Happy Happy Happy

Happy Happy Happy by Phil Robertson

I really enjoyed this book.  I was sad about his initial struggles, but inspired by the love and loyalty of his wife.  I liked how he explained finding God and Jesus.  He immersed himself in the scriptures to provide strength for himself to never return to previous struggles. I was impressed with his determination to be successful with fishing and hunting and later in making the now famous duck calls.  I love the themes of Jesus, goodness, love, and family.

If you enjoy the show, you will really like this book.

Enjoy.

Steelheart

Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson

The main plot is fascinating...
The Epics, or superheroes, use their powers to control, harm, impoverish, steal, and kill.  These superheroes are not saving the day.  A small group, called the Reckoners, would like to destroy the Epics and have plans and resources to do so.  As a young boy, David, sees the Epic Steelheart kill his father.  From that early age, David seeks his revenge.  He joins the Reckoners.

A great read!

Enjoy.

The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

The story is twisted and somewhat disturbing.  The author sets it up perfectly so that the reader wants to solve the problem just like the characters do.  A box is delivered to the Glade and inside of the box is a boy whose memory has been erased.  He does not know his name or where he has been or why he has arrived at this strange place. He joins the other boys and assumes his responsibilities even though confused and upset.  The box is delivered periodically sometimes with a new boy, but more often with medicine and supplies. Just outside their community is a maze. The doors open into the maze in the day and close in the night.  The maze changes daily and is supposed to be the way that they can escape and have their memories returned. There are boys assigned to be maze runners.  They run all day and come back at night to draw what they have discovered in their section.  There is something deadly that comes out in the maze at night. One day the box is delivered and it is a girl this time.  Things begin to change in the Glade and not for the better.
A crazy read.

Enjoy.

Consider the Blessing by Thomas S. Monson

Consider the Blessings by Thomas S. Monson

This a beautiful, inspiring book. He is a master storyteller.  He loves and cares for individuals. He has been the answer to many prayers.  I love this book!  Are you surprised?

Enjoy.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Cinder



This book is a great young adult read.  It takes the normal Cinderella story and gives it a couple of twists. There is still the horrible stepmother and one dreadful stepsister.  The other stepsister is kind and treats Cinder as well as she can.  Cinder is a brilliant mechanic and also a cyborg (meaning part of her is machine).  Some time in her life she was badly injured and the only way to save her was to give her mechanical parts.  She does not recall anything concerning the injuries or the recovery.  Because she is such a brilliant mechanic many visit her booth in the marketplace.  The prince himself has a special request for her.  Their friendship grows as she works on his android and Prince Kai asks her to the ball.  You know, the ball where he picks his bride.  Also in the story is a plague, evil scientists, and a powerful woman from another realm who is coming to the ball with plans to become the princess and take over his kingdom. Super fun! Enjoy!


You will also enjoy Scarlet which is the story of little red riding hood meets a wolf with the authors wonderful twists and turns.  This story then collides with Cinder.  Don't read too fast since the third one doesn't come out until February 2014.

Heist Society by Ally Carter

Heist Society


This is a great read.  The story is full of energy and fun.  The story is about a girl whose family is internationally known thieves.  She doesn't want to be a part of that life anymore.  She uses her trained skills to get herself accepted and enrolled in a private school.  She just wants to have a normal life and go to school. Unfortunately, her friends have other plans for her and use their skills to get her kicked out of the private school.  They claim they need her and that they have a job to do.  They decide to steal items and return them to their rightful owners.  It is complicated and must be well planned out.  I love all the characters on the team. I enjoy the villains in the story. She is clever and her team is successful in the end.  It is all the drama of carrying out the plan that makes these books so great.  Read this one and continue on with the other 2. Enjoy!

The Invisible Wall by Harry Bernstein

The Invisible Wall

This story is true and is expertly described.  The author writes part of his family history.  Living on one side of the street are Christians and on the other side of the street are those of the Jewish faith.  It describes the daily happenings of school, shopping, traditions, chores, relationships, and rules.  The rules are clearly explained. Some are understood. Some are even followed.  There is an invisible wall separating the two sides of the street...until someone crosses over.  I really enjoyed reading about his family.  I felt sad reading about the poverty during war time, the stress of the parents relationship, but found joy in the way the mother was creative is helping her family and the love she shared with her children. Enjoy!

The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson

The Rithmatist

This is a favorite at our house. Both boys did their first book reports on this book. It is about students who attend an academy for Rithmatists.  When Rithmatists draw with chalk their drawings come to life. There are strategies for the drawings. There are special classes so students can learn how to draw correctly and when to use specific strategies. Rithmatists are chosen when they are young in a special type of ceremony. Not all at the academy are Rithmatists.  A new professor comes to the school. Soon after his arrival students begin to disappear.  At each disappearance there are wild chalkling drawings and other unusual symbols. Joel and Melody are the main characters.  Joel is not a Rithmatist but is brilliant at drawing and really understands the strategies.  Melody is a Rithmatist and yet is struggling with some of the basics. The two form a wonderful team to help solve the mystery of the missing students. I love all the surprises and can't wait for the next one in this series.  Enjoy.

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

If I had little girls I would buy this book (plus the others in the series).

It is such a delightful, funny read.  It is about a family whose mother has died.  The father is a kind chap and is doing his best to raise his four daughters.  The characters are well developed and that makes it fun to anticipate how the girls will respond in the different situations.  We have the oldest, responsible sister, the second athletic, brainy sister, the third romantic, dramatic, writer sister, and the youngest who must wear her wings and bring along her dog.  The story begins as they go on a family vacation. Upon arriving, they meet a boy who becomes like a brother.  It is such a great adventure and you smile along as you read.  I really like how it is meant for little children. (2nd - 4th grade)  The author continues along at such a wonderful pace and tells such a great tale. Begin with The Penderwicks, continue with The Penderwicks on Gardam Street, and then The Penderwicks at Point Mouette. Enjoy!

Wonder by R J Palacio

Wonder.  Just buy it.  Trust me.

The story is about a boy, Auggie, who is born with severe deformities to his face.  Because of the numerous surgeries he is home schooled.  Before he is to enter the 5th grade his parents decide that he should return to school.  The principal sets up a date where Auggie can get a tour of the school and meet students that will be in his grade.  The story continues with all the ups and downs of Auggie's first year attending middle school. The boys and I stayed up late reading this one last spring. The boys and I laughed so hard.  I also cried. There were audible gasps when we got to the dreadful parts.  I love the story itself.  I also enjoyed how the author writes the story from Auggies point of view and then switches to friends and his sister.   A great story of family and friendship.

You will love it!