Book Review – Page 52

Mrs. Claus Explains It All by Elsbeth Claus

Published on December 23, 2009January 4, 2010 by Sheila (Book Journey)22 Comments

A keepsake book that will be a hit year after year! ~ Sheila

By: Elsbeth Claus, David Wenzel
Product ISBN: 9781402211058

Every year millions of letters to Santa reach the North Pole. Many are requests for presents. And many letters have questions about Santa, the elves and workshops, the reindeer, and, of course, the North Pole.

Now Mrs. Claus has her own gift for you – for the first time ever, she’s taking a break from her very busy schedule to answer real questions from children of all ages. Join her on a tour of the North Pole and learn some of the best kept secrets of Christmas from the person who knows it all – Mrs. Claus!

Each question is accompanied by the colorful illustrations of David T. Wenzel, whose projects have included the Christmas bestseller Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Robert L. May and the visualization of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit as illustrated in graphic novel format.

A big beautiful book that was exciting to pull off the shelf. Page by page the questions are posted by the children with care…. and Mrs. Claus has the answers to share!

Dear, Mrs. Claus, what are their favorite songs? It’s safe to say pretty much all the Christmas carols, of course. Then there are quite a few favorites that are in the old Elfin languages, which I can;t include here because the letters don’t exist on my keyboard. Elves love to sing rounds too, but you won’t catch Elves singing mushy love songs.

Fascinating and fun pictures that I enjoyed so much I know that the little ones would!

Great questions that the kids want to know…. Mrs. Claus has the answers!

I love oversize books and this large Christmas read is perfect for an evening of hot cocoa and a cookie or two.

My Amazon Review

This review copy is from Sourcebooks

Run For Your Life by James Patterson Audio

Published on December 21, 2009January 4, 2010 by Sheila (Book Journey)8 Comments

Patterson sets the bar high for audios everywhere . ~ Sheila

Over this past year I have had the opportunity to listen to some wonderful audios. I have really found a liking not only for James Patterson’s books, but for the very impressive readers that take on the character roles on his audios. This one, Run For Your Life, took my experience of audio to a whole new level.

In this read, Detective Mike Bennett finds himself in the middle of a case with bizarre random killings happening with increased frequency throughout New York. As Mike tries to put the clues together while putting in long hours on the job, he finds no rest at home as his ten (yes ten) kids all under the age of 12 have the flu. Told with fascinating scenes that take you from fear to laughter ( wait until the family cat scene!) in such a pace that you feel that you are trapped inside a fun house that you are not entirely sure you want out of.

With Dallas Roberts and Bobby Cannavale alternating the viewpoints of Detective Mike and of our killer…. this was an extreme audio that kept me on my toes. With the sound of gunshots bringing the read to life I was captivated from the start. When chapter 41 started, the readers voice was so intense and creepy my skin tingled with chills and anticipation.

By the time I had made it to the 5th CD, the audio had left my car and entered my home as I could no longer wait to hear what would happen next.

Highly recommended – if you have not tried audio before, this is a great place to start. If you have not read Patterson ever or even lately, I suggest you take a look at what this incredible author is doing. He is quickly making his way to the top of my favorite authors list.

My Amazon Review

I won my copy of the audio from J Kaye’s Book Blog

A Blue and Gray Christmas by Joan Medlicott

Published on December 16, 2009 by Sheila (Book Journey)10 Comments

When a rusty old tin box is unearthed at the Covington Homestead, longtime housemates Grace, Amelia, and Hannah discover that it contains letters and diaries written by two Civil War soldiers, one Union and one Confederate.

The friends are captivated by the drama revealed. The soldiers were found dying on a nearby battlefi eld by an old woman. She nursed them back to health, hiding them from bounty hunters seeking deserters. At the end of the war the men chose to stay in Covington, caring for their rescuer as she grew frail. But while their lives were rich, they still felt homesick and guilty for never contacting the families they’d left behind.

Christmas is coming, and the letters inspire Amelia with a generous impulse. What if she and her friends were to find the two soldiers’ descendants and invite them to Covington to meet? What better holiday gift could there be than the truth about these two heroic men and their dramatic shared fate? With little time left, the ladies spring into action to track down the men’s families in Connecticut and the Carolinas, and to make preparations in Covington for their most memorable, most historic Christmas yet.

A sweet read for this time of year. Joan Medlicott warmed my heart with her story of the amazing women that set out to make an amazing Christmas for perfect strangers. I really felt that this book captured within its pages the meaning of Christmas – of giving from the heart. The letters were touching and I easily placed myself along side Grace, Amelia, and Hannah as they were read, imagining the two soldiers of 1864 scraping out these words.

I really enjoyed the three women’s characters as they were colorful and likable. All this inside a darling little hard cover book that is really a gift in itself!

Joan Medlicott was born and raised on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She lives with her husband in the mountains of North Carolina.

I received my review copy from Sarah Reidy and Pocket Books/Simon & Schuster

Primal by Mark Batterson

Published on December 16, 2009January 4, 2010 by Sheila (Book Journey)9 Comments

We have a tendency to complicate Christianity. Jesus simplified it with one commandment: Love God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength. In Primal Mark Batterson explores the four elements of Great Commandment Christianity: compassion, wonder, curiosity and power. Along the way, he calls Christians to be a part of God’s reformation, starting in their own lives.

“Is there a place in your past where you met God and God met you?” asks Batterson. “A place where your heart broke for the things that break the heart of God? In that moment, God birthed something supernatural in your spirit. You knew you’d never be the same again. My prayer is that this book would take you back to that burning bush—and reignite a primal faith.” Batterson says that that moment may have been during a sermon, on a mission trip or at an altar, but regardless of the time or place, a return to a primal faith is essential to all believers.

According to Batterson that primal faith will lead Christians to a new reformation, an overhaul of the way they love God. “Reformations are born out of primal truths rediscovered, reimagined and radically reapplied to our lives,” he says. And the importance of rediscovering the need to love God with all that we are can’t be measured. Primal will help readers live in light of what matters most and discover what it means to love God, becoming great at the Great Commandment.

“Is there a place in your past where you met God and God met you? A place where your heart broke for the things that break the heart of God?

I have enjoyed Mark Batterson’s writing in his past books and this book was icing on the cake. Well written, thought provoking as is the norm for Batterson, who this time around is aiming to take us to new places intellectually and spiritually so that we may discover new ways of loving God. Mark Batterson’s words flow off the paper and cause me to think outside the box.

In ways that I like to refer to as “teachable moments”, Mark Batterson uses a style of writing where he shares personal life stories that he turns right back to God. Primal is all about getting back to the basics that the Bible has given us within the great commandment: loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Obviously as a book lover – I enjoy great writing and Mark Batterson does not lack in that department! I for one cant wait to see what Mark Patterson comes up with next!

Want to make a difference? Make Primal the first book you read in 2010 and start your New Year off with a new kind of resolution.

About The Author

Mark Batterson is the author of Wild Goose Chase and In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day. He serves as lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. One church with nine services in five locations, NCC is focused on reaching emerging generations. Mark has two Masters degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago. He and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill with their three children. www.markbatterson.com

I received my review copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

The Ghost, The Eggheads, and Babe Ruth’s Piano by Larry Sweitzer

Published on December 15, 2009January 4, 2010 by Sheila (Book Journey)13 Comments

It’s the summer of 2004 and Freddie Holtzman can’t wait to get to Camp Mason, a summer camp for eggheads or rather, gifted teens. He hopes to reconnect with Ginny Haig, a girl he met at camp last year. Freddie’s old friends, Logan and Monty, are there along with some new faces. He tries to win Ginny’s affection, but every time he tries to talk to her, he says-and does-nerdy things.

At Camp Mason, a science fair pits the eggheads against one another for the top prize of a five thousand dollar scholarship. But, when the projects go missing, friendships are put to the test, relationships get put on hold, and everyone’s a suspect. To make matters worse, the camp is haunted by young Billy Mason who died there decades ago. The boys are determined to solve the mystery of the ghost and the missing science projects.

Freddie’s quest to win the scholarship—add the girl of his dreams—are constantly in jeopardy. There are complications at every turn: the ghost, a creepy caretaker, Freddie’s high school nemesis, a cantankerous camp manager, and a saboteur all threaten his chance to win the prize and Ginny’s heart.

For a book with an extremely unusual title (that gave me flashbacks of A Curios Incident Of The Dog In The Night) I found the whole read fascinating! I felt like a kid again buried eye balls deep in Hardy Boy and Nancy Drew Mysteries. Larry Sweitzer’s book was a great reminder of books of my past. The setting of a camp is an excellent fit for a book that revolves around the importance of friendships.

Many different elements make up this book that would be wonderful for the 7 – 10 age group. I liked the fact that Freddie was extremely smart but also a jock. This really brought together two groups that are usually quite separate the jocks and the…. well the eggheads. I liked that about this book as it shows that you don’t have to be one or the other. Once I started the book I did not put it down until on that last page our main character Freddie…. oh – that’s right, I can’t tell you! Guess you will just have to read it for yourself! 😉

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…Larry Sweitzer is a writer, musician, and avid baseball fan. He was born and raised in western Maryland and now lives in Virginia with his wife and two daughters. The Ghost, the Eggheads, and Babe Ruth’s Piano is his first novel. Visit him at www.larrysweitzer.com.

My Amazon Review

I received my copy fro review from Pump Up Your Book Promotion

40 Loaves by c.d. baker with Giveaway!

Published on December 14, 2009December 14, 2009 by Sheila (Book Journey)31 Comments

A refreshingly different devotional that left me hungry for more and hopeful that there are 40 more loaves in the oven… ~ Sheila

“Why don’t I have more faith?”
“Why am I so bored with Jesus?”
“Why are Christians so hard for me to like?”

There are many questions we’re not supposed to ask when playing by the religious rules. It makes people uncomfortable. So why is it that Jesus invited questions and even asked some of them himself? What is it that you’re afraid to ask God? It’s a risky prospect to begin asking–but far riskier to continue simply trying to get by without knowing. Author C. D. Baker asked himself 40 soul-searching questions which started a conversation in his heart and ultimately showed him more about God than He ever expected.

Can we become more honest with who we really are and find who God says He really is at the same time? Come indulge yourself in daily readings with an honest exploration of your secret fears and thoughts, and know that you will always be welcomed in God’s unconditional love.

Search me, O God … and know my anxious thoughts.

–Psalm 139:23 NIV

This is the kind of book that you want break into the bread of each day to find insights to great questions such as they are listed above as well as others. Chapter after chapter c. d. baker offers up a fresh topic – 40 actually. These topics are thought provoking and each chapter ends with a little food for thought as well a prayer that either came out of the Bible, or many times a prayer from another author which I really enjoyed.

The book is not overly preachy, instead peppered with modern stories, each chapter leads you through a question and some thoughts to take away. Written in short 4 page chapters, this is something that you could read through while you have your morning coffee. Each chapter asking the questions that we feel we shouldn’t be asking… but are so glad that someone did. I think this book could be given to anyone at any level of Faith and they would find understanding within the pages.

This book should be read in 40 days. I would recommend taking a chapter a day to breathe in the aroma of God’s words and really take those words to heart as you go through the 40 days, hopefully coming out the other side with a fresh perspective. Even if you think daily devotional type books are not your thing, I think you would find this book to be different and interesting. I plan on going through this book again starting the first of the year and doing just that.

Want to win this book?

Leave a comment here with your favorite kind of bread (I know… random right?) *you must answer the question to get in the giveaway!

Bonus entries

Tweet or blog about this giveaway and leave the link here in a separate comment for 2 extra entries!

Giveaway will end January 7

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

Secret Of The Christmas Box by Steven Hornby

Published on December 13, 2009December 13, 2009 by Sheila (Book Journey)16 Comments

With the scent of pine, and a rustle in the tree… this book is sure to open up a new window to the imagination… ~ Sheila

It’s a couple days before Christmas and the Ferguson’s have put the tree up and just settled into their beds for the night. As the house becomes still there is a stir from the tree as the ornaments awake from their year long slumber. The secrets of the Christmas Box unfold as Larry, a snowman ornament searches the tree for his brother Terrance.

The book comes alive with colorful characters which are largely played by the ornaments and the family actually are secondary characters. Written from a unique perspective I enjoyed this middle grade (MG) read from the ornaments view. I envision this to be a family read that can be pulled off the shelf and become a tradition each Christmas that the children could really enjoy – especially while decorating the tree.

Just this evening my son and I decorated our tree and as I brought each ornament out of box I was reminded of this book and it almost added a little something extra to this years tradition (I even insisted that all decorations went up this year and none were left in the box!) I really enjoyed this read.

*One caution: The Secret Of The Christmas Box and what happened to Terrance could be a bit disturbing for a young child. I would recommend that an adult read the book themselves and make a decision if this is right for the children they will be sharing this with.

I received my review copy from Partners Publishers Group

The Carpet Boy’s Gift by Pegi Deitz Shea

Published on December 12, 2009December 12, 2009 by Sheila (Book Journey)9 Comments

If you share a compassion for children in need – you must read this book. ~ Sheila

Occasionally I will open a book and be startled by what I am reading. My main character is Nadeem. He works in a carpet factory in Pakistan. His parents sold him into child labor three years ago and he now works seven days a week from dawn to sundown seven days a week.

And that is just page one.

At this point I go back and read the inside flap of the book and for the life of me cant recall knowing that this is what this book was about. And now, I am ashamed I took so long to review it as obviously there is an important message within these beautifully illustrated pages and as I read I try to imagine this book being read to or by those who the book is meant for – grades 3 – 6. It is making me take in a deep breath… what would an 8 year old think?

As the book goes on page by page I am witness to Nadeem’s life, weaving rugs day in and day out with the occasional glimpse of the outdoors when he helps load the rugs onto the trucks.

While the story is fictional, it honors a real boy, Iqbal Masih who escaped from a child labor factory and through his work he was able to liberate thousands of child workers like Nadeem. Iqbah had been sold into child labor at the age of 4 where he wove carpet for 12 hours a day for six years until his escape. He learned about the laws against child slavery and began to work to help others. Iqbah’s work won him the Reebok Youth In Action Award and recognition at the International Labor Conference. Upon Iqbah’s return to Pakistan after these recognitions, he was fatally shot while riding his bicycle. He was only twelve at the time and he had already made an impact for children all over the world.

The book made me cry to think of all the injustice out there in this world. While my own children have been given choices all there lives, there are so many areas where this is not the case. I will treasure this book for years to come and every time I look at it on the shelf I will remember a boy I met within its pages called Iqbah.

The last three pages of this book has many resources of information you can link to on line about childrens rights, other child advocates like Iqbah, things you can do with your children and more. I highly recommend this book.

Child Labor In Depth

International Labor Organization If you are curious to know more of the facts about child labor, this kid-friendly site will help you learn more about how much child laborers earn, what work they do, and how much time they spend at their jobs. There are also links to many other useful sites on child labor, and some ideas of actions you can do to make a difference.
http://www.ilo.org/ilokidsnew/index.html

Time Magazine Discover the facts by reading articles on the issue of child labor online. See what other children’s news organizations write about child labor today.
http://www.timeforkids.com

Scholastic News Zone This news site has lots of information including a map of children in the labor force, country close-ups, voices from the field and ways to help.
http://www.scholastic.com

Home For The Holidays by Rebecca Kelly (Bookies Review)

Published on December 11, 2009December 11, 2009 by Sheila (Book Journey)19 Comments

A book I thought was going to just be sweet and “Christmasy” – turned out to have a deeper purpose for our book club. ~ Sheila

Its a story of Christmas really. Set in a small town called Acorn Hill, where three sisters own a place called Grace Chapel Inn. When the sisters decide to take a break over the Christmas season and not take any guests so they can enjoy the holidays with each other, our story really begins…

First it starts when a group of tourists find themselves without a tour leader and the sisters decide they will help these people out by showing them around their town. They travel through the towns beautiful Victorian homes seeing traditional pieces and collections (see pictures below). Then it continues when a snowstorm leaves the group stranded and Chapel Inn becomes a place of refuge for those who can not continue on their way. The quiet Christmas the sisters were planning is soon evaporated into the cold winter air.

Reading this for book club, I found the book just incredibly sweet as seems to be the theme of Christmas reads. I was a bit dissapointed that the plot did not seem to be stronger and I never developed a real feel for the characters – which is always a plus to be in a book. I like to connect. I walked into book club having not finished the read and a little anxious on how we were going to pull a good discussion out of this book.

I should never doubt the power of The Bookies. 🙂

Like a Christmas miracle I watched my beloved group of fellow Bookies grab on to this book and found ourselves in the middle of a fantastic discussion of Christmas traditions. Just like what happened in the book, we found a common ground within the traditions and it was just enjoying to hear what things we hold on to year to year – either handed down from generations, or started anew with their own family. I found myself taking notes rapidly, and ended with a deeper appreciation and understanding of this group.

When Angie (my long term partner in crime who has been with the Bookies with me since Aug. 2001) brought out pictures of things discussed in the book so we could understand the Victorian culture more, it was truly the icing on the cake.

Overall, the Bookies rated this book an average to a slightly below average read. The review however – was top notch and for going in with no idea what we were going to discuss…. I left with a really good feeling and over the next two days – finished the book so I too could share in all that it had to offer.

Author Rebecca Kelly wrote her first book at age thirteen and hasn’t stopped writing since. When she’s not writing or being a mom, Rebecca volunteers weekly at an animal shelter, creates comfortable quilts that are distributed to children hospitalized for cance treatment and teaches creative writing to local public school students. Rebecca was recently honored by the United States Air Force for her efforts over the last six years in sending books and other reading material every month to soldiers serving in Iraq.

What I found interesting about this series, Tales From Grace Chapel Inn (this is book #6) is that each book, while focused around Acorn Hill and the Inn, each book is written by a different author. I think that is awesome as guests to the Inn would be of all different walks of life, and a unique voice to each book seems right.

Gringos In Paradise by Malana Ashlie

Published on December 9, 2009December 10, 2009 by Sheila (Book Journey)17 Comments

Gringos in Paradise: Our Honduras Odyssey by Malana Ashlie is a delightfully amusing and lighthearted autobiography chronicling her move from Hawai’i to the Caribbean Coast of Honduras. When she and her husband decide to relocate to a more secluded paradise the fun begins. She shares the trials and triumphs of building a new life in Central America, in what can best be described as a spiritual journey of faith.

Of special appeal to the swelling ranks of expat retirees in Mexico and Central America (over one million strong, according to 2005 census estimates), Gringos in Paradise shares the adventures — and misadventures — two retirees face as they set off to the Caribbean coast of Honduras in search of financial freedom, personal fulfillment, and peace.

In My Opinion:

My initial draw to this book was the fact that it was set in Honduras. I have been to Honduras myself 7 times and when I seen this book come up for review I wanted to read about Americans who actually live there. As the book states, “Visiting a third world country is much different than seeing it as your home.”

I found the book a delightful look into an area I know, and found myself nodding as Malana describes what the driving is like I remember my first time there ( as a passenger in a van) I just closed my eyes I really couldn’t watch! As Malana talks about not taking water for granted that is really an eye opener as well to be where you dont always have it.

Chapter by chapter I laughed and felt as though Malana had literally brought my along with her. With a journal type flare, Malana shares the adventures and misadventures and I walked beside her page by page and am thankful for the journey.

I received my review copy from Pump Up Your Book Promotion