Cleopatra's Daughter

Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran

(Summary taken from the inside book jacket) "The marriage of Marc Antony and Cleopatra is one of the greatest love stories of all time, a tale of unbridled passion with earth-shaking political consequences. Feared and hunted by the powers in Rome, the lovers choose to die by their own hands as the triumphant armies of Antony's vengeful rival, Octavian, sweep into Egypt. Their orphaned children--ten-year-old twins Selene and Alexander--are taken in chains to Rome. Delivered to the household of Octavian's sister, the siblings cling to each other and to the hope that they will return one day to their rightful place on the throne of Egypt. As they come of age, they are buffeted by the personal ambitions of Octavian's family and court, by the ever-present threat of slave rebellion, and by the longings and desires deep within their own hearts."

I liked this book. It wasn't my favorite book or anything, but it was entertaining. It was written fairly well. There were some words she used at certain points that didn't make sense with the time period, and it was kind of confusing with English and a few Roman terms thrown in. I know we couldn't read it if it were written all in Latin, but it was almost choppy with some terms thrown in here and there. The story was entertaining and it was fun to think about how these people really lived. Ms. Moran tried to stay true to these people, but you just never know. There were some of the Roman traditions that I was not too fond of, like the Columna Lactaria, a column where people just left their unwanted babies and strangers could stop and feed them if they chose to. I don't know if this tradition is a true one, but I did not like it. I also didn't really like the whole fertility celebration.

The character development was pretty good. I really liked Selene and Alexander, Octavia, Marcellus, and Julia. I did not like Pollio at all. I felt for Selene and Alexander. How sad to lose your family and kingdom, and everything you know, in one day. And then to be paraded around Rome. I didn't love the title. Selene makes a big deal about how her name is spelled with a "K" (Kleopatra) and then the title has it spelled with a "C"???

This book has some language in it. It also has beatings and harsh treatment of slaves, with some dying. It also has gambling and it discusses "physical intimacy" in marriage and out of it, with prostitution included in the mix. Then there is the "Liberalia" celebration, which I did not like. Let's just say I learned a new word. Yeah, they decorate floats of men's private parts and parade them down the street. Not a great image to have in your head, right? I'm glad I'm not Roman.

Overall, I liked the book. It's good for a quick and entertaining read. I like the history involved, and knowing that most of the people were real. And, there is a glossary at the end of the book. I wish I would have known that as I was reading.

Rating: R (language, deaths, beatings of slaves, killing of a newborn baby, "physical intimacy" and prostitution)

Recommendation: High School Senior and up. This is NOT a good young adult book. It may be too much for some seniors.

Unbroken

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

(Summary taken from the inside book jacket) "On a May afternoon in 1943, an Army Air Forces bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared, leaving only a spray of debris and a slick of oil, gasoline, and blood. Then, on the ocean surface, a face appeared. It was that of a young lieutenant, the plane's bombardier, who was struggling to a life raft and pulling himself aboard. So began one of the most extraordinary odysseys of the Second World War. The lieutenant's name was Louis Zamperini. In boyhood, he'd been a cunning and incorrigible delinquent, breaking into houses, brawling, and fleeing his home to ride the rails. As a teenageer, he had channeled his defiance into running, discovering a prodigious talent that had carried him to the Berlin Olympics and within sight of the four-minute mile. But when war had come, the athlete had become an airman, embarking on a journey that led to his doomed flight, a tiny raft, and a drift into the unknown. Ahead of Zamperini lay thousands of miles of open ocean, leaping sharks, a foundering raft, thirst and starvation, enemy aircraft, and, beyond, a trial even greater. Driven to the limits of endurance, Zamperini would answer desperation with ingenuity; suffering with hope, resolve, and humor; brutality with rebellion. His fate, whether triumph or tragedy, would be suspended on the fraying wire of his will."

Wow. What a story! And I complain when I have a headache. This story helps you see perspective in your life. I had no idea what our troops went through as Japanese POW's. I had no idea that many POW's were even taken during the war. What they went through sickened me. The brutality of the captors was unimaginable. I compare this with a book I read a little while ago called "A Woman's Place." In that book there are a few POW's that work in a ship-building factory with the women in the book, and they are treated so kindly compared to what our men went through.

This book is nonfiction, but is very well written. It does take a little longer to read than a good fiction book, but it is worth it. Mr. Zamperini is definitely a hero and an example of bravery, courage, and patriotism that we should all learn from. The things he and the other POW's went through were horrible. It is a privelege to be able to hear his story and learn from it. I am so thankful to all our service men and women for serving our country.

This book, although a really good book, is filled with many things that are extremely difficult to read.  There is language, torture, rape, fights, beatings, war atrocities, deaths, and a lot of physical and mental anguish. I know, it sounds depressing. And a lot of it is. However, there is also so much to take away from this book. There is so much to learn from these men and their bravery, determination, and courage, that it is definitely worth reading. I'm not one to search out books with the above characteristics, but I came away from this book with so much.

Rating: R (Language, torture, rape, fights, beatings, war atrocities, deaths, physical and mental anguish, and "physical intimacy.")

Recommendation: College and up. This is way too much for younger readers. It's a great teaching tool for WWII, but more for a college history course.

The Last Olympian

The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson #5) by Rick Riordan

(Summary taken from the back book cover) "All year the half-bloods have been preparing for battle against the Titans, knowing the odds of a victory are grim. Kronos's army is stronger than ever, and with every god and half-blood he recruits, the evil Titan's power only grows. While the Olympians struggle to contain the rampaging monster Typhon, Kronos begins his advance on New York City, where Mount Olympus stands virtually unguarded. Now it's up to Percy Jackson and an army of young demigods to stop the Lord of Time. In this momentous final book...the long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy's sixteenth birthday unfolds. And as the battle for Western civilization rages on the streets of Manhattan, Percy faces a terrifying suspicion that he may be fighting against his own fate."

I have loved all of these books, especially since I have been reading them aloud to my boys. Even though they are 10 and 8, I love reading to them, and I like to hope that they still enjoy it as well. These books have all been action-packed and fun, and this one was no exception. There were the usual characters plus a few new ones, and I enjoyed seeing how the series came together in the end. I thought it ended well and my boys liked it, except for the kissing scene (oohhhh-I won't tell you who was kissing), which I think they liked but they won't admit it. Hahaha. There were some good twists and turns in the storyline, and some surprises. Some of it was a little predictable as well, but not enough to make us dislike it. There was a little more violence in this book, and some of it was a bit graphic, but it was a war for Western civilization, so it was expected.

I still love that Mr. Riordan can take mythology and make it so fun. My boys know so much more about mythology than I ever did at their age. I took a mythology class in college......

I highly recommend this series! It is fun with a bit of hidden education in it, which I love.

Rating: PG+ (Lots of fighting, especially against monsters, some main characters die, no language, and a kissing scene)

Recommendation: 3rd grade and up. If your child has read the previous ones then he/she should be fine with this one. It is a little more violent, but my third grader did fine with it. I still recommend a mythology lesson with these books, if they are not being read aloud.

1378 Oak Street

1378 Oak Street by Lovely Whitmore

(Summary taken from www.amazon.com)

Kid's today don't know how to play... Growing up in Atlanta, Georgia in the 80's was filled with fun, friendship and lots of adventure. Especially for me and my siblings, on Oak Street!

We weren't rich, but we learned to take what we had and have fun with it. We played restaurant, made mud pies and had barbecue chicken made out of sticks and dirt. There was never a dull moment as we fought monsters, played chase and took turns riding one bike. It was a time when imagination reigned supreme and dreams were the stuff of life.

Take a walk down my memory lane. Take off your shoes, grab a cup of lemonade and stay awhile...you'll enjoy your visit to Oak Street. A heartwarming story the whole family will enjoy.

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This is a short novelette and it is a fun story.  I went the entire story thinking it was autobiographic, and then on the last page she says that it is fiction, and that it is loosely based on her experiences. I have to say that I was a bit disappointed, but that's ok. It  was still fun to read. I agree with her that children do not play enough these days. I'm always kicking my kids outside. I

 

I like the tone and voice of this story. Ms. Whitmore's writing definitely makes you feel like you are standing right there on Oak Street watching the story unfold. I related to some of her experiences, but not all of them. I shared a room with my sister, as did she, and we had some fun times together. My siblings and I also made plenty of mud pies out in the sandbox, so that was a fun memory to remember. The experiences she had with the neighbor kids were interesting. They were not very nice. Thankfully I didn't have neighbors like that.

 

I didn't love the ending of the story, but it was ok. It just seemed out of place, I thought, but it did have a purpose. It was fun to read about life in another part of the country.

 

Overall I enjoyed the story. I would recommend it.

 

Rating: PG (It's clean!)

 

Recommendation: 13 and up. It is clean, but some of the subject matter might disturb some of the younger readers (They eat goat at a bbq and there is a church scene with them getting baptized at the end. Also at the end a thief runs into their house and there is a police standoff.)

 

Disclosure: I received a free book in exchange for my honest review.

The Wampum Exchange

The Wampum Exchange by Rosemary McKinley

(Summary taken from an email the author sent me.) "Long Island author, Rosemary McKinley has written a young adult historical novella, The Wampum Exchange, set in 1650, Southold, New
York. A twelve-year-old boy has a chance meeting with a Native American
boy and their worlds connect in a most interesting way. The tale is told
through their daily lives, giving the reader a glimpse into life in
America. Middle grade readers, as well as adults would enjoy reading
this story."

This is a short, fun little story about life in 1650 in Southold, New York. It looks like Ms. McKinley put a lot of time into researching life in that area and in that time period, and it shows in this story. There are some fun facts about the time period woven into the storyline, and I think it's a great way to teach children history. They are learning and they don't know it! I didn't know much about the wampum and so it was fun for me to learn as well. The story is written in a very simple style, but that makes it easy to read. The characters are fairly well developed, and the setting is well described. There are some really good descriptions in the story.

I enjoyed reading this story and will most likely read it to my kids. I have it in e-reader format, so it's not one I can just hand over to them to read. It will be a good time to talk about life during that time period and discuss our country's history, which I definitely enjoy doing. This would be a really good story for elementary school children to read in class, or have read to them. You get a fun story and history included! Of course, it is historical fiction, but it's based on as much fact as Ms. McKinley could find. I liked this story and recommend it, especially to teachers and younger readers.

Rating: G Clean!

Recommendation: Third grade and up.  This would be a great silent read or read-aloud book.

Confessions of a Middle-Aged Babe Magnet

Confessions of a Middle-Aged Babe Magnet by Chad Stone

(Summary taken from http://middleagedbabemagnet.blogspot.com) "Confessions of a Middle-Aged Babe Magnet is the almost completely true story of one man's brave adventure into dating again in the 21st Century. The hero (me!) jumps headfirst into the dating pool with the goal of becoming a self-professed Babe Magnet. The story unfolds as a humorous memoir that’s also an insightful dating and relationship guide for men of all ages. For women, the book offers a unique, unvarnished look into the mind of a real man—revealing how a single man thinks and why he behaves as he does.

Confessions of a Middle-Aged Babe Magnet is a journey of modern self-discovery that is laugh-out-loud funny in some places and poignantly tender in others. Fascinating, funny and heartfelt, Confessions of a Middle-Aged Babe Magnet is proof that love is possible at any age— as long as you’re willing to embrace it."

I have to get this out of the way, and I'm sorry to the author (and his character in the book), but this character (Chad Stone) is a complete jerk. There, I said it. I feel better now. After 25 years of marriage he leaves his wife because he fell out of love with her. He admits he didn't try and work it out at all. So, because he is selfish and lazy he devastates his wife and son, and destroys a family. Then he goes on to write this book and make money off of his ex-wife and son's heartbreak. If he had spent half the time he spent becoming a "babe magnet" for other women, and became one for his wife, or if he had spent the time wooing her back instead of wooing other women, he might have been able to save his relationship.........

........That being said, I ended up really enjoying this book. It was well written and humorous. It was also VERY enlightening. As a woman, I had NO idea men thought about certain things as often as they do. I learned a lot about men and how they think and what makes them tick. I am happily married, thank goodness, and my husband thought it was hilarious because I kept asking him if he thought about things that way, or as often as Chad did in the book. As a married woman I think it actually did help make my marriage better because I talked to my husband in great length about how we could make sure this didn't happen to us. I think it would be very beneficial to women who are dating to read. Really. Read it. I think it also helped to make sure my daughters will not be dating.....ever. It's a must-read for mothers who have daughters in dating mode.

I was a little disappointed with the ending. It ended very abruptly, and could have used another thirty or so pages to wrap it up, but I would still recommend it. There is language and an almost constant presence of thoughts about, yearnings for, and a few scenes of  "physical intimacy." This guy thinks about it non-stop. This is definitely not a book I would have ever chosen on my own, but I liked it. So, do you think the women in the book will figure out it is written about them?? (Like in The Help?)

Rating: R (Yep, lots of language and lots of "physical intimacy." He thinks about it, talks about it, wants it, and has it.) I actually can't believe I liked the book, just because of the content.

Recommendation: Married and up. Women who are in college and dating may want to read it as well.

Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Chocrotes and the World Without Question

Chocrotes and the World Without Question by Steve Berkowitz

(Summary taken from an email the author sent me)

The allegorical story, Chocrotes and the World Without Question, explores the power of questions, and references ideas around tyranny, revolutionary movements, freedom of speech, and educational philosophy. For as long as civilization has existed, people have longed to be free. The struggle for freedom continues to this very day in countries around the world. Chocrotes and the World Without Question provides a timeless lesson that can help introduce young people to the events that are unfolding in our modern world. While there are deeper meanings and lessons tucked away in the pages of the book, the youth of the world will enjoy Chocrotes and the World Without Question’s ability to make them smile and laugh.

The setting for this book is a fantasy world inhabited strictly by Chickens. In this far off world, the Chickens live in fear of an evil King: Doodle Doo. This evil king, having usurped the throne from a Queen and King who believed in the power of questions and love, Doodle Doo turns the Chicken world upside down and destroys thousands of lives in the process.

Chocrotes is born during Doodle Doo’s reign and is raised by a scientist and professor of roostory, who believe in the power of questioning. Chocrotes believes strongly that his peaceful world has been uprooted by a fascist regime. Throughout his life Chocrotes asks questions, even though he is warned not to. It is not long before he is banished for daring to question a professor, and exiled to an island in the far reaches of the kingdom. It is there he develops a philosophical creed by which to live freely, and to inspire his fellow hens and roosters to rise up against a hateful dictator. After many years Marco Pollo, an old childhood friend, rescues Chocrotes from his island of isolation and helps return him to the world without question. Chocrotes gathers together his fellow Chickens to stand and fight against the evil king.

Chocrotes and the World Without Question was initially created as a final project at Lesley University for a graduate class, Arts and Education: History and Philosophy. I am a Masters of Education candidate with a focus on Elementary Education. My experiences in the classroom, both as a student and a teacher, have shown me how much students truly enjoy asking questions, how questions are asked constantly in their daily lives, and how curious children really are in general. I feel this story could help students understand the power of questioning to make sense of their small and large worlds. With the power of question, a person, or a Chicken can accomplish anything.

This short story is actually a modern day fable! It's been a long time since I read Aesop's fables in elementary school, and this story brings a modern day lesson to the forefront. Yesterday my son was struggling with piano and didn't want to ask his teacher any questions on how to do it better. Learning that it is okay to ask questions is a big step in each child's life. A lot of kids don't have this problem and ask a million questions a day, while others are afraid. There is a good lesson on why it is good, and important, to ask questions about lots of things. If we don't question then we don't think for ourselves.

I enjoyed this story. It's a quick 33 pages and is easy to read. It's clean, except for an evil leader who kills those who ask questions. (There aren't really any details about how those chickens die, you just know they do.) This is a great resource for teachers, especially of the older grades. It's also a good resource for parents.

Rating: PG (It's clean, but is probably better for kids who are a little older.)

Recommendation: 3rd Grade and up. I think this age group and up will better be able to understand the symbolism and the lesson.

Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Summer Fit

Summer Fit by Kelly Terrill and Sarria James

(Summary taken from the back book cover) "Keeping brains thinking and bodies active during school breaks is entertaining and engaging with Summer Fit workbooks and online games and activities. Created by educators, fitness trainers, and parents, Summer Fit activities focus on key areas of child development, including academics, physical fitness, and core values. Right now it might feel like a million years away, but the first day of the new school year will be soon upon us. With Summer Fit, your child will take a seat better prepared to handle the mental, physical and social challenges of the new school year."

I LOVE this product!!! I reviewed the K-1 workbook last year and then I ordered a 2-3 for another child and a 3-4 for my oldest child. I had all three children working on them all summer, and I loved it! Before I found Summer Fit I would spend hours on the internet finding worksheets and other printables to print off for my kids to work on, and with this, they just open it up and go. The workbook pages are not terribly difficult. It most likely won't be teaching anything new, but it is good to just keep the brains working and thinking all summer. I also really like the physical fitness aspect of the books. Each day the child does a brain page and then does a physical activity to keep his or her body active as well. It doesn't take long and then they are on their way to play. That's good because it is not overwhelming and the kids don't whine because they have to spend forever doing homework. And then at the end of the week there is a value. I like being able to talk about the values with my kids, and after that then you can give the kids their prize or do the activity of the week.

As a teacher (I taught 1st grade before I had my oldest child) I love this product, and now it is mom approved as well! I've even hooked my friends! Two of my friends have already ordered the books for their kids this summer. If there is something you know your child really needs to work on then you may need to supplement, but if not, you are good to go with just one book!

I don't usually do this, but if you are on Facebook then you can find the Summer Fit Facebook page at this link:  http://www.facebook.com/summerfitlearning and if you like YouTube, you may see the YouTube video at this link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPVEu8USOaA .

Rating: Clean, excellent, and highly recommended!

Recommendation: Just pick the correct age group and you are ready to go!

Disclosure: I did receive this workbook free in exchange for an honest review. No need to worry, I bought two more already for my other kids. Love it!

Beneath the Dune

Beneath the Dune by Walter Ramsay

(Summary taken from the back book cover) "Tucker Lee Anderson's boss needs him to check out a story over on the beachside. Not earth-shattering, it's more of a follow up to the Ed Ventara case, he says. When Anderson, a staff reporter for a local Southern newspaper hears this, a red light goes off in his head. But wait, wasn't Ventara the serial killer convicted of killing five children, even though they only found four bodies a few years back? Following the discovery of a child's skeleton, what at first appears to be a straightforward case of suspected murder is anything but, when Anderson finds himself not only investigating the case, but also dabbling in ancestral research. This laid-back divorced dad's ordinary life soon takes a turn when in the process, he soon discovers family ties that bind him to both the present and the past-but what does this have to do with the child? Set in the Central Florida community of Brevard County, Beneath the Dune features an interesting cast of characters, and what Anderson uncovers is bound to shock a few upper class residents to the core. Steeped in suspense and blended with humor, the book has all the ingredients necessary for the making of mystery that is sure to hold you in its grip to the very end."

AAAhhhhhhh! I have been stressing over this review for a long time. What to do, what to do? I will start with the good. I liked the storyline of this book. I thought it was really interesting and wanted to see what happened in the end. I liked how there was a present and a past story, and really wanted to know how they fit together. I wanted to know more about the past....Osci, a Native American man running away from someone, but who, and why? Tucker, the main character, was an interesting guy. He is one of those guys that can't leave his big sports career in the past, which is annoying, but I have known guys like that, so it is realistic. The character development is pretty good, and it flows well.

Okay......now for the honesty and the bad. In all honesty, I did NOT finish this book. (Which doesn't happen very often) I read to page 58 and just couldn't go any further. The language in this book is awful. Tucker's language is terrible. I kept reading hoping that it would get better, but it just didn't. Tucker not only uses profane language when talking to people, but also when he is thinking. I lost track of how many "f" words were in those few 58 pages. There was also a fairly detailed "physical intimacy" scene. I'm really sorry to Mr. Ramsay, I know this is not a truly fair review if I did not finish the book, and that is why I have stressed about what to do. I have asked a lot of people what I should do, and in the end I hoped to be fair on both sides. I know it is not a fair review because I did not finish it, but I also feel the need to let my readers know so they know what to expect when reading this book. I know that language does not bother some people, and for them I say read it, it does draw you into the mystery. For those readers who are bothered by language, I do not recommend it. If you want to know more, amazon.com had a bunch of really good reviews.

Rating: R (This does not follow the movie ratings exactly, it is my way of saying that it is not appropriate for younger readers.) Profanity on pretty much every page and so many "f" words I lost track. There is also a racy "physical intimacy" scene.

Recommendation: College and up.

Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Tiger's Curse

Tiger's Curse (Book #1) by Colleen Houck

(Summary taken from inside book cover) "The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she'd be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year-old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world. But that's exactly what happened. Face-to-face with dark forces, spell-binding magic, and mystical worlds where nothing is what it seems, Kelsey risks everything to piece together an ancient prophecy that could break the curse forever. Tiger's Curse is the exciting first volume in an epic fantasy-romance that will leave you breathless and yearning for more."

Boy, are those last words true. I'm dying! I want the next book and I want it now!!! I loved this book! The cover alone draws you in, right? The beautiful blue eyes just draw you in, and that is how the whole book is. Ren's character, even though a tiger, is so intriguing. I had to keep reading to find out more about him. He is so mysterious, yet he wears his emotions on his sleeve (or fur) so to speak. At first I didn't know how it would work with a tiger as a main character, but Ms. Houck did a really good job of making it seem real. Kelsey's character is a mix between Catniss from Hunger Games and Bella from Twilight, along with some Clary from City of Bones. She's tough and stubborn like Catniss and Clary. She can take care of herself and be strong, but at the same time, she's got a Bella streak that drives me crazy. It's almost opposite of Bella, but she handles it in a similar way. I screamed at Bella and I definitely screamed at Kelsey. Just imagine me reading at night when everyone is asleep and suddenly screaming, "You stupid girl......Ahhhhhhh!!!!!!"  She has been given this great thing (I won't tell you what it is) and all she wants to do is get rid of it. It drove me crazy! But, I had to keep reading to see if she if she figured it all out. And.....well.....I'm not going to give away the ending except to say that you better just get book one and two at the same time. I also really like Mr. Kadam's character. He is also shrouded in mystery, but he adds a lot to the book. I wasn't so sure about him in the beginning. As a mom I had red flags shooting up everywhere warning danger, but.........(I won't ruin it).

This book reads easily and is well written. There are a few typos, but that's all. I like Ms. Houck's style of writing. It flows well and doesn't tell you how to feel, but you feel it. I read it in just a few days, which is kind of unheard of at the moment. I could not put it down. And, I think I dreamt of tigers a few nights. Those eyes. (Thank you illustrator Cliff Nielsen)

And, it's clean! There's no language and no violence. There is a romance in the story and a lot of feelings expressed. There is a lot of kissing, but it doesn't go further than that. There is some relationship tension which makes it a little inappropriate for really young readers. I don't want my ten-year-old reading it, even though it is clean.

Rating: PG-13 Not for content really, because it is clean. There is that sexual tension and you think that it might go further than kissing (it doesn't), but I just think it's more appropriate for a little older reader.

Recommendation: 14-15 and up. You may want to read it (because it's really good) to see whether or not it's appropriate for your child. It may be okay for a really mature 13-year-old. I love it when I can say that this is actually a good Young Adult book!

Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my review. This does not sway my opinion as all my reviews are honest.