"It Was Me All Along" by Andie Mitchell, a memoir

It Was Me All Along by Andie Mitchell is the true story of "the fat girl."  She continued that way until one day while in college she got on a scale and was shocked by the number.  This book tells the story of how she put on the weight and how she took it off, but it's more than that--it's how she deals with life too.

I found it fascinating--she pulls no punches and sounds like someone I would enjoy spending time with.  Through her book, short as it is, I did and am glad for that.
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

I am so proud that Gerard lost his excess weight.  I find it hard to believe he was over 300 pounds in high school (long before I ever met him), but here's the proof:  From 300 pounds to 140. 

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"A Dog Named Slugger" by Leigh Brill is a Must Read for Dog Lovers! (UPDATED)

A Dog Named Slugger by Leigh Brill is the true story of Leigh and her service dog, Slugger. Leigh needs Slugger because she has Cerebral Palsy. This book tells of the special heartwarming bond they formed with some really great stories and funny moments too! It’s a must read for dog lovers. Loved it!
(Gerard's revuew5++ stars)

A Dog Named Slugger by Leigh Brill is a wonderful book that shows how service dogs can help people with disabilities other than blindness.  This was new to me so I really enjoyed reading about the bond between Leigh and her dogs Slugger and Kenda.  Leigh has Cerebral Palsy and the parts where she shares her struggles before Slugger came into her life are sad.  I really felt bad for her, but overall, this book is uplifting.  For this type of book, I'm giving it 5 stars.  I was not disappointed in it because Slugger is a big part of it and I learned more about service dogs than I knew before I read it. 
(Karen's review, 5 stars) 

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Let The Tornado Come" by Rita Zoey Chin

In Let the Tornado Come by Rita Zoey Chin, we are told about Rita's childhood which was rough to say the least.  Now a married woman, she suffers panic attacks at every turn.  This read like a novel only it's true!  I loved this book and highly recommend it.  I was drawn into her stories and found myself rooting for her to get help.  Turns out an animal was a big help.  What kind?  You will have to read the book to find out (or Karen's review below)!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Karen read this too:
Let The Tornado Come by Rita Zoey Chin is a memoir about her dark childhood, her panic attacks and her journey to having a normal life she dreamed of with the help of horses. I almost quit on this book because her childhood was so awful! The abusive parents were bad, but the child prostitution and her life on the streets was horrible and disgusting. I felt bad for her and admired her courage to keep searching for a better life. The best part of the book was how she bonded with a horse named Claret. The thing that was most distracting to me was how the book kept jumping back and forth between the past and the present. Overall, it was pretty shocking to me and gave me some insight into a lifestyle that is very different from mine. (3 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Rascal" by Sterling North (Updated)

Image from Amazon

Rascal by Sterling North is about a young boy who after his dog digs up a raccoon’s nest, takes a baby raccoon for a pet and names it Rascal.  This is a fun read for young readers and older people who are young at heart.  Rascal and his young owner, Sterling, get into all kinds of mischief.  I enjoyed it very much!  
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Karen's review, 3 stars:
Rascal by Sterling North is a cute read about a 12-yr.-old boy and his pet raccoon during World War II.  It has some very funny parts and when he goes camping for two weeks, I felt I was right there with him.  This isn't by any means a page turner though and parts of it seemed to drag a bit, but it's short and I enjoyed the connection the boy had with the raccoon.  I enjoyed the illustrations as well.  

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"I Will Never Forget" by Elaine C. Pereira

I Will Never Forget—A Daughter’s Story of Her Mother’s Arduous and Humorous Journey through Dementia by Elaine C. Pereira is informative, heartbreaking and emotional.  Although it starts a bit slow, about halfway through I found myself really enjoying it.  This book gives a glimpse into what it’s like for those dealing with dementia.  I could certainly feel the daughter’s sadness when she realized her mom was worse off than she thought and had some difficult decisions to make.  This is a touching story of love between a mother and daughter that I could certainly relate to.  As I read, it made me even more thankful that neither of my parents suffered with dementia.  This book is an eye opener that gives insight into independent living, assisted living, Memory Care and Hospice facilities as the daughter shares about her mother’s journey.  I recommend it to anyone who would like to know more about how to deal with someone with dementia or wants to know more about the illness.   
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

(I was given a free copy to review but this did not affect my review.)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"This Star Won't Go Out" by Esther Earl with Lori and Wayne Earl

In This Star Won't Go Out --The Life and Words of Esther Grace Earl by Esther Earl with Lori and Wayne Earl, you get to know and meet a remarkable young lady, Esther.  This is her book and what a book it is—fun, thoughtful, loving and always interesting.  I went through a lot of emotions reading this one and was glad I had some tissue handy.  Esther’s friends talk about her and the bond they built with her.  These letters are the most touching part of the book.  Her mom and dad write in it too, and her dad’s eulogy at the funeral was so good!  I wish I could have met Esther.  This book will stay with me a long time!
 Here is a teaser from page 56:

You know, I have a really great attitude about all this cancer thing.  I smile, laugh and joke about it.

(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Prepared for a Purpose" by Antoinette Tuff with Alex Tresniowski--an Amazing Story!

Prepared for a Purpose by Antoinette Tuff with Alex Tresniowski is an amazing true story about how Antoinette stood up to a gunman who came into her school where she works and her own personal story.  Both are really good because this woman has been through a lot!  I enjoyed reading it and believe it will keep your interest as it did mine.  
(Gerard's review, 5+ stars)

Prepared for a Purpose by Antoinette Tuff with Alex Tresniowskiis mostly about Antoinette's personal life and very little about the gunman at the school who she confronted.  She is definitely a strong woman, coping with many problems while praying for God's help which is mostly what this book is about.  I liked it all right but it didn't really grab me.  I did feel sorry for her though having to deal with so many issues.  It's worth your time.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Pure Joy--The Dogs We Love" by Danielle Steel

Pure Joy--The Dogs We Love by Danielle Steel is a short memoir about her dogs she had over the years filled with funny, sad and touching stories, including pictures.  She also gives some advice for dog owners.  If you are a "dog person," you will enjoy this quick read.  I am and I did!  
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Zlata's Diary--A Child's Life in Sarajevo" by Zlata Filipovic

Zlata's Diary--A Child's Life in Sarajevo by Zlata Filipovic is her diary over a two year period of war in Sarajevo. She is 11 years old at the beginning and I was surprised to read how her life was much like that of American children. The book is pretty sad and depressing, day after day pretty much the same thing. It shows how terrible war is, how innocent people are impacted, and how very basic things made her so happy.

It made me thankful for all I have was a reminder to me that I have nothing to complain about! It goes fast but gives great insight into what it's like to live in a war zone.
(Karen's review, 3 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"The Second Chance Dog-A Love Story by Jon Katz

Another good book by Jon Katz

The Second Chance Dog--A Love Story by Jon Katz is a true story and what a story it is!  Jon Katz tells about his life at a certain point and you will be shocked at what he went through.  Then he falls in love with a woman but first has to get her dog on his side which was not easy!  There are lots of good stories in this one book:  Jon's story, the romance, and the dog's story which will touch your heart.

My dog, Abby, gives this book four paws up way high  I LOVED it too!  (Gerard's review, 5+ stars)

Other books we liked by this author:  Rose in a Storm, Dancing Dogs, Dogs of Bedlam Farm

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"ORR--My Story by Bobby Orr is a Must Read for Bruins Fans

If you are a die-hard Bruins fan like me, then Orr--My Story by Bobby Orr is a must read book for you!  I was fortunate to see Bobby Orr in his playing days in the 70s and he was the best--he could do it all!

I loved this book because it brought back a lot of memories of the big bad Bruins of the 70s.  Furthermore, he pulls no punches by even telling about his agent who just about took all his money.  You are the best, Bobby!  Thanks for your book!
(Gerard's review, 5+ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"To Sing Frogs" by John M. Simmons (UPDATED)

A Happy Memoir

Updated 10/25/13:

To Sing Frogs by John M. Simmons is an interesting read on so many levels.  First of all, it is a true story of a Mormon couple who had three boys of their own, but who adopt a special needs boy (Jack) and later three girls and one boy from Russia.  It was amazing at how many hoops they had to jump through and all the delays.  In spite of the author being a cynic who really doesn't believe God cares or is involved in our lives, the answered prayers of the three little orphans from Russia seems to at least make him wonder.

I'm glad I took the time to read To Sing Frogs in spite of the dumb title.  This book is so well written that I felt the father's frustrations and the joy of the girls who were adopted.  I loved the author's sarcasm throughout the book and how the orphans' prayers were answered in spite of the odds.  I think anyone considering an international adoption or interested in orphanages or Russia would enjoy this book.  It's different from any other book I've read.     
(Karen's review)

To Sing Frogs by John M. Simmons is a memoir about family, friends, life, and other things that don't make sense.   It is about a couple who adopt four children from Russia.  The best parts of the book were: 

(1)  all the red tape and the various hurdles the couple had to go through to get the children to be part of their family;

(2)  the kids, the joy they felt that somebody wanted them and then the trials of coming to America and not knowing the language and the customs; and

(3)  how the couple wished that they were able to take a lot more kids in.

This is a feel good book that I think you would enjoy reading!  There is no big "wow" factor, but a happy, heartwarming ending.  I liked the pictures in the book too!
(Gerard's review, rating 5 stars)

Note:  We received an advance review copy of this book but that did not affect our reviews.
All proceeds from the sale of To Sing Frogs will benefit the Ele Lembra Foundation charity and with your assistance, we'll be raising awareness on the benefits of adoption.

Happy Reading!

"Etched in Sand" by Regina Calcaterra

Etched in Sand by Regina Calcaterra is a story about five siblings who have to deal with a very rough childhood and a mom who would never win a "Mother of the Year" award. I enjoyed the parts of the book that dealt with the mom. You will not believe her actions and words! This would make a very good Lifetime movie for sure; well worth reading. (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Run, Brother, Run--A Memoir of a Murder in My Family" by David Berg

Run, Brother, Run--A Memoir of a Murder in My Family by David Berg talks about the killing of his brother, Alan, and then the trial of the person held responsible for the killing.  For the most part, this book was very interesting.  I enjoyed learning about what led up to the killing and the life Alan and David led together along with their dad.  The trial was interesting too.  I give it 4 stars.
(Gerard, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

Riveting Memoir: "The Blood Of Lambs--A Former Terrorist's Memoir of Death and Redemption" by Kamal Saleem

The Blood of Lambs by Kamal Saleem  tells the true story of his life and his change from being a follower of Allah to being a follower of Jesus Christ.  At the age of 7 he was trained to become an Islamic terrorist!  It is a fascinating read.  I didn't know how they train these people, but I do now and it is very scary!  The story of how he became to speak out against terrorism is mind-blowing.  You have to read it to believe it!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

WOW! That's the word that kept coming into my mind as I read The Blood of Lambs--A Former Terrorist's Memoir of Death and Redemption by Kamal Saleem with Lynn Vincent. It is the most interesting memoir I have ever read!  I was fascinated by what the Muslims believe and have a better understanding of how Muslim terrorists think.  Kamal was abused and bullied as a kid, and found acceptance and protection when recruited as a boy soldier.  All his life he was raised to hate and at age 7, attended a terrorist training camp where they trained with live ammunition.  This man had a vast number of experiences that were completely new to me, including many near death experiences.  His childhood is heartbreaking and even after he came to America and was converted to Christianity, his bravery continues as he publicly shares his story and warns the U.S. to wake up to what the Jihad is up to.  His life is always in danger!

I learned so much from reading this book!  I am not into politics at all so thought this book might be boring and read like a history text book, but I was so wrong!  It is a very interesting and captivating read because wanting to know what happened to bring about this terrorist's conversion to Christianity kept me turning the pages.  This is not the kind of book I normally would read, but it was recommended to me by a friend in an email that went into detail about it which piqued my interest.  Now I am recommending it to you!    
(Karen's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls--Essays, Etc." by David Sedaris Is One I Should Have Passed Up

Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls Essays, Etc. by David Sedaris was disappointing to me. The title is very misleading because I thought I'd learn more about Diabetes and wondered what the owl connection was. Then in small print on the cover it said "Essays, Etc." which is really what is in this book. It's a collection of 25 short essays on topics from doctors, to his dad, politics, traveling, etc. There are some humorous lines and I did enjoy the ones about the dentist and not buying a cell phone. I also found his relationship with his dad to be sad but interesting. However, most of the essays did not interest me and I did not like how he put his dad down. I read most of it but finally got tired of plowing through this and switched to something else before I finished. This is the last book I'll read by this author and cannot recommend it.

If I had realized this was the same author who wrote Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk, I would not have gotten it.
(I started Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk because I like animals and thought the title was funny, but gave up half way through and didn't want to waste any more time on it because it wasn't at all like I expected. The language was very rough and the animals were not portrayed in a good light at all. The "fables" seemed long to me. This book got so much hype but I did not see why. I liked Animal Farm much better!)

I do feel bad that the author's dad did not support or show him the love and acceptance every kid should have from his dad. However, I agree with his dad's opinion mentioned on page 39:

Number one on the Times list doesn't mean that your book is good--just that a lot of people bought it that week, people who were tricked, maybe, or were never too bright to begin with.

I am very thankful my dad was nothing like his and that is one of the reasons I wrote My Funny Dad, Harry in his memory shortly after his death. I think people would like reading about a happy family and a good family man once in awhile instead of about all the bad childhoods people had.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"The Outsider--a Memoir" by Jimmy Connors

I always enjoyed watching Jimmy Connors play tennis, so it was a no brainer that I would read his memoir called The Outsider. I especially liked reading about his young teen years and found his comments on his fellow players interesting. The part with his on-again, off-again relationship with Chris Evert was very good also.
(Gerard's review, 4 1/2 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"The Shape of the Eye" by George Estreich (Memoir)

The Shape of the Eye by George Estreich is the true story of a dad who has to deal with his special needs daughter.  I found it very interesting how they had to do sign language to communicate with her.  Also, the various ways that his life changed due to his daughter was enlightening to me.  This is a quick read; if you have a special needs child, you will find this book encouraging!
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"WAVE" by Sonali Deraniyagala

Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala is the true story of how she lost her whole family one morning due to a tsunami. She was able to somehow survive. You can really feel the love she had for her family and the heartbreak of losing them followed by anger that she is the one left. I read this book in just one day. It’s a very interesting read!
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Beyond the Bear" by Dan Bigley and Debra McKinney

Beyond the Bear by Dan Bigley and Debra McKinney tells the true story of how Dan was mauled by a bear and survived. To his credit, he worked hard and was able to make something of his life again, even though he had lost his sight. I enjoyed the stories he told of his re-habilitation and of his help that he received from friends. God bless you, Dan, and your family!
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!