How to Draw a Reindeer and Other Christmas Creatures with Simple Shapes in 5 Steps

The holidays are coming, and with that people harken back to days of yore when holidays were a time for making cookies, pies, and handmade decorations to brighten family celebrations. But many are artistically challenged, something with which this reviewer is all too familiar. Most people can eke out something that vaguely resembles a Christmas tree, but wouldn’t it be fun to make cute drawings of elves or maybe a gingerbread house that people would actually recognize without broad hints? This cute book shows the steps to draw twenty-five different Christmas-related images in five steps using simple shapes as the basis for each. With everything from wreaths to reindeer, from Santa Claus to stockings, this book offers drawing lessons for enough cuteness to decorate a home with original art from youngsters and adults alike. The steps are laid out with example drawings for each step and good, clear instructions as well as full-color finished drawings and, in many cases, examples of simple changes to turn one idea into several forms. This is a perfect how-to drawing instruction book that will give wanna-be artists good success and will build confidence to try one’s hand at other projects.


Big Nate: The Gerbil Ate My Homework (Volume 23)

Another great and new collection of the hilarious comics starring Big Nate.
Nate Wright is going through middle school with some exciting and interesting things going on in his life, like trying to get rich and famous by directing a movie, finding out that the school secretary has something unexpected, breaking up with his girlfriend, talking in detention about comics in the newspaper, and more. Most importantly, Nate can’t finish his social studies homework, so he’s going to try to make the class gerbil shred his homework for him as an excuse. Summer is starting, unfortunately. Can Nate survive this chaos at school until summer?
This is so funny! As always, Nate is going through some hilarious things and problems through each strip. And this particular Big Nate collection contains some of the Big Nate comic strips from 2016. Every panel is definitely and truly delightful. I would recommend this book to people who like funny comics, and to fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.


Churchill's Hellraisers: The Secret Mission to Storm a Forbidden Nazi Fortress (World War Two)

Churchill’s Hellraisers was absolutely captivating. The book starts out with history on the key figures and then moves through the entire process of organizing and carrying out their mission to storm a Nazi fortress.

The author, Damien Lewis, spares no details and makes you feel as if you are with the men and women as they are going on this campaign. It is like reading a movie, and it just absolutely ensconces you in the tale. The end of the book was maybe my favorite, with Mr. Lewis detailing what happened to each of the key figures and how they lived out their life and what became of them after the war.

Mr. Lewis delivers a well-rounded and thoroughly researched account. I was unaware until I read this book how harrowing it was for these boys, and I say boys because they were nineteen and twenty years old at the time, and learned about all the atrocities that they had to go through and the hardships they endured.


Displacement

Kiku is visiting San Francisco with her mom to see the home that her grandmother had lived in. Due to the fog, Kiku is sent back to 1942, when the US is gathering all Japanese Americans into internment camps. At the camp in Tanforan, Kiku meets a young Ernestina Teranishi, who is Kiku's grandmother. Kiku never got an opportunity to know her grandmother growing up.

She comes to realize and experience how unfair the US is treating Japanese Americans. Kiku makes friends and makes a life for herself at the camp, although she eventually gets transported back home to Seattle. She tells her mom about her experience being displaced, and her mom tells her that the same thing had happened to her, too. Kiku and her mom decide to protest so that the US does not repeat its own history.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I did not know about the internment camps at all, and it was interesting to learn about them. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys learning about history through reading a graphic novel, which makes learning less boring.


The Treehouse Joke Book (The Treehouse Books)

Andy Griffiths, Illustrated by Terry Denton

The Treehouse Jokebook by Andy Griffiths is a hilarious book full of jokes about pirates, birds, cows, chickens, and more. It is a really fun book. I really enjoyed it!

I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good joke. My whole family laughed out loud at some of these jokes, so any age group can enjoy the book, although I would say third to fourth graders would like this book especially. There are lots of pictures in the book to go with the jokes.

Here is one of my favorite jokes: How much does it cost a pirate to get their ear pierced? A buck-an-ear.

Here is another one: What cup can you never drink out of? A hiccup.

But you would do better to read this book yourself and get a good laugh out of all the classic jokes.


Agent Moose (Agent Moose (1))

Agent Moose (or Anonymoose) is a peculiar creature who likes to investigate and solve crimes, even though he isn't the greatest at it. Anonymoose was about to solve his 100th case, but Camo Chameleon beat him to it and had a celebration instead. Interestingly enough, Camo Chameleon may be one of the last witnesses to see Agent Moose's missing victim on his next case. Anonymoose will need the help of his trusted sidekick Owlfred to find the missing turtle. It seems Camo Chameleon may be hiding something from Agent Moose. Agent Moose is on a mission to solve his 100th case, no matter what it takes.

This is a very colorfully illustrated graphic novel. The illustrations depict the peculiar Agent Moose and his odd sidekick Owlfred perfectly. I like this book as the illustrations are funny and the text is easy to read and interesting, but I find the characters in the book to be strange. The storyline is a bit confusing, too. I would recommend this book to other kids who like colorfully illustrated graphic novels. I am curious to see what adventures Agent Moose and Owlfred go on next.


For the Best

Jules’ wallet is found next to the body of someone she was working with on a project; the man murdered just a couple of blocks from her home. Things look even worse for Jules when she was the last person he was with and they were seen arguing. She is the police’s only suspect. Unfortunately for her, she was blackout drunk and can’t remember anything. Everyone thinks she did it, so she’ll have to look for clues herself if she wants to clear her name. Finding out the truth might be worse than not knowing. Perhaps her inability to remember is For the Best.

|A lot of authors I respect reviewed this and claimed it was amazing, but I just didn’t have that reaction at all. I didn’t really enjoy Jules’ character and while I think there was supposed to be a bigger theme at play, mainly restorative justice, it felt like it was more about how badly excessive drinking can ruin our lives and the lives of those around us. The ending wasn’t too much of a surprise seeing how the rest of the story was going. The whole light therapy bit seemed a bit excessive, as Jules only had to go to one session and she remembered everything she had ever buried. Characters without much depth, shaky plot, and an unclear message make for a book that it might be for the best that you never pick it up.


You Lucky Dog

Carly's life is falling apart. She lost her job and is struggling to afford her rent by freelancing as a publicist for two difficult clients. Her newly divorced parents have a more rocking love life than she does. And she ended up with a depressed basset hound. When the dog walker mixes up Carly's basset with another, hijinks and romance ensue.

This book took a little time to get into. For a rom-com, I was expecting a faster-paced book, but this had a lot of expository passages including descriptions of places that I wasn't expecting. For example, in one scene, Carly looks around her house and describes some of her furniture.
But after a few chapters, I became accustomed to the writing style and got sucked into the plot. The leading man, Max, is a "brain scientist" who studies similarities in dogs and human brain function. He got into it because of his autistic brother, Jamie.

The basset hounds, Baxter and Hazel are delightful characters and provide a lot of great moments in the story. The attraction between Carly and Max is cute and it was easy to root for these two to work everything out.

If you like a rom-com that has a little more heft to it, You Lucky Dog is a solid choice.


Soldier Dogs #7: Shipwreck on the High Seas

Soldier Dogs #7: Shipwreck On the High Seas is about Jack, a boxer, and Julio, his owner, who were living on a merchant ship. Julio is the cabin boy and Jack is the rat hunter; the pair are inseparable. One day while Jack and Julio were locked up in their rooms as a punishment because they had put a rat in the mean old Mr. Chips' thermos, a German U-boat torpedo sank the ship. Julio and Jack escaped in one of the merchant ship's lifeboats, saving some shipmates from the waters. They also saved Mr. Chips. How will Jack and Julio survive, stranded on the ocean with little provisions? Read this tale of survival with a boy and his best friend to find out!

I recommend Soldier Dogs #7: Shipwreck On the High Seas to dog lovers and people who enjoy action and adventure. I really liked this book because no matter how many times they got stuck, Julio and Jack always stayed together. As a dog lover myself, this story made me smile as I could picture the awesome bond that Jack and Julio have. It reminded me that dog really is man's best friend. This is a great book to read at night with your little one and a perfect gift for independent readers to enjoy.


Every Bone a Prayer

Deep in Appalachia, a girl communicates with crawdads, and all manner of other things, by calling out to them from within herself. Sharing her name, listening to their stories, weaving her own life into the pulse of theirs, Misty tries to hold on to the truest part of herself in Ashley Blooms’ debut novel Every Bone a Prayer.

Misty’s ability is a secret. No one knows what she can do, but there are those who understand she is special. Her sister Penny senses it; her aunts Dolly and Jem tell stories of ancestors who had gifts—though they never name it, they seem to know Misty carries something. And William, the lonely boy in the trailer next door whose single mother tries on men like new cowboy boots, he senses Misty’s power and does something that nearly takes it from her.

An exploration of faith that borders on fanaticism, belief in the unseen wonders of this world, the fear that lives deep in the heart of girls whose innocence is stolen from them, and the resilience built by refusing to be destroyed are all beautifully, heartbreakingly, and magically at work in the brilliant Every Bone a Prayer.


A Very Big Problem

Amy-Jill Levine, Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, Annie Bowler (Illustrator)

In the beginning, God creates land, and the first garden flourishes. The sky and everything in it are also His to claim. Soon, He moves on to supply animals to inhabit the land, and then with children to share the same grounds. These are all magnificent and necessary for life to perpetuate, but conflict arises from the start. Land thinks it’s superior, while Rain argues its value is the greatest. Sun states that “a garden can’t live in the dark,” and says Land would be a “mushy mess” without it. Birds and Earthworms each elucidate why God must love them most. Children boast about their supremacy as well. In response, God smiles and assures them all of their significance and of the omnipresence of His love.

Authors Amy-Jill Levine and Sandy Eisenberg Sasso weave a unique twist into the story of creation. Children will learn the general sequence of creation as it’s laid out in the Bible, with earth being created first and then blessed with one form of life after another. They’ll relate to the characters in the story as well, each one believing he or she is more sacred than the rest. The illustrations throughout appear in an array of colorful hues, and the precious critters within them will catch the eyes and admiration of the littlest ones. The reading level of this treasurable text is approximately third grade, with it’s target audience being youngsters aged five to nine.


I Promise

I Promise, written by NBA champion and national icon LeBron James, is an inspirational treasure. A variety of motivational messages from young children are shared with readers in the hopes of encouraging them to strive for greatness. “I promise to work hard and do what’s right, to be a leader in this game of life,” says one. Another pledges to get up and stand tall when she falls down, trekking on with courage and an attitude of resilience. Others vow to walk with strength in the shadow of defeat, with humility in the aftermath of success, and to believe in second chances. Still more commit to dreaming big and loving larger. All give their word that they will try to be their very best selves.

This is a gorgeously illustrated picture book ripe with meaning and ingenuity. It’s filled with vibrant colors and life-like images of young people of various ethnicities, which contributes to the cultural richness of the text. The sentiments expressed throughout are laced with wisdom, purpose, and positivity. This book shines with brilliance and would make a wonderful addition to any early elementary school classroom or library. The reading level is approximately second grade, although the content is ideal for children aged five to nine. If youngsters internalize even a few of the pledges made throughout this story, the world will be a better place.


The Night Swim: A Novel

Crime podcaster and reporter Rachel Krall travels to the town of Neapolis to follow a court case. Unlike previous seasons of her podcast in which the crime has already been to court and a verdict reached, she is reporting the case as it is unfolding in the courtroom. Local swim champ Scott Blair is on trial for raping Kelly Moore. He swears she consented to have sex with him but her bruises may tell another story. Meanwhile, Rachel starts receiving letters from a girl named Hannah Stills, whose older sister died in the same town a quarter of a century ago. Although ruled a drowning, Hannah knows that her sister Jenny was murdered, and she seeks Rachel’s help to find out what happened that horrible day.

The Night Swim is a breathtaking story about family, social status, as well as the horrible crime of rape and how it is, or isn’t, proven in a jury trial. The characters in this book are real and raw, and they are people that any of us might have grown up with, whether in a large city or a small town. As Rachel reports on the Blair trial and the events of that night are pieced together, could it be somehow related to the Jenny Stills case? I sincerely hope there is another book in the Rachel Krall series because this one is a real winner.


Set Fire to the Gods

Set Fire to the Gods is the story of two teenagers who have both had to endure some difficult challenges in their young lives. Ash is descended from a long line of gladiators and her mother was killed in a gladiator fight, which has fueled her need to seek revenge. Madoc has spent his life fighting on the streets in a struggle to survive. Yet, he carries a secret with him. As their paths cross and they have to work together, they end up taking on a lot more than they expected. To find out what happens with Ash and Madoc, you will need to read Set Fire to the Gods.

This book was not my favorite. There was a lot going on in the story and, at times, I was confused by it all. It was difficult for me to read this book even though I usually love books about elemental powers and Greek mythology. I think that Set Fire to the Gods would be better enjoyed by older children aged 15 to 19 who enjoy fantasy and battles for the fate of the world.


Minee Strategy Convincing Courting of the Mind

"A brilliant approach to problem-solving, Minee gives the reader an alternative to traditional methods that can be used in full or partially. By stimulating the mind to think and receive clarity before delving into a problem, the Minee strategy makes learning smooth and enjoyable. A well-organized and easy-to-comprehend book for teachers, science, and math professionals, and upper-level students. The Minee technique uses the brain in an efficient way to extract creative methods used for problem-solving." — Kristi Elizabeth, San Francisco Book Review


The Pillars of Success

Jack Canfield, Nick Nanton, Dr Allen Lycka, Harriet Tinka, et al

Do you ever wonder why some people achieve remarkable success while most of us just manage to get by day to day? What do they know and do that we don’t? Can we learn from them?

In The Pillars of Success, a collection of twenty stories and articles, “the world’s leading entrepreneurs and professionals reveal their success secrets to help you live a happier, healthier and wealthier life.” The articles, which are written by the likes of Jack Canfield, Harriet Tinka, Dr. Allen Lycka, and other professionals from around the world, provide practical, impractical, emotional, spiritual, and fact-based advice and inspiration intended to help readers achieve the personal and professional success they desire.

The book is packed full of positivity, urging participants to dream big, set goals, find mentors, be grateful, and most importantly, take action. Most of it is common sense, such as the advice of Jack Canfield when he says that “our responses to life’s events are all that stand between us experiencing a negative outcome or a positive one.” He even provides the following formula: “Event + Response = Outcome.” Other practical suggestions include Dr. Saidmurod Davlatov’s "Systems Thinking" concept as well as Nick Nanton and J.W. Dicks' chapter explaining personal branding and how to create “a Persona of Impact."

Some of it is nonsense, such as “generationDREAM,” a philosophy conceived by Phyllis Porter Turner that is seemingly derived from the theme song of the Disney Hour, Oprah Winfrey shows, and Martin Luther King’s most famous speech. In the same category is Diana Cole’s advice on “Becoming a Positive Thought Warrior.” “To have true success,” she says, ”you have to decide you’re going to be happy no matter what circumstance you’re in, and then watch what happens.” Similarly, in "The 21 Day Gratitude Challenge" Gwen Medved defines gratitude as “a decision to focus on what is right, instead of what is wrong.”

It’s disconcerting to note that most of the success gurus fail to use testimonials from followers who have benefited from their programs and advice, instead quoting others in the motivational industry or offering themselves as examples.

However, if you make your fortune following some of the advice in The Pillars of Success, you’ll find the chapter written by David Gollner and Sherri Marini, two tax experts, particularly useful. They claim they can “reduce taxes by 50% almost 100% of the time” allowing you to keep more of the fruits of your success for yourself.


bLU Talks Presents: Business Life and The Universe

This book aims to introduce the bLU brand and to provide inspiration, motivation, and hope to others by sharing stories and tips for finding your purpose or changing your life. I am sure that there are many readers looking for comfort and hope during these uncertain times, and they will no doubt benefit from this collection. Every story has a powerful message, and I'm fairly sure that I'm going to reread quite a few of them when I need a little motivation or encouragement.

I especially appreciated Jeff Doyle's story "A Moment Ago." It made me stop and think about how fast time flows and how it is essential to enjoy the present. Mark Nixon's story and experience in a wheelchair was nothing less than inspiring. It made me realize I need to think about how I approach life, as well. And I liked how Sheila Munoz explained that we could all recognize signs of synchronicity if we slow down and listen to our inner voice. Many of the stories encourage readers to find their purpose, accept the real them, and find ways to enjoy life. I appreciated them all.

There were so many wonderful writers showcased in this book who have achieved their dreams and now want to share their stories and help others attain their dreams and goals. That in itself is inspiring to me. I found terrific tips and suggestions throughout that I can use and practice daily to help create a better version of me. And one of the best things was all the information included about each author and the resources that readers can use to connect with them or learn more about their work. I was also excited to see that there is a website mentioned for those, like me, who want to explore more about bLU Talks.

I was a little disappointed that the book didn't have a proper conclusion. Once I finished the last story, that was it, and if I'm honest, I think I wanted a bit more. Even though there was a good introduction, I would have loved a conclusion or some kind of summary at the end that wrapped up the whole package. Maybe a few words of encouragement from Cory Poirier or a message about connecting with bLU Talks again. Nevertheless, I enjoyed every story in this well-written book. Inspiration and motivation are always needed, and this book provides them in spades.


Three Keys (A Front Desk Novel)

Fans of Front Desk will be delighted to read all about Mia's next adventures at the Calivista Motel. Three Keys returns with my favorite heroine Mia, along with her supportive parents, her best friend Lupe, and the weeklies. This time not only do they have to keep the Calivista afloat financially, but business gets political this time. They will have to deal with the ramifications of Prop 187 should it become law. When Lupe gets separated from her parents due to their immigration status, will Mia be able to find a way to unite Lupe and her parents?

Set in 1994 and during a divisive time period where California is about to enact a law that will restrict the rights of undocumented immigrants, the events in the book are eerily familiar to what the US is going through today. Mia is such a wonderful character that you want to root for her every step of the way. She is eternally optimistic, and her sense of justice is inspiring. I highly recommend this book to fans of Front Desk or anyone who loves a good middle-grade YA book.


The Shadow Crosser (A Storm Runner Novel, Book 3)

After three months of searching for godborns to recruit and take to the Shaman Institute of Higher-Order Magic (SHIHOM), Zane Obispo can’t wait to be finished with his task. But for now, he’s stuck looking for the godborns with a demon named Iktan. The last “one” on Zane’s list is actually twins, and Zane must help them protect a mysterious object with astounding powers from their enemies.

When they arrive at SHIHOM, Zane and his friends receive shocking news: the Maya gods have gone missing! Zane knows it’s up to him and his friends to rescue the gods, but doing that involves a magical calculator, that is almost impossible to find, that can help them travel across time and space.  Traveling back to 1987 brings old friends and enemies alike, and the stakes are higher than ever. Even one mistake can disrupt the future, and bring the world as they know it to a fiery end.

This book is my favorite in the series, with nonstop action and plenty of twists and turns! Fans of books about gods and monsters should read this!


Mums and Mayhem: A Magic Garden Mystery

Fiona Knox has made a home for herself in Scotland, running her flower shop, dealing with her sister being head over heels in a relationship, dating the handsome Chief Inspector, and having the responsibility of her role as the Keeper of the Garden. As if she wasn't busy enough, she's volunteered to help with a concert with fiddle player Barley McFee as the star, and has to decide which to do first with her visiting parents: tell them her sister's plans to stay in Scotland with her boyfriend, or confront them about the secret she recently learned. When Barley is found dead, Fiona's dad is the prime suspect and Fiona couldn't have predicted all the secrets that would come tumbling out of her parents' past. The garden is placed in jeopardy after someone breaks in and cuts the rose. Now, Fiona is running out of time to clear her father's name, catch a killer, and save her garden and the magic it contains.

Amanda Flower proves once again that it only takes a little to bring a lot of magic to life. The magical touches are realistic and a natural part of the world with the true magic coming out through the belief, faith, and kinship of the characters. The secrets of Fiona's family is at the root of the mystery, with various layers unfolding the more Fiona digs into what her parents are keeping from her, searches for a killer, and struggles to get to the root of why her garden is dying. The previous book found Fiona discovering that her godfather was her biological father, and this story picks up with her searches for how to confront her parents about it. All the secrets soon come to light when she discovers her father has a connection to Barley McFee and he's the prime suspect in the murder. The mysteries surrounding the garden have only just begun as the loss of the rose brings upon its death and pushes Fiona to question more about the garden's history. The role of magic has always been a secret, which has Fiona still learning about how to be the Keeper and how magic fits into her life. Mums and Mayhem is another dazzling mystery in the series with a gorgeous Scotland setting, magical elements, family drama, shocking secrets, and the bond of community.


Beneath the Moon: Fairy Tales, Myths, and Divine Stories from Around the World

Fairy tales are the basis of all storytelling for young readers. They don't just introduce us to concepts like narrative, morals, heroes, and villains, but to genres like fantasy, sci-fi, adventure, and horror. Rapunzel, The Snow Queen, and Jack and the Beanstalk are some of the most universal fairy tales in the world. But they're only the tip of the iceberg.

Beneath the Moon should be on every parents' shelf. It scours the globe for fairy tale myths and stories from all over the world, encompassing Asian, European, African, and American (North, South, and Native American) traditions in a beautiful melange of wonder and life lessons from across the centuries.

Each story is accompanied by a full-page artistic rendering of the main thrust of the tale, be it a key character, a crucial moment, or a single image that properly summarizes the entire work. And you could sell this book on the artwork alone. Vivid, beautiful, and mythic all at once, the art feels like it represents the culture of each story while retaining a marvelous, elusive, universal feel.

 Beneath the Moon builds a new mythos for all of us, shaped by every culture. It's wonderful stuff.


Mobile Home: A Memoir in Essays

Megan Harlan's Mobile Home: A Memoir in Essays is a selection from the Association of Writers and Writing Programs, having won the award for creative nonfiction. There are ten short sections in the collection, which is divided loosely by themes. The essays cover Harlan’s unusual childhood, young adulthood, and parenthood.

As someone who is intrigued by travel, cultures, languages, and exotic places, I was fascinated by Harlan’s childhood, living all over the world, never with a permanent home. She has truly lived a life worthy of a novel. Her insights regarding the history of nomadic peoples, alongside her own experiences of family and nomadism, open the collection. She refers to science and history quite often, and there is a section at the end of Mobile Home devoted to her sources and research.

Each part of the book feels slightly different. For example, she lived in England in 1977 and offers a very cool history of aspects of British culture and also mentions the IRA during that period. She makes great references to popular culture, such as the Sex Pistols, which I really appreciated. Harlan also explores her father’s battle with alcoholism, which is a beautifully done section. I also felt empathy for her desire to ensure that her son has roots in a physical space, even though that is foreign to her. While I enjoyed aspects of the collection, I felt it was uneven. Sometimes the story telling and the history or science exposition didn't match well. However, it is a worthwhile endeavor that many readers will enjoy.


The Key Lime Crime: A Key West Food Critic Mystery

Hayley Snow has a lot to juggle as post-Christmas chaos descends on Key West, Florida, when her job forces her to enter a pie baking contest. David Sloan is a wealthy connoisseur of key lime pie and now everyone has key lime on the brain as they set out to win the Key Lime Key to the City. Hayley is newly married to Detective Nathan Bransford and her biggest concerns have involved getting their houseboat livable. That is, until Nathan's mother, who didn't come to their wedding, announces a visit and insists on tagging along with Hayley. A sightseeing venture turns sour when they find a body and her mother-in-law is the one to drag Hayley into solving the case.

This is a highly entertaining read about a delightful trio of women as Hayley has her mother-in-law and Miss Gloria tagging along to help investigate. The story provides plenty of humor, which stems from the dynamics between the three women. Solving a murder creates a unique bonding experience as they sleuth their way through sightseeing and forming a bond between daughter- and mother-in-law. As she searches for a connection with Helen, she uncovers a secret about Nathan's family that will hit home and create emotional trouble. Lucy Burdette has a genuine talent for breathing life into the Key West setting that brings you into the craziness, liveliness, and colorful world that the island offers. This is as true as ever through the various places that Hayley takes Helen to visit, which weaves in the culture of the island and her various friends.

The Key West Food Critic Mystery series gets better with each new installment, and The Key Lime Crime is dazzling, fun, and entertaining. It will have you craving key lime pie by the end!


Endings

Endings is a one of a kind story about a woman who may not be as cold-hearted as she thought. The characters were interesting because people like them exist, but they are very extreme. Insane serial killers and unfeeling hit women aren’t really the most normal people. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing though, it just makes the book unique.

In this book, a wife and mother gets pushed to her breaking point by losing both of those titles to a house fire. She has nothing to do with herself so she learns how to use a gun and does just that: uses it. Her broken heart goes into hibernation only to be awoken when she learns of a serial killer hunting children.  No one has been able to stop him, but she knows she can, so she will.

This book was written in  an interesting way, it has a staccato feeling to it which could be improved upon, but mostly it gave the book a pleasingly unusual attribute. Anyone who is looking for a book that does not hold any type of average story should consider reading Endings for the sheer unusualness of it.


The Sisters of Straygarden Place

Mayhap and her sisters Pavonine and Winnow were left by their parents in the magical Straygarden mansion seven years ago. The mansion takes care of all their needs. All they have to do is ask for what they want, and their wishes are granted; mysteriously food appears, or the very clothes they want are suddenly there. All that’s required is that they stay inside and never go into the tall grass surrounding the mansion. But one day Mayhap discovers Winnow has gone into the grass. She tries to follow her and bring her back, but the grass frightens her, so she has to come back in. Winnow comes back that evening, but she is not the same, and the grass seems emboldened, attempting to get into the house. In trying to help Winnow, Mayhap uncovers very disturbing secrets.

This is a completely unique fantasy with a very strange world. Hayley Chewins has written this unusual and lovely story in lyrical prose that will be a gift to those who read it. The story is incredibly compelling, the characters are well-rounded and fascinating, and the mystery of it all will keep those pages turning. Don’t miss this one.


The Bible With and Without Jesus: How Jews and Christians Read the Same Stories Differently

The Bible with and without Jesus is the discussion of the comparisons and contrasts between Christian Bible readers and Jewish Bible readers. The authors, Levine and Brettler, show how many of the stories found in the Bible are available to members of both religions, except that Jews do not have the New Testament in their Bibles. As Levine and Brettler point out, even though we read the same stories, other factors play a role in how individuals interpret and translate them. The viewpoints of Christianity, Judaism, and Bible scholars show how we can better understand our differences and appreciate our similarities.

The Bible with and without Jesus is a thorough read. I appreciated the commentary by the authors over specific Bible books included in this book. The information presented reads like a textbook for a class, including references to the original Hebrew or Greek language in which the Bible books were written long ago. I lost some respect for the book when I read that the authors claim that the "story" in Genesis of Adam and Eve is a myth. This claim made it clear to me that they are not true Christians themselves. Otherwise, the book presents to contain much information.


Fatal Intent

Fatal Intent is a great story about a brave woman who did everything in her power to keep others from being hurt.  Since this book focuses a lot on medicine and the like, it may be assumed that it’s hard to understand without some medical background, but that’s not the case.  The author, Tammy Euliano, does a great job making sure everything is easy to follow.  The characters also seem like real people, with real, believable lives.

This book was about an anesthetist named Kate Downey.  Dr. Downey had been observing multiple patient deaths in her hospital, all of which were linked to at least one of two people she worked with.  The deaths continued in a frighteningly similar way.  This led Kate to enlist the help of some friends to look for evidence of foul play.  They found a lot of information against the people they suspected of killing the patients.  Looking for this evidence had a downside though, in trying to do the right thing, she put herself and her friends at risk.  Even though this knowledge came at a cost, Kate Downey kept looking and went to her superiors to take action against the suspects so no one else fell victim to the murderer.

One thing I think is important to mention is this book’s suspense factor.  Unlike many other books in which the suspense gradually builds throughout the book until it is completely unbearable at the end, the suspense in Fatal Intent remains largely the same throughout much of the book.  This is a great pick for older kids and adults that are interested in medical mysteries.


Hamish Takes the Train

Have you ever wondered what the other side of town is like? Of course, you have!

In this medium length picture book, Hamish struggles with the decision of leaving his friend to satisfy his curiosity. Hamish has always wondered where the local train goes, but his best friend Noreen doesn’t seem to have the same desire. After a short argument, Hamish decides to go on his own. Everywhere Hamish goes, he is reminded of Noreen, but when he meets a stranger that needs his help, Hamish can’t resist.

I was surprised with how detailed the illustrations were for a children’s book. They really helped me understand and enjoy the story. Daisy Hirst probably intended this book for six to ten-year-old children, but I absolutely loved it at twelve years of age.

Will Hamish ever leave the glamourous city to go home to Noreen? To find out the answer, you will just have to read the book.


Once Two Sisters: A Novel

“Once there were two sisters. The older was a storyteller, and the younger was her favorite story.”

Estranged sisters Zoe and Ava are as different as can be. Ava is controlled and collected and Zoe is emotional and explosive. The only thing they seem to have in common is being raised by two very reserved and logical clinical psychologists. Then Ava is kidnapped and Zoe discovers by watching the news that she is a suspect. She returns to her home state of Virginia to clear her name and try to find out what really happened to Ava. Is this just another publicity stunt, or is Ava in real danger? Zoe and her brother-in-law Glenn are caught in the middle of a conspiracy that makes them look guilty.

This was a real page-turner. I couldn’t put it down. The first person narrative immediately sucked me in. The author did a wonderful job building suspense and developing her characters. I loved the main characters, well rounded, authentic, and wonderfully flawed. They both find the strength they didn’t know they had and discover things about themselves and their relationship that forever changed them for the better.  I would highly recommend this to anyone that loves thrillers.


Murder Most Sweet: A Bookish Baker Mystery

Teddie is looking forward to the book signing at her best friend's bookshop with best-selling author Tavish Bentley onboard. When the author's fiancee is found murdered, Teddie is shocked to discover it was her own scarf that was used to strangle the poor woman. Now, she has to work to clear her own name. When the author invites her to dinner, she's not sure which is more of a struggle: keeping her prying mother out of her business or keeping a deranged stalker of Tavish's from attacking her.

Teddie is a refreshing protagonist being a Breast Cancer survivor which has left her shaken by her own mortality. Walker weaves her recovery and how this impacted her into every aspect of Teddie's character through how she views life, loves her dog, deals with her mom, and how she finds new value for her way of life. Teddie is blunt, out-spoken, wisecracking, and embraces the saying 'a mind of her own' which makes her a breath of fresh air to read. Her voice brings humor and delight to the story which allows you to feel her exasperation when dealing with her old-fashioned mother and her unwavering honesty about being herself. The mystery is a joy for book lovers through the high-level of book love found throughout from Teddie's author status to the charming author Tavish Bentley to her best friend's bookstore. Murder Most Sweet/ delivers a mystery with a humorous and independent protagonist leading an engaging and suspenseful mystery that weaves in a dose of cancer awareness.


The Watcher: A Novel (A Kateri Fisher Novel Book 1)

Kateri Fisher was transferred to a small town in upstate New York. She’s told to go check up on suspicious activity near the woods, finding a rundown house with blood splattered everywhere and a child in the closet no one knew existed. The mother is missing and presumed to be the victim. Kateri takes the little girl to the hospital, where she ends up being checked out by someone posing as her guardian, leaving a cop dead. The case gets stranger by the minute, with new suspects and questionable motives. The mother was clearly paranoid about something since she never left the house, no one knew her daughter existed and there were security cameras everywhere even though she could barely pay for utilities. She felt she was being watched by someone, but who was The Watcher? ||I honestly don’t really know what to make of this story. The plot on the jacket cover sounded interesting, but once I started reading, it wasn’t accurate at all. It felt like the story focused more on Shannon than anyone else, but didn’t go as deep as it could have. Sometimes it also felt like huge chunks were missing as if the reader is just supposed to fill in the blanks and know what the author is thinking. I didn’t really enjoy this story at all and I’m not even sure whom I would recommend it to.


Doctor Dealer: A doctor high on greed, a biker gang high on opioids, and the woman who paid the ultimate price

On May 10, 2012, April Kauffman was murdered in her home. Her husband, a well-respected endocrinologist named Dr. James Kauffman, was at his office when he learned of his wife’s death. The murder shocked the local community of Linwood, New Jersey. The murder would be the tip of the iceberg in distressing events as the investigation into April’s murder progressed. Dr. Kauffman claimed his marriage was content and that he had no idea of who could have perpetrated this heinous act. April's daughter held a contrary opinion; he believed Dr. Kauffman had April murdered or did the deed himself. One possible reason was that Dr. Kauffman, who posed as a decorated Vietnam veteran despite never having served, was secretly involved in a lucrative pill mill scheme involving opiates and the Pagan Motorcycle Gang. Despite an initial slow start of the investigation as a new prosecutor assumed the case, the pressure would build on Kauffman and his co-conspirators, threatening exposure of the drug operation and the murder.

“Doctor Dealer is the latest release in the stellar work of George Anastasia. Anastasia and co-author Ralph Cipriano have written an intensely absorbing book about the hubris of criminals and how their reckless disregard for life knows no bounds. Doctor Dealer makes for a great true crime read.


Now You See Me, Now You Don't

Chameleon relishes his ability to blend in with the environment. It allows him to get away with his mischievous and cunning ways. Lying amongst the flowers, he changes to a matching pink hue. He lashes out with his long and curly tongue, ripping off half of Gorilla’s savory snack. Next, he transforms into a shade of forest green, an ideal complement with the surrounding leaves. He plucks a feather from a bird with a swift flick of his tail. As he continues his journey, Frog observes from a distance. He decides to teach Chameleon by giving him a bit of his own bad medicine, as he too can disguise himself amongst the foliage. Chameleon quickly learns what it feels like to be on the other side of the joke and concedes as a result.

Now You See Me, Now You Don’t is a creative masterpiece. From the sparkly, iridescent letters on its cover to the delicately concealed collages of color and creatures sweeping across its pages, it’s a perfect treasure of delightful appeal. It’s filled with catchy rhymes and child-friendly fond that adds to its discernibility. Young children will love the active participation to which this picture book lends. Additionally, youth who have been ridiculed will be touched by Frog’s salient message to Chameleon. They will find comfort in knowing that it reaches him in the end. Not only is he remorseful for his actions, he decides to be a friend to all.


Checked Out for Murder: A Haunted Library Mystery

Carrie Singleton has settled into a routine of romantic dinners with her boyfriend Dylan and her job at the library where she gets to hang out with her favorite ghost, Evelyn. She even makes a good amateur sleuth. When Daphne Marriott walks into the library hoping to hold a psychic program, Carrie couldn't have predicted that she would soon have to investigate the woman's murder or that the woman's brother would task Carrie with finding the mother who abandoned them after the murder of their father. As if a murderer on the loose wasn't enough, Carrie also has to deal with her mother, who is in town with her husband working on his new movie.

Carrie's life is full and happy with a steady relationship, a job she loves, and the ghost that haunts the library. Things have turned upside down due to her uncanny ability to solve murders and her re-connection with her once criminal father, but she's never been happier. Now another murder mystery begins when a psychic is murdered and Carrie ends up helping the family. Relationships with mothers are at the center of the mystery, with Carrie helping her own mother when her husband lands himself in trouble. The relationship with Dylan is sweet and steady, which contrasts with the drama of her mother's relationship. The story incorporates drama, humor, and intrigue into a lighthearted and charming read that cozy mystery fans won't be able to put down.


Little Bookshop of Murder: A Beach Reads Mystery

Summer Merriweather's ideal life as a Shakespeare professor is steadily falling apart thanks to an incident with her arachnophobia. Running from her problems, she throws herself into researching for a paper by spending a few months in England. Only while she was shutting everything and everyone out, she finds out about her mother's death. Everyone tells her it was a heart attack, but after she finds a threatening note addressed to her mother, Summer suspects more to the story. Soon, she learns that someone was after her mother's bookshop Beach Reads and her house. Summer doesn't know whom to trust so she sets out to investigate her mother's life and finds shocking surprises that could land her in the crosshairs of a killer.

The story has an emotional core as Summer grieves her loss and she's thrown into uncovering different aspects of her mother's life. An eccentricity to the story is derived through the larger-than-life personality of her mother which is vocalized through the various characters and creates a contrast to the more grounded personality of Summer. Though her mother is never met, Maggie Blackburn explores the dynamic of Summer and her mother which puts their relationship at the center of her journey. Little Bookshop of Murder is charismatic and tackles anxiety, guilt, and grieving through a mystery that highlights the relationship between mother and daughter. This is the first book in the >Beach Reads Mystery series.


Do Not Disturb: A Novel

Kirsty, her husband Adrian, and their two girls, Amelia and Evie, are moving to Wales to open a guest house. Along with Kirsty's mother Carol, they are planning on living in the large manor they purchased. Things seem to be going as planned when Carol announces that Kirsty's cousin Selena, with whom Kirsty had a falling out when they were eighteen, will be coming to stay at the guesthouse with her daughter Ruby. Kirsty initially feels that it is a bad omen, but when Serena arrives and settles in, they make amends. Kirsty's brother and sister-in-law come to stay and celebrate Carol's birthday. Dean, Serena's ex-boyfriend from high school, comes by as well and Kirsty starts to get an uneasy feeling again. Then there is the guest with the dog who keeps warning Kirsty that bad things are in the house. Sure enough, within a few days, a body is found at the foot of the staircase. Was the person pushed or did he/she fall?

This book has a great cast of characters with complex yet realistic relationship dynamics. Why is Nathan acting so strangely around Serena? And what is Kirsty's oldest daughter hiding? Do Not Disturb is an excellent mystery thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what happened until the very end.


Girl Gone Mad: A Novel

In middle school, Emily was part of a clique called the Harpies. This group of girls likes to torment others, but none more so than Grace. They brought her into their group, all the while treating her like dirt. Their last unkind act toward Grace, left her to try and commit suicide and the group broke up. They never spoke to each other again. But then, fourteen years later, one of the Harpies kills herself, followed shortly by another Harpy. Emily starts to see Grace everywhere and begins to wonder if it’s her or Grace that’s become a Girl Gone Mad. It seems like Grace might be back for revenge.

This was a great look into the effects of bullying, but also into how little we understand ourselves and others. Sometimes things aren’t quite what they seem and we only see one side of the story. In the beginning, you aren’t quite sure whom to feel bad for when your main characters were bullies. However, all the characters begin to develop more and more until you see that you didn’t know the whole story and begin to understand why things developed as they did. The author did a great job of showing the humanity of even the bullies, as there are always reasons why people do the things that they do. That doesn’t excuse what they did, but when you can understand that, it becomes easier to help them. I recommend you check it out.


A Map to the Sun

A Map to the Sunby Sloane Leong follows five compelling teen girls, who bond when they join their school’s newly-formed girls’ basketball team. Ren, their reluctant leader, and Luna, a surfer girl from Hawaii, become fast friends one summer. But they have a falling out when Luna moves back to Hawaii without saying goodbye to Ren, opening old wounds. Two years later, Luna returns and lands in the same high school as Ren. Luna assumes they can start up where they left off, but Ren avoids her, even after they both join the basketball team. The tension is buffered by three other girls who also join the team: Nell, So-Young, and Jetta. The narrative wanders through each of these young women’s lives. Their issues range from cutting, body shaming, and abusive relationships, among other problems that teens are dealing with today. Basketball becomes the glue that creates a strong support network and true friendships among them—authentic, complex female relationships. The characters are ethnically diverse and the storytelling is raw. Each of the young women has problems that do not get completely resolved by the end of the story. Like real life. The artwork is gorgeous, especially the vibrant color palette, which adds to the mood and the emotions of each scene.


The Secrets To Living A Fantastic Life

I wanted so badly to like this book more than I did. But perhaps The Secrets To Living A Fantastic Life by Dr. Allen Lycka and Harriet Tinka only fell flat because of the format it was written in, and not the actual content. Let me explain. First of all, the chapters were neatly set out into thirteen well-organized themes, including love, inspiration, victory, vulnerability, intention (purpose), non-negotiables, forgiveness, attitude, thankfulness, tenacity, laughter, enthusiasm, and empowerment. The book was then summed up in a quick conclusion, followed by some really fantastic quotes that support the information provided in the book. So far, so good. It is understood that both Dr. Lycka and Ms. Tinka had undergone some life-changing epiphanies and decided to collaborate with one another on a book, and even get Jack Canfield to write the foreword for it. This gave the book a fantastic endorsement. Again, a wonderful job, as I don't think I know anyone who hasn't heard of the Chicken Soup series.

Now for the not so great part of the book that, quite frankly, ruined it for me: the dialogue. The bantery, poking fun at-type of humor just doesn't sit well with the topics of the book. The way Harriet and Dr. Lycka speak to one another would have been better suited for a talk show or even a podcast, not a book. Complete with informal "hahas" and the two making fun of each other, I just felt like it was a waste of time to even put these parts in the book. The real meat of the book comes from the stories being told and the lessons that people learn from them. I would get engaged in a very good story and then we would be back to the dialogue between Dr. Lycka and Harriet. I do admit I ended up skimming over the dialogue parts towards the end and going straight for the story. This book would have been so much better if it had been written without the two of them trying to out-interview one another.

I've read a lot of self-help books, so many of the chapter topics were not new to me. One of the chapters I liked the most was the one about the "non-negotiables." The "non-negotiables" are the principles that are most important to an individual. We may all have different "non-negotiables," but that is what makes each individual special. Writing these down would be an excellent exercise to do in a high school or college class.

Overall, the book was a good read despite the dragging dialogue. Great for those who love a simple self-help book.


Travels With Hafa

This book is about the fantastic adventures of Nathan and his dog Rafael, or Hafa, packing up and driving an RV through the Pacific Northwest. As Nathan takes the reader through California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Oregon, the experiences are one-of-a-kind. Hafa, Nathan's German Shepherd pup, is so excited to be on the trip as well as the author describes him learning what it's like to be able to play off-leash and sniff and poke at whatever he pleases. For the first part of the journey, Nathan's older brother Aaron comes along. It was a great way to start the trip. During the trip, Nathan goes to Bozeman, Montana to meet his friend Nic and his wife and their three-month-old baby. I really enjoyed Nathan's narrative of the scenery and everything that he was going through during the trip. From driving the RV through a snowstorm to forgetting a towel almost every time he showered to meeting a girl on the way whom he spent some real quality time with. It was everything I had hoped for in tagging along on his fantastic voyage.

The whole book was written extremely well, which is probably what we should expect from a contributing writer for Forbes. I loved every part of it up until the part it seems to get a bit dark. Around page two hundred or so, Nathan seems to get in a political tizzy as he is headed on his way back home. I don't know if it was because he didn't want to go back home to his everyday life or if he always gets triggered while listening to NPR. Whatever it is, he starts ranting about the presidential impeachment and how "showing both sides of a news story is a contrived habit of our media to feign credibility" and ends it with saying "Americans elected a con man." Now, here's the thing: I have no problem with the author stating his opinion, but this particular part of the book was clearly the author going off on a tangent. The book is about a man, his dog, and his beautiful trek across the Pacific Northwest and their adventures. If I wanted to read about a political opinion I would have opened up my Facebook app. Can we get back to the best burgers and huckleberry milkshakes already?

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. There were some funny things that happened along the way, some exciting things, some unexpected things, some scary things, and some super chill things. It would be great to see some pictures of the trip, especially of Hafa having the time of his life. I would recommend this book to anyone who might be interested in taking an RV trip since there are many great suggestions in the book as to how hard or how easy it is to do.


Shirley Chisholm Is a Verb

There was a woman named Shirley Chisholm, and she was elected as a congresswoman because of her voice. She spoke up for people, and her campaign was "Unbought and Unbossed." She went to Washington D.C., but she was the only Black woman there. It was very lonely for her. The rest of the people there were white men, but Shirley didn't give up. She used her words to fight back. She was on a bunch of television channels, and she announced that she was running for president. Shirley was the first female and the first Black person to run for president. Shirley didn't win, but she never gave up. Barack Obama awarded her the Medal of Freedom. Shirley helped inspire Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and many other people in politics.

I thought it was nice of Shirley to do all these things for other people. She was very brave, and she never gave up when things got tough for her. She always spoke up! I like the illustrations because the pictures look like the real pictures of Shirley. I recommend this book to people who like books about history, different people, and strong and brave women.


The Best Burp: The Nocturnals (Grow & Read Early Reader, Level 1)

Burps are SO FUNNY! When I saw this book was available, I knew I had to get it! I like the pictures but wish there were more colors.

I like that there aren't a lot of words on each page. It makes it easier for me to read and I don't get overwhelmed with the number of words. I like that it is a chapter book and it makes me feel like I am reading bigger and older kid books!

I know burps are ok to do but not all the time and where ever we want. I learned a lesson from this book. We shouldn't blame our friends if we decide to do something that isn't right. My favorite part of this book is the back pages. I love learning about animals and fun facts are FUN!


A Little Bit of Karma

This is the second book I have read by ReShonda Tate Billingsley, and I absolutely love her writing style. Easy-to-read with a great cast of characters and plot, A Little Bit of Karma tells the story of Jay and Dr. Shannon Lovejoy. This power couple runs a very popular radio show in which they give relationship advice to men and women. When Dr. Shannon discovers Jay has been unfaithful to her, their world starts to fall apart. The first part of the book really develops the characters and their personalities. Shannon's reaction is probably how any woman would react to her husband being a cheater, famous or not. The plot thickens as Jay's mistress is brought into the plot. The story quickly becomes a suspenseful thriller in which Jay and Dr. Shannon race against time to find out the truth behind a major scandal.

This will not be the last book that I read of Billingsley's as her books are very exciting and engaging from cover to cover. This is an excellent read for lovers of romantic thrillers.


The Forests of California

Obi Kaufmann, who previously blew readers away with The California Field Atlas and The State of Water: Understanding California’s Most Precious Resource, is back with an other masterful piece of work in Forests of California: A California Field Atlas. The book is ideal for the would-be naturalist, weighty but not so large that it can't be easily slipped in a backpack or large pocket and taken on a trip around the forests of California.

The work that has gone into this book is simply astonishing; every page is a treasure trove of information and beauty. The book is divided into types of trees and regions throughout California, along with many, many illustrations of the trees and places, which have been created with love and care. The book is perfect for anyone on a camping trip looking for some fun and engrossing reading, or for someone needing a thorough guide to Californian trees in order to be able to find an exact species quickly and efficiently.

Forests of California is the first book in a planned trilogy, and it will be followed by The Coasts of California and The Deserts of California. Even if you’re stuck at home right now due to the pandemic, this book is still an absolute delight to read.


The Brief and True Report of Temperance Flowerdew

The winters of 1609 and 1610 were hard for the colonists at Jamestown. With little food and hostile Native Americans, there was every chance they would not survive. Survive they did, however, and their foothold helped to carve out the start of what would become the United States of America.

There at the start was Temperance Flowerdew, who would become the wife of the first two governors of Virginia. She had a maid named Lily. Though both Temperance and Lily struggle to make it through that first winter, the bond between them, which is far greater than ordinary for mistress and servant, gives the two of them strength.

As the title says, the story is brief, just over two hundred pages. While that does make this a quick read, I found myself wishing it were not quite so swift. It’s beautifully written, but it seems cramped at times, with interactions (particularly between Lily and a fiddler named James Owen) skipping ahead to where readers expect them to be rather than progressing naturally and offering chances to surprise the reader.

Being short makes it no less powerful, and it was a delight to watch Temperance’s strength go from sheer bullheadedness to a power necessary to survive. For anyone who has been wishing to see women take center stage in history, with all their flaws intact, I recommend this book.


The Inheritance Games

When Avery Grambs inherited billions from Tobias Hawthorne, she was confused because she had never met the gentleman. His two daughters and four grandsons were furious at being cut out of the will. Her friends were stalked and harassed, some giving in to sharing lurid details of her life for money. Avery had been living in her car, refusing to live with her older sister and her sister’s abusive boyfriend. Finding out she had inherited the money at first seemed a godsend, but the will stipulated she must live in the house for a year and could not remove the Hawthorne family without evidence. Indeed, being the Heiress placed a target on her back, but she hoped that the puzzle left by Hawthorne would keep the disinherited family distracted enough to figure out what game Hawthorne was playing even from the grave.

Barnes returns with her classic storytelling style, fast-paced and unpredictable, similar to her series The Naturals. No one is who they seem and characters surprise as much as they disappoint. The first in a series, the game has only just begun, and the chess moves are far from a stalemate.


Paris Cat

This was a good book. I enjoyed hearing the story of Paris Cat and her adventures.

Paris Cat was in Paris and she was a cat in Paris. She lived with a bunch of other cats—brothers and sisters and aunts and uncles and cousins—but she wanted to see more of the world, so she did. She met Josephine Baker and Edith Piaf, who were two amazing women. And Cat was amazing, too. She used snippets of cloth and sewed them together.

I loved how Paris Cat danced the night away with Josephine Baker. If I were Paris Cat, I’d have lots of relatives, but I wouldn’t want to eat fish heads—that’s gross. And the dark alley she lived down was a little scary, but I didn’t mind that too much.

Paris Cat had an amazing life, and I wonder what kinds of other adventures she’ll have. I wish the book was longer. The map of Paris in the front was really amazing.


When Pumpkins Fly

In When Pumpkins Fly, a young boy describes a Halloween season in the frigid Canadian Arctic. As a plane carrying pumpkins in the cargo descends, his excitement soars. The principal requests delivery to his school, and after carving theirs, the children taste the bitter fruit inside and roast some yummy pumpkin seeds. To his delight, the boy is chosen to take the treasure home. After a fun-filled night of trick-or-treating and participating in all sorts of other holiday festivities, he climbs into bed and centers his thoughts on the tunnaat, the “ancient and wise beings” that travel through the Sanikiluaq community at night. He honors their presence by keeping them close at heart.

This creative tale combines cultural tidbits about the Arctic Inuit community with current day beliefs and practices of its people. The knowledge of the author about the Canadian Arctic is considerable. She even provides a pronunciation guide at the end for readers who are unfamiliar with the Inuktitut language.

The text is written at approximately the third-grade reading level, and the target age range for the book is five to nine. The use of non-traditional font makes it a bit difficult to decipher. This may deter some young children from attempting to read it. However, many will enjoy the glossy cartoon-like illustrations that sweep across the pages.


The Secret of the Tattered Shoes

The Secret of the Tattered Shoes is a story about a tired man who has just come into the woods after fighting. The man meets a woman who tries to cheer him up, but the man doesn't want to be cheered up. The man doesn't want to live anymore. The woman convinces the man to go into the kingdom nearby and try to solve a riddle by the king. The king has twelve daughters who go to bed in a locked room, and when it's morning, they are very tired, and their shoes are about to fall apart. If anyone can solve the riddle, then they will get a prize from the king.

This story was a little hard for me to understand without having my mom explain what was happening. Some of the words weren't ones that I know, but when it was explained to me, then I understood what was happening, and I liked the story. I liked the secret power that the man had, and I thought that the princesses were very pretty in the pictures. Kids a little older than me will probably like and understand the story more, but it's a sad and fun story to read.


Twin Daggers

Magi and Technocrats have been at war for centuries, both believing they’re the ones in the right. That is, until the Technocrates wipe out all the Magi. Or did they? Caught right in the middle of the war are Aissa and Zandria, twins far more powerful than the other Magi believe. When Aissa is assigned a new mission, she’s willing to do anything to accomplish it. It only gets complicated after Zandria is captured and Aissa discovers there is more to her mission then what’s on the surface. Not only that, but everything she’s been told about the war, the Magi, even the Technocrats, may be a lie.

Connolly put effort into the world-building, and it shows. Unfortunately, that makes the pace drag at times. The twins already know magic, so it’s easy to follow how it works. once, the parents aren’t dead. In fact, they’re supportive and love their daughters, but they don’t play much of a role in the story. Some of the plot twists were obvious to me, but that doesn’t mean they are for everyone, except the final twist where there was no warning or foreshadowing, and that felt somewhat abrupt.


Ignite the Sun

The sun is dangerous. Its light is destructive. Thank Queen Iyzabel for shrouding the kingdom in darkness. Siria Nightingale wants nothing more than to make her parents proud. Her chance is the Choosing Ball, the night Queen Iyzabel will choose who will serve in her court. But what Siria discovers instead sends her on an impossible quest across the kingdom with old friends and unlikely allies.

Siria is a stuck up princess. Mostly it’s an act though and once out of the influences of her peers she drops it. That doesn’t change the fact that no one cares that Siria’s whole world was turned upside-down and is shown no sympathy what-so-ever. The romance is there to add drama and I would have preferred they stay friends. Some of the characters are unnecessary, they’re introduced then simply there, not playing a role until they’re needed. The end felt abrupt and short. I was hooked by the first chapter and didn’t want to put it down until I finished.


God The Ultimate Superhero

Ryan runs up to his Mom to tell her about the book he is reading. It tells him that God is everywhere. He and his Mom have a conversation about how God is and is not like a superhero. God is everywhere and superheroes can only be in one place at a time. God has unending strength, unlike superheroes who get tired. The conversation ensues for Ryan to conclude that God is the ultimate superhero. Ryan figures out because he is made in God’s image Ryan himself is better than any superhero.

I loved the conversations about God being the best at it all and never growing tired or becoming powerless. The text was rather long for a picture book and in many places, it could be trimmed to make it tighter.

I love these pictures. The illustrator did a fantastic job. The style is wonderful, and the characters and scenes are bright and fun. It fits a book about God and superheroes very well.

This would be a book I would pick up in a Christian bookstore especially since my six-year-old son loves superheroes and it would be a great length of a book for him.


How did the songs of a musician who died penniless end up traveling the cosmos and going farther than any manmade object ever? This incredible story is documented in the heartbreakingly lovely form in Dark Was the Night: Blind Willie Johnson's Journey to the Stars.

This is not a story full of twists and turns. It's a simple recounting of the facts about a blind boy making his way in the world, becoming a legendary musician, and leaving behind a legacy no one in his day could have imagined. And yet, this book is a tour-de-force.

The art alone makes it a must-have. The watercolors bring such warmth and vibrance to the proceedings, and yet, as their soft, hand-touched luminousness bleeds out of each image and out the frame, these intentional imperfections make the entire read spellbinding. You simply cannot look away.

Sure, this is a book for kids -- the information drop at the end reinforces the story they've just learned -- but that doesn't exclude this book from being something adults should cherish. It took less than ten minutes to read one of the best books of the year, and it was absolutely perfect.


In the Land of the Feathered Serpent

Reading The Land of the Feathered Serpent during a pandemic is frustrating because it inspired me to want to travel in Central America. It’s a novel that is hard to categorize. There are elements of the plot that make it a spy novel. The protagonist works with the CIA. It has strong elements of magical realism, too, in his meetings with a curandera and the heavy emphasis on spiritual journeys in the last section of the book. Because so much of it takes place in Nicaragua and other parts of Central America, it also works as an interesting travel log. And as Brusca himself and his protagonist, Odel, are scientists, there is much to be learned in the book about natural science. Additionally, as it says on the back of the book, it is a modern (1980s) reimagining of The Odyssey.

It is a long book. There are several lengthy passages about the history of the CIA in Central America, the Mayan culture, the topography of Nicaragua, the Sandanistas, communism in Central America, and other topics. At first, I appreciated this attention to history. I have traveled throughout Mexico and I’ve been to Teotihuacan (the pyramids outside of Mexico City) twice, and I have an interest in Central America. I also remember the Iran Contra hearings and the Reagan era. After finishing the book, I found myself researching travel to places where Odel goes. These lengthy travel/historical passages are quite interesting but do slow down the story quite a bit. A couple of hundred pages into the 450-page book, I started to think that these historical and cultural explanations were a bit intrusive.

The depictions of the science, politics, history, and inner workings of the CIA seem genuine and quite authoritative. Of course, Brusca has written many books on invertebrate zoology and marine biology, but he is also very well versed in Central America, having worked and traveled there extensively. The myth aspect is well handled, as the book is not a copy of The Odyssey but rather a nod to the trials of Odysseus.

I struggled a bit with the character of Odel. He is clever, knowledgeable, and a good, admirable person, but his naivete did seem unrealistic at times. The magical and spiritual aspects of the story build over time and left me interested in their mythology but not quite certain what to think about how the story pulls those aspects together. I enjoyed the trip with Brusca and his central character, Odel, and I think readers with an interest in that part of the world will also enjoy the book.


REMOTE iT!

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Inside Passage

For Nick Season, the end justifies the means. He wants to become Washington State’s next Attorney General, and he’s not going to let anything stand in his way.

As a youngster, Nick immigrated to America to live with his uncle when his father, a con artist in Greece, was murdered. Nick has a checkered past, and he suffers from anxiety attacks when he thinks about it being revealed, but with the help of his lethal associate, Lester, he’s been able to conceal it while advancing his ambitions. One of his past misdeeds involved a murdered smuggler and fifteen million dollars in Russian diamonds. At the time, he’d enlisted the help of his cousin, Al, which turned out to be a mistake. Al’s indiscretions were fatally resolved with one outstanding loose end, Al’s partner, Corey Logan.

Had Al divulged what he knew to Cory?  Nick couldn’t take the chance, so he threatened Corey that her son, Billy, would be next unless she pleaded guilty to a trumped-up drug charge. Once in jail, his plan was to have her murdered as well. But the attempt failed. Cory has responded by informing him she's written down what Al had told her and would release it to the press if anything happens to her or Billy.

Now she’s out of prison and trying to get custody of her fifteen-year-old son with the help of a befuddle psychiatrist, Abe Stein. All she wants is to be reunited with Billy, be left alone, and Nick’s secrets will remain hidden. But when Nick discovers that Abe is the son of Jesse, a political powerhouse whom he’s courting, literally and figuratively, he becomes apoplectic. Corey is no longer a shadow in the background, she’s fully visible and in his face. He can’t take the chance and decides to “set her world on fire.”

Realizing Abe and his associates are connected to her nemesis, shatters Corey. Has her confidant and lover, compromised her life? Her only thought is to escape and to protect Billy at all costs.

Inside Passage is a tightly plotted, contemporary thriller enhanced with politics and police procedure. Unfortunately, it begins flawed, and that deficiency is never adequately addressed, eventually leading to a weak and unconvincing climax. However, the novel is redeemed by the depth and authenticity of author Burt Weissbourd’s characterization, which is exceptional for this kind of plot-driven narrative. Complicated relationships interact with subtly, nuance, and human unpredictability. With his protagonist being somewhat of a mariner, Weissbourd showcases Seattle, the San Juan Islands, and the rugged coastline of the inside passage between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia as an added bonus.


Dasher and The Sleigh-Train

Santa, the elves, and the reindeer are getting ready for Christmas. Everything is coming together, until Dasher gets sick. Without all his reindeer to help, how will Santa get the presents to the children? He sees a toy train on the shelf. Will it work? The elves do not think so. That is, not until Santa pours his magic dust onto the train, making the sleigh fit perfectly on top. After some practice, they can make the deliveries to the children and still get help from the elves and reindeer. They fly through the night until the presents are given out. Poor Dasher is stuck in the infirmary with reindeer pox. The group comes to see Dasher at the end and sing him his favorite Christmas song, Jingle Bells.

Dasher and the Sleigh-Train reads well as a read-aloud book. I read it to my three- and six-year-old children and they sat still for the whole book. The writing is wordy in some places. A little extra trimming would help the story become stronger. The reader did not need all the descriptive words about the reindeer or the extra information about Dasher’s condition. I like the story concept. I think it is interesting to explore the issue of what Santa would do if the reindeer got sick. It's a great idea to use a train as the solution. Kids love trains. Overall, the plot was well done.

I went back and forth on the illustrations. I liked the style. I liked some of the art. Santa and the reindeer were nicely illustrated. Others I thought were not very professional looking. The nurse especially did not look great. I understand the need to make a train fit a sleigh, but truly, I would not have guessed it was a train at first. Ultimately, I think the artistry could have been better.

My three-year-old daughter loved the book. She thought the adventure was great. My six-year-old child liked it okay but thought the pictures could be better. Neither asked to read it again a second time. As a parent, I appreciate this unique take on Santa delivering his toys. However, I would not have purchased the book based on the illustrations. I feel if I had bought the book, it would not be a story I would keep, which makes me sad because I think the idea is so great.

I would recommend this book for children aged three to five years.


Dasher and The Sleigh-Train

It's almost Christmas and Santa is inundated with Christmas wishes from children. A little stressed, Santa wonders how he will get all the presents to fit in his sleigh. To make matters worse, Dasher falls ill and is diagnosed with Reindeer Pox. Dasher, who is the strongest reindeer, won't be able to pull the sleigh to deliver the presents. What is Santa to do? The presents must be delivered on time to all the children.

While thinking about the problem, Santa eyes a toy train sitting on the table. With a little help from Santa's magic dust, the tiny toy train grows in size. The toy train is now big enough to fit all the presents on top of it. Everyone is super excited to ride along in Santa's giant-sized toy train. The elves decide to ride along in the caboose that is attached to the train. All the reindeer, except for Dasher, decide to join Santa and the elves, and they ride along in the train, too.

While Santa is out delivering the Christmas presents, Dasher is recuperating in the infirmary. Dasher is sorely missed by everyone. Santa leaves a Christmas present on Dasher's bedside table. When all the presents have been delivered, the reindeer decide to visit Dasher. They sing Dasher a Christmas song to help him feel better, and he promises to pull the sleigh next Christmas.

Prior to reading the story, I thought it would be centered on Dasher, but it isn't so much about Dasher really. Dasher is merely the catalyst that forces Santa out of his typical routine and into a little problem solving. I like that the reindeer receive a break this one time for Christmas. Santa doesn't have to rely on their muscle power to pull the heavy sleigh all around the world. Even reindeer deserve a vacation. This time, the reindeer all get to relax in the train and ride along and watch the magical night sky. All except for Dasher, as there's no relaxing for him in the infirmary unfortunately.

Dasher and the Sleigh-Train definitely has an interesting plot. Instead of Santa riding his iconic sleigh, he is whizzing around the world delivering presents to children in a locomotive. Children, especially train lovers, will delight in this story in which the train and a little magic will be the answer to Santa's problem. The illustrations are very colorful and Christmas colors abound. I wish the illustrations of the elves had been a little bit more friendly looking. Some of them looked a little scary to me. This story would be a fun and magical addition to many families' book collections.


Dasher and The Sleigh-Train

It's getting close to Christmas, and Santa is worried that he won't have enough room on his sleigh to carry all the presents that the children have asked for. Santa talks to Mrs. Clause about it, but then he hears that Dasher is not feeling well. Santa is very attached to his reindeer, so it's quite sad that Dasher won't be able to make it on the Christmas trip that year. Dasher, on the other hand, isn't too upset about it because he's feeling crummy and needs to rest.

Without Dasher, Santa must think of a new plan, quick. He comes up with the idea of using a train to transport the toys, but the elves are quick to veto that idea. Unfortunately for them, they have forgotten who the boss is. Santa gets his way with the help of some magic dust. The reindeer think that the fun is just for Santa and the elves, but Santa, being the nice man that he is, has them join him on the trip. When they've finished, they all make it back to Dasher, who is still resting, and tell him that they had a great time but missed him all the same.

Dasher and the Sleigh-Train is a cute children's Christmas book, although it could be read at any time of the year. The story is well-plotted, with a storyline that can be understood by readers of all ages. I would question the use of the term "infirmary" in a children's book, as I know many young children who would not know what that word means. The illustrations in the book are bright and colorful, especially with the red and green Christmas colors being prominent; however, I wonder if kids would notice or care that on one of the pages, Santa has six fingers. Other than the rogue finger, there are no noticeable mistakes in the story.

The length of the story is just right for a children's book. I believe it helps to keep a child's attention when the length is just right. In the story, Dasher gets sick and has to "quarantine" himself from the rest of the reindeer while they go out, which is relevant to the events of today that are affecting kids and adults alike. An argument could be made that Shelley made Santa out to be an optimist and a problem solver, the elves to be pessimists who are then followers, and the reindeer to be poor problem solvers with the mentality of children. However you want to interpret it, though, the story will still read as a cute children's Christmas story that can be enjoyed by all.


In the Land of the Feathered Serpent

Odel Bernini believed he had it all. He was madly in love with (and still wildly attracted to) his wife, Penelope, he relished his position as Chief Curator at a major museum, and his marine biology studies take him all over the world. But on a trip to Central America, everything changed. Now his job is no longer secure, he is plagued by dreams of a strange woman in the jungle, harbors doubts about his wife's fidelity and affection, and finds himself swooning over a fellow world traveler as mysterious as she is alluring. As Odel embarks on an emotional and spiritual journey, confronting long-held beliefs about who he is, he also finds himself wading deeper into the sociopolitical battleground of US/Latin American relations in the 1980s. He will make hard choices, confront his demons and his virtues, and stumble toward a greater understanding of himself and the world around him... if he survives.

In the Land of the Feathered Serpent is author and scientist Rick Brusca's ambitious reimagining of The Odyssey for modern times, embracing the complexity and beauty of Central America as a new Mediterranean for his own Odysseus, Odel. I won't spend too much time comparing the two, because quite honestly, while Brusca's book rests on a framework of The Odyssey, more often than not, it is its own narrative. But to ignore the homage completely would be irresponsible.

Brusca cherry-picks elements from the famous tale±—character names, symbolic analogs, etc.—as well as the overarching idea of a man changing over time as he struggles to find his way home. (This time, more metaphorically than literally.) And on this basis, In the Land of the Feathered Serpent is a success. It provides intriguing ways for Odel to encounter these famed Odyssean obstacles, steeping them in either the history of Central American or the spirituality and mythology of Mesoamerican cultures. It feels familiar, and yes, there's the occasional heavy-handed metaphor, but it is never boring.

As for the narrative itself, Brusca reframes what could easily be construed as a midlife crisis—particularly Odel's encounters with various women in the novel—as something grander, a spiritual awakening. Instead, it becomes an epic personal growth where Odel's romanticism is at once embraced and stripped away from him, and he begins to see those around him as true, flawed people, not just the archetypes he'd painted them as. The reader takes this journey alongside Odel, often a step or two ahead of him, but always rooting for him. Despite his pedantic nature, his self-congratulatory nature, and his unnecessary tendency to always comment on the breasts of the women around him, Odel is an Everyman worth cheering on. You wish him to find true contentment, to solve the mysteries he has stumbled into.

When Brusca focuses on the man and his journey, the book is incredibly engrossing. Experiencing Central America as a place, a complicated melange of politics, choices, beauty, chaos, and potential, strips away the reader's false images, just Odel's illusions are similarly confronted. We, like him, learn more about our world. Those moments are powerful. And, at times, those moments are more spread out than necessary, because the book is absolutely loaded with unnecessary info and exposition. The politics of Central America and the minutiae of marine biology have their place in the story, certainly, but entire pages could be cut from the manuscript without hurting the reader's experience. That may sound harsh, but, at points, the info-dumping stops adding color to the story and starts hindering it. While it does, in a small way, reflect Odel's inability to focus on what's important—losing the forest for the trees, if you will—it does detract. The first 50 pages, in particular, suffer for it. But, in the long run, that is a quibble, the price of admittance for the ride. Odel's struggles, the labyrinthine threads of his life that tangle and knot in peculiar ways, and the path he takes to the other side is an intriguing one, rich in color and character, vibrantly realized.

In the Land of the Feathered Serpent is quite unlike anything I've ever read, because it is a curious combination of many genres. It is epic, a personal story, a midlife crisis, a coming-of-age journey, a love story, a mystery, a spiritual quest, and a historical drama. All of these elements are strings in a web that rests tenuously, yet eye-catchingly, on one of the all-time classic frameworks. This is a multi-course meal to be savored, not devoured in one sitting.


Hot Pot Night!

Hot Pot Night starts with people asking for dinner, and then a little boy suggests having Hot Pot. Everyone was excited! Then everyone works together to bring all the different ingredients to make the Hot Pot meal. One person brings the pot, someone else brings the broth, another neighbor brings the meat, and one neighbor brings his homegrown vegetables. Everyone in the story really enjoys the Hot Pot meal. The illustrations in this book are very colorful and cute. I like how the dog sneaks some of the Hot Pot food! This story reminds me of another book that is just like it. I like how everyone in the building comes together to share a favorite meal. Right now, we can't do that because of COVID, but I wish I can like the people in the story. I like how there is a recipe in the back of the book to make Hot Pot. It doesn't seem too hard to make, and it makes me want to try Hot Pot one day. I recommend this book to people who like working together, and people who like trying new food.


The Eighth Detective: A Novel

The Eighth Detective is set on a Mediterranean island, home of Grant McAllister. In the early 1940s, Grant published a private collection of seven short mystery stories in a book called The White Murders, presumably a reference to Elizabeth White who was strangled on Hampstead Heath in 1940. Julia Hart arrives on the island to help prepare Grant’s stories for a second edition. Each of the stories is fascinating in its own right, but it’s what connects them that makes this novel so extraordinary. Based on his research paper entitled The Permutations of Detective Fiction, Grant appended a mathematical framework to the first edition that captured all possible structural variations of mysteries.  Each of the seven stories illustrates one permutation. That’s not all. Julia spots a minor inconsistency in each story. Grant acknowledges them but offers no explanation other than to say he doesn’t remember, causing Julia to become suspicious and start probing Grant’s past. The Eighth Detective stands as a unique contribution to the mystery genre. It makes the reader think more generally about mysteries and their structure. And it offers seven mysteries wrapped up in an even bigger mystery. Either component would make this a worthwhile read; both together make it an outstanding one.


The Tinderbox: Soldier of Indira

Everson leaves everything behind to become a soldier, as all Indiran men should. But when Everson’s parents force him to serve and in his first real battle, everything goes wrong. When a chance meeting with the king’s daughter changes everything, Everson is sent on a quest that could mean he holds the fate of two worlds in his hands. Lost on a strange world full of people who want him dead, Everson finds himself taking on a bigger role than a mere soldier.

Not everything is as it seems, people aren’t who they say they are, and the war isn’t as straightforward as you’re supposed to believe. The story is very much plot-driven, with vast and complex worlds at play, meaning I didn’t feel much for the characters. They were different from each other, and the small cast made it easy to keep track of who’s who. The tinderbox itself didn’t take much of a role, it was there when there was no other way out of a situation, but I would have like to see more of it, especially since it’s what the book is titled after.


Bookish and the Beast (Once Upon A Con)

Rosie Thorne is a bookworm who recently lost her mother. Her only solace is her mother’s book collection. Vance Reigns is a playboy actor who can’t do anything right according to his parents, which is how he ended up in Nowheresville. Rosie must work to help her father with the bills. Vance should not work right now and instead keep his head beneath the radar of the paparazzi. When Rosie ruins a priceless novel, she must work off her debt, with Vance’s help, by organizing and cataloging the library at his hideaway from the world. Maybe some spent time together will show him the beauty beneath her pain exterior and show her the beast trying to find something real in his bubble of false people and places.

This retelling of a favorite fairy tale follows Disney’s approach more than that of the classic French story. Characters from previous books by Poston make an appearance in this one, much to fans’ delight. References to favorite Beauty and the Beast movies and books are sprinkled throughout the story like glitter, a surprise find while reading. This well-developed story is for anyone who loves a good angsty and fun modern-day fairy tale.


Fetch! A How to Speak Dog Training Guide

In this book, you can learn all sorts of cool skills and tricks to teach your dog! Whether you have a new puppy or an old dog, there are tricks for every age. This book has everything from simple commands such as sit or stay to more complicated ones like jumping through a hoop or opening a door. This book also gives advice on positive reinforcement, the use of which is very important to develop a healthy, trusting relationship with your dog.

It contains tips to help you train your dog, and a problem-solving section to help you stop your pet’s bad behavior. There are cool sections inside about famous dogs that skateboard, surf with their owners, fight crime, act in movies, hug people, and more! There are tips from a veterinarian throughout the book to help humans understand how their fur babies learn best.

There are beautiful color photographs on nearly every page of adorable dogs. With tons of great content and great tricks for you and your dog to work on together, this book is a must-have for any dog lover!


Pounce! A How To Speak Cat Training Guide

Dr. Gary Weitzman, D.V.M., and Tracey West

Having two cats myself, I have found Pounce! A How to Speak Cat Training Guide a big help with understanding my cats' behaviors. The book covers training your cats to perform basic tricks such as "come" as well as some involving toys to enhance playtime. The lessons continue onto intermediate tricks, such as "shake" and "sit," and the wearing of a harness for outdoor walks. Then there are the advanced tricks, which look impressive when a cat is capable of performing them, such as "fetch," crawling, and jumping tricks.

Most of the lessons take between four and eight steps, with the basic tricks taking up to two. In addition to the training instructions, there are other chapters about understanding your cat's behaviors as well as tips for addressing issues such as furniture scratching, jumping on the counter, walking on your keyboard, and being up all night.

Pounce! is a quick read but it is effective in terms of the way the information presented is communicated to the reader. There are plenty of cute pictures and interesting facts throughout the book. There's even a quiz at the end that will help you to determine what kind of cat you would be. If you're a cat owner or lover, this is a must-read book!


Vision or Mirage: Saudi Arabia at the Crossroads

In April 2016, Saudi Arabia announced its Vision 2030, which is its strategic roadmap to reducing its dependence on oil, diversifying its economy, and strengthening its public services. The development was seen as a disruption, but this book seems to suggest that reform is necessary if Saudi Arabia is to retain its influence as a regional power and to be a viable voice in the world.

Most of the book covers Saudi history, beginning in the mid-eighteenth century. The last forty pages are devoted to contemporary issues, especially the challenges Saudi society faces as it embarks on its Vision 2030. The narrative outlines how the House of Saud rose and fell (several times) until Ibn Saud, through the use of piety, pragmatism, raids, compassion, charisma, and diplomacy, united most of Arabia into a single nation. Some of the tactics used then still haunt the House of Saud today.

Unfortunately, the book does not address the cooling of relations between Saudi Arabia and the USA following the 9/11 attacks (even though Iran, a common adversary, has grown more menacing). Nor does it address Saudi Arabia’s alleged human rights violations (especially in relation to Khashoggi’s assassination). Furthermore, the narrative does not outline possible future trajectories. In the end, it is more a history of Saudi Arabia than an analysis of possible future scenarios.


Age of Consent: A Novel

Despite her artistic parents’ total inability to manage money, Justine Rubin finds herself beginning her sophomore year of high school at the Connecticut boarding school Griswold Academy. It is 1983, everything is accessible in New York if you know the right people, and Justine is ready to become. What she’ll become isn’t clear; but that isn’t what’s important.

Amanda Brainerd’s brilliant Age of Consent isn’t just a coming of age novel, though that can’t be underscored. It is also a gorgeous, rancid, luxurious snapshot of a type in America when helicopter parents didn’t exist and dance clubs in NYC cared more about the fame of the clientele than their age. As Justine befriends wealthy and connected classmates like Eve Straus and Clay Bradley, she’s ushered into a world far removed from her own.

The story is as much Eve’s as it is Justine’s. The wealthier of the two, Eve is also the more troubled. Griswold is the last stop on a tour of boarding schools, all of which she’s left under dubious circumstances. Her parents’ money and clout have gotten her into Griswold, but she has to keep herself there.

A meditation on music and friendship, young love and drug use, the start of the AIDS epidemic and the frenetic pace of the 80s New York art scene, Age of Consent is a dark and beautiful book for anyone who remembers the hope and terror of being sixteen.