Leni Zumas's writing crackles. Her books are sharp, bleak, funny, and possibly dangerous. When her collection of short stories, Farewell Navigator,...
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This book is an incredible account of the first school bombing in our nation's history. Skillfully laying the groundwork of the events in the months and years leading up to this disaster, the author leads us through this all but forgotten tragedy, bringing it back to life with an almost minute by minute account of the the day of the disaster.
The reader is introduced to the children and families of victims and survivors both, and is given an almost chilling look into the mind of Andrew Kehoe and what possibly triggered this event.
This book had me riveted from beginning to end and I couldn't recommend it more. This fascinating account is a story that needed to be retold so that it's not forgotten. Loaded with first hand accounts, the reader has a front row seat to the shocking, numbing horror of that day, and can almost smell the dust and smoke and hear the screams of children and parents alike. While the author brings the reader into the horror if the day, he manages to keep it from becoming sensationalistic tabloid style writing. Kudo's to Bernstein for telling the complete story while maintaining respect for both the living and the dead of this event.
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(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
You all know that I'm a sucker for a good love story...and this one is definitely a good love story. Bill Walker weaves an excellent story with A Note from an Old Acquaintance. He takes the reader back on a journey through the past as we watch the romance of Brian and Joanna unfold.
The transitions to the past were clear and weren't jarring as I've found in some novels recently. The writing is excellent and carries the story along (it doesn't tend to stagnate or get lost within itself as sometimes happens with this genre).
The only problem I had with the book was that for me I didn't like the cover. I tend to 'judge a book by it's cover' and I think a lot of readers do too. I didn't find the cover art all that appealing, so I wasn't sure what to expect. But don't let the cover deter you from reading this excellent story, you'll be glad you read it!
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(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked this up to read it. Quite honestly I didn't find the cover art appealing at all. But I have to say that I absolutely loved this book! What fun Dirkle and his friends have together! And what child that age isn't going to love names like Dirkle, and Toonie and Fiddy? I thought the book was completely enjoyable and wonderfully written. I really was impressed with the quality of Ms. Garthwaite's writing and was completely hooked on this great little book. This book is like the "Maximum Ride" for 5 year olds. I'd recommend this adventure for girls and boys alike. Definately a great addition to your child's own library. I'm sure you'll become a fan of Dirkle and his pals like I have.
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(7 of 9 readers found this comment helpful)
I was asked to review this by the author and I was thankful for the opportunity to do so. This is a nice little book that Linda has written about her experiences growing up, and the tragic car accident that dramatically changed her life. It's an inspiring story of a girl that didn't give up or give in. I really enjoyed reading it and I think it would be inspiring to others who are going through difficult times in their lives. Linda was an extremely talented girl who was horribly injured in a car accident, and then went on with determination to take her life back. This book could be an inspiration to many.
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(2 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)
I have to say right off the bat that I loved this book. First of all the plot is something completely fresh and different. It isn't your usual romance and not your usual mafia-type book, and yet it combines both elements in a story that is outrageous at the same time that it makes perfect sense. David Cristofano is definately an author to keep watching. The story he's woven here is nothing short of amazing and even after reading the description of the book isn't what you expect when you start it. There are twists and turns that the reader most likely won't see coming. Expect the unexpected with this book! This is Cristofano's first novel and he's hit one out of the ballpark with this one. This is a book everyone should be, and will be reading in 2009! The book isn't a huge read at 256 pages, so it's a good rainy Sunday, curled-up-on-the-couch kinda book. I hope you all pick up a copy and get to read it. If you do, let me know what you think of it. I'm betting you'll be a fan long before you read the last page.
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(3 of 5 readers found this comment helpful)
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tbbycatt has commented on (11) products.
Bath Massacre: America's First School Bombing by Arnie Bernstein
tbbycatt, September 29, 2009
This book is an incredible account of the first school bombing in our nation's history. Skillfully laying the groundwork of the events in the months and years leading up to this disaster, the author leads us through this all but forgotten tragedy, bringing it back to life with an almost minute by minute account of the the day of the disaster.The reader is introduced to the children and families of victims and survivors both, and is given an almost chilling look into the mind of Andrew Kehoe and what possibly triggered this event.
This book had me riveted from beginning to end and I couldn't recommend it more. This fascinating account is a story that needed to be retold so that it's not forgotten. Loaded with first hand accounts, the reader has a front row seat to the shocking, numbing horror of that day, and can almost smell the dust and smoke and hear the screams of children and parents alike. While the author brings the reader into the horror if the day, he manages to keep it from becoming sensationalistic tabloid style writing. Kudo's to Bernstein for telling the complete story while maintaining respect for both the living and the dead of this event.
(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
A Note from an Old Acquaintance by Bill Walker
tbbycatt, September 20, 2009
You all know that I'm a sucker for a good love story...and this one is definitely a good love story. Bill Walker weaves an excellent story with A Note from an Old Acquaintance. He takes the reader back on a journey through the past as we watch the romance of Brian and Joanna unfold.The transitions to the past were clear and weren't jarring as I've found in some novels recently. The writing is excellent and carries the story along (it doesn't tend to stagnate or get lost within itself as sometimes happens with this genre).
The only problem I had with the book was that for me I didn't like the cover. I tend to 'judge a book by it's cover' and I think a lot of readers do too. I didn't find the cover art all that appealing, so I wasn't sure what to expect. But don't let the cover deter you from reading this excellent story, you'll be glad you read it!
(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
Dirkle Smat and the Flying Statue by Lynn D. Garthwaite
tbbycatt, March 19, 2009
I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked this up to read it. Quite honestly I didn't find the cover art appealing at all. But I have to say that I absolutely loved this book! What fun Dirkle and his friends have together! And what child that age isn't going to love names like Dirkle, and Toonie and Fiddy? I thought the book was completely enjoyable and wonderfully written. I really was impressed with the quality of Ms. Garthwaite's writing and was completely hooked on this great little book. This book is like the "Maximum Ride" for 5 year olds. I'd recommend this adventure for girls and boys alike. Definately a great addition to your child's own library. I'm sure you'll become a fan of Dirkle and his pals like I have.(7 of 9 readers found this comment helpful)
A Talent Lost/A Life with a Purpose: The Linda Dale Story by Linda Dale Cook
tbbycatt, March 17, 2009
I was asked to review this by the author and I was thankful for the opportunity to do so. This is a nice little book that Linda has written about her experiences growing up, and the tragic car accident that dramatically changed her life. It's an inspiring story of a girl that didn't give up or give in. I really enjoyed reading it and I think it would be inspiring to others who are going through difficult times in their lives. Linda was an extremely talented girl who was horribly injured in a car accident, and then went on with determination to take her life back. This book could be an inspiration to many.(2 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)
The Girl She Used to Be
tbbycatt, March 17, 2009
I have to say right off the bat that I loved this book. First of all the plot is something completely fresh and different. It isn't your usual romance and not your usual mafia-type book, and yet it combines both elements in a story that is outrageous at the same time that it makes perfect sense. David Cristofano is definately an author to keep watching. The story he's woven here is nothing short of amazing and even after reading the description of the book isn't what you expect when you start it. There are twists and turns that the reader most likely won't see coming. Expect the unexpected with this book! This is Cristofano's first novel and he's hit one out of the ballpark with this one. This is a book everyone should be, and will be reading in 2009! The book isn't a huge read at 256 pages, so it's a good rainy Sunday, curled-up-on-the-couch kinda book. I hope you all pick up a copy and get to read it. If you do, let me know what you think of it. I'm betting you'll be a fan long before you read the last page.(3 of 5 readers found this comment helpful)
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