Psychaotic: See the World in Red and Black by Irum Zahra

Genre:  Adult, Poetry
Source: I received a copy from the author to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Depression is a common theme running throughout this book. This is not a collection of feel good poetry. They are dark and full of raw emotions. Most of them are free verse poems. These poems come from deep within. They show the hurt and betrayal that is often kept hidden within. "Peace to My Storm" is my favorite of all of them. There was a time in my life when this poem was my life. It is hard to imagine the journey she had to take to write a poem that mirrored my own life. I say this because I can still see clearly my own dark path I walked. For those who like poetry that touches the soul, dark or not this book is for you.

The Universes Inside the Lighthouse by Pam Stucky

Genre:  Young Adult, Science Fiction
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

If you like time travel books then you will most assuredly enjoy this book.  This book is not traveling through time, but through different universes.  Emma and Charlie Neeson are twins who find themselves on Dogwinkle Island.  They really think they are going to have a boring time.  Then they learn about the Balky Point Lighthouse.  Inside is where they can jump from one universe to another.  Dr. Waldo is in charge of "The Hub".  Emma and Charlie travel with Ben and Eva an alien they have befriended.  This would be just another ordinary science fiction book if it was only about visiting other time periods. Instead the author has you visiting multiple universes.  The author threw in antagonist Vik.  The aliens are trying to find Vik because he is causing some major problems. He is trying to destroy the only way to travel between the universes.  He is spreading what they called "The Void".  It reminded me of "The Neverending Story" and the nothingness.  The characters were all well developed.  You have Charlie who is very outgoing and then his sister Emma who likes to hang back, she's somewhat introverted.  The story starts out at a great pace. The events begin to ramp up the tension within the story making it almost impossible to put down the book. You want to continue to read to the end of the book.  This is one that I know my science fiction loving students will really enjoy.  I look forward to reading more from this author.

Author bio:

Pam Stucky, a native of the Pacific Northwest, is the author of the Wishing Rock series (novels with recipes), starting with Letters from Wishing Rock, and the Pam on the Map travelogue series, books that take readers along on Pam's journeys and adventures around the world. The Universes Inside the Lighthouse, Pam's eighth book, is Pam's first foray into both YA and sci-fi. 

Author links:

http://www.pamstucky.com

https://www.facebook.com/pamstuckyauthor

https://www.twitter.com/pamstucky

https://www.pinterest.com/pamstucky

https://plus.google.com/+PamStucky/

Faith & the Parable of the Blindfold: A fun Biblical Adventure to Find, Keep, and Test your Faith through Symbolism

Genre: Christian, Inspiration
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads:
Mystery-laced 'Wordplay,' in More Ways than One!
Thomas tip-toes out of a land controlled by Lady Luck, hoping he's unseen. And with only the gift of a map from a friend (named Christian), Thomas begins this biblical adventure to a second opinion and a new place found in the deepest yet highest of levels: Faith. Within a mystery blindfold, Thomas soon discovers his other "senses" to learn why "patience" and "patients" sound the same only in his hometown!

Join Thomas Walker and other symbolizing characters in this mystery-laced symbolic tale! Juggle 17 scriptures and a new imagination all at once inside his short journey. And you'll learn all about faith and how it works from its Story Symbolism, Fun Facts, Discussion Questions, and a bonus Family Skit version. From the better bible memory method of Christian Parables ® which "scripts your scripture without the versus of verses," enjoy! 

My Thoughts:  
This was a unique way to teach about faith. It was also a unique way to get people to study and memorize scripture.  The symbolism in this book was fabulous.  The book is set up so you can click on the scripture and read it right then and there or you can read it all before or after reading the story.  I myself clicked on it as I read. Then I went back and reread the story.  This is a different way to get people into the scriptures.

Review of Granted Wishes by Tanya Vought

Genre: Adult, Romance

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I am not a big romance reader.  Every now and then a book comes along that catches me and carries me along for the ride.  This is one of those books.  The romance was not rushed which is what I hate about most romance books. Three years after the main character Gracelynn lost her husband, her friends decide she must get back into the game of life. The only way to do that is to force her to take a vacation, a four week vacation.  Gracelynn's life changes when she meets Giovanni. He literally runs into her. They each recognize that they are beginning to have feelings for each other.  Both of them have baggage from losing their spouses. This is where the healing begins as well as the romance.  I think if this had been one of those boy meets girl. Boy and girl fall head over heels in love or lust. I probably would have put the book down.  It wasn't.  I found it quite ironic that the name of the town is New Hope.  It is like an underlying message of their life. They have new hope for their life and relationships.  I would definitely recommend this to those who love romance novels, and especially those who are not real sure they enjoy romance novels.  This is one they will love.

Student Saturday: Heat by Mike Lupica

Student Reviewer: Elizabeth B.

Genre: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction

I really, really, really enjoyed this amazing book. This was definitely a turn around for me on my opinion of the author. This was an amazing story and plot because it was about this boy who loved baseball and he was living with his only brother and both of his parents died and they were keeping a secret. I would recommend this book to all sports fans, but especially baseball fans. It might be a little hard to understand because it was confusing because there was a lot of baseball language.

The Sparks by Kyle Prue

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads:

The Vapros, the Taurlum, and the Celerius: three dynasties bound by an ancient promise, and given superhuman abilities to protect the city of Altryon from the dangerous world beyond its walls. Centuries of fighting, however, have turned the families against each other. A powerful emperor now rules and each family has suffered heavy casualties in the feud.

Sixteen-year-old, Neil Vapros desperately wants to become an assassin in order to impress his overly critical father. Despite a failed mission, Neil learns that a new sinister threat has awakened. This mysterious new power will shatter the established order and threaten not only the very lives of these powerful families, but also the once great city of Altryon.

Everything can change with a single “Spark”...

My Review:

From the minute I read the very first line of the story: “Slide the knife between the third and fourth rib.”

I knew this was going to be a great book.  I was right.  You have three families who were given special powers to help protect the city of Altiyon from attack both within and without.  Unfortunately, as happens so often, the three families bound by an ancient promise got greedy.  Each wanted more. Each wanted to be the most important and rule.  So they started fighting each other.  This is how the feud began.  This is why they were given an emperor to rule over them.  This story is not just about the three families  It is the story of three teens  trying to find their place within their own families and in their society. This is a society that they are learning has some problems.  Is it possible the emperor is behind it all?  I loved that this was a great fantasy with great lessons.  These teens were prejudiced toward each other because their families had trained them to be that way with no valid reasons.  They had to learn to put aside their differences and work together.  I look forward to the second book in the series when he finishes it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kyle Prue decided to write Feud: The Sparks one sleepless night of summer vacation when he was 15. Realizing he was losing inspiration to read, he endeavored to write something that he and his peers wouldn’t be able to put down. He plans to complete the trilogy with The Flames and The Ashes. Currently a high school senior, Kyle is a varsity swimmer, founder of the improv club, and involved in mock trial. Also, as a dedicated member of the film club, he spends his weekends writing and editing film. An actor and comedian, Kyle trains at Second City Comedy Club in Chicago, where a number of SNL actors have gotten their start, and performs improv at LA Connection in Los Angeles. Kyle lives with his family in Naples, Florida.

We have a special discount code for  readers who want to purchase The Sparks. You can purchase the book from Kyle Prue’s store on his official website (linked). The code ‘BLOG25’ will get you 25% off an autographed copy, signed by Kyle Prue!    NOTE: This code will not work on purchases made on Amazon. 

Oliver and Jumpy Stories 7-9 by Werner Stejskal

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Oliver is a most prestigious cat who walks around with a top hat. His best friend is Jumpy the kangaroo. They have many adventures together.  In the first story "Witerland", we find Oliver waiting for his breakfast, which always arrives by the Pelican Delivery Service. He soon realizes they can't fly because of the beautiful snow outside. Oliver gets dressed for the snowy outdoors and joins his friend Jumpy for a fun day in the snow.

In the Second story "Baby Oliver" we learn about Oliver when he was a baby. He loved stalking his sibligs for fun. He always listened to the important lessons his mother taught him

The final story was called "Egging". This was a cute story. At Eggng time each year all of the animals purchase a ticket with a numbher on it. The number tells them which bird egg, donated by a bird mother, they will received. They take their egg home and sit on it until it hatches. Then, they return the birds to their parents.

These books teach valuable lessons such as listening to your parens, sharing your time with your friends and helping others.  I am always pleased when this author has a new book out and asks me to review them.  I am always looking for great books for my grandchildren, and these are great books.

When I Grow Up I Want to Be…A Nurse

Genre:  Children’s Non-fiction

Source:  I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This is the third book I have read in this series.  This one holds a special meaning for me. My oldest sister was a nurse.  From the time we were little girls she always wanted to be a nurse.  When she went off to nursing school she would send her nursing books home for me to read. She’s gone now and that made this book that honors nurses special to me.

The main character in this book is Amber.  She loves spending time with her friends.  However, her friends love to play soccer.  They try to get Amber to play with them.  She has all kinds of excuses why she doesn’t want to.  She says it is boring, they get sweaty and she might get hurt.  Her mother encourages her to try anyway. Once Amber starts playing she learns how much fun it is. During one of the games Amber collides with another girl and she breaks her arm.  When she learns she must go to the hospital she is scared.  Most of what she is scared about is the unknown.  She has a wonderful nurse named George who explains everything that is going to happen to her.  She tells him she could never be a nurse because of her fears.  He explains that nurses get used to a lot of things to overcome those fears.  Throughout her visit she learns more.  The book gives you a great look at the different types of nurses and their jobs.  I love the way the book is not just illustrated but has real pictures of nurses in action.  These are very popular books on my nonfiction shelf at school.  A lot of kids won’t try nonfiction because they seem too long or too boring.  However, they love these books because they learn a lot and they are interesting.  I hope to be able to read and review more in this series in the future.

Granted Wishes Release Day Blitz

Granted Wishes

By Tanya Vought

Publisher: Booktrope

Published: February 23, 2015

Genre: Romance

A decision that will change her life forever.

After the loss of her husband, Gracelynn Calhoun has struggled with her life and career. Forced to take a four week vacation or be fired from her job, she surprises everyone including herself and agrees to the vacation.

The owner of Antonetti Suites, Giovanni works hard and doesn’t have time for relationships or love. That is until he literally crashes into Gracelynn. She brings back all the feelings he thought he would never feel again.

With the odds stacked against them in every way possible, will they forge ahead together or will this be the end of the road for their newfound love? Will the whispers from above bring them together or will misunderstandings ruin what could be an amazing second chance at love?

Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (PB) | B&N

Goodreads

 

Author Bio

Tanya Vought is a hopeless romantic. She loves reading, writing, singing and doing crafts with her children. What started as a lifelong dream became reality. She’s overjoyed that readers will get to read her debut, Granted Wishes. She loves her characters sexy and sassy. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two amazing and imaginative children.

Book Excerpt

“Wow. You’re a vision, you know that?” He practically drools all over. She wears a pair of blue jeans and a low cut green sweater with a white scarf wrapped around her neck. Her hair is up, and she wears light make up.

She chuckles. “Like what you see?” She smirks at him, daunting him. The little vixen can come out and play when she wants and he is enjoying this side of the sexy Gracelynn.

He decides to play dirty himself. “Want to see how happy I am to see you?” He smirks back at her. “Let’s make a wager, shall we?” he asks competitively.

She grins at him. She intently twirls a strand of her hair that she left down by her face between her fingers, licks her lips and stares at him. She looks him up and down, making him even more drawn to her.

He gulps. The damn vixen knows how to play dirty.

“Well, what is the wager? Because if it is staring at each other all night, I could do that and then some.”

Then Like the Blind Man by Freddie Owens

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Warning:  This book contains language that may be objectionable, even if it is historically accurate.

Orbie is a young boy growing up in Detroit.  He is often bullied and he has very prejudiced ideas.
Orbie's father is killed.  A short time later Orbie's mom marries the man who was his father's boss. Orbie doesn't like him.  He has good reason.  Orbie's new stepfather Victor is very abusive.  He is physically abusive and molesting Orbie's sister.  Victor doesn't like Orbie.  He decides they are moving to Florida and he doesn't want to take Orbie with them. They drop him off at his mother's parent's house.  Orbie feels deserted for good reason.  He soon learns how prejudiced he was raised and that his grandparents truly do want the best for him. This is a realistic look at life in the early  1950's. The pacing is great.  You don' t have a problem and then a sudden solution.  It moves gradually so that everything flows smoothly and naturally. I would recommend this to people who love those coming of age stories set in a time period before most of us were born.  I would warn that because of the time period there is the use of the "n" word, as well as other  coarse language. The author did a great job with bringing everything to a VERY satisfying ending.