A Smart, Smart School, by Sharon Creech
When it comes to Sharon Creech, I feel there are two categories of fans. Those who love everything she does, and those who mostly like her work. Oh, I am sure there are a few people who do not like her at all, but those people are wrong. I am in that second category. I have liked most of the things I have read, but have found a few special ones. I like A Smart, Smart School, but it is not my favorite. However, if […]
The House We Grew Up In by Lisa Jewell
Best for: Fans of books about families with serious challenges to overcome and issues to resolve. In a nutshell: Lorelei loves Easter. Until her youngest son dies by suicide one Easter Sunday, pushing a family already on the brink over the edge. Worth quoting: N/A (Audio book) Why I chose it: I’ve enjoyed her mystery / thrillers and saw reviews that said this one was a little different. What it left me feeling: Hopeful. Review: CN: Suicide, ill mental health (specifically hoarding) Lorelei has four […]
Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome
I have heard this book, the first of a series, referred to in discussions of classical British children’s lit for years, but had never read it. I assumed it would be something along the lines of Enid Blyton’s Five series, which I adored as a child, but was surprised to find it predates that by a good fifteen years, written in 1930. Well, I may be a little late to the party, but I am absolutely ready to dive in. The protagonists are four siblings, […]
The Art of Extreme Self-Care by Cheryl Richardson
“Remember, if you’re going to disappoint people the right way, the idea is to tell the truth with respect and care, not manage their emotions. While you can’t control how someone feels or how they react, you can control how you feel and how you choose to make your point. Don’t measure your success by the response you receive. Measure it by how you feel once your anxiety disappears.” Work over the past nine months has been extremely stressful for me. I’ve started therapy again […]
The House Is on Fire by Rachel Beanland
I really enjoyed Rachel Beanland’s Florence Adler Swims Forever, so I was very excited for her new book The House is on Fire. I was not disappointed and will continue to read this very talented author. The House is on Fire is a historical fiction set in 1811 Richmond, Virginia, based on the true story of a tragic theater fire. I can’t think of another historical fiction set in this time. The nation is young, the Revolutionary War is not too far behind us and […]
Are you there God? It's me Margaret. by Judy Blume
With the new film adaptation out, I thought it would be fun to reread my childhood favorite Are you there God? It’s me Margaret by Judy Blume. I was wondering if it would still hold up. I have been disappointed in the past. I did not enjoy Little Women and O Pioneers! when I read them as an adult. Well, this time was different. I enjoyed this book as an adult reader. I am also looking forward to seeing the new film. Are you there […]
