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: '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 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: 'Trick or Treat on Scary Street' by Lance Bass

✰✰✰✰½ It’s Halloween, and like a carnival barker, one little trick-or-treater entices the others to follow him down Scary Street. It’s dark and spooky, but oh so intriguing. What will they find? Enter a gingerbread house or haunted mansion, if you dare. One by one they dwindle down from a group of thirteen to a lone trick-or-treater. What’s in store for him at the end of Scary Street? The answer will surprise you!

The Bottom Line: I absolutely adore Garrigue’s dark, spooky, atmospheric illustrations in purples, blacks, yellows, and oranges. Written with rhymes, kids will find it easy to follow along. This spooktakular treat is highly recommended seasonal reading for kids ages ages 5 - 9 who enjoy picture books with spookier, darker images.

Details: Trick or Treat on Scary Street written by Lance Bass & illustrated by Roland Garrigue. Picture book published by Union Square Kids in 2024. 40 p. ISBN: 978-1454952176

Book Review: 'Old Haunts' by E. J. Copperman

✰✰✰✰½ Alison Kerby, the proprietor of a haunted Jersey Shore guesthouse, has her hands full with renovations while hosting guests at the same time, not to mention raising her daughter. She just barely has it all under control. What she doesn't anticipate is that things are about to get a lot more interesting when ‘The Swine’ (that's Alison’s ex-husband) suddenly shows up and books a room.

While her daughter is thrilled, Alison has reservations. However, it seems that Alison is not the only one dealing with memories from the past. Both resident ghosts, Maxie and Paul, are haunted by memories of their own exes. Maxie longs to know what happened to her murdered biker, and Paul just wants to know that his ex is doing okay.

Alison agrees find some answers to keep her ghosts happy; after all they have a daily haunting to put on for guests. In doing so, Alison finds herself in a heap of trouble. Between renovating, sleuthing, and raising her daughter, Alison must somehow tactfully keep The Swine at bay.

The Bottom Line: The third installment of The Haunted Guesthouse Mysteries filled me with laughter as I can easily relate to having problems with an ex-spouse. Copperman’s writing style is engaging and fun to read; I look forward to reading more installments in this series. This is the perfect beach read in the summer or cozy up to the fireplace on a cold winter evening with this entertaining mystery. Wholeheartedly recommended for fans of cozy mysteries, paranormal mysteries, and anyone who has ever had to deal with a narcissistic ex. 

Details: Old Haunts (A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery) by E. J. Copperman. Paperback published by Berkley in 2012. 304 p. ISBN: 978-0-425-24620-7

Book Review: 'The Vanishing Pumpkin' by Tony Johnston

✰✰✰✰½ Johnston and dePaola team up again to bring readers this delightful tale of a 700-year-old woman and an 800-year-old man who just want to make a pumpkin pie on Halloween. Lo and behold, their pumpkin is missing. This just won’t do, so the old couple set off to look for it. Join them as they question a ghoul, a rapscallion, a varmint, and an old wizard. Each has motives to steal the prized pumpkin, but who really did it? This book will keep you turning the pages with a surprise ending.

The Bottom Line: While searching the shelves for new Halloween books to review, I came across this blast from the past. Perfect seasonal reading for kids in grades 1 - 3, this picture book probably has more words in it that kids are used to today, so be prepared to read-along. Illustrated in dePaola’s signature style, this book is enthusiastically recommended.

Details: The Vanishing Pumpkin written by Tony Johnston & pictures by Tomie dePaola. Hardcover picture book published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons in 1983. 30 p. ISBN: 0-399-20991-3 

Book Review: 'Ralph Masiello's Halloween Drawing Book' by Ralph Masiello

✰✰✰✰½ Kids and adults who have a fascination with Halloween will relish this spooky instructional book on how to draw all things Halloween. Just grab a sheet of white paper or a sketchbook along with a pencil or pen and you're all set to go. Choose from the usual seasonal offerings like pumpkins, bats, and ghosts or for an extra challenge take a stab at owls, ravens and skeletons. There's many more projects to choose from too. [Note: I'm partial to the haunted mansion myself ;)]

The Bottom Line: Kids and adults alike will be inspired. With step-by step drawings so that you can follow along at your own pace, this book is sure to be a seasonal treat for those who love to draw all things Halloween. The lessons start out easy and get progressively more difficult as you turn the pages. Each subject includes a beautiful, mixed media full color finished example. The only thing that would have made it better is a few more tips on how to add color, but this is first and foremost a book about drawing. If you enjoyed this one, check out one of the others as this is just one of many books in the Ralph Masiello's Drawing Book Series which includes topics like dinosaurs, dragons, and bugs. Enthusiastically recommended for artists of all ages who enjoy drawing seasonal, spooky pictures.

Details: Ralph Masiello's Halloween Drawing Book: Simple Steps Make Anyone an Artist written & illustrated by Ralph Masiello. Hardcover picture book published by Charlesbridge in 2012. 32 p.  ISBN: 978-1-57091-541-3 

Book Review: 'Psychic Protection' by William Bloom

✰✰✰✰½ Have you ever been told you're too sensitive? Are you an empath who struggles with being in crowded places? Do certain people drain your energy? Can you 'sense' the energy in a place? If so, you may want to check out this classic book on how to protect yourself in those situations and more. This book gives you the basic information to understand more about energy, both your own and those from other sources. It also provides the reader with strategies on how to protect, cleanse, and bless people and places to achieve happiness and calm. 

The Bottom Line: This classic book is highly recommended for those searching to learn more about energy and how to positively influence energies in people and places. If you are 'sensitive' to energy and want to learn how to manage it better, there are many helpful tips in this book. The practical ideas presented here may help you navigate through life's challenging events like dealing with difficult co-workers or going to meetings. While the presentation and language of the book is a bit dated, the information contained within is thoughtful and current. It includes an index and resources. However, it would be best to check the author's website before relying on the resources in the book.

Details: Psychic Protection: Creating Positive Energies for People and Places by William Bloom. Paperback published by Simon & Schuster (A Fireside Book) in 1997. 176 p. ISBN: 0-684-83519-3 

Book Review: 'Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!' by Mo Willems

✰✰✰✰½ Pigeon is back, and it wants to drive Santa’s sleigh. Santa is aware of Pigeon’s reputation and asks you personally to keep an eye on his sleigh. It’s not going to be easy. You see, Pigeon can be sassy, sweet, and very convincing. Can you tell Pigeon no? Or will you give in and let Pigeon drive the sleigh?

The Bottom Line: Besides being a children’s book author, Mo is an animator and voice actor who has won many awards including 3 Caldecott Medals! This is the 9th book in the Pigeon series. The beauty of this picture book is in the simplicity of the illustrations and the sparse words in a large font. Told with humor and good fun, this short tale is highly recommended seasonal reading for beginning readers ages 4 - 7.

Details: Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh! Words & pictures by Mo Willems. Hardcover picture book published by Unions Square Kids in 2023. 40 p. ISBN: 978-1-4549-5277-0 

Book Review: 'The Twelve Cats of Christmas' by Feather Flores

✰✰✰✰½ In the vein of The Twelve Days of Christmas, this picture book features twelve cats. Little ones can read with their favorite adult or follow along with the included player because this is a book that talks. Following the easy directions, just turn it on, press play, and read along as twelve cats get into some holiday mischief. From batting bows to shredding paper to helping Santa, these cats know how to have fun. Along the way, little ones will learn to count up to twelve and down again. 

The Bottom Line: Vox Books are great when your child wants to read a favorite book over and over again. The pace was just right for kids to follow along, and you can always pause it or go back a page or two. Colorful and festive illustrations in mixed media added humor to the story. My favorite part was the last four pages where readers have the opportunity to meet the twelve cats and read about their likes and dislikes. This fun holiday treat is recommended for kids just learning to read. 

Details: The Twelve Cats of Christmas (Vox Books Books that Talk!) written by Feather Flores & illustrated by Carrie Liao. Hardcover picture book published by Chronicle Books in 2022. 48 p. ISBN: 978-1-4521-8461-6 

Book Review: 'Trejo' by Danny Trejo

✰✰✰✰½ Danny Trejo is a very recognizable man both on screen and off, but his own story is the stuff movies are made of. In this autobiography, Danny shares stories of growing up, surviving prison time, overcoming addiction, and landing roles in movies. He's led a very busy life and is still going strong. From a life of crime to leading man, Trejo's story is motivating and engaging. 

The Bottom Line: This was a quick weekend read. Although not for sensitive readers, I appreciated the author's candidness. Trejo's ability to turn his life around is inspiring. He has faced plenty of adversity, and besides reaching fame, he has reached out and helped many along the way. This autobiography is an interesting read; enthusiastically recommended for anyone who enjoys books about celebrity life.

Book Club Notes: Our group rating averaged around 4.5 on a scale of 1 - 5. This book was readable and engaging. The author tells it like it is and isn't shy. Highly recommended for groups that enjoy celebrity autobiographies. We also took a look at Danny's cookbook, Trejo's Tacos. He's a very busy man, who has ended up doing great work in the area of addiction and recovery. 

At the time of our discussion, there weren't any discussion questions available online. Thus, as the facilitator, I created a list of questions which are available below. You are free to use these questions for your personal use, but please credit this site. Thank you!

Discussion Questions: 

Did you know anything about this person prior to reading this book? 

Family:
Discuss Danny’s relationship with his father? How did his father treat others?

Discuss the family secret. How did that affect his relationships with his parents? And how did the secret affect the way Danny thought of women in his own relationships. 

Was his family a good influence on Danny? Or bad? What was the family legacy?

Danny talks about a culture of destructive machismo. What did it mean to be a Trejo man?

 
Why was Trejo a disappointment to his father?

 
How did the birth of Danny Boy change his life?

 

How does Danny Boy moving to live with his mother affect Danny?

 

What impact did it have on Danny Boy? Did it give him opportunities his siblings didn’t have?

What kind of a father was Trejo to his own children? 

How did his father’s death affect his relationship with his mother?

 
Prison Life:
Discuss Danny’s time in prison. How did he survive?

Talk about fighting fires. How did it make them feel? 

Danny describes San Quentin as the most Right Now place on Earth.

What does he mean by that?

How did boxing benefit Danny? 

Discuss the two types of people in prison: predator & prey. 

How had the world changed while he was in prison?

When he got out, his own parents didn’t want him at home. How did that make him feel? Was he going to be able to handle the outside world? Had too much changed?

Discuss the first time he robbed a store?

How did movies help Danny in prison?

Women:
Discuss his relationship with his wives/partners.

What was his relationship with women/girls like as a child?

How did Danny view marriage? 

Discuss “one in the house, one in the street.” 

How did he finally lose everything to Debbie Shreve? 

How did his daughter Danielle make Danny rethink how he thought about and spoke to women?

Faith:
How did faith help Trejo overcome his addiction? He writes on p. 57, “Faith shoves fear out of the room. There’s no room for fear if you fill your soul with faith.”

Discuss his first attempt at morning prayer/meditation: Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah.

Discuss forgiveness. Danny talks about the magic of forgiveness. What makes forgiveness so profound? How does one start?

Addiction:
Discuss trying drugs for the first time. How did Uncle Gilbert influence him? Was Danny influenced by genetics or environment?

 

Discuss the turning point for Danny. What made him want to get sober and stay sober?

Discuss his work in rehabilitation.

Danny writes that the one thing people are surprised about when it comes to recovery is the laughter. How is laughter a great healer? 

Discuss Danny’s work in the field of treatment and recovery. How did it change him? 

Danny writes that he was able to get more done than the average therapist or social worker. Why is that? 

Celebrity:
Discuss his start in movies?

How did he learn to act?

What roles did he play?

Do you think for some of the roles he was hired as an actor? Or as an ex-convict?

What influence has he had in the industry? What influence has he had with Latino actors?

Discuss Machete. How did that film/role affect his celebrity status in children? How did he handle that responsibility?

What do superhero or fantasy movies give the audience? (Hope & strength)

Has Danny been a positive influence overall?

General Questions:
Did your opinions change after reading the book?

Let’s talk about the writing style and language of the book, in particular, the use of profanity.

What are the book’s strengths & weaknesses? 

How thought-provoking did you find this book?

What was the main theme of this book? 

Did you learn anything new from the author? Please share.

Was there a specific story that stood out for you? Or a quote? Something memorable? Impactful? Shocking? Or surprising? 

 

What are some of the social implications of the book? How does it challenge or support your beliefs? 

How did Trejo portray the other people in his life in this book? Who influenced him the most? How did women influence him (childhood, relationships, daughter)?

 

Discuss some of Danny’s poor choices? What were some of his good choices?

 

How did Trejo discuss his relationship with his parents? And how did this change over time?

 

Did this story make you reflect on your own life & experiences at all? How so?

 

Is Trejo a reliable narrator of his own history? 

Discuss the photos included in the book.

Why do you think the author was motivated to share his life story? What was his goal?  Do you think the author was trying to elicit a certain response? Has the book changed how you view the author?

Were there any instances in which you felt the author was not being truthful? Why? How did you react to these sections?

What is the author’s most admirable quality? Is this someone you would want to know?

How does this book compare to other memoirs you have read?

Is there anything you like or dislike about the book that we haven’t discussed yet? 

Trejo talks about the 1950s, 60s, & 70s. What are your thoughts about life during those decades? 

What was the most challenging or difficult part of this book to read. How did you overcome it?

Would this make a good movie? Who would you cast?

If you could ask Danny one question, what would it be?

Danny drops many celebrity names, what did you think about including other celebrities?

How much do you think Donal Logue contributed to this project? 

Ratings 1 - 5. Why did you like this book or not? Would you recommend it to someone? 

NOTE: This list of questions was created by Nana Herron for MiniBookBytes Book Reviews and is available for personal use only. As a courtesy, please credit this site. Thank you! 

Details: Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood by Danny Trejo with Donal Logue. Paperback published by Atria in 2021. 288 p. ISBN: 978-1982150839

Book Review: 'The Four Questions' illustrated by Ori Sherman

✰✰✰✰½ When families gather together to celebrate the Passover holiday, the Four Questions are asked at the beginning of the Seder. In this picture book, the Four Questions are illustrated in stunning beauty with bright bold colors. What’s more, when you turn this book upside down, you will see split frame images with Hebrew calligraphy on the same page. What a wonderful way to uncover the answers to the Four Questions. Filled with symbols, rituals, and insight into the holiday, both the young and the young at heart will treasure this gem.

The Bottom Line: This beautifully illustrated, bilingual book is both engaging and informative. Kids will love the colorful illustrations of animals. Also included is a page listing the Order of the Passover Seder and a page of history. The only thing I would have added is a glossary. Highly recommended holiday reading. [Originally published in 1989 by Dial Books.]

Details: The Four Questions illustrations by Ori Sherman & text by Lynne Sharon Schwartz. Picture book published by LQ (Levine Querido) in 2021. 40 p. ISBN: 978-1-64614-036-7 

Book Review: 'Spare Parts' by Joshua Davis

✰✰✰✰½ Four teenagers, who live with the constant threat of deportation, two dedicated teachers, and one simple, underwater robot come together in this inspiring story of street smarts, ingenuity, courage, teamwork, and unlikely friendship. These kids didn’t have a choice in coming to America; their parents brought them in the hopes of living a better life. As they grew up, these kids identify as American and remember very little about their lives in Mexico, and yet America isn’t eager to claim them.

Faced with stereotypes and misperceptions about immigrants, these four teens beat the odds and outperformed some of the most privileged students in the country to win a prestigious robotics competition. More importantly, these teens garnered respect from their peers and brought national attention to the plight of many children who were brought to this country illegally by their parents. This is their story, one of hope and struggle.

The Bottom Line: This inspiring tale makes discussing tough topics like immigration approachable. Written in short chapters, this is a quick read. The author makes the topics of technology and robotics easily understandable. Highly recommended reading for students in and teachers of high school and college. Also of interest to those in politics, science, and technology.

Book Club Notes: This book turned out to be a surprise hit with our group. It was written in approachable language, and chapters were small. The book created an open dialogue for a respectful discussion about some hot topics like immigration. We noted that there are many layers to the immigration dilemma. For example, should children who are brought to the U.S. illegally be treated the same as the adults who made the decision for them? Although we did not have any solutions to current immigration issues, we are more aware of the situation and able to converse about it. Although this book was published ten years ago, it remains current today.

Many in our group were naturally drawn to the story of Oscar Vazquez. Thank you, Oscar, for your service to America.

The movie was enjoyable for entertainment purposes. While the movie did a good job of maintaining the themes of the book, it did take certain creative liberties. We discussed the differences in the movie ending versus the book. Overall, on a scale of 1 - 5, with 5 being the highest, the book rated 4.6 and the movie 4.5! Highly recommended for everyone.

Discussion questions are readily available online at Reading Group Guides, Teach with Movies, and the Kansas State University faculty guide. 

Details: Spare Parts: Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and the Battle for the American Dream by Joshua Davis. Paperback published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux in 2014. 224 p. ISBN: 978-0-374-53498-1 

Book Review: 'The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story' by Diane Ackerman

✰✰✰✰½ Antonina Zabinski loved living and working at the Warsaw Zoo. Described as a housewife, a mother, and a zookeeper, Antonina's magical life in the Warsaw Zoo was everything she dreamed of until the Germans invaded Poland in 1939.

As fear descended upon Poland, Antonina’s husband, Jan, couldn’t let people or animals suffer and wanted to help as many Jews as possible. Together, the couple devised a plan using the zoo as camouflage to hide people. 

Overseeing daily life at the zoo was Antonina’s job. A woman of opposites: empathy and bravery, innocence and fierce protector, Antonina kept their Guests hidden and safe. She never revealed her fears or made anyone feel unworthy. Remarkably courageous and dedicated, Antonina wove a web of lies and managed to keep everyone fed.

As they confronted many challenges along the way, the Zabinskis were a bright light in the darkness of war.

The Bottom Line: What makes this book different from some other books about the Holocaust is the focus on compassion and self-sacrifice. The Zabinski family were in a special position to help others despite the personal risks involved. 

As a naturalist, author Diane Ackerman brings an unique perspective to her writing, which helps her convey relationships between organisms and their environment. Besides telling the story of the Zabinski family and their heroic actions, this book also includes the stories about other historical figures during that time.

Highly recommended as significant reading for those interested in understanding history, war, human behavior, and animal behavior.

Book Club Notes: Overall our group enjoyed the book far more than the movie. Although the movie was cast well, there was too much fiction added to a story that is already suspenseful and heroic. As far as ratings go, on a scale of 1 - 5, the book garnered an average of 4.75, while the movie barely averaged 3. Recommended for book clubs interested in history, biography, World War II, and inspiration. As a bonus, discussion questions are plentiful online.

Details: The Zookeeper’s Wife: A War Story by Diane Ackerman. Paperback published by W. W. Norton & Company in 2007. 368 p. ISBN: 978-0-393-33306-0 

Book Review: 'The Ninth Night' by Erica S. Perl

✰✰✰✰½ When a moving company temporarily misplaces a box of treasured holiday items, a family makes the best of it. Without their family menorah, Hanukkah candles, latkes, gelt, and wrapping paper, the eight days of Hanukkah are nice, but yet don’t quite feel like Hanukkah. Nevertheless, new neighbors help out the best they can by sharing birthday candles and french fries. Inspired by the helper candle, the shamash, the family decides to thank their new friends and neighbors on the ninth day with a special celebration.

The Bottom Line: This clever story of friendship and sharing invites the reader to start a new tradition after reading this picture book. Kober’s humorous illustrations are engaging and fun. Highly recommended holiday reading for storytime for kids ages 4 -8.

Details: The Ninth Night of Hanukkah written by Erica S. Perl & illustrated by Shahar Kober. Picture book published by Sterling Children’s Books in 2020. 40 p. ISBN: 978-1-4549-4088-3

Book Review: 'The Right Stuff' by Tom Wolfe

✰✰✰✰½ What is it that astronauts possess that makes them want to put their push their bodies to the limit and put their lives at risk? Is it courage? Bravery? A sense of adventure? Or is it patriotism? Author Tom Wolfe takes a look at this topic as he explores just what it was that the original astronauts had that set them apart from everyone else.

The Bottom Line: Although lengthy and detailed, this book gives the reader a look back in time when the American space program was young. With the technology we have today, it's easy to forget how different things were at that time. Recommended for readers interested in aviation, space, and biography.

Book Club Notes: This was a spirited discussion about what exactly the right stuff is. It's definitely up for debate considering the astronauts were so different from one another. It turns out that the right stuff is a combination of many things. As contemporary readers, our group found that the language and style of this book were somewhat dated. However, if you are able to use your imagination to transport yourself back to that era, then the style is more readable. On a scale of 1 - 5, the book received an average of 4.5, while the movie garnered a 4. Recommended for book clubs interested in science, space travel, American history, and aviation.

Discussion questions can be found at Teach with Movies and the Chicago Public Library.     .

Details: The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe. Paperback published by Picador, Second Edition, Revised in 2008. 352 p. ISBN: 978-0-312-42756-6 

Book Review: 'Murder in the Mystery Suite' by Ellery Adams

✰✰✰✰½ Jane Steward is a single mom of twins trying to save her family's literary themed resort, Storyton Hall, from financial disaster. As she learns the ropes of running the fabled resort from her Aunt and Uncle, she's inspired to host a Murder and Mayhem Week for fans of mysteries. Chock full of role-playing and crime solving events, the event is sure to attract mystery lovers from afar. All is fun and games until the lines between fiction and reality become blurred. With a real crime or two to solve in addition to keeping guests happy, Jane quickly realizes there's more to the hospitality business than just booking guest rooms.

The Bottom Line: This is the first book in the Book Retreat Mystery series. It was recommended to me by a fellow mystery buff, and I'm glad she did. With a quick pace, likable characters, and a literary theme, this cozy mystery is an action-packed weekend read with a surprise twist ending that I didn't see coming. Enthusiastically recommended for fans of cozies and literary themed books. I'm looking forward to book #2. 

Details: Murder in the Mystery Suite (A Book Retreat Mystery) by Ellery Adams. Paperback published by Berkley Prime Crime in 2014. 304 p. ISBN: 978-0-425-26559-8 

Book Review: 'A Big Mooncake for Little Star' by Grace Lin

✰✰✰✰½  Little Star's mama sets the Big Mooncake in the sky to cool telling her not to touch it until told. Little Star agrees, but when she wakes up in the middle of the night, the Big Mooncake looks mighty yummy. Little Star thinks just a tiny bite won't hurt. It's so very tasty that Little Star takes more nibbles night after night. Finally, mama checks on the Big Mooncake only to find nothing but crumbs! Where did it go? Will mama be angry with Little Star? Check out this charming tale to find out.

The Bottom Line: While this gentle story isn't based on Chinese mythology, it contains themes of love, celebration, and beauty. The luminous illustrations are used to explain the phases of the moon. You'll want to share this sweet treat with your little one during the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. This Caldecott Honor Book is enthusiastically recommended for reading during the festival or anytime of the year.

Details: A Big Mooncake for Little Star written & illustrated by Grace Lin. Picture book published by Little, Brown and Company in 2018. 40 p. ISBN: 978-0-316-40448-8 

Book Review: 'Negative Cat' by Sophi Blackall

✰✰✰✰½  A little boy wants a cat more than anything. He’s been asking his parents for over 400 days. Finally they give in, but only if he feeds it, cleans his room, and spends time reading every day. At the shelter, he chooses one cat and names him Max. The little boy is so excited, but Max is not. Max doesn’t like anything, and the entire family is annoyed. The boy’s sister points out that Max is kind of negative. So when the lady from the shelter shows up to collect Max, the little boy tries everything he can think of to change their minds. Will the negative cat shape up or get returned? Read this sweet tale to find out.

The Bottom Line: This adorable picture book highlights the best in people and pets. When you put your mind to something, chances are you can do it. Check out this title for story hour or bedtime reading with kids in grades K - 2. Enthusiastically recommended. [It’s interesting to note that the digitally created illustrations were “superimposed on the reverse side of vintage wallpaper salvaged from a falling-down house.” How cool is that?]

Details: Negative Cat written & illustrated by Sophi Blackall. Picture book published by Nancy Paulsen Books in 2021. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-399-25719-3 

Book Review: 'Into the Wild' by Jon Krakauer

✰✰✰✰½ In 1992 a young college graduate hitchhiked his way to Alaska and trekked into the Alaskan wilderness alone for an epic journey of survival and self-discovery. Going by the name Alexander Supertramp, the young man had given away most of his possessions, donated $24,000 to charity, and abandoned his car two years before. Charming and affable, Alex left a lasting impression on many people. Nevertheless, he yearned for wanderlust, never staying in one place too long. Alaska had always held a lure for him, and Alex entered the wilderness with adventure in his heart. A mere four months later, hunters and hikers would find his severely emaciated body in the back of an abandoned bus leaving everyone to wonder what happened.

The Bottom Line: Highly recommended reading for fans of nonfiction, adventure, and survival. This book will resonate with adults of all ages, but especially with those in college and those who enjoy hiking in the wilderness. Krakauer has the ability to impart detailed information in a way that keeps the reader turning the pages. If you’ve ever longed for solitude and adventure, check out this book about one young man following his passion.

Book Club Notes: Our group was looking forward to this discussion because we enjoy the author’s writing style. This book is a quick read and the movie doesn’t deviate much from the book. McCandless’ passion for following his dreams, for stepping out of his comfortable life is a sad and yet inspiring tale.

Discussion questions are readily available online. I found this study guide and this one to be especially helpful in preparing for our meeting. Additionally, this article was a good read and included interesting photos, diagrams, and trivia. We also discussed why people were risking their lives and traveling to Alaska to visit the bus; you can read about the fascination here. The bus has since been moved and has found a new home at a museum. You can visit the virtual exhibit and read about the conservation project to preserve the bus here.

Overall, we enjoyed both the book and the movie. McCandless possessed an adventurous spirit and perhaps a certain naïveté. Had he taken a map with him or chosen to visit in a different season, perhaps tragedy could have been averted, and we would never have known about his travels. Highly recommended for book clubs.

Details: Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. Paperback published by Anchor Books in 1997. 240 p. ISBN: 978-0-385-48680-4