"RULES" by Cynthia Lord

RULES by Cynthia Lord is about Catherine, a girl who has a younger brother who is autistic. Sometimes he embarrasses her and she feels stuck babysitting him all the time. She also feels as though her parents do things with him and ignore her. Her best friend moved to California to be with her dad for the summer, so she is very excited about a girl her age moving into the house next door. While accompanying her mom and brother to his occupational therapy, Catherine made a friend who also came for therapy. Jason was her age in a wheelchair and could hear, but could not speak.

This book is geared to kids/young teens to help them understand people with disabilities. It is very short and goes quick. I liked the guinea pigs and my favorite part was when Catherine pushed Jason fast round the parking lot so he could get a sense of what running feels like. I thought it had a pretty good message about not worrying so much what other people think. (Karen’s review, 3 stars)

Teaser from page 73: Jason laughs, a sharp bark like a Canada goose. His mother looks up from her magazine as I scan the room and see everyone watching us.


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"The Art of Hearing Heartbeats" by Jan-Philipps Sendker

The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker is a very unusual love story that is told to Julia. She just graduated from law school and then her father just left.  Her family lives in New York City.  She looks for clues and decides to try to track him down in Burma when she finds an letter from someone named Mi Mi at an address in Burma.  When she arrives, she meets an old man in a tea house who seems to know all about her and begins telling her the story of Tin Win, her father! His story is quite amazing!  You will have to read this for yourself to find out about it.

This is a very slow moving, tender love story between a blind boy and a crippled girl.  I liked Mi Mi and felt sorry for both Mi Mi and Tin Win.  I almost quit on this about a third of the way in; but decided to finish and I'm glad I did.
(Karen's review, 3 stars)

Teaser from page 165:  Waiting was so interwoven with the rhythm of her life that it almost disturbed her when anything happened right away.  She was mystified by people who were always hurrying things along. A time of waiting offered moments, minutes, sometimes even hours of peace, of rest, during which, as a rule, she was alone with herself.     

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"Carry On" by Lisa Fenn is Inspirational Non-Fiction

Carry On—A Story of Resilience, Redemption, and an Unlikely Family by Lisa Fenn is an inspirational non-fiction read about caring for others that focuses on her ESPN story about Dartanyon, a visually impaired wrestler and his friend, Leroy, a legless wrestler. It follows their story even after they graduate high school. This book is amazing. It is about overcoming all kinds of obstacles and the power of love in peoples’ lives. Lisa Fenn is an amazing woman of faith who really made a difference!

This book challenges the reader to not make assumptions about people but rather, get to know their story and thereby understand them. There are a lot of touching parts in this book and both highs and lows which makes it a very interesting read. The parts I liked the most were the wrestling and Judo matches, but it was all good once I accepted that it was much more than just about sports. I would recommend this to anyone!
(Karen's review, 5 stars)


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"Holding Up the Universe" by Jennifer Niven

Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven is told by Libby Strout and Jack Masselin.  They both go to the same high school, but they are very different on the status scale.  The one thing they do have in common is that they each have a health problem to deal with.

This book is much better than I expected it would be.  I really rooted for Libby and Jack.  The story flowed along well and I was always anxious to get back into it!  The ending was perfect!  If you want a feel good story, this is it!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Karen read this one too--here's her review:
Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Nivan is a teen romance novel. Libby, an overweight girl with panic attacks, gets bullied but stands up for herself and has a big heart. Jack has Prosopagnosia, a condition that keeps him from being able to recognize faces. Libby loves to dance and Jack likes building things. Jack keeps his disability a secret and copes the best he can until one day he confides in Libby. Libby and Jack start off on rocky ground but as they get to know each other, their relationship changes.

Although this book is very predictable, it is a good story that has a good message for teens and clearly shows how bullied people feel. I never heard of “face-blindness” before reading this so it was interesting to learn about it through Jack’s experiences. Lilly was an interesting character too with the ability to forgive. The story was told by both Lilly and Jack in alternating chapters. (4 stars)


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Both of Us Liked "Red Zone Rivals" by Eric Howling

In Red Zone Rivals by Eric Howling, Quinn Brown is a quarterback on his high school football team.  He knows what to do on the field, but he has to learn some life lessons too.  This is a very short book, just over 100 pages but still packs a wallop.  I enjoyed seeing Quinn grow as a man off the field and I am glad the author did not go to a predictable outcome.  This is a good read for sure!  (Gerard's review, 5 stars) 

(Karen's review 8-31-16, 5 stars):
Red Zone Rivals by Eric Howling is a quick inspirational teen read about Quinn Brown, a high school quarterback who discovers the new “nerd” in the school isn’t so nerdy after all and learns to think of others. Quinn’s new friend, Walker, shocks everyone when he makes the football team even though he can barely walk! Walker shows Quinn how to focus, tutors him in math, and helps him appreciate his dad. Quinn sticks up for Walker and gets the team to accept him. There is a lot of actual football too which is a plus!

I really enjoyed this book because Quinn improves as a player and as a human being. Walker is amazing and a very inspirational character. I really liked the coaching, football games and the good ending. The book moved along quickly and was interesting if you like football. I can’t think of anything I didn’t like about it.


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"The Underdogs" by Melissa Fay Greene is Wonderful!

The Underdogs by Melissa Fay Greene tells the story of Karen Shirk, who was so disabled that she was not even allowed a dog.  Some nurses encouraged her to raise her own service dog though and she did!  Now, 1,000 dogs later, she runs 4 Paws for Ability, placing dogs with children and their families.

This is a WONDERFUL book that tells the stories of kids and their dogs.  The stories are so good and heartwarming!  Look up 4 Paws for Ability  and you will see the great work they do.  God bless you, Karen, for the work you do and thanks so much for sharing the stories!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars) 

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"Ghost Boy" by Martin Pistorius is a True Story!

Ghost Boy--the miraculous escape of a misdiagnosed boy trapped inside his own body by Martin Pistorius is a true story!   It tells the story of Martin's life so far and what a story it is!  One day he went to school but never went back.  He spent his 14th birthday as a mute quadriplegic but then his mind came alive.  Thought to be brain dead, he was really aware of what was happening all around him but couldn't communicate it.  He knew it, but no one else did.  He refused to give up!  I also found it very interesting how people acted around him.  Give this book a try--I loved the ending!
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"Expect a Miracle" by Jenny Long with Bob Der

Expect a Miracle by Jenny Long is a true story, but you really get two stories in this book.  Through the first half of this book, Jenny tells her story of growing up and it is a remarkable one!  Then we get to Conner and Cayden.  Their story will make you feel good.  They demonstrate the true meaning of brotherly love.  This is a short book that I am glad I read.  I would have liked it to be longer.
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

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"Seeing Home--The Ed Lucas Story" by Ed and Christopher Lucas

Seeing Home--The Ed Lucas Story (A Blind Broadcaster's Story of Overcoming Life's Greatest Obstacles) by Ed and Christopher Lucas is non-fiction.  Ed Lucas is the man--what a story he tells!  At a young age, he loved baseball!  Then a tragedy happened:  he got hit in the face with a baseball and lost his sight.  He decided if he could not play that he would become a broadcaster.  How can a blind man broadcast a game?  You will have to read the book to find out the answer.  He had his dream and with help of a loving family, it came through.  He even got married at home plate in Yankee stadium!  Ed is a real hero to people with disabilities.
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B" by Teresa Toten

In The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B by Teresa Toten, Adam Spencer Ross, who has obsessive-compulsive disorder, has problems.  His parents are divorced, his mom has a stalker, his brother is a pain and now for the first time he has a major crush on a girl.

This book had me from page 1 because Adam is a great character and so is his love interest.  It is so fun to see their relationship grow.  I also enjoyed the other story lines and those characters too.  I LOVED this book--my best of this month so far!  I highly recommend it!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)  

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"Someone To Watch Over Me" by Yrsa Sigurdardottir

Someone To Watch Over Me by Yrsa Sigurdardottir centers on a boy who has Down's Syndrome.  A fire burned down an assisted living facility.  Five people died and this boy is convicted of burning it down!  Meanwhile, an inmate at a psychiatric unit hires a detective to prove the boy is not guilty.

This book kept me interested throughout.  I would have liked a bit more action, but that being said, this book is well worth reading.  I enjoyed 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!

"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) 

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A True Story About a Boy and His Dog: "Haatchi & Little b" by Wendy Holden

Watch this video to see what this book is about:

Haatchi and Little B by Wendy Holden is the true story of a special needs dog and a special needs little boy.  It tells how they got connect to form a special bond.  If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be "love":  the love between the boy and dog, the love of the parents, the love of the various people who had connections to the dog and boy! Wendy tells the story so well you will be caught up in it quickly.  It's a feel good book that we all need to read every so often!  Don't miss this one!
(Gerard, 5 stars ++)

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"Say what You Will" by Cammie McGovern

This book deals with a young teen girl named Amy.  She is a special needs teen who needs help to get her through the day.  In her senior year of high school, she persuades her mother to hire classmates to help her instead of adults.  Matthew decides to help her but is pretty sure he will not make it through the first day.  The communications between Amy and Matthew are fantastic and is what makes this such a good read.  Along the way are some twists that test them both!  I LOVED this one and read it in just two days.  This past up my previous "book of the month" in my opinion.  It's a must read!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Now see what Karen thought of it:


While Gerard was reading this one, I took a look at it and after reading the first chapter, decided to keep going.  Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern is a teen novel about Amy, a girl who has Cerebral Palsy, and Matthew, a boy who has OCD.  When Matthew gets hired by Amy’s mom to be a peer helper for her once a week, they become friends and help each other.  This book has some funny parts as well as some serious issues.  I liked this book because it was interesting to see how Amy and Matthew’s friendship developed and their separate set of problems.  Between Amy and Matthew, I liked Matthew better.  (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!

"She Is Not Invisible" by Marcus Sedgwick is a WOW Read!

She Is Not Invisible by Marcus Sedgwick is about a blind 16-yr.-old girl and her young brother who leave from England and travel to New York to find their dad after not being able to get in touch with him.

This book kept me turning the pages as they looked for their dad. Wow!  This book is good, real good!  I loved the kids in it and the writing.  Give it a chance, you will be glad you did.  I LOVED 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!

"Anything You Ask" by Lynn Kellan is a Sweet Humorous Romance Novella

Image Source: author's blog

Anything You Ask by Lynn Kellan is a fast-moving romance about Dani, a widowed professor with two sons, who is left with a run-down farm and huge debts.  Facts about her late husband come out gradually when she turns to Hale, her brother-in-law for help with the farm.  He is more than willing to help her out because he secretly loved her all along so jumps at the chance to prove himself to her. 

I got into this book quickly and liked both the main characters so couldn't help but root for them to fall in love with each other.  The story line was unique and kept my interest.  I looked forward to seeing what would happen next!  It was over before I knew it but I liked that it didn't drag along at all.  I recommend it if you are looking for a light romance!
(Karen's review)

For more about the book, watch the trailer:

Visit Lynn Kellan's blog at www.forloveorfunny.com

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"A Chance To Win: Boyhood, Baseball, and the Struggle for Redemption in the Inner City" by Jonathan Schuppe

A Chance To Win: Boyhood, Baseball, and the Struggle for Redemption in the Inner City by Jonathan Schuppe is not a baseball book. It is a book about life in the inner city. Rodney, an ex-con, is left wheelchair bound after a shooting and decides to coach a little league baseball team to give young boys an outlet in an attempt to keep them from his former life of drugs. Most of the book deals with the people with whom Rodney has every day contact. These people have a rough life to say the least, but they never gave up and the part about the baseball team was enjoyable.  I think you will like this one, I did. I was rooting for the people to get their lives on track.
(Gerard's review, 5+ stars)

Karen did not like it as much as I did.  You can find her review of it here.

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!

We received a free copy to review but have not received any compensation. This did not affect our review in any way.

"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)

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"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)

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"Me Before You" by Jojo Moyes is a Must Read!

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes centers on two people: Will--an outgoing young man who had it all going on until an accident put him in a wheelchair; and Louisa--a young woman who does not have many skills becomes the caretaker of Will because she needs a job. The interaction between these two is just fantastic! When Louisa finds out about a death pact between Will and his parents, she has a short time to convince Will that life is worth living. How does she go about it and does she succeed? You will have to read the book to find out!

This book had me from page 1. You talk about a page turner, this is it.  You will keep turning pages quickly to see how it ends. The books I really remember are ones I cried over--this is one of them! I highly recommend this as a must 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!