Showing posts with label Melanie Benjamin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Melanie Benjamin. Show all posts

Saturday, October 21, 2023

Shannon's Review - The Children's Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin





Title: The Children’s Blizzard
Series: No
Author: Melanie Benjamin
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Barbara M. Bachman
Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction, American History Fiction,
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Received: Purchased
Release Date: January 2021
Pages: 355
Rating:



Author Melanie Lynne Hauser (aka Melanie Benjamin) Official Websites:




Website:
https://melaniebenjamin.com/

Blog:
None found

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Melanie-Benjamin-Author-208671032480607/#

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/MelanieBen

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/melaniebenjamin_author/

TikTok:
None Found



Shannon’s Thoughts:

On an unusual day in the Dakota territories in January of 1888 a blizzard strikes. Two teenage sisters who are also school teachers in different towns are tested beyond their measures to keep their students safe. One will succeed and one does not. Another young woman, a servant, hopes for love to reign in the disaster. All based on a sad true story that has betrayal, death, and hope.

I love Melanie Benjamin's historical fiction because she seems to be able to jump into each character’s mind so easily. The characters' emotions feel true and their reactions to things that happen just make sense.

This book did jump around to the 3 or 4 characters often. I did get confused about which sister was which. I think that is just me. I have horrible short-term memory and names don’t stick in my head.

I will continue to read Mrs. Benjamin’s books because I love them. She has a new one called California Golden either out now or soon. I look forward to it and future releases.

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Shannon's Review - Super Mom Saves The World by Melanie Lynne Hauser






Title: Super Mom Saves The Day
Series: Super Mom #2
Author: Melanie Lynne Hauser
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Unknown
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Superhero, 
Publisher: NAL Trade
Received: Purchased
Release Date: March 2007
Pages: 300
Rating:




Author Melanie Lynne Hauser(aka Melanie Benjamin) Official Websites:



(borrowed from Goodreads.com)


Website:
https://melaniebenjamin.com/ 

Blog:
None found

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Melanie-Benjamin-Author-208671032480607/#

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/MelanieBen

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/melaniebenjamin_author/




Shannon’s Thoughts:

In this sequel to Confessions Of A Super Mom, Birdie is back and she finds her superpowers are developing into more than she can handle. Her kids are still teenagers you can tell because anything she does they are embarrassed by. She is finally revealing her relationship with Carl just as her ex Dr. Dan has thoughts to rekindle their marriage. All that and cleaning supply mascots like Mr. Clean are coming to life and helping her fight her new nemesis.


I loved this book just as I loved the first book. The celebrity appearances like Ryan Seacrest and the scrubbing bubbles were hilarious. Just like Confessions Of A Super Mom, I can see this as a movie, with Drew Barrymore as Birdie. She is sweet, a little klutzy, and so relatable. The way the characters work through their problems internally also gives you the chance to work out your feelings about the things the characters and their decisions. 


I am sad I finished the series. I hope maybe there will be more books in the future but I kinda doubt it.


Still, one of my favorite authors whether she goes by Hauser or Benjamin. Really hope one-day Supermom comes back or maybe I get her powers. Lord knows my place needs it.

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Shannon's Review - Confessions Of Super Mom by Melanie Lynne Hauser






Title: Confessions Of Supermom
Series: Confessions Of Supermom #1
Author: Melanie Lynne Hauser
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Unknown
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Superheroes
Publisher: Berkley Books
Received: Bought
Release Date: August 2006
Pages: 314
Rating:





Author Melanie Lynne Hauser(aka Melanie Benjamin) Official Websites:


(borrowed from Goodreads.com)

Website:
https://melaniebenjamin.com/

Blog:
None found

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Melanie-Benjamin-Author-208671032480607/#

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/MelanieBen

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/melaniebenjamin_author/



Shannon’s Thoughts:

After a cleaning accident single mother of two teenagers becomes infused with superpowers...very unique superpowers. Her powers seem to stem from her core being which is being a mother. With her abilities, she learns about a scam that is directed to hurt children and make an evil corporation money.

Confessions of supermom is a very uniquely written book. It is a quick and fun read. As I was reading it I could see it as a movie. In fact, I pictured Drew Barrymore as Supermom, Birdie. She’s cute, she’s strong and loveable.

Some of Birdie’s story is a little cheesy...but I like cheese. The more cheese the better for me.

I think this series deserves more reads. Many of you may not know that historical fiction author Melanie Benjamin is the same author who wrote this supermom series. The similarities are that she writes people and stories that are so real and hard to believe that she is writing fiction. The sequel to this is sitting on my shelf waiting to be read.



Monday, January 4, 2021

Happy New Year 2021 And Tom Thumb Day!!!



HAPPY NEW YEAR 2021!



I hope the first days of the new year has been good and I hope it continues to be good throughout many years.


2020 did not leave anyone unscathed. I lost two family members this year my dad and his sister. My aunt passed from complications from Covid and my dad made it through Covid but I think it weakened his body which was already weak. He passed a week and a half before Christmas…

I have so many boxes of my parents’ stuff to look through and a lot is getting put on eBay. My dad liked to collect memorabilia. So my start of 2021 kinda feels like I am going through a treasure hunt.


As for reading… well I have already finished two books that I started in 2020 but still, it is progress. I in fact have quite a few books that I have finished but I have not written reviews for yet. I still don’t want to stop doing this blog so we will see how this year goes.







Celebrate Every Day With Books

It seems like everyday has some new theme to celebrate so I thought it might be fun to see what kind of interesting books I can find (new, old, or coming soon) for an everyday holiday. In fact, most days have more than one holiday!


TODAY 

IS 

JANUARY 4TH 2021


TOM THUMB DAY


“Charles Sherwood Stratton, who would become known as General Tom Thumb, was born on today's date in 1838, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Although he was born a normal size, by the age of six months he had stopped growing, possibly because of a pituitary gland issue, such as Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD). At the time, he was 25 inches long and weighed 15 pounds. It wasn't until age 9 that he started growing again—albeit at a slow pace—and he was just two feet, eight inches tall when he reached the age of 18. He kept growing throughout his life and eventually reached three feet, four inches in height, and a weight of 70 pounds.


Stratton was just four years old when he met circus impresario P.T. Barnum, who was a distant relative. Barnum became the boy's manager, and taught him how to sing, dance, mime, and make impersonations. Stratton became one of the "wonders" at Barnum's American Museum in New York City, where he arrived on December 8, 1842. Barnum paid Stratton's father three dollars a week to let his boy be there, and Stratton and his mother lived in an apartment in the museum.” (taken from checkiday.com)


So that you know I have not read most of these but the ones I pick seem the most interesting and would like to read. You can probably find tons more books for each holiday but I am only going to pick two books for one holiday a day. 


Let me know what you think. Do any of them seem interesting to you? Is there another book you think would be a better choice?





Title: The Remarkable Courtship Of General Tom Thumb by Nicholas Rinaldi

Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction,

What It Is About?: “...this novel weaves together a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at life during the Civil War and a moving tale of one misfit's odyssey to find his place in the world. Discovered at age four by P.T. Barnum, Tom Thumb soon finds himself traveling internationally, sitting on the laps of the queens of Europe, and entertaining the masses. He meets Czar Nicholas and the King of Saxony and is invited to the Tuilleries by Louis Philippe. After marrying Lavinia Warren, Tom and his wife are hosted at the White House by President Lincoln. With the country at war, Tom and Lavinia set out on their honeymoon tour and witness firsthand the fracture between the states, the heroism of young soldiers, and the unbreakable spirit of the American people...” ( From Goodreads.com)

Available To Buy: Anywhere Books Are Sold

Available To Swap: 0 Available on PBS





Title: The Autobiography Of Mrs. Tom Thumb by Melanie Benjamin

Genre:
Fiction, Historical Fiction,

What It Is About?: “...She was only two-foot eight-inches tall, but her legend reaches out to us more than a century later. As a child, Mercy Lavinia "Vinnie" Bump was encouraged to live a life hidden away from the public. Instead, she reached out to the immortal impresario P. T. Barnum, married the tiny superstar General Tom Thumb in the wedding of the century, and transformed into the world's most unexpected celebrity…”(from Goodreads.com)

Available To Buy: Anywhere Books Are Sold

Available To Swap: 1 Available on PBS








Saturday, January 4, 2020

January 4th 2020 - Tom Thumb Day



TOM THUMB DAY - JANUARY 4TH 2020

Celebrate Every Day With Books

It seems like everyday has some new theme to celebrate so I thought it might be fun to see what kind of interesting books I can find (new, old, or coming soon) for an everyday holiday. In fact, most days have more than one holiday!

Just so you know I have not read most of these but the ones I pick seem the most interesting. You can probably find tons more books for each holiday but I am only going to pick two books for one holiday a day.

Let me know what you think. Do any of them seem interesting to you? Is there another book you think would be a better choice?




Title: Becoming Tom Thumb by Eric D. Lehman
Genre: Non-Fiction, Biography,
What It Is About?: “...From his days as a precocious child star to his tragic early death, Becoming Tom Thumb tells the full story of this iconic figure for the first time. It details his triumphs on the New York stage, his epic celebrity wedding, and his around-the-world tour, drawing on newly available primary sources and interviews. From the mansions of Paris to the deserts of Australia, Stratton's unique brand of Yankee comedy not only earned him the accolades of millions of fans, but it also helped move little people out of the side show and into the limelight.”(From Goodreads.com)
Available To Buy: Anywhere
Available To Swap: 0 Copies Available on PBS




Title: The Autobiography Of Mrs.Tom Thumb by Melanie Benjamin
Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction
What It Is About?: “...A barnstorming novel of the Gilded Age, and of a woman's public triumphs and personal tragedies, The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb is the irresistible epic of a heroine who conquered the country with a heart as big as her dreams - and whose story will surely win over yours”(from Goodreads.com)
Available To Buy: Anywhere
Available To Swap: 0 Copies Available on PBS



Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Shannon's Review - The Girls In The Picture by Melanie Benjamin



Title: The Girls In The Picture
Series: N/A
Author: Melanie Benjamin
Genre: Fiction, Historical
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Received: From Publisher For Review
Release Date: January 2018
Pages: 448
Rating:


Author Melanie Benjamin Official Websites:
Website:


Blog:
N/A

Facebook:


Twitter:





Shannon’s Thoughts:

The Girls In The Picture is Melanie Benjamin’s 5th historical fiction novel. We are introduced to the friendship of Actress Mary Pickford and the screenwriter Frances Marion.  They both have helped grow the Hollywood film industry to what it is now.

There is something about the way author Melanie Benjamin writes.  She captures conversations and scenes, then mixes them with true history.  When combining those things it is hard to believe that the exact conversations and/or character traits she described may not be exactly true. Mrs. Benjamin historical fiction books are hard to believe that they are part fiction.  I fall into every scene believing pretty much everything because it is so realistic.

I had a hard time writing this review.  I finished this book a while ago but did not want to write the review because it kind of marks it as a goodbye to the book. Now it is the long wait for the next book by Melanie Benjamin.  It makes me sad to have to wait. I just adore the people she has introduced me to. The only thing that helps me (at least after this book) is to watch some of Mary Pickford’s and Frances Marion movies. I would read more books about them as well but my TBR pile is insane at moment.

The Girls In The Picture has also come out at the perfect moment especially because of the rise of female empowerment at the moment. Mary and Frances helped create major roles for women in Hollywood.  They ignited the fire that women are still trying to live up to and keep that fire lit.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Shannon's Review - The Swans Of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin



TheSwansOfFifthAvenue.jpg

Title: The Swans Of Fifth Avenue
Series: N/A
Author: Melanie Benjamin
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Received: from Net Galley
Release Date: January 2016
Pages: 369
Rating:


rating5.smgif.gif

Melanie Benjamin‘s Official Websites:


Official Site

Blog
N/A

Facebook

Twitter




Shannon’s Thoughts:


Based on a real friendship of socialites and an author taking place at a different time in the USA.  Author Truman Capote made a name for himself after writing  Breakfast at Tiffany's and In Cold Blood.  His fame gave him a ticket to parties in New York that would introduce him to a group of woman famous in their own right, for being fashionistas and marrying men with wealth and stature.  Truman’s favorite lady socialite was Babe Paley and he was her favorite as well.  This historical fiction author Melanie Benjamin imagined conversations that probably happened within the “Swans”. Eventually leading towards the downfall of Truman Capote and the change of what is fame and who has it. .


Melanie Benjamin really has a knack for finding the voice of the people she is writing about. Everything feels so truthful as if she was actually in the room with the characters she wrote about.  Since what she is writing about is historical fiction, the characters are real people but the social interactions are imagined by author.


This book did take me a little longer to fall into and really believe the voices.  This could also be because it was the first by Melanie Benjamin that I read in ebook format. I find that I do not connect to the story as well as I do with a physical book.  I also like to draw out reading the end of her books because they are just so good.

Historical fiction books are good after a reading slump because if it is written well enough you want to read other books about people the book is based on. This is the 4th book by Melanie Benjamin all historical fictions and all have been so enjoyable. I now have to wait for her next one.  I hope the wait is not too long.

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Sketchy Saturday - Babe And Truman

Sketchy Saturday

On Sketchy saturdays I plan on drawing something inspired from a current book I may be reading.  Feel free to join in and share a link of your own work as well. :-)



BabeTruman.jpg
(Truman Capote and Babe Paley by S.M. McGee)


Right now I am in the middle of The Swans Of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin.   It is historical fiction featuring people that truly existed and events that for the most part may have happen.  This piece of fan art I have drawn socialite Babe Paley with close friend and author Truman Capote.   This is actually a scene from the book as Truman lays his head in Babe’s lap just comforting and being their true selves with each other. This image  just stood out to me because there was so many feelings happening at once. It just rang true.  


If you would like see more about The Swans Of Fifth Avenue check out Melanie Benjamin’s Official Site.

TheSwansOfFifthAvenue.jpg

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Shannon Review - The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin






Title: The Aviator’s Wife
Series: N/A
Author: Melanie Benjamin
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Received: From Publisher for Review
Release Date: January 15th 2013
Pages: 416
Rating:


My Thoughts:

Again I am sucked into a Melanie Benjamin historical fiction book.  This time the narrator is Anne Morrow Lindbergh the wife of aviator Charles Lindbergh.  Anne fell for Charles immediately and you might say Charles felt the same.  He taught how to fly an airplane and they traveled to europe.  They did married and have children. In fact the family was famous but just maybe you heard of the Lindbergh’s after their first son had been kidnapped.

Just like in Alice I Have Been and The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb,  Melanie Benjamin creates a new voice that feel so real you can’t help but in way hear the voice of Anne Lindbergh in your head.  Just beautifully written and applauses for picking Anne Morrow Lindbergh as a subject to write about.

I really don’t have any problems with the book except that I wanted more of it.  I read this as slow as possible so I could savor it.

You can tell a lot of research goes into Melanie Benjamin book.  I can’t wait to see who she chooses to write about next!


Website:

Official Melanie Benjamin Website
http://www.melaniebenjamin.com/




Thursday, November 22, 2012

Picture This - The Lindbergh Baby





Still reading The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin.  It is about the marriage of Anne and Charles Lindbergh.   The picture above is a actual picture of the Lindbergh's first child Charles Jr or Chas. 
Now maybe you heard of "The Lindbergh Baby" from your grandparents.  Anne and Charles were very famous aviators and it is unfortunate but some one kidnapped there son Charles.   They were given a ransom  note for the return of the child.  The baby was found months later dead.   Whether they would have gotten young Chas back before the press caused chaos by somehow getting the random note and printing it.
After that they would get tons of mail just like the letter and even more crack pots knocking on there door and phone.  They were never able to tell which  notes were from the real kidnappers after that.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Picture This - The Spirit of St. Louis




I am reading the Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin, which is about Anne and Charles Lindbergh's marriage.

Here is a picture of Charles Lindbergh and his plane The Spirit of St. Louis.  Did you know that this plane and others at the time were made out of a fabric?  I didn't.
Charles also taught his wife how to fly a plane and navigate. 


Friday, July 15, 2011

Review: The AutoBiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb by Melanie Benjamin

 The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb: A Novel

Title: The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb   
Series:N/A
Author: Melanie Benjamin   
Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Received:  From Publicist for review
Release Date: July 2011
Pages: 432
Rating:


What is it About?

My Thoughts:

I waited a while to write this review but not because I didn’t like the book.  Oh it is very the opposite of that.   I want to gush over this book so badly I do not have the words to make it sound how good it is.

The author Melanie Benjamin has a knack for delving into the world of true history and bringing out the essence of what should be remembered, and what I can only believe what may have been felt by these characters.   Now I know it’s historical fiction but I truly believe the author has tapped into something.   

I enjoyed every minute of reading about Vinnie’s life, the up and the downs.   I felt her heartache for the person she ached to be and the sister she shared so many things with.   For the time that she lived in that her life was so extravagant amazes me.   Especially since most of those good times took place during the Civil War.  In fact her wedding took top pages over the war when it took place. That to me is amazing!   

Not only has this book like Alice I Have Been made me more interested in history I have actually followed through with reading more history now.

Melanie Benjamin is now my new favorite author.  What does that mean to me is that I vow to read all of her books.   So far I have read her first two and I have not been displeased.  I have been ecstatic to read them!

Website:

Melanie Benjamin’s Official Site
http://melaniebenjamin.com/

Monday, June 6, 2011

Giveaway Reveled! Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb

IF YOU WANT A CHANCE TO WIN A 
 COPY OF 
The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb: A Novel 
THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MRS TOM THUMB BY MELANIE BENJAMIN
COMMENT BELOW TO ENTER!

DO NOT FORGET EMAILS SO I MAY CONTACT YOU!!


GIVEAWAY WILL END JUNE 19TH! 
I WILL ANNOUNCE THE WINNERS ON THE 20TH ALONG WITH A NEW MYSTERY CONTEST!


Yes I am giving as internationally!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

WWW Wednesday May 25, 2011

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…
• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?










What I am CURRENTLY reading:


Heat WaveHeat Wave by Ricard Castle
Good so far having hard time because these characters are already made visual because of the show.  You would think that makes it easier but for my brain, no...


Formula for Murder (A Maternal Instincts Mystery)Formula for Murder (A Maternal Instincts Mystery) by Diana Orgain
Enjoying this one just as much as the other two in the series!


Dangerous Angels: The weetzie Bat Books (Paperback)Dangerous Angels: The weetzie Bat Books (Paperback) by Francesca Lia Block
Last week I said this book was strange...well I have gotten use to it and find the characters really fun!




What I just FINISHED reading:


The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb: A NovelThe Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb: A Novel by Melanie Benjamin
 The historical parts of this book are really interesting but it is sad too.  I have one actual chapter to go...so I will be finished by today.




What I am going TO READ NEXT:

If You Lived At The Time Of The American RevolutionIf You Lived At The Time Of The American Revolution by Kay Moore
Reading up on some American History for Memorial Day Weekend. ;-)


City Above the Sea and Other Poems: A CollectionCity Above the Sea and Other Poems: A Collection by Stephen Alan Saft
This is one I have had for a while just getting to it now.


Witches of East End (The Beauchamp Family)Witches of East End (The Beauchamp Family) by Melissa De La Cruz
I haven't read her Blue Bloods series which I am interested in as well! Can't wait!