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?

Peachy Read Aloud that has us in hysterics

“Wear the old coat; buy the good book.” C. S. Lewis is quoted to say.

So we read books, lots of them! Our children read alone (or pretend to in Ruthie's case), they read readers occassionally when we do a more structured reading lesson and we do at least 2 read alouds at any given time.  Now I know some of you are thinking - Declan has just turned 11, can't he read yet?

Of course he can, so much so that I have to remind him to eat, breath and shower daily.  If we were to allow it, he would never leave his room:0 

However we have a time daily where we read a book as a family.  This often means 6 in a our double bed with lots of "stop kicking me"...."mom Chad's taking up all the space".... "I'm falling off the bed" ... but we all manage to squeeze in (which is becoming more and more difficult as the children get bigger and bigger).  And I love it.  And then we read and read, and sometimes we don't want to stop reading and reading because a book is so entertaining.  We have one of those at the moment.  It's an oldie but a goodie.

James and the Giant Peach

  We are sooo enjoying the wonderful characters that Roald Dahl has created.  As usual they seem to have a lot of attitude and are so distinctive and memorable.  One cannot but help be drawn into this tale of extremes.  At times I found myself unable to even read as I giggle uncontrollably at some of his descriptions.  I read with different voices and really start to get into my characters which of course just has the children rolling around laughing so much that we have to stop to breath,  before we carry on.  

Some of my favourite characters in this book is surely Earthworm (wimpy, fearful, pessimistic and such a moaner), Centipede (bossy, unforgiving and a bit of a bully, with numerous shoes) and of course brave James who really grows in character, confidence and strength as the story progresses.

Opinions from the children:
Declan: (11)Each of the characters has a very different nature and that the earthworm is always so depressed. I also love that Roald Dahl makes it so funny.  What I don't like are the terrible aunts because they are always treating James like a slave.
Ethan: (9) Well one reason I like the book is because the centipede is always commanding everyone to take his boots on and off and the worm is always complaining about things that don't actually happen.  The glow worm is always asleep when they tell her to switch off the light.
Chad: (7) I like the book because the worm always interrupts and says "I don't like this idea".  But the centipede is always saying carry on and saying "I like this part" because he knows the worm might get hurt.  Every time they have to go out and they have to go out through the top, the centipede says that they are going to be stuck there forever.  Ladybird is always telling everyone to be quiet.
Ruthie: (3) I like the book. (and if you read between the lines, she does loves giggling at the boys while they are roaring with laughter)

We have read a number of Roald Dahl books are listened to them on Audio Books which is a great way to travel around.  We listen to audio books in the car and sometimes you want to just get into the car just so you can hear the next chapter.

Some of the other Roald Dahl books that we just adored and couldn't get enough of were:

Matilda

 Danny the Champion of the World

  Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Esio Trot

 

What is your favourite Roald Dahl book?

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Something New !!!:  Book Review Blog Carnival

I have been asked to host a book review blog carnival on the 23 October 2011.  Your book review can be written about:   fiction, non fiction, children's books, novels, history, biographyor any other books you think our audience will enjoy.  To submit your review simply by emailing me the link to your post.  I will need to check of course that the content is suitable (as there are a few weirdo's out there, myself excluded of course), that's all you have to do. 

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Vinolia Luxury Soap Giveaway

If you haven't entered already - why don't you.  Just comment on the post about what you would want your mom to send you if you were in a far away land,  and you are automatically entered into the draw.