Thursday, June 28, 2018

"Down Cut Shin Creek--The Pack Horse Librarians of Kentucky" is Very Short and Interesting!

Down Cut Shin Creek—The Pack Horse Librarians of Kentucky by Kathi Appelt and Jeanne Cannella Schmitzer is a very short book about a group of women during the Great Depression who delivered magazines, books and Sunday School papers on horseback to the poor people of Kentucky. I did not know of this and found it very interesting! It has pictures too which I enjoyed.
(Gerard’s review, 5 stars)

Karen read it too:
Down Cut Shin Creek—The Pack Horse Librarians of Kentucky by Kathi Appelt and Jeanne Cannella Schmitzer is an interesting book about The Pack Horse Librarians of Kentucky during the Great Depression. President Roosevelt created The Works Progress Administration (WPA) instituted the Pack Horse Library Project give create some work. Mostly women on horseback delivered donated books and magazines to people in Kentucky. Sometimes they would also go on foot. This is a very short but interesting book with pictures about a brief time of history that is little known. I’m glad I read it--it took less than an hour! (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. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Fury Born--The Empirium Trilogy-Book 1 by Claire Legrand

Fury Born by Clair Legrand is the first in The Empirium trilogy.  This novel is told by Rielle and Eliana--two kick-butt women that you do not want to mess with at all!  Rielle exposes her powers that she should not have to save her boyfriend, the crown prince.  Now she must go through trials or die doing them.  Eliana is a bounty hunter who will do anything to keep her family safe.  But when her mom is taken, she must join forces with a rebel captain to save her! 

This book is action packed from start to finish which I like.  I enjoyed both women very much. If you like Sarah J. Maas books, I think you would also like this.
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Teaser from page 14:  A force slamming into him, snatching him forward by his bones.  
The baby being ripped from his arms, no matter how hard he tried to hold on to her.

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. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Monday, June 25, 2018

"Point Guard" by Mike Lupica


Point Guard by Mike Lupica is about a middle school boys’ basketball team that Cassie tries out for and gets accepted.  She is good friends with Gus, Jack, and Teddy who often hang out and play pickup games together.  Gus is the only one who seems to view having a girl on their team as a problem, even if she is as good as the guys.  The book follows the team’s season and Gus learns how to play with people he doesn’t like and also admits he was wrong about Cassie. 

There is a lot of friendship issues in this book that I doubt boys would care about much.  I think girl basketball players would enjoy this book more than boys.  I thought it was okay but liked others by this author much better.  
(Karen's review, 3 stars)

Teaser from pg. 27:  Gus still wasn't sure if he could explain, even to himself, why he thought Cassie didn't belong, why he didn't want a girl on the team, even if she was his good friend.  He just told himself to focus on being happy that Teddy was in the gym, even as unhappy as he was that Cassie was with him.
 

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. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Sunday, June 24, 2018

"Future Lost" by Elizabeth Briggs

Future Lost by Elizabeth Briggs is the third book in the Future Shock trilogy.  Elena and Adam must stop a virus from getting out so back to the future they go!  I thought the first two books were really good but couldn't really get into this one.  It felt a little too predictable.  The writing was okay, it just did not flow well for me.
(Gerard's review, 3 stars)

Teaser from page 13:  That calm intelligence I love has been replaced by a wild look, both determined and manic, and I don't know how I didn't see it before.  Genicote has become an obsession for him, and developing it has become his addiction.

Karen's review:
I tried to read this one, but started it and just lost interest practically right off the bat.  I liked the first two, but that was enough for me.  I gave up on this pretty quick, maybe just because it has been so long since I read the second book.  Anyhow, I didn't want to read this because I had others that interested me more.

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. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Saturday, June 23, 2018

"Draw the Circle" by Mark Batterson

Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson is a devotional book on prayer along with a workbook and a DVD. Our church encouraged everyone to do this study together for 40 days so my husband and I read this book and participated together. The DVD is simply the author talking about the same exact things he wrote in the book. In my opinion, the DVD is redundant and not needed if you read the book.

I thought the book was very interesting and it helped me to improve my prayer time and inspired me to pray more using scripture. It also challenged me to have a prayer journal again. I enjoyed reading about the amazing answers to some prayers that he shared in this book. I did not agree with everything in the book, but most was very good and Biblical.
(Karen's Review, 5 stars)

Teaser from page 28:  Almost like hunger pangs that hit you after going too long without eating, I couldn't go too long without hitting my knees.  Kneeling became almost as instinctual as eating or sleeping.

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. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Friday, June 22, 2018

QB 1 by Mike Lupica is a Heartwarming Sports Story

QB1 by Mike Lupica is about Jake Cullen, a high school freshman quarterback who is struggling with trying to be as good as his dad and older brother and win his father’s love and attention. Jake feels like he’s always playing second fiddle to Wyatt who is now starting QB at University of Texas. Jake is smart, but doesn’t have quite as strong an arm as Wyatt. Fortunately, his high school coach got him to change his throwing mechanics to create his own throwing style which works better Troy Cullen, Jake’s dad, is a former player whose pro career ended in just his second year after four concussions (brain wounds) and seems to be living vicariously through his older son, Wyatt. When Jake finds himself in a QB controversy, everyone is pretty surprised when he gets to be the starting QB while only a freshman. His father is caught off-guard at how good Jake got so quickly.

I enjoyed this book very much because there was a lot of football in it as well as the team dynamics and the feelings of insecurity Jake was dealing with concerning his father and older brother. This takes a good look from the perspective of a younger brother feeling the pressure of following in his star brother’s footsteps and yearning for some of his father’s attention. This book got my interest and kept it from page 1. I would recommend it to anyone who likes high school football and team dynamics.
 (Karen's review, 5 stars)

Teaser from page 13: He knew already that he just wasn’t going to be the player his dad had been before him, certainly wasn’t going to be the player his big brother had been.
He had talent, just not Cullen talent, at least not that he’d noticed so far in his young life.


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. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Thursday, June 21, 2018

"Us Against You" by Fredrick Backman--We Both Liked This!

Us Against You by Fredrick Backman is the sequel to Bear town. It is about the aftermath of the rape of Maya and how Bear town and Hed become not just rivals, but enemies! This book really centers on the community and the way society changes. There are many well-developed characters in this, not just the hockey players. When the hockey coach takes most of his good players and plays for Hed instead, Bear town has to rebuild its team, starting with finding a new coach who is a woman! This second book shows how politicians use their power and comparisons are drawn between them and “the pack.” The characters feel like real people—both good and bad at the same time with real life problems.

This book started out pretty slow for me because I’m not into politics and wanted more hockey. The beginning of the book is spent on political deals and trying to build up a hockey team, but then the violence started and I began to get attached to the characters. I really liked Benji, the pack, Ramona, Vidar, Amat, Jeanette (martial arts teacher) and Elisabeth Zackell (hockey coach). This is mostly a sad story with a few bright spots. It is about loyalty and dynamics of friendships which I found interesting. If you enjoyed Bear town, I think you will also enjoy the sequel.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

Gerard's review:
Us Against You by Fredrick Backman is the follow-up to Bear Town and is as good!  It picks up where Bear town left off.  I loved both these books!  I really enjoyed all the different people in this one.  The writing is so good I read every word!  What I enjoyed most was that from page to page I never knew what character was going to tell the story next or what the outcome would be.  The twists and turns were very good!  I WANT MORE BEAR TOWN!
(5++ stars) 

Teaser from pg. 9: The worst thing we know about other people is that we’re dependent upon them. That their actions affect our lives.


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. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Monday, June 18, 2018

"Neverworld Wake" by Marisha Pessl

In Neverworld Wake by Marisha Pessl, Beatrice has five cool friends she made in high school.  Her boyfriend was the sixth and the leader of the group!  He has a shocking death and two year later, Beatrice is not over it.  Now the old gang is getting back together for the first time since high school graduation.  Beatrice decides to go because she knows secrets about her friends and maybe she can get some answers about her boyfriend's death.

For the most part, this book was pretty good.  Some parts were far fetched, but the ending chapters more than made up for that!  Beatrice was a real good character!  Give this a shot!
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)  

Teaser from page 30:  "You're all nearly dead.  Wedged between life and death."

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. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Friday, June 15, 2018

"Lying in Wait" by Liz Nugent is a Wild Read!

Lying in Wait by Liz Nugent is told by multiple people.  The two main people who tell it are Lydia and Laurence.  They are a mom and son.  Lydia made Laurence share a secret that is the central part of this book. 

I thought this book was wild!  In a good way!  Secrets come out that will have your head spinning.  There are some dull spots, but for the most part the pacing of this book is really good.  The last part of this book will have you turning pages and the ending is one that I did not see coming at all!
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Teaser from page 47:  "I was a fool to go along with your crazy plan.  I did it because I loved you."

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. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Monday, June 11, 2018

"Life in a Jar--The Irena Sendler Project" by Jack Mayer

Life in a Jar--The Irena Sendler Project by Jack Mayer is so Good!  What started out as a school project turned into something that has touched many lives!  Four young Kansas teens discovered the true story of Irena Sendler, and what a story it is!  This book is told in three parts.  Part 1 is the girls discovering Irena's story.  Part 2 is the main part of the book.  The true story of how Irena risked her life every minute of every day to save 2,500 children from the Germans and certain death!  Part 3 is the girls meeting Irena! 

I thought the main part of the book was so captivating I found it hard to put down!  Irena was a true hero!  I loved this book!  Part 3 when the girls met her in person was really good too!  You owe it to yourself to read this book!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Teaser from page 160:  "Doesn't this make you nervous?" Irena Schultz said.  "A few orphans every week is one thing--ten times that many--and not orphans--that's quite another."

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. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Friday, June 8, 2018

"Underdogs" by Mike Lupica

The Underdogs by Mike Lupica is a football story about a youth football team in a small town that can’t afford another season. Will comes up with a way to save the team, but they are one player short until they let a girl try out. Of course, there is some tension over letting a girl on the team and also they need a coach. Will is determined to not let the town take away football from and actively seeks a coach.

This is predictable, but a very good football story with dads and sons bonding, a girl proving she can play, and overcoming many hurdles to get to the championship game. I liked the football action, the team dynamics and the interaction between Will and Grayson.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

Teaser from page  83:  So Will wasn't even close to giving up yet, on the season or on Toby or getting the coach he wanted, the coach he knew would be perfect for his underdog team.  What did his dad always say?  'If you don't think you can, you can't.'

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. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Thursday, June 7, 2018

"Aftermath" by Kelley Armstrong

Aftermath by Kelley Armstrong is a book straight out of the real world with a high school shooting, but this has a twist, trust me! This book deals with it three years later. Skye comes back to her hometown where her brother was the shooter. As you would expect, people do not exactly welcome her back. This book is also told by Jesse, who was Skye’s best friend/boyfriend. His brother was killed in the shooting and he is still dealing with it.

I thought this book was really good! It was told very well. Skye and Jesse were both very likeable. I thought the ending was okay but could have been better. That being said, it is still good and I give it 5 stars!
(Gerard's review)

Teaser from page 8:  I see their expressions, and I crumple to the floor.  I hear this scream, this terrible scream, and I realize it's coming from me.


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. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

"Summer Ball" by Mike Lupica

Summer Ball by Mike Lupica is a story about Danny, a short 13-yr-old who loves playing basketball.  His dad used to play but had an accident so had to stop.  When his dad wants to send Danny to the Right Way Basketball camp for three weeks, he really does not want to go.  He knows kids will make fun of him and he'll have to prove he can play with guys who are bigger all over again.  He is disappointed when he finds out he is not bunking with his buddies and then gets stuck with an old grouchy coach who he doesn't like.  Danny decides to stick it out and makes some new friends.  He gets his chance to prove he can play.

I enjoyed this book once Danny got to basketball camp.  It has a lot of basketball games, tips for practicing and strategies.  It also has a bit of bullying and follows Danny through his ups and downs.  I think anyone who enjoys basketball would like this book, especially short kids who play basketball!
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

Teaser from page 48:  "I never have to play basketball," Danny said.  "I always want to play."  Then he made a sudden cut to the basket.

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. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Monday, June 4, 2018

"Suite Francaise" by Irene Nemirovsky

Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky tells the true story of the people who lived and died as the Germans came and took over Paris, France.  This was good stuff!  A lot of people dealt with this in so many different ways!  The writing puts you right in the middle of this.  The author of this book was arrested and died in a German concentration camp.  This manuscript was hidden for years before being discovered.  this is a very good non-fiction historical book!
(Gerard's review, 5 stars) 

Teaser from page 15:  Monsieur Pericand looked at him.  "My poor boy!" was all he said.

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. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Friday, June 1, 2018

"I'll Be Gone In The Dark" by Michelle McNamara

In I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara, some person is going around killing people.  The police label him "The Golden State Killer."  Michelle wants him stopped and goes all in on doing just that!

This book was like a book version of the TV show, "Dateline."  Michelle was a consultant for that show.  I found it very interesting how she put the pieces of the murders together to try to find the killer.  The book has been on the New York Times  Best Seller list for a long time.  I see why!  It's very good.  Sadly, Michelle passed away.  May she rest in peace.  She sure put together a great book!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Teaser from page 6:  My husband was on his side, sleeping.  I sat on the edge of the bed and stared at him until he opened his eyes. 
     "I think I found him," I said.  My husband didn't have to ask who "him" was.

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. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!
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