The Loud Book by Deborah Underwood | Queen of the Falls by Chris Van Allsburg

*If you are Canadian, you can enter to win these two books and more HERE but Sunday, May 8th is the last day!

Stars: ****

Thomas Allen & Sons (2011)
Picture Book
32 pages

Summary: Just like there are lots of quiets, there are also lots of louds: Good louds (HOORAY!) and bad louds (CRASH!) And louds that make you feel like you are the center of attention (BURP!). The Loud Book compiles all these kid-friendly noises from morning to night, in a way that is sure to make readers CHEER! - GoodReads


The Loud Book is a follow up to The Quiet Book however I've not read that one. You can read either one by itself but it would make a great book set. Perfect for ages 2-5, when kids love to hear their own voice and BE LOUD!

There are many different types of loud which is exactly the point the book makes:

"Surprise Loud, Belly Flop Loud and Bad Crash Loud"

My kids and I had fun learning about the different kinds of loud. There were some more abstract ones I had to explain too like "Deafening Silence Loud." However I usually tend to make sure they understand what we read in any book so I'm used to explaining things.

The illustrations are by Renata Liwska and are adorable. Soft and muted, perfect for young viewers. My eldest daughter pointed something wrong with one of the illustrations however. The "Good Crash Loud" one shows a bear bowling but he's standing on the part of the lane you are not supposed to stand on (the slippery part - past the line.) Leave it to my five year old to notice.

"You're not supposed to stand on that part though mommy."

She's got a point.

Links of Interest: Deborah Underwood,
Other Reviews: There's A Book, 5 Minutes for Books,  Shelf Elf (Guest Post),
Buy The Loud Book at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

Stars: *****

Thomas Allen & Sons (2011)
Children's Nonfiction
40 Pages
Ages 6+

Summary: At the turn of the nineteenth century, a retired sixty-two-year-old charm school instructor named Annie Edson Taylor, seeking fame and fortune, decided to do something that no one in the world had ever done before—she would go over Niagara Falls in a wooden barrel. Come meet the Queen of the Falls and witness with your own eyes her daring ride! - GoodReads

The author of The Polar Express, Jumanji, Just a Dream and many others takes a step away from fantasy to write about history. Chris still manages to deliver a spectacular book that draws the reader in and makes the reader not able to pull away until the book is done.

It's a mixture of the soft, detailed illustrations and the way the story reads that draw you in. I can't think of another picture book writer that can accomplish the same thing. This book is a great way to learn about this story and would be great to provoke discussion in a school setting.



Links of Interest: Chris Van Allsburg,
Other Reviews: NONE YET
Buy Queen of the Falls at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

*If you are Canadian, you can enter to win these two books and more HERE but Sunday, May 8th is the last day!

Cutting-Edge Therapies for Autism & Point to Happy: a book for kids on the autism spectrum

© Flickr User BLW Photography

Today concluded Autism Awareness Month (and April) and I wanted to squeeze in these two books that I only recently was sent. I have always been interested in Autism, although I'm not sure exactly why. None of my family or friends are autistic or have autistic children. I have met autistic children but my interest is from when I was a teenager, before I ever met an autistic child.

Perhaps it's the fact that there are so many ideas about it's cause and how to treat it. I find it intriguing that something can affect so many children without us having a better idea of it's cause. I've read books on Autism and articles and even did research on my own as a teenager. I don't spend time researching it anymore but if I come across a mention of something on autism, I will read it. So as such I've heard of many different therapies for autism.

Cutting-Edge Therapies for Autism 2011-2012 by Ken Siri and Tony Lyons (Stars: *****) has the most comprehensive list of therapy ideas for autism I've ever seen and it will be updated every year in April. This is the second edition so far and it already has 25 more chapters than last year, plus other updates. If you are familiar with autism therapies a bit, you may have heard of ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis), music therapy, occupational therapy and psychotropic medications. However have you heard of Craniosacral and Chiropractic therapy, Melatonin Therapy for sleep problems or Technological-Based Interventions for Autism - There's an app for that!

Also included is a list of organizations and schools for kids on the autism spectrum, but it's mostly American since that's where the book was published. There are some international organizations and five Canadian schools listed though.

Point to Happy: a book for kids on the autism spectrum by Miriam Smith and Afton Fraser (Stars: ****) is a book to encourage communication skills and provide visual support in autistic children. With beautiful photographs by Margo Smithwick and an attached pointer, the parent can read the words and the child can attempt to point to the answer.

e.g. The boy is happy. Point to happy. The boy is sad. Point to sad. 

There is a place to add a picture of your child's favourite food to the foods page and a whole section for you to add photos of four people important to the child and their names. I don't work with autistic children but I can imagine it would work well.

*I was sent these books in the hopes that I'd review or mention them. No monetary compensation was provided. All opinions are honest and are not affected by how I acquired the item.

Welcoming Spring with Picture Books

Spring is Here by Will Hillenbrand

Stars: ****

Holiday House (2011)

Summary: Excited that spring has finally arrived, Mole tries--unsuccessfully--to wake up Bear, but then he comes up with the perfect plan.

This is the first book by Will Hillenbrand I've read but I'll be on the lookout for more (and he's certainly written a lot!) It's very simple but very cute. It contains some sound words, "Toot, Swish, Knock" that kids love and the illustrations (also by Will Hillenbrand) are adorable.

Since it's not too long, a two year old should be able to stay interested but it's not so simple that a five year old would be bored.

Links of Interest: Will Hillenbrand,
Other Reviews: NONE YET

Buy Spring is Here at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

In Like a Lion Out Like a Lamb by Marion Dane Bauer

Stars:  ****

Holiday House (2011)
Illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully

Summary: In this exuberant, rhythmic story, March, personified as a lion, enters a boy's cozy home and leaves a trail of snow flurries and muddy footprints. The boy calmly observes the pouncing, howling, growling lion until in comes the lamb on the crest of a huge sneeze. Escorted by grass, flowers, sunshine, showers, and animal babies large and small, the lamb brings forth spring.

This was a cute book but involved a lot of explanation to my three and five year old on what Spring has to do with a Lion and Lamb and that the Lion and Lamb don't really roam around when Spring comes. However everyone learns the meaning of the saying eventually and explaining while reading a story helped them understand better than just an oral explanation.

The illustrations were created with pen, ink and watercolours and have a nice Spring look to them. I like the combination of ink and watercolour. The story is very poetic and includes great vocabulary words.

"Or will he skulk through the greening grass,eyes scheming,teeth gleaming,waiting for the lamb to pass?"

I always like picture books that increase my children's vocabulary.

Links of Interest: NONE

Other Reviews: NONE YET

Buy In Like a Lion Out Like a Lamb at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

*I received a copy of these books to review. All opinions are honest are are not affected by how I acquired the book.

Saving Women's Hearts by Martha Gulati (Tour + Giveaway!)

Stars: ****

Wiley Publishing (2011)
Adult Nonfiction: Health/Heart Disease
272 pages

Summary: Mention the term "heart disease" and most people picture an overweight, middle-aged man. Yet the reality is that heart disease is the number one killer of women in North America, accounting for a third of all deaths in women and far surpassing the prevalence of breast cancer. Cardiologist Dr. Martha Gulati and holistic pharmacist Sherry Torkos separate the facts from the many myths surrounding heart disease and offer the latest information on both the conventional medical approach and the role of natural medicine in understanding this illness. Saving Women's Hearts examines the unique gender differences for women and provides valuable insight into the screening procedures, diagnosis, treatment options, and most importantly, prevention of heart disease.- from amazon.com

Intro
February is almost over but February is Heart Health Month. When it comes to Heart Disease, most people think of older men. However the scary fact for women like me is that Heart Disease is the number one killer of women.

No one has to tell me this. My MIL died of a heart attack in my house, on my living room floor in 2006. She was 43 and it was her second heart attack (at least.) According to this book, Heart Disease happens early when it's before age 65 in women. So what do they consider 45 and under? Her first heart attack was around age 35.

Do you ever think about your own risk? Perhaps you should. The odds are currently 1 in 3 to have some form of heart disease in your life and it's getting worse. Pretty soon, the average North American woman will have a 50/50 chance of developing heart disease.

Reviewing the Book
As for the book, I think in general, it's a great idea and a much needed book. I've read up on Heart Disease before but I still learned some new things and most importantly, I got some much needed advice on which foods to eat and which to avoid.

However I think the book is not organized the best way. After some basic information (facts, determining your risk etc.) and a little quiz, we go right into tests used for screening for heart disease, heart medications, treatments, natural medicine and then FINALLY we go to eating right, exercising, stress, sleep and how they can help PREVENT heart disease. Shouldn't we learn how to prevent it FIRST and then about how they test for it and treat it?

I think what part of the book you find the most helpful will depend on if you currently have heart disease or not. If not, you would like the prevention chapters better as reading about ALL the medications and treatments will make you overwhelmed.

However if you already have heart disease you will probably find the treatment section more helpful although of course the prevention section is good too as taking care of your health, even when you already have heart disease, will lower your risk of a repeat problem.

I definitely think women need to read this, or something else to become more knowledgeable about their risk and how to recognize the signs (heart attacks present differently in women than they do in men!)

Links of Interest: Saving Women's Hearts at Wiley (see table of contents, index and sample chapters),

Other Reviews: A Motherhood Experience, Multi-Testing Mommy, A Mom After God's Own Heart, Rants and Rascals,

Buy Saving Women's Hearts at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Disclosure - I am participating in the Saving Women’s Hearts program by Mom Central on behalf of Wiley Publishing.  I received a copy of the book to review and gift card as a thank you for my participation.  The opinions on this blog are my own.

A Chicken, a Pig, a Horse, Two Cows and a Sheep

Chicken, Pig, Cow: Horse Around by Ruth Ohi

Stars: ****

Annick Press (2010)
Ages 2-5
32 pages

Summary: Chicken, Pig, and Cow are very happy together in their Popsicle stick barn, so when Horse arrives, not everyone is pleased—especially Chicken, who points out that Horse takes up a lot of space. - from Annick Press

The fourth in the Chicken, Pig, Cow series introduces us to Horse! You can find my reviews of the first three at the following links:

• Chicken, Pig, Cow
• Chicken, Pig, Cow On the Move
• Chicken, Pig, Cow and the Purple Problem 

As with the previous three books, Ruth Ohi delivers a great story. As with the Purple Problem, there is an underlying message. This time it's about acceptance and making new friends. The message would not be obvious to the child though so explanation would probably be needed for the 3-5 year old and probably would be beyond the 2 year old. 

If you somehow haven't heard of the series, Chicken, Pig and Cow (and now Horse) are made of clay but are alive and the book is their adventures with dog (a real dog, not a clay one.)

The illustrations are still adorable, although I'm not sure why the dog looks so angry on the cover. 

Links of Interest: Ruth Ohi,

Other Reviews: NONE YET

Buy Chicken, Pig, Cow: Horse Around at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews



Where is the Green Sheep? ¿Dónde Está la Oveja Verde? by Mem Fox

Stars: ****

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (2004)
Board Book Version (978-0-547-39694-1)
Translated by Carlos E. Calvo

Summary: A dual language and board book version of Where is the Green Sheep? So not only do you see all the different kinds of sheep (blue/red/thin/wide/up/down/swing/slide etc.) and wonder where the green sheep is but you get to learn some Spanish words along the way. (or if you speak Spanish, learn some English.)

I actually hadn't read Where is the Green Sheep? before but was happy to get a Spanish dual language version since I'm teaching my kids and myself Spanish.

It's quite a cute story and my girls loved it. They especially liked "reading" the Spanish words they already knew. I love dual language books. I'm just not sure why there is a Bath Sheep, Bed Sheep, Band Sheep, and Clown Sheep. Most of the others make sense, I'm just not sure why they chose these.

Links of Interest: Mem Fox,

Other Reviews: NONE YET

Buy Where is the Green Sheep? ¿Dónde Está la Oveja Verde? at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

Cows Can't Jump by Dave Reisman

Stars: ****

Jumping Cow Press (2008)
44 Pages

Summary: Is it really true that cows can't jump, gorillas can't swim and sloths can't leap? Yes, but discover what these and other animals do, as they swing, scamper and glide.

I was sent the paperback and board book to review. I prefer the paperback personally but the board book would be good for younger readers. There are 3-4 words per page which would make this a great book for the children to help read (from memory) after hearing the story many times. My 5 year old tried to guess what each animal could do and was right quite a few times!

For such a simple book, I really love it and donated the board book version to our playgroup so many more kids can enjoy it.

Want to preview some pages?

Links of Interest: Jumping Cow Press,

Other Reviews: Laina Has Too Much Spare Time, Zero to Eight,

Buy Cows Can't Jump at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

500 Kisses & My Sex Life (ahem.. those are book titles)

Happy Valentine's Day! I've got some hot book reviews for you!

500 Kisses: Inventive, tantalizing, and lusty ways to kiss, lick, nibble, and excite the lover in your life!

Stars: ****

Cider Mill Press (2010)

Summary: There's nothing more erotic and inspiring than a great kisser. Here's a collection of 500 kisses that will bring your lover to new heights! From the sinful-as-Chocolate Kiss to the Lolita, from the Knee-Buckling Kiss to the Pandora's Box, this book has all the smooches you'll need to have your lips declared Too Hot to Handle.

This book is smoking hot! I'm not a big kisser so I was looking for some new ideas to get me into it more. This book certainly has a LOT of ideas.

Chapters:

One - Techniques of the Skilled Kisser

Two - Kisses That Make You Crave For More

Three - Lips Aren't The Only Parts That Need Kissing

Four - Kisses That Will Keep You Playing Forever

Five - Kisses For Every Flavor of Love

Six - Kisses That Make You Beg For More

Seven - Kisses of a Kama Seducer

Eight - Kisses That Capture Magical On-Screen Moments

Nine - Kisses to Bump and Grind To

Ten - The Most Erotic Places to Kiss

There are kisses for married couples, kisses for boyfriends and girlfriends, kisses for sexually active people and kisses for non sexually active people. Kisses are not just for lips. Each kiss takes up only one page (and usually less than one page) and the pages themselves are small so it's not heavy reading. The pages are small but there are over 450 of them. It's good for just perusing when you need a new idea. Some involve preparation (planning ahead of time or getting props) and some you can keep in the back of your mind to try anytime.

I must say thought that many of these ideas are hard to impossible to pull off with a house full of kids. Some are much better for the single crowd. But if you happen to be able to get rid of your kids for a day or night....

Don't be shy, get the book and fire up your love life!

Buy 500 Kisses from amazon.com and help support SMS Book Reviews

My Sex Life: A Journal to record my every erotic whim, from the elaborate fantasies that distract me when I'm supposed to be doing something else to the real encounters that prove I've still got it to the dirty little secrets and naughty kinks I should probably keep to myself lest I scare off potential mate(s) to the hangups that continue to plague me despite my libertine airs - because after all, isn't everything, and I mean everything, about sex? (whew is that a long subtitle or what?)

Stars: ***1/2

Who's There (2010)
160 pages

Summary:  Why does anyone write in a journal? Because we've all got sex on the mind - practically all the time. Journals provide us with a trusted place to be entirely honest, but Inner-Truth Journals are themeselves honest. Following titillating prompts and refreshingly forthright quotes, you'll journal until you're hot and not bothered.

Each left hand page contains a quote and each right hand page has a space to journal. Each journal page says "Why Sex Matters Today" which I thought was a bit weird if we are just journalling our thoughts on the quote or whatever sexual matter is on our mind this time.  At the bottom of each journal page is a "Today's Sexual Success" meter that you can choose X, XX or XXX. I guess we get to keep track of if our journalling led us to sex.

I think I would have preferred more specific journal prompts than just broad quotes but I guess this way you can write about whatever's on your mind or what is being quoted.

I haven't started journalling yet but I'm interested in starting. Just have to figure out a safe place to put it as my oldest is learning to read.

Buy My Sex Life Journal from amazon.com and Help Support SMS Book Reviews

*I received both of these books (from separate companies) in exchange for a review. All reviews are honest and my own.

Speed Reviews - Mixture

No Kids: 40 Good Reasons Not To Have Children by Corinne Maier
Stars: ****

Summary: The shocking treatise that was a bestselling international media sensation upon its 2007 publication in France now makes its eagerly anticipated English-language debut. In forty to-the-point, impressively erudite chapters drawing on the realms of history, child psychology, politics, and the environment, Maier effortlessly skewers the idealized notion of parenthood as a natural and beautiful endeavour. Speaking to the still “child-free”, to fellow suffering parents, and to adamant procreationists alike, No Kids is a controversial, thought-provoking, and undeniably entertaining read. - from Amazon.ca

I have children but I just had to read this. I don't regret having children at all but there are times of course that I feel overwhelmed and wish for a few moments of silence (although interestingly enough, when they are both gone I miss them and it's too quiet.)

The reasons are quite convincing but personally I can't imagine not having kids. I think this book may be more serious for those who don't have and don't want kids and more humourous for those of us who do.

My only real problem with the book is that the author has children and openly says she regrets having them. That's sad, I feel sorry for her kids. I think either a woman with children should have written the book as humourous (which it's NOT listed under) or a woman without children should have written it as is.

Links of Interest: No specific website but a search will result in many articles both agreeing and disagreeing with the author.

Other Reviews: Amy Reads,

Buy No Kids at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

When Ghosts Speak: Understanding the World of Earthbound Spirits by Mary Ann Winkowski
Stars: *****

Summary: Lights flicker on and off for no good reason. You feel drained and inexplicably irritable. Your four-year-old is scared to enter her bedroom. Tell these things to Mary Ann Winkowski, and she'll tell you that you have a ghost. A happily married, devout Catholic, suburban mother and full-time paranormal investigator, Mary Ann Winkowski has been able to see earthbound spirits, spirits that are trapped on earth and haven't "crossed over," since she was a little girl. Mary Ann works with these spirits to help them make peace with what keeps them here - whether it be people they can't let go of or homes they love. In WHEN GHOSTS SPEAK, Mary Ann will tell the amazing story of growing up with this gift, and will share tips on how to recognize when you're not alone, and what to do if you are in the presence of a ghost. - from amazon.com

Books about ghosts always bring out the skeptics. I don't think everyone who claims to talk to spirits really does but I do believe there are those out there who can. I believe Mary Ann really does talk to spirits and the fact that she is the consultant for the TV show Ghost Whisperer makes me believe a bit more too. That means a TV station has faith in her too doesn't it?

I was intrigued throughout the whole book. There were a few parts that seemed a bit unbelievable but just like when you are talking to a live person and you can misunderstand what they say, I think it's possible she misunderstood the ghosts sometimes. I will admit that there seem to be a lot of ghosts hanging around, at least in her book. However I think it just seems more common than it is because she's only telling the stories of when ghosts are around.

It's been a while or I'd have a more thorough review. I'd like to recommend you check out the reviews on Good Reads and the few linked below for more information.

Other Reviews: Darque Reviews, Yak Talk, The Reading Monk,

Buy When Ghosts Speak at amazon.com and help support SMS Book Reviews

A Girl's Guide to Modern European Philosophy by Charlotte Greig
Stars: ***1/2

Summary: Susannah’s official boyfriend, Jason, is the perfect foil for her student lifestyle. He is ten years older, an antiques dealer, and owns a stylish apartment that prevents her from having to live in the seedy digs on campus. This way, she can take her philosophy major very seriously and dabble in the social and sexual freedom of 1970s university life. But circumstances become more complicated than Susannah would like when she begins to have an affair with her tutorial partner, Rob. Soon she is dating two men, missing her lectures, exploring independence and feminism with her girlfriends, and finding herself in a particularly impossible dilemma: she becomes pregnant. Forced to look beyond her friends and lovers for support, she finds help and inspiration from the lessons of Kierkegaard and other European philosophers. - from Other Press

If you are a regular visitor to this blog, you know I don't read much adult fiction but I have always been intrigued by philosophy and figured a fictional book would be easier to understand. I'm glad I read this book. I've never been great at reviewing fiction and it's been way too long for me to review in detail but I do remember the basics of the story and that I enjoyed it. It was a little slow in certain parts before she gets pregnant but after that, the story is captivating. References to philosophy are just enough to be interesting but not dry. It inspired me to look up philosophy a bit more although I haven't found a good nonfiction book that I can understand on the subject.

Other Reviews: The Literate Housewife Reviews,

Buy A Girl's Guide to Modern European Philosophy at amazon.com and Help Support SMS Book Reviews

*All books were received in exchange for a review if I finished them. All opinions are honest and are my own. 

Speed Reviews - YA Fiction

If you've been keeping up with me this week, I've got some more speed reviews of books I read a year or more ago.

Stolen Voices by Ellen Dee Davidson
Stars: ****

Summary: Life in Noveskina is perfect until Miri discovers she has no Talent, and therefore faces life among the lower classes. As Miri searches for her Talent, she discovers a sinister secret about Noveskina. Will she have a chance to speak out before they come for her voice? - from Ellen Dee Davidson

Even though it's been a while since I read this book, I remember it very clearly. I really enjoyed it. It's along the same lines as The Giver by Lois Lowry. In this particular world, almost everyone develops a talent as they mature that dictates what they do with their future. Anyone who matures without a talent is an outcast at the lowest class.

I think this would make a great read in school. Perhaps even after studying The Giver to study the similarities and differences between the two worlds. It's a shame I didn't review it right away so I could give a more indepth review. Please don't be put off by my short review.

Buy Stolen Voices at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

The Chosen One: a novel by Carol Lynch Williams
Stars: *****

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Kyra has grown up in an isolated polygamous community without questioning her father’s three wives and her twenty brothers and sisters. Or at least without questioning them much—if you don’t count her secret visits to the Mobile Library on Wheels to read forbidden books, or her meetings with the boy she hopes to choose for herself instead of having a man chosen for her. But when the Prophet decrees that Kyra must marry her 60-year-old uncle—who already has six wives—Kyra must make a desperate choice in the face of violence and her own fears of losing her family - from Good Reads

Another one that I remember well even though it's been a while. I was excited when I got a copy to review of this book because of the great things I'd heard about it. It wasn't over-hyped, just talked about enough by trusted book bloggers.

I know Polygamy books seem to be quite common now but in 2009 when this was published, they weren't quite as common. This was a dramatic novel that kept me reading the way a good novel should in my opinion.  I remember not wanting to put it down for long. At just over 200 well spaced pages, it's a quick read so expect to read it in one or two sittings. A great ending! Be sure to check out the more in depth reviews linked below.

Other Reviews: (note: any giveaways mentioned are long over) Book Addiction, Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin?, Maw Books, The Story Siren, Booking Mama,

Buy The Chosen One at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

*Both books were received in exchange for a review if I finished them. All opinions are honest and are my own. 

Speed Reviews - Mental Illness Memoirs

Some more really old reviews that just never got done. They are short since it's been a while but if the book sounds interesting, check out the links to other reviews to get a more detailed review.


Hurry Down Sunshine: A memoir by Michael Greenberg
Stars: ****

Summary: Hurry Down Sunshine tells the story of an extraordinary summer when, at the age of fifteen, Michael Greenberg’s daughter was struck mad. It begins with Sally’s visionary crack-up on the streets of Greenwich Village, and continues, among other places, in the out-of-time world of a Manhattan psychiatric ward during the city’s most sweltering months. - from Random House

All mental illness memoirs bring out emotions in me as I can identify with parts of it although my experience wasn't nearly as severe as Sally's. I remember this being a fairly quick read as I wanted to know what was going to happen next. The author is Sally's father and so it's written from his point of view. It must have been very hard for him to have to deal with. If you are curious what life is like for a family with a child who is in and out of psychiatric hospitals, this is a good book to read.

Other Reviews: Linus's Blanket, She is Too Fond of Books, Frequency of Silence,

Buy Hurry Down Sunshine at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews


A Promise of Hope: The astonishing true story of a woman afflicted with Bipolar Disorder and the miraculous treatment that cured her by Autumn Stringam
Stars: ****

Summary: Autumn and her brother Joseph inherited the family bipolar disorder, a severe mental illness that led to their mother's and grandfather's suicides. Autumn, at 22, was in a psychiatric hospital on suicide watch; Joseph, at 15, was prone to violent episodes so terrifying his family feared for their lives. But after they began taking a nutritional supplement - based, incredibly, on a formula given to aggressive hogs - their symptoms disappeared, and today they both lead normal, productive lives. - from back of the book

Unlike the previous book, this one is written by the mentally ill patient. If you are interested in alternative treatments for bipolar disorder, this book will definitely interest you. I found a few parts of the book a bit slow but overall I enjoyed it and was intrigued with the alternative treatment. You see the background of their family's fight with mental illness and Autumn's journey through it but you also see how the treatment was thought up, tested and found to work.

Visit AutumnStringam.com for sample chapters, bipolar info and more.

Other Reviews: The Indextrious Reader,

Buy A Promise of Hope at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

*Both books were received in exchange for a review if I finished them. All opinions are honest and are my own. 

Speed Reviews - Adult Nonfiction

I have a bunch of books that just never got reviewed and I want to start fresh ASAP and review books within a week or two of reading it at the most. So I need to catch up on these reviews. Considering I read these over a year ago, I may not remember enough for a full review anyways.

Confessions of a Bad Mother by Stephanie Calman
Stars: *****

Summary: Do you feel that other mothers are "doing it properly" while you're getting it All Wrong? Do you give your children chicken nuggets for supper, herd them into bed and slump down exhausted for a drink? Do you wish there could just, please, be a little less pressure? If you try your best but frequently feel like a failure, if you - or your children - are in any way imperfect, then join the club: the Bad Mothers Club. Stephanie Calman has broken every rule and done it all "wrong". From giving birth with her pants on to making her kids watch more telly, she has persistently defied all accepted wisdom and professional advice.

This book is funny and a great stress relief read for moms who are worried they aren't good enough. Very humourous and the accompanying website is a great resource: http://www.badmothersclub.co.uk In fact the author has a new book: How (Not) to Murder Your Husband.

However if you are very adamant that how you parent is the ONLY right way, don't read this book.

Buy Confessions of a Bad Mother at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 by Thomas W. Phelan, Ph.D.
Stars: *****

Summary: With humor, keen insight and proven experience, Dr. Phelan breaks down the task of parenting into three straightforward jobs: Job 1: Controlling Obnoxious Behavior, Job 2: Encouraging Good Behavior, Job 3: Strengthening Your Relationships

I'm not exactly still putting these ideas into practice but they are great ideas. If I wasn't busy reading other parenting books I'd read these one a few times over and fully put it into practice. As with self-help books, most parenting books do no good unless you put them into practice.

The book contains example narrations to show you how to use their advice. There are 1-2-3 Magic books for various topics and they have sold a lot. This book is the Winner of the National Parenting Publication Gold Award and a new, 4th edition has come out since I read this one.

Buy 1-2-3 Magic at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

Educating Esme: Diary of a Teacher's First Year by Esme Raji Codell
Stars: ****

Summary: Just as it says, a diary of a teacher's first year. She teaches fifth grade and has all kinds of creative ways to teach. She also includes 25 tips for teachers and teachers-to-be.

I remember liking this book a lot. I wanted to be a teacher at one point and so I've always liked reading teacher memoirs. I love when teachers have creative ideas. If you look at the reviews on amazon, they are quite split between 4-5 stars and 1-2 stars. The ones who disliked the books talk about the author being stuck up, focusing on how awesome she is or being obnoxious but I didn't get that feeling at all.

Buy Educating Esme at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

*All books were received in exchange for a review if I finished them. All opinions are honest and are my own. 

You Better Not Cry by Augusten Burroughs

Stars: ****

St. Martin's Press (2009)
224 pages

Summary: You’ve eaten too much candy at Christmas…but have you ever eaten the face off a six-foot-stuffed Santa? You’ve seen gingerbread houses…but have you ever made your own gingerbread tenement? You’ve woken up with a hangover…but have you ever woken up next to Kris Kringle himself? Augusten Burroughs has, and in this caustically funny, nostalgic, poignant, and moving collection he recounts Christmases past and present—as only he could. With gimleteyed wit and illuminated prose, Augusten shows how the holidays bring out the worst in us and sometimes, just sometimes, the very, very best. - from GoodReads

Did you read the summary? I have no idea what gimleteyed is but the stories were pretty funny but more in a "I can't believe that happened" sort of way. I received this book almost a year ago for review but due to the crappy mail system, it came AFTER Christmas, like in February and I didn't feel like reading a Christmas book that much after Christmas.

Augusten Burroughs is the author of the popular Running With Scissors (along with other books.) This however is the first book by him I've read. Augusten had a very interesting life and certainly seems to be cursed during the holidays and I'm not even sure I believe in curses.

I'm not usually a lover of short stories but for some reason I don't seem to mind them at Christmastime. However I have to warn that not everyone will enjoy this book. The stories are dark, about alcoholism, AIDS and death. Also although it doesn't matter to me, the author is gay so his relationships are with other men. I know this bothers some people.

PS - I looked up gimlet-eyed... it means sharp sighted according to Merriam-Webster.

Links of Interest: NONE YET
Other Reviews: Reviews by Lola, The Girl from the Ghetto,

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Chippy Chipmunk: Parties in the Garden by Kathy M. Miller

Stars: ****1/2

Summary: Photos of a cute chipmunk in a backyard taken over 2 years are compiled into a story book that entertains and teaches.

Chipmunks are SO cute. The author has put together these very clear and detailed photographs with text that matches. It's a fun way to see how chipmunks live but also introduces some great vocabulary words such as vibration, bounded, drainage, foraging, scrumptious, vigorously and more.

The inside of the back cover contains some point form chipmunk trivia. Great picture book for ages 4-8.

Links of Interest: Chippy Chipmunk,
Other Reviews: Chicken Spaghetti,

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For the Love of Salad by Jeanelle Mitchell

 Weekend Cooking is a link up event hosted by Beth Fish Reads. Anyone with any kind of food related post can link up, including food book reviews.

I have lots of cookbooks to review so every Saturday for the next little while I hope to post a cookbook review and link up to Weekend Cooking. Some will include giveaways and most will include a sample recipe from the book.

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Stars: ****1/2

Whitecap Books (2010)
176 pages
Nonfiction - Cooking

Summary: For the Love of Salad is a comprehensive guide to a dish we eat (or should!) almost every day. From leafy greens to pasta salads, this book addresses them all—and them all, with flavorful dressings that will take all your salad creations to a whole other level. - from Whitecap Books

I didn't think I was a big salad eater but that's mostly because I think of lettuce when I think of salads. But there are so many other types of salads.

After some tips for successful salads (that's 19 pages of tips!) you'll find recipes in the following categories:

• Leafy Green Salads
• Garden Vegetable Salads (Hold the Lettuce)
• Grain, Pasta, Rice & Bean Salads
• Meat & Chicken Salads
• Seafood Salads

Okay so personally, I'll never be making anything out of the seafood salads section but I know there are plenty out there who would.

Some of the topics covered in salad tips are: Buying and Preparing Leafy Greens, Buying and Preparing Fresh Vegetables, Fresh Herbs, Salad Extras, Dressing, Kitchen Equipment and recipes for three homemade dressings: Maple-Glazed Pecans or Honey-Glazed Walnuts, Basic Vinaigrette and Basic Creamy Dressing.

I'd like to share a recipe:

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Five-Spice Grilled Pork Tenderloin & Noodle Salad
© 2010 For The Love of Salad. Used with permission. pg 132

4 to 6 Main-Course Servings

This Asian-inspired salad is delicious and unique, with intriguing flavours and textures in every bite. Lean pork tenderloin is easy to grill when butterflied; you can also substitute chicken or shrimp. Whole wheat pasta is a good source of fiber and has an appealing chewiness.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup (60 mL) fresh orange juice
1/4 cup (60 mL) low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup (60 mL) unseasoned rice wine vinegar
2 Tbsp (30 mL) brown sugar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp (15 mL) grated fresh ginger
2 tsp (10 ml) five-spice powder (see tip)
1 tsp (5 mL) orange zest
1/4 cup (60 mL) grapeseed or safflower oil

10 oz (300 g) dry whole wheat spagehettini

2 cups (500 mL) bean sprouts or shredded napa cabbage
1 ripe mango, diced
1 small cucumber, cut in to thin matchsticks
2 carrots, coarsely grated
3 green onions, finely chopped
1/3 cup (80 mL) chopped fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped fresh mint

1. For the dressing (and pork marinade): combine orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, five-spice powder, and orange zest in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in oil until well combined. Set aside.

2. Cut tenderloins in half lengthwise, almost but not all the way through; open like a book. Place in a Ziploc bag or in a shallow glass bowl with half the dressing and let marinate for 30 minutes, or for several hours in the refrigerator.

3. Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add spaghettini and cook until al dente. Place in a large serving bowl, toss with remaining dressing, and set aside.

4. Brush a barbecue grill, indoor grill, or grill pan with cooking spray. Preheat barbecue or grill to medium-high. Grill tenderloins for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until no longer pink inside. Remove from grill and let sit for 5 minutes. Slice tenderloins into thin strips.

5. Toss bean sprouts, mango, cucumber, carrots, green onions, cilantro, mint and grilled pork with noodles. Can be served at room temperature or chilled. If making ahead, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

TIP: Five-spice powder is a blend of ground fennel seeds, Szechuan peppercorns, cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. It is available in the spice section of well-stocked supermarkets.

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My Take on the Recipe
Okay so if you've been reading my other Weekend Cooking posts this last month, you will know that I almost never follow a recipe as written. I like to experiment and substitute. My husband is really picky and I'm picky too so I did the salad differently (with much less veggies) but I made the tenderloin as described except for using regular vegetable oil in place of grapeseed or safflower oil and dried ginger instead of fresh. I already had to buy two new ingredients (Five-spice powder and rice wine vinegar) so I didn't want to buy even more new ingredients I wasn't sure I'd ever use again. Also I don't own a zester so I just used a knife to scrape off the orange part.

The meat was DELICIOUS. I was hesitant as I don't normally like sweet tasting meat but even with the orange juice and brown sugar, it wasn't all that sweet but just right. We weren't thrilled with the noodle salad part but we didn't make it as written either. I plan to make the meat again this way, perhaps just used in a different dish.

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