Kid Konnection: Assorted Picture Books

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. Today, I'm going to share with you some fun picture books that Booking Son and I have read in the past few weeks.


Summary: What lurks inside that mysterious store at the end of town? Only Benny Penny is adventurous enough to find out. . . .

In this book, you can read the words and the pictures. Perfect for children just learning to read, this silly, kid-friendly rebus picture book is sure to be a hit in the classroom and at home. (In a rebus, words are represented by images, or by an image plus a letter. And even beginning readers can take pleasure in reading pictures!) The pairing of Valorie Fisher’s full-page art with J. Patrick Lewis’s funny rhyming poem will give young readers plenty of clues for solving these fun and engaging picture puzzles. -- Schwartz & Wade

THE FANTASTIC 5 & 10 STORE: A REBUS ADVENTURE by J. Patrick Lewis and Valorie Fisher is truly unlike any book that I've read to Booking Son. It's actually made up of "normal" text and lots and lots of rebuses. If you aren't familiar with a rebus, it is a word which is shown as a picture or a picture combined with a letter or two. The book is so much fun to read especially with a youngster who can help you out! I have a feeling that kids are going to figure out these little puzzles much quicker than a lot of adults (yours truly included!)

The storybook is actually written in rhyming verse so I felt the pressure as I tried to read it and figure out the rebuses at the same time. I found myself guessing at the words and then realizing that they didn't fit into the rhyming scheme. I was a tad bit frustrated (in a fun way) but Booking Son didn't seem to mind. He just loved guessing what each picture represented. Of course, he got a kick out of some of my rhymes!

In addition to the fun that you will have reading this book, Booking Son and I also enjoyed the picture. The rebuses are adorable and appear on wide-lined notebook paper, and the rest of the illustrations are extremely interesting. Since the story is a tad bit whimsical, I thought the pictures were the perfect complement to the text. There is quite a bit going on on each page and I think kids will look at the book over and over again.

After we finished THE FANTASTIC 5 & 10 STORE, I discovered that there was an "answer" guide in the back of the book with the entire text of the story. Booking Son and I both started laughing and then re-read the book. We actually found that we didn't do too badly with our guessing!

THE FANTASTIC 5 & 10 STORE is an extremely fun book that children are guaranteed to love -- even if it's because they can laugh at their parents!

Summary: Here is the thrilling, thigh-slapping companion to Swamp Angel, the beloved Caldecott Honor–winning picture book.

Swamp Angel has a reputation as the greatest woodswoman and wildest wildcat in all of Tennessee. But when she grows too big for that state, she moves to Montana, a place so sizeable, even Angel can fit in. It’s there that she wrestles a raging storm to the ground and, at its center, finds herself a sidekick—a horse she names Dust Devil. And when Backward Bart, the orneriest, ugliest outlaw ever known, starts terrorizing the prairie, seems like Angel and Dust Devil may be the only ones strong enough to stop him.

Children will be captivated by the beauty and exaggerated humor of Paul Zelinsky’s American primitive–style paintings and the wit and energy of Anne Isaacs’s unparalleled storytelling. Here is an original folktale starring an extraordinary gal who is as feisty as she is funny and as courageous as she is kind. -- Schwartz & Wade

DUST DEVIL by Anne Isaacs and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky is another wonderful kids' book. It's actually aimed at a little older audience than Booking Son (who is six) because of the length of the story and the subject matter. We actually didn't read the entire book in one sitting. However, he still enjoyed this "larger-than-life" story about the Wild West and the heroes Angel and Dust Devil.

I never considered myself to be a huge fan of folklore, but I found this book to be extremely entertaining. The story and characters were, without a doubt interesting; and I loved how the book explained the history of some words and events -- like the derivation of the word butte, the creation of the Grand Canyon, and the reason there was so much gold in California. The writing in the book was so smart and funny that I doubt many kids will appreciate all of the references, but parents will! Don't you just love it when a children's book appeals as much to the grownup reading it as the child being read to?

In addition to the story, the pictures were also beautiful. I absolutely loved the colors used to depict Montana's terrain, but I also thought the drawings of the characters were extremely fun. All of the pages are filled with lots and lots of illustrations, and these pictures just draw you in. One reason Booking Son enjoyed this book so much is that he found the pictures to be interesting with lots to look at.

DUST DEVIL is a companion book to the Caldecott Honor-Winning picture book SWAMP ANGEL, although it definitely works as a stand-alone read. Having said that, I am extremely curious to see SWAMP ANGEL now that I know how fantastic DUST DEVIL was.

I was a little surprised, but very happy to see that there is a teacher's guide available for DUST DEVIL. This book really does touch upon some history of the Wild West and I think it would work well in the classroom.

If you are a fan of folklore, then you definitely won't want to miss DUST DEVIL. Even if you are like me and not a huge fan, you should check it out too. DUST DEVIL is an action-packed story that is guaranteed to entertain kids of all ages.

Summary: This sweet picture book starring an irresistible dog named Rocket and his teacher, a little yellow bird, is perfect for back-to-school! Follow along as Rocket masters the alphabet, sounds out words, and finally . . . learns to read all on his own.

With a story that makes reading fun—and will even help listeners learn to read—this book is ideal for kindergarten classrooms and story hour or as a gift for that beginning reader. Fresh, charming art by Tad Hills, the New York Times bestselling author/illustrator of Duck & Goose, will make this a favorite. -- Schwartz & Wade Books

HOW ROCKET LEARNED TO READ by Tad Hills is one of my new "favorite" children's books. I can sum it up in one word -- adorable! Booking Son and I both loved this story about a little dog who learns to read. Since Booking Son is in kindergarten and learning to read, this book was just ideal for him. I think he appreciated how Rocket learned the letter sounds and started spelling everything!

As a mother of a reluctant reader (Booking Son loves books if they are read to him but he doesn't want to read them himself!), I enjoyed this book because my son could relate to it. He has known his alphabet by site since he turned two, but he is hesitant to go the next step and actually read (although he will write which is another story.) I am hoping that he picks up on Rocket's enthusiasm for books and especially his quest for knowledge!

Besides the story of Rocket which I found absolutely precious, I also adored the illustrations in this book. I haven't really come across many cuter dogs in picture books than Rocket, and his teacher (a little yellow bird) is so sweet and encouraging. Tad Hills, the author of HOW ROCKET LEARNED TO READ, is amazing; and he's also the author of the New York Times Bestseller DUCK & GOOSE. Guess what we'll be checking out of the library next week?

As far as I'm concerned, HOW ROCKET LEARNED TO READ is a must-have book for all preschoolers and kindergartners. It would also be the perfect gift for your child's teacher this holiday season!

Summary: David Small's dryly comic story of a little girl who wakes one morning to discover she has grown antlers has delighted children since it was first published 15 years ago. Now reissued in a sparkling oversize format, this classic is ready for a whole new audience.

The family doctor, the school principal, and even Imogene's know-it-all brother, Norman, fail to resolve her dilemma. Imogene, the cook, and the kitchen maid, however, make the best of things, finding unusual uses for Imogene's new horns. Meanwhile, the problem appears to be solved when Imogene awakes the next morning antler-free.

But the family (and the reader) are in for a surprise when Imogene comes down to breakfast. . . . -- Crown

IMOGENE'S ANTLERS by David Small was a big hit in our house. Booking Son absolutely loved this book and laughed like a nut when I read it to him. I have to agree with him -- it was one funny story. IMOGENE'S ANTLERS is being re-released for its 25th anniversary, and I think it definitely stands the test of time. It's one of those books that parents and kids alike will enjoy.

The premise of the story is entertaining in itself. Imogene wakes up one morning to find that she has grown a huge rack of antlers. Her reaction is funny as is the doctor's and her Principal's, but her mother's reaction is positively hilarious. (Booking Son and I couldn't stop laughing when we saw the illustration of her mother fainting.) Imogene lives with her new horns for an entire day, but when she goes to sleep, the antlers disappear. Things aren't quite back to normal though, because Imogene wakes up to an entirely new "addition." Once again, Booking Son and I were besides ourselves when we saw the picture on the last page.

And that brings me to the next thing that I loved about this book -- the illustrations. In fact, the pictures in IMOGENE'S ANTLERS really bring the story to the next level for me. The drawings are very detailed with lots to look at, but at the same time, they are very silly. They perfectly complemented the story and I think everything about this book just worked.

Highly recommend by Booking Son and Booking Mama!

Thanks to the publisher for sending me copies of these adorable books.

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, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Review: The Love Goddess' Cooking School

Summary: Holly Maguire's grandmother Camilla was the Love Goddess of Blue Crab Island, Maine—a Milanese fortune-teller who could predict the right man for you, and whose Italian cooking was rumored to save marriages. Holly has been waiting years for her unlikely fortune: her true love will like sa cordula, an unappetizing old-world delicacy. But Holly can't make a decent marinara sauce, let alone sa cordula. Maybe that's why the man she hopes to marry breaks her heart. So when Holly inherits Camilla's Cucinotta, she's determined to forget about fortunes and love and become an Italian cooking teacher worthy of her grandmother's legacy. 

But Holly's four students are seeking much more than how to make Camilla's chicken alla Milanese. Simon, a single father, hopes to cook his way back into his daughter's heart. Juliet, Holly's childhood friend, hides a painful secret. Tamara, a serial dater, can't find the love she longs for. And twelve-year-old Mia thinks learning to cook will stop her dad, Liam, from marrying his phony lasagna-queen girlfriend. As the class gathers each week, adding Camilla's essential ingredients of wishes and memories in every pot and pan, unexpected friendships and romances are formed—and tested. Especially when Holly falls hard for Liam . . . and learns a thing or two about finding her own recipe for happiness.-- Gallery Books

I've been a pretty big fan of Melissa Senate's for quite a few years now. So when I heard that she was working on a book about love, food and Italy called THE LOVE GODDESS' COOKING SCHOOL, I was pretty darn excited because those are three of my favorite things. When the positive reviews started trickling in a few weeks, I knew I just had to read this novel. Plus, I was in the mood for a little comfort food; and by that, I mean comfort food in the form of calorie-free reading!

I thought THE LOVE GODDESS' COOKING SCHOOL was absolutely delightful -- although I'm not entirely sure it was a low-fat read. Not only was the story terrific, but there were also amazing descriptions of Italian food (my favorite!) and there were even some recipes in the back of the book. For the few hours that I spent reading this novel, I actually found myself hungry and craving some decadent foods like tiramisu, risotto, and Chicken alla Milanese.

There is no doubt that food was an integral part of this story, and I definitely appreciated that about this book (but remember this is coming from someone who loves food and recipes!) In THE LOVE GODDESS' COOKING SCHOOL, I liked how Ms. Senate demonstrated the importance of food in Holly's life and especially the role it played in her healing process. After Holly loses her boyfriend and then her beloved grandmother, she experiences grief on a major level. She finds herself in a new town with no friends and no job, she has to decide what she wants to do with her life. Fortunately, Holly's grandmother left her her house and cooking school.

The problem is that Holly isn't really a cook and doesn't know how to run a shop and cooking school. She turns to her grandmother's recipe book and diary for some much needed guidance. While she tries to follow the recipes, it isn't always an easy thing to do because each one has a special "magical" ingredient like "a sad memory" or a "a fervent wish." It takes some time and lots of trial and error before Holly is able to truly understand what her grandmother means with these ingredients. However, throughout the course of the novel, Holly eventually learns how to prepare these recipes and sees the importance of including herself into each dish. And in the process, she also discovers valuable things about herself (and she even falls in love!)

One of the things that I adored about this book was how Ms. Senate incorporated Holly's grandmother into the story. Even though she died early in the novel, she still was a vibrant character to me. I felt as if she were fully developed through her journal entries as well as her recipes. And I especially loved hearing about her through the memories of the townspeople, her customers, and Holly. I also liked how she had an element of the magic about her since she could often times predict the future. She was just a very special character and I can see why she made such an important impact on Holly!

And there were some other great characters in this story as well. I thought Mia was interesting (and very insightful) and she actually contributed to the overall message of the story (and I can't say that's always true of young kids in novels.) In addition, I thought Liam, Mia's father, was extremely likable and I kept hoping that he'd be "the one" for Holly. (But that meant that he's have to appreciate sa cordula and I honestly couldn't imagine anyone who'd appreciate lamb intestines.) I also found all of the students in Holly's cooking school to be extremely likable. Each one had some baggage and/or issues, yet they were all able to eventually find some happiness through what they experienced as part of the cooking class.

THE LOVE GODDESS' COOKING SCHOOL would be such a fun book club pick. Not only is Holly an extremely interesting character, but just think about all of the foods you could serve! There is a reading guide available with thirteen questions, and I just love them. Some of the topics that you might discuss include grief, loss, maturing, parent/child relationships, divorce, love, friendships, family dynamics, and the symbolism of food. I'm pretty certain that most book clubs made up of women could talk for hours about Holly and her friends.

Thanks to InkWell Management for providing me with a review copy of this novel.

Review: Promise Me

Summary: Suzy and Nancy Goodman were more than sisters. They were best friends, confidantes, and partners in the grand adventure of life. For three decades, nothing could separate them. Not college, not marriage, not miles. Then Suzy got sick. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1977; three agonizing years later, at thirty-six, she died.

It wasn’t supposed to be this way. The Goodman girls were raised in postwar Peoria, Illinois, by parents who believed that small acts of charity could change the world. Suzy was the big sister—the homecoming queen with an infectious enthusiasm and a generous heart. Nancy was the little sister—the tomboy with an outsized sense of justice who wanted to right all wrongs. The sisters shared makeup tips, dating secrets, plans for glamorous fantasy careers. They spent one memorable summer in Europe discovering a big world far from Peoria. They imagined a long life together—one in which they’d grow old together surrounded by children and grandchildren.
Suzy’s diagnosis shattered that dream.

In 1977, breast cancer was still shrouded in stigma and shame. Nobody talked about early detection and mammograms. Nobody could even say the words “breast” and “cancer” together in polite company, let alone on television news broadcasts. With Nancy at her side, Suzy endured the many indignities of cancer treatment, from the grim, soul-killing waiting rooms to the mistakes of well-meaning but misinformed doctors. That’s when Suzy began to ask Nancy to promise. To promise to end the silence. To promise to raise money for scientific research. To promise to one day cure breast cancer for good. Big, shoot-for-the-moon promises that Nancy never dreamed she could fulfill. But she promised because this was her beloved sister. 

I promise, Suzy. . . .  Even if it takes the rest of my life.

Suzy’s death—both shocking and senseless—created a deep pain in Nancy that never fully went away. But she soon found a useful outlet for her grief and outrage. Armed only with a shoebox filled with the names of potential donors, Nancy put her formidable fund-raising talents to work and quickly discovered a groundswell of grassroots support. She was aided in her mission by the loving tutelage of her husband, restaurant magnate Norman Brinker, whose dynamic approach to entrepreneurship became Nancy’s model for running her foundation. Her account of how she and Norman met, fell in love, and managed to achieve the elusive “true marriage of equals” is one of the great grown-up love stories among recent memoirs.

Nancy’s mission to change the way the world talked about and treated breast cancer took on added urgency when she was herself diagnosed with the disease in 1984, a terrifying chapter in her life that she had long feared. Unlike her sister, Nancy survived and went on to make Susan G. Komen for the Cure into the most influential health charity in the country and arguably the world. A pioneering force in cause-related marketing, SGK turned the pink ribbon into a symbol of hope everywhere. Each year, millions of people worldwide take part in SGK Race for the Cure events. And thanks to the more than $1.5 billion spent by SGK for cutting-edge research and community programs, a breast cancer diagnosis today is no longer a death sentence. In fact, in the time since Suzy’s death, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer has risen from 74 percent to 98 percent.

Promise Me is a deeply moving story of family and sisterhood, the dramatic “30,000-foot view” of the democratization of a disease, and a soaring affirmative to the question: Can one person truly make a difference? -- Crown

I really wanted to get this review up during October since it is Breast Cancer Awareness month, but sadly, I'm a few days late. I did, however, manage to read PROMISE ME: HOW A SISTER'S LOVE LAUNCHED THE GLOBAL MOVEMENT TO END BREAST CANCER by Nancy G. Brinker (with Joni Rodgers) during the last few days of the month -- so that counts for something, right? Either way, PROMISE ME is an amazing story that is guaranteed to change the way you think about love and commitment.

PROMISE ME is the story of Nancy Brinker, the founder of  Susan G. Komen for the Cure; and it's an extremely interesting one. The book begins with the story of sisters, Nancy and Susan Goodman. It becomes  apparent to the reader that the girls have a very fortunate childhood and have an almost ideal sisterly relationship. When Suzy discovers that she has breast cancer, Nancy is there for her sister through the ups and downs of Suzy's treatment. Right before Suzy dies, she asks Nancy to promise to raise money for breast cancer in hopes that one day there would be a cure. Of course, Nancy agrees to do everything within her power; however, I doubt that either sister realized just how seriously Nancy would take her commitment.

Within months of Suzy's death, Nancy starts with a list of potential donors and $200. From there, she created the Susan G. Komen for the Cure which has invested over $1.5 billion in research, services, and advocacy of breast cancer. The numbers and just staggering and I was blown away by Nancy's devotion to the cause. But what really amazed me about this book is just how much difference one person can make. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised by how motivational this book ended up being for me.

In addition to Suzy's story and the history of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, this book was also Nancy's story. Of course, Nancy was devastated when her sister died, but she also experienced some major life-changing events like divorce, single parenting, and even a breast cancer scare. Despite these setbacks (or maybe because of them), Nancy persevered and threw herself into raising money and finding a cure for breast cancer. I was amazed by how much Nancy was able to accomplish in the past 30+ years, both professionally and personally; and I realized how little I am doing to make a difference in this world. Her passion and intensity are incredibly admirable!

I'm not going to lie -- this book wasn't always easy for me to read. My heart just broke for Suzy and her young family, and I found it difficult to read about Suzy's final months. And, then I started thinking of just how many women have been diagnosed with breast cancer and how many families have been affected. And, then I reminded myself that I need to schedule my mammogram. I could go on and on.... But what this book did for me was make me realize how fragile life is and how we all just need to live each day as if it could be one of our last. I am definitely glad that I read PROMISE ME. I was expecting to learn the history behind the hugely successful Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and I ended up getting so much more.

PROMISE ME is being marketed as a book club/discussion book, and at first, I wasn't so sure that I agreed. However, after finishing this book, I can easily see why it should be one. First of all, breast cancer needs to be discussed. We are so darn lucky that people like Nancy Brinker have paved the way so that breast cancer isn't a taboo subject like it was less than 30 years ago. In addition, PROMISE ME is a beautiful story about two sisters and the love they shared. And finally, there are so many important messages in PROMISE ME -- from the need for monthly self exams and routine mammograms, to the importance of promises, to the difference that one person can make when they set their mind to something, etc. There is a reading guide available with seventeen discussion questions, and it covers so many different topics.

I hope that all of you consider reading PROMISE ME and perhaps even discussing it with your friends. It's an important book and one that is guaranteed to teach you something -- whether that be about breast cancer, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, or even about love, life, and promises!

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

Book Club Exchange: Karen White

Yesterday, I reviewed a touching novel called FALLING HOME by Karen White. In the meantime, I am so excited to welcome Ms. White to Book Club Exchange. I just love her how much she appreciates book clubs and I'm hoping you will too!

CHEAP DATE

There’s a catchy song they’ve been playing on the country music radio stations lately called Little White Church and my favorite lyrics are, “I might be cheap, but I ain’t free.” Before you start jumping to conclusions, let me clarify: I am not a cheap date (just ask my husband). Unless you’re a book club. My motto as far as book club invitations go is: if you feed me or serve me wine, I’ll be there.

In the last ten years, I’ve published twelve books and in that time I think I’ve visited nearly 300 book clubs. That’s a lot of wine! It’s also a lot of hours traveling (most book club visits are local but I’ve been known to drive out-of-state), and chatting—hours that could have been spent doing other things, like writing the next book. So, food and wine aside, what’s the allure?

In a word (two, actually): Rock Star! Yeah, that’s pretty much it. Allow me to explain. I’m the mother of two teenagers with a demanding dog, I have a husband who travels a lot, and I’m writing AND promoting two books a year. I work 24/7, it seems, and I look (and dress) like a hermit because I simply don’t have a lot of excess time or energy.

Family members are vaguely aware that I do something with books, but their main interest where I’m concerned is when their laundry is going to be done. I have no idea what’s on television, and my contact with friends and family members has become quick emails and texts. I actually look forward to my grueling Pilates class three times each week because it gets me out of the house. In other words, in my Real Life I am not a Rock Star.

But when I visit a book club, I miraculously become a “celebrity.” Not like Britney Spears (with underwear, of course), but still not the hermit with the baggy sweater and holey sweats my family sees. For book clubs I get to wear my pretty clothes and jewelry (I love sparkly things!). I put on makeup, heels, and dress like the grown up I’m sure I am under those sweats. When I arrive, they are genuinely happy to see me (unlike my teenagers), and can’t wait to get food and drink in my hands!

They also like to give me things. I’ve taken home all sorts of lovely gifts including flowers, a gorgeous vase that sits in my office now, stationery, a horse statuette, candles, candy, a tote bag (that I now carry to every book club meeting with all my “gear”) and a very large bottle tree in honor of my last book On Folly Beach. My husband (who hasn’t read the book) looked at it oddly when I pulled it from my car but dutifully set it up on my back screened-in porch and there it sits today as a happy memory of a few hours spent with a group of really fun women who love to read as much as I do—and who really, really enjoyed reading my book.

But my joy of visiting book clubs goes far beyond all of that. The thrill for me is a chance to talk about one of my favorites subjects (books!) with fellow book lovers. It’s a great way to meet new people and share with them other books and authors I’ve enjoyed. It’s social and intellectual and the added bonus is that, for once, I get to be the center of attention. Wow.

In my quest to reach even more book clubs, I’ve gone high-tech and am now set up to Skype book club meetings around the country (that’s a lot of fun!) as well as have call-in meetings using the less sophisticated but just as useful speaker phone. And if they figure out a way to “beam me up, Scottie,” I’ll be first in line. 

In November my next book, Falling Home, will be released and my entire book tour is being set up around a book club visit in Kiawah Island, South Carolina. (Yeah, it’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it). They contacted me about a year ago asking if I could come visit any time this year. Knowing that I had a November release I said yes and booked it. I normally don’t travel that far, but I knew I’d be in the Charleston area for the tour anyway AND it will be with a group of several large book clubs. I can’t wait!

Unfortunately, at the end of every book club meeting, I become like Cinderella and have to come home; home to laundry, mail, bills, a book deadline, a dog that needs to be fed, and the rolling eyes of teenagers. My rock star glitter quickly evaporates and I’m left again in my grungy “I’m writing so don’t bother me” outfit. Every once in a while I’ll check my calendar to find out when the next book club meeting will be, and start secretly planning my next Rock Star appearance.

*****

After playing hooky one day in the seventh grade to read Gone With the Wind, Karen White knew she wanted to be a writer—or become Scarlett O'Hara. In spite of these aspirations, Karen pursued a degree in business and graduated cum laude with a BS in Management from Tulane University. Ten years later, after leaving the business world, she fulfilled her dream of becoming a writer and wrote her first book. In the Shadow of the Moon was published in August, 2000. This book was nominated for the prestigious RITA award in 2001 in two separate categories. Her books have since been nominated for numerous national contests including another RITA, the Georgia Author of the Year Award and in 2008 won the National Readers’ Choice Award for Learning to Breathe.

Karen currently writes what she refers to as ‘grit lit’—southern women’s fiction—and has recently expanded her horizons into writing a mystery series set in Charleston. Her tenth novel, The Lost Hours, will be released in trade paperback by New American Library, a division of Penguin Publishing Group, in April 2009.

Karen hails from a long line of Southerners but spent most of her growing up years in London, England and is a graduate of the American School in London. She currently lives near Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and two teenaged children, and a spoiled Havanese dog (who appears in several of her books), Quincy. When not writing, she spends her time reading, singing, playing piano, chauffeuring children and avoiding cooking.

I am so grateful to Ms. White for writing this wonderful guest post about her love affairs with her book clubs. If you are interested in participating in a future Book Club Exchange, please contact me at bookingmama(at)gmail(dot)com.

Wondrous Words Wednesday - November 3, 2010

Wondrous Words Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Kathy aka Bermuda Onion where we share new (to us) words that we’ve encountered in our reading. Feel free to join in the fun.

THE MISCHIEF OF THE MISTLETOE: A PINK CARNATION by Lauren Willig

sinecure - This teaching job was certainly going to be no sinecure.  (p. 44)

sinecure: an office or position requiring little or no work, esp. one yielding profitable returns.

 

pelisse - He was so nicely warm, and she was cold even in her long pelisse. (p. 73)

 

pelisse:  an outer garment lined or trimmed with fur; or a woman's long cloak with slits for the arms.

What new words did you discover this week?

Review: Falling Home

Summary: Revised and expanded for this new trade paperback edition, Karen White's novel tells a poignant story of two estranged sisters. At twenty Cassie Madison left her hometown of Walton, Georgia, for New York City, where she has reinvented herself-from losing herself in her career to squashing her accent. But one night a single phone call brings back everything she's tried to forget. She hasn't spoken to her sister since Harriet stole Cassie's fiancé and married him. But now Harriet's on the line with news that their father is dying.

As she makes the trip back, the only thing that frightens Cassie more than losing her father is seeing Harriet and the family that should have been hers. But she can't help loving her nephews and nieces any more than she can help feeling at home again in Walton. As she fights a surprising reaction to a forgotten friend, and faces an unexpected threat to the family she'd once left behind, Cassie comes to realize that moving on doesn't always mean moving away from who you are. -- NAL

Ever since I've started blogging, I've noticed how many people just love books written by Karen White. I actually read THE MEMORY OF WATER (my review) and enjoyed it for the most part; however, I knew I needed to give her books another try. I recently read FALLING HOME, her latest novel (well kind of latest, but more on that later), and I found that I did like it better. I still won't go so far as to say that I loved, it but I did enjoy the story and found myself caught up in the lives of the characters.

Overall, I really liked the story and the characters in FALLING HOME. Based on the two Karen White books that I have read, I think she does a wonderful job of creating memorable characters. I loved Harriet and I eventually grew to love Cassie, and I definitely appreciated the dynamics and drama between the sisters. I also really enjoyed seeing how much Cassie changed/matured throughout the story. In many ways, FALLING HOME was a coming-of-age (in addition to a coming home) story for Cassie. I have to admit that Cassie was a little hard for me to like at the beginning of the story --  I found her to be a little snobby and self-absorbed. But I had a feeling that she would come around and learn to appreciate her hometown (and one of its residents!)

In addition to the main characters, I also really liked how Ms. White portrayed the small Southern town where the book takes place -- Walton. It's been awhile since I've lived in the South, but I thought she managed to capture the essence of a small town and its residents perfectly. But what really stood out to me was how the novel demonstrated so many of the cultural differences in society. For example, the book showed the difference in city versus rural life as well as a major Northern city versus a small Southern town. However, on an even deeper level, the book takes a look at the bigger theme of change. Walton was experiencing the potential for a great deal of modernization and there were definitely two schools of thought shown in the novel. I found that this story actually made me reconsider my desire for all things shiny and new, and I love that there was a message about the value in keeping some things the same.

If I had one issue with the book, it would have to be that I found the story to be rather predictable. I don't know if that made me enjoy the book any less, but I wasn't really surprised at all by where the story went. There were quite a few cliches especially in the portrayal of the characters -- Cassie was the city girl who eventually realizes that "you can go back home", Cassie's fiance was a pretentious (and selfish) city slicker, Sam was the "perfect" guy who wanted to preserve Walton, etc. And I had a strong feeling about the direction that Harriet's story would go. However, I still found myself liking FALLING HOME and I couldn't help but be touched by the story.

Remember when I mentioned that FALLING HOME is sort of Ms. White's latest novel. Well... FALLING HOME is being re-released today, November 2nd. It was initially released in 2002 with a limited distribution. Ms. White evidently knew she had a great story, so she did some major revisions for this paperback release. I think it's kind of cool that she was able to take all of the things she's learned in writing the past few years and incorporate it into one of her earlier novels.

FALLING HOME would make an excellent book club selection. There is a reading guide with fourteen questions in the back of the book but I wasn't able to find it on-line. There are quite a few topics which are perfect for book clubs who appreciate women's fiction. Some themes that I would like to explore a little further include returning home, urban versus rural lives, sister relationships, parent/child relationships, forgiveness, redemption, acceptance, love, devotion, childhood memories, tradition, modernization, and secrets. As you can clearly see, this novel covers a lot of relevant (and intriguing) topics.

I enjoyed FALLING HOME and I think most Karen White fans will agree. I was deeply touched by the story and found that the characters really stayed with me long after I finished the novel.

Thanks to Joan Schulhafer Publishing & Media Consulting for sending me a review copy of this novel.

Review: Holidays on Ice (Audio)

Summary: David Sedaris's beloved holiday collection is new again with six more pieces, including a never before published story. Along with such favorites as the diaries of a Macy's elf and the annals of two very competitive families, are Sedaris's tales of tardy trick-or-treaters ("Us and Them"); the difficulties of explaining the Easter Bunny to the French ("Jesus Shaves"); what to do when you've been locked out in a snowstorm ("Let It Snow"); the puzzling Christmas traditions of other nations ("Six to Eight Black Men"); what Halloween at the medical examiner's looks like ("The Monster Mash"); and a barnyard secret Santa scheme gone awry ("Cow and Turkey").

No matter what your favorite holiday, you won't want to miss celebrating it with the author who has been called "one of the funniest writers alive" (Economist). -- Hachette Audio

I have heard so many wonderful things about David Sedaris and his audio books that I finally decided to give one a try. A few weeks ago, I started listening to HOLIDAYS ON ICE in the mornings while I run -- yes, I know I'm a little early for the holidays but they will be here before you know it. I thought David Sedaris was hilarious and I was immediately hooked from the very first story.

I have to be honest. I tried to read a Sedaris book many, many years ago and it just didn't work for me. Of course, I'm much older now (and wiser) so it's possible that my tastes have just changed; however, I think one of the reasons I liked this book so much is that I was able to listen to the stories. (In fact, I'm pretty sure that I wouldn't have enjoyed this book near as much if I had read it rather than listened to it.) David Sedaris narrates most of the stories, and I think he's a hoot. It's a given that his prose is hilarious, but I also think his presentation of the stories really brought this book to the next level for me. I think his voice and tone definitely provide some of the humor, but his timing is also pretty darn perfect!

Usually when I read to books made up of different stories, there are some that I enjoy more than others. That was definitely the case of HOLIDAYS ON ICE, but I can't really say that any of the stories were dingers for me. I guess I'd have to say that I did enjoy the stories surrounding Christmas a bit more than the Halloween and Thanksgiving stories, but they were all entertaining in their own right. I especially loved the Christmas story about the Macy's elf -- I was laughing so hard at times that I could barely run. But I also thought the story about the competitive neighbors was hysterical too. It's hard to pick a favorite.

I definitely recommend HOLIDAYS ON ICE. It's the perfect escape for this crazy time of year and I intend to revisit each holiday season from now on. I actually think this book might help me to keep things in perspective this year...we'll see!

Thanks to the publisher for sending me HOLIDAYS ON ICE.