Just a Dream by Chris Van Allsburg

Stars: *****

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Originally 1990, Updated 2011)
Picture Book
48 pages

Summary: When it comes to the environment, young Walter is not an enlightened individual. He's a litterbug who believes sorting trash is a big waste of time. What's more, he thinks his friend's birthday present, a tree, is the most ridiculous gift he's ever seen. Walter believes the future is going to be wonderful, filled with robots and other amazing inventions. One night while lying in bed, Walter wishes he could visit the future. He falls asleep and his wish comes true. But the world Walter sees is not exactly what he'd imagined. When he returns to the present, he is changed and so are his dreams.  - from author's website

This is a great book for Earth Day or anytime you want to teach about environmentalism. Although it's an older book, I'd not seen it. It's by the author of The Polar Express and Jumanji (and many others,) so you know the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous.

The little boy's dreams show just how scary our world could end up the way we are going. He pops in and out of different dreams, showing many different scenarios. At the end he learns his lesson and pitches in and his dream that night is quite different.

I was a little surprised at first with the "ideal world" dream as it shows a return to simpler days with no clothes dryers or electric lawn mowers but I quickly realized that we would have to limit our energy usage in order to reverse the poor environment our children can look forward to (or not) in the future. It makes sense to me!

I read this to my 4 and 5 year old but it was over their head. I tried to explain as much as possible and I think the got a bit of it but it was too long and involved. I'm not sure the target age range but I'd say 8+

Links of Interest: Chris Van Allsburg,
Other Reviews: NONE YET

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Dream Big Little Pig by Kristi Yamaguchi

Stars: *****

Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (2011)
Illustrations by Tim Bowers
Picture Book
4 and up

Summary: Poppy the Pig has big dreams - lots of them! But following her dreams isn't always easy, and whenever Poppy thinks it might be time to give up, her family reminds her to "Dream Big!"

Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi has created her very first picture book. I am normally reluctant to read picture books by celebrities as it feels to me like they just aren't happy being famous for TV, movies, music and/or sports and want to be great at everything.

The summary of the book is what drew me in and made me want to check it out and I'm glad I did. It can be very disheartening when you try something you like only to be told you are no good at it and should try something else. The book is all about realizing your dreams with practice and enjoyment of what you do, no matter what anyone else says or thinks.

The illustrations are absolutely adorable and the cover has sparkles, which according to my girls, is the best thing ever. We will be revisiting this book when my children express interest in a certain activity but then feel discouraged.

About the Author:
Kristi Yamaguchi is an Olympic gold medalist and world champion who knows about dreaming big. The motto "Always Dream" serves as Kristi's personal inspiration, as well as the name of her charitable foundation for children.

Links of Interest: Always Dream,

Other Reviews: Chronicle of an Infant Bibliophile, For Immediate Release Reviews - Kids,

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*I received a copy of this book to review from the publisher.  All opinions are honest and are not affected by how I acquired the book.

C'mon Papa: Dispatches From a Dad in the Dark by Ryan Knighton

Stars: *****

Knopf Canada, a division of Random House (2010)
Nonfiction: Memoir/Biography/Parenting
272 pages

Summary: C'mon Papa is Ryan Knighton's heartbreaking and hilarious voyage through the first year of fatherhood. Becoming a father is a stressful, daunting rite of passage to be sure, but for a blind father, the fears are unimaginably heightened. Ryan will have to find novel ways to adapt to nearly every aspect of parenting: the most basic skills are nearly impossible to contemplate, let alone master. And how will Ryan get to know this pre-verbal bundle of coos and burps when he can't see her smile, or look into her eyes for hints of the person to come? - from Random House

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be blind AND a parent? Wonder no longer. Ryan Knighton tells us the good, the bad and the ugly in his most recent memoir. The book switches from educational, to humourous, to breath holding moments, to sympathy inducing.

I learned about blindness in general as well as parenting while blind. I already knew that blind people keep things in their house in a certain spot so they can maneuver around but it never occurred to me that a blind person could have a job. (I apologize to all blind people who work.)

I think this is a much needed memoir that more people should read. Most of us don't really know what it's like to live with a special need let alone how to be a parent with a special need. Ryan Knighton is the perfect author as well, he tells a great story.

However he does include just a few swear words.  I am turned off my swear words and could have done without them but there were only a few so it was easy to just ignore them and continue reading.

Links of Interest: Ryan Knighton, Ryan Knighton on Twitter,

Other Reviews: NONE YET

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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

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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

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

Confessions of a GP: a year of life, death & earwax by Dr. Benjamin Daniels

Stars:*****

HarperCollins UK (2010)
Adult Nonfiction/Memoir
336 pages

Summary: A woman troubled by pornographic dreams about Tom Jones. An 80 year-old man who can't remember why he's come to see the doctor. A woman with a common cold demanding (but not receiving) antibiotics. A man with a sore knee. A young woman who has been trying to conceive for a while but now finds herself pregnant and isn't sure she wants to go through with it. A 7-year-old boy with "tummy aches" that don't really exist. These are his patients. A witty insight into the life of a family doctor, this funny and moving account will change the way you look at your doctor next time you pop in with the sniffles. - from Good Reads

This book was quite funny, interesting, sometimes gross and once, so funny I was laughing so hard I was crying, (although to be honest, that part wasn't written by the author, but was a chain mail that went around online - I even remember getting it once and I'm pretty sure I laughed that hard then too.)

I must say though that reading a book written in the UK is quite challenging as a Canadian. Yes we both speak English but here in Canada, especially so close to the US where I live, we speak a version of English that is much closer to US English.  There was also some UK Spelling which in my part of Ontario at least, we use a bit of (like Colour and Neighbourhood) but some we use the US spelling of (like Tranquillizer - not Tranquilliser like it is in the book.) I knew most of the UK words as I love words but had to look up one of the medications mentioned. E.g. surgery (meaning emergency department) or stroppy (easily offended or annoyed), row (argument), trolley (streetcar) and paracetamol (mentioned often - it's acetaminophen)

There are two controversial areas of the book that I want to mention. If you are able to read about ideas you may not agree with, then this isn't a problem. But if you will dislike the whole book because of one opinion, I'd rather you know before you pick up the book.

The doctor sees a patient with measles because his mom chose not to vaccinate him. She believes she just needs to strengthen his immune system with healthy foods and such. Doc explains that's not how it works. Doc explains his frustrations with those who choose not to vaccinate. Specifically because it puts those children who are unable to vaccinate (because of allergy to vaccination or they are deathly ill) at risk too.

The other has to do with alternative practitioners. The doctor sees a patient who has a simple problem but chooses to see many different alternative practitioners first who do everything but examine the problem area. She ends up back at Doc after having spent lots of money. So Doc makes a comment (not to patient) about his dislike of alternative practitioners.

I did appreciate that all the stories are only a few pages long. It's good for a quick reads (like in the bathroom)

Links of Interest: NONE YET

Other Reviews: Naomi's Book Reviews,

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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.

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!

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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.

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

I Like You by Sandol Stoddard Warburg

Stars: ***

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (1993)

Summary: Here is the book that Charlie Brown would have given Snoopy, Tonto would have given the Lone Ranger, Romeo would have given Juliet, and you can give to some very special friend.

This was a complimentary book, meaning I was sent it but hadn't requested it. It's s a cute idea. The book cover folds over the rest of the pages and sticks to the back cover with a little sticker that says Send a Story and the back cover has a FROM and a TO area to write an address and a spot for a stamp so you can actually address the book and mail it directly, without an envelope.

The pages of the book are a yellow colour and the illustrations are all in black, they are not in colour. The story is cute, talking all about what good friends you (and the person you send it to) are. But what they say is more for a friendship that's been many years long and you were friends as children. In fact it sounds like and shows from one child to another.

Here are some excerpts:

"I like you because
When I tell you something special
You know it's special
And you remember it
A long long time"

"If I pretend I am drowning
You pretend you are saving me"

"If I break my arm and
If you break your arm too
Then it is fun to have a broken arm
I tell you about mine
You tell me about yours
We are both sorry"

I think it's a great idea but I can't think of anyone to give it to as I'm not really close with my childhood friends and my new friends I've only known a year or so. It seems more like a book for an older child to give to another child but then they wouldn't appreciate it. It's not really for me but perhaps it's perfect for you.

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Homer's Odyssey and Dewey's Nine Lives (Cat Books)

Homer's Odyssey: A Fearless Feline Tale, or How I Learned About Love and Life with a Blind Wonder Cat by Gwen Cooper

Stars: *****

Delacorte Press (Random House) 2009

Summary: The last thing Gwen Cooper wanted was another cat. She already had two, not to mention a phenomenally underpaying job and a recently broken heart. Then Gwen’s veterinarian called with a story about a three-week-old eyeless kitten who’d been abandoned. It was love at first sight. Everyone warned that Homer would always be an “underachiever,” never as playful or independent as other cats. But the kitten nobody believed in quickly grew into a three-pound dynamo, a tiny daredevil with a giant heart who eagerly made friends with every human who crossed his path. - read the rest at Gwen Cooper

I read this book last year but never got around to reviewing it because I lent it out to someone who took a while to return it. I'm a sucker for animal books, especially true heroic tales. The first few chapters when the author first finds and acquires Homer just about had me in tears. I think Gwen Cooper is the true hero as she changed her life to accommodate her blind cat and make his life the best it could be.

I wish I could give a more thorough review but it's been too long since I read it. All I remember is an overwhelming feeling of sadness for the first half of the book and happiness for the second half.

Please Note: 10% of all Gwen’s domestic royalties from Homer’s Odyssey will be donated to organizations that serve abused, abandoned, and disabled animals, including Blind Cat Rescue and Sanctuary, Inc.

Links of Interest: Gwen Cooper,

Other Reviews: Lesa's Book Critiques, Maggie Reads, In the Shadow of Mt. TBR,

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Dewey's Nine Lives: The Legacy of the Small-Town Library Cat Who Inspired Millions by Vicki Myron with Bret Witter

Stars: ***1/2

Penguin Group (2010)

Summary: The author (and caregiver) of Dewey, the Library Cat has compiled another book of nine stories. Two are new Dewey stories and the other seven are from other people about their cats.

I loved Dewey and so was excited to read this. I was a bit disappointed although I still recommend the book for cat lovers. I'll make this a point form review.

• I think the authors picked a great nine stories to share with us.
• However Vicki narrates them ALL. She interviewed the others and so tells their stories with a mixture of quotes and narration on what she observed
• This bothered me. I want to hear about other people's cats from the other people. Completely in their words, even if they are not the best writers. But perhaps it wouldn't bother you.
• Some of the stories were TOO long but then I have a short attention span sometimes. Nine stories (and a prologue) in a 300 page book is too much for me. 
• My favourite story was the fourth one about a couple who run a resort and the 28 cats they ended up with at one time. 
• I actually didn't read the last two or three stories because I just couldn't get into it anymore. I'm sure it's not the stories themselves but just that the rest of them were so long (sometimes with Vicki going on an on about something other than the cats) and because Vicki was narrating. 

Links of Interest: Dewey Read More Books, 

Other Reviews:  Lesa's Book Critiques, Today I Read, Books, Movies and Chinese Food, 

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Your Baby is Speaking to You by Dr. Kevin Nugent

Subtitle: A visual guide to the amazing behaviors of your newborn and growing baby.

Stars: *****

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 2011
Nonfiction, Parenting, Childcare
128 pages

Summary: Your Baby Is Speaking to You illustrates the full range of behaviors--early smiling to startling, feeding to sleeping, listening to your voice and recognizing your face. The newest research--including information on subtle and fleeting behaviors not seen or explained in any other book--illuminates the meaning of the things babies do that concern and delight new parents.

I was happy to review this book being that I'm pregnant with my third child. I basically already knew most of it as I read a LOT with my first child but I was reminded about a few things. Also although I have read about baby communication, it was all within large nonfiction books full of other information. Not every new parent is as obsessed with information as I am. This is a much better way to teach new parents about baby communication without overwhelming them with 300 pages of small text.

The book includes professional photography by Abelardo Morell. We're talking about eye catching, captivating baby shots. I'd buy a coffee table book just full of photos by Morell. Each open spread includes the text on the left side and a photo on the right. Each section is very small and cuts right to the point. I read the whole book in one hour. If you bring a book to the hospital with you when you give birth, this one would be perfect as it can be read in short little parts whenever you have a few minutes. 

Topics Covered: (all baby communication regarding:)

 - Types of Sleep
 - Types of Crying (full cry vs fussing)
 - Eating (Search response and feeding)
 - Newborn Reflexes
 - Baby's Senses (including the difference between cuddly and not so cuddly babies)
 - Settling In (startles, drowsiness, over-stimulation, signs of distress, sooth-ability, not easily settled baby)
 - Social Newborn (Looking into eyes, feeding and communication, power of your voice, imitation, learning, temperament and social smile.)
 - Growing Baby (Reaching Out, Exploring, Empathy, Learning to Love)
 - Parent/Baby and Lifelong bond

It's a great book for parents to be, either new or seasoned, especially if its been a while.

Links of Interest: You Tube Book Trailer,

Other Reviews: Escape in a Book, Becky's Book Reviews, This Mom Loves, Dog Ear Diary,

Buy Your Baby is Speaking To You at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

Awakening Consciousness: A Girl's Guide & A Boy's Guide by Robin Marvel

Stars: ***1/2

This review is for both books at once as they have only minor differences.

Summary: These are workbooks designed to encourage spiritual growth, inner strength and self awareness. The exercises are a bit different in each book as outlined below.

Girl's Guide: Your chakras, keep a healthy aura, learn the pendulum, aromatherapy crafts, crystals, explore inner self, create your own future.

Boy's Guide: Make a drum, find your totem, discover spirit guide, Native-American lore, chakras, crystals, Pendulum, strong aura, self-esteem.

All though I do think it's a good idea to have separate guides for boys and girls I think it would have made more sense to make them different in the text and specific activities perhaps, not necessarily different activities. I would make the drum and find the totem with my girls and I would teach aromatherapy to my boy.

In general the idea of the books is awesome, however I do think the books have some problems.

Girl's Guide:

• Mainly it wasn't edited enough, or at all. There were grammatical errors, missing words and repeated words. There's a section on ESP that says to pick 5 designs and then right after says you have 3 designs. The instructions are bit messed up although I'm sure most people can figure it out themselves.
• The word bestie is used which I didn't know meant best friend. I work with Girl Guides and have heard all kinds of slang and short forms, never heard Bestie. I don't think it's a good idea to use slang in a book anyway because as the book gets older, the term would be not in use anymore.

In Both:

• We are given a section to write down tarot readings but it's not like tarot cards come with the book or we are taught much about them. I'm not sure the purpose of that section. The boy's guide is only a little better in that it suggests a book to explain tarot and doesn't sound as if you must have cards already.
• The dream section says to look up your dreams in a dream dictionary to keep track of what your subconscious may be telling you. The boy's guide is even more adamant that you MUST look up your dreams in a book to know what they mean. Dreambooks aren't definite meanings though, they are just ideas and they even say in small print in them that it's mostly just for fun. 

Despite all this the book has it's merits and I can use what I want out of it which would be most of it. Also the chakracize (chakra exercises) is the best part of the book with photos to go along with it. I just think they need to be reprinted with proper editing and more thought.

Links of Interest: Marvelous Empowerment on Facebook, Marvelous Empowerment,

Other Reviews: NONE YET

Buy Awakening Consciousness: A Girl's Guide at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

Buy Awakening Consciousness: A Boy's Guide at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

*These books were received in exchange for a review if I finished the book. All opinions are honest and are 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,

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*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.

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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 - Children's Books

A few more speed reviews for you. These are books I read over a year ago that never got reviewed. They're short since it's been so long since I read them.


Kaboom! Explosions of all Kinds by Gillian Richardson
Stars: ***

Summary: Who knew that some insects can create explosions to get food? Or that fireworks were once used to fight wars? Explosions are all around us, from the Big Bang that created the universe to the “pop” of a seedpod, from solar flares to the explosive gases lurking in a coal mine. Full of fun facts, dramatic images and highlights of momentous blasts in history—including the infamous Halifax explosion of 1917— KABOOM! examines an astonishing variety of explosions and the science behind them. - Annick Press

I have read lots of science type books from Annick Press but this wasn't one of the best ones. It was interesting but didn't capture my interest the way some of the others did (Nibbling on Einstein's Brain, Spiked Scorpions and Walking Whales etc...). I'm not sure what caused my disinterest but I did find my mind wandering. I'm also not the intended age (9+) of course. However if I find it a tad slow, I think older kids would too.  The best part of the book was the photos showing explosives used for demolition. It shows how the building implodes.

Buy Kaboom! at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews


The Bubble by Brian D. McClure
Stars: ***

Summary: Once there was a little boy, who didn’t want anyone to play with any of his toys... As the little boy grows into a man, he only cares about his many material possessions. As one by one, the things he cares about begin to leave his life, he soon finds himself all alone, trapped inside a bubble. The Bubble is a delightful story that will help both children and adults remember what truly matters in life. - from BriandMcClure.com

The premise of this book was good. Teaching a child that possessions aren't everything is a great idea. However I'm not sure about the way the book ended up. The first 25 pages were great. Then it gets a little weird:

"...Soon the trees, grass, and flowers left his property." pg 26 - Um they just disappeared?
"Soon, his possessions left him." pg 30 - Riiiight.
"Soon, his house left him... but he still had his fenced-in yard." pg 35 - See where this is going.
(then the soil leaves and he is immersed in an empty bubble)
"The bubble started to sink into the void, where his house and possessions once were. The last thing the old man saw was the twelve-foot fence that once surrounded his property." pg 41

Okay so I get that it's supposed to show how alone he ends up and the ending sort of explains it a bit as well but it just seems a bit weird to me. I would have preferred a book that's more realistic, where the man just grows old amongst stuff but alone. To me if the book is going to teach a real life lesson, it should be more realistic. But perhaps you would like it. It does have a good morale and I love the graphics. It's a great book for all ages as not just kids need reminders about possessions.

Buy The Bubble 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.