The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling

The Tales of Beedle the Bard . . . one of the most anticipated books of the year . . . or, was this just me? I was so excited to open this gift for Christmas and see that I had received one of my number one requests given to me by my wonderful hubby! For any Harry Potter fan out there, this is one of the must-reads of the year. It's a perfect follow-up to the conclusion of the Harry Potter series. To be able to read the book that was willed to Hermoine Granger by Albus Dumbledore himself . . . the book that allowed Hermoine to discover the many secrets that led Harry on the search of his life . . . seriously, how cool is that?!?!?

The book contains a collection of five stories, classics to the wizarding world that many children have heard from a young age. Stories that young witches and wizards have grown up with; however, Beedle's tales tell us the original versions before they are edited for little modern ears. These, in and of themselves, are entertaining and interesting to read, to try to figure out the morals of the stories. Nevertheless, the most amusing part of this book is not the tales. After each of the fables, Dumbledore writes his own personal notes on each. His wit and wisdom that was shared through the Harry Potter series remains in this collection, particularly for the most important of the shorts, The Tale of the Three Brothers. Applause to Rowling once again!

All in all, the perfect ending to a great 2008!

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Books Gardens & Dogs

Peace Like A River by Leif Enger

**From the Stacks Challenge**

Enger's novel was once selected for one of my past books clubs; however, due to reasons I cannot remember, I was unable to read or attend that monthly session. I have heard from many that this book is a good read, so I decided why not make it one of my challenge reads?

Here is a quick synopsis from the back cover . . . Enger brings us eleven-year-old Reuben Land, an asthmatic boy in the Midwest who has reason to believe in miracles. Along with his sister and father, Reuben finds himself on a cross-country search for his outlaw brother who has a been controversially charged with murder. Their journey unfolds like a revelation, and its conclusion shows how family, love, and faith can stand up to the most terrifying of enemies, the most tragic of fates.

The book is written from Reuben's point of view. We get to hear really only his side of the story, his version of the miracles and the tragedies. For me, I oftentimes, had a difficult time getting into the story from his perspective. I was personally more drawn to his sister, Swede. Maybe because I saw so many characteristics in her that I could related to. She was a writer, constructing her own cowboy poetic tale of Sundown and Valdez. The stories of Sundown and Valdez were fascinating to me . . . to see how Swede interpreted what was happening in her own life and putting it into her own words and her own created world. That was my favorite part of the entire book! As for the rest of the book, it was good. Actually, I would rate it above average to be fair. It's a slow-moving read at times and I'm not sure if all the details were needed (at least not for me), but it was good.

The Borrowers by Mary Norton

While growing up, it seems like the little people featured in this book were a normal part of my life. I don't ever remember reading this original story, but I do remember a movie and later a cartoon. And, I remember my grandmother being the one to introduce me to this miniature population. The concept of little people alone, living in the walls of my home, was absolutely wonderful. It was an easy excuse if you were ever missing anything!!

In case you are not familiar with the Borrowers, they are a small people that live in the walls or floors in your home. Maybe they can even be found in a tiny hole found in your hearth or possibly even in your backyard amongst the burrowing animals. Who knows?!?! They are a vain group, believing that us "bigs" are here to serve them. Afterall, they live off of everything we lose or forget. For example, postage stamps may serve as art on the walls, matchboxes may be turned into beds, or our crumbs dropped on the floor may be a full meal for an entire "little" family. Not hard to believe really, especially for the young minds that this book targets! I believed when I was a child! Why not this new generation?

I really loved this book, maybe for sentimental reasons. This was the beginning of the many stories that were fond childhood memories of mine. I am still wondering how I ever missed this book until now, but am thankful that I have re-discovered this lost treasure of a story, just in time for my kids to begin believing! And, the most exciting news is that Norton wrote many more "little" adventures! I cannot wait to get my hands on those!

Eye Contact by Cammie McGovern

**From the Stacks Challenge**

A friend of mine reviewed this on her personal blog a while back and I thought it sounded like an intriguing read. A couple weeks later, I found this book on a bargain rack at a local bookstore. To me, that was a sign that I could not pass up and immediately bought the book!! :) My question for you is do you find the cover description as intriguing as I did?

Two children disappear into the woods behind Woodside Elementary School. Hours later one of them, nine-year-old Adam, is found alive, the sole witness to his playmate's murder. But Adam is autistic and can say nothing about what he saw. Only his mother, Cara, has the power to penetrate his silence. When another child goes missing and Cara's unsettling past emerges from the shadows, she has to ask herself whether her efforts to protect her son have exposed him to unimaginable danger. Eye Contact is a thriller of hypnotic suspense and a powerful story of the bond between a mother and a very special child.

There are a few different stories out there these days featuring children with autism. This one I felt was a little bit different because the author has personal experience that is unparallel to any other that I have personally read: she is the mother to a child with autism. Throughout the book, the reader has the perspective of another mother's point of view, and I felt that it was more "real" to read than others that have attempted such an outlook. In addition to this unique perspective, the story has many other aspects that draw you in . . . discoverying the mystery of what exactly happened in the woods, bringing justice to the crime, and the twist of the mother's complicated past. It was a book that I had a hard time putting down! My initial thoughts of the book being an intriguing read was definitely what I got! Thanks for the great recommendation Jodie!! Eye Contact is one of the better books of all my recent reads!

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

A kidnapping, a murder, a jailbreak. If this were Winnie Foster's story only, it would be like any other great adventure: you would come to the end, with all resolved, and that would be that. But this is also the story of the Tuck family and therefore, though it has a beginning and a middle, it can never end.

The two stories cross near the village of Treegap during a handful of hot August daysin the 1880's, days which are a curious mixture of violence and love, of anguish and tranquility. And when those days are over, young Winnie is left to make a fundamental choice. What she chooses at last is not what she might have chosen at first. For when you have know the Tucks as Winnie has, however briefly, you can never be quite the same again.

This is what I read on the cover when I picked this book up from the library! I had heard that this book was a good one. I've even heard that there is a movie out there that is based on this book and it is pretty good too! My one question . . . How did I go so long without reading this book?!?! And, I am now making it a point to rent the movie too!

All the characters are so easy to love, except for maybe the man in the yellow suit! The story left me craving for more of the Tuck's! Of course, I was disappointed to find out that there was no more. (Please correct me if I am wrong on this!) However, since I did check this one out at the library, I will need to purchase my own copy in the near future! I can definitely see this being a good one for me (and my kids) to read more of in the future!

How To Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

**From the Stacks Challenge**

About four years ago, I received this book as a baby shower gift for the birth of my first child. I finally got around to reading it!! How horrible is that?!?! I guess it is better late than never, right?! I have actually read quite a few parenting books, some of which that I have reviewed on this site. I sometimes find reviewing them difficult. Afterall, isn't there only so much you can write about when it comes to discipline? However, this one is definitely worth sharing! I will start by including a synopsis of the book below that is on the back cover . . .

Here is the bestselling book that will give you the know-how you need to be more effective with your children - and more supportive of yourself. Enthusiastically praised by parents and professionals around the world, the down-to-earth, respectful approach of Faber and Mazlish makes relationships with children of all ages less stressful and more rewarding. Now, in this Twentieth Anniversary Edition, these award-winning experts share their latest insights and suggestions based upon feedback they've received over the years.

Their methods of communication - illustrated with delightful cartoons showing the skills in action - offer innovative ways to solve common problems. You'll learn how to:

• Cope with your child's negative feelings - frustration, disappointment, anger, etc.
• Express your anger without being hurtful
• Engage your child's willing cooperation
• Set firm limits and still maintain goodwill
• Use alternatives to punishment
• Resolve family conflicts peacefully

When I began reading this book, I at first was a bit frustrated as a reader. The authors were speaking to me as if I used punishment and physical means to discipline my child. I kept thinking to myself, "Talk about using extreme examples." or "I don't smack my child around!" I then began thinking, "When was this book originally published?" So, I looked it up . . . 1980! Badda-bing . . . there was my answer!!! Methods of discipline were much different at the time of the original publication date. Today, many of the methods are much more well-known and something I, among many others, already live by.

The book was designed to be read over a longer period of time, with homework for the reader. I mentally made notes while reading the book, but did not actually do a lot of the exercises myself. I felt that I already had many of the items discussed in practice thanks to my extended experience with Love and Logic. However, it was a very nice refresher for me!! I actually discovered that I was in need of a refresher as I was reading the book! Though I do not agree with everything written in the book, I thought it was a great book overall. It covered many important parenting tips, from empathy to the alternatives to punishment to encouraging a child's independence. What I really enjoyed about this book was not only that it was more interactive, but that it was an easy read and can be used for a great quick reference in the future because of the illustrated comic strips. The illustrations a parent can literally flip through the book to get some ideas for those harder times! Just what a busy mom and/or dad really needs!

Would I recommend this read to others? Of course! And, I already have!!

Lucky by Alice Sebold

**From the Stacks Challenge**

Sebold bravely recounts her own vicious rape and the aftermath that results in her memoir, Lucky. She is honest in her writing, not afraid to write all her thoughts and feelings about her experiences, both the good and the bad, the sarcastic and the serious. She brings forth a wit and humor that lightens the mood and the read. She discusses how her life changed because of this one night when she was a young eighteen-year-old college freshman as well as how she seemed to have changed in the eyes of others once they knew her story. She talks about what it was like to be the victim, the survivor, and most importantly, the thriver . . . an individual that suffered an unimaginable act of violence, was changed by the act, and was able to move on with her life.

When I began reading this book, I honestly did not know if it was a book that I was going to be able to finish. The first chapter is the chapter that gives Sebold's account of the night of her rape, very factual with many details. It was a very difficult account to read and I asked myself more than once, "Why do I want to read this? Am I completely morbid? What am I doing?" However, I did continue to read . . . strictly because I am not a person to start a book and never finish it! So, I read on . . .

As I read the details and how the rape affected her life and others in it, my eyes were opened. I was often shocked at many of the experiences. For example, the bluntnes of which the paramedics and those in authority so freely shared details with complete strangers about what happened to Sebold the night of the rape. Seriously, whatever happened to a patient's confidentiality rights or an individual's right to privacy? It was heartwarming to read how so many accepted her unconditionally and yet, heartbreaking for the many who were unable to.

On the whole, it was a very emotional read, with ups and downs that are more complex than I can put into words short enough for this review. However, to put it simply, it is a book that I would recommend in a heartbeat to anyone and everyone . . . particularly, to anyone who may work with victims of a violent act. It is hard, but completely worth it!

The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary

I have developed a tradition with my children, in which at night before going to bed as an infant, I read them chapter books while nursing. I choose books that I want to read myself or ones that I enjoyed as a child and read one chapter (or more!) a night. With my son, I read such books as the first five Harry Potter books, The Boxcar Children, The Phantom Tollbooth, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Charlotte's Web to name just a few. I have started this tradition a little later with my daughter than I did with my son, but we are enjoying it just the same. My daughter will actually stop nursing every once in a while and just look up at me and smile while I read out loud. It truly is one of my favorite moments of my day! So, I guess you could say that since I am back in this tradition, you will see quite a few young adult/teen books being reviewed here until it is time to move to picture books again! (Though, I do want to be reviewing more children's books here and plan to do so really soon!)

The Mouse and the Motorcycle, featuring Ralph S. Mouse, is one of those classic children's stories! It is such a cute, easy read with a few wonderful illustrations featured throughout. I love that two unlikely characters end up being friends, that the little guy ends up being the hero, and that simply, a mouse rides a motorcycle!! It is such a fun little read and I can't wait to eventually move on to Ralph's additional adventures sometime in the future! He is such a loveable character, flaws, claws, and all!!

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

McCarthy has received many awards for his book, The Road, from a New York Times Notable Book to 2007 Winner of the Pullitzer Prize. He writes about two main characters, a father and son, surviving in postapocalyptic America, from what the duo must do to survive and who they must avoid if they wish to continue on their journey to the coast.

There were a couple of different items of this book that I found to be very intriguing. The first being that the reader never really knows what has happened to the country. From other readings and reviews, I assumed it was destroyed from nuclear war . . . but really, is this correct? And, was it just America that has been affected? I assume that the destruction is world-wide, but is it really? Overall, there are many assumptions being made about the story when you are reading it. Are my personal assumptions the same as any other reader? And, if not, how does a different set of assumptions affect the reading of the book?

Secondly, throughout the entire story, you never know the names of the father and son duo. Personally, I believe that this was the intent of McCarthy for a couple of reasons. Firstly, when their world is in complete destruction and chaos, when they are barely living from day to day, do names really matter? I really don't think so! For many of us, our name helps us to distinguish ourselves, create uniqueness as an individual. However, in a world created in this book, do you really want to stand out? Or, is it more important for your survival to blend in, to become just another object among the masses of destruction? Secondly, as a reader, I found it harder to actually relate to the characters because they were nameless. It created a "distance" in a sense, not really knowing the father or the son, and therefore, making it difficult or in my case, impossible for me to really connect to the characters. Afterall, think about the Holocaust. The Jewish people were assigned numbers and ultimately, made it easier for the German soldiers to look at them as simply numbers, not people with stories and histories within them. (This actually reminds me of another book that looks at the psychology of killing in war and society. I will try to review this book at some point in the future because it is truly one of THE most intriguing reads I've read! Due to the complexity of the subject, I will not go into any details here!)

Moving on . . . what did I really think of this book? I still don't really know. As I describe it to others, I have said that it is truly beautifully written; however, it is the most depressing story I think that I have ever read. I kept reading and reading, hoping for some redemption and never finding it. I closed the book feeling very blah . . . I really have no other way to describe my feeling! In fact, it made me really wonder what makes a book eligible for the world reknowned Pullitzer Prize! How could a book like this win such an upstanding award? (For more information on the Pullitzer Prize, click here.) Well, in the end, it probably does deserve it, but I just don't know if this is a book that I would recommend to just anyone and everyone. It's a hard book to read (not physically, but emotionally) and if a reader takes a story to heart, this can be a very hard book for a soul to digest. I know that others have raved about it, but I do not!

Want another opinion? Check out these reviews:

Laura's Reviews

Tunnels by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams

Meet Will Burrows . . . a 14-year-old boy that does not quite fit in, not even with his own family. Though he is different from everyone around him, he does have some bonds: Will's closest and only friend, Chester, another kid that is also a bit of an "outsider" and Will's dad, Dr. Burrows, in which Will shares a passion for archeological digs. His life is a bit drab . . . he goes to school where he is far from popular, heads to his current "dig", and then home for meal and bed. Then, his father goes missing and his life is turned upside down, taking him to trenches he has never been before!

The book is an easy read and an interesting story. The reader will explore many depths, from intriguing characters, lost cities, and everything in between (and maybe even a little deeper!). There are many a twist, some that I was expecting and others that I was not. Ultimately, the book leaves you hanging, wanting more, and wondering what happens to Will, Chester, Dr. Burrows, and a few others I wish to remain anonymous at this time.

The sequel, Deeper, is scheduled to be released February 3, 2009. I would give you a bit of a description, but I feel that it would give away the surprises and "dirt" of this one, and I simply want you to discover those on your own! However, I will refer you to the books' website for more in-depth fun (click here).

Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells

Many years ago while I was still an undergrad (okay, it was not that long ago, but it was closer to when this book was released and before the movie was released!), a co-worker recommended Divine Secrets to me. I remember reading the book and enjoying it. In fact, I was interested enough to pick up the prequel, Little Alters Everywhere. I remember thinking that I enjoyed this prequel more than its more popular follower (though I will also be the first to admit that I cannot recall much of the first book).

Anyways, back to Divine Secrets . . . I recently picked this book up again for my personal book club. Since I first read the book, I have personally matured and feel that I am looking at the book with totally fresh eyes. From my own life experiences in particular, I have a new appreciation for my fellow female friends . . . my own personal sisterhood(s). Sometimes these relationships make no sense to others on the "outside," but to me they have been precious, especially in times of need and great stress. Also, I have become a mother myself since the first read, and I begin to wonder how these relationships will be seen and experienced through my own daughter's eyes.

Beyond just the relationship between a mother and daughter or even among a circle of friends, I believe that this book is also one of growing up. It's about dealing with our own issues experienced throughout our own childhood before moving onward and upward with our own lives. Personally, I tend to think that this is the most important story that came from Wells' novel.

In the end, I enjoyed the book. It is far from one of my favorites, but it is still worth reading, if not for the reminders discussed above being brought to the forefront of my mind, but just for the great story of the Ya-Ya's Sisterhood!