Book Review Blog Carnival

Hosting this week's Book Review Blog Carnival has really been great.  I love being challenged and stretched to do new things. And this is one of them.  So I had an overwhelming number of submissions! I can see that I will have a lot of really good books to read.  I was going to write my own review as part of this carnival but really - there just wasn't any more space and I didn't want to leave someone out!

JHS at Colloquium reviews : "The Language of Flowers" by Vanessa Diffenbaugh (her debut album)  - A novel of an abandoned child  who is moved from foster home to foster home.  At the age of 18, through a chance meeting in a McKinley Park where she was sleeping at night, she meets a flower shop owner who offers her the opportunity to follow her interest in the language of flowers.

She also reviews: "Claim of Innocence" by Laura Caldwell a legal thriller written by an author who has a history in litigation and a law professor adding depth and authenticity to much of this thriller, as it unfolds.  Surprising twists and dark secrets are but a few of the things to expect in this novel.

Movement 121 Blog offers a review of an intriguing read "Social Innovation Inc: 5 Strategies for Driving Business Growth Through Social Change" by Jason Saul and how business growth can be truly encouraged by looking to meet the needs in society.  With so many societal problems, this book looks like it might give some perspective on how to make changes through big business.  Why not head over to them now and read their review.  In fact Movement 121 looks like a worthy group to get involved with.

Clark Bjorke presents us with a review on "A Conspiracy of Paper" written by David Liss.  London slums, posh clubs, organised crime bosses, murder, prize fighter turned detective - all set in the 18 century.  Clark has been reviewing books since 2007, so he offers a wealth of literary perspective.  And while you are over there, why not pop over to his other review "Coffee Trader" by the same author.  David Liss' historical fiction has clearly caught this reviewers attention.


Zohar of Man of La Book swings our attention to World War II with his review on a non-fiction book "Auschwitz: A Doctor's Eye­wit­ness Account by Dr. Mik­lós Nyis­zli.  "Winter in Wartime" by Jan Terlouw , a novel set during the same time period, is especially appealing for the young adult.  His historical fiction review on "Wings" by Karl Friedrich, a novel about women air force service pilots during World War II complements this historical collection, from so many varying perspectives.

A serious crime fiction addict, Kerrie of Mysteries in Paradise reviews her latest fix "Stagestruck" by Peter Lovesey.  For a bit of drama, read her review on crimes that have happened in the theatre.

Jim Murdoch of The Truth about Lies blog is reviewing a novel by Karin Alvtegen; namely "Betrayal", the author of international bestsellers "Guilt" and "Shame".  Though if you have read any of Karin Alvtegen's books, this one will offer you something very different to what you are used to.
And while you are there, head over to his review of "Tamarisk"written by Gerald Murnane. This is the story of a young boy growing up in Australia. He is a solitary-type and prefers to immerse himself in his own imaginary world. His father is a compulsive gambler and because of this the world of horse racing becomes central to the boy’s fantasies. It has been called “one of the very best books about childhood and the world as the child finds it."

"In Defense of Food" by Michael Pollan is reviewed by Kevin of Invest it Wisely.  And yes it's all about food - great food!  What sets ordinary food apart from great food?  We all want to be healthy - find out how.  And if you're quick, you might still make it to his giveaway which ends tomorrow, where he is giving 3 copies of this book away.  Don't wait!

 If you are one of those individuals that cannot stomach a read longer than 100 pages, Blog Magazine Era reviews a new men's lifestyle magazine "Men's Magazine Journal" which includes some big names like Michael Douglas and Lance Armstrong with even bigger stories.

FOR CHILDREN

 Taryn Hayes of Hayes Happenings is a South African homeschooling mom who offers us 2 reviews on children overcoming physical challenges.  "A Door in the Wall" by Marguerite de Angeli is a heartwarming tale of a child having to deal with the hardship of having lost his legs due to illness; while   "Follow my Leader" by James B. Garfield . is written about a blind boy who was blinded by a fire cracker.  Both these books are a good choice if you are looking for some extraordinary living books that will change your child's perspective and world view.

"Garter Snake at Willow Creek Lane" by Janet Halfmann will help your children learn all about snakes and nature.  And it is quite aptly called the first of the Smithsonian Backyard Book series.  If your child is a nature lover or curious about things slithering in the grass, this review written by Roberta Gibson Wrapped in Foil might be just the one you need to read.

Of course the dads dont' want to be left out in the cold .

Read Aloud Dad presents us with a very humourous review of a children's book that encourages the fun fantastical things that our children love so much as well as having real educational value.   "Officer Buckle and Gloria" by Peggy Rathman is a book about safety tips and living safe presented in a fun way.   Read this review if you are a parent and considering your next book buy.  Lots of lessons to be learnt.

And if you are looking for an old favourite, head over to Boys Matter who writes a brief review on Tom Sawyer but also offers a list of books to read that your boys might enjoy.

I would love to hear what you are reading at the moment.  What's on your bedside table? Is it a light romance, criminal thriller, historical novel?  Or is it just today's newspaper?