Sixteen years before there was The Invention of Hugo Cabret, there was The Houdini Box, the first book written and illustrated by Brian Selznick. It wSixteen years before there was The Invention of Hugo Cabret, there was The Houdini Box, the first book written and illustrated by Brian Selznick. It was published in 1991. An odd, little book about Victor who is obsessed with Harry Houdini. Out of the blue, he meets his idol who sends him a letter setting up a meeting. When Victor arrives, instead of meeting his idol; he receives a box. What happens next is even odder....more
Not my favorite book. Yet, I mustn't complain as it is Little Women. As a fan of all things about Louisa May Alcott, I could not resist this book. RerNot my favorite book. Yet, I mustn't complain as it is Little Women. As a fan of all things about Louisa May Alcott, I could not resist this book. Rereading Little Women (even with vampires) every couple years is a most splendid, delightful and rewarding way to spend one's time. Next time, I'll stick with the tried and true Illustrated Classics Edition for young readers....more
Story about the friendship between two women. Started out liking and wanting to know more about the two main characters, Kathleen and Joyce who meet aStory about the friendship between two women. Started out liking and wanting to know more about the two main characters, Kathleen and Joyce who meet at Synagogue. By the end, not so much. An aside - As a practicing Catholic, I did enjoy learning a little bit about Jewish religion and practices....more
Stick with this one; it picks up speed during the second half. This book explores the idea of time travel. Tom finds a doorway to a magic garden to thStick with this one; it picks up speed during the second half. This book explores the idea of time travel. Tom finds a doorway to a magic garden to the past where he meets Hatty, a young girl. Is she a ghost; is she real? Is he a ghost; is it possible to exchange time for eternity? Why is Hatty different ages each time Tom visits? If this book is starting to sound eerie, add a few verses from *Revelations near the end of this story. This book may make your head spin! *Revelations 10:1-6, KJV...more
Takes place in Mississippi, much of the humor can be appreciated and understood by anyone living in small town, America. No laugh out loud moments forTakes place in Mississippi, much of the humor can be appreciated and understood by anyone living in small town, America. No laugh out loud moments for me, yet plenty of chuckles and smiles on the inside. I think this book is considered a memoir, yet as I read I couldn't help and think these stories sounded more like exagerated than true. Really, the author, Jill Conner Browne, sits around and lolls most days? Goes to Cancun to get a tan on a whim? Hard to believe when she publishes one of these books every year or two, speaks at public events, and goes on book tours. Plus she is in charge of costumes and choreography for the Sweet Potato Queens. Lastly, I found Ms. Browne to be a bit conceited as she decides who can and can't be a Sweet Potato Queen. Ok, after all that venting; I think I'll go make some of her Chocolate Stuff, Danger Pudding, Oh God or Mimi's Butterfinger Cookies. Gotta love down to earth recipes that have no fancy ingredients....more
**spoiler alert** First published in 1988, this book felt dated. No cell phones nor internet in this story. Could two young single mothers be as succe**spoiler alert** First published in 1988, this book felt dated. No cell phones nor internet in this story. Could two young single mothers be as successful as Taylor and LouAnn are with today's recession and unemployment rates? How would Guatemalans Esteven and Esperanza's attempt to leave Arizona differ?
Parts of the story reminded me of Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts. ...more
A story of four generations of women and the family dynamics between them. Ramona is single, 40 years old and owns a barely getting by bakery. Her motA story of four generations of women and the family dynamics between them. Ramona is single, 40 years old and owns a barely getting by bakery. Her mother Lily is the matriarch in this story and grandmother to Sofia, Ramona's 25 year-old daughter. Sofia is pregnant with her first child and married to a soldier who has been injured in Iraq. Lastly, there is Sofia's stepdaughter, 13 year-old Katie. Katie comes to live with Ramona for the summer when Sofia leaves to take care of her husband. Can Ramona and her granddaughter bond? What about the bakery; will they be able to save it before it goes under? Ramona comes from a family of restauranteurs; her parents and siblings run a trio of restaurants and would like Ramona to return to the family business. After years of being on her own, would Ramona want to run the bakery under their watch? Plus, Ramona has discovered that her crush from when she was pregnant at 15 with Sofia has moved to her town. Could there be love in her future? And what about Merlin the dog that Katie brings with her? How will he help bring these women together? ...more