I, Rhoda by Valerie Harper
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Release Date: January 15, 2013
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I love celebrity biographies and autobiographies because I love getting the inside scoop and dirt of what really goes on in the entertainment world. Although I have ,of course, seen Valerie Harper on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Rhoda, I chose this book because I primarily wanted the details of when she was fired from her sitcom Valerie (that show is more of my time than MTM.) I was disappointed that this period of her life was glossed over and not much detail was given at all. That was actually a running theme with this book. Valerie told her story as mostly a timeline of her life, without going into too much detail on any event. She did drop plenty of names, which is GREAT with me, but she didn’t really have much to say about any of those names except that they were great, amazing, beautiful, etc.
That was another thing that bothered me. She talks about her work with the feminist movement and the ERA but at the same time she is very focused on her own appearance and the appearance of other women. Usually positive in the case of other women and negative about herself. That seemed contradictory to me.
One last criticism. Valerie narrated the audio book herself and I thought she spoke too slowly and overemphasized too many of the words. I did enjoy the various accents that she used when imitating people though.
Even though I had some issues with this book, I still enjoyed it for the most part and I’m glad I read it. I had no idea that Valerie started as a dancer or that she had an active career after Valerie that included being nominated for a Tony Award. There is no mention of her recent brain cancer diagnosis but I was surprised that she survived a bout with lung cancer a few years ago. Valerie Harper seems like a positive person and I wish her all the best in her remaining days, weeks or hopefully, years.
(I received this audiobook courtesy of the Solid Gold Reviewer program at Audiobook Jukebox.)
January 22nd, 2014 in
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The Gods of Gotham by Lyndsay Faye
Publisher: Amy Einhorn/Putnam
Release Date: March 15, 2012
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Publisher’s Description:
1845. New York City forms its first police force. The great potato famine hits Ireland. These two seemingly disparate events will change New York City. Forever.
Timothy Wilde tends bar near the Exchange, saving every dollar and shilling in hopes of winning the girl of his dreams. But when his dreams literally incinerate in a fire devastating downtown Manhattan, he finds himself disfigured, unemployed, and homeless. His older brother obtains Timothy a job in the newly minted NYPD, but he is highly skeptical of this untested “police force.” And he is less than thrilled that his new beat is the notoriously down-and-out Sixth Ward-at the border of Five Points, the world’s most notorious slum.
One night while returning from his rounds, heartsick and defeated, Timothy runs into a little slip of a girl—a girl not more than ten years old—dashing through the dark in her nightshift . . . covered head to toe in blood.
Timothy knows he should take the girl to the House of Refuge, yet he can’t bring himself to abandon her. Instead, he takes her home, where she spins wild stories, claiming that dozens of bodies are buried in the forest north of 23rd Street. Timothy isn’t sure whether to believe her or not, but, as the truth unfolds, the reluctant copper star finds himself engaged in a battle for justice that nearly costs him his brother, his romantic obsession, and his own life.
The mystery in this story took plenty of twists and turns, some of them believable and some of them not. Overall, I didn’t find it suspenseful enough to hold my interest intently. I wanted to know how it ended, but at the same time, I was able to put it down while I read other books and then picked it back up again.
I was impressed with the dialogue the author used for the characters. They speak using slang called flash and it seemed quite complicated to me. There was a flash dictionary in the front of the book and if a word wasn’t in the dictionary, the author made sure it was explained in the narrative of the story.
The book is the first in a series of Timothy Wilde mysteries. I have the second one, Seven for a Secret and I’m hoping that Timothy’s brother, Valentine, has a bigger role in that book as he was one of my favorite characters in this one.
January 21st, 2014 in
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If You Lived at the Time of Martin Luther King by Ellen Levine
Publisher: Scholastic
Release Date: 1994
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Even though If You Lived At the Time of Martin Luther King is a picture book, it doesn’t pull any punches. It discusses lynching and what it is, the KKK, and the multiple killings, bombings, and other violence related to the civil rights movement. It doesn’t go into graphic detail but it still may be too much if you have a sensitive child. It’s too much for my seven and nine year old boys at this point, but I’m hoping I can read it with them in the next couple of years. This book is 79 pages long so if you read it with your child, I would plan on it taking two or three sessions to get through. Fortunately it’s divided into sections so there are pre-made stopping points.
I loved that this book didn’t sugar coat the fact that even though the civil rights movements is over there is still more work to be done and inequality still exists in America. This book was published in 1994 so there is no mention of Clinton or Obama. It would wonderful if an updated version was released.
I think this book is appropriate up through middle school. Even though it’s a picture book, it’s not babyish in any way. I highly recommend this book if you are wanting your children to have a good overview of the history of black people and civil rights in this country from the end of slavery up until current day.
Another book I’ve reviewed about Martin Luther King, Jr.:
A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 20th, 2014 in
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Neve grabbed the side of my face, looked deep into my eyes, and said, “Can I pick your nose?”
*****
Cash: Do I HAVE to go to West’s basketball game?
Me: You GET to go to West’s basketball game.
Cash: If I GET to go, does that mean I have a choice?
Me: No.
*****
Cash: I wish I was an animal so I could go to the bathroom wherever I wanted. Humans are just too smart.
*****
When Travis tucked Neve in, she asked for a drink of water and he said no. She replied: “That’s okay, when you leave, I’ll cry and then Mommy will bring me a drink of water.”
*****
West was upset with Travis about who knows what so when I asked Travis if he wanted anything from Starbucks, West said, “Can you get me a Daddy remover?”
*****
The world according to Cash: “People who think they’re cool wear their hats backwards at sports games and drink a lot of beer and wine. They also eat a lot of hamburgers and hot dogs and have barbeque parties for no reason.”
*****
I told Neve to stop rifling through my makeup while I’m getting ready. She got her guitar and told me she was going to play me a song so I wouldn’t be so mean.
January 18th, 2014 in
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The Witness Wore Red: The 19th Wife Who Brought Polygamous Cult Leaders to Justice by Rebecca Musser
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Release Date: September 10, 2013
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Publisher’s Description:
Rebecca Musser grew up in fear, concealing her family’s polygamous lifestyle from the “dangerous” outside world. Covered head-to-toe in strict, modest clothing, she received a rigorous education at Alta Academy, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints’ school headed by Warren Jeffs. Always seeking to be an obedient Priesthood girl, in her teens she became the nineteenth wife of her people’s prophet: 85-year-old Rulon Jeffs, Warren’s father. Finally sickened by the abuse she suffered and saw around her, she pulled off a daring escape and sought to build a new life and family.
The church, however, had a way of pulling her back in-and by 2007, Rebecca had no choice but to take the witness stand against the new prophet of the FLDS in order to protect her little sisters and other young girls from being forced to marry at shockingly young ages. The following year, Rebecca and the rest of the world watched as a team of Texas Rangers raided the Yearning for Zion Ranch, a stronghold of the FLDS. Rebecca’s subsequent testimony would reveal the horrific secrets taking place behind closed doors of the temple, sending their leaders to prison for years, and Warren Jeffs for life.
Yes, it another book about polygamy – I just can’t get enough! Rebecca was in the FLDS like Carolyn Jessop (who wrote Escape and Triumph. In fact, Rebecca knew Carolyn before Carolyn escaped from the FLDS a few years before Rebecca did. However, Rebecca was more of an FLDS insider since she was the 19th wife of FDLS prophet Rulon Jeffs, which made her one of Warren Jeff’s mothers, even though he’s at least twenty years older than her. She also taught at the FLDS school where Warren was the principal so she knew him pretty well.
Since Rebecca was one of the key witnesses for the prosecution in several trials of FLDS members, including Warren Jeffs, she learned even more details about Warren’s horrible crimes than what she already knew from living in the FLDS community. I remember when the compound was raided, the country was divided in opinion on whether or not all of the children should have been removed. I myself had mixed feelings about it. Had I known what I know after reading this book, I would have been much more on the side of removing the poor things. Although there was plenty of media coverage about the raid, I don’t recall a lot of coverage of the trials, which is unfortunate.
It’s been a couple of years since I’ve read Carolyn Jessop’s book – now I’d like to go back and re-read it since her FLDS husband was a major player in this book, although it was after she left. I found it interesting that while Carolyn Jessop has pretty much rejected and distains anything connected with the FLDS, Rebecca still seems a bit more sympathetic towards the people affected by the raids that weren’t directly connected to Warren Jeffs. She is also still very connected to God, although it’s certainly a different interpretation of God than the one she grew up with.
If you are intrigued by polygamy, like me, then this is a book you need to add to your reading list. But even if you aren’t particularly and you just like memoirs and/or true crime, then this is a good book for you.
Other books about polygamy that I’ve reviewed:
The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff (the only novel, the rest are memoirs)
Becoming Sister Wives by Kody, Meri, Janelle, Christine, and Robyn Brown
Escape by Carolyn Jessop
Love Times Three by Joe Darger
Triumph by Carolyn Jessop
Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer
And there are still more polygamy books out there I want to read!
January 14th, 2014 in
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Neve gave me a good-night hug. And then she gave my computer a good night hug. It’s possible I’ve been spending too much time on it lately.
*****
After he lost a tooth West said, “My teeth are basically money. I have money in my mouth.”
*****
West: Why do we have to take a shower every night?
Me: So you don’t stink.
Cash: Cause if you stink, you’ll never get married.
I gave Neve two bowls of dry cereal – one for her and one for West. I said take this one to West please. She dumped the contents of West’s bowl into hers and said, “Okay.”
*****
Cash: How do you know who One Direction is Mommy – did you like them when you were little?
*****
I don’t really know how to play Star Wars Kinnect Cash.
Mommy, if you can drive a car, I’m sure you can drive a speeder bike.
*****
Where is my backpack Mommy?
I don’t know Cash, why don’t you retrace your steps?
But I didn’t trace my steps!
January 11th, 2014 in
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Miracle’s Boys by Jacqueline Woodson
Publisher: Puffin
Paperback Release Date: 2001
Age Level: Middle Grade Fiction
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Publisher’s Description:
Nothing is like it used to be. If it were, Mama would still be alive. Papa wouldn’t have died. And Charlie would still be the same old loving big brother to thirteen-year old Lafayette, not a hostile stranger just back from doing time a correctional facility. Oldest brother Ty’ree would have gone to college, instead of having to work full time to support the three of them. And Lafayette wouldn’t be so full of questions, like why Mama had to die, why Charlie hates him so much now, and how they’re all supposed to survive these times together when so much seems to be against them.
This book was heartbreaking in the most wonderful way. It wasn’t heavy handed or overly dramatic. It was a realistic portrayal of growing up poor in an urban area. The aspect I liked most about this book is that the three main characters are boys and yet they have FEELINGS. Real emotions. They may not show them outwardly but they’re there. I think that boys reading this will appreciate knowing that they themselves are not the only ones with feelings and insecurities. Even the tough middle brother with a criminal history feels deep sadness, not just anger (the one emotion boys are allowed to express in this world without fear of being made fun of).
This book has won several awards, including the Coretta Scott King award, most deservedly so. I recommend it to anyone – young and old – but to especially boys who want to add some variety to their reading life apart from the goofy world of Wimpy Kid and Captain Underpants.
For more reviews of books for children and teens, check out Booking Mama’s feature, Kid Konnection, posted on Saturdays. If you’d like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children’s books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, you can go to her site to leave a comment and your link .
January 9th, 2014 in
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How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Updated Edition Release Date: May 2, 2012
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Publisher’s Description:
Now, this bestselling classic includes fresh insights and suggestions as well as the author’s time-tested methods to solve common problems and build foundations for lasting relationships, including innovative ways to:
· Cope with your child’s negative feelings, such as frustration, anger, and disappointment
· Express your strong feelings without being hurtful
· Engage your child’s willing cooperation
· Set firm limits and maintain goodwill
· Use alternatives to punishment that promote self-discipline
· Understand the difference between helpful and unhelpful praise
· Resolve family conflicts peacefully
The theme of this book can be summed up thusly: Treat your children like human beings. Sounds simple in theory but if you have kids, you know it’s not as easy as it sounds. It can be hard to treat your children like regular human beings when they don’t always act like regular human beings. Or is it just mine that can be irrational monsters at times? I really liked all the practical examples and situations that the authors used throughout the book. My husband listened to this book as well and we’ve been putting a lot of the tips into practice with our three children. So far, it’s working really well.
I enjoyed listening this book in its audio format. The narrator, Susan Bennett, was dynamic and brought a lot of inflection to her reading – it was anything but dry, which non-fiction audio can easily be. I liked this book so much that after listening to it, I bought the paperback so that I will be able to go back and refer to specific parts again and again. That’s the one drawback of wonderful instructional books like this in audio – it’s hard to use an audio book for reference. Also, the paperback version has a lot of cartoons, which of course don’t translate into the audio format. However, I did like that my first reading was in the audio format as I often digest this type of book more easily if I listen to it. And my husband never would have read the printed version as he falls asleep after reading for about 10 minutes, no matter what kind of book it is! He was able to listen to this book on his daily commute, which worked out nicely.
I highly recommend this book to all parents interested in gentle, effective alternative methods to yelling and nagging (and spanking if anyone still does that.) That should be pretty much all of us, right?
(I received this book courtesy of the Solid Gold Reviewer Program at Audio Jukebox.)
January 8th, 2014 in
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Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
Publisher: Reagan Arthur Books,
April 2, 2013
My rating: 4.5of 5 stars
Publisher’s Description:
What if you could live again and again, until you got it right?
On a cold and snowy night in 1910, Ursula Todd is born to an English banker and his wife. She dies before she can draw her first breath. On that same cold and snowy night, Ursula Todd is born, lets out a lusty wail, and embarks upon a life that will be, to say the least, unusual. For as she grows, she also dies, repeatedly, in a variety of ways, while the young century marches on towards its second cataclysmic world war.
Does Ursula’s apparently infinite number of lives give her the power to save the world from its inevitable destiny? And if she can — will she?
First of all, I have to say that this is the first Kate Atkinson book I’ve read and I love her writing style. The prose is poetic and the English wit her characters have, especially Ursula, is dry and wonderful. Secondly, I thought the concept of this book was unique – it was a little like a Choose Your Own Adventure book in literary fiction form, only Ursula was making the choices in each of her lives, not the reader. I could not put this book down and that was a good thing. There is a lot to remember from each life to make the next life make sense and I don’t have the best memory. It’s the kind of book that a reader can read again and again, making new discoveries of small, relevant details each time.
I only had two minor quarrels with the book. First, I thought the section with Eva was too long and secondly, the ending was ambiguous and if you’ve followed my reviews for long, you know that I have trouble with ambiguous endings. I wanted more, which I actually think speaks to how fantastic this book is. I wanted it to go on forever but I suppose it had to end sometime. Even at over 500 pages it was not enough for me!
Now that I have discovered Ms. Atkinson and her fabulous writing style and wit, I can’t wait to read more of her books. If you’re a fan of hers, what would you recommend I read next?
January 7th, 2014 in
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I’ve done this meme that I first saw on The Boston Bibliophile’s blog for a few years now. It’s a fun way to wrap up the year and remember all that I read throughout the year.
How many books read in 2013?
I only read 44 books, which was less than half my goal of 100 books. But I had a pretty good excuse for not reading more. My goal for 2014 is also 100.
How many fiction and non fiction?
I read 9 non-fiction and 35 non-fiction books in 2013. In 2012 year my percentage of non-fiction was 18 percent. In 2013 it was 20 percent. I’d like to see the percentage keep increasing in 2014.
Male/Female author ratio?
I read 31 female authors and 13 male authors. That’s 29 percent male authors – just 1 percent up from 2012. Still lovin’ the ladies!
Favorite book of 2012?
My favorite work of 2013 was Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell. My favorite non-fiction book was How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish (to be reviewed soon). I only read one memoir in 2014 – Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman – so I can’t really say I had a favorite. I’m sure I’ll read more in 2014. I’m already reading one (about polygamy!)and the year just started.
Least favorite?
No one-star reviews in 2013! My least favorite two-star book was probably Minion by L.A. Banks. I’ve had a lot of people tell me that the second book in that series is much better so I may give it a try.
Any that you simply couldn’t finish and why?
There a few books that I haven’t finished yet but I plan to finish them at some point. They are books that aren’t compelling enough to keep me up at night reading them so I keep putting them down in favor of books that do.
Oldest book read?
The oldest book I read was How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen so Kids Will Talk. It was originally released around 1982. The audiobook I listened to was a reissue. This year I’d like to read at least one book written before 1900. Since I was an accounting major in college I haven’t read a lot of classics that were required reading for most high school and college students.
Newest?
The newest book I read was After I’m Gone by Laura Lippman. It’s scheduled to be published in February and I will post my review then.
Longest and shortest book titles?
The longest title is When “Spiritual But Not Religious” Is Not Enough: Seeing God in Surprising Places, Even the Church. The shortest title is probably S.E.C.R.E.T. (I’m reading the sequel to this book this year, so keep your eye out for that review!)
Any translated books?
No translated books this year.
Most read author of the year, and how many books by that author?
I didn’t read more than one book from any author in 2013.
Any re-reads?
No re-reads in 2013. I had hoped to re-read The Hunger Games and Catching Fire but it didn’t happen.
Favorite character of the year?
My favorite character was Park from Eleanor and Park. Such a sweetie – I wish he would have been my boyfriend when I was in high school.
Which countries did you go to through the page in your year of reading?
I went to Israel, France, Sweden, China, Syria, and Heaven (sort of a country, right?)
Which book wouldn’t you have read without someone’s specific recommendation?
Eleanor and Park. I will be forever grateful to my friend Erica for recommending the book and thus introducing me to Rainbow Rowell. I hope to read Rainbow’s other books this year.
Which author was new to you in 2013 that you now want to read the entire works of?
Rainbow Rowell!
Which books are you annoyed you didn’t read?
My TBR list is too long – there aren’t any I can think of that I want to read more than any other.
Did you read any books you have always been meaning to read?
The Girl Who Fell From the Sky by Heidi Durrow had been on my TBR shelf for quite a while. I’m glad I finally read it; it was really good.
How was your year?
January 3rd, 2014 in
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