Tuesday, August 31, 2010

August Book #6

Book: Have a New Kid by Friday: How to Change Your Child's Attitude, Behavior and Character in 5 Days by Kevin Leman
Age-range: Any parent
Recommended: Yes

My beautiful baby boy is a big brat sometimes.  He's 2, which is not a good excuse for acting like a crazy.  I was at my wit's end, was contemplating selling Dutch to the Russians, when my mom sent me a couple of books.  This was one of them.

I can't recommend this highly enough.  While his "fool-proof" advice doesn't always work on my precocious boy, it has vastly improved my parenting and, therefore, my relationship with him.  It also has a handy-dandy section where you can look up the problem you're having and Dr. Leman will address it.

So, if you're having trouble with your kid this is a great book to help you!

Monday, August 23, 2010

August Book #5

Book: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Age-range: 13 and up
Recommended: Yes

I'm not big on werewolf books, but this was an exception.  It's not so much about werewolves, in my mind, as it is a great story of a first love.  Ms. Steifvater does an amazing job of remaining true to the emotions a teenager feels as they fall in love for the first time.  There are a lot of great moments and good descriptions.  I got really swept up in the emotions.

The story is written from two perspectives: Sam's and Grace's.  I prefer Sam's voice over Grace's, but mostly because I think Grace is boring and a little dumb.  But that might just be me.  I couldn't really relate to her at all, but I found a lot of common ground with Sam.  Anyway, it was a good book, whether you like werewolves or not.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

August Book #4

Book: The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen
Age-range: 13 and up
Recommended: Yes

This is the second book by Ms. Allen that I've read.  I loved her last book Garden Spells and I love this book too.  Her writing style is beautiful and she tells such intriguing, magical stories.

I won't say too much about this book because there are secrets within secrets.  One thing I will say, however, is it will make you crave some candy!

Monday, August 16, 2010

August Book #3

Book: Except the Queen by Jane Yolen and Midori Snyder
Age-range: 16 and up
Recommended: No

August Book #2

Book: Modern Library Writer's Workshop by Stephen Koch
Age-range: 16 and up
Recommended: Yes

While this book was, at times, dense and hard to muddle through it was also incredibly insightful and full to the brim of useful things for a writer to know.  I've found that I prefer books that don't order me to do certain activities, but instead tell me about what other people have done and maybe try it if I like.

There were a lot of quotes, and Koch referenced a lot of writers both classic and modern.  The scope was far-reaching and it would be beneficial to any type of writer from fiction to non-fiction, from poetry to memoir.

So, if you're a writer who is looking for your next book, this one's a good one!

Sunday, August 8, 2010

August Book #1

Book: The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs
Age-range: 16 and up
Recommended: No

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Kindle

The other day my husband joked that I should get a Kindle now that they're so much cheaper.  He was joking because I've always been indifferent to e-readers.

But now I'm beginning to think I might like one.

What are the pros and cons? (Yes, I really want your opinion.)