Zoe Lucky And The Green Gables' Mystery by M. Carol Coffey

Title: Zoe Lucky And The Green Gables Mystery
Series: N/A
Author(s): M. Carol Coffey
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Outskirts Press
Release Date: December 18, 2008
Finished: September 2009
Pages:156
Challenges: None
Rating:










My Thoughts: Zoe Lucky is a tween girl who just lost her father, and she and her mother move to Green Gables to make new friends and mourn. They also gain a pet bird that, they learn, speaks in Swahili and English. While Zoe is in the house, someone tries to rob and ransack the place, and with the help of her bird, Zoe begins to realize that not all of her friends can be trusted.

This was a cute book. Zoe is a likable character, and I enjoyed the antics of her bird.

About the Author: This is M. Carol Coffey's first book and there are rumored to be more coming about Zoe Lucky. Coffey has a website, http://www.carolcoffey.com.I did find the site a little confusing, but maybe that is just me.

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Title: American Gods
Series: American Gods
Author(s): Neil Gaiman
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy
Publisher: HarperTorch
Release Date: April 11, 2002
Finished: September 2009
Pages: 592
Challenges: None
Rating:

My Thoughts: The main character is a man called Shadow. He just made it out of prison and is excited to get home to his wife. Unfortunately, the night before he's released he finds out his wife died in a car accident with his best friend. Now Shadow has no ties to the real world, and he makes the acquaintance of a business man named Mr. Wednesday, who offers Shadow a job. Through Mr. Wednesday Shadow meets many strange and unusual people, but the funny thing is that Shadow seems to fit in with them.

I know there are a lot of metaphors and religious messages in this book, but don't look at me for what they are because I was not thinking that deeply while I read it. Mostly I enjoyed the book. The only time I didn't was when I felt I was supposed to know the people/Gods that Shadow or Mr. Wednesday were talking to. I felt a little confused at the ending; it felt like there was too many people in the pot.

As a character, I liked Shadow and related to him through most of the book except(warning this may spoil the ending for you) when he returns at the end. I just couldn't understand why he would come back after being done with the world. I just didn't see it happening.

In the end, I enjoyed the story and the characters, and I would read the sequels and short stories connected to American Gods.

About the Author: Neil Gaiman's books have won some amazing awards, including his just-released children's book The Graveyard Book, which won the Newbery Medal for 2009. Check out Neil's website, http://www.neilgaiman.com/, which includes a blog.

Falling Into The Sun by Charrie Hazard

Title: Falling Into The Sun
Series: None
Author(s): Charrie Hazard
Genre: Fiction, Christian Fiction
Publisher: Spoonbill Cove Press
Release Date: August 18, 2009
Finished: July 2009
Pages: 363
Challenges: None
Rating:










My Thoughts: A mother of three, Kate, comes home to find her neighbor has commited suicide. The suicide effects her so much that she goes to see a therapist. Along with dealing with the suicide, she realizes her teenage son's rage is out of control. She looks for help spiritually and mentally.

I was a little surprised at the language in a book that called itself christian fiction. I usually don't see the F-word and other curses used so freely in religious fiction, but I can see how it made the characters feel realistic.
I enjoyed the book and found the conversation that she has with her friends and pastor thought provoking.

About the Author: Charrie Hazard is a mother of three herself whocomes from a family of writers. You can learn more at her website http://charriehazard.com

Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman

Title: Skeleton Creek
Series: Skeleton Creek
Author(s): Patrick Carman
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Release Date: February 1, 2009
Finished: July 2009
Pages: 185
Challenges: None
Rating:

My Thoughts: An interesting combination of web videos and books. The book introduces us to Ryan and his best friend Sarah Fincher. Ryan's parents wish he wasn't friends with the troublesome Fincher, and even forbid him to see her again. Sarah can't seem to keep herself out of trouble, and now she is pushing her and Ryan's luck as she sends secret emails with passwords that open creepy videos that can be seen (by Ryan and the reader) online.

In some ways this book reminded me of Paper Towns by John Green, but the writing was not as good. Like Paper Towns, it's got the girl who leaves secret words and gets into trouble, and it has the love sick puppy friend who follows her through fire.

I enjoyed the videos even though the acting was sub par. I am not sure if I will read the second book in the series, Ghost in the Machine. The story was a little predicable because you knew from the start that there would be no story if Ryan listened to his parents and did not contacted Sarah.

About the Author: Patrick Carman has written other children's book series, the Land of Elyon series and the Atherton series. Visit his official Website PatrickCarman.com

Tales From The Slayer Vol. 1 by Various Authors

Title: Tales of the Slayer: Vol. 1
Series: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Author(s): Various
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: January 7, 2004
Finished: July 2009
Pages: 280
Challenges: None
Rating:









My Thoughts: This book is connected to the TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Its tales feature the slayers before Buffy became the vampire slayer. There is 7 stories in the volume, most of which are only okay and not memorable. Pretty much all of the stories were about the last days and battle of the former slayers.

There were 2 stories I enjoyed. First was The White Doe by Christie Golden about a Native American tribe with a slayer know as White Doe. The second was Die Blutgrafin by Yvonne Navarro, in which the big bad is based on a real person, Countess Bathory, said to have bathed in the blood of virgins.

About the Authors: There were various authors in this book, and a few, including the ones I mentioned above, have written more then one Buffy-related book.

Straight From The Horse's Heart by R.T. Fitch

Title: Straight From The Horse's Heart
Series: None
Author(s): R. T. Fitch
Genre: Nature Writings
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing
Release Date: January 8, 2009
Finished: July 2009
Pages: 266
Challenges: None
Rating:










My Thoughts: It is obvious as you read this book the author has an eccentric relationship with his rescued horses. First we meet the various horses, and they all have their own personalities as any children would. The author then begins to listen to an inner voice that he believes comes from the horses and has an urgency to understand.

It took me a while to get into this book, mostly because I was trying to believe that the horses were talking to him. I don't know why really, I am an animal lover and own a dog who I think speaks very freely, but for some reason the way the prose was written didn't make me believe all the time. Although I do believe what the author experienced was spiritual for him.

About the Author: R. T. Fitch has been obsessed with horses ever since his wife introduced him to them. Although they are not the first animals he has worked with, being a ex-employee of Sea Life Park in Hawaii, Mr. Fitch spends most of his days now working with Habitat for Horses. To see his official site, go to rtfitch.com

Strange But True America by John Hafnor

Title: Strange But True, America
Series: None
Author(s): John Hafnor
Genre: Trivia, Facts, Reference
Publisher: Lone Pine Productions
Release Date: August 31, 2009
Finished: July 2009
Pages: 160
Challenges: None
Rating:









My Thoughts: I don't know how strange some of the facts/trivia in this books are. Interesting, yes, but not that strange. There are facts and quirky trivia about each state in the U.S.A. Each gets it own page, sometimes more then one, and one page of drawings. The drawings fit well with each each tale. There are even postcards you can collect for each state that feature the drawings and some of the interesting trivia. I enjoyed it, laughed out loud at times and shared some of the factoids with my husband.

About the Author: John Hafnor has written other Strange America books, including one specifically about his home state of Colorado. You can find more info on the books and author at http://www.strangetrueus.com/

No, Never by Sally O. Lee

Title: No, Never
Series: None
Author(s): Sally O. Lee
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing
Release Date: June 9, 2009
Finished: July 2009
Pages: 34
Challenges: None
Rating:









My Thoughts: Daisy says that she will never do her homework or take a bath or do anything that sounds like a chore. Will not doing these things keep her dreams from coming true?

If you have kids who have trouble doing their chores, this book could be helpful. It's brightly colored and hand painted by the author. In a way I relate to Daisy and am inspired by the message of the book.

About the Author: Sally O. Lee has written and illustrated 15 children's books. Check out her official website, LeePublishing.net

Raising Yoder's Barn by Jane Yolen

Title: Raising Yoder's Barn

Series: no

Author(s): Jane Yolen

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Publisher: Little Brown and Company

Release Date: 1998

Finished: July 2009

Pages: 32

Challenges: None

Rating:

My Thoughts: This is a interesting picture book that teaches children about Amish life. On one Amish farm, a stroke of lightning hits the barn, and it burns to the ground. The next day, the whole Amish community gets together to raise (build) a new barn. The are so orderly and prepared that it makes on wonder, how often does a barn burn down? It is an educational book for kids that shows a community coming together to help each other.

About the Author: Jane Yolen has been called the Hans Christian Andersen of America. She has written over 300 books, and you can visit her site at JaneYolen.com

Review - The Importance of Wings by Robin Friedman

Title: The Importance of Wings
Series:: none
Author(s):: Robin Friedman
Genre:: YA Fiction
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
Release Date: July 2009
Finished: July 2009
Pages: 176
Challenges: None
Rating:










My Thoughts: The Importance of Wings is a coming of age tale. Taking place in the 80's, the main character, Roxanne, believes that one of the most important things in the world is to have the right style of hair: "wings." She believes that, if she had these wings, she would be popular in school. All of this changes when Roxanne meets her new next-door neighbor, Liat. Through Liat, Roxanne learns about more important things in life, like family and heritage.

I was excited when I found out this book took place in the 80's because I grew up in the 80's. Like Roxanne, I was obsessed with TV like the Brady Bunch and Dukes of Hazzard.

The interaction in the book seemed realistic but short. I feel like this could have been done as a short story and not a novel. The message is to accept yourself as you are and be happy and not worry about what others think.

About the Author: Robin Friedman lives in New Jersey and is the author of five books. Visit her website at http://www.robinfriedman.com/index.html

Review - Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin

Title: Something Borrowed Series:: NA Author(s):: Emily Giffin Genre:: Fiction Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin Release Date: April 1st 2005 Finished: June 2009 Pages: 323 Challenges: None Rating: My Thoughts: I got this book through GoodReads' giveaways. Emily Giffin's covers have always attracted me because they look so simple but elegant. The book is about Rachel, who just turned 30, is not married and is a good friend to Darcy ... until her drunken birthday party where she sleeps with Darcy's soon-to-be husband. Rachel feels horrible and so does Dexter( the Fiance). They vow to never do it again, but soon realize they feel something toward one and other. Most of the book is Rachel either talking to herself or to others about Darcy. Her friends think has some comeuppance and deserves what Rachel did/ is doing. It was the kind of book I wanted to talk back to and say, "yeah she may have deserved it, but it's still wrong to do." So sometimes the book was a little frustrating, but something kept me hooked to find out what was going to happen. There is a sequel to this book that is all about Darcy called Something Blue. I may read that to someday. About the Author: . You can visit her at http://www.emilygiffin.com/index.html

Review - You Wanna Go To Willard? by Linda M. Holbrook

Title: You Wanna Go to Willard?

Series:: None

Author(s):: Linda M Holbrook

Genre:: Memior, Biography

Publisher: BookSurge Publishing

Release Date: November 17th 2008

Finished: June 2009

Pages: 244

Challenges: None

Rating:

My Thoughts: I had a chance to review this book thru Boswick Communications. It is not a usual choice for me, but the book sounded very inspirational.
It is a memoir of Linda Holbrook's life growing up. It starts with her finding her path as a teenager and ends somewhere in middle age.
As I read it, in the beginning I felt some kinship with Ms. Holbrook as she dealt with self esteem issues. But as it moved on, that began to fade. There was just so much of the book that, when written out, didn't seem like such a struggle. In the end, it didn't inspire me as much as I hoped.

About the Author: This is the first book for Linda M. Holbrook, who lives in New York and has two grown sons.

Review - Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

Title: Breaking Dawn

Series:: Twilight Series

Author(s):: Stephenie Meyer

Genre:: Teen Book, Series

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Release Date: August 2nd 2008

Finished: June 2009

Pages: 754 pages

Challenges: None

Rating:

My Thoughts: First let me say, I can't believe how much this book is hated. I was completely unspoiled before I read this, but I had heard people hated and wanted to return the book. I absolutly loved it. There were so many things I didn't see coming. I don't like spoiling anything so I will try to make this spoilerless.

The story takes place as Edward and Bella are getting ready to marry. They go on there honeymoon and comeback to Forks with something extra. Something that is going to kill Bella.
I love the new character, Renessme. I kinda hope Meyer writes a book about her someday. I can't pinpoint what I really loved about this book, but the more I think about it, the more I think the writing was good and the mystery within the story better. I wish there was more of the series to read.

About the Author: Stephenie Meyer is the author of 4 Teen Books and 1 Sci Fi book (all of which we have reviewed here). Visit her at http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/index.html

Review - Of Dreams And Realities by Dr. Frank L. Johnson

Title: Of Dreams and Realities
Series::
Author(s):: Dr. Frank L. Johnson
Genre:: Poetry
Summary: From the back of the book: "Of Dreams and Realities is a splendid new collection of poems that proves insightful in it's reach and elemental in it's grasp. The collection is industrious and sly--a bit of hardworking magic in the everyday subtleties of life."
Finished: 04/12/09
Pages: 44
Challenges: none
Rating:










My Thoughts: This is the first grownup poetry book I have ever reviewed, so let me say a little bit about what kind of poetry I like. I like poetry that tells a clear story, not something you have to breakdown and analyze every sentence. I tend to like love poems--something I just realized after reading this. This book has what I like. My favorite was the first poem, "Accidentally on Purpose". The rest of the poetry was good, not great but good.

About the Author: Dr. Frank L. Johnson lives in Virginia and has won awards for his poetry. This is his first book.

Review - A Decent Ransom by Ivana Hruba

Title: A Decent Ransom
Series:: None
Author(s):: Ivana Hruba
Genre:: General Fiction
Summary: A kidnapping gone right. A kidnapped woman takes solace in one of the young men who kidnapped her.
Finished: 03/3/09
Pages: 272
Challenges: none
Rating:

My Thoughts: At the begining of this book, I was captivated by the story. It is written differently then anything I have read before. Each chapter, you don't know which character you're reading about until the end. Sometimes it is the same character as the one you just read, sometimes a different character. It's one of those stories where you can't see the ending going well. And, well, it ended better than I thought, but I generally didn't enjoy the ending. I just think the message the end sent seemed like it was for a different book. The story is interesting and keeps you guessing, I just couldn't fully reconcile the ending with the rest of it.

About the Author: Ivana Hruba grew up in the Czech Republic and now lives in Australia. This is her first published novel. You can visit her at http://www.ivanahruba.com/

Shannon's Review - Otis the Musical Owl by Joseph N. Chappelle

Title:: Otis The Musical Owl
Series:: None
Author(s):: Joseph N. Chappelle
Genre:: Children's Book
Summary: A owl in search of it's family finds friendship in humans, music and other animals.
Finished: 02/24/09
Pages: 49
Challenges: 20 Books in 2009(17)
Rating:









My Thoughts: This book is good until it switches perspective from a narrator telling the story about the owl, to the owl telling its own story. It's fine in the beginning, where it seems to be a tale set in something like real life. But then it gets plain weird. The owl is picked up by a family that thinks they are helping the owl, who they think is hurt. But the owl is really a baby and lost. Then the owl goes to a rehabilitation center, learns many things and comes back to where it was found to look for its family. I think I may be missing something in the story. Then all of sudden the Prince of Darkness and 41 Unicorns were mentioned... I had no idea what that was about.

About the Author: This is the first book by Joseph N. Chappelle. He also plays cello, and has served in the Peace Corps and in Malawi as an International Partner with Habitat for Humanity.asy, Children Book, 20 in 2009 Challenge, Free Book 4 Refer A Book Friday,

Shannon's Review - Jesus Freak: Martyrs by DC Talk and Voice of the Martyrs

Title:: Jesus Freaks: Martyrs
Series:: None
Author(s):: DC Talk and Voice for the Martyrs
Genre:: Christian
Summary: Stories of those who stood for Jesus.
Finished: 01/20/2009
Pages:368
Challenges:20 Book in 2009(8),
Rating:










My Thoughts: I think with a book like this, you can't help but compare yourself to the people in the book. It is part of the purpose of the book. I wonder about myself; whether I would have faith strong enough to die for it. Right now, I don't think I would. So it's interesting to me that all the people in this book have died or lived for there faith. Part of me wants to strive to be like them—living for my faith. Another part is confused.
I think this is a interesting book for most Christians to read because we all want to strive to be more faithful in life. If you are not Christian, I am not sure it will interest you. It might but I think it is a little strong for non-Christians.

About the Authors: DC Talk is a Christian rock band made famous by their most popular song, "Jesus Freaks". Visit them at DCTalk.com

Voice of the Martyrs is an organization serving the persecuted church. Visit them at Persecution.com.

Shannon's Review - Ralphina the Roly - Poly

Title:: Ralphina the Roly-Poly
Series:: None
Author(s):: Claudia Chandler
Genre:: Children's Picture Book
Summary: Ralphina the Roly-Poly bug wants to play with the neighborhood boy. She tries to get his attention, and teaches him about Roly-Poly bugs along the way.

Pages: 26
Challenges:20 Books in 2009(5)
Finished: 01/13/2009
Rating:









My Thoughts: Wonderful and colorful illustrations. Cute story. I am just not sure how interesting a story about a roly-poly bug is. I did learn some things about roly-polies that I didn't know. (For example, roly-poly bugs are related to crustaceans.) But the way the story was told didn't really flow right; it starts with no oomph and ends abruptly.

About the Author: Claudia Chandler is illustrator and educator of elementary students. I believe this to be the first book by her. To see more about her and her creations you may go to Claudiascustomcreations.com

Shannon's Review - The Bomb That Followed Me Home by Cevin Soling

Title:: The Bomb That Followed Me Home
Series:: Rumpleville Chronicles
Author(s):: Cevin Soling
Genre:: Humor,

Summary: Like a puppy dog, a bomb follows a young child home. The child hopes to keep it.


Pages: 32
Challenges: 20 Books in 2009(4)
Finished: 01/13/2009
Rating:









My Thoughts: Strange but humorous little book. Written out like a children's picture book, it's pretty absurd. I am not sure how I feel about it really. Yes, it was funny in some places, but also a little frightening to think about in others. I think for fact that a kid could mistake this for a children's book, and that could be confusing.
About the Author: Cevin Soling has written a number of books in the Rumpleville Chronicles, including The Jolly Elf and The Disciples of Trotsky. There will be at least 7 more books in the series.

Shannon's Review - When Wishes Come True by Gail Herman

Title:: When Wishes Come True
Series:: Fairy School
Author(s):: Gail Herman
Genre:: Children's Chapter Book

Summary: Dorrie Windmist is a fairy, but she just happens to be a very clumsy fairy. She accidentally falls and breaks her wing as her parents are planning a six-inch birthday party for her older sister, Arianna. Because everyone is getting ready for the party, no one is paying attention to Dorrie. She is so jealous of her sister that she wishes she didn't exist, and her fairy godmother shows her just what that would be like.
Pages: 71
Challenges: 20 Books in 2009
Finished: 01/13/2009
Rating:










My Thoughts: This shows improvement from Herman's first book, Tooth Fairy Travels. The story is creative in showing what it would be like for Dorrie to have never had a older sister. The words flow nicely through out the book, and the characters are ones kids can relate to.

About the Author: Gail Herman has written many children's books, including a couple of the Disney fairies books. The fairy school series was her first original series of books.