Review: When You Reach Me

Summary: Four mysterious letters change Miranda’s world forever.

By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it’s safe to go, like the local grocery store, and they know whom to avoid, like the crazy guy on the corner. But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a new kid for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda’s mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then Miranda finds a mysterious note scrawled on a tiny slip of paper:

I am coming to save your friend’s life, and my own.
I must ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter.

The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows all about her, including things that have not even happened yet. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she’s too late. -- Wendy Lamb Books

If you haven't read WHEN YOU REACH ME by Rebecca Stead, then you are definitely missing out on a fantastic middle grade book! The reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, and the book has already been awarded as the 2009 winner of: Kid's Indie Next List Inspired Recommendations for Kids from Indie Booksellers, New York Times Notable Book, Kirkus Reviews Best Children’s Books, Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book of the Year, School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, Booklist Children's Editors' Choice, Horn Book Fanfare, National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Gold Award, Parents' Choice Gold Award, and Book Links Lasting Connection. Whew -- that's a lot of praise, and it's all well deserved.

I actually read this book back in August when I first received it. I was so excited to get my hands on a copy, but for some reason, I didn't ever sit down and write a review. I think I enjoyed the book so much that I didn't know how to articulate my feelings. Boy am I kicking myself now. Four months later the book is no longer fresh in my mind, but I can say that it has remained in my thoughts the entire time. I think that is perhaps the most powerful statement I can make about this book!

I am having a hard time describing this book, because I know I can't do it justice! I have a feeling that this book is going to mean different things to different readers. I can't decide what I enjoyed more about this book -- the character development or the mystery aspect. I absolutely adored Miranda, and she is one of those characters that just stays with you. I think children are going to not only love her, but they are also going to like putting together the pieces of the puzzle in this story. As for me, I especially appreciated how the story unfolded and how the author brought everything together by the end of the novel.

I only had one regret when I read this story. I wish I were more familiar with the novel A WRINKLE IN TIME. There were many tie-ins and references to the classic novel, and I think I might have appreciated the book even more if I was actually "getting" all of them! I definitely intend to read A WRINKLE IN TIME for The Shelf Discovery Challenge, so it's possible that I will re-read WHEN YOU REACH ME at that time.

I would absolutely love for our mother-daughter book club to read this novel together. I think both moms and girls alike would love the book. There is a little bit of everything in this story -- mystery, fantasy, and adventure; and I also consider it a coming-of-age story (which if you read are familiar with my blog, you know I love those types of books.) There is a great deal to discuss from the mystery/fantasy angle as well as the character development.

If you can't tell, I highly recommend WHEN YOU REACH ME for both middle graders as well as adults! It's a beautifully written story that is guaranteed to keep you hooked from the first few pages.

Thanks to the publisher for sending me a signed ARC of this novel.

Merry Christmas!!!

After taking over 80 pictures during our official family "photo shoot," I managed to get a pretty cute picture of my kiddos if I do say so myself! I wanted to wait until I got my early Christmas present -- a Canon EOS Rebel XSI -- so I was actually a little later than normal getting my Christmas cards out.

In keeping with our "challenging" past few weeks, my poor son actually had terrible asthma and even threw up 15 minutes before this picture. He looks pretty good all things considered, right?

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Book Club Exchange - Sam of Aaron's Books

I am so excited to welcome Sam from Aaron's Books to Book Club Exchange, a regular feature on Booking Mama which highlights anything and everything book club-related! I discovered Aaron's Books in Lititz, PA, last summer when I went to an author reading/signing, and I instantly fell in love with the store. Besides finding my favorite new bookstore, I was also fortunate enough to become friends with the owners -- Sam and her husband Todd!

Your Indie Bookstore, Your Book Club, and You

As a bookstore owner and book club member this post is two fold… a plea of sorts to support indie bookstores, especially with your book group, and a how-to guide.

First the quick plea…indie bookstores are a part of your community, the same community in which your book club members live, work, play and read. Indie bookstores can be an integral part of your book club, if you’ll let them… and here’s how!

5 Ways to work with your local bookstore

1) Communicate! When shopping (even if not for your book club selection) let them know you are in a book club, what your upcoming reads are, what types of books you read, etc. We often have someone come in and ask for a book their club is reading, we don’t have it, they leave… had we known a book club in the area was reading a particular book, we’d have made sure to have it on the shelf… which leads to #2

2) Have the club order in bulk together from your indie. Many stores will offer book club discounts, it never hurts to ask…. Which leads to #3

3) Ask for suggestions. As your club is planning out the your calendar of readings, stop in and talk to your indie bookstore folks. We can tell you what other clubs have been reading and enjoying. Indies that belong to the ABA (American Booksellers Association) get quarterly guides to book club suggestions, with recommendations from indie booksellers… pick up a few, share them with your book club …. Which leads to #4

4) You love your local indie, and we love you… but have you told the rest of your book club about us? Maybe they don’t know that there is an indie bookstore less than a mile from where they work… maybe they don’t know we have a website they can order books from in the comfort of their home… maybe they don’t know about the 5 author events we have next month… helping spread the word about your indie to your club can only strengthen us….. which leads to #5 (sort of)

5) Get involved with your indie… did your club just read a book by a semi-local author? Let your indie know, maybe they can bring that author in. Is your club looking for a place to meet? Ask your indie… many of us would welcome a book club with open arms…. Help your indie start a new book club, talk to your indie about creating displays for book clubs, write “shelf talkers” for your indie…. We value customer input and help… we love to work with groups not just for them… at a n indie bookstore is really is about building a community of readers and NOT just selling a book for profit.

Happy reading!

*****

Sam Droke-Dickinson is Co-Owner of Aaron’s Books with her husband and 7 year old son. She’s been a bookstore owner for 5 years, but in her prior life she was a middle school teacher and arts administrator. Her love of reading started early on cross-country road trips where they’d have to pull off the highway to find a bookstore each day to replenish Sam’s reading stack. Aaron’s Books hosts two book clubs: Books and Brunch which reads new and popular women authors, and Crazy for Cozies which reads the “lighter” mysteries.

I am so grateful to Sam for sharing her some information about the importance of your local independent bookstores. If you are interested in participating in a future Book Club Exchange, please contact me at bookingmama(at)gmail(dot)com.

Review: The Christmas Clock

Summary: Sylvia Winters just found a job and an apartment in her hometown of Dreyerville, Michigan, but she is hesitant to return. Eight years ago, she jilted her fiancé, Joe Dixon, telling him that she was moving to Chicago because small-town living was not for her. But she was lying. Syl was headed to Chicago to be treated for cervical cancer. Sadly, Joe never knew the real reason she left him. Confused and distraught, he turned to drinking to heal the pain, until he accidentally killed a man and served years in jail. Now Syl and Joe are both back in town, but it will take a miracle to bring them back into each other’s arms. Also in town is Lottie Sparks and her grandson, Teddy. Ever since Lottie’s daughter was killed in a drunk-driving accident, Lottie’s been in charge of Teddy. He appreciates her love more than she knows, so much so that the industrious eight-year-old hits up Joe’s auto body shop, so he can save enough money by Christmas to buy his grandmother a Victorian clock she adores—one that vividly reminds her of her childhood, even as the rest of her memories are slipping away with the onset of advanced Alzheimer’s. As spring turns to summer and summer to fall, matters in the Sparks’ household take a turn for the worse. And with winter approaching, will a little hope and a big dose of Christmas magic be enough to make everything all right again? -- Vanguard Press

A few weeks ago, I was checking out with some library books and DVDs for my son when I saw a big stash of Christmas books. You know by now that I love holiday-themed books so I grabbed a few and placed them on the counter. Much to my surprise, the library worker told me it would be $4! I thought they were library holdings so I was a little embarrassed, but I figured a $4 donation to the library was a worthwhile cause. One of the books that I picked up was a novella called THE CHRISTMAS CLOCK by Kat Martin.

Maybe it's because I'm overloading on Christmas books, but I thought this one was just okay. I'm glad I read it because it does encompass all the sweet emotions of the season, but it really didn't stand out to me. It tugged a wee bit at my heartstrings, but because it was so predictable, I didn't find myself really caught up in the story.

I did like all of the characters in this book, and as I read this novel, I was hoping that things would work out for all of them. Of course, for the most part, everything was wrapped up in a nice little bow by the end of the story. After I finished this quick little read, I felt a sense of hope for the characters, and it definitely warmed my heart.

I wasn't aware that Kat Martin was a New York Times bestselling romance author but that really makes a lot of sense to me now after reading THE CHRISTMAS CLOCK. There were a few ongoing story lines in the book, but two that stood out were about couples who had damaged relationships. Throughout the course of the story, both couples found ways to forgive, heal and work on their relationships. I am not a huge romance fan, but every once in awhile, a clean book about love and relationships is nice to read.

I recommend THE CHRISTMAS CLOCK if you are looking for a quick, sweet read during the holiday season. It's also a beautiful book that would make a nice gift for someone special.

Review: Moving Windows - Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and Santa's Surprise

Summary: Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are! Join this merry group of children for a fun, nighttime camping adventure under the stars. With just the touch of a button, they can listen to childhood favorite Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star while they participate in the story. Includes an amazing die-cut cover with a moving illustration, button-activated music, playful illustrations throughout, and a grand, full-spread pop-up finale. Grab a sleeping bag--this book is sure to become a bedtime favorite.-- Silver Dolphin

Summary: Teddy, Dolly and all of their friends are getting ready for Santa's arrival. Even as they dance and cheer, they know that Santa's almost here! Help the toys put out milk and cookies in Santa's Surprise, a festive new holiday title from the always fun Moving Windows series. Kick off the season with a ho-ho-ho, starting with this adorable book's amazing cover showcasing an innovative 3-D moving illustration of Santa and his sleigh, flashing holiday lights, and music. With the touch of a button, kids can launch into “Jingle Bells” for a merry Christmas Eve sing-along. The book is a visual treat, with sweet illustrations and a giant pop-up surprise at the end that kids will love. After story time, visions of sugarplums will be dancing in their heads. -- Silver Dolphin

A few months ago, I reviewed a book that my little guy just loved called MOVING WINDOWS: MONSTER MADNESS. I was just thrilled when we found that there are additional books in this series -- there are currently five Moving Windows books available. The two most recent ones that we read together are called MOVING WINDOWS: TWINKLE, TWINKLE, LITTLE STAR illustrated by Christiane Ingel and SANTA'S SURPRISE illustrated by Liz Conrad. The novelty of the "moving window" didn't wear off for Booking Son -- he loved these books too.

TWINKLE, TWINKLE, LITTLE STAR is very cute book for the young reader. The button on the front cover plays Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star -- no shock there, but the story did have a little surprise for me. I assumed that the words in the book would be the lyrics of the song; however, after the first two pages, the words were actually a different story. The book tells about a group of children who go camping, and how the stars give them light. The last page is a big pop-up picture of the children and the campground. I especially liked the front cover which has a moving window where the kids actually do a little dance and the stars light up and blink!

SANTA'S SURPRISE was probably Booking Son's favorite although he is like his mom when it comes to holiday books this time of year! The moving window on the cover of this book shows Santa and his reindeer flying through the sky along with flashing lights on a Christmas tree. The song that plays when you push the button is Jingle Bells (in our house, it's the Batman smells version this year.) This book tells the story of Santa and how he gets ready for his big night. It has extremely cute and colorful pictures; and like all the Moving Window books, the last page is a big pop-up picture!

Both books are absolutely adorable and little kids are sure to love them! Thanks to Media Masters Publicity for providing us with a copy of the book.

Review: The Christmas Pearl

Summary: Still spry at ninety-three, Theodora has lived long enough to see her family grow into an insufferable bunch of truculent knuckleheads. Having finally gathered the whole bickering brood together for the holidays at her South Carolina home, the grand matriarch pines wistfully for those extravagant, homey Christmases of her childhood. How she misses the tables groaning with home-cooked goodies, the over-the-top decorations, those long, lovely fireside chats with Pearl, her grandmother's beloved housekeeper and closest confidante. These days, where is the love and the joy . . . and the peace?

But this is, after all, a magical time. Someone very special has heard Theodora's plea—and is about to arrive at her door with pockets full of Gullah magic and enough common sense to transform this Christmas into the miracle it's truly meant to be. -- Avon

A few months ago, I opened a package to find a copy of THE CHRISTMAS PEARL by Dorothea Benton Frank along with a cute little jingle bell. I thought it was a very cute marketing idea, but I just wasn't ready for holiday books back then. Well, you know that I've been reading a ton of Christmas books the past few weeks, and I finally got around to taking a look at this one. It was a cute, heart-warming read that I think resonated with me because of the holiday season. I'm not sure had I read it any other time of the year, I would have appreciated it as much.

The mass market paperback version of the book is a perfect little stocking stuffer. THE CHRISTMAS PEARL is actually a very quick read -- you can read it pretty easily in a sitting or two. When I started reading the book, I was surprised to see that although the book looks to be a "normal-sized" paperback, it is actually more like a novella -- around 150 pages. I was thrilled to see that the rest of the book was filled with tons of terrific sounding recipes. This sweet little book is actually a Christmas story and cookbook in one!

THE CHRISTMAS PEARL tells the story of Theodora, a 93 year old woman whose family is just a mess. They are all completely self-absorbed and just plain miserable people. Theodora's entire family (her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren) come to spend Christmas in the family home with her, and things quickly take a turn for the worst on Christmas Eve when everyone gets into a shouting fest. I was really shocked how cruel the family members were to each other.

A "special" person from Theodora's past makes a very surprising visit and helps make Christmas magical for the entire family. I think my favorite parts of this story were the scenes with Pearl and Theodora. I thought the author did a nice job of showing the women's love and respect for each other. I also loved it when they reminisced about their past together, when Christmas was much simpler. As I read this book, I found myself shaking my head at how commercial we (myself included) have made this holiday; and I think this book gives a gentle nudge about keeping things in perspective during this very hectic time of the year.

Of course, THE CHRISTMAS PEARL is a holiday book and eventually there is a happy ending! The characters all see the errors of their ways and realize what truly is important in their lives. The story is rather predictable, but it's Christmas and I know I want the story to be wrapped up in a neat little bow and for everything to work out for the characters. That's really all I ask for holiday book -- to touch my heart and make me feel good!

Thanks to the publisher for sending me a review copy of this book.

Review: Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day

Summary: From the authors of the groundbreaking, hugely popular Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day comes a new cookbook filled with quick and easy recipes for healthy bread. Their first book was called “stupendous,” “genius,” and “the holy grail of bread making.” Now, in their much-anticipated second book, Jeff Hertzberg, M.D., and Zoë François have taken their super-fast method and adapted it for the health-conscious baker, focusing on whole grains and other healthier ingredients.

The method is still quick and simple, producing professional-quality results with each warm, fragrant, hearty loaf. In just five minutes a day of active preparation time, you can create delectable, healthy treats such as 100% Whole Wheat Bread, Whole Grain Garlic Knots with Olive Oil and Parsley, Black-and-White Braided Pumpernickel and Rye Loaf, Black Pepper Focaccia, Pumpkin Pie Brioche, Chocolate Tangerine Bars, and a variety of gluten-free breads. About a dozen of the recipes are 100% whole grain.

Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day will show you that there is time enough for home-baked bread, and that it can be part of a healthy diet. Calling all bread lovers: Whether you are looking for more whole grains, watching your weight, trying to reduce your cholesterol, or just care about what goes into your body, this book is a must-have. Visit www.HealthyBreadInFive.com for more information. -- Thomas Dunne Books

Remember how I said that I love cookbooks? Well, I have another one that I can't rave enough about. It's called HEALTHY BREAD IN FIVE MINUTES A DAY: 100 NEW RECIPES FEATURING WHOLE GRAINS, FRUITS, VEGETABLES, AND GLUTEN-FREE INGREDIENTS by Jeff Hertzberg, M.D. and Zoe Francois. Prior to this cookbook, I never even tried to make homemade bread. It's all Pillsbury Crescent Rolls and French Loaf for this family. But now that I've discovered this cookbook, I have made bread for my family almost every day!

I love this cookbook so much! There are 100 bread recipes in it, and almost all of them appeal to me. So far, I have only made the 100% Whole Wheat Bread Plain and Simple loaf; but I intend to try a lot more. I have to admit that my first attempt wasn't quite right. For some reason, the bread just didn't rise like it should have. It still looked and tasted good, but it was just a little bit flat. One thing I really appreciated about this book is that it has a trouble-shooting section. I think it's terrific that the book includes something like this, and it made me feel "okay" for not having perfect bread on my first try. My second attempt making The Master Recipe turned out much better.

My son is truly obsessed with this "mommy homemade" bread. He has eaten an entire loaf in three days. I can't even believe it (but I'm loving it) since he's never really liked wheat bread before. I'm just happy that he's not allergic to it! He enjoyed eating the 100% Whole Wheat Bread Plain and Simple, but he also loves the less wheat-y Master Recipe. The Master Recipe is made with whole wheat and some unbleached white flour.

Believe it or not, my kids only eat homemade/fresh bread. They eat bread or toast every morning for breakfast, so I end up buying baguettes about three times a week. Often times it goes stale before they can even eat it all. Their fresh bread habit costs us about $10 a week. I love that each bread recipe in HEALTHY BREAD IN FIVE MINUTES costs around $.40 a loaf! Plus, I don't have to go to the store every few days. Just think of how many cookbooks I can buy with the savings!

I loved this cookbook so much that I've decided that I have to have the first one -- ARTISAN BREAD IN FIVE MINUTES A DAY. While Booking Son can't get enough of the whole wheat bread, Booking Daughter wants her bread a little less "wheat-y" (although she really likes the Master Recipe). My husband is actually the same way, so this prior cookbook might have some potentially "better" recipes for them!

Besides being extremely easy to make (no kneading required), I love that you can make the dough ahead of time and just refrigerate it up to 10 days or so. When my son wants hot, fresh bread, I can just pull the dough out of the frig, sit it on the counter, let it rise and bake it. It is so easy I can't believe it! If you don't believe me, check out this video! It really does work just like this:



Weekend Cooking is hosted by Beth Fish Reads and is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book (novel, nonfiction) reviews, cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, fabulous quotations, photographs. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page. For more information, see the welcome post.

Thanks to FSB Associates for sending me a review copy of this book.