tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1996267107619573032024-02-18T19:51:57.303-07:00The Readathon: Book ReviewsBook ReviewsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger482125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199626710761957303.post-87409768991149612622018-02-06T18:57:00.002-07:002018-02-06T18:57:38.382-07:00Tomorrow is the Day!!!!<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Moving Day is Tomorrow!!!</h2>
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Hooray!! I have been working very hard to get my new site up and running.</div>
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I have to say that it may not be *perfect* yet, I know there are still some links that link </div>
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back to this site still. However, it's time to move forward! </div>
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Join me tomorrow (Feb 7th) for the Launch of my new site!!</h3>
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I'll have a give-away, a new review, and a brand new site!</div>
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See you tomorrow at:</h4>
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<a href="http://www.thereadathon.com/">www.thereadathon.com</a></h2>
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Happy Reading!</div>
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~Monica</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199626710761957303.post-77377344133289700732018-01-25T12:09:00.000-07:002018-01-25T12:09:08.307-07:00Still Working On It....<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi Everyone! </div>
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I'm still here! </div>
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I have been working very hard to get my new site up and running. </div>
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I'm learning a lot. A LOT! When all my content was transferred over it got a little</div>
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messed up. So, it's taking me longer than expected to go through nine years worth of posts</div>
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to fix everything. So, for the moment, I'm going to cut the connection between</div>
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blogspot and wordpress. For now you will only be able to access my site from:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">www.the-readathon.blogspot.com</span></div>
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That way I can make sure everything with the new site: www.thereadathon.com is up and </div>
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running properly. Thank you for being patient with me! I have a bunch of books in queue to </div>
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review for all of you, I just need to get the website up and then I'll add the reviews.</div>
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Thank you for being so patient and for being part of my Readathon community!!!</div>
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Happy Reading,</div>
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~Monica</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199626710761957303.post-44059588888409048102018-01-17T14:27:00.000-07:002018-01-17T14:27:03.754-07:00Moving!<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Moving!</h2>
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Hi Everyone! I am in the process of moving my site from Blogger to Word Press (yay!)</div>
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So...</div>
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I have no idea what will happen. (Eeeek!) I don't know if you'll still be able to see my content here while it's updating, or if it will seamlessly take you to the new site once it's up and running. </div>
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If you are one of my amazing followers, if you come here and I'm not here for some reason, please go to my new site:</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://thereadathon.com/">thereadathon.com</a></span></h3>
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I'm hoping to have everything up and running in the next few days. </div>
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I'm excited and VERY nervous. I have nine years of content. NINE! What if I lose it all?</div>
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What if, what if, what if.....</div>
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It's going to be great, right? Please tell me I'm not going to lose everything in the move. </div>
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Please come follow me on my new site; I'll keep you updated!</div>
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~Monica<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYsM9MT3Vo-_XXngL1QVIGmGc1nfBIERma7CD4WYmBnh4qmg1WcKFsLMyB2SmJ-zdEPjbiJRh-_kBhwHMWc7QUdTylc3UC1O33ruEjhwc9cQOcpnfqhsKsTF5Fet5LJl9B8wmCQTZRb2p/s1600/Address+Change%2521%2521%2521+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYsM9MT3Vo-_XXngL1QVIGmGc1nfBIERma7CD4WYmBnh4qmg1WcKFsLMyB2SmJ-zdEPjbiJRh-_kBhwHMWc7QUdTylc3UC1O33ruEjhwc9cQOcpnfqhsKsTF5Fet5LJl9B8wmCQTZRb2p/s320/Address+Change%2521%2521%2521+%25281%2529.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199626710761957303.post-90067398446939663232018-01-16T06:14:00.000-07:002018-01-16T06:14:58.136-07:00[Book Review] Potion Masters: The Eternity Elixir (Book #1) by Frank L. Cole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmLX3Ir4jsjM8kZhn7eZdb9suhPHDyciZwY3GZQW54FORr3vPGD513gwko9BrSzrlvEbG-Os4x_AfZfCmPgvWtTsSSpSYRJx2E4xPkfCIAGuwDOE883fo10ifeg3PGa64mFzVtRrmBs58/s1600/potion-masters-325x483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="325" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmLX3Ir4jsjM8kZhn7eZdb9suhPHDyciZwY3GZQW54FORr3vPGD513gwko9BrSzrlvEbG-Os4x_AfZfCmPgvWtTsSSpSYRJx2E4xPkfCIAGuwDOE883fo10ifeg3PGa64mFzVtRrmBs58/s320/potion-masters-325x483.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Potion Masters: The Eternity Elixir (Book #1)</span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">by</span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Frank L. Cole</span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">"Twelve-year-old Gordy Stitser is one of the few people who knows the truth about the secret society of potion masters, called Elixirists, whose specialized concoctions have been responsible for three centuries of advancements, including hybrid cars, enhanced military weapons, and the cure for the common cold. Not only is Gordy's mom on the Board of Ruling Elixirists Worldwide (B.R.E.W.), but she has also been training Gordy in the art of potion-making. Gordy is a natural, and every day he sneaks down to the basement lab to invent new potions using exotic ingredients like fire ant eggs, porcupine quills, and Bosnian tickling juice. One afternoon, Gordy receives a mysterious package containing an extremely rare potion labeled 'The Eternity Elixir.' In the right hands, the Elixir continues to protect society. But in the wrong hands, it could destroy the world as we know it. Now, sinister potion masters are on the hunt to steal the Eternity Elixir. It's up to Gordy, his parents, and his best friends, Max and Adeline, to prevent an all-out potion war."</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">What a fun book! I think it's almost every kid's dream to make potions, right? Didn't we all mix strange concoctions when we were little, hoping in our heart of hearts that it would make our parents forget about chores or bad grades or broken rules? No? So it was just me? Ok, then, moving on...Gordy is a fun character. He is smart (maybe not so much street smart as potion-smart), witty, courageous, and quick thinking. He's a good friend and a good son. I really like his voice in this book; it feels like your best friend is telling you this outrageous story of what happened to him last weekend. His friends Max and Adeline are great supporting characters. His mom is this super-secretive-awesome lady who is the CIA/FBI of the potion world; I liked her a lot. This book is very creative and unique. I love that you're reading about this skeleton with a rock head who travels thousands of miles on his own to accomplish his task, and you think that's normal and totally feasible. It's great. And the bad guys are definitely bad guys. They're a little scary with some evil plans. This book is a fast, easy read. It's quite entertaining, and I enjoyed it a lot. I can't wait to hand it over to my kiddos, I think they'll really like it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Rating: PG (There's no profanity, no "intimacy," and only some minor violence as they fight off the bad guys.)</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"> Age Recommendation: Middle-graders (4th-6th) and up</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Similar Titles You May Be Interested In:</span></h4>
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<a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2013/08/janitors-book-1.html"><img alt="Janitors (Book #1) by Tyler Whitesides" border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0gYH7kkHCCoxnOdMwDpBDhoQHn7p_mQKWF2WcF3xq8BUkIxUcEs0mqpliZtFP-52TnF8PAGnTIXVQwdYirxqMXcoHdwIHAxlWDcIAhsPzw8dWhmud8vssNBM9rHjR9xvXZLa1R_dvax8/s200/janitors+book+1.jpg" title="Janitors (Book #1) by Tyler Whitesides" width="134" /></a> <a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2010/04/fablehaven-1.html"><img alt="Fablehaven (Book #1) by Brandon Mull" border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIWH2Gk1QuPIDRybWsoFHIJC2Z0QFFNxvVtdH_mBI1WuioJxmxVD7LtV7ZqNb9MzqjeKOhoJvlyO1tMiL7kVpleeJrjLyFrsSLOdVhdHaed74uXnFGZBKO17dExzAPeWWjrRMmB5O5PEd/s200/fablehaven+book+%25231.jpg" title="Fablehaven (Book #1) by Brandon Mull" width="150" /></a> <a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2014/12/adventurers-wanted-slathbogs-gold-book-1.html"><img alt="Adventurers Wanted: Slathbog's Gold (Book #1) by M.L. Forman" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1056" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BIlqNuJ_uxkr7-DR120fBHSiAyLdnR9-dTO6k29zO5Y9oyenPp_HH0qL2EjQgu6oxJPJ6YojbjlOorcpwb2slcHjyU8FHE1TWhmtyOgD0Lncuc-n8H75o1UYUhiWCcRYtfo6M8wMae82/s200/adventurers+wanted+slathbogs+gold.jpg" title="Adventurers Wanted: Slathbog's Gold (Book #1) by M.L. Forman" width="131" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199626710761957303.post-55622443260286804612018-01-10T13:00:00.000-07:002018-01-10T13:11:43.958-07:00[Book Review] Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World by Jennifer Armstrong<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yzTNmyBFwxEct8o-cIkmm0q_8-I3qR7aavGHxbusl-504Ot0-i94s5KO9cRqz8lxlEovTzoF7EpVTo5TC-XVpqwPzd4lblXN3GjmXC2shRa0qKwa8bGLrduDDb6kbse8KIM_fVXByk2Z/s1600/shipwreck+at+the+bottom+of+the+world.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World by Jennifer Armstrong" border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yzTNmyBFwxEct8o-cIkmm0q_8-I3qR7aavGHxbusl-504Ot0-i94s5KO9cRqz8lxlEovTzoF7EpVTo5TC-XVpqwPzd4lblXN3GjmXC2shRa0qKwa8bGLrduDDb6kbse8KIM_fVXByk2Z/s320/shipwreck+at+the+bottom+of+the+world.jpg" title="Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World by Jennifer Armstrong" width="277" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World </span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">by </span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Jennifer Armstrong</span></h2>
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"In August 1914, Ernest Shackleton and 27 men sailed from England in an attempt to become the first team of explorers to cross Antarctica. Five months later and still 100 miles from land, their ship, <em>Endurance</em>, became trapped in ice. When <em>Endurance</em> broke apart and sank, the expedition survived another five months camping on ice floes, followed by a perilous journey through stormy seas to remote and unvisited Elephant Island. In a dramatic climax to this amazing survival story, Shackleton and five others navigated 800 miles of treacherous open ocean in a 20-foot boat to fetch a rescue ship. <em>Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World</em> vividly re-creates one of the most extraordinary adventure stories in history. Jennifer Armstrong narrates this unbelievable story with vigor, and eye for detail, and an appreciation of the marvelous leadership of Ernest Shackleton, who brought home every one of his men alive. With them survived a remarkable archive of photographs of the expedition, more than 40 of which are reported here."</div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">My Review:</span></h3>
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I love this book! It is an amazing story! Seriously amazing, and I think it teaches wonderful lessons about hard work, determination, working together, and great leadership. It is so well written that it reads as fiction. I love the format with the pictures and the maps. I love to just look at the pictures because they capture the moment so well. I look up to Ernest Shackleton because of his great leadership ability. As you're reading, you know that no one dies, but you can't believe it! These men go through so many trials and hardships, and not one of them dies. It is incredible! Ms. Armstrong did a great job with this book and I highly recommend it! I recommend it as a read-aloud and also as a personal read. This book is one of my all-time-favorite nonfiction reads!</div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Rating: PG+ (It is clean, but they do suffer through a lot of hardships, some of which are not pleasant to read.)</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Age Recommendation: Fifth Grade and up. It is a great read-aloud for home or school, and is also a wonderful book for kids and adults alike to sit down and read. Parents may want to read it first just so they know if it is appropriate for their child.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Similar Titles You May Be Interested In:</span></h4>
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<a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-boys-in-boat.html"><img alt="The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="326" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcD4XDdab8MOjBOrpBpzEKn8mm23FhmfUCMcxNz-MJ3nr8bW0U1jGtAL5TXdHiVxAYnw9mxy6f92VeoMOVoLMYE9Em-oSgeeDfzrkh4aZj4qup7juY_b-4Airan3lnSgzg4HOZDsJAc9p/s200/the+boys+in+the+boat1.jpg" title="The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown" width="130" /></a> <a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2010/07/1776.html"><img alt="1776 by David McCullough" border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiek7JnWlFSftqBg_9qcWlDtH0DkCp2lMDbRO0LDxo_7v9c3T4ctunN8mOHJJEneUfrHzDQgiSrl7CC6N5hRKRerF6Pr40wSWlFE-7dv22axt38jlc4-DzMrp6fXSyB8EyfTDirQb1rOCFl/s200/1776.jpg" title="1776 by David McCullough" width="131" /></a> <a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2012/06/unbroken.html"><img alt="Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand" border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDaT-XyNwbNc9qEH_3qTaZ2M6zm_AcwAkaKK4T8ci9WAmxuRAxXi0jBmt-6zw2QCdP9Y3R00YDcJHFcvehyphenhyphenyhW4Z7lQ3HbB00Rl_PYTH3eY9on9KPX5dJS8q2X0v2YZuPpjsUJX5OgNK6/s200/unbroken.jpg" title="Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand" width="131" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">*This post was first published on 8/8/12, and was updated on 1/10/18.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199626710761957303.post-87673516422484059412018-01-09T06:40:00.000-07:002018-01-09T11:34:13.302-07:00[Book Review] The Sage Challenger by Chad Rasumssen<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYKsL_smi6EGnVmz7i-Mf-nQ0QRzjWuhKKDO0xK0fYvUzqosGm4VrenLkKvrdoJBlRPSqlEHjN_IW4f2pcVqz2nzIGo8aANCcFOYdsFpitq_uNJ3U2GhfDyvEIgOoQzWfoKfN_ThjAcMN/s1600/the+sage+challenger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Sage Challenger by Chad Rasmussen" border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYKsL_smi6EGnVmz7i-Mf-nQ0QRzjWuhKKDO0xK0fYvUzqosGm4VrenLkKvrdoJBlRPSqlEHjN_IW4f2pcVqz2nzIGo8aANCcFOYdsFpitq_uNJ3U2GhfDyvEIgOoQzWfoKfN_ThjAcMN/s320/the+sage+challenger.jpg" title="The Sage Challenger by Chad Rasmussen" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: goodreads.com</td></tr>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The Sage Challenger</span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">by</span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Chad Rasmussen</span></h2><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></div><h3><span style="font-weight: normal;">Blurb:</span></h3><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">"The day Arian Coles stepped into the CUBUS his life would be changed forever. His scores were high enough to thrust him into the world's greatest and most dangerous competition. But this is no game, the winner will become one of the ten world leaders--a Sage. According to Sage Law there must always be Ten Sages, but the eldest, Kanja, is dying. He must be replaced. Unable to find a suitable replacement among their own people, the Sages turn to the working class populace and institute the Challenger Competition. Through their love of intelligence, athleticism, technology, and extreme sports they have created The Challenges--ten Challenges in the most dangerous locations on earth. Making friends and foes along the way, Arian must be on his guard at all times. He must decipher his feelings between Maria and Ciana and decide if one is his ally or enemy. At the brink of death, Arian will have to prove if he has the fortitude to make it through unimaginable adversity and be crowned a Sage. But is this the end goal for Arian? He must decide what his true purpose is." </span></div><h3><span style="font-weight: normal;">My Review:</span></h3><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Wow! What a ride! Full disclosure: Chad Rasmussen lives in my neighborhood. It always makes me a little nervous to review books for people that I know. What if I hate it? What if it's poorly written? Especially with first-time authors, you never know what you're going to get. So, when his wife asked if I'd read his book, I said, "Yes," and then I got worried. However, I needn't have worried. In his debut novel, Chad Rasmussen takes one part <i>Hunger Games,</i> one part <i>The Amazing Race</i>, and one part Olympics, and successfully mixes them all up into one crazy concoction of action, revenge, betrayal, amazing feats, and change for the Cive people. You can't help but like Arian. He's strong, determined, intelligent, easy to relate to, and courageous. The Challenges are insane! Racing on snowboard-type boards on sand dunes, capoeira to the death, soccer on water skates, and flying suits. I was really glad that my brother-in-law and sister-in-law introduced me to capoeira so that I knew what they were talking about. I watched them in a tournament once, and it was quite exciting! Here's a video of what capoeira is. It's 8.5 min, but you just need to watch the first couple of minutes to see what it is. </span></div><br />
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What did you think? Pretty fun to watch, right? Now just picture them fighting to the death using capoeira. On a small platform. Thousands of feet in the air. Scary! Overall, I'd say that this book is well written. The characters are developed well, the story flows well, is easy to read and understand, and it's full of action. The Challenges are exciting to read about, and the relationships Arian has with Maria, Shen, and Komi add such a great element to the story. I loved how they supported him. I'd say that overall it was a bit predictable, but there were enough surprises along the way to keep me reading. I came to enjoy this sci-fi world that Chad Rasmussen has created. The ending was a bit of a drop-off-a-cliff, so I hope there is a second book to take us off the ledge we're hanging from.<br />
<h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rating: PG+ (There was one swear word that I remember, so not terrible there, and there isn't any "intimacy," except for some brief kissing. It is quite violent though. A lot of characters die, and some of them quite graphically.)</span></h4><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">Age Recommendation: Young Adult and up (12+)</span></h4><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, and Chad Rasmussen does live in my neighborhood; however, this did not affect my review.</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
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</span></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Similar Titles You May Be Interested In:</span></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2013/03/earth-sim.html"><img alt="Earth-Sim by Jade Kerrion" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzI8hqrv8zkGd2ynct4w2vWiK1ll531r0KfQAagRv0YnDu1KKE9OzekiN2Y-M-i6QTTZz32MHUWYw2-mEFGooCi3tTxCN6a3AQc-xjzmn1Pn4pk_DCdl1or-JKmzYPYATxF2SN7uXVWH3/s200/earth-sim.jpg" title="Earth-Sim by Jade Kerrion" width="133" /></a> <a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2012/08/enders-game.html"><img alt="Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card" border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="290" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KsiiqL9-LImY547OmX5-t3s6d01mZjLcXb3PN9JdPhUVCADeYDKc9PXr0HqjETJYaEfc7f0mIngoEgC3zayT5Ykx6UOlgCRRbdnYlE9A_S73vIwOt4XTkW3GleKuFSNydol68ZqozB5-/s200/enders+game.jpg" title="Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card" width="121" /></a> <a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-inventors-secret.html"><img alt="The Inventor's Secret by Chad Morris" border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfv2mQP2f7318iiEKbg0SL0d88eBBssZF8Kesw8iSqFeazYdkgw5nQL6lOCvMs-CD9jYIS6u-GXxFhdKal45RUVNUKevlBZNRZGiXrRUXqyyJHZWC_qnGRI-rvOtHrqmf4vIhh4xpNhB2/s200/the+inventors+secret.jpg" title="The Inventor's Secret by Chad Morris" width="135" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199626710761957303.post-38888297347239883742018-01-05T12:38:00.000-07:002018-01-05T12:40:54.233-07:00Change of Address!!! Yippee!<div style="text-align: center;">
Can I get a big Woot! Woot!</div>
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Why, you ask?</div>
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I took a HUGE step today! After 9 years of blogging and reviewing books (yes, 9!), </div>
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I finally purchased an actual domain name!!!</h2>
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So now...</div>
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instead of going to: www.the-readathon.blogspot.com</h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">go to...</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">thereadathon.com</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eDmMlqmFEybz6kLDIdsLTF1APrurE_jgIs0_DfpXxEaIMhtXGtlnwFqGRP1QfEr09tuR6Ju7QkVKgMCC1Ej0gl_LwMC0bntbfa97THNDEBTmlmLhfCkvGhdEXhqUEEpWyuz8e5wsGv-5/s1600/Address+Change%2521%2521%2521+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="www.the-readathon.blogspot.com is now thereadathon.com" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eDmMlqmFEybz6kLDIdsLTF1APrurE_jgIs0_DfpXxEaIMhtXGtlnwFqGRP1QfEr09tuR6Ju7QkVKgMCC1Ej0gl_LwMC0bntbfa97THNDEBTmlmLhfCkvGhdEXhqUEEpWyuz8e5wsGv-5/s400/Address+Change%2521%2521%2521+%25281%2529.png" title="www.the-readathon.blogspot.com is now thereadathon.com" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm so excited! I dare you to try it! (Go type it in right now...just to make sure it works!)</div>
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P.S. Let me know if it doesn't! </div>
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~Monica</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199626710761957303.post-9737777877267237052018-01-05T06:00:00.000-07:002018-01-10T05:45:03.056-07:00[Book Review] Snow Crystals by W.A. Bentley and W.J. Humphreys<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcC_tB-qsLYT946UyTUD8OfZUz3gH0LZMh2NSJ5SYKnw_k8WGLUOsf_4o0arOK_SqcMOZWjd14frEmuRJPODxA7pwjEsLUnAEU1XqqznIRZMHmlQpfpP9tN8iYM1vlYQom_ssgMFjn8CV5/s1600/snow+crystals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Snow Crystals by W.A. Bentley and W.J. Humphreys" border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcC_tB-qsLYT946UyTUD8OfZUz3gH0LZMh2NSJ5SYKnw_k8WGLUOsf_4o0arOK_SqcMOZWjd14frEmuRJPODxA7pwjEsLUnAEU1XqqznIRZMHmlQpfpP9tN8iYM1vlYQom_ssgMFjn8CV5/s320/snow+crystals.jpg" title="Snow Crystals by W.A. Bentley and W.J. Humphreys" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: goodreads.com</td></tr>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Snow Crystals</span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">by</span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">W.A. Bentley and W.J. Humphreys</span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Blurb:</span></h3>
"Did you ever try to photograph a snow flake? The procedure is very tricky. The work must be done rapidly in extreme cold, for even body heat can melt a rare specimen that has been painstakingly mounted. The lighting must be just right to reveal all the nuances of design without producing heat. But the results can be rewarding, as the work of W.A. Bentley proved. For almost half a century, Bentley caught and photographed thousands of snow flakes in his workshop at Jericho, Vermont, and made available to scientists and art instructors samples of his remarkable work. In 1931, the American Meteorological Society gathered together the best of these photomicrographs, plus some slides of frost, glaze, dew on vegetation and spider webs, sleet, and soft hail, and a text by W.J. Humphreys, and had them published. That book is here reproduced, unaltered and unabridged. Over 2,000 beautiful crystals on these pages reveal the wonder of nature's diversity in uniformity: no two are alike, yet all are based on a common hexagon."<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">My Review:</span></h3>
Since I woke up to at least six inches of snow this morning, I thought this book would be very fitting for today. I love any nonfiction book that captivates and intrigues the reader, especially if that reader is a child. This book does just that. The text at the beginning is too difficult and technical for my girls (9 and 6), but that has not stopped them from pouring over each and every snowflake pictured in this book. When it was due at the library they begged me to renew it because they didn't want to let it go. It is fascinating! The beginning text is very interesting, yet a bit technical. It talks about the different types of snowflakes and how they are formed, it talks about how Mr. Bentley painstakingly photographed each and every snowflake, and it talks about different natural phenomena like dew, sleet, hail, and frost. I found it intriguing, but I read through it quickly because I couldn't wait to see all the beautiful pictures. It is amazing how intricate and detailed some of the snowflakes are! I had no idea that some snowflakes look like columns. Yes, they look like actual Roman columns, 3D and everything. There are many different shapes and configurations. No two in the book are the same. My favorite ones are the ones you think of when you think of snowflakes, with many delicate and intricate details. Frost is beautiful too! After reading this book, I can now look outside at all the snow this morning and not only see, but appreciate the beauty in it as well. This book would be fabulous for science teachers, art teachers, photography teachers, and all teachers looking to introduce more nonfiction books into the classroom. It would also be a great addition to any home library. I highly recommend this book.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Rating: G (Clean!)</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Age Recommendation: Everyone! (For a silent read I would say 5th or 6th grade and up to be able to understand the text, but everyone can enjoy the photographs.)</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Similar Titles You May Be Interested In:</span></h4>
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<a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2012/08/shipwreck-at-bottom-of-world.html"><img alt="Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World by Jennifer Armstrong" border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeW6VvqpuVekg5VLv7ZDM1V8mY7mDNx1QzVrN2oNN6oztMjMHuBpgfaSrPM7PLUh1IsT5T1pTQWZhb_X5U1f7f_OvA7rAHAM7FYS5bHf1E4UyzjN5a7mfZkhanuSvfqiACXo0X_bURmJ9V/s200/shipwreck+at+the+bottom+of+the+world.jpg" title="Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World by Jennifer Armstrong" width="173" /></a> <a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2016/05/im-possible.html"><img alt="I'm Possible by Jeff Griffin" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="324" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3AlIynowU1ehu0VjFQaMpg544COL8BZCtLcW57tO_f0Pd5tvrMXtUULqviQ2HVDK0tp-QSsDTTMH6RlUXMNtlvZm4yVnWOn9zNTkDOKiW7D1ekF-XBUlo53Bs3nKAF65rkAEefhbryzl/s200/i%2527m+possible.jpg" title="I'm Possible by Jeff Griffin" width="129" /></a> <a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2014/10/focused.html"><img alt="Focused by Noelle Pikus Pace" border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUQXQBovXe-51GWmweQ901V1vzhYlZbVoFXS96V85MIsMeCDxUvdP1UYbCfuQWq_CgPd4AaUWr6MVLLuuk9PSOYb2aKc6KoZMH9rHVUSxqw-J3xh4HLwuxRwSjNPaUOuV2fTjfDPoayJy/s200/focused.jpg" title="Focused by Noelle Pikus Pace" width="151" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*This post was originally published on 12/29/14; updated on 1/5/18.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199626710761957303.post-55501749447336492452018-01-03T06:22:00.000-07:002018-01-04T06:35:31.836-07:00[Book Review] Devil in the Microscope by Ryan Decaria<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWCIjlUaorB7-8lQCN8rWilsthwQzW9gk0lGk_fMfCOng7Hcq75okM9XPINCQecJaT2P9qR4BIZBTX_fdnQFCdaLoTHgQP4JJDslra76CC5DJr-rRxqdC2ZYnejp0ZSVKMUgUgthShGi5/s1600/devil+in+the+microscope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Devil in the Microscope by Ryan Decaria" border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWCIjlUaorB7-8lQCN8rWilsthwQzW9gk0lGk_fMfCOng7Hcq75okM9XPINCQecJaT2P9qR4BIZBTX_fdnQFCdaLoTHgQP4JJDslra76CC5DJr-rRxqdC2ZYnejp0ZSVKMUgUgthShGi5/s320/devil+in+the+microscope.jpg" title="Devil in the Microscope by Ryan Decaria" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: goodreads.com</td></tr>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Devil in the Microscope</span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">by</span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Ryan Decaria</span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Blurb (from goodreads.com):</span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"When “science-fair-geek” Anika goes to live with her scientist father in a town built around his mysterious genetics laboratory, she is determined to prove herself worthy of his legacy. But all preconceptions about her new life are thrown out the window when Anika discovers her father is a megalomaniac living in a town populated entirely by mad scientists. Now Anika will have to navigate her way through a high school filled with vindictive evil geniuses, deadly science projects, and unspeakable human experimentation. Relying on her wits, scientific know-how, and talented allies, Anika fights for her very life, and the lives of her new friends. Will Anika have to become like her mad scientist father in order to save the day?"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">My Review:</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Anika is a fun character. She's smart, witty, sassy, and doesn't put up with anything. She's a good, strong, female leading character. I liked her voice a lot, and thought she was well developed. It's always good to have a science nerd as a main character. Her mom isn't in a lot of the book; even though she's a bit mysterious, you find out more about why she is the way she is as the story goes on. I did think that Anika was a bit quick to disregard her mom after all they'd been through together, but teenagers are never predictable. I liked Billie a lot, and felt so bad for her and the situation she was in. Anika's father is quite the interesting guy. I didn't feel like he was developed as much as Anika was, but part of that is the mystery that surrounds him. Anika doesn't know him very well either, so I guess it's fair that the reader is also kept in the dark. I liked the story line a lot at the beginning, with the science fair and all that. It was when Anika got to Moreau that the story became a little unbelievable to me (you may not feel the same way). It's sci-fi, and you know I love a good sci-fi, but this definitely bordered on fantasy, and was a little hard to believe. I liked her friends at school, especially Misty and Sasha, and I did think they were well developed and likable characters. Victor is scary, creepy, and intimidating, but his situation is a bit on the unimaginable side. Well, honestly, a bunch of the characters have sides of them that are unimaginable. On one hand, it gives the story a lot of action. It's definitely full of action, Anika is a go-getter for sure! On the other hand, some of the scenarios are a tad on the strange/inconceivable side. I liked that the teenagers took matters into their own hands because they really didn't have anyone they could turn to for help, but at the same time, that included them doing some things that I don't think teenagers should have to do. I wanted to scream at their parents for putting them in that situation. You never really heard anything about their mothers, either. Where were they in all of this? </span>The ending wasn't my favorite, either. It just ended. I'm assuming that means that a second book is in the works, but there were still quite a few things that could have been tied up a little better. Overall, the book was ok for me. There were some parts of it that I really enjoyed, and some parts that I had a hard time believing. If you're a science nerd then you will definitely enjoy this book. </div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Rating: PG-13 (There is some profanity, and there are times where they don't actually say the "f" word, but they say a word that is VERY similar, so you know that's what they mean, which is a tactic I don't particularly care for. There isn't any "intimacy," but there is a lot of violence. There are a few characters that are killed, and there is a lot of fighting.)</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Age Recommendation: 14 years-old and up</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Also, the author is the son of my good friend. </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Similar Titles You May Be Interested In:</span></h4>
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<a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2012/08/enders-game.html"><img alt="Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card" border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="290" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWIdglLksl16IzM5-E1zKuO8torcMxjjU0OrD1VupNO1RKXMjnosAO3EAyB_NkTlYVHjnuhvPHK8zcOvsg5QL-Ck4DBPvgbez8ntj2YwqXaNF7huA6AxjF8ZDuVH6CUdfj0DMns6d6ExJ/s200/enders+game.jpg" title="Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card" width="121" /></a> <a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2015/09/mysteries-of-cove-fires-of-invention.html"><img alt="Mysteries of Cove: Fires of Invention (Book #1) by J. Scott Savage" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1073" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxVh8N6PJXr-dwXzqTwxRPXLW9L2eZmjw3jlP4phmDUnr9pnjumUGieRN9DYm3aYuS_QTj8GeCywj1CVlZTmFh3pt367O8T9qPsjwsDXn1jK_SHDxXk2kVtwqR1dFpkcWoiBhXaoCBsnO/s200/Myteries+of+COVE_cover+%25281%2529.jpg" title="Mysteries of Cove: Fires of Invention (Book #1) by J. Scott Savage" width="133" /></a> <a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2014/10/frankenstein.html"><img alt="Frankenstein by Mary Shelley" border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="233" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEYMqXNHqSo3xpANoK9pFyYS35mkXOdhMjbBVpZtP6mvg7fSAnj8tq-jM-AK6wH17ADro55tS3BqBhqxSSQA9Bz0ndRsSSoedG1HPs8g54nrQJA6AOL98gKTxJJ0CQZD9x9_HCQlS-YvA/s200/frankenstein.jpg" title="Frankenstein by Mary Shelley" width="125" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199626710761957303.post-80581973887462669802017-12-23T14:02:00.001-07:002017-12-23T14:02:39.810-07:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWb7s-mnBk6AyKptlSNwz7Gw7tdEqfGHeAbob8lxRmgEOiwQyfrbGdlj44fzhDMCgxDNkChPiSgbGFDwPMgiYfGbAbYDK4UhncnqiBn_-kjugUHmVTkUZbBWStN-LZm-wwMnVE2Ug4BxrP/s1600/Merry+Christmas%2521.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Merry Christmas from The Readathon" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWb7s-mnBk6AyKptlSNwz7Gw7tdEqfGHeAbob8lxRmgEOiwQyfrbGdlj44fzhDMCgxDNkChPiSgbGFDwPMgiYfGbAbYDK4UhncnqiBn_-kjugUHmVTkUZbBWStN-LZm-wwMnVE2Ug4BxrP/s320/Merry+Christmas%2521.png" title="Merry Christmas from The Readathon" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Merry Christmas!!!</span></h2>
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Merry Christmas to all my wonderful readers! I am so thankful to you for reading my blog, supporting me, and being patient with me. Thank you for taking time out of your day to read my reviews and other ramblings. I'm going to be spending the next few days with my family, so I will not be posting anything new until after Christmas. I promise I'll be back next week! I have a few more reviews to post before the new year. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!</div>
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Love,</div>
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Monica</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199626710761957303.post-126135970312959612017-12-21T06:27:00.000-07:002017-12-21T06:27:28.755-07:00[Book Review] Christmas Jars-The Collector's Edition by Jason F. Wright<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKqOBYjoq0na60pICrtJ36lWmjcbR2T1b7OiwZCD_7nddHRAHZWZl2j3NssPqVq8YNWraE8b6Qy_0QesnW_5iDRatHXITDXE5dAaIjCkH9E_eFvjjeBeLXGt7SEVZMT0-Wx7l_adpBsp6/s1600/christmas-jars-collector-325x464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Christmas Jars Collector's Edition by Jason F. Wright" border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="325" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKqOBYjoq0na60pICrtJ36lWmjcbR2T1b7OiwZCD_7nddHRAHZWZl2j3NssPqVq8YNWraE8b6Qy_0QesnW_5iDRatHXITDXE5dAaIjCkH9E_eFvjjeBeLXGt7SEVZMT0-Wx7l_adpBsp6/s320/christmas-jars-collector-325x464.jpg" title="Christmas Jars Collector's Edition by Jason F. Wright" width="224" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Christmas Jars - The Collector's Edition</span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">by</span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Jason F. Wright</span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Blurb:</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">"Hope Jensen is a young, single woman and an aspiring newspaper writer, and when she receives a much-needed but anonymous Christmas gift, she's determined to find her benefactor. That search leads her to an unusual family with a longstanding Christmas tradition. Sensing a front-page feature article, Hope desperately wants to publish their story, but doing so would be a breach of trust. What she decides to do will changer her life forever. Destined to become a classic Christmas tale, <i>Christmas Jars</i> is a heartwarming story that will restore your faith in mankind and make you want to start your own Christmas Jar tradition."</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">My Review:</span></h3>
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Over the years I have read a lot of <a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/search/label/Christmas%20Books" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Christmas books</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">, </span>and have loved many of them. This book is definitely somewhere at the top of my favorite list! It's well written and engaging, and the characters come to life on the page. I felt as if I were there with them; we are best friends now, and I'd love to meet them! Not only that, but the story serves a larger purpose in that it explains what a Christmas Jar is and how Christmas Jars help both giver and receiver. I'd never heard of this before, but what an amazing idea! At the beginning of the year you take an old, empty jar and put it in a safe spot. Then each day when you get home from school or work, you take the change out of your pockets and you put it in the jar. You do this every day all year long. Then the week before Christmas, you take your now-full jar, and you secretly deliver it to someone in need (you could also put a copy of the book with the jar to explain it, but it's not necessary). It could be a financial need, but it could also be someone who needs a gift of hope or love. Sometimes the receiver could be someone who needs to know she's not alone. The possibilities are endless! I love this idea so much! I've already talked to my husband about starting our own jar for next Christmas. I'm going to read this book to my kids after Christmas, and we're going to start a new tradition of a Christmas Jar. My only problem is that I never have cash or change on me, so maybe I'll need to begin using cash more. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story is heartwarming, and the real experiences at the back of the book are just as good! I loved reading them. You'll need a box of Kleenexes handy, but it's worth it! And who knows? Maybe you'll want to start your own Christmas Jar tradition!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you want to read more about this book, learn about the author, or read more amazing Christmas Jar stories, head over to: </span><a href="http://christmasjars.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://christmasjars.com/</a> </div>
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Or you may go to the Christmas Jars Facebook page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/christmasjars/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/christmasjars/</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">Rating: G (There's no profanity, "intimacy," or violence.)</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">Recommendation: Everyone!</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">Other Christmas Titles You May Enjoy:</span></h4>
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<a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2017/12/book-review-celebrating-christ-centered.html"><img alt="Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas by Emily Belle Freeman and David Butler" border="0" data-original-height="235" data-original-width="325" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0iH9yt0x2pm8jHZHPzT5lEEusBMVfaRnKYS7_RAKW0X7XfL5Vc2VTP2lxyR-sgEWYa0cbN4Oy9lCIpduQUrzhlrR2vZpx1pMrg9bVeXdsNBxluGDl866KwYe28aN_sugNG3t6H5bNCUT/s200/celebrating-christ-centered-christmas-325x235.jpg" title="Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas by Emily Belle Freeman and David Butler" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-best-christmas-pageant-ever.html"><img alt="The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson" border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="336" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrv7mqxieyv-uiMQl2hC6NFZJF4IWDCgm3oqJvxdl8oPHRdldNILcFAcJRE9Rsj_F3ecFNfAXBLjmRuC3buRxusom5sDISDmG_Q26CevlzjYQmLIjSbvwSjmmqqE12t697siWkEp9Ormi/s200/the+best+christmas+pageant+ever.jpg" title="The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson" width="134" /></a> <a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/search/label/A%20Christmas%20Carol"><img alt="A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens" border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="946" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeAr7SODp_yQiQoaYdJ_odiXwued02W35YXRL5YGUu6vN7ATiaPqPD6hJLD1Ct7cJNWZjWBNIYTMemzjQlr23mJZMc4CoBSIwzp0OvhuJ_gY2Hew4rpCF4Q8j1fCliqF_4RrAxoa0hPcO/s200/a+christmas+carol.jpg" title="A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens" width="138" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199626710761957303.post-55053996489337830192017-12-19T06:21:00.000-07:002017-12-19T06:21:09.646-07:00[Book Review] Celebrate Every Season With Six Sisters' Stuff Cookbook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Wy7DgTK7TnuO7q7VNnsDRFfiPp3myr8SeqVWk9mGfMLnZEDm0jgR41nUE4AvhONmJ4jLaWf0rr00GOufWzkGkMl1oDtpkyG86_C9vZBBKh6L_ODT0ssUmMOJW7-UaWc5X7hNuLm7HHwP/s1600/celebrate-every-season-six-sisters-325x325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Celebrate Every Season with Six Sisters' Stuff Cookbook by Six Sisters' Stuff" border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="325" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Wy7DgTK7TnuO7q7VNnsDRFfiPp3myr8SeqVWk9mGfMLnZEDm0jgR41nUE4AvhONmJ4jLaWf0rr00GOufWzkGkMl1oDtpkyG86_C9vZBBKh6L_ODT0ssUmMOJW7-UaWc5X7hNuLm7HHwP/s320/celebrate-every-season-six-sisters-325x325.jpg" title="Celebrate Every Season with Six Sisters' Stuff Cookbook by Six Sisters' Stuff" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Celebrate Every Season With Six Sisters' Stuff Cookbook </span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">by </span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Six Sisters' Stuff</span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Blurb:</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">"From New Year's Eve to Christmas Day, there is always a good reason to celebrate! Whether you're highlighting a favorite holiday of the month, hosting a party, planning a summer picnic outing, or simply wanting to create a few family memories, <i>Celebrate Every Season with Six Sisters' Stuff</i> is the perfect one-stop resource for great food, new traditions, and family fun. Every month includes flavorful and delicious recipes as well as fun, fast, and easy ideas for celebrating the season with your family, from hosting a 'New Year's Eve Family Countdown' to 'A Summer Bucket List of 50 Fun Things to Do' to '12 Days of Hot Cocoa for Christmas.' Along with some of the Sisters' most popular recipes are all-new creations for refreshing beverages, delicious snacks, succulent entrees, and decadent desserts. So invite the Six Sisters to your next celebration with this low-stress, go-to guide that can help your family enjoy every month of the year."</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">My Review:</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">I have reviewed a couple of the Six Sisters' Stuff cookbooks, and I have to say, I think this one may be my favorite! It's such a fun idea for a cookbook! There are fun recipes for New Year's, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Summertime, Back to School kid favorites, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas! One thing I love about Six Sisters' Stuff recipes is that they are real. Right? They use ingredients that I know, and I usually have them in my pantry. There's none of the "What is that?" recipe frustration. I can't wait to try some of these out! I'm going to start on the Christmas recipes this week! Chocolate Reindeer Cookies, Christmas Tree Brownies, and Egg Nog French Toast, need I say more? I love that at the end of each category there is a page or two of fun traditions. For example, at the end of the Christmas recipes the tradition is "12 Days of Hot Cocoa." What?? I LOVE hot cocoa. Seriously love it. I know I'm too late to do all 12 days, but I'm starting that this morning for sure! Raspberry Hot Chocolate, Caramel Hot Chocolate, S'mores Hot Chocolate, Candy Cane Hot Chocolate...I think I'm in Heaven! And then after next week I can plan my family's New Year's Eve party. On New Year's we usually have what we deem our "Processed Food Extravaganza." We go to Costco and buy all the processed stuff we don't buy the rest of the year: corndogs, egg rolls, chicken nuggets, pigs in a blanket, french fries, you name it! Then yes, we totally pig-out! This year, however, we may need to break tradition and try these yummy Shrimp Taco Bites, Sweet Polynesian Meatballs, Cowboy Caviar, and the Snowmen on a Stick. Or better yet, does anyone want to make them and invite me over? I am excited to delve into this cookbook! </span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Click the link below for a cute, short video about this fun cookbook! </span><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShadowMountainPublishing/videos/1879585068737568/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/ShadowMountainPublishing/videos/1879585068737568/</a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Rating: G (Clean!)</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Recommendation: Everyone!</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Also by Six Sisters' Stuff:</span></h4>
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<a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/search/label/A%20Year%20With%20Six%20Sisters%27%20Stuff"><img alt="A Year With Six Sisters' Stuff Cookbook by Six Sisters' Stuff" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiRmSR0iUdNjtFKIP77Ry3lbHOvurtnXXgQGDH5F8eO70X3UhUWoHHdij9SKNATcbcECDNeYgNSMku1YMzAuNRL6Z_NPd7oDKUaUwLSZuCcuXNfhr6YqXgeb1OX8kfyG8CU2OUnaSCokz/s200/Six-Sisters-Stuff-A-Year-with.jpg" title="A Year With Six Sisters' Stuff Cookbook by Six Sisters' Stuff" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2013/03/six-sisters-stuff-family-recipes-fun.html"><img alt="Six Sisters' Stuff Cookbook by Six Sisters' Stuff" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QUr02L38aR0Rr2ojZKfTq8aRmK-2F_-l4NreDruMyzslccl4qNiprXg35E3a9zniflEeFTLfEDahxwnpe1ufon7U7rOTagz6bIcG-cFf1cnzVDJ2_9esFJrETe9zSAOwbZ5xTvuoxNDC/s200/Six-Sisters-Stuff.jpg" title="Six Sisters' Stuff Cookbook by Six Sisters' Stuff" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199626710761957303.post-67401429206554632702017-12-15T06:31:00.000-07:002017-12-15T15:25:16.834-07:00[Book Review] Lies Jane Austen Told Me by Julie Wright<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfxjmNpvBYjmwWttcFrWJbktY0VL5i8cuw8bC2px0NSvMJQC7qNgceDu79UE3rK5E1ltR2O4nkxtbZnosNVrMSFdT5gYbtbS7eXpW0RhWh5uLTn0wiZ6Z86s4-eoGfphquslQLag_xVxR/s1600/lies-jane-austin-told-me-323x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lies Jane Austen Told Me by Julie Wright" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="323" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfxjmNpvBYjmwWttcFrWJbktY0VL5i8cuw8bC2px0NSvMJQC7qNgceDu79UE3rK5E1ltR2O4nkxtbZnosNVrMSFdT5gYbtbS7eXpW0RhWh5uLTn0wiZ6Z86s4-eoGfphquslQLag_xVxR/s320/lies-jane-austin-told-me-323x500.jpg" title="Lies Jane Austen Told Me by Julie Wright" width="206" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Lies Jane Austen Told Me</span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">by</span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Julie Wright</span></h2>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Blurb:</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Ever since Emma Pierce read <i>Pride and Prejudice</i>, she's been in love with Mr. Darcy and has regarded Jane Austen as the expert on all things romantic. So when it turns out that what her boyfriend Blake wants is more of a hook-up than a honeymoon, Emma is hurt, betrayed, and furious. She throws herself deeper into her work as CMO of Kinetics, only to find her job threatened when her boss brings in a consultant to help her expand the business to the East Coast. Her frustration turns to shock when that consultant turns out to be Blake's younger brother, Lucas. Emma is determined not to fall for Lucas, but as she gets to know him, she realizes that Lucas is nothing like his brother. He is kind and attentive and spends his time and money caring for the less fortunate. But as perfect as Lucas seems, he clearly has his secrets. After all, there's an angry woman demanding money from him and a little girl who Lucas feels responsible for. Realizing that her love life is as complicated as anything Jane Austen could have dreamed up, Emma must figure out the truth--and soon--if she wants any hope of writing her own 'happily ever after' ending."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">My Review:</span></h3>
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Well, I'm pretty sure I've read everything Jane Austen has ever written--twice. So, when the publisher contacted me about reviewing this book I had to do it! Jane Austen lying? No, say it can't be true! This is a cute book. It took me a few pages to get into it, but soon I was hooked! Emma is smart, intelligent, capable, and a character that is easy to relate to. She has a voice that is easy to read. She's a bit of a mess, actually, but it made me feel better about myself; although I'm not perfect, I have it more together than she does! For part of the book it kind of has a Bella/Jacob/Edward thing going on, and you just want to scream at Emma because it's so frustrating. Blake and Lucas each have their strengths and weaknesses, and they're both well developed and good supporting characters. I love Silvia, she totally reminds me of a few of my high school friends. We even have the cheesecake thing in common (that scene brought back a lot of memories). I did think that the ending of the book left an unanswered question about Silvia; what was going on with her and why was she clearly so upset? That aspect of the story wasn't ever resolved. Emma's troubles definitely get more attention in the book. I loved how each of the chapters began with a quote from a Jane Austen novel! It made me want to go back and reread all of them. There was one thing that bugged me a bit, but it's pretty nit-picky: the woman on the cover didn't at all match what I thought Emma should look like. It's ok, though, definitely not a deal breaker. This book was a quick, easy read, and quite entertaining. It's the perfect read for any Jane Austen fan or proper romance lover. I enjoyed this book and recommend it if you're looking for a cute, entertaining read. There were also some very good lessons in this book: assuming things without all the details will get you into trouble every time, be honest with yourself and others, and never doubt Jane Austen!</div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Rating: PG (There's no profanity, no violence, and no "intimacy." There are a couple of discussions about a character using drugs.)</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Recommendation: YA and up (I'd be fine with my 12 year-old daughter reading this. She hasn't delved into the wondrous world of Jane Austen yet, so she won't have those connections, but there's nothing in it that she shouldn't read.)</span></h4>
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Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Similar Titles You May Be Interested In:</span></h4>
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<a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2013/02/emma.html"><img alt="Emma by Jane Austen" border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcKfgijYAJJRl_O3xU5kywvNo_3adADCQpPU_pajTa7UInmK43yhQmq3394PHwG4uuh6uWWk9xF1eZm6_8ULDNPmyxNKqidoUZtltGtrLsgb8n0gIYzB4t5dp7FdTNKxDhK7jUfXeGdr3J/s200/emma.jpg" title="Emma by Jane Austen" width="133" /></a> <a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/search/label/All%20That%20Makes%20Life%20Bright"><img alt="All That Makes Life Bright by Josi Kilpack" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1036" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRDpqFUyE1MODH-UrksBvexdErphxwJCKzW_Bz56c20OJqNpLMKHehBnjlA2VnRNrYAiDB0s4McaraIC2LYQWdsnm1QPMwSCRZVAIklQ2OxS2a66x9wK38CXtKQgGZOFDaU7CgzySNd-C/s200/all+that+makes+life+bright.jpg" title="All That Makes Life Bright by Josi Kilpack" width="129" /></a> <a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/search/label/Beauty%20and%20the%20Clockwork%20Beast"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxEj0WcgNGWx7JaRAyAyTo3n2QOvtrbgj8B8b_4of1NNyHC3d4oCQ4bpgj77-T7oa0AjiP2AJrzLiMBwiA3cneBE97wIQzJAWV29OLkHroOv6UXhQnYqSjzTRLzvOF4qzJ8_AEOyqwJJ3/s200/Beauty+and+Clockwork+Beast+COVER.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199626710761957303.post-5414023762842949932017-12-13T06:05:00.003-07:002017-12-13T06:05:33.001-07:00[Book Review] Celebrating A Christ-Centered Christmas by Emily Belle Freeman and David Butler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKFMu76T6NifWIz01HsRPY5pMeAdGqFnGuEkJtEjFEE9MUHwNCw5JU5JxGvc5cLQ4GUv4bBev_8tIG6F4z6QW0uDBGcDhp5M4cf5_Y15xb9VkbIc5sDAV8XbM_9hiPtlOYyH7CzsRYJHp/s1600/celebrating-christ-centered-christmas-325x235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas by Emily Belle Freeman and David Butler" border="0" data-original-height="235" data-original-width="325" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKFMu76T6NifWIz01HsRPY5pMeAdGqFnGuEkJtEjFEE9MUHwNCw5JU5JxGvc5cLQ4GUv4bBev_8tIG6F4z6QW0uDBGcDhp5M4cf5_Y15xb9VkbIc5sDAV8XbM_9hiPtlOYyH7CzsRYJHp/s320/celebrating-christ-centered-christmas-325x235.jpg" title="Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas by Emily Belle Freeman and David Butler" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Celebrating A Christ-Centered Christmas</span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">by</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Emily Belle Freeman & David Butler</span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Blurb:</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Discover how each figure of the Nativity can lead your family closer to Christ this Christmas season. This children's edition of <i>Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas</i> will guide you through seven meaningful traditions inspired by the Nativity setting. These simple experiences are not meant to add more to an already crowded holiday season but to offer something different. They will give your family an opportunity to escape from the frantic bustle of the Christmas season and spend time reflecting on the baby Jesus and the miracle of His birth. This interactive book invites children to watch each figure approach the waiting manger and encourages them to ask what they might have done if they had been there on the night Jesus was born. Seen beautiful ornaments have been created to accompany the lesson each figure teaches. Displaying the ornaments throughout the Christmas holiday will remind your children of the lessons they are learning about the baby Jesus. Your free download of the ornaments can be found at <a href="http://www.christcenteredcelebrations.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.christcenteredcelebrations.com.</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">My Review:</span></span></h3>
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Children's picture books are one of my favorite things, and Christmas books are even better! I love reading them, and I especially love reading them to my kids...still! Even though they are big (my baby is 9!), they will all sit and listen. This book will be a wonderful addition to our Christmas books, I am so excited to share it with them! I love the illustrations in this book; they are beautiful; whimsical, and yet so full of emotion. You're supposed to begin reading this book a week before Christmas. Each day you read another page and add another figure to the Nativity scene. There is a question for every day, and as you answer the questions and ponder about the person discussed, you learn more about yourself and your feelings toward the Savior. There is also a quick activity you may do with your family that is suggested for each of the seven days. For example, on the second night it says, </div>
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<i>What secret act of Christmas kindness could your family participate</i></div>
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<i>in this season? As you perform your secret act, think of Joseph. </i></div>
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<i>His quiet acts went uncelebrated, but they were</i></div>
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<i>so needed. When you have finished this activity,</i></div>
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<i>place Joseph's figure in your waiting stable.</i></div>
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The activities are mostly activities you may do anyway, and I'm sure you could do your own activities if you already have these traditions. It's just a simple way to get the family together at the end of the day and remind them of the true meaning of Christmas. There is also an ornament for each day. You may purchase them ready-made or there is a free download on the website listed above. There's also a cute banner that you may purchase, along with a simple Nativity scene. You don't need anything fancy; just spending time together thinking of the story of the Nativity will bring the true spirit of Christmas into your home. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!</div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Rating:</span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">G (Clean!)</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Recommendation:</span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">Everyone</span></h4>
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Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. </div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.christcenteredcelebrations.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><br /></i></a></span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199626710761957303.post-21068185974797627022017-12-11T06:44:00.000-07:002017-12-11T06:44:25.314-07:00Wonder Showdown: Book vs Movie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVX_tzYi4zAJi6E_cqGy_Bv1NJjDj21iKd2agA71Kcbl_tk9kHLHiNvz-I-tuLTgm7xElFuFwCfSVA6JWNm657S2Hl3uRVmt9kB1JjYzyfUTsi64eKmZJjdKY8uIWhD4GOpbTt6EYHd1m2/s1600/Wonder+Showdown.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The book Wonder by R.J. Palacio compared to the 2017 movie Wonder" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVX_tzYi4zAJi6E_cqGy_Bv1NJjDj21iKd2agA71Kcbl_tk9kHLHiNvz-I-tuLTgm7xElFuFwCfSVA6JWNm657S2Hl3uRVmt9kB1JjYzyfUTsi64eKmZJjdKY8uIWhD4GOpbTt6EYHd1m2/s320/Wonder+Showdown.png" title="Wonder Showdown: Book vs Movie" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Wonder Showdown: Book vs Movie</span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Way back in 2013 when I read the book <a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2013/06/wonder.html"><u>Wonder</u> </a>by R.J. Palacio, I said that I hoped there would NEVER be a movie made from this book. Why? Because there is NO way. EVER. to capture the feelings, attitudes, and emotions from this book. No way. There is no way that a movie could ever live up to my expectations for this book. And part of what made it so good was that your mental picture of what Auggie looked like was so important. If the character's face on the movie screen didn't live up to what you saw mentally, would it be as good? Well, here we are now in 2017 and they did make a movie. Tough choice! Do I go or do I not go? My husband actually made the choice for me by purchasing tickets. So I went. Begrudgingly, I may add. Or, maybe hesitantly. So, you may ask, "What was the verdict?" Surprisingly, I actually really enjoyed the film! Keep in mind that I read the book over four years ago now, so it's been long enough for me to forget all the little details, but I think they did a great job of capturing the feeling and emotion of the book. Does it have all those little details? No, it doesn't, but I did not leave feeling let down or disappointed. I left feeling inspired and uplifted. I feel like they captured the most memorable moments in the book that I remember, and that overall they did a very good job. Was it perfect? No, and if you read the book yesterday you may have a very different opinion, but overall, I was impressed! The acting was really good; I was skeptical about Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson together, but I think they did well together. And Jacob Tremblay, who played Auggie, did an excellent job! Was it as good as the book? Nope, it wasn't, but it was well done, and I would recommend it. It's inspirational, and it has the morals, lessons, and attitudes that made the book so good. We definitely need more media like this! </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">First Place:</span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">Second Place:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKUO84VmygmTjO6eZBYwmcf1iPKVXl3gRK6QGh54voSTmUtXPV-lFzK-ToNYuWpRTHq7HaMHbAjJIu6JSfg_pQP1IeAEpr3kA2BTDNbxhDzGh0fRUgO6J6_S5Vq63EaNUoUtVSF_bwkX_/s1600/wonder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="197" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKUO84VmygmTjO6eZBYwmcf1iPKVXl3gRK6QGh54voSTmUtXPV-lFzK-ToNYuWpRTHq7HaMHbAjJIu6JSfg_pQP1IeAEpr3kA2BTDNbxhDzGh0fRUgO6J6_S5Vq63EaNUoUtVSF_bwkX_/s200/wonder.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPw73phyJuTf1XaS1iMBtiSGexZ5H6hS4o6gM6rUOrG0pOnIi03V7bOqjvVn70mYbrvmYjL35WTChNOldGjD47uo-nOdw0vhk7EWFDB6-G9EjGNKvGADbTirlU25Kt0-asLnt945286jM/s1600/wonder+movie+poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPw73phyJuTf1XaS1iMBtiSGexZ5H6hS4o6gM6rUOrG0pOnIi03V7bOqjvVn70mYbrvmYjL35WTChNOldGjD47uo-nOdw0vhk7EWFDB6-G9EjGNKvGADbTirlU25Kt0-asLnt945286jM/s200/wonder+movie+poster.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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What are your thoughts? I'd love to hear your opinions of the movie and the book! Please comment below!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199626710761957303.post-32781600612722822982017-12-08T11:16:00.000-07:002017-12-08T12:13:54.849-07:00[Book Review] A Tangled Mercy by Joy Jordan-Lake<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OBss2EeMnHQ2x69jSQA1M_MZ-b0fbOJQXasl2-FaqckJvwWAXauKVyXRgSQYxNPYBp9wAOA8NX_ZZAjeFg6xlXbcbygHlSAZAVBn8cjCHXg6oF_aeMzRYf9vpUrnA0bu6ya_hSgfitgw/s1600/a+tangled+mercy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A Tangled Mercy by Joy Jordan-Lake" border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OBss2EeMnHQ2x69jSQA1M_MZ-b0fbOJQXasl2-FaqckJvwWAXauKVyXRgSQYxNPYBp9wAOA8NX_ZZAjeFg6xlXbcbygHlSAZAVBn8cjCHXg6oF_aeMzRYf9vpUrnA0bu6ya_hSgfitgw/s320/a+tangled+mercy.jpg" title="A Tangled Mercy by Joy Jordan-Lake" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://goodreads.com/">Goodreads.com</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">A Tangled Mercy</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">by</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Joy Jordan-Lake</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">"Told in alternating tales at once haunting and redemptive, <i>A Tangled Mercy</i> is a quintessentially American epic rooted in heartbreaking true events examining the harrowing depths of human brutality and betrayal, and our enduring hope for freedom and forgiveness. After the sudden death of her troubled mother, struggling Harvard grad student Kate Drayton walks out on her lecture--and her entire New England life. Haunted by unanswered questions and her own uncertain future, she flees to Charleston, South Carolina, the place where her parents met, convinced it holds the key to understanding her fractured family and saving her career in academia. Kate is determined to unearth groundbreaking information on a failed 1822 slave revolt--the subject of her mother's own research. Nearly two centuries earlier, Tom Russell, a gifted blacksmith and slave, grappled with a terrible choice: arm the uprising spearheaded by members of the fiercely independent African Methodist Episcopal Church or keep his own neck out of the noose and protect the woman he loves. Kate attempts to discover what drove her mother's dangerous obsession with Charleston's tumultuous history are derailed by a horrific massacre in the very same landmark church. In the unimaginable aftermath, Kate discovers a family she never knew existed as the city unites with a powerful message of hope and forgiveness for the world."</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">My Review:</span></h3>
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The other day I was looking back at the list of books I have read this year. It's not as long as it has been in years past, because my son has been sick for so long, but I have read some very good books. This book, however, is my favorite of the year. It's so well written. The narrative transitions between 2015 and 1822, and it's not hard to figure out where you are; it flows and transitions very well. Usually in books where it goes back and forth between the present and the past, I have a favorite. I like one better than the other one. In this book I loved both story lines! The descriptions in this book are amazing. I haven't ever been to Charleston, but after reading this book I'd love to go there. I actually did "google" Charleston, though, and looked through pictures of the skyline. I can't remember the last time I did that with a book. The city just came to life on the page, and I wanted to see it for myself. Each of the characters are developed so well. They are so realistic and lifelike, and you become a part of their lives as you read the story. Kate, Gabe, Dan, Scudder, Rose, Tom, Dinah, Emily, and Angelina become your good friends as you read. Many of the characters in the 1822 story line are real people, and it is so interesting to think of them and their lives. I love that real events are also woven into the book; both old events and very recent as well. The topics discussed in the novel are current and not without controversy. Ms. Jordan-Lake brings it up in way that provokes contemplation and a good soul-search. This book is intriguing and engaging; it will make you laugh and cry, and will make you take a good look at yourself and your beliefs, attitudes, and assumptions. I could not put this book down, and I highly recommend it!</div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Rating: PG 13+ (There is very little profanity and no "intimacy." There is quite a bit of violence, though. A couple of scenes, especially, are very violent, graphic, and descriptive. Many people die, and it's horrendous and very tragic. The scene that relates a more recent event is especially brutal and graphic to read.) </span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Recommendation: 16 years-old and up, at least. (If the teenager is sensitive to violence then I would definitely wait. There is some value in having a teenager read it-it definitely gets you thinking about real life situations, and helps you think outside your box. I would not recommend it for anyone younger than 16. For sure.)</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199626710761957303.post-5857764750138546502017-12-04T06:22:00.000-07:002017-12-04T06:22:38.539-07:00[Book Review] Remember the Ladies by Callista Gingrich<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8RMhYhZSwMrH4K03iCJKjcZ55ZF46uRwzL0defMELcNI9M_rTdNXWNsUOsIEypcHlT-fhjH8-oGVZMGwjeEvzunpDA5mYmpIA-IvEEp_WtICteiDg5BGXR-zkUuY29eD-OMHoM9sPh3H/s1600/remember+the+ladies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Remember the Ladies by Callista Gingrich" border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8RMhYhZSwMrH4K03iCJKjcZ55ZF46uRwzL0defMELcNI9M_rTdNXWNsUOsIEypcHlT-fhjH8-oGVZMGwjeEvzunpDA5mYmpIA-IvEEp_WtICteiDg5BGXR-zkUuY29eD-OMHoM9sPh3H/s1600/remember+the+ladies.jpg" title="Remember the Ladies by Callista Gingrich" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Remember the Ladies</span></div>
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by</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Callista Gingrich</span></div>
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Blurb:</div>
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Ellis the Elephant is headed back to the White House! In <i>Remember the Ladies</i>, the seventh in Callista Gingrich's <i>New York Times</i> bestselling series, Ellis meets some of America's greatest first ladies and discovers their many contributions to American history. Join Ellis as he travels back in time to encounter:</div>
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<li>Martha Washington as she invents what it means to be a first lady</li>
<li>Dolley Madison as she saves a portrait of George Washington from a burning White House</li>
<li>Mary Todd Lincoln as she supports Union troops throughout the Civil War</li>
<li>Eleanor Roosevelt as she redefines and strengthens the role of first lady</li>
<li>Jackie Kennedy as she brings style and glamour to the White House</li>
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With beautiful illustrations and charming rhymes, <i>Remember the Ladies</i> will delight young and old alike with a look at the first ladies who helped make America an exceptional nation.</div>
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My Review:</div>
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This book is so cute! The illustrations are adorable, and I love that it's teaching the children about the first ladies. I think the first ladies sometimes get overlooked, but many of them have done some great things, and have championed some very important causes. I actually learned a lot! I didn't know about many of the middle first ladies. I know quite a bit about Martha Washington and Abigail Adams, and then I know quite a bit about the more current first ladies, but I learned a great deal about some of those first ladies in the middle. For example, did you know that Abigail Fillmore added a library to the White House? I'd love to see the library in the White House! And I didn't know that Jackie Kennedy gave Americans the first televised tour of the White House, or that Lady Bird Johnson worked to clean up America's highways. This book highlights many of the first ladies, and I love that the title is based on Abigail Adams telling her husband to "remember the ladies!" I think this book does a good job of covering first ladies from both parties. At the end there is a little snippet on each first lady. I was surprised to know that in a few cases the presidents' wives didn't want the role, so a daughter or someone else would fill the position. I enjoyed this book and do recommend it.</div>
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Rating: G (Clean!)</div>
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Recommendation: Everyone</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199626710761957303.post-82830872404839861442017-12-01T21:56:00.001-07:002017-12-01T22:07:26.180-07:00[Book Review] The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Anderson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Little Match Girl</span></div>
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by</div>
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Retold by</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">David Warner</span></div>
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Paintings by</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Greg Newbold</span></div>
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"It's Christmas Eve, but for one little girl, there will be no stockings hung lovingly above the fireplace or shiny presents wrapped under the tree. The best that the little match girl can hope for is a warm, dry corner of the street to protect her against the freezing snow that has been falling for hours. Helpless and cold, the child seeks a bit of comfort from the only source she has--the bundle of matches in her apron pocket. She had struggled all day to sell even one, but the crowds of people had only hurried past her with hardly a glance as they finished up their holiday shopping and rushed home to begin their feasts. Alas, at least she has the matches now, each one holding the promise of a few short seconds of warmth and light. But as she strikes each match, she discovers a truth that sets her heart soaring--all along, even in times when she has felt most alone, she has been lovingly watched over by those who have gone before her and have anxiously awaited a joyous reunion. She learns she is not forgotten, and in the learning shares a poignant message of love and service. The tender tale of the little match girl reminds each of us to take notice of the least of those among us and to do our part to extend a kindly hand--at Christmastime and always."</div>
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My Review:</div>
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Happy December everyone!! I wanted to get this review out earlier today, but life happened! I did go for a run and get my house cleaned though, so that was something. I wanted to start December out with this beautiful Christmas picture book. The illustrations are amazing. Seriously. They are so beautiful! The story is so sad, but very well written. I haven't read it before, so I wasn't prepared. Grab your Kleenexes my friends, you'll need them. Even though it is very sad, there is a little bit of hope for something better. In the intro. it says,</div>
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<i>Though on the surface, the little girl seems the picture of misery and despair, her story is one of </i></div>
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<i>hope for a better life and assurance that a joyous reunion in heaven is awaiting even God's most helpless children. Despite her suffering, the little girl finds warmth and light, ever believing that all will be right in the end. It is a message that has stood the test of time--and one that reminds each of us to look for ways to bring warmth of love and light of understanding to others. </i></div>
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This book is a wonderful way to start the Christmas season. Christmas is a wonderful time of year to remember those around us, and to try a little harder to help and serve those around us who are in need of our help, love, kindness, smile, comfort, friendship, and service. With that, I thought I'd share this wonderful opportunity with you. I don't do this often, but I think this one is important. It is put together by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the Mormon Church), but it is non-denominational. It is people and service oriented. It's called "Light the World," and it's 25 ways to serve for 25 days. It started today. Each day from now until Christmas there is a short movie clip and an idea for an act of service. I'll post the first movie here. If you would like to participate (you don't sign up or anything, it's just on your own), you may go to <a href="http://www.mormon.org/">www.mormon.org</a> to find out more information and to see the daily videos. Merry Christmas everyone!!!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199626710761957303.post-16143060042313700422017-11-30T06:29:00.000-07:002017-11-30T13:24:00.127-07:00[Book Review] Adventurers Wanted: The Axe of Sundering (Book #5) by M.L. Forman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieq0OmJYo9eqnGHzIj2yw79Y_kfh7KmC7nOG4enHgGjHIhfPEQ-a2qXh6-vfHtcXbvQIS6ZepIxtFmnaPB_MiTJBhgrV_Jy3qYw0zIsg_raeJV611p4GAszS1IPz50pTXmzammxQzrdwzf/s1600/adventurers+wanted+the+axe+of+sundering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Adventurers Wanted: The Axe of Sundering (Book #5) by M.L. Forman" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieq0OmJYo9eqnGHzIj2yw79Y_kfh7KmC7nOG4enHgGjHIhfPEQ-a2qXh6-vfHtcXbvQIS6ZepIxtFmnaPB_MiTJBhgrV_Jy3qYw0zIsg_raeJV611p4GAszS1IPz50pTXmzammxQzrdwzf/s320/adventurers+wanted+the+axe+of+sundering.jpg" title="Adventurers Wanted: The Axe of Sundering (Book #5) by M.L. Forman" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Adventurers Wanted: The Axe of Sundering (Book #5)</span></div>
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by</div>
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"Whalen Vankin is a great and honorable wizard, and he has only ever personally trained two other wizards. One is Alexander Taylor, a young man who has earned a reputation as a brave adventurer, a warrior, and a man of honor. They other is Jabez, Vankin's nephew--a man whose choices have led him down a different, darker path. Dark magic has covered Westland, and evil is stirring. Whalen and Alex must journey together into the heart of danger, confronting a sea serpent, and facing down more than one dragon. Alex must find the legendary Axe of Sundering--the one weapon that offers a chance to defeat Jabez--and protect the land from the dark wizard's plans. But finding it will be an adventure of its own as the only pathway to the Axe leads through the underground tunnels and secret passages of the Castle of Conmar. But Jabez has a final weapon at his disposal: the powerful Orion stones, which could spell the end to Whalen and Alex both."</div>
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My Review:</div>
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May I just say how much fun this series has been? My boys have read lots of books and series (they are now 16 and 14) and this series is high up there as one of their favorites! My 14 year-old put this book on hold at the library a couple of years ago, because it's anticipated date of publication was back then, and it was on hold for a year. After the year was up I redid it and it was on hold again for awhile, then the library took it off. My son asked every couple of months if this book was out yet. There were some complications in getting this book written and published; I think the author was very sick or something. Needless to say, at my house, the anticipation for this book was enormous! So, when I was asked to review it, of course I said, "Yes!" And, both of my sons read it before I did; they were so excited! Did it let them down? Nope! (Thank goodness!) <u>The Axe of Sundering</u> is a great end to the series. I will really miss reading about Alex and his amazing adventures. This book has some great twists and turns, and there are a few times that you are very worried about both Alex and Vankin. Will they pull out of this one? Will they be able to defeat all this evil? They both put themselves in some sketchy situations in order to try and defeat the Brotherhood and its leaders. I missed having the familiar adventurer friends in this book, but some new friends were introduced, and by the end they had won my approval. I just love the creativity of M.L. Forman; what an imagination! The concept of the Axe of Sundering is quite clever, and the different places that Alex and Vankin travel are so unique and interesting. This book, along with the rest, is well written, the character development is great, it is exciting and full of adventure, and it's a great end to the series. There were some unanswered questions and a few things left undone, but I know the author's health was not great, and I'm glad he persevered to finish. I loved the twist at the end, and thought it was very fitting! I highly recommend this book, and the whole series! </div>
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Rating: PG+ (There is no profanity or "intimacy," but there is quite a bit of violence. They are in the middle of a war against evil, and there is quite a bit of fighting. Some prominent characters die; some of the deaths are a bit graphic.)</div>
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Recommendation: 4th or 5th grade and up (Perfect for middle-graders and YA readers...and their moms!)</div>
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Adventurers Wanted Series:</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Click on the images to find out more about each book!)</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2014/12/adventurers-wanted-slathbogs-gold-book-1.html"><img alt="Adventurers Wanted: Slathbog's Gold (Book #1) by M.L. Forman" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1056" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-YCuqFf4C3zZ4wHVQWpla4PQ4kszkB_liCK-oQH5TqksITIhi5b20vLUShO0c090Bk7fa2vddV3O-nUgcphP3RlPKh5UW5qdbw7L8pzipfm4GgAzsozZTgTBx1jB3STL4ip0bnToWuPN/s200/adventurers+wanted+slathbogs+gold.jpg" title="Adventurers Wanted: Slathbog's Gold (Book #1) by M.L. Forman" width="131" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2014/12/adventurers-wanted-slathbogs-gold-book-1.html">Book #1</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-horn-of-moran-adventurers-wanted.html"><img alt="Adventurers Wanted: The Horn of Moran (Book #2) by M.L. Forman" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1076" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlCu7r5geqRC-gySOqyEJoS0MPR2QGkmdt4_aKXQz2F-uSILm39y0RjwLGYTp-0w30TRUw549Q9KDMx7FybEXu4WiQNr8a0xA-G9TTEaavwuo48UB4A663vTKwwsKcmYDxn4hfgWwsk8d/s200/adventurers+wanted+the+horn+of+moran.jpg" title="Adventurers Wanted: The Horn of Moran (Book #2) by M.L. Forman" width="134" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-horn-of-moran-adventurers-wanted.html">Book #2</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-adventurers-wanted-albreks.html"><img alt="Adventurers Wanted: Albrek's Tomb (Book #3) by M.L. Forman" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1050" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMfH2FNXEy5FpLJJCfxxALkswxUtFBSdkcDC0IFYHZ78YLAbOwWN58F9ZVK3V5EzvTHe8FiOjTAE2LUM1l6U7Pb4b2Oh9NFKzngptP4fL99tTMWInlqdnfuaLPw5H6g3mpcKekOYPvl3M/s200/adventurers+wanted+albreks+tomb.jpg" title="Adventurers Wanted: Albrek's Tomb (Book #3) by M.L. Forman" width="131" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-adventurers-wanted-albreks.html">Book #3</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-adventurers-wanted-sands-of.html"><img alt="Adventurers Wanted: Sands of Nezza (Book #4) by M.L. Forman" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1054" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1S0LfkKMjCD0Q-3Jj2qXEcHu8s2iPu6YQ7vDBYJj5wbl3ZD6bQJWnF0yBZmHr3GzvYqk65WAqD97B3CCRyxObbOqOoxvLzkVY5vW5KBsP7DfKGSOJ1MjRIZZXsXb1_NMIDO4YUHk03j1N/s200/sands+of+nezza.jpg" title="Adventurers Wanted: Sands of Nezza (Book #4) by M.L. Forman" width="131" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-adventurers-wanted-sands-of.html">Book #4</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRCCsHIj1A7WWZRGy4Y0TiG4e6m8YXq1IHLPH2IXCpSYfpNp4BQZSmXmxiVHQTuwfI-XRE9XnWcGwqf2yHI6xJy4gEQvHmsafgopea086fd24lKZyx6qqyI5u_ZJuZ9aOOdAve0RGK2IS/s1600/adventurers+wanted+the+axe+of+sundering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Adventurers Wanted: The Axe of Sundering (Book #5) by M.L. Forman" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRCCsHIj1A7WWZRGy4Y0TiG4e6m8YXq1IHLPH2IXCpSYfpNp4BQZSmXmxiVHQTuwfI-XRE9XnWcGwqf2yHI6xJy4gEQvHmsafgopea086fd24lKZyx6qqyI5u_ZJuZ9aOOdAve0RGK2IS/s200/adventurers+wanted+the+axe+of+sundering.jpg" title="Adventurers Wanted: The Axe of Sundering (Book #5) by M.L. Forman" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Book #5</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199626710761957303.post-16065331609400793032017-11-22T14:47:00.002-07:002017-11-22T14:51:52.129-07:0015 Books I'm Thankful For<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRQjG9flra4wD9ZuI_qF6vPQG47D9fWgZ2R6BKyC9hxnzfopRJtZsBW6phK9sBtQgrmv_zxZ9l4LpTOBgLakqyja0pm_MwuvxVrwKDA4OvRCq5EipuMNqLE3pVDCNzByjyw-qTpI2yaIT/s1600/15+books+im+thankful+for.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRQjG9flra4wD9ZuI_qF6vPQG47D9fWgZ2R6BKyC9hxnzfopRJtZsBW6phK9sBtQgrmv_zxZ9l4LpTOBgLakqyja0pm_MwuvxVrwKDA4OvRCq5EipuMNqLE3pVDCNzByjyw-qTpI2yaIT/s320/15+books+im+thankful+for.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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At this time of year it's important to think about the things we're thankful for, right?</div>
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The typical list usually includes family, friends, health, a home, etc. Well, today I'm stepping</div>
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out of that box! There are many books that have influenced my life in different ways, and today</div>
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I'm giving you 15 of the non-religious books that I'm thankful for. (I could do another whole post</div>
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on religious books...that's a post for another day.) </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(All the credit for the book photos in this post goes to goodreads.com)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">1</span><span style="font-size: large;">. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZicjvM7kuH6KIbSLTeo77axIiFnI9h7o6ZWYXlqzMuyBreYvbKZ32qEiW5ffZUnzHkvW396X7ZPszNLnFhc6eYPPcK9XhKzN2ARXWxMnb3wyt4-oDLREEv8TZlYtOlHaGyc8gxIf19Fc/s1600/beezus+and+ramona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="259" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZicjvM7kuH6KIbSLTeo77axIiFnI9h7o6ZWYXlqzMuyBreYvbKZ32qEiW5ffZUnzHkvW396X7ZPszNLnFhc6eYPPcK9XhKzN2ARXWxMnb3wyt4-oDLREEv8TZlYtOlHaGyc8gxIf19Fc/s320/beezus+and+ramona.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
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When I was probably too young to be reading chapter books, I begged and begged my mom to let me read them. She gave in, thankfully, and that is where my love of reading began. The <u>Beezus and Ramona</u> books were some of those very first chapter books I read. I loved them, and read them over and over again. I'm thankful for this book because it's books like these that capture the young mind and get children, like me, hooked on reading. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">2. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9m5WWbpO1Ze49MmKY-zLb6VVw6VITAJTFXgI6Q7LiN9NsUCOyrj_SU6WQmR5W0j6zPll9A6S_fehgnkKs5T_qkHm7lFE8flg5G9qPguMwR6NbIBWthbe1GvXqGb73vMy8AcggpRg5WmCm/s1600/little+house+in+the+big+woods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="276" data-original-width="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9m5WWbpO1Ze49MmKY-zLb6VVw6VITAJTFXgI6Q7LiN9NsUCOyrj_SU6WQmR5W0j6zPll9A6S_fehgnkKs5T_qkHm7lFE8flg5G9qPguMwR6NbIBWthbe1GvXqGb73vMy8AcggpRg5WmCm/s1600/little+house+in+the+big+woods.jpg" /></a></div>
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The <u>Little House On the Prairie</u> books were also books that I read again and again as a young child. Thankfully, I live in this day and age with grocery stores, furnaces, cars, and hospitals. I would not have lasted long as a pioneer or as a settler out in the middle of the prairie. Reading these books allowed me to live that life vicariously through the stories. I'm thankful for this book because it was one of the first series that I read that allowed me to travel to a new place and experience a different life through reading. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">3.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQPHeIGvpWGJFKPBU4ct57Vjb486uBA-usLJaCnZ_q0FHeJff5N4-EAQfVJqIdCPf-mcGYd2rxlWcrdMB8GX5RzXF5sDPwV9xQTeiUYFtOgzACYiUHNqvTrWkUE2SMYfQK9dxu8iSaTtq/s1600/the+secret+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQPHeIGvpWGJFKPBU4ct57Vjb486uBA-usLJaCnZ_q0FHeJff5N4-EAQfVJqIdCPf-mcGYd2rxlWcrdMB8GX5RzXF5sDPwV9xQTeiUYFtOgzACYiUHNqvTrWkUE2SMYfQK9dxu8iSaTtq/s320/the+secret+garden.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
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How I loved <u>The Secret Garden</u>! Yep, you can guess...I read it so many times while I was growing up. I loved it because as the garden came to life, so did the characters. And what little girl wouldn't love a secret garden all to herself? Ok, maybe lots of girls wouldn't, but I would have loved it. However, it would have to be secret, and my own idea, because I didn't like it when I had to go weed the gardens as my chore growing up. I'm thankful for this book because it allowed me to experience living in a different part of the world, and to learn about friendship.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">4. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFyZV2JtBjgDyDUj7p25vfsu-837lpxt6KDFssLJz3Xhu-yjstliH9Bs7uIaTrBheIriTKUNMLRIAAO8Rag6NPv2Onan91-YObvTj3cpYtuLn1iPYtR98-vhYYhonXoeI9G08D6mcORMX/s1600/anne+of+green+gables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="286" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFyZV2JtBjgDyDUj7p25vfsu-837lpxt6KDFssLJz3Xhu-yjstliH9Bs7uIaTrBheIriTKUNMLRIAAO8Rag6NPv2Onan91-YObvTj3cpYtuLn1iPYtR98-vhYYhonXoeI9G08D6mcORMX/s320/anne+of+green+gables.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
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I cannot even count how many times I read the <u>Anne of Green Gables</u> series in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. I loved Anne so much! I would laugh with her, cry with her, and learn lessons right along side her. Reading this book allowed me to escape into a different place and time. Poetry came to life when Anne read it. I'm thankful for this book and series because it taught me a lot about people and how everyone just wants to be loved and nurtured. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">5. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhh3f0HN2zwg1sMQ2p3ti0RTxfGm6T3uZf3_lZyZthbvJeTp-EYGOOw4zhvSFNEtMshDSys180718QatwG0osj1JzqJS1citduwJ9hqgFh-bFE0W5vynYMbXMa7a_SF2ybOnx99Axhuy3/s1600/the+princess+bride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhh3f0HN2zwg1sMQ2p3ti0RTxfGm6T3uZf3_lZyZthbvJeTp-EYGOOw4zhvSFNEtMshDSys180718QatwG0osj1JzqJS1citduwJ9hqgFh-bFE0W5vynYMbXMa7a_SF2ybOnx99Axhuy3/s320/the+princess+bride.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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My dad read this book to me when I was younger. It was one of the only books that he read to us, and I loved every second of it. I thought Buttercup was the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen, and I loved each of the characters. I'm totally going to date myself here, but when we finished reading the book we went and saw the movie in the theater. It was amazing! To this day, I love this book and the movie. This was one of the first experiences I had with reading the book and then watching the movie. Thankfully, to me, the movie was just as good as the book. I'm thankful for this book because of the many memories I have of the time we spent reading it as a family.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">6. </span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNkRGWBtCcED0oUq7lt6qjR0yg0eZkBJkNpNlhUreHwfJzpiKGi4G99XHDrF5d2l3I6bYT61Jl5-mo5mXl48njMNTlImas4tUt_rwiKuq67ZYwhvDU930v1cSCmuow1q0DmQ4te6pahbh/s1600/little+women.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="279" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNkRGWBtCcED0oUq7lt6qjR0yg0eZkBJkNpNlhUreHwfJzpiKGi4G99XHDrF5d2l3I6bYT61Jl5-mo5mXl48njMNTlImas4tUt_rwiKuq67ZYwhvDU930v1cSCmuow1q0DmQ4te6pahbh/s320/little+women.jpg" width="187" /></a></div>
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I am the oldest of six children, and that includes one sister and four brothers. My sister and I always felt out numbered, even though we were the oldest. We would dream of having more sisters (We do have more sisters now because all of my brothers are married-it's so fun!!). Reading <u>Little Women</u> allowed me to experience life with more sisters. I'm thankful for this book because of the experiences these women had, and all that I learned from them. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">7. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuNDTO9zbTuHsQJk9PXzotWbbd34f3q12WsLBdzIx2jKtiljrUZr6x1ly2TPbD9V3IA0iWVNsDnzuLCxvGQ6Xt7DVT4xOmlPul43qewBJHqey5ltlRfN03h_BqLTTf9a8uaWgBwZHITu7/s1600/pride+and+prejudice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="291" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuNDTO9zbTuHsQJk9PXzotWbbd34f3q12WsLBdzIx2jKtiljrUZr6x1ly2TPbD9V3IA0iWVNsDnzuLCxvGQ6Xt7DVT4xOmlPul43qewBJHqey5ltlRfN03h_BqLTTf9a8uaWgBwZHITu7/s320/pride+and+prejudice.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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Where do I even start with this one? Reading <u>Pride and Prejudice</u> opened the door for me into Jane Austen's world. And oh, how I love that world! I believe I've read all of her books now, although I may have missed one, and they are my favorites! I love the romance and the characters. I'm thankful for this book because it opened up a whole new world to me.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">8.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJg1wzi1cB0VG7XiF8XjCNzX8YwzHJrwAljPgraTrab1G9gKxwSFtr52dkZRzCqLvnzr69_-Lk8ChQxcp5cNi0wtAoxGaSceZ72dOcZW8f5k47nLT6s1ko1qtuE1vhTXOt8MGp4nK0lKq/s1600/and+then+there+were+none.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="302" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJg1wzi1cB0VG7XiF8XjCNzX8YwzHJrwAljPgraTrab1G9gKxwSFtr52dkZRzCqLvnzr69_-Lk8ChQxcp5cNi0wtAoxGaSceZ72dOcZW8f5k47nLT6s1ko1qtuE1vhTXOt8MGp4nK0lKq/s320/and+then+there+were+none.jpg" width="203" /></a></div>
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I've read most of Agatha Christie's books, but I chose <u>And Then There Were None</u> because it was one of the most memorable to me. I loved the mystery of her books, and I enjoyed trying to figure it all out before I got to the end. I wasn't very good at it, but I sure enjoyed it! I'm thankful for this book (and her other books too), though, because it was something that I shared with my sweet grandma. My grandma and I would read these books and discuss what we thought about them. She's gone now, but I'm so thankful for the memories we shared with these books.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">9. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFXBb_Nakr6ETrOnsDu6Ow6aB5UdgWNgQ-NAAm1N-bljUQAWcHI7VaVXwGW4AJ1AhUjWCvkgN5Ev1lJXsBzk_RX7ZjyFZYtIGCZqqCsq7XhiH0K1e8qUQALbC0NytRYCWh3MPNsU6zphH/s1600/les+miserables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="287" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFXBb_Nakr6ETrOnsDu6Ow6aB5UdgWNgQ-NAAm1N-bljUQAWcHI7VaVXwGW4AJ1AhUjWCvkgN5Ev1lJXsBzk_RX7ZjyFZYtIGCZqqCsq7XhiH0K1e8qUQALbC0NytRYCWh3MPNsU6zphH/s320/les+miserables.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>
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Oh, how I love this book! I've read the UNABRIDGED version of <u>Les Miserables</u> at least three times, and I love it more and more each time I read it. You should see my copy. It's definitely well loved! Victor Hugo was a master of character development, of description, and of emotion. The characters are beloved friends in this book. I love how Jean Valjean grows and develops throughout the book, and how Cosette begins to come out of her shell under Valjean's love and care. I love all of it, including all the history. I love the language in this book; it is so well crafted. I'm thankful for this book because of the lessons it teaches me, the beloved friends that I have made, and the emotion I feel as I read it. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">10.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3cz9Bme94qYWLtHxaYN1U-Vr3jQIVroBfFBsLKIsxYI4V-tTor_QFvTBfUjfaE0mAAy0Dad4OTydH8nAfv_iDEz2XzS3VQ3OtKf5E5KJc8jEgGrxvEJEv5_KypVHMVfCB-9Kl7zewLWM/s1600/the+count+of+monte+cristo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="307" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3cz9Bme94qYWLtHxaYN1U-Vr3jQIVroBfFBsLKIsxYI4V-tTor_QFvTBfUjfaE0mAAy0Dad4OTydH8nAfv_iDEz2XzS3VQ3OtKf5E5KJc8jEgGrxvEJEv5_KypVHMVfCB-9Kl7zewLWM/s320/the+count+of+monte+cristo.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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<u>The Count of Monte Cristo</u> is another book that I am thankful for. Yes, I have read the UNABRIDGED version probably three times as well, and have loved it more each time I've read it. Getting lost in the story is my favorite part! I can't imagine being imprisoned for so long for something you didn't do. The hatred, bitterness, and anger you would feel would be hard to break free from. I'm thankful for this book because you get to see Edmond grow, learn, and change, and you are able to experience life in a different place and time.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">11.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-GbA19__9KnIGXbedI0SFcoPsa4QHDdl2VWBADOWw12bnO3G2gWs5Sgmf-hlxcezatYtNnWO00NpHv6LKjNi7JbKatrc6EMH2iAblNUqFz6uBODTCVxoKsuuzet06toGnLx6s4fr8txM/s1600/the+immortal+life+of+henrietta+lacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="277" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-GbA19__9KnIGXbedI0SFcoPsa4QHDdl2VWBADOWw12bnO3G2gWs5Sgmf-hlxcezatYtNnWO00NpHv6LKjNi7JbKatrc6EMH2iAblNUqFz6uBODTCVxoKsuuzet06toGnLx6s4fr8txM/s320/the+immortal+life+of+henrietta+lacks.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
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<u>The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks</u> is an amazing book that opened my eyes to many things! I learned a lot from this book, and it was nonfiction! That is why I'm thankful for this book today; I'm thankful for this book because it showed me that nonfiction doesn't need to be poorly written, long, and boring. This nonfiction story was written so well that it read like fiction. Loved it!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">12.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxrrNbwdMwEwnby8aLRKsnSdLeuYltryjWoVrkecPIuRixtirYqpeINJwkITHIhGIeWeJsdRqjOmuwOCs4RWyTCWDtl2YV8IeIAZa0jUqbVSLPOhP3tYnKb5t5xhbUJ0U1Cqpr5A3lW6Q/s1600/1776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="330" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxrrNbwdMwEwnby8aLRKsnSdLeuYltryjWoVrkecPIuRixtirYqpeINJwkITHIhGIeWeJsdRqjOmuwOCs4RWyTCWDtl2YV8IeIAZa0jUqbVSLPOhP3tYnKb5t5xhbUJ0U1Cqpr5A3lW6Q/s320/1776.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<u>1776</u> by David McCullough is another nonfiction book that is so well written it reads like fiction. The Revolutionary War is one of my favorite subjects to learn about, and I loved getting caught up in this story! I enjoyed learning about George Washington and his leadership; you learn that he wasn't perfect, but he worked hard, and did his best. I also enjoyed learning about some of the other key players in the war. I am thankful for this book because I'm thankful to be able to learn about the history of my country.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">13.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXnthaSJpKk7Bjiry3Pj2Xwcj646Zvnk7zerzLgfSn_uMV9tQu_X5R8ceHGgk4226xVUjxESN5u4_GhWZFi_bsBWQO31fwpilw-Va0YorhG9IT3U7qZb6GikVTfDKVvS8WvIpjETHDLUR/s1600/fablehaven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXnthaSJpKk7Bjiry3Pj2Xwcj646Zvnk7zerzLgfSn_uMV9tQu_X5R8ceHGgk4226xVUjxESN5u4_GhWZFi_bsBWQO31fwpilw-Va0YorhG9IT3U7qZb6GikVTfDKVvS8WvIpjETHDLUR/s320/fablehaven.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The books I've been thankful for so far have revolved solely around me. And most of them have been classics. Here, my focus changes a bit. I'm thankful for <u>Fablehaven</u> because it is fun series that 2nd-3rd graders are able to read, and it gets them excited about reading. Times have changed, and although my children are great readers, they have not enjoyed the classics. I'm going to write about this at a later time, but for now I'm thankful for <u>Fablehaven</u> because it has introduced my children to the fun of reading, and has gotten them excited about reading. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">14.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVUQMCvYIxS2d_v8VXcFysxaVtIf4HwXvjTzUNEPuuJxp6_yletFn-Y5nDa6LmQbpIkLtYUx1r4_wW-qd1GknFlv25dN-XlK7BUd8twFNnWh4j5gNHCo3sX385VjPNEknqb8BbN1NQa9N/s1600/harry+potter+and+the+sorcerers+stone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVUQMCvYIxS2d_v8VXcFysxaVtIf4HwXvjTzUNEPuuJxp6_yletFn-Y5nDa6LmQbpIkLtYUx1r4_wW-qd1GknFlv25dN-XlK7BUd8twFNnWh4j5gNHCo3sX385VjPNEknqb8BbN1NQa9N/s320/harry+potter+and+the+sorcerers+stone.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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The <u>Harry Potter</u> series is the same way. I read these as an adult and enjoyed them, and was excited to pass them onto my children. I'm thankful for these books because they open the doorway into reading for many children. My oldest three have read all of them, and my youngest is reading book #5 as we speak. It's so fun to watch your children get involved in the story! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">15.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MDeoiYaFjum9ysXCkl0YJzCgcQVNHBvXhSeGw3JPiyz_69mSPKBHCBJVL0D2Y-3VjAK5xD8eU-pNhQnTMoGNyNeP2hh1ZNhFENs1BxWLPpop_7zxKbVWxgMHSJbLEkF8IHLPT3UYmWHp/s1600/the+best+nest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; font-size: xx-large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MDeoiYaFjum9ysXCkl0YJzCgcQVNHBvXhSeGw3JPiyz_69mSPKBHCBJVL0D2Y-3VjAK5xD8eU-pNhQnTMoGNyNeP2hh1ZNhFENs1BxWLPpop_7zxKbVWxgMHSJbLEkF8IHLPT3UYmWHp/s320/the+best+nest.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I had to choose at least one picture book! I have always loved picture books! I'm sure my mom got tired of reading them to me; I haven't read them to my kids in awhile now, but I loved it! <u>The Best Nest</u> is especially good because it combines humor with a cute story. The illustrations are super cute, and I love how hard the daddy bird works to find the perfect home for his family. I'm thankful for this book because picture books are the foundation for good readers! They're the perfect starting point because parents and children get to spend time together, and reading together brings such wonderful memories. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope you all have a very</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Happy Thanksgiving!!!</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199626710761957303.post-82140543027855038912017-11-20T05:00:00.000-07:002017-11-20T05:00:07.057-07:00[Book Review] Jesus the Christ by James E. Talmage<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvClzKdppcMJiW6qloxDRDoJ0mj-Vna9h2ExMEz1czeBfpac_Dl-1nSyMoAaNJV8hJu7EM50twlwMZ2ZCjLTAh2vZrieBeGB56TL9auty4CY9ZyZz3RhO9Lk7dElSGwwF64VrLAo2ByhK/s1600/jesus+the+christ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jesus the Christ by James E. Talmage" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1204" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvClzKdppcMJiW6qloxDRDoJ0mj-Vna9h2ExMEz1czeBfpac_Dl-1nSyMoAaNJV8hJu7EM50twlwMZ2ZCjLTAh2vZrieBeGB56TL9auty4CY9ZyZz3RhO9Lk7dElSGwwF64VrLAo2ByhK/s320/jesus+the+christ.jpg" title="Jesus the Christ by James E. Talmage" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Amazon.com<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Jesus the Christ</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">by</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">James E. Talmage<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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Blurb (Credit: Amazon.com):<div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Considered one of the all-time great classics of LDS literature, Jesus the Christ is a comprehensive look into the life and ministry of the Savior. Written at the request of the First Presidency by the Apostle James E. Talmage, and penned from an office inside the Salt Lake Temple, this volume is more than a simple outline of the Savior's life. It presents a far-reaching view of the Savior-including His life in the flesh, His antemortal existence, and His activities across time as the world's Redeemer. Allow this unparalleled work to enhance your knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ as it magnifies your understanding of the scriptures.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;">My Review:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;">Every once in awhile a book comes along that changes your life. As you read it, the words influence you so much that you will never think the same way about the subject again; you will never be the same. A few books I've read in my lifetime have made me feel this way. <u>Believing Christ</u> by Stephen Robinson was one, <u>Les Miserables</u> by Victor Hugo was another. And today I add <u>Jesus the Christ</u> by James E. Talmage. It's hefty, for sure! The edition I read has 793 pages, and it is not an easy read. It took me months to read. James E. Talmage was a very intelligent man, and his vocabulary is off the charts. I had to look up the definitions of many words. It's strange, because at first it took me forever, but by the end I was in the groove, and his style and language became easier to understand. This is the most comprehensive book on the life and mission of Jesus Christ that I have ever seen. It's incredible. It begins with why we need a Savior. Then it takes you through many of the prophets of the Old Testament that prophesied about the coming of a Savior. A Messiah. It delves into the lives of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. Talmage takes you step by step through the New Testament and the life of Jesus Christ here on earth. He is very comprehensive in his writing. He discusses Christ's teachings and miracles. I loved learning about life in Jerusalem and the surrounding areas; who the different groups of people are and how they came to be. The events take on different meanings when you know more about the context in which they happened. Sometimes when I'm reading the parables of Christ I understand their meanings and sometimes I don't. This book explains them all, and it helped me so much. He goes into detail about the symbolism in the writings of the New Testament, which, once again, is very helpful in finding new meaning in the words on the page. One thing in particular that helped me was learning about the difference between the Pharisees and the Sadducees and scribes, the Samaritans and the Jews. It was also extremely helpful to learn about the structure of the Roman government in Jerusalem, and who was in power over what. The detail Talmage puts into his description of Jesus Christ's Atoning sacrifice helps you to understand the importance of this moment. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"> <i>Christ's agony in the garden is unfathomable by the finite mind, both as to intensity and cause. The thought that He suffered through fear of death is untenable. Death to Him was preliminary to resurrection and triumphal return to the Father from whom He had come, and to a state of glory even beyond what He had before possessed; and, moreover, it was within His power to lay down His life voluntarily. He struggled and groaned under a burden such as no other being who has lived on earth might even conceive as possible. It was not physical pain, nor mental anguish alone, that caused Him to suffer such torture as to produce an extrusion of blood from every pore; but a spiritual agony of soul such as only God was capable of experiencing. No other man, however great his powers of physical or mental endurance, could have suffered so; for his human organism would have succumbed, and syncope would have produced unconsciousness and welcome oblivion. In that hour of anguish Christ met and overcame all the horrors that Satan, 'the prince of this world' could inflict.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;">Next, Talmage takes you through Jesus' arrest and trials before Herod and Pilate. Then he thoroughly discusses Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. At the end, he goes into some detail into the lives of the eleven apostles and what occurred after they were all gone, and he even goes a little into the dark ages. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;">This is an amazing book! It takes a long time to get through it, but it's worth it. It was written by a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes known as <a href="http://www.mormon.org/" target="_blank">Mormon</a> or LDS), but anyone wanting a better understanding of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ will benefit from reading this book. I promise it is worth the effort. Your understanding and love for the Savior will grow tenfold. Reading this book changed my perceptions and increased my love and appreciation for my Savior, Jesus the Christ. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;">Rating: PG (Clean)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;">Recommendation: 16 years-old and up. (A younger person could read it, as it is taken from the Bible, but Talmage's language is difficult to understand because of his awesome vocabulary, so I think 16 and up are more likely to understand it.)</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199626710761957303.post-43514306784518235652017-11-16T05:00:00.001-07:002017-11-16T05:00:08.729-07:00Printable Bookmarks<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't know about you, but I'm always tearing off pieces of receipts or</div>
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using gum wrappers as bookmarks. No more, my friends! I have for you, hot</div>
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off the press, my new theReadathon bookmarks!</div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FsRQDLDxj0PK2e-WOzK8i6T0TeFFDSfO/view?usp=sharing"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="192" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzNntWWbKNqWkKewIuF-LoT4L_D_99XsM6M2pNM5SUjsHovbK4Q4ISJPqc8DF4Qef9WdJ2YZUkB7NNFJR2YRRUnA45lu4EA9pLAcyMniRqwfy6A_VDPHM2ElqXzKUWVTuMho46DHlbL8u/s320/www.the-readathon.blogspot.com+%25282%2529.png" width="106" /></a></div>
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Simply click on the image above, print (cardstock works best), cut, punch a hole in the</div>
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top, and then thread yarn through the hole. Easy peasy! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SAnFcZWdurMq6YFvUN8XGu6Y6XZM8o2ETjN-PF6i0MpCGK07g5IxkzJk1uaH668bzRU5NPh7IuTSRLJ6VUrMnhqYyF2B0JKXdcRJS59hCF6VVDrxxfK05yhnbATfDGhYLz6DpI3p-T4y/s1600/IMG_0884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the Readathon free printable bookmarks" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SAnFcZWdurMq6YFvUN8XGu6Y6XZM8o2ETjN-PF6i0MpCGK07g5IxkzJk1uaH668bzRU5NPh7IuTSRLJ6VUrMnhqYyF2B0JKXdcRJS59hCF6VVDrxxfK05yhnbATfDGhYLz6DpI3p-T4y/s320/IMG_0884.JPG" title="the Readathon printable bookmarks" width="240" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199626710761957303.post-86790090458186739962017-11-14T06:42:00.000-07:002017-11-14T06:42:30.983-07:00[Book Review] Hum If You Don't Know The Words by Bianca Marais<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXryWlYm6MTDF-DWFRBAF8gfgza5holBJzWB64_FzmrZH1sedgtQcli2KoOT6UDb-en8sN3eFUWeH43barVWhhtEIhLegN6y58qsynGj7lRhJc8VlEKAE6PBnJn9Ef7pm8nXK2nYBh7KDB/s1600/hum+if+you+don%2527t+know+the+words.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hum If You Don't Know The Words by Bianca Marais" border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXryWlYm6MTDF-DWFRBAF8gfgza5holBJzWB64_FzmrZH1sedgtQcli2KoOT6UDb-en8sN3eFUWeH43barVWhhtEIhLegN6y58qsynGj7lRhJc8VlEKAE6PBnJn9Ef7pm8nXK2nYBh7KDB/s320/hum+if+you+don%2527t+know+the+words.jpg" title="Hum If You Don't Know The Words by Bianca Marais" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Goodreads.com</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hum If You Don't Know The Words</span></div>
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Blurb:</div>
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"Life under apartheid has created a secure future for Robin Conrad, a nine-year-old white girl growing up in a mining town in the 1970s Johannesburg. In a rural village, worlds apart, Beauty Mbali struggles to raise her children alone in the blacks-only Bantustan of the Transkei. Their lives are divided by the colors of their skin, and their paths should never have crossed...until the historic Soweto uprising, where government forces violently crush a protest by black students, igniting reprisals on both sides. Their worlds shatter in the aftermath when Robin's parents are found dead and Beauty's daughter goes missing. After Robin is sent to live with her irresponsible aunt, Beauty is hired to care for Robin, and, for the first time in her sheltered existence, Robin learns about life beyond the white, upper-class privilege she has always known, discovering in Beauty the love and support she desperately craves. While Beauty's frantic search for her beloved activist daughter puts her in contact with whites and blacks secretly combatting apartheid, her growing responsibility and affection for Robin, whose loss mirrors her own, forces painful choices on them both. When it becomes clear that Beauty could be lost to Robin forever if Beauty's daughter is found, Robin makes a risky decision with devastating consequences. Her quest to make amends and find redemption is a journey of self-discovery that brings to light the harsh truths and injustices of a society she thought she knew."</div>
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My Review:</div>
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Growing up as a white girl in the United States hasn't always been easy, and my parents, and now my husband and I, have worked very hard to get where we are. After reading this book, however, I realize that I've definitely lived a sheltered and fairly easy life. My eyes were opened while reading this book. I've learned about apartheid in school, but I had no idea that things like the Soweto uprising occurred. I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. The writing draws you in and captivates you. Ms. Marais' descriptions and writing style are very well done. To be drawn into this time and place, and to be a part of such a difficult and harsh period in South Africa's history, is surreal. The emotion seeps from the pages. Beauty is a difficult character to understand; she leaves her sons alone in order to go find her daughter. She thinks this journey will be a quick one. When it's not, she doesn't give up. Her sons are being taken care of by the community at home while she continues to search for her daughter. I love her determination and love for her child. Robin is just a child, but she and Beauty are bound together by the grief they share following the uprising. I had to keep reminding myself that Robin was just a child; she made some choices that, as an adult, made me scream at her through the pages. How could she be so selfish? Thankfully, she realizes her mistake and tries her best to fix it. The growth of both of these characters throughout the book is amazing to watch. It's unthinkable the atrocities that occur around the world today, and those that have occurred in the past, and it's when we step out of our own worlds, our own boxes, and truly see around us that we can begin to make things right. I loved that this book took me out of my comfort zone. I loved the lessons learned. This book is very well written. The characters come to life on the page, and you feel like you are there, living the story along with them. There are so many lessons to be learned in this book. We are all the same. We may look different, come from different places, speak different languages, have different experiences, but we are all the same. We just want to live, provide for our families, be loved, and be safe. Selfishness may seem ok when we rationalize it, but it can cause so much pain and heartbreak. Doing what we know is right, even when it is difficult. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I highly recommend it. </div>
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Rating: PG-13+<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>(There is a little bit of profanity, but not much. There is no "intimacy," but there is violence. The Soweto uprising was difficult to read because of how many children were killed or injured. There was a character beaten almost to death, and there was also some domestic violence.)</div>
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Recommendation: 16 years-old and up. This book is not appropriate for younger readers. </div>
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Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have a free copy of this book to give away!</span></div>
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(All you need to do is "like" my Facebook page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheReadathon/">https://www.facebook.com/TheReadathon/</a> </div>
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then comment on this post (below) with your name and email address </div>
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so I can contact you if you win.)</div>
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="1f04f7062" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1f04f7062/" id="rcwidget_o9wblapl" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199626710761957303.post-76562673820196809762017-11-13T06:31:00.000-07:002017-11-13T13:06:31.605-07:00[Book Review] Mustaches for Maddie by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltkguJcCGzAObQhpWRI30YEtmoeaAhimAUwm_jHcn6S9u2dU1zeQkcs4JTwZZqz3XtrjK3u-abi7nHEZd00kMTexJ21jX6J1qpM5RQZiLIlOpBbvcMOO3WZK-p6HhV8foDx6nhjFm7W5M/s1600/mustaches+for+maddie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mustaches for Maddie by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown" border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltkguJcCGzAObQhpWRI30YEtmoeaAhimAUwm_jHcn6S9u2dU1zeQkcs4JTwZZqz3XtrjK3u-abi7nHEZd00kMTexJ21jX6J1qpM5RQZiLIlOpBbvcMOO3WZK-p6HhV8foDx6nhjFm7W5M/s320/mustaches+for+maddie.jpg" title="Mustaches for Maddie by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown" width="211" /></a></div>
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"Twelve-year-old Maddie has a quirky sense of humor and a fondness for spotting fake mustaches--a neon pink handlebar, a green fuzzy chevron, a blue pencil mustache--her fake mustaches always seem to get a laugh. Being funny gets her noticed by class queen Cassie and things are looking up when Maddie is cast as the lead in the school play. When strange things start to happen to her body, like tripping when she walks and having her hand curl up by her side, she blames it on growing pains, but her mom isn't so sure. The doctor confirms Maddie has a brain tumor and in an instant her world is turned upside down. With scary medical tests and surgery ahead of her, as well as typical sixth-grade problems--including the class queen who quickly turns into a bully--Maddie uses her friendliness, positive attitude, imagination, and her fake mustaches to battle her challenges. Maddie even gets an unexpected surprise when she receives hundreds of photos from friends, family members, and even complete strangers wearing fake mustaches to cheer her on. Based on a true story, <i>Mustaches for Maddie</i> teaches that everyone is going through somethings hard and everyone needs a compassionate friend and maybe a little bit of laughter from a mustache."</div>
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My Review:</div>
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I loved this book! This is such an inspirational story! I love Maddie's voice in this book; her humor and wit are refreshing and so much fun, and her positive attitude during such a difficult time is truly admirable. Although this book is based on a true story, a big portion of the story is fictional. Part of the fictional story is about Cassie. She is a bully in Maddie's class, and the way that Maddie decides to handle the situation makes her an example to all children in similar situations. Instead of being mean back to Cassie, or turning inward and becoming depressed, Maddie decides to use her wit, her kindness, and her sense of humor to change the dynamics. I loved that part of the book! Maddie is actually the daughter of the authors, and she really did have a brain tumor. Neighbors, friends, and even strangers, sent her pictures of them with silly mustaches to cheer Maddie up after her surgery. How sweet is that? Seriously! That is how we should always treat each other; building up and doing everything we can to help during difficult situations. It's heart breaking to hear stories of children battling cancer, and to hear of such an amazing outcome is truly inspirational. The author was in the hospital with his daughter when his debut novel <u><a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-inventors-secret.html"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">The Inventor's Secret</span></a></u> was published. I did not know that at the time, but I was lucky enough to participate in his book tour, and his book has turned into one of my all-time favorite middle-grader reads! <u>Mustaches for Maddie</u> is well written, it flows well, the voice in the book is witty, charming, and so cute, and the character development is great. Another fabulous thing about this book are the lessons that it teaches. They are very powerful: standing up for yourself, anti-bullying, being yourself, enjoying life, and doing things that you love are just a few. So great! This is a fast, easy read that will leave you wanting to hear more from cute Maddie. I laughed and cried, and couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book for kids and adults alike! It'll make a great read aloud too! My copy came with these cute "Compassion in Action" postcards as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-k42fR3LXzjbXZjCMazbbCiPW447cfKFyKVwFgwZLUm1fnR3uI9TVh9eU3znA6gF4xd_rW1xlOgWW7bCaD7kaRkrYIgpy_4ZDNgACs5ZTSU6ebAQS3pX8LOrxqcVonedY1ZOihUnLzcb5/s1600/IMG_0881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Compassion in Action postcards from Mustaches for Maddie by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-k42fR3LXzjbXZjCMazbbCiPW447cfKFyKVwFgwZLUm1fnR3uI9TVh9eU3znA6gF4xd_rW1xlOgWW7bCaD7kaRkrYIgpy_4ZDNgACs5ZTSU6ebAQS3pX8LOrxqcVonedY1ZOihUnLzcb5/s320/IMG_0881.JPG" title="Compassion in Action postcards from Mustaches for Maddie" width="240" /></a></div>
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Rating: PG (Clean!! There is a bully in the book, and she does some mean things. It also discusses Maddie's medical issues. There isn't any profanity, "intimacy," or violence.)<br />
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Recommendation: As a silent read I'd say 2nd or 3rd grade and up, and as a read aloud I'd say K or 1st grade and up. All children should read this book to see how their actions affect those around them, and to see how Maddie handles the situation. I'm going to have all four of my kids read it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7Cr8hVAKpw5sNImgFwKdVb96qMm9V-EbyllOXCkiP49cstdXeU9uHfqoJYEgIAPIOdkSFsbUGR2J4LBqb6JeDgHHxzVl7l2iQFAAke_cJQGwKQhOW72sj_5W1MnhqElvz_0dotxaU5W4/s1600/IMG_0880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7Cr8hVAKpw5sNImgFwKdVb96qMm9V-EbyllOXCkiP49cstdXeU9uHfqoJYEgIAPIOdkSFsbUGR2J4LBqb6JeDgHHxzVl7l2iQFAAke_cJQGwKQhOW72sj_5W1MnhqElvz_0dotxaU5W4/s320/IMG_0880.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Also by Chad Morris:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-inventors-secret.html"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cragbridge Hall: The Inventor's Secret (Book #1) by Chad Morris" border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFl_UHZGqFOi51sp-JyXdntZRM-7M1PThoyF7xyB8v396FUv_AxhyFTu6TUldywobIjRW3M-bay5t5ytjauTe0x0COFw1P-tOVkPfxzJ1LY5gg5sazcGJxt5DuaRUsieyy5Z2a7Q5_-2i/s200/the+inventors+secret.jpg" title="Cragbridge Hall: The Inventor's Secret (Book #1) by Chad Morris" width="135" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-inventors-secret.html">Book #1</a></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-avatar-battle-cragbridge-hall-book.html"><img alt="Cragbridge Hall: The Avatar Battle (Book #2) by Chad Morris" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1088" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_u8F8V7r83biGlncaHhMw2Wa9oVFP7ArpW07BtjmqLiYkaJzlfa15Cqht64MUe6mfUyvPghJMd_jKtCHWnyKkF6bzOQDDfA6djKDag4oOjbU13dxogbsm6ARjZqta7Ff9P4o1rYC6LCS2/s200/the+avatar+battle.jpg" title="Cragbridge Hall: The Avatar Battle (Book #2) by Chad Morris" width="135" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-avatar-battle-cragbridge-hall-book.html">Book #2</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhlos9wn2q8_MODY9KvbfcxheLp4K0FVvLNuvPwVvnPGJ2fDbzMEnxPdSbmpt40L3lfCIn8jimIFtqvqf8jMSjogpjIRuTqNXV8-ykjOBhEfidIhyphenhyphen7GF3Wr1ivC7qwnwsvcyBs1-IxqSv/s1600/the+impossible+race.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cragbridge Hall: The Impossible Race (Book #3) by Chad Morris" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1096" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhlos9wn2q8_MODY9KvbfcxheLp4K0FVvLNuvPwVvnPGJ2fDbzMEnxPdSbmpt40L3lfCIn8jimIFtqvqf8jMSjogpjIRuTqNXV8-ykjOBhEfidIhyphenhyphen7GF3Wr1ivC7qwnwsvcyBs1-IxqSv/s200/the+impossible+race.jpg" title="Cragbridge Hall: The Impossible Race (Book #3) by Chad Morris" width="136" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-impossible-race-cragbridge-hall.html">Book #3</a></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199626710761957303.post-72336071710787198202017-11-09T05:00:00.000-07:002017-11-09T05:00:03.279-07:00[Book Review] Adventurers Wanted: Sands of Nezza (Book #4) by M.L. Forman<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjszafSAujgxn2c8ZHgac40rxx93qc1hCqlOo0iD-wsSZqCRu82UQiScfqqNuHYKWAEQPZosQZwLC2rGnE-TiFMhHP5jgMrF3HHfKrBxLdHLba-8y_LNPlFRiJR59xWmG1VVjiJp073UE/s1600/sands+of+nezza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Adventurers Wanted: Sands of Nezza (Book #4) by M.L. Forman" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1054" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjszafSAujgxn2c8ZHgac40rxx93qc1hCqlOo0iD-wsSZqCRu82UQiScfqqNuHYKWAEQPZosQZwLC2rGnE-TiFMhHP5jgMrF3HHfKrBxLdHLba-8y_LNPlFRiJR59xWmG1VVjiJp073UE/s320/sands+of+nezza.jpg" title="Adventurers Wanted: Sands of Nezza (Book #4) by M.L. Forman" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from amazon.com</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Adventurers Wanted: Sands of Nezza (Book #4)</span></div>
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by</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">M. L. Forman</span></div>
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Blurb:<br />
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"After hundreds of years without a true king, the desert land of Nezza is in danger of falling under the rule of a ruthless lord advised by an evil wizard with dark intentions. A desperate cry for help brings Alexander Taylor to this perilous land and sets events in motion that will require him to rescue an old friend from an impenetrable dungeon. Once in Nezza, Alex meets a new band of adventurers and joins them in their quest to find young Prince Rallian--the man destined to become the rightful king of Nezza. In their path lies a deadly sand monster, a wise and insightful oracle, a massive army of illusions, and a host of lords and leaders ready to fight for--and against--the king of their land. But a dark shadow threatens Alex's every step. And in Nezza, a land where magic is feared and wizards are held in suspicion, Alex will have to be more wise and cunning than ever before if he and his friends are to succeed--or even survive."<br />
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My Review:<br />
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At first I wanted to be an adventurer...after reading this book, I'm not so sure! Eeek! I think I'm too big of a wuss! I would NOT want to be captured by an evil lord and kept in an impenetrable dungeon! I wouldn't want to come face to face with a scary sand monster! I wouldn't want to fight against an evil lord's army, and I wouldn't want to try and broker a peace treaty with warring peoples. Sheesh! I WOULD, however, want to read about it! I would love to read all about it from the comfort of my couch and my warm, snugly blanket! Of course, I could do that all day! Sometimes by the time you get to book #4 in a series, you can tell that the author is just done. The writing goes downhill, the characters don't act like themselves, etc. That is definitely not the case with this book! I love how creative this series still is, how Alex is still learning and growing, and how the underlying plot is still there, and maybe even becoming more apparent. Alex's humility is refreshing, and even though he's a pretty big deal, you wouldn't know it by talking to him. It was fun to see Skeld again, and I liked many of the new characters, especially Rallian and Virgil. Stonebill was a fun character as well. I laughed every time I though of Alex talking to Stonebill, and I laughed even harder when I thought of how it looked to his friends. This book is full of action, lots of magic, a slight romance, and a good amount of mystery. It's well written, the character development is very good, and it is a great addition to this fun series.<br />
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Rating: PG+ (There is no profanity and no "intimacy."There is, however, quite a bit of violence. They are in the middle of a war, so there's a lot of fighting. A few main characters die, and a bunch of others die as well. The deaths are not overly graphic, but some of them are sad.)<br />
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Recommendation: 4th-5th grade and up (Perfect for middle-graders and YA)<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Adventurers Wanted Series:</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-small;">(Click on the images to find out more about each book!)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2014/12/adventurers-wanted-slathbogs-gold-book-1.html"><img alt="Adventurers Wanted: Slathbog's Gold (Book #1) by M.L. Forman" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1056" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7el_jNxfiicn4H_Z444fuP5zGhfiT_IAjBEDck2JU5kACU7U6fTA-Q_BF-oUS_mhePSFcAKKJnbQ5xWontJ1TxvJ77y_X2lGvDIcmYBA1zNP-IyxYWZxMVCIOL9CDKXD6StuMXc6BbGmG/s200/adventurers+wanted+slathbogs+gold.jpg" title="Adventurers Wanted: Slathbog's Gold (Book #1) by M.L. Forman" width="131" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2014/12/adventurers-wanted-slathbogs-gold-book-1.html">Book #1</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-horn-of-moran-adventurers-wanted.html"><img alt="Adventurers Wanted: The Horn of Moran (Book #2) by M.L. Forman" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1076" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IlTzBa9vCi7LuIjy8zfLYdggtdN2cN9MwX7cdxciTSkkJ0VmEPfOvpp-3rT_glGmO5kJp8al4d-UW9vN5JsO2e8tvmBq895qaebdKEt_b01znUCofKhe6ySKwzW9pb6LNi0Pqn5Gipnk/s200/adventurers+wanted+the+horn+of+moran.jpg" title="Adventurers Wanted: The Horn of Moran (Book #2) by M.L. Forman" width="134" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-horn-of-moran-adventurers-wanted.html">Book #2</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-adventurers-wanted-albreks.html"><img alt="Adventurers Wanted: Albrek's Tomb (Book #3) by M.L. Forman" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1050" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8ynO6NuHDPWydTzdMiddpLaZTXv8cp6hbKfhJG9dsIvxzR7WuZkAZao3X0HpSEenJUTMGGWGwvbUZxdHQF3BdWkdjqz8qdKSsnRMVvhuuyuAiwswGgt1KQSQdM5zxROIExD_VH_CAtrE/s200/adventurers+wanted+albreks+tomb.jpg" title="Adventurers Wanted: Albrek's Tomb (Book #3) by M.L. Forman" width="131" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://the-readathon.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-adventurers-wanted-albreks.html">Book #3</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1S-IcVGFSNo1a4Xab_FAmEICzvri6dcnzXroVlLZtlkbmc2Bup2-BQ5tesMIjx8p_4Zr33B2SbB7FiqJbtxawFJKATM7Mxwka-GobpfeySRtYGSFGBjlTuo2R92Pg2a3iYuwT1CjDffyt/s1600/sands+of+nezza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Adventurers Wanted: Sands of Nezza (Book #4) by M.L. Forman" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1054" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1S-IcVGFSNo1a4Xab_FAmEICzvri6dcnzXroVlLZtlkbmc2Bup2-BQ5tesMIjx8p_4Zr33B2SbB7FiqJbtxawFJKATM7Mxwka-GobpfeySRtYGSFGBjlTuo2R92Pg2a3iYuwT1CjDffyt/s200/sands+of+nezza.jpg" title="Adventurers Wanted: Sands of Nezza (Book #4) by M.L. Forman" width="130" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Book #4</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0