Alice the matriarch who is around 80, her daughter Kathleen, daughter-in-law Ann Marie and granddaughter Maggie who is thirty something during one fateful summer. Can these four woman with nothing in common but family discover that blood is thicker than water?...more
Amy and Miles, Randall and Tate; it made it even cuter that everyone was friends to begin with. Amy has just moved to town after her mother's death. MAmy and Miles, Randall and Tate; it made it even cuter that everyone was friends to begin with. Amy has just moved to town after her mother's death. Miles's family runs a bowling alley. Randall (who wore a bow tie to school everyday of 5th grade) and Miles have been friends forever. Tate whose best Perla has moved away has her own sense of style; she befriends Amy on her first day at her new school. From there the story evolves into the ups and downs of life. This book was provided to me for free through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more
3.5 stars, (view spoiler)[B. A. Paris will keep you turning the pages in this British thriller import about kept wife Grace and her diabolical husband3.5 stars, (view spoiler)[B. A. Paris will keep you turning the pages in this British thriller import about kept wife Grace and her diabolical husband Jack.<\spoiler> (hide spoiler)]...more
Its winter again in this Greg Heffley story. January thaws, brutal cold, what feels like a record number of snow days, and an epic snowball fight; it'Its winter again in this Greg Heffley story. January thaws, brutal cold, what feels like a record number of snow days, and an epic snowball fight; it's a winter to remember....more