My Dreams, My Choices

My Dreams, My Choices by Clementine Wamboye Girenge

"The simple act of going to school represents enormous ambition for Felly, the protagonist of this powerful true story about growing up in rural Kenya. In the town of Mumias lies a small village where Felly's family is known to everyone. The life of her paternal grandparents is like an open book, a story filled with sorrow and strife that turns her grandmother into a cold and hardened woman. Felly on the other hand, grows up in a home surrounded by her parents' love that is based on a very strong foundation, which sets the stage for this brave youngster to make and achieve her goals. One of them is receiving a top-notch education. My Dreams, My Choices documents Felly's drive to expand her horizons. At the same time, this frank and eye-opening book reveals what it's like to grow up in Africa today, detailing a life of hardship touched by contemporary African issues. At a young age, Felly witnesses how her family stands against the ordeals that come their way. As she grows older, she discovers that she will also have to surpass personal struggles blocking her way. There are times when she almost surrenders, refusing to move forward and climb over the barriers. She experiences profound culture shock upon setting sight for the first time on Nairobi. And she faces down tremendous odds to graduate at the top of her class from one of the best schools in the country. Richly detailed, the vividly recalled life story will captivate you with a fresh perspective on contemporary Kenyan life and people."

I love to read about other people's lives, especially when they are very different from my own. This book was no exception. I have heard about Kenya in the news, but that is about it. Learning about her family and why they acted the way they did gave insight into why we need to be less judgmental about people. We don't know what they have been through, and we down't realize what we can learn from them. Getting a good education was always at the top of my parents' list for me as well, but it was much easier for me than it was for her. I think I took my education for granted.

This book is filled with good quotes. My favorite is: "Success was not based on the color of my hands but the strength I put in my hands to color my dreams. I needed to color them big!"

Some parts of this book are a little hard to follow. It doesn't always go chronologically in order. Also, I had to reread some paragraphs in order to understand the language. I did enjoy this book and would recommend it. Like I said, I do enjoy learning about the way other people live, and it's always a good reminder as to how blessed I am. She is also a great example of working hard to overcome the odds.

Rating: PG-13 (Some of the content is difficult to read because of the harsh envirnonment. You read about a boy who was killed by a teacher at school because he was late, because he helped that very same teacher push his bike into the school yard. That part was graphic and hard to read. So there is that death, other children die of disease.)

Recommendation: 16 years and up. This could be a really good learning tool for teenagers. It definitely makes you take a step back and realize that even though you have problems, they aren't as big as other peoples' problems.

The Best Worst Thing

The Best Worst Thing by Kristen K. Brown

(Summary taken from the back book cover) "One day, that's all it takes to change a life...As a wife, new mother, and successful career woman, Kristen Brown thinks her life is set. Until one morning, her husband doesn't wake up. This bittersweet memoir shares the experience of Brown's new life as a young widowed mother grappling with the shock, pain, and regret following her husband's unexpected death while managing a stressful work situation amid the downfall of the economy. Not wanting to be a "sad mom," she instead harnesses her emotions into a positive force in her life. Through a process of life-changing experiences like surfing, getting "inked," and starting her own company that takes her to Hollywood, she discovers her life's purpose to be the role model for her daughter she longs to be--and becomes a role model for others in the process."

This book takes you on an emotional roller-coaster ride. You learn of how Ms. Brown met her husband, how they dated and you read about their wedding day. You learn of how they have their daughter and how they are a real couple with good days in their marriage and some not-so-good days. You see how they may not be treating each other as they should. And then you read the part in the story where her husband dies, and it is so sad. I cried. I can't imagine losing my husband. I felt so bad for her as she described what happened and how she felt in the months after he died. I cheered her on when she began to heal and find herself in her new normal. Sometimes challenges bring out the best in us, after we crawl out of our holes.

This book is well written. I like Ms. Brown's style of writing. It is easy to read and packed full of emotion. I felt like I was with her through all of it. Most of it is clean: however, she does use the "f" word 3 times on page 75, and then again on page 203. I don't usually put page numbers for profanity, but this way you can just skip it and read the rest of the book. There are occasional swear words throughout the rest of the book, but not too many. The lesson learned are worth skipping a few pages. I have always tried not to take my husband for granted, but after reading this book I hug him longer and harder. I have told him more often how much I love and appreciate him. My kids too. Life is so short, and you never know what is going to happen, so take the time each day, and many times a day, to show love to those around you. Ms. Brown is a good example of picking yourself up and moving on. She's a good example of why we women need a good education and why we need to take care of ourselves.

Rating: R  (Have to go with this because of the language. Sorry.)

Recommendation: 18 years and up.

The Hiding Place

The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom

(Summary taken from the back book cover) "Out of the evil called the Holocaust arose a witness, a voice that even the Nazis could not silence, a voice that testified to the power of God to overcome every wickedness and sorrow. Corrie ten Boom is that witness and her powerful story recounts the courage of one Christian family of Dutch watchmakers who determined to save Jews and resistance workers from the Gestapo forces which had overrun the Netherlands. As the pressure against the Jews grew, the risks increased and the ten Booms accelerated their efforts. The family transformed their quiet home into an underground station in the network of the Dutch Resistnace, creating a safe room that would shelter and feed scores of fugitives. For this, all the ten Booms were arrested, from Corrie's aging father to her young nephew, with Corrie and her sister Betsie ultimately deported to the Nazi death camp Ravensbruck. Through the slip of a pen, a clerical error, Corrie survived, though her family did not, and following the war, she began to tell her story of God's faithfulness and his mercy even in the darkest and deepest pit. The same faith that compelled the ten Boom family to stand firm in the face of evil would continue to shape Corrie's life as she bore witness to the great power of God's love to forgive, to heal, and to restore."

Miss ten Boom's story is amazing. How have I not read this before? Her voice is so real and sincere, and it draws you in. I've learned about the Holocaust, and I knew about the horrible death camps. I've even reviewed another survivor's story, but I had no idea that people other than Jews were sent to the death camps. Now that I think about it, it makes sense, but I'd never thought about it before. The courage and faith of the ten Boom family, and those they worked with, is just astounding. The things they went through, in order to help other people, were terrible, and yet they did not regret their decisions to help. Their faith in God stayed strong even in the worst of situations, and that is what is so impressive. To be grateful for fleas because they allowed them to speak more freely of God, without the guards' presence, is simply astonishing, and is such a good example to me.

I spent most of this book in awe of these women and their family. Over and over I asked myself if I would have had the courage to put myself in danger to help others. Over and over I asked if I could have had such a good attitude about such a horrible situation. And over and over I realized that their faith outweighed my own. I truly hope that I would do the same if the situation arose. I am such a rule follower that I hope my common sense and sense of justice and faith would allow me to go against the rules to help others. Not only this, but we have so much today. With my small problems, compared to theirs, can I find the best of each situation? Can I look for the good? Can I refrain from only seeing the negative in people? And, can I teach these things to my children? It's not usually the big things we are asked to do, it is the little things we do daily that matter.

This book is written so well. Miss ten Boom's narrative is easy to follow and each sentence is filled with emotion. It is difficult to read because of the topic and all that comes with it, but I think everyone should read this book. It is full of life lessons and I think we should all know these lessons from the past so we prevent them from happening in our future. I thank Miss ten Boom for her example and know that I am a little better today because of her and her family and their story.

Rated: PG-13+ (Almost an R) The Holocaust is not easy to read about. The dire circumstances in the camps are difficult to read about. There are deaths, sicknesses, and people treated with cruelty. The women are to stand without their clothing. She talks of the gas chambers. There is no language.

Recommendation: High School Senior and up. This would be a fabulous book for a senior history class to read. I highly recommend this book and think everyone should read it!

Common Denominators for Success by Kenny J. Anderson

(Summary taken from the back book cover) "For centuries people have sought to find the secret to achieving lasting success. Common Denominators for Success reveals the seven universal formulas for getting the results you want from life. Whether you are pursuing a lifelong dream or wish to develop deep, meaningful relationships, enjoy optimal health, or make the most of your time and money, application of these seven timeless principles holds the key to reaching your full potential and turning your dreams into reality. Ordinary people in all eras have achieved extraordinary results as they have applied these seven powerful formulas. Now is the time for you to live your dreams and get the results  you want!"

If you search my postings for self help books you will see that I have read a few of them. I've read weight loss books, compliment books, eating healthy books, and even some business books. This book is one of the best self help books I've read. It is easy to understand and motiviational. Mr. Anderson makes it seem so easy! He does say that it won't always be easy, but I finished it and was ready to change the world! I know I'm not quite there yet, but it actually has been really helpful. I have had a really hard time finding a good balance the last few years. I'm a stay at home mom, and I could clean my house 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and not be finished. It's crazy! So I loved the balance part of this book. I also loved how it applies to everything! Not only does it help me find a good balance to family/cleaning/husband/me/etc. time, it has helped me to remember who I am. I know that sounds silly, but after ten years of being at home with children, I've kind of forgotten that I am smart, that I had a career, that I have a college degree, and that I can be of worth in more places than just my home. Now, I'm still needed at home, and I will not be going back to work any time soon, but just remembering that I have potential helps me keep perspective.

I love the sections on keeping a positive attitude. I'm always telling my kids that it is all about attitude. And now I have a source to cite to them! Here are a few quotes I underlined (yes, I wrote in a book......don't tell my kids): "Choose to surround yourself with positive influences that motivate and inspire you to greatness." Isn't that great??? I love it. "The world around us is a product of how we view it." Yes! And here is my source whenever a bad attitude enters our home: "The point is that it is not our circumstances in life that define us, but rather it is the attitude we maintain through those circumstances. We can't control what happens to us, but we can control how we react." Hahahaha....they'll never see it coming! Thank you Mr. Anderson!

I could go on and on.....those quotes were only on three pages. There are many more! I like how this book can apply to everyone and almost every situation: finances, relationships, goals, business, cleaning, achieving a dream, etc. No matter what it is you want, or want to achieve, these principles apply to it. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to live a happier, more fulfilling life. So, yes, to everyone!

Rating: G Clean!

Recommendation: 12 and up. I will be sharing many of the ideas with my children, who are younger, but I think a 12 year-old would be able to read it, mostly understand it, and apply a lot of the principles. This could be a really good book to read as a family if your children are 12 and up. I think younger kids would get bored and not really know what to do with the information. However, the information is great for everyone, and can be shared in age appropriate ways with younger children as well.

Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my review. (Thank you Media Guests and Mr. Anderson!) However, this does not change my opinion of the book--all my reviews are honest.

Speed of Light

Speed of Light by Lee Baker

(Summary taken from the back book cover) "A secret technology and a test pilot. Pierce Black becomes light and his mind changes. They want him dead. The race begins...."

This book is fast-paced, thrilling, and an easy read. It's crazy to think that someday we may travel at the speed of light. The storyline is very creative and different, which I like. Mr. Lee's writing style is easy to read and follow, and takes you on a crazy journey to save Pierce's life and his son's life. There are many twists and turns, and even though the events that happen are (right now) not feasible, Mr. Lee makes it seem completely normal and possible. I felt connected to Pierce and his son Danny, and his sister-in-law Vanessa, and thought the character development was really good. I especially loved the connection between Pierce and Danny. The love they felt for each other shone through the pages and into my room. I almost cried it was so sweet when Pierce felt that for the first time. The "visions" Pierce sees may seem corny when described in a summary, but seem very real in the context of the story. Even though I cringed at many of the things Pierce did, I felt his fear, frustration, joy, and pain.

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it, if you like fast-paced action adventure books. It was clean except for a lot of violence. A lot of people die, and some of the deaths are described in great, gory detail. There are police chase scenes, airplanes flying the speed of light, suspense, drama, a little romance here and there, and cover-ups.....what's not to like??? The one thing I didn't really understand was why "they" (I won't tell you who) wanted Pierce dead. He was the star, the one who would bring publicity and fame. I thought that would be a good thing??  In any case, I enjoyed this book and do recommend it.

Rating: PG-13+  (No language or "physical intimacy" but a lot of deaths. And some of the deaths are described in great depth and are difficult to read.)

Recommendation: 16 and up.

Disclosure: I'd like to thank Media Guests and Lee Baker for allowing me to review this book. I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my review. That does not change my opinion of the book: all reviews are honest.

Gregor and the Code of Claw

Gregor and the Code of Claw (Book #5) by Suzanne Collins

(Summary taken from the inside book jacket) "Everyone has been trying to keep Gregor from seeing the final prophecy, The Prophecy of Time. It says something awful, but Gregor never imagined just how awful: It calls for the warrior's death. The warrior being Gregor, of course. Now, an army of rats is quickly approaching and Gregor's mom and his little sister, Boots, are still in Regalia. In spite of the terrifying prophecy, Gregor must gather up his courage to defend Regalia and get his family back home safely. The entire existence of the Underland is in Gregor's hands and time is running out. There is a code that must be cracked, a new princess to contend with, Gregor's burgeoning dark side, and a war designed to end all wars."

I liked this finale book. It wasn't my favorite of the series, but I liked it. Having read all of them right in a row I was kind of getting sick of them, but I did like it. It was a little darker and a little more violent, but still okay. I liked how it showed the relationship between Gregor and Luxa blossoming and how it showed Gregor growing up and deciding that he had to sacrifice himself to save everyone else.  I liked the addition of the code they needed to break. I really like Howard's character, and Mareth's character.

I didn't love the ending. I think Ms. Collins needed 50 more pages and a little more time. I thought it ended very abruptly and without closure for the characters involved (and me). I thought she killed off a character she shouldn't have and it just made it so sad. Books don't always need to have a happy ending (although it is nice), but this was just sad. I would still recommend the series because the rest of the series is really good.

Rating: PG+ (War violence, characters (even a main character) dying, fighting)

Recommendation: 3rd Grade and up. If you're child has read the first four then I'd recommend finishing it for sure. You may want to read it to judge if your child is ready.

Gregor and the Marks of Secret

Gregor and the Marks of Secret (Book #4) by Suzanne Collins

(Summary taken from the inside book jacket) "In the fourth volume of the critically acclaimed Underland Chronicles, Gregor is drawn ever deeper into a brewing crisis. For generations, rats have run the mice--or "nibblers"--out of whatever lands they've claimed, keeping them constantly on the move. But now the mice are disappearing, and the young queen Luxa, who credits them with saving her life, is determined to find out why. When Gregor joins her on a fact-finding mission, he's relieved that this time, at least, there's no prophecy on the line. But when the true fate of the mice is revealed, it is something far more sinister than Gregor or Luxa have imagined--and it points the way to the final prophecy he has yet to fulfill. Gregor's role as warrior and his abilities as a rager are put to the test in this suspenseful, action-packed penultimate installment of Suzanne Collins's thrilling Underland Chronicles."

I liked this book, however, it is darker than the first three. The things that happen are darker and more sinister, and evil. One main character dies, but hundreds of innocent minor characters die. And the main characters watch (they want to help but can't). So, it's harder to read, but it still has some happy moments, and Boots is as cute as ever. Gregor finds his abilities are lacking in certain areas but is learning to control them better. It is a fast, easy read, but sad and depressing. If you have read the first three you definitely need to read it, just know that it's not too happy. And it leaves you hanging at the end.

I like the characters and I like that as the books go on we continue to learn more about each character and each circumstance. I like that the characters grow before our eyes, and I'm quite attached to some of them. Ms. Collins' writing style is easy to read and definitely draws you in. I have the next one sitting on my dresser so I don't think I'll be doing much today.

Rating: PG+ (Violence, fighting, deaths of innocent creatures, it's darker than the first three)

Recommendation: 3rd or 4th grade and up. If your child is a third grader you may want to preview this one first. It is more depressing and may be harder for a third grader. My 4th grader read it and commented to me that he didn't like it as much because it was more violent.

Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods (Book #3) by Suzanne Collins

(Summary taken from the inside book jacket) "Book Two left off with Gregor reading the Prophecy of Blood: a prophecy that calls for Gregor and Boots to return to the Underland to help ward off a deadly plague. But this time, Gregor's mother refuses to let him return to the Underland...until the rat Ripred assures the family that Gregor and Boots are just needed for a short meeting, which the crawlers will attend only if their "princess" Boots is present. Gregor's mom finally relents, on the condition that she go with them. The Underland plague is spreading, and when one of Gregor's family is stricken, he begins to understand his role in the Prophecy of Blood, and must summon all his power to end the biological warfare that threatens the warmblooded creatures of the Underland."

This book has all the suspense and action that the previous two books had, and the story takes an interesting turn. Of course there is the prophecy that they don't really understand until it all happens, and some lingering questions, even then. It is a fast, easy read and definitely a page turner. A new Overlander ends up going to the Underland, and that throws some twists and turns into the story. Gregor grows a lot in this book, I think. Which is good. I think he is starting to learn more about himself and find confidence in his abilities. At the same time, he is still a child, only 12 years old, and there are times when he acts like a 12 year-old boy. Which is annoying, but realistic. There are also some new characters introduced, and I ended up liking them a lot.

I find this series interesting, when compared to Suzanne Collins' other famous series "The Hunger Games." That series, of course, is not written for the same age group, but the messages of war and peace are quite different. In "Hunger Games" war is fought as a game. It is meant to entertain and teach a lesson to the spectators. They are to learn not to fight against their leaders. In "Gregor," war is fought for protection. It is also fought to gain something like a cure to a plague or to fight an evil creature. In this particular book, there is a message that war should be the last resort. Gregor has never liked his role as a warrior, and he has never liked fighting, but he has done it to protect himself and his Underland friends. He has also done it to gain something. In this book he begins to think about how war might not be the only option sometimes, but sometimes it is necessary. I don't like political statements in children's books, and this could be portrayed as one, but it is not overly bearing and works in the book. But, I know my 10 year-old didn't quite catch all of that, so it may be a mute point anyway.

I liked this book. It is repulsive in some spots (the plage is nasty), but overall I enjoyed it. There is some fighting violence and characters do die along the way. This series may not be for a cute, timid little girl, but she might still enjoy it. My 10 year-old boy loved it and finished all the books in a matter of a couple of weeks. I also enjoyed it. There is no language and no "physical intimacy."

Rating: PG+ (There is a war, with fighting, the plague is really disgusting and nasty, and characters do die.)

Recommendation: 3rd or 4th grade and up. My 10 year-old, 4th grade, loved it.

Michael Vey

Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans

(Summary taken from the back book cover) "HAVE YOU FOUND THE LAST TWO?" The voice on the phone was angry and coarse, like the sound of car tires over broken glass. "Not yet," the well-dressed man on the other end of the phone replied. "Not yet. But we believe we're close--and they still don't know that we're hunting them." "You believe you're close?" "They're two children among a billion--finding them is like finding a lost chopstick in China." "Is that what you want me to tell the board?" "Remind the board that I've already found fifteen of the seventeen children. I've put out a million-dollar bounty on the last two, we've got spiders crawling the Web, and we have a whole team of investigators scanning global records for their whereabouts. It's just a matter of time before we find them." "Time isn't on our side," the voice returned sharply. "Those kids are already too old. You know how difficult they are to turn at this age." "I know better than anyone," the man said. "But I have my ways. And if they don't turn, there's always Cell 25." There was a long pause, then the voice replied darkly, "Yes. There's always Cell 25."

I had heard a lot about this book and so I was excited to read it, and my son wanted to read it, so I needed to pre-approve it for him. I have to say, it did not disappoint! I really liked this book. It's engaging and definitely a page-turner. The concept is so different, which I like. Mr. Evans' writing style draws you in and keeps on moving. I loved the characters. Mr. Evans' character development is so good that you feel as if Michael is your best friend. Taylor and Ostin are right up there as well. I liked that some of the unfavorable characters at the beginning change to allies in the end. Characters I wanted to hit at the beginning became some of my favorites at the end. I also liked the relationships between the characters. I liked how Mr. Evans had them relate to each other and play off each other. Even though it's unrealistic, when you are reading it, it becomes reality. I felt like I could actually someday meet someone with a power like this. Crazy, I know.

Cell 25 didn't play as much of a role as I thought it would, but it did show the strengths of certain characters. It also showed the evil and indifference in other characters.

I loved that this book was clean! There is some violence, but no profantiy and no "physical intimacy." The violence included high school boys' pranks and after school fighting. It also included  fighting between good and evil at the end. Some guards die. The evil character asks good kids to do bad things. Some of them follow and some of them don't. I loved that it showed kids that you can resist peer pressure and not do things you are uncomfortable with, or that you know are wrong.

My 10 year-old son is very excited because it is 10 yr-old approved!

Rating: PG+ (This includes the above stated violence)

Recommendation: 3rd grade and up. I think even my third grader will be okay reading it. He's reading "Harry Potter" right now, and there is more violence and scary stuff in that than there is in this book. He may not understand the technological stuff (like what an MRI does), but I don't know if my 10 year-old does either. I'll have to explain that. If a third grader hasn't read anything like "Harry Potter" or "Percy Jackson" then it may be too much.

Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane

Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane (Book #2) by Suzanne Collins

(Summary taken from the inside book jacket) "In the months since Gregor first encountered the strange Underland beneath New York City, he's sworn he won't ever go back. But when another prophecy, this time about an ominous white rat known as the Bane, calls for Gregor's help, the Underlanders know the only way they can get his attention is through his little sister, Boots. Now Gregor's quest reunites him with his bat, Ares, the rebellious princess Luxa, and new allies, and sends them through the dangerous and deadly Waterway in search of the Bane. Then Gregor must face the possibility of his greatest loss yet, and make life and death choices that will determine the future of the Underland."

I was really excited to read this book because I really enjoyed the first one. It did not disappoint. It was full of action and took Gregor on quite the adventure. It wasn't a happy journey, at all, and there was a lot of loss. Loss of animals and people. There were some surprises and there was some predictability, but overall I really liked it. You could tell Ms. Collins was setting the reader up for book #3, but that's ok. As an adult, I just read. I don't really look for what I think is coming, and the younger readers, like my 10 year-old son, don't either. If you do, you may predict the ending, but I just sit back and enjoy the story. I always like to see how the prophecies turn out, and the creative ways that Gregor finds to fulfill them, and the creative ways he uses the "Overlander" resources to help himself and his friends.

I really like the characters in this series, and I began to like the new characters that are introduced in this book. I like Ms. Collins' character development, especially with Gregor and Boots and Luxa and Mareth. I do want to know more about Mrs. Cormaci, so I hope that comes into another book. She seems like she might know what is going on, but you can't tell for sure.

This book is quite violent with some gory scenes. There are some deaths (of animals) and some missing persons. There is no language and no "physical intimacy."

Rating: PG+ (Not quite a PG-13, but might be too much for some younger readers.) Violence, death of animals, fighting.

Recommendation: 3rd grade and up. If your child is in third or fourth grade and is sensitive then it may be too much. My fourth grader loved it. I liked it as well.