I miss Castle. I realize this isn’t something I need to hide (anymore.) But you have to understand, I started this secret habit back before it was cool. I was a full-fledged adult with full-fledged middle school and high school children when Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants first came out. I hid in my bedroom and … More GHOST by Jason Reynolds
I remember it clearly. I was in 4th grade, Mrs. Adams’ class at Alton Elementary School and I was up next to give a talk about myself: WHO I AM. I collected the usual data about where I was born and what my birthday was, etc. I don’t remember being overly nervous about standing up … More THE NAME JAR by Yangsook Choi
I will admit, it makes me a little nervous to review a book that a) has been popular and critically acclaimed, b) promotes gender equality and c) (most importantly) is about a culture with which I have very little to no connection. So I step into my thoughts very cautiously. A WOMAN IS NO MAN … More A WOMAN IS NO MAN by Etaf Rum
It was nice to hang out with Melinda Gates for a few afternoons recently. That’s what it felt like. As if sitting across the table from her, asking her questions about her life – which is my favorite kind of memoir. I listened to this book on audio. I have found that memoirs and autobiographies … More THE MOMENT OF LIFT by Melinda Gates
A friend on Instagram mentioned this book recently and it seemed to speak to many of my core beliefs. We were created to live within our natural surroundings but as a result of societal advancements, we have walled ourselves away from our native home. REFORESTING FAITH speaks about the importance of trees within the Christian faith. … More REFORESTING FAITH by Matthew Sleeth, MD
I’m really excited about this book. Honestly, Watergate was *around* when I was a kid, but I was too young to understand it. I just knew adults were talking about it – when it happened and years afterwards. ⠀ Jill Wine-Banks was an assistant prosecutor during the Watergate hearings. Her house was burgled, her phones … More THE WATERGATE GIRL by Jill Wine-Banks
I am ALWAYS thrilled when I receive a book to be reviewed before it’s released to the public. I feel like I’ve received a huge gift every time and I am immensely grateful. But sometimes the publishers do it up extra. Such was the case with this book. Opening this package was a Parisian delight… … More The French Open
As readers, we’ve all experienced the mental pros and cons list we automatically go to when facing a potential DNF (Do No Finish.) It took me quite a few years into adulthood before I would actually NOT finish a book. Finally I reached the point when I realized my time and comfort level was worth … More Ode to the DNF
This book has been sitting on my shelf for a year now. You know how it is…new books kept grabbing my attention or library holds come in or Book of the Month is asking me to choose. And now that I am reviewing books for publishers, I have a steady stream of books showing up at … More LEADERSHIP IN TURBULENT TIMES by Doris Kearns Goodwin
COURTING MR. LINCOLN by Louis Bayard will be coming out in paperback on February 4. Have you read it yet? I received this paperback copy from Algonguin Books this week and got straight to reading it. It’s going to go perfectly with my February read: LEADERSHIP: In Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin. COURTING is … More Currently Reading…
(Book Release date: February 4, 2020)⠀ Thank you, Algonquin Books for the honor of reading this debut novel.⠀ As a white Midwesterner, I must say I felt a little voyeuristic peering into the world of a South Side Chicago teen as he navigated his way through life. ⠀ As I read EVERYWHERE YOU DON’T BELONG, … More EVERYWHERE YOU DON’T BELONG by Gabriel Bump
During the last few months of 2019 I decided I wanted to get serious about reviewing books and working with publishing companies to do reviews for upcoming and newly-released books. I made it my goal toward the end of the year to research and find out as much as I could about the craft before … More My New Life as a Book Reviewer
