The Massey Murder: A Maid, Her Master and the Trial that Shocked a Country by Charlotte Gray

from goodreads

4 stars

Every year a committee chooses a book for my region to be the "one book, one community" read. It has been going on for the past 12 years. I just started participating in reading the selection four years ago.

There are some books on the list that I definitely want to read at some point. My to-read list never seems to get any shorter! Of the books on the list I have read, some have been great. Others, very-painful-to-read-I-can't-believe-they-chose-this! It must be hard for the committee to decide which book to choose. They have lots of selection, they need to make sure it is something that will appeal to the masses and not just the literary elite, yet make it test our limits. They need to make sure it will be a good conversation starter and something that will cause more and more people to participate. Man, that is daunting.

To find out more about the Waterloo Region's One Book One Community click here.

Synopsis

The Massey Murder gives us a look into the society of Toronto in 1915. Canada is in the middle of a war, society is changing and a member of one of the most prominent and influential families in Toronto, and of Canada, is shot down at his house by his maid, and 18 year old girl from Britain.

My Thoughts

This was a really interesting read. I liked that all the information was well researched and historically accurate, yet it read like a novel. It wasn't just dates and names. It was a true narrative. This made this non-fiction, history book an easy and entertaining read.

Gray did not focus solely on the murder trial. She looked at it through the greater context of what was happening with Canadians in Europe on the front lines of WWI. She looked at what was happening in Toronto, with women having more employment choices than just being in service. She also looked at the changes that were going on in the perception of rape, and who was at fault. While I thought this greater context was interesting, those who do not find history as interesting might not. I like seeing how things fit together in the broader context. If you just want to know about a murder and trial you need to skip through some pages.

I liked reading about the evolution of Toronto itself. It was fun to read about streets I have walked on and buildings I have walked by. You sometimes forget that the Toronto that exists today was not the Toronto back then.

Sometimes Canadian history, and society for that matter, has the reputation of being dull or boring. Unsensational. This book proves that Canadians and their history can be just as sensational as the rest of the world. I definitely want to read more of this author's books and learn more about post-confederation history.

A Small Tall Tale from the Far Far North by Peter Sis

from goodreads

3.5 stars

The other day my husband and I were talking, I can't remember what about, and I said, "that can't be true, my mother always said..." And then we discussedw hether that in fact it was the rule or whether my mom just said that so I wouldn't do that.

As a parent I know I say things like, "you have to clean your ears otherwise they will grow black and fall off". Will that happen?Probably not. Does it get the job done? You betcha.

Even now I will catch myself saying something, then I stop and wonder is that actually true, or did is that just something crazy my parents say? Where do these unwritten rules come from? At least if we listen to them we shouldn't be doing anything too crazy.

Synopsis

This a book about a man named Jan Welzl, who left his native Moravia (part of the former Czechoslovakia) and travelled across Siberia, across the Bering Sea and eventually to the Yukon. You discover what great things can be learned when you are humble and teachable.

My Thoughts

While I thoroughly enjoyed the book my little kids did not. This is definitely a picture book for children 8 and up. It did not hold my 5 year olds interest at all.

This is a book where it is very important to read the prologue. It gives the background of this man and helps set the stage for what is going to happen in the story. It explains why he went on this adventure and how he did it. So, don't skip it. You won't be able to enjoy the book as much if you do.

I love the drawings. They were complex yet still felt simple. I think he captured the feeling of the north very well.

I loved how he told/ drew one of the legends. The story was written in a spiral and small pictures were drawn as the line of the spiral and went perfectly with the story. It was really cool. See, it is small elements that add to the cool vibe of the book.

This would be a great book if someone was doing a school project about the north and the different people that went there.

Is everything in the book exactly how it happened? Probably not. In the epilogue it is hinted that some of his stories might have been exaggerated. But, it still makes an interesting story and I am sure that there is still a grain of truth to it. And that grain is enough for me.

Cress by Marissa Meyer

from goodreads

4 stars

I love the hold system at the library. No longer do you have to hope and pray you get to the library before someone else to get the book you are dying to read. Instead you can simply put it on hold. Then in an orderly and systematic way you know you will get your book.

At my library you can also freeze your holds. That means if you are going away on holiday, and you know you are about due to get your book, you can freeze it. That means you keep your place in the hold line up and progress until you are number one and then you will remain in the number one spot until you unfreeze your hold. No more missing the pick up day and having to go back to the end of the line. Genius.

I am a bit fanatical with my library account. I like to log in and see how my holds are doing. Am I any further ahead in the line up? When are the due dates for the other patrons? Yes, I know this means that I really need to get a life, but I just find it so fascinating and exciting. Nothing is more exciting to me than see the words IN TRANSIT beside my hold, knowing I will be the next person to read that book!

Synopsis

This is the third installment in the Lunar Chronicles. We are introduced more to the character Cress, similar to fairy tale Rapunzel, a girl who has been living in a satellite for 7 years. She is a hacker extrodinaire and while technically a servant for the Lunar court, she loves all things earth and has been secretly helping Cinder and her motley crew. She also has a crush on Thorne. Cinder is also coming up with a plan to stop the wedding of Kai and Queen Levana. It is all very exciting, and you never know what plot twist will be thrown at us next.

My Thoughts

My goodness this was a fun read and I am sad that I have to wait until next year to read the next book. While there were parts of the book that were kind of draggy, I'm thinking about the desert part, this was action packed and thrilling. I didn't know what was going to happen next and was glad to be along for the ride.

Meyer did a fabulous job once again of staying true to the original fairy tale while giving it a futuristic slant. I love how she makes her female characters real people, not just love sick girls, and how she throws realistic wrenches into their lives that they need to overcome and think about.

There was something about this book that made me like it slightly less than the first two. I can't quite put my finger on what that would be. It was still really good, just not my favourite of the series so far.

I'm so glad I put my hold on it. It was super. Teens will love it, even parents of teens might too.

No Post on Tuesday

Hello Everyone!

I will be traveling on Tuesday so there won't be a post on that day. I will be back on Thursday. Have a great weekend!

Curse of the Dream Witch by Allan Stratton

from goodreads

3 stars

I read this book and wrote the review during the fall, but didn't have time to put it up. Since my week has been a bit busy I decided that now was the time to put it up. For those in Canada have a fun and enjoyable long weekend!

Synopsis

King Augustine and Queen Sophia desperately want a child. They are so desperate that they make a pact with the Dream Witch. When they refuse to make their payment, which is their daughters heart, the dream witch makes the kingdom unsafe for all children after dark. On the eve of her 13th birthday Princess Olivia sets out with her pet mouse and her new friend, a peasant named Milo, to put an end to the Dream Witch's power and save the children the witch has already lured into her lair.

My Thoughts

On the whole I enjoyed this book. At times it was a bit abstract, were things dreams or were things real. It was hard to tell. At times the book was a bit disturbing, I am thinking about the children in the grinders.

It was hard to pinpoint the actual period this story was set in. With the descriptions of the castle and the villagers hut I would picture the 16th or 17th century, yet they make references to more modern items. So that was a bit odd. I still say it is fairy talesque.

Stratton does a great portrayal of a bully. He shows the reasons why people bully others, which is often because of their own insecurities which leads them to lash out to compensate for them. It is not an excuse, it is just a way to understand.

Though not as good as The Grave Robber's Apprentice it did hold my interest. The simplicity in the style of writing really worked with the story. It was written for children and that makes it easy to get caught up in its world. I think children 9 and up will enjoy it. It was a very quick read and the pacing was great.

I think you and your children will enjoy reading this book together. I think boys in particular will enjoy this story.

Brownie and Pearl Series by Cynthia Rylant Illustrated by Brian Biggs

from goodreads

4 stars

We are all trying to do our best. Yes, there are some creepizoids that think their best is to be completely weird and what have you, but, we still strive to do the best we can.

Parenting is the same. All of us parents are doing the best we can. We might not always make the right decisions, but sometimes feeding our kids ice cream for breakfast is the only way to get through the morning, and hey, at least they're eating. (Note, it is usually me eating the ice cream and my kids eating normal things like cereal, but I digress.)

Sometimes the only way to keep our sanity intact is through bribes, gentle to strong persuasion and at the end of the day a shut door and a good book. If that is what you need to do on tough days, that's fine. Just keep trying to feel the love and remember, just do the best you can.

Synopsis

This is a series of books about a little girl named Brownie and her cat Pearl. They go to a party, a store, eat lunch and more.

My Thoughts

So, we got these books at the library by my use of very gentle persuasion. My daughter wanted to get two of those Barbie books that are the learn to read type of books. That would mean she would want me to read them all the time and the whole time I would feel my brain turn to mush and I would be looking for the nearest wall to hit my head against. Since I like my head and I like my brain I began searching for books that would perhaps be a fair trade. I turned around and there, on the shelf, were six of these Brownie and Pearl books. The covers looked appealing and I said "Look at these. Why don't we get all six of these and you put away the Barbie books." And you know what? It worked!!! Thanks you  Brian Biggs for making such kid friendly illustrations and covers. I owe you a huge debt. You rock.

For the books themselves, well, the story isn't anything to write home about. It is just really simple words and repetitive. Brownie does something then Pearl does the same thing or vice versa. It is a great book to help kids learn to read by themselves, not so much for imagination building stories. But, they are still way better than those learn to read type books, blah. What makes these books really great is the illustrations. They are fun and colourful and just a joy to look at.

I like the one story when Brownie and Pearl are going to a birthday party and Brownie was scared to go in. That is something that kids can relate to. I think that is why my two girls really liked the books and wanted them read over and over. They could relate to what was happening. Brownie and Pearl go to parties, they go to parties. Brownie and Pearl eat lunch, they eat lunch. See, relatable.

I believe there are eight books all together in the series. It might be worth checking out. At least it will they will get your kids into reading by themselves and your head and brain will thank you for it.

Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat? by Peter Walsh

from goodreads

3 stars

This year I have two personal goals. The first is to get my body back into any kind of shape that does not resemble a blob. Hopefully by doing this I will have more of an inclination to run around the yard being a pirate looking for buried treasure. (Right now I am the cook on the pirate ship so I just have to sit and stir a pot.)

The second is to get rid of my junk once and for all. My husband and I have been married for nine years, well as of the end of May, and we never have really had a thorough declutter. What with the university text books and notes, the baby stuff, the stuff that our parents have thrust upon us from their house and just random things that seem to have found their way in to the house, our house is bursting at the seams and I am bursting at my sanity. Dealing with the junk is cutting into my reading time, which, is so not cool.

Do you have any goals that you are striving towards this year? How are they going? Do you have any tips for staying the course?

Synopsis

Decluttering guru Peter Walsh puts his decluttering tips to weight loss. It is all about picturing the life you want to live and then making the changes to get you there.

My Thoughts

Well to start off with I must get this off my chest. I love Peter Walsh. When I used to watch the show Clean Sweep he was my favourite professional. The other lady was kind of mean and focused on just the volume of the stuff, thinking it should be easy just to get rid of the junk. Peter realized that it was more than just the stuff. He got behind the emotions of the people and in a kind loving way helped them realized how much better there life would be if the stuff was gone. Peter, if you are reading, you rock!

So, considering my two goals for the year this seemed like a no brainer. I had to read it. It was interesting how ways to declutter your junk and ways to declutter your fat are so similar. For Peter it is all about deciding what type of life you want to live and then make your decisions in keeping with that dream. For example, if you want to have a healthy body, each time you put something to your mouth you are to ask yourself, "is this going to help me towards the healthy body I want or not?" If it doesn't you don't eat it. He gives you tips about organizing your kitchen so you are ready to make meals at home and how to organize your time so that you feel like you have the time to be cooking real food at home. There were some good tips in there.

If you are looking for a book that tells gives you a meticulous diet, this is not it. But it does give you some food for thought about our habits and how we need to declutter our time and priorities so that  so that we can make better food choices.

If you are looking for a book that gives you detailed decluttering advice, this is not for you. But, he has written another book called It's All too Much: An Easy Plan for Living a Richer Life with Less Stuff, which is really good and gives you a step by step for each type of room in your house and is very motivating. I read it a few years ago and I have started to slowly put his tips into practice (that's the thing with decluttering, unless you have everyone in your house on board and helping, you can only do so much).

So, it was a good read, there were some interesting tips but it's not the most useful book I have ever read. Definitely borrow this one from the library. You don't want to be adding more to your junk!

The Crocodile Who Didn't Like Water by Gemma Merino

from goodreads

4.5 stars

I love swimming. In my fantasy life I am able to wake up at 5:30 every morning and go for a swim at the local pool. Then I come home energized and ready to start the day. In my real life I stay in bed as long as I possibly can and then bleary eyed start the day and get the kids ready. Oh, fantasy lives. How wonderful and far from reality you are.

My kids are not quite as enthusiastic about swimming. It has taken them, what seems like, forever to get comfortable in the water. They would not put their faces in it for anything. When we first took my youngest swimming she screamed bloody murder the whole time we were there. When they say "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree" they most definitely were not talking about swimming.

Synopsis

There is a little crocodile who, like the title says, does not like water. Will he ever become like the other crocs or is he doomed to play alone forever?

My Thoughts

This was a super cute book. My five year old really loved it. She took it everywhere with her and told anyone who would listen that this was her favourite book.

You really feel for this little crocodile. And the simplicity of the illustrations allows the story to really pull at your heartstrings. I loved how even the inside cover illustrations at the front and at the back were part of the story, it was not simply a blank page or a copy of the cover. They were pivotal to the understanding of the story. I love it when books do that. When they make you look at every single page to get clues about the story. It is also nice to see paper not being wasted by just being blank.

I loved that the little croc saved money from the tooth fairy. I wish that tooth fairy would visit me. With my quarters I wasn't going to be buying anything with my tooth fairy money.

The only quibble I had with it, and it is really minor, is that the ending felt a bit abrupt and was almost too simplistic. Like, when the little crocodile's family finds out the truth, they were just like "cool, whatev". They didn't seem to want to get at the bottom of how it happened or anything. I know that it probably isn't necessary but it just felt a bit off to me.

This is a book that as a parent you won't mind when your child asks you to read it ten times in a row. It is delightful.

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

from goodreads

2.5 stars

When we were choosing our books for the year my book club had a fun time. We learned that three out of the four of us did not want to read Anne of Green Gables (go here to see my thoughts about Anne). We learned that one of our members had never read a book about cats, simply because she doesn't like cats. (We all had a great laugh about that, it was truly awesome.) She persevered through It's like this Cat which was a big deal for her. And I concealed that I did not like horses making Black Beauty not very high on my list of must reads.

I got bit by a horse when I was five and never really took a shining to them after that. I was just trying to feed it some hay. I think it might of thought my hair was the hay as it was pretty close to the same colour. Crazy horse. So for any of you who boycott books about animals because you don't like that particular animal, give it a try. If I can do it and my book club friend can do it so can you.

Synopsis

Black Beauty is a beautiful horse. He is well bred and well mannered. Through his life's experiences we learn about the love and cruelty humans can show animals. We see how kindness and common sense is always the way to go.

My Thoughts

Well, it was not my favourite read. And that feeling had nothing to do with the horse theme, though that didn't help. To me, this book was just one depressing thing after another. A very doomsday view of life. Black Beauty is on a really nice farm but his fellow horse was treated badly before and has a chip on her shoulder. Black Beauty then moves to a different farm and has to wear a horrible rein because it is the fashion. Then he goes to a nice taxi driver, but hears all the horrors of the other horses. So, he does experience good things but it is always mingled with bad stuff. Can't we have just one nice positive part with no negatives?

I also found that there wasn't much flow. It almost read as a serial story from the newspaper. There were lots of little story lines but when it was all put together it was rather choppy. The segues into the different story lines were rather abrupt. And, there wasn't much of a plot. It was more like a horse's memoir.

I did like how the story was written from Black Beauty's perspective. It is kind of interesting to get the horses perspective on things and not always have the humans perspective on what they think is ailing the horse. My only thing is, how did the author know that was what the horse was thinking? For example, the blinders used on the harnesses for the horses. Now I can see how the horse might not like them, or wish to see what was making certain noises so they could calm themselves. It makes sense to me. But, how does the author know that the horses don't like blinders. Perhaps they do. I don't know. There were other instances like that. Where it makes sense that the horse wouldn't like it, because us as humans wouldn't, but was it true of the actual horse? I'm not sure.

I think this would be a great book for a 10 to 13 year old. Especially one that loves horses. It is a great way to introduce the topic of humane treatment of animals, without making it all political and crazy. The negativity probably wouldn't bother an older child as much as an adult. It is a book that has the potential to make you think.