Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book

Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book
By Diane Muldrow
Golden Books, 2013. unpaged. Non-Fiction

Open the cover and a smile spreads across your face.  Read the introduction and your thoughts meander back to your childhood.  This book is a delightful stroll down memory lane for anyone who has owned or read a Golden Book.  You will need to read this short book of wisdom at least twice.  The first time you won't be able to stop yourself from trying to identify the illustrations. (Luckily answers are in tiny print at the bottom of each page.)  The second read will let you absorb the one line gems of "Golden" advice.

This is the perfect book to hug and read whenever you need a 10 minute escape from the present.
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The Golden Day

The Golden Day
By Ursula Dubosarsky
Candlewick Press, 2013. 150 pgs.  Young Adult

The '70's, a time of turmoil...eleven young girls set out with their teacher on a field trip to a beautiful garden to "think about death."  Eleven young girls return, not with their teacher but with a secret that changes and bonds them together in fear and friendship.

This unique book seemed slightly haunting to me.  Written in a flowing, clean, easy to read style, Dubosarsky constantly kept a sense of foreboding floating around.  I thoroughly enjoyed it (for a few split seconds it reminded me of a grown up adventure from the children's book Madeline, but don't let that deter you).  I would recommend it to any young adult because it was a fun read and to reluctant readers because of the short length combined with easy reading style.
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Almost Astronauts: 13 women who dared to dream

Almost Astronauts: 13 women who dared to dream
by Tanya Lee Stone
Candlewick Press, 2009, 133 pages, YA Nonfiction

While many have heard of the Mercury 7 (original NASA astronauts), few have heard of the Mercury 13. These were the 13 women who, during the 1960s when women could not be a police officer or rent a car, dared to believe they could become astronauts. They were unwavering in their pioneer spirit subjecting themselves to brutal physical and mental tests, lobbying NASA and the government and fighting blatant prejudice.

 This Young Adult book follows the difficult road these 13 women went down for nearly 20 years before women were to become an accepted part of NASA. The author makes sure we understand all the prejudice these women faced and just how strong these women were in their fight to make their dreams a reality. Good book for anyone interested in the history of the space program and also an encouraging book, especially for girls, on following their dreams.

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Rare: Portraits of America's Endangered Species

Rare: Portraits of America's Endangered Species
by Joel Sartore
National Geographic Society, 2010, unnumbered pages, Nonfiction

In true National Geographic style, the stark stunning photos are why you pick up this book. 68 portraits of American endangered spices from the Alabama Canebrake Pitcher-Plant to the Yellowfin Madtom are included. Some species are familiar like the Red Wolf and others like the Red Knot are not. Information for each entry is brief including only the scientific and common name, location of photo shoot, approximate number of species left and reason for declining numbers. Your eyes glance at the words then rivet on the photos.

I recommend this visual feast to anyone who is curious, cares or just wants to view some incredible photography of America's endangered species.

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The Fish That Ate the Whale: the Life and Times of America's Banana King

The Fish That Ate the Whale:  the Life and Times of America's Banana King
By Rich Cohen
Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2012.  270 pgs.  Biography

Sam Zemurray is not exactly a household name.  Read this book and you will know the story of the persevering, penniless immigrant who became one of America's most complex, richest and politically powerful men of the early 1900's.  From his first sighting of the curious yellow fruit piled on the dock, to his last years, his life was consumed with the banana.  Zemurray's political control extended from the United States through Central America, along the way over throwing governments, influencing Foreign Policy, reinventing the banana industry and finally taking control of his rival, the powerful conglomerate United Fruit Company.

Sam, the Banana Man had the impellent desire to succeed...no matter the cost.

I highly recommend The Fish That Ate the Whale to anyone interested in well researched biographies, early 1900 American business or those curious about the history of the "fruit worth killing for."

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Summer of Fear

Summer of Fear
by Lois Duncan
Little, Brown and Company, 2011. 217 pgs. Young Adult

Friends, boyfriend, family, summer, life is good.  The tragic news of an accident changes everything.  Rachel's Aunt, Uncle and employee have been killed.  Julia her 17 year old cousin is alone and Rachel's parents rush to the Ozarks to bring her to live with them.  Julia settles in but SOMETHING is disturbing about her and NO ONE except Rachel can sense it.  What is wrong with them?  Why can't they realize she is not who they think she is?  Can't they see she's a......  and .Rachel must prove it before.....

I enjoyed this clean, easy read and definitely would recommend it to younger teens who want creepy but not heavy horror. Side note - the last pages of this edition contain a "well worth the time to read"  interview with the author.  Were you aware that Lois Duncan has gone back  and revised all her books so they can remain updated?

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Bill Bryson's African Diary

Bill Bryson's African Diary
By Bill Bryson
Broadway Books, 2002. 47 pgs. Nonfiction

Invited by CARE International to see first hand a few of their facilities in Kenya, Bill Bryson's African Diary chronicles his eight day visit.  Too short (49 pages) to elaborate on any one subject, Bryson still manages to make us laugh with his terrifying plane ride adventure and tug our hearts as we are introduced to  a few special Kenyans he meets on along his journey.  Bryson wrote this book as a fund raiser for the CARE organization and for that reason one can forgive the book's "short" comings.

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Mrs. Dalloway

Mrs. Dalloway
By Virginia Woolf
Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1925 (1990).212 pgs. Fiction

The thought of an entire book devoted to only one day in the life of middle aged, post World War I society driven, Mrs. Dalloway, might make one yawn with boredom. I was pleasantly surprised however in Virginia Woolf's ability to keep my interest.

Clarissa Dalloway is giving a party tonight and must get prepared. In the process you become acquainted with former friends, current acquaintances, family crisis, customs of the time, and the personal lives of total strangers she observes on the street.

While this may not sound captivating, Woolf's unique classical writing style and ability to portray her characters as extremely complex individuals capable of being quite wise to the "human condition", makes this book a good read for the literary connoisseur who can devote time to "take in" this novel.
I recommend you listen to the 7 disc Recorded Books version, narrated by the very capable narrator Virginia Leishman.
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Thunder Dog

Thunder Dog
By Michael Hingson with Susy Flory
Thomas Nelson, 2011, 232 pgs. Nonfiction

1,463 steps and Michael Hingson will be free from the uncomfortably hot crowded stairwell. The thought that continuously crosses his mind...what will happen if the lights go out? The time is 8:46 a.m., the date, Sept. 11, 2001. Michael along with hundreds of others knows something is wrong, terribly wrong.

Thunder Dog is one man's unique perspective of what happened that harrowing day. Michael is half of an astonishing team, the other half, Roselle, his incredible guide dog. Michael Hingson is blind.

Michael describes with lucid clearness the elongated minutes as he and Roselle descend the stairs in the World Trade Center. Interspersed are Michael's recollections of memorable life events and choices. He believes life is about achieving goals often made more challenging by a sighted world. On this day however, it is about absolute trust in himself and Roselle working as a team.

Overlook rough patches where Thunder Dog doesn't quite flow smoothly. This is not just another dog book. I highly recommend to everyone this true story of trust between a man, his guide dog, their survival and motivating outlook on life.

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Cat Burglar Black

Cat Burglar Black
By Richard Sala
First Second, 2009. 128 pgs. Graphic Novel

Cat Burglar may not be the "normal" occupation for a teenage girl, but that is the trade K. Westree learned in the orphanage where she grew up. Unbeknownst to her, it is these very skills that bring her an unexpected invitation to attend the Bellsong Academy For Girls. Upon arrival, K. realizes things are not exactly what she expected. Secrets abound, people go missing, the head mistress tells her the school motto is "You desire, we obtain", and wants K to do WHAT??

In this colorfully illustrated, clean, easy read graphic novel, K Westree is portrayed as an intelligent, strong female protagonist. The violence is skillfully left up to your own imagination. I am not a graphic novel fan but I will make an exception for this one.

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I Rode a Horse of Milk White Jade

I Rode a Horse of Milk White Jade
Diane Lee Wilson
Orchard Books, 1998. 232 pgs. YA

Oyuna, while a toddler, had her foot crushed by a horse. In superstitious 14th century Mongolia that was a sign she was cursed by bad luck. It also meant she had been chosen by a horse. Drawn to the world of the horse, Oyuna feels strong and free from the life as a cripple whenever she rides. Her dream is to win the big race so she can return honor to her family. Her shaman grandmother foretells her success but she must "make her own luck" to succeed. The adventurous journey to the realization of her dream begins when her father allows her to pick any horse at the horse fair. Her choice of an old lame white mare dismays her father but Oyuna immediately forms a unique bond with the mare.

Oyuna is a strong positive female character who has the best intent in her heart but struggles with Mongolian traditions and her own bad luck. Her courage to persevere and love for her beloved horse, cat, and dream of honor never waver. If you love HORSES (lots of them), a smidgen of ROMANCE (arranged marriage or??) and ADVENTURE (riding in Kublai Khan's army disguised as a boy then riding across the Gobi desert as a talisman knowing death is the punishment for getting caught plus the terrifying experience of meeting Kublai Khan), this clean, extremely easy to read, coming of age novel is for you. mpb

Genoa Bay

Genoa Bay
By Bette Nordberg
Monarch Books, 2009. 319 pgs. Fiction

There is a quote from the book Genoa Bay that states, "Grief has been described as-the process of learning to live comfortably in a new normal." That is exactly what Brandy Beauchamp must do. Widowed, with a young daughter to raise, Brandy must learn how to make her own new life. She inherits, Maggie's Place, an old run down Bed and Breakfast inn, located on Genoa Bay, British Columbia, from the lady who took her in as a teenager. What should she do with it? It is such a long way from her current life in Florida. The decision will determine Brandy and her daughters' life path.

This easy to read, clean, Christian novel has adventure (is someone trying to sabotage Brandy's life?) and a bit of romance ( he's stocky with calloused thick fingers). Once in a while the references to God and Christianity seem a bit awkward, but REMEMBER, this is a Christian novel. I found this to be a surprisingly enjoyable book to get lost in and come out feeling good. mpb

The Blight Way

The Blight Way
By Patrick McManus
Simon & Schuster, 2006. 272 pgs. Mystery

An ex-con calls the sheriff and informs him of a body lying across his fence. What great timing, the sheriff had been in need of a birthday present for his Pap's 75 birthday, assisting in a murder investigation would be perfect for the former sheriff. Bo Tully, sheriff of Blight County, Idaho, appears to be a folksy backwoods cop, but in reality he is a sly, relentless, good looking cross between Andy Griffith and Columbo. As more bodies appear, the solution to the murders gets murkier. Just how was he going to arrest an entire town?

Looking for a clean, outdoorsy, humorous, easy going mystery that anyone can enjoy? Try Patrick McManus' The Blight Way (1st in Sheriff Bo Tully Mystery Series). For an extra treat try the unabridged 5 disc Audio Partners version and let the superb narrator, Charles Legget, whisk you right into backwoods Blight County. mpb

Stormbreaker

Stormbreaker
By Anthony Horowitz
Philomel Books, 2001. 192 pgs. Young Adult Fiction

A "reader" can either make or break a book. Nathaniel Parker sucked me into the unabridged audio version of Anthony Horowitz's Stormbreaker (1st in the Alex Rider Adventure series) within the first five minutes. I was thoroughly entertained by this gizmo filled, action packed, clean, teen spy novel as I accompanied Alex Rider on his spy mission. Upon occasion I even found myself holding my breath as danger mounted.

Alex is a resourceful 14 year old, whose uncle (Alex's guardian) is killed in what Alex believes to be a suspicious "car accident". Recruited (under protest) by the British Intelligence (M16), Alex learns the truth about his "banker" uncle as he risks his life James Bond style, in an effort to unravel the hidden reason behind his death.

For those who complain about this book being unrealistic, remember, it is an adventure story meant to entertain. In my opinion, mission accomplished. I enthusiastically recommend the audio version to anyone, any age, who has secretly wished they could be a spy. mpb

Poop Happened!

Poop Happened!: a history of the world from the bottom up
Sarah Albee
Walker & Company, 2010.170 pgs. Nonfiction

I admit this is not your normal "read in public" book. In fact, my adult son was totally embarrassed and treated me like a Gongfermor (a specific medieval occupation) when he saw me reading it. But I LOVED this disgustingly fascinating, young adult, "clean", easy read book. Filled with piles of info about the direct correlation between poop and the history of human civilization, it will answer questions you have wondered about all your life. Just how did those noble women with 8 ft. wide skirts or a knight in his suit of armor "go"? Photos and cartoon drawings abound on each page reinforcing the information about stinky pollution, sewers, sanitation (or lack of), cholera and other pestilence from ancient Greeks to today's astronauts.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has the urge to read a captivating gross book.
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Escape to Zion

Escape to Zion
By Jean Holbrook Mathews
Covenant Communications, 2010. 293 pgs. Historical Fiction

I was intrigued by the premise of this book. Maria, a German born indentured servant, raped and denied her freedom from her master (he claims she is a slave), runs away. Saved from drowning by a river boater, her new life begins. Maria faces many pioneer type hardships but worst of all is the fact that her former master seems to be able to track her down even when she marries and moves west with the Mormon pioneers. Will she ever find the peace she so desperately desires?
Even though I liked the premise of the book, I was disappointed in the actual plot and writing style. Unfortunately the audio version amplified these weaknesses. mpb

Deryni Rising

Deryni Rising
By Katherine Kurtz
Ballantine Books, 1970, 270 pgs. Fantasy

After his father is mysteriously murdered, Prince Kelson, age 14, is suddenly placed into the daunting role as King. (Is Charissa involved?) Protected and tutored by Alaric Morgan and Father Duncan, two Deryni loyal to his father, young Kelson must come of age while struggling with a family secret, his newly discovered magical powers and the political unrest in his alternate medieval kingdom, Gwynedd. Being known as a Deryni could be a death sentence, using those powers openly could seal one's fate. But Kelson and his protectors MUST try to maintain their hold on the kingdom. As the magic thickens, so does the plot.

As one reads this book, keep in mind that it was written over 40 years ago so it may seem a bit old fashioned. Katherine Kurtz was one of the first who dared to write in the then new genre, fantasy. There is a small amount of mild language. While I didn't love this book, I would still recommend it to someone (teen or adult) who was just trying out the magical genre of fantasy. "Deryni Rising" if the first book in the "Chronicles of the Deryni" series.

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Making Rounds with Oscar

Making Rounds with Oscar
By David Dosa, M.D.
Hyperion, 2010. 225 pgs. Non-fiction

"Why can't you do this anymore? A child could do it." "The difference is that a child is learning. A patient with Alzheimer's is...unlearning."

Dementia/Alzheimer's is relentlessly destructive to patients and their loved ones. Dealing with dementia brings us unwillingly into an uncomfortable, unknown dimension. Luckily for patients living on the 3rd floor of Steere House, a nursing facility housing for dementia/Alzheimer's patients, Oscar lives there too. Oscar is an "ordinary cat with an extraordinary gift", the gift of compassion. He knows when patients are about to die and curls up with them, offering purring comfort. Sometimes he is the only one in the room. His presence also seems to offer comfort when family members are present. Much of this book, written by former Oscar gift nonbeliever, Dr. David Dosa M.D., is based on interviews from actual "Oscar visited" family members who willingly share their ordeals with Alzheimer's and Oscar's unique gift. It is a sweet, clean, quick read. Making Rounds with Oscar" is NOT just for animal lovers, but is for anyone who is dealing with, knows someone who is dealing with or someday will deal with this dreaded disease.

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Sir Francis Drake

Sir Francis Drake
By John Sugden
Henry Holt Company,1990. 353 pgs. Non-fiction

For those interested in world exploration, British history during the late 1500's and biographies of fascinating men, this book should be included in your "Must Read" list. John Sugden's meticulously researched book, Sir Francis Drake, gives insight into the man who changed British and world history forever. Religious, daring, loyal, courageous, explorer, captain, admiral, statesman, privateer (some say pirate), businessman and husband are just some of the facets of Drake's life discussed. Information acquired from ship logs, diaries, public records and letters make the entries describing sea battles, ship life and plundering cities across the world in the name of the "Queen" and religion especially enlightening. This book gave me a whole new perspective of this sliver of history. Sir Francis Drake is also available on audio cassette by Recorded Books with Ian Stuart doing an admirable job as narrator.

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Black Powder

Black Powder
by Staton Rabin
Margaret K McElderry Books, 2005. 245 pages, YA Science Fiction

If you were an exceptionally scientifically adept 14 year old boy and your forever best friend had been gunned down by his own gang, what would you do? Langston Davis is devastated. Then Mrs. Centauri, Langston's science teacher, invites him over to see her new invention, a time machine. Langston knows this is the answer to his grief. Go back in time to 1278, find Roger Bacon and convince him not to publish his black powder formula. He only has a few days before the asteroids will shift and he won't be able to get back home. Without permission, he uses the machine, leaves a shell of himself to take his place in the present while he is gone and quickly leaves for England 1278.

This was a fence sitter book for me. I didn't really like it BUT it did have its moments. Reading the author' explantions for writing the book did help a bit in trying to understand her vehement stand on gun issues. Unfortunately, I felt the author was trying too hard to make the story work. The constant reminder that Langston was black, dialogue that just didn't seem to flow, phrases stuck in to sound "cool" and the many plot jumps (I don't mean time travel jumps) without explanations as to what was happening or how we got there, made this a questionable read for me. There was just a bit of language. All that being said, there were some nice philosophical thoughts near the book's end about freedom and making a difference. mpb