Mr. Lincoln's Drummer... a quick review

Mr. Lincoln's Drummer

My thoughts:  This was a short YA book, I was tieding my bookshelf and re-discovered it.  I'm also in the Civil War Challenge and thought this is it. 

I hate to say I enjoyed this book, I mean really who likes a war book, that's very descriptive, but I did.  I don't think I would have recommended it to the students of the age group it is recommended for, perhaps just a little older, although just a little older wouldn't find it cool enough.  War through the eyes of a child is even more disturbing than usual, and considering this is based on a true story it is even more important.  I think the two thing that again "wacked" me in the head was the sheer number of deaths, thousands on both sides, at each battle. I had no idea it was so vast, where the heck did everyone come from, surely the population of the U.S. was not that large.  I shall have to do some research.  The second was the very innocent encounter Willie had with Jeb, how very sincere they were with each other, and yet loyal soldiers.  Jeb being the enemy you know.  As this is a short little read, I suggest it to you for a quick study.

BeeKeepers Apprentice

my thoughts.

I must be living under a rock.  I never knew that Sherlock Holmes retired to become a beekeeper.  I must be honest this book while a good read, did not keep me wanting more.  I got rather tired of it about 40 pages in,  I knew the outcome would be a Moriarty thing. I'm on the last page and I cannot finish.  It just isn't happening, and yes, I'm tired, but really the last page.  Judge for yourself by all means, and certainly if you're a Holmes fan do read it.  But it's not going on one of the best books I've read in 2011.

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Where are You Reading- England

Bedtime Story...

I think one of the things I miss most about my boys growing up is just that, the Bedtime Story.  Some evening when I'd read to them  I'd be so exhausted that I couldn't wait to get the story over with.  If I could turn back time boy...Much like many moms today, I was tired when my kids were little, they were very active and I along with them.  My husband always seemed to work, or sleep, coming off night-shift, and care and entertaining my boys always felt like it was my job.  Now that may not have been so, I'm sure my husband took part in some of the raising of the children, but largely the bedtime routine was my doing.   By bedtime he would have left for work, he worked 5p.m. to 4 a.m. for seven years while they were little, I preferred to have him home when they were awake and actually knew he was there. Anyway this was the one thing in this book that I thought was wonderful, the fact that the DAD of this family did the bedtime routine while the mom worked. It's such an important routine, I've raised two readers and they have a mom who reads, and you get to snuggle them a little longer ... If I could give advice to new moms it would be to slow down, eventually you do get some sleep, the kids might be 45 years old before you do, but it does happen, and as one smart person said to me,once,  he didn't want to sleep 1/2 his life away. 

My thoughts:  Immediately request this book from your library and READ IT!


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Where are You Reading - Oregon
Chunckster Challenge 483 pgs.(fourth book)

Between, Georgia,

I've had another assignment for our upcoming elections this weekend, Yes Canada Day and all.  I'm sure my boss wasn't working.  Anyway it required a great deal of walking.  I was so dead Saturday when I returned I had a tea and toast for supper. Then when I perked up, and that was not much, I couldn't bring myself to do laundry, so I finished Between, Georgia, Joshilyn Jackson. Boy, I must say Jackson certainly has some quirky characters, realistic nonetheless.  Loved it.




I really enjoy Jackson's books, they are out there, though.

Where are you Reading - Georgia

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Winter Garden...

Winter Garden.
Well, I finished reading this lovely story.  It not only hit home for me in many instances, it also was just a good story.  I didn't read further about the authors research, so I don't know if this was based on a true story, no matter, she did well.  There was a point there when Meredith was struggling with her mother's antics after the death of her father, and I'm thinking, " this is my life."   I think if I had to choose one part of the story that I didn't like, it would probably be the part of Meredith's mom acting strangely, and then suddenly not! Was this part of the healing process or what?  

Where are You Reading - Alaska
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These Things Hidden...

These Things Hidden, Heather Gudenkauf.  WOW!

I chose to read this book, quite simply because of  the review Nise at Under the Boardwalk did, it was enough for me to click "request a copy" from my library.  I then chose to read it immediately after I picked it up because it was a trade paperback and it happened to be raining as I left the house, and it fit perfectly into my bag.

You know of course that some parts of  books you have to read at home, and so when it got to these points I would have to pack up my book and wait.  Very Hard to do.  Anyway... 

This is the story of life changing events of four women. Each chapter is told from one of the women's point of view.   Allison, her sister Brynn, Charm these three girls are just that girls, when their lives change forever, and then there is Claire who comes into the story as the mending faction.  Allison was a perfect daughter and then something changes that, and she is sent to prison.  We don't get too much info on the prison life, the story picks up when Allison is released.  Brynn is her younger sister who disowned her when she went to prison.  Charm and Claire come into the story line when the deed has been done and then are carefully intertwined.  It's a gobsmacking shocker at the end and very civilized conclusion.  

I think the only thing I hated about this story line is how the mother's were portrayed.  I can't imagine myself as being seen as one of these mother's.  Not Charms, Not Allison and Brynn's.  I don't really want to get too deeply into that since it would spoil the plot for you, but suffice it to say, I don't know too many sisters or mother's like these.  

I would recommend this book to you even if it was not so light to carry in your purse, it's a short, quick read, and keeps you caring for each of the characters, and for me even the mother's.  I wonder if Heather will write the other side of the story, from a mother's point of view. 

The parts of the book that you or I , I should say, are the parts that make me cry. 

P.S. I'd have a heart attack too, if these two girls were my daughters.  And thank heavens for grandmothers. So do press that button that says "request a copy" from your local library.  You'll be glad you did.

 Where are you Reading - OHIO

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Coal Black Horses....War Through the Generations

Back in May I read a review about Coal Black Horses, on War Through the Generations blog.  I was impressed with the review so I requested the book from our local library.  And although my teaser of yesterday was GROSs, it was a remarkable book, I started the book on Sunday night and stayed up on Tuesday to finish it.  I do admit on Tuesday afternoon, I had to puke whilst reading it.  Nonetheless it was a compelling read a real "GRAPHIC NOVEL" not the normal graphic novel.  Imagine that we are only reading about it, imagine living it.  At any rate this novel is not for the faint at heart, but it is VERY GOOD, even if the subject matter is horrific.

If you're brave you'll immediately request a copy at your local library and read this one...

Where are you Reading,  Pennsylvania

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gods in Alabama, or boy did I find out what happened to Jim Beverly

THERE ARE GODS in Alabama:  Jack Daniel's, high school quarterbacks, trucks, big tits, and also Jesus.

This is the first sentence of the book, gods in Alabama.  Even if I wasn't dying to find out what happened to Jim Beverly this sentence would have caught me. This is the second book of Joshilyn Jackson's I've read.  The first being Backseat Saints. I like them.

gods in Alabama is the companion book to Backseat Saints, or at least that's how I would put it.  In Backseat Saints Rose Mae Lolley, is running away from an abusive husband and in so doing looking desperately for her mom, and the one man she thought was "perfect" Jim Beverly.  Jim Beverly mysteriously disappeared one night, never to be heard from again. Well... In gods in Alabama we find out why.  Arlene/Lena is running from Posset Alabama, her family and her past all because of Jim Beverly.  

In Backseat Saints, Rose Mae gave us the impression that Arlene was shacked up with Jim Beverly someplace in Chicago, where he was a famous athlete. Arlene on the other hand had a very different view of the whole scene.  I don't know why but I could not recall Jim Beverly (and he's referred to throughout both books with his full "godly" name.) as being a white boy.  I always pictured him as the unattainable, forbidden fruit gorgeous black man.  Opps. 

Both books deal with family, disappointments,racism, and tragic life circumstances, but mostly LOVE.  Being that I'm one of those leftover hippies and still believe all you need is LOVE, these elements appeal to me. 

I have to admit that Joshilyn Jackson captured families like I like to see them, flawed and hilarious.  I love the character of aunt Florence.  She's an in control gal on the outside, but inside ...? Makes you want to think of the song Send in the Clowns.  Yet she's filled with a sense responsibilities, and reason she takes very seriously and she loves hard and forever.  If I took the time to do my extremely rude interview with her, I'm sure I'd fill in all the ugly blanks.  Makes for good reading.  

I can only say that if you're looking to read a good book that will keep you interested till close to the end, because I sure was close to the end before I got IT, take a chance and read these two books in relative closeness to each other. (not sure that's properly said, but ... you know what I mean.) 

The other book I read this week was "Embraced by the Light"  Betty J. Eadie. (I waited for the bus a lot this week) The story of a woman who recounts not one but two after death experiences.  While I read the first portion of the book eagerly, it soon fizzled for me.  I found myself skimming through to the end.  This was a book gifted to me from my volunteering partners.  They've both been anxious to hear what I  thought of it.  Well on our next lunch stopover I imagine they won't like what I have to say.  Once again I'll have to rely on my feeling that everything boils down to LOVE, some of the descriptions and rationnel described by the author I found a little unbelievable.  I often wonder what qualifies a book as a #1 New York Times Bestseller?  How many books must be sold before they get that title.  This was one of those books?

Have a great day and read a little something.

Where are You Reading- Alabama, and Nebraska

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Page from a Tennessee Journal, Francine Thomas Howard

Do you remember that cigarette commercial for Virginia Slims, well if you don't it portrays a very modern woman with a mini skirt smoking, and the song goes "we've come a long way baby"... Boy am I ever glad we have, after finishing this book, I'm thinking what must it have been like to live in these times? So glad I don't like to time travel, except in my reading. 

I just finished reading this VERY good book. I m still thinking about it a day and a half later so I'm saying it's getting a 4 3/4 stars.




...and I did not see the end coming... a very GOOD read. I often put up what Amazon says about their product, and in this one as in many they have that part"customers who bought.... also bought" with this one The Help was what other customers bought.  I have the Help on my TBR pile but in our painting discussions one of my pals said she just couldn't read it.  I've put it on hold until I forget about that.



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Where are you Reading 2011- Tennessee

Violets of March

I just finished reading Violets of March.  I love violets and you all know I love old chairs, which is the book cover.

I should clarify, while I enjoyed Violets of March, it was an enjoyable read, I'm not saying drop everything and read it immediately.  It's an enjoyable summer read, you won't stay up nights reading it, as I did with Deloume Road or the Lonely Polygamist.

Where are you Reading-- Seattle Washington
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Sunday Wrap up...

We are into the second day of a three day weekend here in Canada, and while I've washed floors and the like, I also managed to finish reading two books, (mostly because it's been a travel week again) The first The Lonley Polygamist, well how interesting.

I don 't know what I expected and I'm  not very knowledgeable about polygamy, however this was a very interesting read.  I was telling my painting pals about a particularly humorous part and we had the staff come in to see what we were all laughing about. This was one of the good things about this book, just when you  were ready to pull out your tissues (remember I read on public transit) you got this blast of laughter, so I still had people looking strangely at me. A very worthwhile read.

My second GOOD book of the week was Deloume Road.  In my effort to support Canadian Authors(as the mother of one)  I picked up this book recommended by Canadian BookWorm. I don't know what I expected in this one either, but it was a very good read, great character development, and unusual format. Enjoyed it immensley.

I "ll be looking for more from this author, and maybe he'll take me on a treck across Canada.

And now I'll enjoy my clean floors for just a few more hours, and then my men will come in from the great outdoor adventures and that will be another story.  Have a wonderful week.

Where are you Reading, Utah,(8states) British Coloumbia.

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Dangerous Neighbours... Oh I know those...

I just finished Dangerous Neighbours.  It's been a week of on the buses.  I took Nise's suggestion and read this book.  It's not long, but it sure is good.


I think the only thing I have to say is, this book is most certainly not "just" for AGES 12-up.  It's a big girl book.  

When I think of dangerous neighbours, I think of our first house, in "New Toronto".  The homes in this area were built close to the waterfront, on lots that were previously summer homes, the lots were divided in half and another home was built.  You can imagine that at this time there were not a lot of home owners with multiple cars. Heck there were not that many cars. So we had a mutual drive.  Our home was brick the home sharing the driveway was frame/ with siding.  The couple that lived next door had 2 adult daughters, the husband worked at a tire factory and his wife worked at a grocery store.  They made their own booze.  The husband had quite a temper.  So what started out to be our dream home, soon became a nightmare.  I heard on Thursday that it sold for a mere $729,000 yip you got it big bucks. It was a two bedroom bungalow, with both bedrooms adding up to 9ft x 12 ft. I remember we had to take the closet door down so we could get into bed.  Give me a break! I suspect that the dangerous neighbors don't live there anymore. 

Where are you Reading - Pennsylvania, 
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Books Read in 2011

Teaser Tuesday...

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
•  

My Teaser
He found Todd Rosenthal standing at the platform's open edge.  He was dangling a cord of spit from his mouth.  Chuck shoved him and watched his body hit the ground.

This teaser probably is not a true reflection of the story line, but it was such a shocking statement that I just had to include it. 


I've just finished reading The Illumination, by Kevin Brockmeier.  I almost feel like the author was winding up at the beginning of the book, it got a bit weird about 3/4 of the way through, but it was by far the most unusual book I've read this year. 

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Where are You Reading- Arkansas (the story line takes place in several areas, but I chose this one as my main one.

What's in a Name, 13 rue Therese

I was really excited to read this book, love the cover, and read many reviews raving about it. And it did not disappoint.

I really enjoy books written in letter format, and this one was quite like that.  It also "travelled" which I really enjoyed.  I completely understood Louise's feeling about having a baby.  I'm not sure, I understood her wandering thoughts, and her means of entertainment were simple "unusual".  A most interesting read.  I recommend it. You might have guessed by now, I like to read of the lives of individuals affected by war.  Not sure why?

I read this book as part of the What's in a Name Challenge.
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Books Read in 2011
Reagan Arthur Book Challenge
Where are You Reading? - France