Although not necessarily the best written, the story, itself, is strong enough to overcome these flaws.
Before I started this book, I rA powerful read!
Although not necessarily the best written, the story, itself, is strong enough to overcome these flaws.
Before I started this book, I read some of the reviews showcased here on GoodReads. Some of the complaints that I read stated that while the reader(s) was interested in learning about Malala and all that happened to her, they were not really interested in learning about Pakistan and the political turmoil that has taken place in this country since it was created in August 1947.
That is all well and good, but I don't know how you can fully understand Malala and her story without knowing about Pakistan -- how women are treated, how it got worse after the Taliban invaded back in 2006, etc.
As I read this book, I thought about people in our country, and more specifically how people protest just about anything and everything -- so not an option in Pakistan. You protest? You are likely to find yourself (or your family) with their throats slit, beheaded, or shot. For Malala, she was shot in the head for something as simple as wanting to go to school and get an education.
Even though I had heard of many of the atrocities or cruelties done to females in the Middle East, reading about them -- hearing about them from Malala -- was completely different. Beginning at the time they are born, females are not celebrated as a male child is (rifles are fired, dried foods, treats and coins are thrown into the cradle, etc.). Males are favored in the food / beverages that are handed out, Females are not allowed to wear white -- this is reserved for the males. Females may not go out in public unescorted (without a male). Females are considered adults at 14 (and one girl in the story was married off at 13), Females are not to be educated -- it is considered a waste as they are expected to spend their time working inside the home all day.
Malala, however, was lucky. Her father owned a school, and had a strong belief that she and others her age should be educated. He saw how their country was and thought that the only was to survive was to be educated.
Because of her strong beliefs AND her willingness to speak out about this, Malala almost paid the ultimate price. This is her story (and I don't want to give too much away). Check it out!
P.S. Recently, Malala Yousafzai won 1/2 of the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize. The reasoning behind this award: "for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education."
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and learned a lot about this specific and very special section of Arlington National Cemetery. Also, if you are going tI thoroughly enjoyed this book and learned a lot about this specific and very special section of Arlington National Cemetery. Also, if you are going to read this book, have the tissues handy -- I guarantee that you are going to need them.
A few intriguing points?
The Gold Star Mothers of America, founded in 1928 for those who had lost sons in World War I, now represents all families with loved ones killed in wartime. Following a tradition begun in the last century, Gold Star families often hang a star in their windows as a symbol of their sacrifice.
No other country goes to the effort the United States does to honor its fallen warriors, a national obsession that has its origins in the Civil War. That war, still the deadliest conflict in the country's history, claimed as many as 900,000 lives, with almost half of those going to their graves as unknowns, often without religions rites, a proper coffin, or permanent tombstones, To make up for the debasement suffered by so many in that war, a reunited nation made a conscious decision to do better in the next conflict.
I loved reading about everything that goes into providing "final honors" for our soldiers. The dedication that these soldiers shows is unwavering. However, there is more than what sometimes is perceived as a hard-edged martial atmosphere at these funerals. For more than half a century, this environment has been somewhat softened by the presence of the Arlington Ladies, a volunteer force who, dressed as if they were heading for an afternoon tea, turn up at every funeral with a consoling words for surviving friends and family. Often (especially for soldiers whose remains are found long after the conflict in which they served), an Arlington Lady is the only other attendee at these funerals, but it doesn't matter if there's one attendee or 50, the honor guard assigned to each funeral strives for perfection every single time they go out because that deceased soldier deserves this honor.
I am one of those weird & strange people who read EVERYTHING in a book -- the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, the acknowledgements, the appendix, etc. I would like to mention that a portion of the profits from this book will be donated to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), a nonprofit organization with NO government affiliation that has been helping the surviving friends and family of service members for 20 years -- with a suicide prevention hotline, grief counseling programs, and workshops. To learn more about TAPS, visit their website at: http://taps.org/WaysToDonate
Finally, a huge THANK-YOU to all of our veterans, and especially to those who did make the ultimate sacrifice!
Just finished this book for our upcoming book discussion. Before reading it, I knew very little about it. Now, through this story, as well as researchJust finished this book for our upcoming book discussion. Before reading it, I knew very little about it. Now, through this story, as well as research that I conducted on behalf of our discussion group, I have learned a great deal more!
The Orphan Train Movement is a real historical period, here in the United States. Between 1854 and 1929, more than 200,000 abandoned, neglected, orphaned, or half-orphaned children were sent from the East Coast to the Midwest on trains. Ideally, the children were "adopted" by loving families, but sometimes the adopting families were really looking for slave labor, and these young children, including Naimh / Dorothy were forced to serve the families that they were living with.
From what little I knew, I assumed that this story was told entirely from a historical perspective. I think that I liked it better reading about it in the here and now; Vivian and Molly working together to "clean out the attic" and learning about Vivian's (aka Naimh / Dorothy) history in snippets. Interwoven into Vivian's story, is Molly's modern day orphan / foster care story. The comparisons and contrasts are engaging. In the grand scheme of things, Vivian and Molly's lives really are not that different, and I loved the idea that each of them had a keepsake necklace that showcased a piece of each woman's life.
The only thing that would have made this story better for me was to see an Afterword or Epilogue of the meeting between Vivian and her family. I like things tied up in neat packages; no questions left unanswered. However, I think that I can guess how this meeting went.
It was a Wednesday, August 28, 1963 -- But people still wore their Sunday best.
The easy thing to say would be that this is a photographic history of tIt was a Wednesday, August 28, 1963 -- But people still wore their Sunday best.
The easy thing to say would be that this is a photographic history of the March of Washington during the Civil Rights era, period, but it is so much more!
The photographs here were taken by Stanley Tretick (1921-1999). Tretick was considered one of the preeminent photojournalists of his era. He took the photographs for this book, which are published for the first time.
But there is more here than a book of great photographs. There are biographies of the "Big Ten" in Civil Rights. Want to know who these Big Ten are? You'll have to read the book, but know that Tretick took a picture of these gentleman sitting in front of the statue of Lincoln (Lincoln Memorial), and that photograph is in this book.
One of the "Big Ten" is a young John Lewis. You can learn more about him in his autobiographical graphic novel called "March" which is volume #1 in a 3-part trilogy.
There are also excerpts from speeches that these gentlemen gave on that historical day, when those who shared in Martin Luther King, Jr's Dream went to Washington to show Congress that they would no longer tolerate isolating the "Negro," as Dr. King would say in his speech that day ...
One interesting thing that I did learn was that as a candidate, JFK had promised to eliminate housing segregation with the "stroke of a pen." As President, he used his executive power to end discrimination in FEDERALLY FINANCED housing. His Justice Department petitioned the Interstate Commerce Commission to issue rules prohibiting segregated seating on buses, displays of "of "white" and "colored" signs in bus & train stations, and segregation of any and all station lunch counters ...
But the President, afraid he might rile Dixiecrats (Southern Segregationists), dragged his feet on proposing comprehensive Civil Rights legislation. He was not seen as a profile in courage, but rather in caution, and many saw him as a rich, white man watching from the box seats -- removed from the trouble.
Afraid of alienating the vote? Typical politician....more
No matter what your politics, this is a fabulous book!
This book is not about a particular president. Rather, it is a book about the White House -- theNo matter what your politics, this is a fabulous book!
This book is not about a particular president. Rather, it is a book about the White House -- the rooms within, the people who run it, the people who live(d) in it, and much much more!
Let me just say, that I inhaled all of the information in this book, and had a very difficult time putting it down!
This book was written by Noel Grove, William Bushong, and Joel D. Treese, with the White House Historical Association. I didn't even know this entity existed, but I shouldn't be surprised. Anyways, this outstanding book is a National Geographic presentation, which means the text is easy to understand, there are beautifully illustrated drawings, photographs, paintings & maps, and the layout is super easy to understand!
Some things that I thoroughly enjoyed reading about:
The Truman Renovation: Truman inherited a White House that was aging, had faulty wiring, cracked plaster, and was considered dangerous to live in. A structural survey revealed major problems caused by stress from floor-bearing steel beams added in 1902 and the weight of the 1927 3rd floor & roof improvements, all pressing against the inner brick walls. The accompanying photograph that shows the temporary steel bracings, as well as bulldozers and trucks driving around INSIDE the gutted walls of the White House is quite simply, astounding!
I learned a bit about the White House Gardens and the people who take care of them. The 18 acres of lawns, trees and the Rose, East, and Children's Gardens are under the direction of the Head Gardener; the National Park Service tends the larger President's Park.
I learned why the Oval Office is oval. If you want to know this answer, you'll have to read the book!
The role of the Social Secretary was most interesting! One of the greatest responsibilities of the person in this position is helping the president and first lady plan estate dinners. The description provided for how people are chosen & invited to these dinners was intriguing. On a side note, Jeremy Bernard (President Obama) is the first male social secretary AND Letitia "Tish" Baldridge (President Kennedy) resigned her position in early 1963, after failing to get Mrs. Kennedy to cooperate in regards to State Dinners, and other social obligations while she was pregnant with Patrick (this last info. came from Christopher Andersen's "These Few Precious Days.")
A big deal is made when former presidents all get together, usually for the death of another president or former first lady, but I don't know that the same excitement (for lack of a better word) is made when all of the former (and current) first ladies come together. I was amazed to see the number of first ladies, still living, when they attended the dedication of the Ronald Reagan Library in 1991 -- Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, Rosalynn Carter, Betty Ford, Nancy Reagan, and Barbara Bush.
"The Backstairs Hierarchy" was another section that I found riveting. the Chief Usher, the Butler, the Head of the Stables, etc. Until the 1930's, about 1/3 of the servants lived in the building in the 3rd and ground floor rooms. Their permanent homes were elsewhere, so this temporary housing was plain. Today, none of the domestic staff live in the White House, although some might bunk on cots overnight when events run late. They are all federal employees (the Chief Usher is a bonded federal employee who functions as the manager of the house) who retain their jobs only at the president's pleasure. The turnover is amazingly low.
On a side note, Hillary Clinton once wrote a book called "It Takes a Village". For anyone who has ever read that book, you will understand when I say it takes a village of dedicated professionals to keep the White House running, and looking fabulous!
AND, unlike some professional athletes, you won't catch retired employees out selling prized possessions that were given to them throughout the course of their employment.
The whole chapter about diplomacy, ceremony, and performance was most interesting! The history and tradition of the Marine Band is the best!
The president and first lady are the temporary residents, representatives, and keepers of this majestic home, but things can change in a heart-beat, and unfortunately, sometimes do. The chapter on transition and crisis, including information on inaugurations, funerals, protests, and more was engrossing.
I will never get over the iconic image of Lyndon Johnson taking the Oath of Office aboard Air Force One just after the assassination of John F. Kennedy. This photo breaks my heart, every single time, because just like with other sudden deaths -- Lincoln, etc. it begs us to ask the question: What if?
Crisis, unfortunately, often defines a presidency. For example, while reading this book, I discovered that Woodrow Wilson had a stroke in October of 1919, and for 16 months, was not fully capable of carrying out the duties of the president. Despite the urging of cabinet officials and some members of Congress, the Vice President -- Thomas Marshall -- made no effort to exercise any kind of presidential authority, AND the 25th Amendment, which now makes provisions for presidential disability and / or death was not enacted until 1967! I always assumed that this came about because of FDR (polio) or JFK (assassination), but this history with Woodrow Wilson could have been another contributing factor.
We all know about the Civil War, Teapot Dome Scandal, the Bay of Pigs Invasion, Watergate, and 9/11. These crises can all be tied to specific presidents -- Lincoln, Harding, Kennedy, Nixon, and George W. Bush.
President Obama has had a number of crises occur during his presidency, but I don't know that any one particularly stands out, as they do with the others. Still, there's the economic crisis & recession, which he partially inherited, Benghazi (which is still haunting the Administration), the shooting that killed 6, and injured 13, including Representative, Gabrielle Giffords, in Arizona, etc.
As I said there is a lot to see and learn from in this book. I have only touched on a very few. Check this out to see what else you can discover! ...more
Let me start by saying that BEFORE I read this book, I believed that Pete Rose should be in the Hall of Fame.
AFTER reading this book, I STILL BELIEVE Let me start by saying that BEFORE I read this book, I believed that Pete Rose should be in the Hall of Fame.
AFTER reading this book, I STILL BELIEVE that Pete Rose should be in the Hall of Fame.
Kostya Kennedy laid it all out -- the good, the bad, and perhaps, the indifferent.
According to the Baseball Writers' Association of America Election Rules, which are on the Baseball Hall of Fame's website:
3. Eligible Candidates -- Candidates to be eligible must meet the following requirements:
A. A baseball player must have been active as a player in the Major Leagues at some time during a period beginning twenty (20) years before and ending five (5) years prior to election.
B. Player must have played in each of ten (10) Major League championship seasons, some part of which must have been within the period described in 3 (A).
C. Player shall have ceased to be an active player in the Major Leagues at least five (5) calendar years preceding the election but may be otherwise connected with baseball.
D. In case of the death of an active player or a player who has been retired for less than five (5) full years, a candidate who is otherwise eligible shall be eligible in the next regular election held at least six (6) months after the date of death or after the end of the five (5) year period, whichever occurs first.
E. Any player on Baseball's ineligible list shall not be an eligible candidate.
It is this last line, and only this last line that is keeping Pete Rose out.
Johnny Bench had an extraordinary career, and has led an exemplary life. He is one Hall of Famer, who believes that Pete Rose should NOT ever be allowed into the Hall of Fame (HOF). "He broke the rules," states Bench in this book.
However, it can also be argued that he worked and played hard (developed the moniker, Charlie Hustle) during his time as a player.
Pete Rose is never going to win any awards for his behavior off the [baseball] field. He is a gambler through and through -- he gambled on his marriages (constantly cheating on his wives -- the straw that broke the camel's back in his first marriage was when he flaunted (sp?) his girlfriend (who eventually became his 2nd wife) in front of Petey (Pete Rose, Jr.) while still married to Karolyn), and lost. He bet Tony Perez that he would be the first to "christen" the locker room at their new ballpark, Riverfront Stadium, and won (this story is really funny!). He'd bet on anything -- sometimes he won, sometimes he lost.
BTW, the 25th Anniversary of Pete Rose's banishment from baseball is coming up. -- On August 24, 2014, it will be a quarter of a century that Pete Rose has been out of the game that he loved / loves because of gambling.
Today, gambling is considered an addiction, and sometimes a disease. Many workplaces will work with the individual to get them help / counseling -- this is fact. Does this excuse Pete Rose's behavior? He not only gambled, but on his beloved baseball, and sometimes on his own teams. Did this affect the outcome of those games?
Let's look at the "gambling of today" -- steroids. Many of today's players are gambling that a performance enhancing drug will not only help them play better, but help them win, as well. Have they been suspended from playing? Yes. Have they been banned (in the case of Manny Ramirez, yes), and most importantly, banned for life? No. Have they been deemed "ineligible" to be on the Baseball Writers' Association of America magical list? No.
Steroids directly affect a player's performance, and therefore a game, and yet none of these people have been banned for "breaking the rules" (literally and figuratively) -- Johnny Bench, or cheating. Why is Pete Rose different?
Some interesting tidbits that I picked up while reading this book:
Pete Rose became a free agent after the 1978 season. At this time, he was 37 years old (April 14, 1941). Most players (if they're even still playing) are winding down their careers. Not Pete. In 1978, he led the National League in plate appearances for the 3rd straight year, smacked a league-best 51 doubles, hit about .300 for the 13th time in 14 seasons and reeled off a nation-stirring hit streak of 44 consecutive games.
Pete Rose, Jr. "Petey" spent 21 seasons playing minor-league ball. He got to the "bigs" for one glorious September in 1997. Petey says "I'm the only guy to play his first game in the big leagues, and my dad wasn't allowed in the locker room." He said this more than 15 years after that "fateful" day. "Every other guy you ask: Did your dad come in to your locker after your first game? The answer is yes. My dad? I wasn't even allowed to leave passes for him. It was miserable. ... He could have just come in and been with me. My dad. But he wasn't allowed in. Why did I get penalized? What did I do?"
So, What do you think? Does Pete Rose belong in the Hall of Fame? Why or why not?
I absolutely, positively LOVED this story! Of course, the fact that I have been waiting years for Garwood to tell Cordie & Aidan's story had nothing tI absolutely, positively LOVED this story! Of course, the fact that I have been waiting years for Garwood to tell Cordie & Aidan's story had nothing to do with this.
I have already read this twice, and am thrilled with the direction Garwood went. Aidan has always been a moody, bossy, take charge, don't argue with me, this is how it is and how it is going to be, kind of guy, and in this story, he still is, except Cordelia brings out another side to his personality -- SUPER-OVERPROTECTIVENESS and JEALOUSY. He has always been protective of his family, but with Cordie, it's like he's on steroids.
Cordie is by no means a weakling. She teaches in an inner-city Catholic high school and is not willing to take anything from anyone. Therefore, when these two person(alities) collide, the results are explosive!
You have to read the story, but the basic deal is this: Upon the death of her father, Cordie gets a big surprise (and not a good one). Upon further investigation, Cordie decides to do something about the situation. Alec, Regan's husband (Regan is one of Cordie's best friends) and a big tough FBI agent decides to play matchmaker, and encourages Aidan to take Cordie down under so she can do a little investigating with some assistance from a womanizer named Liam. Just the mention of Liam sends Aidan into a tailspin. Cordie has just lost her father and does not need to be hit on ... It's actually kind of fun to watch him "lose it over Cordie.
Anyways, danger ensues. Aidan becomes big bad and overprotective and a romance literally does explode.
Everything comes out all right, but it's the path the story takes .... Fabulous!...more
This is only #2, but I am thoroughly enjoying this series. This is one of those rare stories that is so well written and flows so well that you don't This is only #2, but I am thoroughly enjoying this series. This is one of those rare stories that is so well written and flows so well that you don't want it to end.
It’s mid-August in the Outer Banks village of Corolla in North Carolina and Fire Chief Colleen McCabe is conducting rookie training (I am beyond amazed at the amount of respect her guys have for her) and spending increasingly more time with her best friend (developing love interest), Sheriff Bill Dorman. The wild horses have been relocated to the sanctuary, and the town is occupied with an upcoming local theatre production. All is right with the world. But when a member of the acting troupe is found dead in the dunes after an emergency training exercise and Bill’s ex-fiancée arrives in town, Colleen knows trouble is back with a vengeance.
A second member of the theatre company is discovered dead at the Whalehead Club, and Colleen is forced to put aside her feelings about her relationship with Bill and work with him to uncover who is murdering the thespians and why. She discovers as much drama offstage as on and quickly finds herself swept up in the intrigue of the community theatre group, and struggling to keep her men at the firehouse focused. As the danger mounts and the killer’s identity becomes clearer, Bill warns her off the investigation. But despite his warning, Colleen is determined to stop the killer before he or she strikes again, to her own peril.
O'Sullivan writes in a way that makes you care about ALL of her characters, even Bill's ex-fiance. Also, none of her characters are flat. They each have unique personalities, which make them memorable. This is one of those series that I hope is never developed into a film because I have a distinct impression in my mind for how each of these characters should look and talk. LOL!...more
This was originally on my "To Read" list and then I pulled it off. It got put back on when our book discussion group decided to read it, and then was This was originally on my "To Read" list and then I pulled it off. It got put back on when our book discussion group decided to read it, and then was pulled off briefly when I couldn't get enough copies last fall to discuss this. It was put back on, hoping that our group would finally be able to discuss it, which we will on March 25th.
As I told one of my friends, I now remember why this book was originally on my "To Read" list. I love reading about and learning more about the Holocaust.
Sage Singer becomes friends with an old gentleman, who is a retired teacher, and loved by many in the community. They attend the same "grief" group -- Sage is there because of her mother; Josef Weber has never declared why he is there.
One evening, Sage and Josef strike up a conversation at the bakery where she works, and they develop a sort of friendship. One day, Josef asks Sage for a favor. He wants her to kill him (this is not a spoiler, it's written on the back of the book). Shocked, Sage refuses. She has no idea why he would ask this of her.
As Picoult's story develops and Josef's story unfolds, we learn why he wants Sage to kill him, and once his secret is revealed Sage wonders: Could he be right? Does he deserve to die? What do you do when evil lives next door, except that the person that you know is not the evil person that he was before? Should you offer forgiveness to someone if you aren't the party who was wronged? And, the most important question, if Sage does what he wants, is is murder or justice?
Picoult is an excellent writer and storyteller. She has taken a story, that although not ripped from the headlines, does have roots in the real world. She has done her research -- the historical detail and Grandma Minka's story is most compelling.
And, there is a bit of a surprise at the end that did make this reader gasp.
I highly recommend this story to anyone who likes fiction that is well written, and LOVES a good story!...more
I learned so much about people I knew nothing about, and even more about players that I have liked over thI absolutely positively LOVED this book!!!!!
I learned so much about people I knew nothing about, and even more about players that I have liked over the years.
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves the game of baseball, and has a rich appreciation for those who have achieved Hall of Fame status!
The book is arranged by position. At the beginning of each section is an essay by a member of the Hall of Fame, who played in that position. From here, each player listed shows picture(s) of the player, a picture of their plaque, and a brief essay about that player. P.S. Managers are included, as well. And, umpires and executives are listed at the end, but without the essays, and other pertinent info.
Some people that I found extremely interesting:
Pitcher -- Dizzy Dean -- Class of 1953 Pitcher -- Bob Feller -- Class of 1962 -- First president of the Players Association Pitcher -- Tom Seaver -- Class of 1992 Pitcher -- Dennis Eckersley -- Class of 2004 Catcher -- Roy Campanella -- Class of 1969 -- Racism at the beginning and tragedy at the end bookended his playing days. Catcher -- Johnny Bench -- Class of 1989 First Baseman -- Lou Gehrig -- Class of 1939 First Baseman -- Tony Perez -- Class of 2000 -- Part of the Big Red Machine of the 70's First Baseman -- Eddie Murray -- Class of 2003 Second Baseman -- Joe Morgan -- Class of 1990 -- Another part of the Big Red Machine of the 70's. Also, the essay at the beginning of this section was written by Morgan. It's easy to see that he thoroughly enjoyed playing the game of baseball for the sake of playing, and not for the big league salary that often goes hand in hand with their time on the field. Second Baseman -- Jackie Robinson -- Class of 1962 -- Good old #42 broke the color barrier, and as such is the only player in history to have his number retired by every single baseball team in existence. Second Baseman -- Rod Carew -- Class of 1991 -- Another player once said that Carew "has an uncanny ability to move the ball around as if the bat were some kind of magic wand." It is these types of players that make baseball fun & often exciting to watch. Second Baseman -- Robbie Alomar -- Class of 2011 Third Baseman -- Mike Schmidt -- Class of 1995 -- I'm biased, but part of the reason that I like Schmidt is because he played for and graduated from Ohio University, my alma mater. Third Baseman -- George Brett -- Class of 1999 Shortstop -- Ozzie Smith -- Class of 2002 Shortstop -- Barry Larkin -- Class of 2012 -- Played for only one team, the Cincinnati Reds, which is unheard of in this day & age. Left Fielder -- Lou Brock -- Class of 1985 Left Fielder -- Rickey Henderson -- Class of 2009 -- Rickey Henderson is known for his skill at stealing bases. Even as he was approaching "old man" status in this great game, he was still exciting and extremely fun to watch! A true showman of a particular skill. Center Fielder -- Cool Papa Bell -- Class of 1974 Center Fielder -- Willie Mays -- Class of 1979 Center Fielder -- Larry Doby -- Class of 1998 Right Fielder -- Roberto Clemente -- Class of 1973 Right Fielder -- Frank Robinson -- Class of 1982 Right Fielder -- Dave Winfield -- Class of 2001 Right Fielder -- Tony Gwynn -- Class of 2007 Right Fielder -- Andre Dawson -- Class of 2010 Manager -- Tommy Lasorda -- Class of 1997 -- His discussion about working as a scout before becoming a manager, and what that means, was very interesting. Manager -- Connie Mack -- Class of 1937 Manager -- Sparky Anderson -- Class of 2000 -- Still one of my favorite managers. He respected his players, and they respected him. He let them do what needed to be done, and didn't get in their way. Joe Morgan talks about Sparky when he first started playing for him. This reader was able to see the love and respect that Morgan had for Anderson.
This was a fabulous kick-off to the Tidewater series!
Detective Seth English cannot get distracted from the big case he is working on, not even when hiThis was a fabulous kick-off to the Tidewater series!
Detective Seth English cannot get distracted from the big case he is working on, not even when his new neighbor, Juliana "Jules" Scott "breaks and enters" (oh wait, it's not breaking, just entering) his apartment after a wild college reunion.
And the fun doesn't stop there. There are pieces of this story that are laugh out loud funny, and pieces that will make you want to cry. It's that good.
Anyways, don't let the "paranormal" aspect frighten you off. It's very minor in the grand scheme of the whole story. Juliana sees "dead people". She's able to communicate with ghosts to see what happened to them. This may be of help (or is a hindrance?) to Seth and the murder case that he is working.
The next book in the series is "Guarded". There is a preview to this story at the end of "Spirited". Juliana's sister (who she has not seen in forever -- side story here) is the star of this 2nd book. Her name is Dr. Shelley Morgan, DVM. She is what I would call an "animal whisperer". She has the ability to communicate with animals to see what their problems are. Re-enter Tidewater Police Detective, Devon Jones (Det. Seth English's partner). He and Shelley went to college together ....
To say that I cannot wait for "Guarded" to be published would be the understatement of the year! I am seriously looking forward to this next book in the Tidewater series!...more
Excellent! I am not a huge graphic novel fan, but the pictures (b&w) really added to the story!
First off, if you're 2014 Coretta Scott King Honor Book
Excellent! I am not a huge graphic novel fan, but the pictures (b&w) really added to the story!
First off, if you're going to read this book, check your politics at the door. This is the first part of a three-part autobiographical story by John Lewis, a Georgia Congressman and Civil Rights Leader.
The book does jump around from participating in a Civil Rights March to Inauguration Day, 2009 and back to his youth. During this time, we learn about Lewis' early years -- his life on a sharecropper's farm in Alabama where he raised chickens to a summer that he spent in New York with his aunt & uncle and other relatives (this part reminded me a bit of Mildred Taylor's "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry").
You can see Lewis' mind open up during his time in New York. It is at this juncture that he sees he has options. There are choices, just not in the south. He wants to go to school to be a minister, but he wants to go to Troy State. Troy State does not accept black people. Lewis is in contact with people. One of these is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He tells Lewis that they can sue the school, but he warns of danger to him and to his family. He tells Lewis he needs to talk it over with them. Lewis' family support him, but they are afraid. Dead end ... or not?
Check out this book and see what else happens. After all, it's not called "March" for nothing.
On a side note, if you're going to get kids to read this, you have to go where they are. A graphic novel is an excellent way to go!
Also, as soon as I finished this, I went looking for the next one in the trilogy. Unfortunately, it does not yet exist. Still, it will be worth the wait....more
A fabulous story, and I can see why it was selected as a Caldecott Honor Book, but this reader (viewer) thinks it should have2014 Caldecott Honor Book
A fabulous story, and I can see why it was selected as a Caldecott Honor Book, but this reader (viewer) thinks it should have won top prize!
Author / Illustrator, Aaron Becker, has a wonderful imagination, and I wish I had a "magic" crayon that allowed me to draw what he did, and more! ...more
I actually bought this book when it first came out, but didn't have a chance to read it. Last night, I found it and started reading ... I could NOT puI actually bought this book when it first came out, but didn't have a chance to read it. Last night, I found it and started reading ... I could NOT put it down; ended up finishing it at about 1:00, this morning!
Dash and Margo have SERIOUS chemistry! And, I do have to laugh, because I do remember when Lori (author) dislocated her elbow, and had to go through all that pain (arm, doctor(s), and therapy), and that she was in the editing stage of this book when that happened. It's so funny (weird) that Margo suffered the same injury!
To bring down a sleazy abduction ring, Lieutenant Margaret "Margo" Peterson has set herself up as bait. But recruiting Dashiel Riske as her unofficial partner is a whole other kind of danger. Dash is six feet four inches of laid-back masculine charm, a man who loves life—and women—to the limit. Until Margo is threatened, and he reveals a dark side that may just match her own….
Beneath Margo's tough facade is a slow-burning sexiness that drives Dash crazy. The only way to finish this case is to work together side by side…skin to skin, even though Dash is NOT a cop. And as their mission takes a lethal turn, he'll have to prove he's all the man she needs—in all the ways that matter…....more
Like other authors, Nora Roberts does not always get it right, but with this book, she not only got it right, she NAILED it!
The storI LOVE this story!
Like other authors, Nora Roberts does not always get it right, but with this book, she not only got it right, she NAILED it!
The story is set in Ireland -- in olden times, at first, and then, at about Chapter 3, jumps to 2013.
The groundwork is laid in the first few chapters. However, some readers cannot deal with the paranormal aspect. If not, start at chapter 3 -- the story is just that good!
Anyways, once upon a time, there was a Dark Witch -- a good witch, and her family. Each of her three children had unqiue gifts. Plus, they communicated WELL with certain animals -- hawk, hound, and horse. As with any good tale of good vs. evil, there also has to be a bad guy. In this case, Coven.
Jump forward to 2013. We meet Iona Sheehan in County Mayo, Ireland. She has just "moved" here from the states. This is great fiction because she meets her O'Dwyer cousins -- Connor and Branna, is offered a place to live, and gets a job doing what she loves most, all within a couple of days of being there (there's actually a bit more that occurs here, but I hit some of the highlights).
Coven, remember him? Well as any bad sorcerer (best describes him) is, he is alive and well in 2013, and around to wreak havoc on the cousins and their friends, Finn (who is friends with the O'Dwyer's, but also related to Coven. Still, he chose his side a long time ago), Meara, and Boyle -- a love interest for Iona.
Anyways, Roberts has done an excellent job with this story. The words just flow, as if traveling over gently rolling hills in Ireland (for the most part). Occasionally, it is like being part of an Irish storm.
Also, Katherine Kellgren (reader) did an EXTRAORDINARY job of bringing Roberts' words to "life", and making me care about this story, and what is happening to these characters!
I loved this so much that I am actually listening to it a second time! ...more
First off, this book fills a serious hole in literature about baseball. "Where Nobody Knows Your Name" takes a hard look at life in A phenomenal read!
First off, this book fills a serious hole in literature about baseball. "Where Nobody Knows Your Name" takes a hard look at life in the Minor Leagues, whether you be a player, manager, umpire, sportscaster or fan -- this book looks at the tough realities, and why being in the Minor Leagues is a world apart from the Majors.
The best thing that a Minor League manager can say to a player is "You're going up." The countless stories that I read in this book about a player getting this opportunity really rocked my emotions. It was great when they were called up, but it was disappointing when they were sent back down -- sometimes they were sent back down or released on waivers, etc. even when they were playing extremely well. That's baseball.
J.C. Boscan had been in the minors for fourteen (14) years and had never seen the inside of a big-league clubhouse except during spring training. One night, the word in the Gwinnett (minor league affiliate of the Atlanta Braves) was that the Braves were going to make their call-ups after the game. Boscan remembers being more nervous that night than at any other time in his career. The manager, Brundage, called Boscan into his office. The entire staff was there. Brundage asked "You ever been to the big leagues?" Boscan said no. Brundage said he was going to mess with him, but he just couldn't do it. "This is your day. You're going up." Boscan burst into tears. Everyone else in the room was fighting to hold back tears. "I've been a minor-league manager a long time. I can honestly say that was the best moment I've ever had." -- Brundage
There is a storied history to the business of the minor leagues, and Feinstein takes the time to explain that history to the reader. Today, there are six (6) levels of minor-league baseball: rookie league; short-season A (the teams begin play in June since most of the players are high school & college draftees); low-A; high-A, Double-A; and Triple-A.
Players in Triple-A like to say they are "one accident away" from the big leagues, because that's all it takes -- someone to get hurt ... and they're in, for at least a little while.
I loved reading the personal stories about people in the minor-leagues. There's minor-league manager, Dave Miley (formerly of the Cincinnati Reds). He gets asked all the time if he would like another chance to manage in the majors, and his answer is "Of course I would. But I like what I'm doing right now. I get paid to put on a uniform every day, and that makes me happy. I like working with young players and trying to help them take that next step. Nothing makes me happier than calling a guy in and telling him he's going up. That's the joy in this job -- those moments."
Another story was in regards to Ron Johnson and his family. To say that baseball is a close community would be the understatement of the century. Something happened to one of Ron Johnson's daughters (you'll have to read the book to find out what), and the support that he received, not just from the Boston Red Sox, but from other baseball clubs ... Most businesses don't treat their employees this well! And if you don't have tears in your eyes by the time you finish this story, I don't know what to tell you.
There are planets between what a major-league player makes (salary, benefits, etc.) and what a minor-league player gets. Doug Bernier was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Colorado Rockies. There was no signing bonus and the pay was $850 / month, but as I say, these are the guys that really want to play -- they don't care how much they're paid (or in this case not paid).
In his second year, Bernier's salary soared to $2,100 / month, the maximum a player not on the 40-man major-league roster could make back then (2007). In 2008, the major-league minimum was $432,000 (it was $482,000 in 2012).
Meanwhile, a Triple-A umpire makes $3,200 a month, and if they make the playoffs, they are paid extra, but typically, they are are paid between $16,000 - $18,000 a year (5 months). Major league umpires get 4 weeks of vacation off per season; minor league umpires get nothing.
I loved reading about David Bell! I watched David, and his father play, and so reading about David as manager of Louisville was a huge bonus!
"Getting a major-league broadcasting job isn't quite as difficult as getting appointed to the US Supreme Court, but once someone gets there, he isn't likely to leave unless he's dragged to the door -- usually kicking and screaming. For those sitting on the doorstep but not inside the door, that can be remarkably frustrating."
There are many things not to like about minor-league life -- especially for those who have been lucky enough to be called up to the bigs and have seen how the other half lives. Most of the differences are apparent: salary, mode of travel (some of the stories in this book are scary!), hotels, per diem, clubhouses, even the quality of the post-meal game -- same food, different taste.
There is possibly one person who does not crave a call-up to the majors. This guy is Randy Mobley. He is the International League President, and he LOVES his job! He is able to put a positive spin on being in the minors because he has worked hard to make Triple-A ball what it is, today.
One of the best things about this book was reading about what happened after or where these guys are "now". For example, four (4) of the 14 International League managers made it to the big leagues at the conclusion of the 2012 season. The least surprising move was Ryne Sandberg being named as Bench Coach with the Phillies, and when Charlie Manual was fired in August of that year, Sandberg was hired to replace him.
David Bell was hired as the 3rd base coach for the Chicago Cubs, and Mike Sarbaugh, who had been with Triple-A Columbus, moved on up to Cleveland.
For all of these people, it comes down to one thing -- their love of the game, and this is what this baseball fan loves to see!...more
The story basically takes off after the author's mother gives him a suitcase filled with family mementos. Inside, he discoveThis was a wonderful read!
The story basically takes off after the author's mother gives him a suitcase filled with family mementos. Inside, he discovers a packet of letters written around Christmas 1933 to one B. Virdot.
After a little investigating, Gup (author) discovers that B. Virdot was actually his grandfather, Sam Stone, and that the B. Virdot is a made-up name comprised of his 3 daughters names -- Barbara, Virginia, and Dorothy.
Anyways, 1933 -- It was the Great Depression, and things were not good for a lot of people. Even those who had been well off before the stock market crash of 1929, found it difficult to find work and feed / clothe their families.
So, B. Virdot deposited $750 into a checking account, and made 150 families' "dreams" (of a new pair of shoes, food on the table for Christmas, etc.) come true. First, he put a notice in the Canton Repository (true story) announcing this "scheme". As the letters requesting money came in, B. Virdot wrote a check for $5.00 and sent it to the family.
In this book, Gup shares those letters that were written back in 1933, requesting money from his grandfather, and while this book serves as a history of the time for the greater Canton area, we are also provided with a glimpse of how things were in the "outside" world.
For each letter (story), Gup has traced or attempted to trace what happened to each person who wrote a letter. We get to see what became of these people / families, and often learn exactly what occurred from a child or grandchild or other family member that is still around.
Also, there is an interesting side story about Gup's grandfather, Sam Stone, and how he got where he was.
A great kick-off to the Amish Quilt Shop mystery series!
This story is very well written -- It starts out when Angela "Angie" Braddock inherits he AuntA great kick-off to the Amish Quilt Shop mystery series!
This story is very well written -- It starts out when Angela "Angie" Braddock inherits he Aunts Amish Quilting Shop in Ohio. It has come at just the right time, because Angie has just broken up with her fiance in Texas. Operating the "Running Stitch" should prove to supply just the right amount of distraction for Angie.
However, there is a kink in her plans. Next door is a woodworking shop owned by Joseph Walker. He insists that he owns Angie's Quilt Shop -- he just has to find the deed.
During an open house, an altercation takes place between Angie and Joseph. There are lots of witnesses, so it should come as little surprise that Joseph is found murdered inside the quilt shop, the next morning.
Enter Sheriff Mitchell. He's there to determine "who done it." There is some light flirting throughout the story between Angie and the lawman, and moral support from Oliver, Angie's French Bulldog & Tux, the Sheriff's Boston Terrier.
At the end of the story, the Sheriff does get his "person," but there are some incidents and red herrings along the way that make this tale work, and work well. Also, there is a great supporting cast that makes this story come alive!
I cannot wait to read the next in this series!...more
In 1905, 14-year old Lucia and her young mother, Teresa, are servants in a magnificent villa on the Bay of Naples. Here, they work for a count and couIn 1905, 14-year old Lucia and her young mother, Teresa, are servants in a magnificent villa on the Bay of Naples. Here, they work for a count and countess, where Teresa soothes their unhappy mistress with song. But, volatile tempers force them to flee, exchanging their warm gilded cage for the cold winds off Lake Erie and Cleveland's restless immigrant quarters.
At first, the story focused on problems encountered by new immigrants everywhere -- they don't speak the language, they need to find a place to live (with Paolo's cousin, Roseanne), a place to work or earn money, etc. If you do not think / did not think that class warfare existed in this country, you would be horribly wrong (and I would wonder what rock you've been living under). In the early 1900's, these differences were even more defined. It wasn't just black vs. white (which is bad enough), it was the Italians vs. the Bohemians vs. the Irish vs. the Poles, vs. the Jews, etc.
As the story develops, Teresa transforms herself into the Naples Nightingale on the Vaudeville circuit. Meanwhile, clever and hardworking, and everyone's friend (I don't think Lucia has a mean bone in her body) blossoms in school (her dream is to graduate and live a better life) until her mother's demons return, fracturing Lucia's dreams.
With all of the changes in Teresa's life (some violent, some not), her mind has slowly "fractured". One day (while on the circuit), she suffers a breakdown, and is sent back to Cleveland. It is Lucia's job to take care of her, while still pursuing her dreams.
This brings us to the next major part of the story -- Lucia's (and her friends) struggle for better working conditions. In this story, we learn about two major fires that took place due to adverse work conditions, especially for women.
Woven throughout this story is a developing romance between Lucia and Henryk (sp?). Henryk's parents do not approve of their son's "love" of an Eye-talian. They think that she is beneath him, and want him to marry a nice Jewish girl, instead. Again, it's all about the classes.
It seems like there is a lot going on in this book, and perhaps too much, but Schoenewaldt has done an excellent job in her writing and how she presented this to the reader.
At the end of the book is an interview with the author and questions for book discussion groups. I really think this would be a great story for book discussion!...more
If you've read any biography about Abraham Lincoln, you will know who John Hay and John George Nicolay are -- Lincoln's young personal secretaries jusIf you've read any biography about Abraham Lincoln, you will know who John Hay and John George Nicolay are -- Lincoln's young personal secretaries just prior to and during his presidency.
Much has been written about John Hay, including a book published in 2013 by John Taliaferro, entitled "All the great prizes : the life of John Hay, from Lincoln to Roosevelt". Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of Nicolay, and while this is not really a biography about either man, much can be learned about Nicolay's life in this book.
Author, Zeitz does an excellent job in presenting a political (and personal) history of each man in laying the groundwork for their development of "Abraham Lincoln: A History", a 10-volume seminal work, that in its time was considered "the authorized biography of a slain leader and the unofficial Northern Republican Party interpretation of the Civil War."
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