The Ups and Downs of Life...

Title: Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe

Author: Fannie Flagg

Rating: ****1/2

Review: This is a charming tale of the Old South. Surprisingly, given the setting, very little racism is shown throughout the book. I loved almost every page of "Tomatoes". I watched the movie three years ago, and new I wanted to read the novel. I was pleasantly surprised how much of the story transferred to the screen. The million-dollar question is always: Which is better? Well, in this case, both are wonderful. There are moments in the movie that are just okay, and there are pages in the novel that I wished I could skip. The characters are loveable, from Buddy and Idgie to Mrs. Threadgood and Evelyn. It really is amazing to see how the world has changed in 100 years.

The Beast is Out There....

Title: Monster

Author: Frank Peretti

Rating: *****

Review: This book is amazing! I first read it in 2006, and loved it. It is a fast read, and that helps cut down the length. Peretti delves more into the scientific world, and this time the monster is very tangible. Beck is a loveable character. Fair warning: I had a notecard I wrote each name on, along with a brief character description as I met them. There are so many search party members, friends, and villains, it is very easy to get confused. The reviews for Monster were not all favorable, but I enjoyed it much more than The Visitation, the last Peretti book I read before this was published. I am going to re-read all the Peretti books for this blog, so I have a better rating scale. If you're a bigfoot fan, read this for kicks. I'd love to hear your opinion!

The Rise of the Antichrist

Title: Nicolae

Author: Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins

Rating: *****

Review: This action-packed sequel picks up right where Tribulation Force left off. The core group grapples with spreading the word of their leader's death, finding their purpose in working for the Antichrist, and preparing others and themselves for the end. Judgements are poured out on the earth. There are so many subplots and side stories, its impossible to touch them all. This is an excellent addition to the series.

Mere Christianity

Title: Mere Christianity

Author: C.S. Lewis

Rating: *****

Review: This is an excellent book for any Christian to read. I'd also recommend it for people who have lost faith in the church. Lewis hits the key issues dead-on. This is one of the best books I've read.

The Death of a Child...The War at Her Door....

Title: The Widow of the South

Author: Robert Hicks

Vocabulary Words:
Macadam: a macadamized road or pavement.

Bulwarks: a wall of earth or other material built for defense; rampart.

Caisson: 1.

a structure used in underwater work, consisting of an airtight chamber, open at the bottom and containing air under sufficient pressure to exclude the water.

2.	a boatlike structure used as a gate for a dock or the like.

Flummoxed
Palimsest
Torpor
Reverie
Abatis
Supplicant
Glibly

Rating: *****

Review: I found this book in a used bookstore in Taylorville. My fiance wanted to take me to the town, and I convinced him to let me wander the bookstore. BIG mistake. I found seven or eight new books while there. This was not, however, at the top of my list. I saw it when the Confederate flag on the cover caught my eye. I detest the flag for what it represents to me. The title intrigued me. Was she widowed by the war? Was she a plantation owner? Would this be a Gone with the Wind type novel? I kept browsing before I returned to it. After reading the back and learning Carrie McGavok was a real person, I bought the book.

I started reading that night, and became apprehensive. This book would not be an easy read. Three of Carrie's five children died before the war started. Carrie was short for Caroline, which is similar to Carolyn, my cousin who died last fall. My other cousin's son died last May, and Carrie's middle child was a boy. Her grief was matched with mine.

According to the author, much of the narrative is fiction. It is fast-paced enjoyable fiction. I wish the stories were true. I almost feel taken, since the cover led me to believe much of it was factual. I wish the story focused more on Carrie, but the other character's stories were interesting. I plan on visiting Carnton soon. I doubt I will make it there this summer, but definitely next. If you only read one book about the Civil War, this should be it. It is an amazing tale of one woman's growth through grief. She found her place tredding the soil of the graves of the Confederates. If only we could all find our place...

A Match Made in Heaven....

Title: Owen & Mzee: The Language of Friendship

Author: Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff, and Dr. Paula Kahumbu

Rating: *****

Review: This is an excellent story for preschoolers on up. The photos are amazing, and the narration is simple enough for young preschoolers to comprehend. There is a brief explanation in the back describing tsunmais, turtles, hippos and locations mentioned in the book. The story follows the progress of the animals after spending eighteen months together. It says it is the sequel to Owen & Mzee, but you don't have to read that one to understand this one. I loved it, and so did my three-year-old daughter. Its also nice that there are no refrences to evolution in the book. On the flip side, no one calls this friendship "miraculous" either.

Still Left Behind

Title: Second Chance

Authors: Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins

Rating: *****

Review: There is no time between the first two books. This one is more specific in its action. The characters are better developed, and the plot thickens. They are slowly depending on one another and uniting to survive. There is still one straggler in the group, and he worries everyone else. The writing is not too bad here, it no longer seems they are trying too hard. I still think the series is best for fourth or fifth graders, but adults could enjoy it too.

A Moose With a Heart

Title: Thidwick the Big Hearted Moose

Author: Dr. Seuss

Rating: ****1/2

Review: Dr. Seuss is legendary. His books are timeless. Thidwick is no different. My chief complaint is that there is no alternative offered for his kindness. Yes, its nice that he allows a fly to rest in his antlers, but he never stops anyone else from entering, even when his friends abandon him. Even though everything turns all right in the end, there is no suggestions for sending away uninvited guests. Dr. Seuss usually offers a "moral" or "solution", its disappointing to not see one here.

Don't Call Me Buddy!

Title: Bud, Not Buddy

Author: Christopher Paul Curtis

Rating: *****

Review: Bud, Not Buddy is about a boy surviving the Great Depression. It is filled with loveable and loatheable characters. Bud's mom told him constantly his name is Bud, not Buddy, and not to ever let anyone call him the latter. She died four years ago, and now Bud is in an orphan home. Early in the novel, he's sent to spend the summer with a family in the community. The only son is a spoiled brat, and makes life imposible for Bud. After being locked in a shed, Bud decides to run away and find his dad, Lefty Lewis. 

The novel follows Bud in his adventures to find his identity. Children who's parents are missing will understand Bud's obsession with finding his Dad. Bud tries his hardest to be honest, but he also looks out for himself. I've added links to websites with excellent additional resources for the story.