Slow - Digonta Bordoloi

Source:  I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest opinion

From Goodreads:
Slow is the story of a boy who preferred to walk when the world around him was gearing up to run.

Baba is born in a remote corner, sheltered from modern development. His father's job takes the family from town to town, and with each move, Baba comes to terms with his new life. He spends an idyllic childhood doing things at his own pace, bending the rules whenever he can. And then the unthinkable happens...

My thoughts:
This book started out extremely slow.  I believe it was done to give us a feel for the main character Baba.  He takes life slow.  He examines everything around him and really lives in the moment.  My only problem with the first half of the book was that it jumped around from character to character and often I didn't know who the narrator was.  I felt that the first half of  the book would have been a little easier to read if we would have had some indication as to who was doing the talking.  About half way through the book a major incident happens.  Baba's life is changed in an instant.  From that point on in the book time speeds up.  However, Baba still sees life through his own pace and uses that lens to help his friends and family.
There was always this underlying message that we need to slow down. We need to redefine our goals as we progress through life.  We need to look at life and re-evaluate everything around us.  This is something we can only do if we take the time to slow down.  Baba helps his friends through memories and gentle nudgings to do just that.

This was definitely a most unique books.  It gave me a little peek into life in different parts of India.  The reader gets to look at the different cultures, traditions, foods and language of this country.  It shows that no matter where you are a kid is a kid and and adult is an adult.  They think some of the same thoughts and have some of the same ideas no matter what country they live in.  I have to say honestly, if the author had not contacted me, this probably would not have been a book I would have searched out on my own.  The blurb was interesting enough but didn't leave me with enough information that would have stood out in the crowd.  For that reason I am glad the author did contact me because I can honestly say I could not stop reading the book.  I read it from cover to cover.

The Wacky World of Wendy White: A Whopper of a Tale - Barbara Ann Bonilla

Publisher:  Outskirts Press
Pages: 48
Source:  I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review
Genre: Children's early reader

From Godreads
A fun and tasty read for eaters of all ages! With over a hundred unexpected food references hidden in the rhyming prose, this FAST-paced FOOD adventure will have you coming back for seconds. When precocious Wendy turns twelve years old, she summons up the courage to venture out from her lonely clear castle, and begins an adventure that will change many lives forever. All she wanted was a little fast food, a bit of excitement and a visit with her old friend, Denny. Instead she embarks on a journey, frightening at times, with unexpected turns, new friendships and the chance for the family she always dreamed of. Things go from bad to better in this captivating trilogy that spans many exciting years, and proves patience, persistence and optimism can pay off big time. This heartwarming story will keep you laughing and second guessing your intuition from start to finish.

My Thoughts
This was a fun book to read.  I loved the food references all throughout this book. The story of a child who goes in search of a friend is the story of so many children.  As young Wendy sets out on her journey to find Denny a girl who sings so beautifully at church she experiences life outside of the castle she has never been allowed to leave.  She finds life to be full of adventure.  This is definitely an adventure you need to take your child on as you read this wonderful book.

Author Bio
Barbara Ann Bonilla is a native New Yorker and real estate agent, first-time author, who has resided in Manhattan for over 40 years. As an experienced home cook from a long line of Italian chefs, Barbara is not afraid to admit that she's also a fast-food junkie with a major sweet tooth. Her favorite meal is a Big Mac with extra special sauce. In her spare time, she watches too much reality TV and appears on game shows.

For more information, visit http://outskirtspress.com/thewackyworldofwendywhite

Student Saturday: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon - Grace Lin

Today's student reviewer is Anissa

The book I read was Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin. The story takes place in a poor village in China. The book is about a little girl named Minli, a VERY courageous girl. Minli believes in many stories that her dad (ba) tells her. So, Minli goes to a place that was in one of her dad's stories and makes a wish. On her journey she makes many friends . I would recommend this to an adventure, fantasy or fairy tale reader. This book reminds me of when I go to my grandma's house (she lives in the country), every day is an adventure. I loved this book because I am an adventure reader and I also just love the author, Grace Lin.