“Words and good intentions, yes. Many challenges can be solved that way.”
This exquisitely illustrated and written book by the author is filled with po“Words and good intentions, yes. Many challenges can be solved that way.”
This exquisitely illustrated and written book by the author is filled with positivity. It also proves to be a wonderful teacher to children about kindness and bringing goodness in to the world by the actions we take and the words we use.
Readers will have the opportunity to follow this fairy tale through the adventures of Mur, a kitty-knight who dreams of “protecting others, making the world better, and being a symbol of kindness and bravery.”
And, not only will the adventure be fun, it will also provide good learning lessons for kids, along the way. The illustrations by the author are stunning, and certainly showcase his amazing artistry, which will no doubt captivate the adults who read along with the kids.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review.
It has been a joy to read this book about “maritime disasters that shook the world” in-between my other books. I hav“For humans will be…well, humans.”
It has been a joy to read this book about “maritime disasters that shook the world” in-between my other books. I have also been reading this author’s short stories “Driftwood,” as well and simply enjoying his writing. For anyone who is fascinated by maritime history, this peek into some of the most famous disastrous ship stories by a Veteran sea captain, now author, is excellent!
Chatterjee gives his own opinions on what he sees after doing extensive research of his own on 13 maritime ship stories, some that readers will surely recognize. My favorites were the Mary Celeste (Ghost Ship) and the Titanic. But there were also some I did not know that well, in which I appreciated his insights. Especially when he spoke about the Exxon Valdez, which he also titled, “Don’t Drink and Drive!”
It will also be important for readers to read the epilogue in which the author shares a note about a wreckage that affected him personally.
As stated earlier, this is a well-researched, well-organized and well-written book that is an easy read. It is also a fascinating read for anyone who enjoys or is curious about maritime history.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review. ...more
This author is a beautiful storyteller. His characters are fascinating and at times quirky. Mostly they are interesting to follow, as they all have a This author is a beautiful storyteller. His characters are fascinating and at times quirky. Mostly they are interesting to follow, as they all have a connection to the sea. As does the author. Chatterjee, is a ship’s captain by profession, and his knowledge lends itself beautifully as he captures the essence of sea life in his characters stories. Readers can’t help but see what he sees as he describes the surroundings. As an example…
“Have you ever looked at the sea on a clear sunny day in the middle of the morning? It is sapphire blue when calm…blue like the gemstone…and it smiles and twinkles in the light.”
He also gives us insights into how seamen believe when he shares in one story…
“Seamen are basically simple folk. They have faith in God and their superiors. In that order.”
In one story we can see the sense of superstition felt by the seamen as they experience a pigeon and a sparrow who come on board their ship. How will these birds guide their journey to safety, and/or give them a feeling of their own group pride and internal fears on their own trip?
“Here were two different species of birds sticking together, forgetting their cultural differences, overcoming their racial prejudices if any, united in their bewilderment about the strange surroundings and probably terrified of the circumstance that had befallen them.”
Each of his stories has captivating characters, with a moral readers could probably relate to in some ways. But mostly, there is something to appreciate about life on the sea.
“Wasn’t it Darwin who said that it is not the strongest of the species that survive, or the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change?”
The author also provided at the end of the book a glossary of marine terms.
Readers will delight in this collection of stories to read in-between their novels.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review. ...more
“The world is filled with people living the most extraordinary, ordinary lives.”
When I saw this one at my local library, I thought at first, “you have“The world is filled with people living the most extraordinary, ordinary lives.”
When I saw this one at my local library, I thought at first, “you have got to be kidding me!” But then it made sense. This really seemed like an almost perfect premise. And, a truly quick read! Yes! It took me just a day to read.
How could you not like a story where two people meet on a train and their next kill orders are for each other for romance in this Mr. & Mrs. Smith way? (Think Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie when they liked each other.) And, they didn’t know that they were both assassins. But not only were they both assassins, but they were both assassins set up with kill orders to kill each other! How do you do that, after you meet each other on a train and practically fall for each other? (And, I’m not giving away spoilers, this is all told to readers from the get-go.)
So, obviously this is a rom-com mixed with suspense and assassins.
What we really have is 2 people who really are awkward, due to their careers and early lives. Here they are meeting. Their first encounter with each other. On a night train to Paris. How romantic is that?
But they both have pasts. Right?
They know they are damaged goods. But they finally found the one person they think can finally accept them. For themselves. But they also think they will never see each other again.
Fast forward six months. And guess what. Who is their kill target? Yep. Now what are they to do?
How about as readers enjoy a “killing” good time?
“My old life has ended. My new life is only just beginning.”
Just let the pages fly. Readers will not regret it....more
Full disclosure: I only decided to read and review this one because it was a donation to my Little Free Library Shed and I loved the Jack Ryan Amazon Full disclosure: I only decided to read and review this one because it was a donation to my Little Free Library Shed and I loved the Jack Ryan Amazon Prime series. Would I be happy with my decision?
Tom Clancy actually died on October 1, 2013. So, it is very important to note that he obviously no longer writes this series. (This book was published this year, 2024.) However, a lot of Tom Clancy fans, may look at the cover, which has his named emblazoned on it in large letters at the top, and not realize this fact. The marketers don’t hide the other fact that it also says at the very bottom in smaller letters, “By Andrews & Wilson.”
So, who are Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson? They are Navy veterans who happen to be a writing team. Brian is a nuclear engineer and Jeff is a vascular surgeon and jet pilot who conducted combat operations with an East Coast-based SEAL team. Their credentials seem to lend themselves to continuing Clancy’s characters and legacy.
This 548-page novel, is part of the Jack Ryan series. Not to be mistaken for what any of us may have watched on the Amazon Prime series of the same name. This has moved Ryan forward as the now President of the United States. Yet, this storyline gives more “screen time” to Ryan’s daughter Katie who is now a Lieutenant Intelligence Agent.
The easiest way to describe this book is in free flow words. Fast. Intense. Suspenseful. Well-placed plot. Page-turner. Twists and turns. Thriller.
If you loved Clancy’s “The Hunt for Red October,” this one may work for you. Just don’t be intimidated by all the Naval acronyms!...more
Amira appears unlucky in love. Not even matchmakers have been helpful. On a disastrous date she is contacted to settle her aunt’s estate. Thank goodneAmira appears unlucky in love. Not even matchmakers have been helpful. On a disastrous date she is contacted to settle her aunt’s estate. Thank goodness for the distraction and a way out of that messy date. Her decision to go directly to her aunt’s lawyer’s office sets this story in motion. Because now she meets Naveen. The San Francisco lawyer who is working for his uncle’s small practice. Surprisingly, he is also looking for love. Oh, what could this mean in the rom-com world of love matches?
The problem is, Naveen is someone Amira has been matched with before and dumped. Oh no! What will readers be in for now? Well, it is a bit more complicated than a love match. We’ve got criminals in this story and a kidnapping, too. And, here you have this couple, Amira and Naveen who don’t want to be together, suddenly together on a madcap adventure. What is in store for them? Is this how one gets to a HEA?
If you want a light read this book will give you… Silly. Cute. Charming. Entertaining and Fun....more
This children’s book was quite the adventure. Four children crash-land when their pilot suffers a heart attack. They are alone and in peril in the lush Amazon rainforest. How will they manage on their own?
What the author does is provide a rich scene which will mesmerize young readers. Swimming with river dolphins. Discovering a ruined city. Eating bugs. What more could they ask for? Perhaps a mystery in which a map is discovered that the kids can follow?
Readers will enjoy the 4 young characters as they take off on their journey of self-discovery and immense bravery to tackle the unknown. There is a sense of warmth, love, hope and courage that permeates throughout the pages that makes this an enticing read....more
This is a children’s/YA novel. Still, it is so appealing, I would recommend it to anyone. Which means, as an adult reading it, I believe adults would This is a children’s/YA novel. Still, it is so appealing, I would recommend it to anyone. Which means, as an adult reading it, I believe adults would be enchanted by its story, as well.
It has also won many awards. In 2014 it won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize (an annual award given to a work of children’s literature that uncovers hidden talent in children’s writing); and, the Blue Peter Book Award for Best Story (a set of literary awards for children’s books conferred by the BBC television program Blue Peter). It was also short-listed for the Carnegie Medal for Writing (a British literary award that recognizes outstanding English-language books for children and young adults).
What makes this story so beautiful is its message…
Follow your dreams.
Sophie, our protagonist, started off her life, floating in a cello case, recovered from a shipwreck. Charles, who finds her, becomes her loving father. He also allows Sophie undisciplined freedom as a child.
As Sophie gets older, she wonders if her mother is still alive. Charles tells her…
“Never ignore a possible.”
So, with that, she convinces Charles to go with her to Paris to find her mother. Of course, there are other reasons for Charles to do so, which I won’t state here, because that is a spoiler.
In Paris, Sophie meets Matteo. And, with Matteo they go in search of her mother.
Music fills the story, and certainly the mystery of Sophie being found in a cello case can certainly be added to that experience. Readers will feel a sense of adventure, music, joy, and connection with these characters....more
I thought I had already posted my review of this book, but as it turns out, I posted the review for his book “Origin” accidentally under tCatching up…
I thought I had already posted my review of this book, but as it turns out, I posted the review for his book “Origin” accidentally under this one. So, whatever happened to my original review is a mystery. Which is why I am here today, catching up and posting a review now.
I actually read this book before I saw the movie. And, I am so glad I did. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the movie, but the book definitely provided more details and background than what could be captured in a 2-l/2-hour screen version of it. Although there is no denying the brilliance of Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou in their roles.
If you have already read this, or have seen the movie, which did you like best – the book or the movie?
I realize that this book has been around since 2003, but it still captivates in its storytelling. By referencing historical events and locations, and the art of Leonardo Da Vinci into his plot, Brown helped make his story feel plausible.
Robert Langdon is our protagonist. As a Harvard professor and symbologist he has been asked to help solve some of the symbols that have been laid out next to the murder victim in the Louvre Museum in Paris. We have the opportunity as readers to race through the streets of Paris and London, along with him, to solve a series of intricate codes and puzzles.
What are the hidden truths behind the religious symbolism? Is there such a thing as a secret society? What will Langdon discover? And, why are there so many people trying to stop him?
The mystery was thrilling, thought-provoking and intense. And, the conspiracies involving the Holy Grail, the Vatican, and a secret society known as the Priory of Sion were compelling.
There will be high speed car chases, escapes from the police, and real villains that will keep readers entranced until the last page. ...more
This is part of a “baby animal series,” that captures the story of a baby sea otter utilizing an actual photograph of a baby otter throughout within tThis is part of a “baby animal series,” that captures the story of a baby sea otter utilizing an actual photograph of a baby otter throughout within the illustrations. It shares what the otter experiences in the ocean, and what he learns from his mother.
Readers will be captivated by the fun and exploration and learning that the otter experiences.
This is a beautifully illustrated story about 2 boys who have the adventure of coming to the ocean. They get to see and listen to all the various lifeThis is a beautifully illustrated story about 2 boys who have the adventure of coming to the ocean. They get to see and listen to all the various life and sounds that it provides.
Readers will be engaged in learning about sea life and sounds that will give them an appreciation of the beauty of ocean life.
This is the story of Wendell, a narwhal, a species of toothed whale that is native to the Arctic. And, Wendell just wants to make music. But for whateThis is the story of Wendell, a narwhal, a species of toothed whale that is native to the Arctic. And, Wendell just wants to make music. But for whatever reason he can’t seem to do it like his other fish friends, because of his tusk. Until one day he learns something more about what he can do.
With fun illustrations, kids will learn about how they can be something more.
“Our class is just like a farm. We all help each other grow, and everyone grows up to be what they’re supposed to be. Everybody in their own way.”
This“Our class is just like a farm. We all help each other grow, and everyone grows up to be what they’re supposed to be. Everybody in their own way.”
This is a wonderfully illustrated story of children in a classroom getting ready to present a play to their community. Readers will have the opportunity to watch the creativity, the inner play and activity, as well as, the conversations. Especially when it becomes clear that Ari doesn’t identify as simply a boy or a girl, he sees himself as a “they.”
In this experience, kids can learn about acceptance, of self and others, just as they are, and appreciate how much it makes a difference in building powerful and positive self-esteem about oneself.
Being alone and being lonely are 2 different things. Sometimes loud sounds or noises may be hard to handle, and so, it is easier to be alone. But thatBeing alone and being lonely are 2 different things. Sometimes loud sounds or noises may be hard to handle, and so, it is easier to be alone. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that you are lonely.
Only, the bird, knows this well. And, thus it becomes confusing for his other bird friends to understand. But Only, the bird, has a way of showing them. And, in so doing, everyone learns about the beauty of savoring alone time, but still having others in your life.
This is a wonderful little illustrated story that helps kids understand the difference between alone and lonely.
There is something on the hill, and it is making field mouse very curious. So, moving through the melting snow, off field mouse goes and collects a loThere is something on the hill, and it is making field mouse very curious. So, moving through the melting snow, off field mouse goes and collects a lot of friends on the way to find out what could possibly be on the hill.
This is a lovely little picturesque adventure for a lot of forest animals moving together to explore what could be on the hill.
It will be a wonderful reading adventure to guide kids to the various types of animals that live in the forest.
What happens when you and your husband decide to be responsible for a sanctuary for elephants and rhinos, and then you find yourself suddenly alone? DWhat happens when you and your husband decide to be responsible for a sanctuary for elephants and rhinos, and then you find yourself suddenly alone? Do you give up on the dream or continue it? This was something the author had to face when her beloved husband passed away suddenly, and she was left to manage their Thula Thula Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in South Africa.
Her story provides something for wildlife lovers to truly appreciate as she shares the ongoing conservation saga.
Filled with personal stories, it is refreshing to read about the amazing creatures that inhabit our world, and the watchful care she and her staff provide to them, especially when under threat to poachers.
The author also includes photographs to add to the storytelling and connection readers will experience through her story.
Readers will no doubt feel touched, moved and amazed by the perseverance and responsibility and challenges of this life that are showcased throughout the book.
Her husband wrote, “The Elephant Whisperer,” that gave insights into their mission, but this book can be read as a stand-alone. Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ...more
Yesterday, I picked this one up on my weekly visit to my local library. And, I was pleasantly surprised by the simplicity of it.
This is a story…that tYesterday, I picked this one up on my weekly visit to my local library. And, I was pleasantly surprised by the simplicity of it.
This is a story…that takes few words. But those few words and charming illustrations show the importance of reading, libraries and books. It is so beautifully written, I felt myself mesmerized as I turned pages slowly. And, as I looked at the pictures, I imagined what each child must be feeling as they studied and experienced the pages, and read the words, or had them read for them, before turning to the next page.
Honestly, this one is a keeper, parents! Teachers, please include this one in your classroom, because this truly…is a story worth reading!
Please take time to read the last page of the book which is the copyrights page which names all the book covers that were illustrated throughout this story.
I love when an author has a purposeful name for their book, and we as readers get to spend some time with it trying “Where you are is where I belong.”
I love when an author has a purposeful name for their book, and we as readers get to spend some time with it trying to figure out what and why it was named the way it was, like this one.
With this book, could it be because Rafe and Jeremy as friends 15 years ago, got lost in the forest, and thus, as the lost boys, something changed because they were gone?
Or, could it have been when they were found, Rafe came back with no memory of what had happened to him, and thus he lost his story?
And, how will those two points even make sense to readers without continuing to turn pages?
Or, when Emilie came to Jeremy to find her sister, since now that is what Jeremy does, find lost girls, that perhaps they might have lost their stories, too?
Or, will Emilie’s entrance into the story be a catalyst to unraveling the mystery to Rafe and Jeremy, and possibly more?
Or, is there something about the forest of Red Crow that makes one wonder that maybe that is where stories end up? Lost?
Or, is there another mystery within this story that is bigger than we ever thought possible?
Well, I’d like to believe that with this little enriching, fairy tale of magic and mystery and love and (possibly) lost stories, it will capture readers in a way that makes those reading want to turn pages until answers are found.
And, because this is a story of unusually talented boys, now grown up, readers will undoubtedly want to know more about the main characters, Rafe and Jeremy’s back stories. And, will most likely be curious about the sisters, who are (possibly) lost and maybe…? (To say more would be a spoiler, and that is not my thing.)
I believe this is a story that is beautifully, and artfully told. With prose that guides readers through a unique magical realm that makes it hard to put this book down. And, that is what makes Shaffer such an exquisite storyteller.
The question remains, can we hope for a HEA ending? (Again, if you are looking for spoilers, you have come to the wrong place! ☺️) Just, take your chance on a little adult fairy tale.
Lastly...There may be some triggers within this story that are not always seen but may be alluded to (while some are obvious): domestic and family violence, adoption, depression, mental illness, death of parents, implied gay character....more
So, here is the thing. As readers you know what is coming. It is that predictable. We have been-here-before. And, yet you still want it. Because you aSo, here is the thing. As readers you know what is coming. It is that predictable. We have been-here-before. And, yet you still want it. Because you are asking for a summer romance escape. Amirite?
With this one, Clara is the perfect protagonist who is burnt out, dumped and sent off by her boss on a forced vacation. An old friend has asked her to come to a yearly visit to their old summer camp. And, there we find her old “nemesis” who really was her old “crush,” Mack. Now, we are smart readers, right? We know what is going to happen.
The camp is closing. Wait, what? It just can’t! These girls have got to do something about it, right? And, this chemistry between Mack and Clara has to go somewhere, right?
And, that is your story. Will they or won’t they save the camp? Will Mack and Clara get together or not?
Cute, nostalgic summer camp romance. Are you up for the escape and fun of it? Then this is the book for you....more
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