Book Review: 'The Glass Castle' by Jeannette Walls

 

✰✰✰✰½ Born to a brilliant father and an artist mother, the Walls children are smart, creative, and resourceful. Constantly on the move before social services steps in, the family travel from town to town. The children grow up mostly feral and learn to fend for themselves and each other. When they finally land in West Virginia, the siblings have the opportunity to attend school regularly. As the family situation declines, Lori, Jeannette, and Brian hatch a plan to escape to New York, one by one. This is a story of ingenuity, resilience, and survival. You’ll want to scream and cry and root for the Walls children. You’ll also cheer as they climb their way out of poverty. The stories will keep you turning the pages of this memoir of a neglected childhood.

The Bottom Line: This difficult topic is very relatable to many. Having to parent her parents, the author comes across as a survivor. I listened to the audio, which was read by the author; the audio was a good choice and very well done. While the book was well written, the film was less than accurate. Highly recommended for high school and college students because it is so relatable. Also, recommended for anyone who enjoys biographies and memoirs.

Book Club Notes: Our group agreed that while the text is easy to read, the subject matter can be difficult at times. Members noted there seemed to be some missing pieces of her life, like about her relationship and her younger sister. Everyone can connect with this story at some level. It reminds one of childhood and gives one a sense of perspective about one’s own struggles. This memoir is inspiring in the sense that Jeannette is able to overcome poverty and abuse to create a comfortable life for herself. Nevertheless, there is a bitterness there. Ratings for the book ranged from 4 - 5, with an average of 4.4 stars. Some hated the story, while others found value in this well written book. The author’s emotions definitely came through, and one member was uncomfortable with some of the scenes..

On the other hand, members gave the movie a much lower rating. We’ve been rating movies since 2017, and this was surprisingly the lowest rated at 2.85 stars. (Ratings ranged from 2 - 4.) The movie was not as personal as the book, but it was not a shock either. The Walls family did their best, but there were parts missing from the book. Threads of mental illness and forgiveness were braided throughout the story, and the author’s emotion was evident in this disturbing tale. With a theme of good overcoming evil, the group agreed there are many movies that are better. The classic movie Casablanca is one.

Overall, both the book and the movie are recommended for readers ages high school and above. There’s a lot to unpack and discuss. The movie was rated PG-13. Discussion questions are plentiful online; check out the following: JWU Providence Library, Princeton Book Review, Fable, and Almanace County Public Libraries.

Details: The Glass Castle: A memoir by Jeannette Walls. Paperback published by Scribner in 2006. 288 p. ISBN: 978-0-7432-4754-2

Book Review: 'The Soul of an Octopus' by Sy Montgomery

✰✰✰✰ Award-winning author Sy Montgomery is a naturalist, who has written several books for children and adults. In this book, she delves into the mysterious world of the octopus. The octopus is an invertebrate with mind boggling skills like camouflage. They grow up alone and teach themselves how to survive. Montgomery had the amazing opportunity to get to know several octopuses up close and in person at the New England Aquarium. [Visit the website here.] 

Each octopus she encounters has a very different personality. How can this be? Aren’t they all the same? Do they have a soul? Montgomery thrills at receiving her first octopus hug and experiences despair when one escapes and dies. Over the course of her research, Montgomery is able to watch the life cycle of the octopus, and shares all the wonders with us. Filled with curiosity, Montgomery even takes up scuba diving. This book is filled with both engaging and heartfelt experiences that the author shares with the reader. And on a final note, using the bottom corner of the book as a flip-book is really cool. Try it, and you’ll see. 

The Bottom Line: The author becomes enamored with (of all things) octopuses as she does research on whether these intelligent creatures have a soul or not. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the author’s enthusiasm for all things octopus. She even learns to scuba dive in order to see these creatures in their natural habitat. At its heart, this is a book about obsession. This was an enjoyable read for a non-swimmer, and I learned a few things. Recommended with enthusiasm for individuals interested in animal intelligence, science, and oceans. Also, recommended for book clubs looking to discuss something different. 

Book Club Notes: I’ve wanted to pick a book in the 500s for a very long time. However, it had to be just the right book. Sy Montgomery’s writing style is approachable and interesting, and a book about an ocean creature seemed to be the ticket for this year. Still, I wasn’t sure how it was going to be received. Overall, we enjoyed this book. On a scale from 1 - 5, ratings ranged from 3 - 4.5; that’s an average of 3.847. We found the book to be scientific, but interesting. The author captured more feelings between humans and animals. Some of our members liked the second half of the book better because of the scuba diving references. In sum, this is a quick, easy read; we appreciated the pictures in color and the Fisherman’s Prayer. The author does include herself a whole lot in the book, so it’s a bit autobiographical. And on a final note, many of us will think twice before eating these intelligent creatures. 

To supplement the discussion, some of our members watched the following: Masterminds: Secrets of the Octopus and an author talk.

And here is a list of links to discussion questions for book clubs interested in tackling this scientific book: Author webpage, LitLovers, Dare County Library Book Club, Las Vegas Nonfiction Book Club, The Reading Bug, and BooKey. 

Details: The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery. Paperback published by ATRIA paperback in 2015. 272 p. ISBN: 978-1-4516-9772-8 

Author Chat: Cindy Angell Keeling

If you ever have the opportunity to chat with author Cindy Angell Keeling, she'll tell you about how serendipity played a role in writing her first novel. Indeed, a year or two before the pandemic, I somehow found myself at a conference for romance writers. Although intrigued, I felt somewhat out of my element as I'm more of a mystery writer. By lunchtime I was feeling a bit depleted when the lovely lady standing next to me in the lunch line struck up a conversation. By the end of lunch, I was feeling inspired and knew I had made wonderful new friend. 

Fast forward to now, Cindy is a published author! Cindy's debut novel, Dream City Dreaming, is a wonderful trip into historical fiction, and I loved the surprise twist ending. Recently, Cindy and I had the chance to reconnect. When I asked if she had any advice for those of us still dreaming about getting our novels published, she warmly agreed to share her experience. And so, in the following interview, here is a little bit about Cindy and her unique path to seeing her debut novel published.

1. Tell us about yourself.

I’ve always been a writer and an avid reader. As a young girl, I loved reading books like Little House on the Prairie, Little Women, and later, The Chronicles of Narnia, to name a few. And I was a big letter writer—something my adult children find hard to believe! I corresponded with friends from Girl Scout camp, exchanged “backwards” letters with my cousin—to be read in a mirror, and even had a pen pal in Holland. In college, I wrote to my parents on the back of old class schedules.

I received my first guitar when I was fourteen, and it wasn’t long before I began writing songs. That was my main expression of writing for years and years—until a little voice began whispering, Maybe you could write a book. My first response was Naaah. But eventually the little voice won out. That was the beginning of my author journey.

2. Tell us about your book.

DREAM CITY DREAMING features a young widow who brings her fourteen-year-old son to be mentored during the spectacular 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. While at the fair, she has an unexpected encounter which leads to seeking a broader vision of herself as a woman within the constraints of societal norms. Her son has his own adventures, and grapples with the balance between family expectations and pursuing his own dreams. Central to their lives is the enigmatic mentor who has dreams and aspirations of his own.

3. What inspired you to write this book?

I’d written my first manuscript and was doing some research for a new story idea. The Columbian Exposition kept popping up. Intrigued, I requested some books from the library and was so enthralled by this astounding event that I knew my next story had to be set at this world’s fair. Thus, began my journey of research and figuring out the story. It was definitely a labor of love, and there were many serendipities along the way.

4. Are you working on a second book? What is it about?

I do have a second book in the works. (Remember that first manuscript I mentioned?) I’m not quite ready to talk about it, but I will say that it is a historical that bounces between 2009 and WW2.

5. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

I do! 1.) Read books on writing craft. Two of my favs are Stein on Writing by Sol Stein, and Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell. 2.) Stories evolve. It may take several drafts to really get the story down, and a few more drafts to flesh it out and add details. That’s what takes it to the next level. (For the record, my published manuscript was my 12th draft.)  3.) I recommend not showing your first couple drafts to anyone, as it’s easy to be derailed by a well-intentioned comment. (Same goes for talking about it.) 4.) Take a break between drafts (3 - 6 weeks) and return to your project with fresh eyes. (It will continue to “cook” on its own.) 5.) Be open to serendipities. I love how “the universe” drops just the right detail or opportunity in your lap when you least expect it.

6. What do you enjoy besides writing?

Art museums, cooking and gardening, playing clawhammer banjo, cuddling my six backyard chickens, and spending quality time with my husband. And reading, of course!

7. What are you reading?

I just finished The House in the Cerulean Sea, and its sequel, Somewhere Beyond the Sea, by TJ Klune. Sweet, funny, and wise, with incredibly endearing characters.

8. What’s one fun fact about you?

I have an identical twin sister.

If you're looking to chat with Cindy, you may find her at one of the local presentations she does about the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. You can check out her website for more information. And don't forget to check out her book, Dream City Dreaming. It's like an enchanting trip back in time with an ending I didn't see coming. (I love that!)

Book Review: 'The Tea Party in the Woods' by Akiko Miyakoshi

✰✰✰✰ One morning a little girl noticed that her father forgot to take along a pie to Grandma’s house. Thinking she can catch up easily, Kikko offers to deliver it. As she follows her father’s footsteps in the newly fallen snow, she falls and crushes the box. She decides to pick herself up and keep going though. She follows her father to a house she’s never seen before. Not sure what to do, she peers inside and is met with a magical sight. Something special happens when she is invited inside. It is an afternoon that Kikko will never forget.

The Bottom Line: Beautifully illustrated in charcoal, pencil, and colored ink, this imaginative story has a dreamy, eerie, vintage quality to it due to the monochromatic palette. Additionally, the spotlights of color tied to the main character draw the reader's focus in. Fans of enchanting tales will enjoy reading this with their child ages 4 - 8.

Details: The Tea Party in the Woods written & illustrated by Akiko Miyakoshi. English translation published by Kids Can Press in 2015. Originally published as Mori no Oku no Ochakai e by Kaisei-Sha Publishing C. Ltd. in 2010. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-77138-107-9

Book Review: 'The Tree That's Meant To Be' written & illustrated by Yuval Zommer

✰✰✰✰✰ A little tree has high aspirations; however, the little tree worries that it’s not as tall or full as the others. As the seasons pass, the little tree accepts that it is different from the others. Then one day all the other trees are chosen to be taken home to become Christmas trees. Only the little tree is left behind. Feeling all alone, the forest animals know just what to do. The animals get to work, and the little tree discovers that it was never alone. With the help of friends, the little tree is transformed into something special. Check out this holiday treat to discover the magic of the season.

The Bottom Line: In this story of acceptance and learning to celebrate who you are, readers will connect with their own story and find their own way to shine. This large sized, beautifully illustrated book with captivating pictures in wintry hues is easy to read and relate to. Highly recommended for storytimes for kindergarten through grade 1 and for bedtime reading with your little one.

Details: The Tree That’s Meant To Be written & illustrated by Yuval Zommer. Hardcover picture book published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers in 2019. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-593-11967-9 

Book Review: 'Stumpkin' by Lucy Ruth Cummins

✰✰✰✰✰ A few days before Halloween, the pumpkins were waiting to be picked and taken home where they will be transformed into amazing jack-o'-lanterns. All the pumpkins were excited, except for Stumpkin. He was perfect in every way, but one. He was missing his stem. But what’s a stem when he had so many other great qualities to offer? One by one all the other pumpkins are picked until it’s only Stumpkin and the gourd. Who will get picked, and who will get left behind?

The Bottom Line: This darling seasonal book highlights the old adage that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Illustrated in traditional Halloween colors with gouache, pencil, ink, and brush marker, the sweet ending will have you seeing things in a new light. Highly recommended for storytimes for kids in grades Pre-K - 2.

Details: Stumpkin written & illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins. Picture book published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers in 2018. 56 p. ISBN: 978-1534413627

Book Review: 'How to Build a Haunted House' by Frank Tupta

✰✰✰✰ When a family of vampires becomes displaced, the other monsters pitch in to build them a new home. Time is of the essence because the new house must be ready before the sun comes up. Each monster brings a special skill to the project, and soon the house is almost complete. Almost, but not quite. With the sun just beginning to rise, they’ll need a favor from the witches. Will the vampire family be able to move in before the sun comes up or are they doomed? Check out this book from the library to read on.

The Bottom Line: This fun, seasonal book features singsongy rhymes that are fun to read aloud. As a story of teamwork to help others in need, this book encourages kids to be kind and helpful. With colorful, humorous, engaging illustrations created in digital media, this page-turner is sure to please kids ages 5 - 7.

Details: How to Build a Haunted House written by Frank Tupta & illustrated by Kyle Beckett. Picture book published by Two Lions in 2020. 40 p. ISBN: 978-1542005432 

Book Review: 'Veronica's Room: A Melodrama' by Ira Levin

✰✰✰✰✰ It’s 1973, and a young couple is enticed to visit a mansion. The young woman, Susan, is asked to play a simple role to ease the mind of a dying woman. All she has to do is pretend to be someone else for a few minutes, and there’s only one line to say. Susan is intrigued, but hesitant. Who is this Veronica that she would be pretending to be? Wanting to be helpful, Susan ignores the red flags and dresses up as Veronica. The resemblance is uncanny, and Susan is sure she can pull this off. However, the tables are turned when she finds herself locked inside Veronica’s bedroom. With everyone now insisting that it’s 1935 and that Susan is actually Veronica, Susan starts to question reality. Is she Susan, a student at BU? Or is she the insane Veronica, who needs to be kept locked up? The ending will shock you.

The Bottom Line: I was actually searching for a copy of The Stepford Wives, when I stumbled upon this gem. This slim volume is a real attention getter, and it will keep you guessing right up to the very end. With just a few characters, this play blurs the line between fantasy and madness. It actually gave me chills, and I would love to see this performed at the theatre. Highly recommended for fans of dramas, thrillers, horror, and mystery.

Details: Veronica’s Room: A Melodrama by Ira Levin Hardcover published by Random House in 1974. 87 p. ISBN: 0394491459 

Book Review: 'A Teeny Tiny Halloween' by Lauren Wohl

✰✰✰✰ The teeny tiny woman has a not so teeny tiny problem. Every Fall her teeny tiny house is buried in leaves; this year is no exception. With no way out, the teeny tiny woman tries to summon help. Unfortunately no one can hear her. What is she to do? Wait until Spring? Fortunately, the teeny tiny woman has a little plan up her sleeve. Will it be enough to help her get rescued in time for Halloween?

The Bottom Line: This book was written for storytelling. The size of the font lets the storyteller know how loud their voice should be, ranging from a whisper to shouting. Illustrations in a seasonal palette of oranges, browns, and golden yellows add to the Halloween fun. This “jump tale” is awesome seasonal reading for storytimes and other spooky read-aloud events.

Details: A Teeny Tiny Halloween written by Lauren L. Wohl & illustrated by Henry Cole. Picture book published by Persnickety Press in 2016. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1943978-02-1 

Book Review: 'Very Scary' by Tony Johnston

✰✰✰✰✰ The biggest pumpkin in a patch soaks up the moon, and shines bright. Shining so brightly, it gets a lot of attention from creatures of the night, and one witch, who wants to bake it. The pumpkin tries to look scary, but the witch isn’t buying it. Just as she reaches for it, some children swoop in and transform the pumpkin into a jack-o'-lantern. Will it be enough to scare the witch away? Turn the pages to find out.

The Bottom Line: Featuring festive watercolor illustrations on vellum paper, this seasonal tale is a fun read. In case you missed it, look closely, there are hidden faces, shadows, and hints on the pages, so go back and have a second read. Enthusiastically recommended reading with your little one aged 4 - 7.

Details: Very Scary written by Tony Johnston & illustrated by Douglas Florian. Picture book published by Harcourt Brace & Company in 1995. 32 p. ISBN: 0-15-298625-4

Book Review: 'Nomadland' by Jessica Bruder

✰✰✰✰½ Imagine suddenly finding yourself unemployed and houseless. Many Americans have found themselves in just this predicament and have turned to living the nomadic vanlife. Chasing seasonal jobs and warmer weather, this resilient group of people fly under the radar to eke out a living.

Being itinerant is not easy. One must constantly keep moving and figuring out how to get by with very little. What makes this story even more fascinating is the fact that many of these people are older adults. Instead of living out their retirement years in comfort, they are trying to stretch out their meager finances while living on the road. This is truly an interesting read that gets one thinking about their own future.

The Bottom Line: This book was both easy to read and fascinating. I quickly became invested in learning about the main characters' lives and wondering how they were doing. What struck me is that these are regular people just like me. Many have worked hard their entire lives. Yet, one stroke of bad luck can quickly change your future plans. I was surprised that this book was so engaging, and I appreciated how the author immersed herself in the nomadic community. Highly recommended reading for everyone. This would be great reading for college students as well.

Book Club Notes: So far, this title has been one of the group’s most favorite books since we began meeting in 2017. We respected that the author actually “lived the life” without being judgmental. This was a world outside our own experience filled with lots of obstacles and prejudice. It’s a solitary existence. Bruder obviously had done deep research on the topic. Additionally, she was able to get first-hand experiences from many of the people she met along the way. The personal experiences that were related were eye opening.

It was interesting to see how social media started playing a role in people’s lives during that time as well. How social media contributed to people communicating and helping each other out.

On a scale of 1 - 5, with 5 being the highest, the book garnered an average rating of 4.6 stars. Ratings ranged from 4 - 5. Sadly, several of the group did not have a chance to watch the movie. Those that did rated it much lower than the book; the movie came in with an average rating of 3.25. Ratings ranged from 3 - 3.5.

What’s really interesting about the movie is that several of the people from the book played themselves. It was really cool “meeting” those people on the big screen. For further reading, check out these articles from Fodor's Travel and Time Magazine.

Book discussion questions can be found at Norton and PBS. Also, check out the insights & questions from Blanche's Book Club.

Details: Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-first Century by Jessica Bruder. Paperback published by W. W. Norton & Company in 2017. 288 p. ISBN: 978-0-393-35631-1 

Book Review: 'The Lost City of Z' by David Grann

✰✰✰½ When legendary explorer Percy Harrison Fawcett set out to find the mythical City of Z, it seemed the whole world was following his progress. When he didn’t check in as planned, the mystery behind the man and his trek became an obsession for many. To this day, people wonder exactly what happened to the man and his son, who were never heard from again. Read along as the author explores the man behind the mystery and takes his own trek into the deadly wilderness to get a first-hand look at what may have happened a century ago.

The Bottom Line: This book reads like a double adventure. First there is the mystery behind what happened to legendary explorer Percy Harrison Fawcett. Then there is the author’s own trek into the Amazon. Since this is probably the closest I’ll ever get to the Amazon, I was fascinated to learn about the local landscape as the author made his way into the jungle. Intriguing black and white photos are included, but I would have appreciated more. Chock full of interesting details, this book is a dense read, so set aside ample time to enjoy it. If reading books about adventures, thrills, and travel into uncharted territories appeals to you, then this is just the book for you.

Book Club Notes: Oh, the discussion for this one was fascinating and lively. Our group enjoyed the tenacious spirit of the explorer as well as the scope of the book and the story itself. It read like a journey, but we agreed the title was a bit deceptive. Perhaps a better title might have been something like “Fawcett’s Obsession.” We learned a lot about the Amazon and enjoyed the in-depth description of the characters. We also discussed how the author mirrored Fawcett’s obsession.

On a scale of 1 - 5, with 5 being the highest, ratings for the book ranged from 3 - 4.25 and garnered an average rating of 3.4. What brought the ratings down? Mostly it was the ending, or shall I say, the lack of one. Quite honestly, the book fizzled out, and several of us felt let down. It was so anticlimactic. Another problem was the writing style, which did a lot of time jumping and could be confusing to some readers.

Overall, the movie was enjoyable and entertaining, but could also be misleading. While the author was a main character of the book, there is not mention of him in the movie. The movie is based solely on the subject of Fawcett and his explorations. The movie also includes several scenes which are purely fiction. The omission of Jack Fawcett's friend, Raleigh Rimmell, from the final trek was an interesting choice, and the ending of the movie is open to interpretation.

Ratings for the movie ranged from 2 - 3, with an average of 2.8. I think this is one of the lowest ratings we’ve had for a movie.

If you enjoy books about obsession and exotic landscapes, check this out. It’s perfect for armchair travelers (like our group), who don’t like hot weather or bugs or fish with teeth.

Book discussion questions are available at LitLovers, Penguin Random House, and BookRags.

Details: The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon by David Grann. Paperback published by Vintage Departures in 2010. 352 P. ISBN: 978-1-4000-7845-5 

Book Review: 'Snow Bunny's Christmas Wish' by Rebecca Harry

✰✰✰✰✰ A wee little snow bunny is happy in the forest, but longs for just one thing, a friend. With Christmas on the way, she writes a letter to Santa asking for one. Alas, she misses the post and decides the deliver the letter to Santa herself. After all, it's not that far away, and all she has to do is follow the North Star. Just in case, she packs some essentials for the trek. Along the way she gives away her supplies to animals that need them. When she finally reaches the North Pole, she is cold and hungry. Santa invites her to deliver Christmas gifts with him. When the little bunny asks about her request, Santa surprises her with the best gift of all. Check out this wonderful, classic tale of kindness and friendship to find out what it is.

The Bottom Line: This sweet story of a little bunny wishing for a friend is a keeper. In the spirit of the season, the wee bunny discovers how her actions of kindness are returned. Highly recommended seasonal reading with little ones in Pre-K - K. Harry's wintry color palette is enhanced by thoughtfully placed silver foil throughout, resulting in dreamy illustrations.

Details: Snow Bunny's Christmas Wish written & illustrated by Rebecca Harry. Hardcover picture book published by Orchard Books in 2013. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-545-54103-9 

Book Review: 'My Penguin Osbert' by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

✰✰✰✰ Every year little Joe asks Santa for a present, and every year Santa gets it just a little bit wrong. Technically, Santa delivered what Joe asked for, but it seems like there's some miscommunication. This year Joe is very, very specific when it comes to asking for a present. There's no way Santa can make a mistake, and he doesn't. Santa delivers a real penguin exactly as requested, but things aren't always what they seem. Joe quickly learns that having a penguin isn't what he expected. A real penguin has special needs, and since Joe had asked for Osbert and now had him, he had to take care of him properly. Soon Joe is wondering if perhaps this wasn't quite what he thought it would be and asks Santa for a possible swap. Santa's solution will surprise you as you read this clever story.

The Bottom Line: In this classic, be-careful-what-you-wish-for type story, Kimmel weaves a gentle tale of 'buyer's remorse.' Most of us can relate as we have been there and learned our lesson. This is a wonderful book to read with your little one ages 4 - 7 as they put in their own request to Santa. Magically illustrated in wonderfully soft watercolors and pastels that practically glow, this seasonal picture book will be read over and over again.

Details: My Penguin Osbert written by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel & illustrated by H. B. Lewis. Hardcover picture book published by Candlewick Press in 2004. 40 p. ISBN: 978-0-763616991 

Book Review: 'The Bear and the Star' by Lola M. Schaefer

✰✰✰✰½ On an early December morning, Bear wakes to find a star. This isn’t just any star; it’s larger than any before it. Bear knows it is time and searches for a tree, not just any tree. Bear needs to find a sturdy tree, taller than any before. At last Bear finds a majestic evergreen, and he begins to roar. Bear summons the birds and the other animals. Bear roars so loud, people come to the tree too. As people and animals gather around, they too know it is time. Time for everyone to come together in harmony.

The Bottom Line: This gentle tale about the spirit of the season and community is beautifully illustrated in oils with a seasonal palette. Perfect for bedtime storytime with little ones ages 3 - 7.

Details: The Bear and the Star written by Lola M. Schaefer & illustrated by Bethanne Anderson. Hardcover picture book published by Greenwillow Books in 2019. 40 p. ISBN: 978-0-06-266037-4

Book Review: 'I Got the Christmas Spirit' by Connie Schofield-Morrison

✰✰✰✰✰ A young African American girl is full of holiday spirit. She’s been waiting all year to sparkle, shine, and sing her way through the season. When she finds a family in need, she looks for a way to shine even brighter and help people along the way. Join in as she sings, skates, and jingles her way through the festive, wintry city.

The Bottom Line: This sweet tale of finding the holiday spirit is sure to inspire anyone who is searching for theirs. Cheerful art with rich colors created with oil on canvas brings this story to life. Enthusiastically recommended holiday reading with your little one ages 4 - 7.

Details: I Got the Christmas Spirit written by Connie Schofield-Morrison & illustrated by Frank Morrison. Hardcover picture book published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books in 2018. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-68119-528-5 

Book Review: 'Wise Gals' by Nathalia Holt

✰✰✰✰ After World War II, America sought to form a new organization tasked with helping to keep the country safe. This new organization would gather foreign intelligence and analyze it. Today we know this organization as the Central Intelligence Agency, but how did it get started? And who were the people who were instrumental in developing the tools and skills of the world of espionage? It turns out that among the many men recruited to form this organization, there was also a small group of women who played a pivotal role as well. This is a story of five women whose wit, wisdom, and bravery paved the way for future female agents to come. Known as the ‘wise gals’ for their sense of humor and intelligence, these women will go down in history as smart, brave, and inspirational.

The Bottom Line: This is a fascinating looking into a little-known part of American history. The stories of these amazing women are fascinating and engaging. However, be prepared to time jump as the writing is a bit disorganized. Additionally, there are so many names mentioned that a “cast of characters” may have been helpful. Recommended for history buffs and those interested in espionage and women’s history. 

Book Club Notes: This was our first meeting of 2025. We were excited to read about a part of history that we knew very little about. Thoughts about this book were mixed. At times the timeline seemed to have gaps, and members commented that there were so many characters that it was difficult at times to keep all the names straight. This issue became even more pronounced as the evening progressed. Overall, we found the book to be interesting and filled with information we did not know. The content was good, and the writing style was readable. This book helped us understand history better, and we appreciated the stories of the “gals” and their bravery. 

Some members loved the book; others…not so much, citing that the author jumped around and the text lacked organization. Due to the structural issues with the book, ratings ranged from a low of 3 to a high of 5 for an average of 3.9 stars (on a scale of 1 - 5). 

Book Clubs can find a reading guide at Penguin Random House or a book club kit at Issuu. 

Details: Wise Gals: The Spies Who Built the CIA and Changed the Future of Espionage by Nathalia Holt. Hardcover published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons in 2022. 400 p. ISBN: 978-0-593-32848-4

Book Review: 'The Bookseller of Kabul' by Åsne Seierstad

✰✰✰ Sultan Khan has done well for himself as a bookseller in Afghanistan. He’s faced some tough times under Taliban rule and even spent time in prison. However, now he’s done well enough that he can take on a second wife and family. In the meantime, the life of the rest of the Khan family revolves around the whims of Sultan. Those decisions are in turn based on what’s best for the book selling business. Not even Sultan’s mother is exempt. Author Åsne Seierstad spent time living with and observing the family for months to provide a firsthand account of life behind the scenes in Afghanistan.

The Bottom Line: This book is a challenging read due to the difficult topic of women’s issues. While it is a story of a bookseller, it is also a story about a family and how the women are treated by the patriarch. At times this is a heartwrenching read. Suggested reading for those in college and those interested in women’s rights. This book serves as a good reminder of how far we have come, but also as a reminder of how much more needs to be done.

Book Club Notes: This book brought up very strong feelings in our group. On a scale of 1 - 5, with 5 being the highest, the ratings for this book ranged between 2 - 4, with an average of 3.25. This was a difficult topic to read about. One of our members described it as a “brutal” read. There was concern for the treatment of some of the characters in this distant culture. While we understand that Afghanistan is very different culturally and some of the behavior is based on culture, the actions of “Sultan” were upsetting to some. Members would have liked some more information included on the history of the Taliban, as well as maps of the region, and some photos for reference. Also, it seemed to us that the story of the family ended rather abruptly. We did supplement our discussion with articles about current events; however, there is very little information about the family. Recommended for groups looking to tackle tough topics.

Details: The Bookseller of Kabul by Åsne Seierstad   Paperback published by Back Bay Books in 2004. 288 p. ISBN: 978-0316159418

Book Review: 'The Professor and the Madman' by Simon Winchester

✰✰✰½ This slim book is the tale of a scholar, a brilliant mental patient, and the ultimate English dictionary. Author Simon Winchester expertly weaves together the stories of all three to illustrate how events (some tragic) aligned just perfectly to result in the making of The Oxford English Dictionary. Although the language and the dictionary are always changing, this mammoth undertaking was accomplished without the help of the computers or technology we have available at our fingertips today. Additionally, the number of volunteer readers and the little slips of paper they created is truly astonishing. Even more astonishing is the fact that one of the most prolific readers was a mentally ill surgeon, who lived in an asylum at the time. This fascinating look at history, language, collaboration, and mental illness is a real page turner.

The Bottom Line: This engaging nonfiction book is a quick read for those interested in lexicography, especially The Oxford English Dictionary. Back in the day this was the go-to set for scholars, and for some of us, the OED is just an interesting read. (Don't laugh until you try it.) Winchester takes us on an intriguing journey to uncover what happened behind the scenes during the compiling of multiple volumes over 7 decades.  Enthusiastically recommended for readers interested in language, academia, mental health, and word history.

Book Club Notes: This was our first meeting of the year, and it was well attended. The book was well received too. I was able to bring the entire set of The Oxford English Dictionary to our meeting for people to pick up, handle, and look through. For some, it was the first time holding a volume of the OED! We had fun looking up words, including "elephant" which is mentioned in Winchester’s book. Overall, we very much enjoyed this book. It provided good insight into the making of the OED and life during the late 1800s. Winchester included lots of written detail, but we would have liked to see more photos included. We agreed there is a wealth of knowledge in this small book. We enjoyed learning about history and words. One drawback was the lack of an index.

The movie was well received too. Actors Sean Penn and Mel Gibson did an amazing job. However, we noted the introduction of a romantic theme between two characters that may or many not have occurred (probably not). That being said, this was one of the few times the movie rated (slightly) higher than the book. On a scale of 1 - 5, with 5 being the highest, we rated the movie a 4.1. Ratings for the book ranged from 3.5 - 4.5, with an average of 3.6. Participants were interested in reading the author’s other titles as well.

Looking for discussion questions? Check out ReadingGroupGuides to start.

And as a note of interest, I took the time to fold a “quire” (or my interpretation of one) as quires are mentioned in the book. It’s an interesting activity. Here are several links about making a either a traditional quire or a small book like the one I made: University of Nottingham, Dartmouth, and BlueSofaMedia. (I used the last one.)

Details: The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester. Hardcover published by HarperCollins Publishers in 1998. 242 p. ISBN: 0-06-017596-6 

Book Review: 'Happy St. Patrick's Day From the Crayons' by Drew Daywalt

✰✰✰ It’s St. Patrick’s Day, and Green Crayon is away. What are the other crayons supposed to do? After all, the color green is essential for the day. The other crayons decide to make the best of it as they combine colors and learn to shine in their own light. And just when they finish coloring, who should decide to return? Check out this festive, little book to find out.

The Bottom Line: With adorable drawings in gouache, ink, colored pencil, and crayon, it actually looks like this cute book was illustrated by the crayons. Kids will learn a little bit about blending colors to make others, and how to do their best to shine. [Note: There may be some questions about using black for the rainbow though. Perhaps, the author & illustrator had the CMYK perspective in mind, where all the colors make black? It’s important to note, in nature all the colors together make white light.] Nevertheless, little ones learning their colors may enjoy this seasonal read about teamwork.

Details: Happy St. Patrick’s Day From the Crayons written by Drew Daywalt & illustrated by Oliver Jeffers. Picture book published by Philomel in 2024. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-593-62433-3