Monthly Wrap-Up: September 2017

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September 2017 Monthly Wrap-UpSeptember 2017 was another wild month packed with some of my favorite books this year. If you missed my review of Elsie Mae Has Something to Say by Nancy Cavanaugh, just stop and go check that one out. I reviewed nine books this month, and Gabrielle shared her review of the sequel to Wolf by Wolf. If you followed along, let me know which was your favorite. Which reviews made you add books to your reading list?

As we head into the fall, I’m mostly focusing on catching up on some books that have been sitting on the shelf next to my bed forever. Some are books I got last November at YallFest in Charleston. Others are titles I’ve had since last Christmas. Or, you know, longer. I will probably be accepting a few new titles for review here and there because I just can’t seem to help myself, but for the most part, look for some backlist titles to be coming up for review. For an idea which ones are on my radar, check out those left to review on my 2017 Reading List.

September 2017 Books Reviewed

Between the Lies by Cathy McPhail

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

This was a twisting, turning story that kept me guessing almost until the last page. I liked the voice and the fact that the main character was younger– I think she’s fifteen. If you’re looking for a fast-paced mystery, here’s one for you.

Blood for Blood (Wolf by Wolf #2) by Ryan Graudin

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

Gabrielle gave this one 4 out of 5 stars and though it’s darker than the first book, her description of the main character holding her humanity in the face of atrocities means this book is still pretty high on my own TBR list. Is it on yours?

A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

No book has ever made me crave ice cream like this one does! The amazing flavors and unique story world made this book absolutely unforgettable.

They Can’t Kill Us All by Wesley Lowery

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

I know I’ve been reading a fair number of race relations non-fiction books lately (considering how few nonfiction books I review, it’s a fair number. I think in total it’s only like three.) but it’s something I feel like I need to be way better educated about. I liked that this book tried to examine what really happened as fairly as possible and to give larger context to problems facing police departments and communities across the country.

The Silent Songbird (Hagenheim #7) by Melanie Dickerson

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

My daughter LOVES this series, and I’m sure she’ll find this book to be no exception. To be honest, it wasn’t my favorite– I think I’m still hooked on the heroine in the first book of the series– but it’s a light, clean romance which is a great change of pace for me. Sometimes we all need a little something light to read, right?

The Time Machine by H. G. Wells retold by Terry Davis (graphic novel)

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

In order to review this graphic novel (a first for me), I felt like it would only be fair to go back and read the original classic story to kind of gauge how well the retelling represents the tale. Overall, I was impressed with the amount of story the illustrations captured. The panels show a lot of action and emotion. I enjoyed reading it.

Elsie Mae Has Something to Say by Nancy J. Cavanaugh

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

This book has to be one of my favorites this year, and that’s saying a lot considering some of the powerhouse stories I’ve reviewed in the last nine months. I loved the southern characters and Elsie’s visionary spunk. Henry James and his “Hallelujahs” were a sure win for me, too.

21 Days to Happiness by Ingrid Kelada

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

I feel like I’m generally a pretty happy person, so I kind of picked this book up more for curiosity sake than anything else, and I’m so glad I did. I love the way the chapters are broken into useful, easy sections. The tips are so accessible and the resources make it so easy to implement changes in your life. I definitely recommend it.

The Prince Warriors by Priscilla Shirer

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

I’m always on the lookout for good Christian fiction, so I was excited to find this series. I liked the elements of spiritual warfare and the way the central characters grew and changed through the story.

What are you reading?

Did you read anything amazing this month? Looking forward to reading something special this fall? Leave a comment and tell me about it!

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Review: The Prince Warriors by Priscilla Shirer with Gina Detwiler

Book Review and Content, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , ,

The Prince Warriors (The Prince Warriors #1)
Priscilla Shirer with Gina Detwiler
Broadman & Holman Publishers
Published on April 27, 2016

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

About The Prince Warriors
The battle is real.

As brothers, Xavier and Evan are used to battling each other. But now they’re discovering that there is a much bigger battle going on all around them. And it’s their turn to fight. Based on Ephesians 6:10–18, The Prince Warriors is the first book in Priscilla Shirer’s epic new series that brings to life the invisible struggle ensuing in the spiritual realm. Xavier, Evan, and their friends have typical lives until they enter a mysterious land called Ahoratos. There they meet their guide, Ruwach, who offers wisdom and direction as the kids’ initial adventure begins—an adventure filled with armor and danger and a very real enemy.

Written by New York Times Best-Selling author Priscilla Shirer, The Prince Warriors series was created for middle-grade readers and will include the fiction trilogy as well as Unseen: The 365 Prince Warriors Devotional and the Unseen app.

My Review
I liked the imaginative way the author used elements of the story to talk about spiritual warfare. I also thought it worked well to have a cast of four central characters on the quest. Brianna was my favorite, and her relationship with Levi might have been one of my favorite parts of the story.

The plot pacing was a little strange for me. The last part of this three-part book felt more like the beginning of a new quest rather than a conclusion to the story as a whole. That said, I liked the setup for future novels and the way that even though an adult becomes involved, the kids have to solve their own problems through the course of the story.

The Prince Warriors will probably appeal most to younger middle grade readers who enjoy doorway to fantasy type books. Fans of Jaimie Engle’s Clifton Chase and the Arrow of Light will probably enjoy this series.

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Cultural Elements
No racial details given in the story.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
When characters step into the world of Ahoratos, they put on armor which has some magical abilities as well as protects them from enemies. They encounter evil creatures (metal monsters and poisonous butterflies for example) and fight them using the wisdom from Ruwach and their armor.

Ruwach shares some scriptures with them as wisdom for battle. The scriptures aren’t identified by biblical reference, but some will be recognizable. The kids learn Ahoratos has been created by the Source (which seems to be a reference to God) and they must fight an enemy who opposes them and will try to capture them.

These elements create a parallel for Christian spiritual warfare without direct explanation or reference to the bible.

Violent Content
Battle scenes contain no gore or fatalities.

Drug Content
None.

 

Review: 21 Days to Happiness by Ingrid Kelada

Book Review and Content, Nonfiction, , , ,

21 Days to Happiness
Ingrid Kelada
Wellness Ink Publishing
Published on September 25, 2017

Amazon | Goodreads | Author’s Website

About 21 Days to Happiness
Feeling busy, stressed or disappointed has become the “new normal”. The truth is it doesn’t have to be that way, and the solutions are simple.

Instead of hoping for happiness, what if happiness is something you DO, something you CHOOSE every day? The good news: it is.

Psychologist and happiness expert Ingrid Kelada provides a step-by-step guide to help you increase your personal happiness and feel more motivated. You can learn how with simple 10-minute strategies. Each day of the 21 day journey focuses on one key area of your life, including:

• Time: how to break the cycle of chaos and manage your time effectively.
• Body Language: exploring the surprising links between body language and happiness.
• Relationships: how to make the most of the number one predictor of happiness.
• Work: how to use your strengths and talents so you are engaged and motivated.
Happiness is a choice. A daily decision to choose happy can be easy, fun and rewarding. With this book, in just a few minutes per day, you can practice one new happiness habit and jot down your notes in the journal section.

My Review
I decided to read this book after working with the author—who is genuinely enthusiastic and upbeat and fun—to help her prepare for her book launch. As I skimmed some of the pages and chapters to help put together some promotional information, I found myself captivated by the simple, practical steps and supporting research. I couldn’t help wanting to read more.

Generally I think of myself as a pretty happy person, so I probably wouldn’t have thought to pick this book up off of a shelf. Reading it validated some of the practices I already use that bring me joy and keep me energized and focused. It also gave me new strategies for areas of my life where I’ve been looking for better strategies.

For instance, last fall, my daughter’s school day began at 8am. While this made for early mornings (I’m not a morning person!), it also gave me a long morning for work. Once I adjusted to that routine, I was able to get a lot done. This year, though, she’s at a new school, and doesn’t begin her day until 9:30am.

I love getting to sleep in a bit later, but I’ve been frustrated by the short mornings and have been really struggling to find a schedule where I can get as much done as I used to. Day 15 on taking a break in 21 Days to Happiness suggests some work and break routines for better productivity in the morning and afternoon that I’m super excited to try. I think they’ll work really well for the kinds of tasks I do.

Even if you’re not struggling with being unhappy or unsatisfied, I think this is a great book to read. All of us have bad habits or struggles that new strategies and ideas can help us improve. I especially loved the resources sections at the end of each chapter where you can find links to videos with more information on a topic or apps for things like guided meditation. The author’s website also includes a quick happiness quiz, which you can fill out and see where you’re happiest and which areas need some attention.

Ingrid Kelada’s book makes it so easy to succeed. It’s jam-packed with practical tips and supporting research all explained in a conversational tone that makes you feel like she’s right there with you. This is one book I’ll be keeping on hand and referring back to in the future.

Recommended for Ages 13 up.

Cultural Elements
None.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
There’s one instance of profanity that’s got an asterisk blocking part of the word. It’s a quote from a client, and is crude to make a point.

Romance/Sexual Content
A couple of places refer to sex very briefly. In one, the author hints that bedtime isn’t the best time for such a stimulating activity. In another, she refers to words from a palliative care nurse who explains that most people facing the end of life don’t talk about things like sex or bungee jumping.

Spiritual Content
More than one chapter talks about incorporating meditation as part of a daily routine. Quotes in the book feature authors like Mother Therese and Buddha.

Violent Content
None.

Drug Content
The author openly talks about drinking a glass of wine or champagne as a treat or part of a date or relaxing time.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

 

Review: Elsie Mae Has Something to Say by Nancy Cavanaugh

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Elsie Mae Has Something to Say
Nancy Cavanaugh
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Published on September 5, 2017

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

About Elsie Mae Has Something to Say

Elsie Mae is determined to save her beloved Okefenokee Swamp, but is she willing to accept the unexpected?

Elsie Mae has long treasured summers with her grandparents in the Okefenokee Swamp, so she is devastated to hear that a shipping company plans to build a canal right through it. What will that mean for the people and animals that call the swamp home?

So she writes a letter directly to President Franklin Roosevelt himself and sets off to enjoy what may be her last happy summer there with her new dog, Huck. But when she arrives, she discovers a team of hog bandits who have been stealing from the swamper families.

When her cousin Henry James, who dreams of one day becoming a traveling preacher like his daddy, shows up, Elsie doesn’t think things could get worse. But she devises a plan to use Henry and his “Hallelujahs” to help stop the thieves—and maybe just make enough noise to gain Roosevelt’s attention…

My Review

This might be my new favorite book.

Okay, so favorite book is more of an entire bookshelf than, like, one title, but seriously. Elsie Mae Has Something to Say blew me away.

I immediately fell in love with the earthy swamp folk and the relationship they have with the Okefenokee Swamp. Elsie’s the kind of character who takes you along with her, sharing her big vision for catching the hog thieves and saving the swamp. I loved watching the development of her relationship with other characters, especially Henry James. At first, she resents him taking up space in her summer, but she comes to value him as a friend and confidant. It reminded me a lot of the kind of relationship Scout and Dell had in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD.

The Deep South setting comes through the page so rich and vibrantly you’d almost feel like you can hear the buzz of mosquitos and the slosh of the water. Every dinner scene made me crave good southern food and long for the combination of sweet tea on a hot afternoon.

If you like southern fiction, you seriously need to put this book on your list. There’s definitely a strong Christian theme running through the book, but it’s much more the way PEACE LIKE A RIVER has that sense of spiritualism but without any preachiness. It felt very genuine and personal to the characters.

Fans of THREE TIMES LUCKY by Sheila Turnage or A SNICKER OF MAGIC by Natalie Lloyd need to get a copy of this book quick. It’s technically a middle grade book, but just like THREE TIMES LUCKY, I think it has huge crossover appeal to other age groups. Check it out and let me know how much you like it!

Recommended for Ages 8 up.

Cultural Elements
Major characters are all southern white people—down to earth swamp folk.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Elsie mentions that the men arrested for stealing hogs swear so much she even hears a word she’d never heard before. She doesn’t specify further.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Henry James, the son of a preacher comes to stay with Elsie’s grandparents. He quotes bible verses and prays. Elsie even agrees to let him baptize her “for practice”.

At one point Henry cautions Elsie that pride comes before a fall. At first, she refuses to give up her pride or agree that it may get her into trouble. She learns, though, through some painful experiences, that Henry is right and pride only causes harm to Elsie and her plans.

Violent Content
Elsie worries about gators in the water possibly attacking her when she and Henry get out of the boat in the middle of the swamp. At one point, two unidentified men fire a gun in Elsie and Henry’s direction.

Drug Content
The sheriff arrests men (strangers to Elsie) for running moonshine. Two men (strangers to Elsie) get drunk and have to sleep it off.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Review: The Time Machine by H. G. Wells Graphic Novel Adaptation by Terry Davis

Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , ,

The Time Machine (Graphic Novel Retelling)
Retold by Terry Davis
Illustrated by José Alfonso Ocampo Ruiz
Stone Arch Books
Published on September 1, 2007

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

About the Original Story, The Time Machine by H. G. Wells
So begins the Time Traveller’s astonishing firsthand account of his journey 800,000 years beyond his own era—and the story that launched H.G. Wells’s successful career and earned him his reputation as the father of science fiction. With a speculative leap that still fires the imagination, Wells sends his brave explorer to face a future burdened with our greatest hopes…and our darkest fears. A pull of the Time Machine’s lever propels him to the age of a slowly dying Earth.

There he discovers two bizarre races—the ethereal Eloi and the subterranean Morlocks—who not only symbolize the duality of human nature, but offer a terrifying portrait of the men of tomorrow as well.  Published in 1895, this masterpiece of invention captivated readers on the threshold of a new century. Thanks to Wells’s expert storytelling and provocative insight, The Time Machine will continue to enthrall readers for generations to come.

My Review of The Time Machine Graphic Novel Adaptation
I should first confess that I read the graphic novel adaptation before actually going back and reading the original version of the story. I’m not sure if that colors my review or not, but that’s the way it happened.

The classic version of course is a lot meatier than the graphic novel version. I definitely think younger or reluctant readers would prefer the graphic novel for its simplicity and streamlined storytelling. I was impressed by how much of the tale is conveyed through the illustrations themselves—they really capture a sense of action and intensity far beyond what I expected from still images, if that makes sense.

The graphic novel version definitely loses a lot of the nuance and complexity of the original story. A lot of the inner workings of the Time Traveler’s thoughts simply don’t appear in the graphic novel version, which I feel like is a significant loss, since that’s what gave the story so much depth. The graphic novel also glosses over what happens to the character Weena, which I found sad. It’s also worth noting that the illustrations show the Eloi as darker skinned people. The original describes them as pale and fair. (Not a bad thing, just a difference I noticed.)

Younger readers looking to explore the science fiction genre may find this to be a perfect entry point as the story is accessible and action-packed, though spare in its telling.

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12 for the graphic novel version. The original story is better suited to readers 12 and up.

Cultural Elements
The original story describes all characters as white. The graphic novel depicts the Eloi as darker-skinned people.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
In the original story, the Time Traveler has to fight through many enemies who try to paw at him and capture him. He kills some and wounds others, though the descriptions are brief.

In both stories, he learns of a group that eats humans.

Drug Content
None.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

 

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Review: The Silent Songbird by Melanie Dickerson

Book Review and Content, Historical, Romance, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , ,

The Silent Songbird (Hagenheim #7)
Melanie Dickerson
Thomas Nelson
Published on November 8, 2016

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

About The Silent Songbird
Evangeline is the ward and cousin of King Richard II, and yet she dreams of a life outside of Berkhamsted Castle, where she might be free to marry for love and not politics. But the young king betroths her to his closest advisor, Lord Shiveley, a man twice as old as Evangeline. Desperate to escape a life married to a man she finds revolting, Evangeline runs away from the king and joins a small band of servants on their way back to their home village.

To keep her identity a secret, Evangeline pretends to be mute. Evangeline soon regrets the charade as she gets to know Westley, the handsome young leader of the servants, whom she later discovers is the son of a wealthy lord. But she cannot reveal her true identity for fear she will be forced to return to King Richard and her arranged marriage.

My Review
This is off the usual path of books I tend to read, but it’s a series my daughter absolutely adores. The Hagenheim series loosely retells fairytales (minus the magical elements) as light medieval romance novels. This one is a loose retelling of the Little Mermaid, with Eva pretending to be mute as she pursues Westley, which prevents him from realizing she’s the maid with the lovely voice he felt so drawn to.

The romance elements definitely kept me turning pages. I liked Westley’s character and his sense of honor and curiosity about Eva a lot.

I felt like Eva was much shallower than other heroines in this series. She felt bad about lying, but didn’t really take a lot of responsibility for it. She sort of had tunnel-vision on things she wanted, which blinds her to some of the hurts she causes in people around her, especially her friend who escapes with her.

Eva definitely grows as the story progresses, and I liked that she does eventually come clean about her past. I wanted the backstory or conflict between her and Lord Shively to develop more—like maybe for her to find actual evidence that he’d murdered his wife and flee because she feared he would kill her to silence her. But that’s probably because I’m addicted to angsty stories. Ha!

The Silent Songbird is a great pick especially for younger readers looking for light romance. It has all the tension and satisfaction of romance without being sexual or graphic. My daughter is twelve, and this is probably her favorite series.

Recommended for Ages 10 up.

Cultural Elements
All the characters appear to be Western European.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
Brief kissing between a man and woman.

Spiritual Content
References to prayer.

Violent Content
A woman accidentally injures a man with a scythe. A woman sustains injury to her hands from her work as a servant. A man tries to kill another man by pushing him into a river.

Drug Content
References to drinking ale.

 

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