Abraham's Issue by Nigel Flanagan

Have you ever lost your faith in God?  The people in this story have...

Wink Publishing shared an ebook with me for review (thank you).  They are based in South Wales and the book is currently available on Amazon.

Each chapter is devoted to a character in the story.  This is an intriguing style of writing and Mr. Flanagan uses it well.  I found it a bit confusing at the beginning because the relationships between the people were not apparent.  However, as you keep reading, you find the commonalities between various players in this story.

Almost all of the characters have been disillusioned about life and have lost their faith in their "god", whatever type of religion they began life with.  While the characters are searching for an answer about life, they somehow become entwined in a plot to end the world as we know it.  

As Mr. Flanagan moves further into his story, he takes the last sentence from the chapter and moves it in as the first line of the next chapter.  It might be rephrased, but it is still the same sentence.  This really works well.  It almost makes it seem like more than one author was involved, but it sure tied the story together.  He did a very good job with that.

This was an interesting read, quite different from my usual reading matter.  If you've been doing some thinking about life, God, and how could something like that could happen to you or loved ones, this book discusses that.  You won't be bored.

Happy reading.

I Am A Tyrannosaurus by Anna Grossnickle Hines

Does your little one like dinosaurs or play acting?  I have a book for you...

Tricycle Press sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  It's another great educational tool for parents and you can find it at your local bookstore now.

This is a hardcover picture book with thicker pages for young readers.  The majority of the text can be read by early readers, but they are going to need some help to pronounce the name of the dinosaurs.  For example, how old were you before you could pronounce  velociraptor?

My favorite part of the book, though, is the young man acting out the shape and type of each dinosaur.  Young ones will have great fun pretending they are a dinosaur and chasing each other around.

This book should be useful to any educator or parent who wants to enhance his child's learning.  Go visit your local bookstore and check it out.  I'm sure you'll be glad you did.

Happy reading.

The Phantom Limb by William Sleator and Ann Monticone

Isaac's mother is sick and has to go to the hospital for treatment.  He can understand that.  But he can't understand why she keeps getting worse instead of better.  She wasn't that sick when she went in...

Amulet Books, a division of Abrams, sent me an ARC of this book for review (thank you).  It will be published in October, so watch for it at your local bookstore.

This book has a bit of the flavor of R L Stine's stories.  A bit "way out", a bit of horror, and a strong young man who is determined to save his mother from the danger she is in.  The worst part is that such a thing could actually happen.  There is evil in the world.  The fantasy portion of the story is dramatic, almost like something you'd see in a fortune teller's tent, and creates a very ironic ending.

The story moves fast, the evil is real, and I bet your child won't put the book down until they are finished with the story.  It's a good read!  Why not share some excitement with your young adult?

I am giving away my ARC of this book.  To be entered in the contest to win, you must comment here on the blog, and email me your name AND ADDRESS telling me why you want to read the book.  I'll pick a winner in about a week.

Happy reading.

Little Black Book by Renee Khatami

This is a delightful little board book for young ones.  You can touch and feel, scratch and sniff, lift the flap and more.  

Random House Children's Books sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  It's currently available at your local bookstore, so go check it out.  It's a lovely book.

I have to admit that black has always been one of my favorite colors.  I was enamored with it enough as a youngster that I got in trouble.  The nuns called my Mom and told her they felt I need psychological help.  Mom asked why.  It was because I colored my Santa Claus black.  Mom said I was fine, I just liked black.  So you can see that this book would get a special spot in my heart.

I especially liked the whiskers on the cat mask that you can feel.  The soft textures are a pleasure to one's finger.  And you'll get a surprise when you lift the flap.  

The text is minimal but the photos are wonderful and I bet your child will return to it again and again.  After, petting the bunny is fun...

Happy reading!

When The Lights Go Out by Max Elliot Anderson

Peyton wants to be an Army Ranger, just like his Dad.  After 9-11 he feels everyone needs to be alert and fight terrorism.  He may get himself into big trouble because of this goal...

Comfort Publishing and the author sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  Mr. Anderson specializes in writing books for boys who are reluctant readers (as he was earlier in life).  He makes his books interesting, full of action and some danger, and there is always an underlying message in his words for the young ones who read them.

Peyton is new to the base, but it doesn't take him long to find a couple of new friends.  He wants to practice to be a Ranger, and he talks them into working out on the course with him.  It's good exercise and all is going well until they decide to go on a mission, like all Rangers do.  That's when they find out that terrorists are planning to steal something from the secured Army base.  

Peyton waits too long to tell his father and the boys suddenly find themselves on their own...

The story is busy, the boys have lessons to learn about the Rangers and life in general, and the reader will keep going to see what is going to happen next.  Why not pick up a copy of this book for your young reader, especially since we are so close to 9-11 again.

Here is trailer made for this book that gives you a preview of the excitement inside:  When The Lights Go Out

Happy reading.

Sleeping Bootsie by Maribeth Boelts

Imagine the Sleeping Beauty story being done with a cat instead of a girl.  This book has it!

Random House Kids sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  You can get a copy at your local bookstore now.

This a Step 3 book in the Step Into Reading series, which means your child should be able read on their own.  It's for grades 1-3.

Ms. Patricia Cantor has done the illustrations and they are marvelous.  The kitten is all fluffy and I just wanted to pick it up and cuddle it.

Since it has white feet, the maid names it Bootsie.  The King and Queen have a celebration to welcome Bootsie to the castle and the three good fairies each give the cat a special gift.  But Silver Fairy was not invited, so she gives the cat a curse:  If its foot touches water, it will go to sleep and not wake up again until it hears it's favorite sound.

Things get real interesting when no water is allowed in the castle.  But the Silver Fairy won't leave it to chance...

This a very cute story for young ones, especially those who like pets.  Maybe you could share the tale Sleeping Beauty after you finish this book with them.  Get a copy; it's cute!

Happy reading.

Tuesday's Child by Dale Mayer

Samantha has a weird ability that she wishes she didn't have.  Everyone around her thinks she's crazy.  She's even been put in a mental hospital for a while.  But it didn't make it go away. In her own words:  "Christ, she was tired of waking up dead."

Ms. Mayer provided me with a copy of his book for review (thank you).  This is a paranormal mystery and I found it a very good read.  The book is available on Smashwords and Amazon.

Sam lives alone in a very private setting to avoid having any problems with other people.  If she deals with her problems alone, it's better.  She has psychic powers she wishes she could shed.  She does want to help people, though, so she has to endure her visions.  The worst part is that she goes within the victim at her time of death and feels all the pain and suffering.  Knowing there is a serial killer out there doesn't make it better.

When she tries to report a death to local police station, she almost gets thrown out because no death has been reported.  When it is, she becomes a suspect.  The only person who believes her is Brandt, the cop working on serial killings.  And she scares even him.

The story moves fast, the author's words flow well, and I found the story intriguing.  The ending is thrilling.  Why not grab a copy for yourself and see what you think?

Happy reading.