The Misadventures of P.I.P. Giveaway Winner

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AEKZ2

Congratulations!! I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

Thanks to everyone who entered, and check back later this month for more 

fun giveaways. You could be the next winner!

Review: A Love That Multiplies by Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar

Title:		A Love That Multiplies
Author:		Michelle & Jim Bob Duggar
Publisher:		Simon & Schuster
Imprint:		Howard Books
Pub. Date:		06/07/2011
ISBN:		1439183813 (ISBN13: 9781439183816)
Pages:		288

In this second book from the Duggars, they focus on the principles that equip them to face life's challenges—drawing from their most recent challenge with the 3-month premature birth of their newest child, Josie. They also share the new challenges their older children are facing as they prepare for adult life. Central to the book is a section on the principles that the Duggars have consistently taught their children. These simply worded principles are basic to the Duggar family and are shared in a way that other parents can incorporate in their own homes. A special chapter on homeschooling gives valuable information to parents who are considering this route or are already invested in it. The world continues to be amazed by their nineteen well-groomed, well-behaved, well-schooled children and their home life, which focuses on family, financial responsibility, fun—and must importantly, faith. The Duggars show how parents can succeed whether they’re rearing a single child or several.

(Summary and cover via Goodreads)

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I have to admit, I watch the Duggars' TV show. So I was pretty interested to read this book. I tend to find the Duggars' religious beliefs a bit extreme, and there is certainly a lot of preaching in this book. It does make sense though, as their religion is their whole life. The first section of this book covers Michelle's pre-eclampsia and Josie's emergency delivery. There's not really anything new there if you have seen their TV show.

The rest of the book covers their philosophies for parenting and life in general. These are heavily influenced by Bill Gothard and his IBLP. Their beliefs fall under what I would label as (in the words of my nephew) "super mega extreme" conservatism. Once again, there is very little in here that you don't already know if you watch their TV show. A few interesting notes for me was that Michelle and Jim Bob both readily admit that they do get upset and have (in the past anyway) even raised their voices. Shocking, I know. However, it does make them seem a little more human. Perhaps the most compelling thing in the book is Michelle describing what it was like to learn her father was dying while Josie was also fighting for her life. This part was actually a very beautiful example of how her life and beliefs helped to bolster her in a very low point of her life.

There is some useful advice. For example, Michelle discusses taking care of needs and/or bad behavior when it first appears instead of letting it go and potentially become a bigger problem. However, for every useful idea, there are several things that appear not as good to me. Blanket training was a concept I took issue with. I have a 17 month old, and I find it vastly unrealistic to think that he should be able to sit on a blanket and not move for an hour or so. No way am I going to torture both of us by trying this. There's also a strange bit where they talk about training their children (even very small ones) that they have to look everyone directly in the eye, lest they come across as disrespectful. What if the child is naturally shy? Or going through a clingy stage? It seems odd to me.

The writing was just OK. It's written in the first person, but the narrator switches between Michelle and Jim Bob a lot. It got kind of annoying to find out who was talking half-way through the section. I wish that had flowed a bit better. There were also some things that seemed thrown in to quiet critics. For example, there were several recipes in the book, and almost all of them included lots of fresh veggies and fruits. Maybe that is how they really do eat, but I know they have gotten some criticism for how their diet appears on the show. They also have a section about how their daughters would be allowed to live out there dreams and even go to college (even though Bill Gothard seems anti anything that takes women out of the house and authority of a male). Whether this is true or not remains to be seen.

Overall, this book is pretty good. If you watch their show, there is not much new to be gleaned from this book (unless you want to memorize Duggar approved Bible verses). It is a fairly quick read. Be prepared to get products (especially those from places like IBLP and Vision Forum) heavily endorsed. There is quite a bit of that in the book. If you really love the Duggars, then you will probably enjoy this book. Otherwise, most the book will probably leave you shaking your head.

Galley provided by publisher for review.

Review: Possession by Elana Johnson

Title:		Possession
Author:		Elana Johnson
Publisher:		Simon & Schuster
Pub. Date:		06/07/2011
ISBN:		9781442417618
Pages:		416

Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn...and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself. 


But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they're set on convincing Vi to become one of them...starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can't leave Zenn in the Thinkers' hands, but she's wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous--everything Zenn's not. Vi can't quite trust Jag and can't quite resist him, but she also can't give up on Zenn. 


This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.

(Summary and cover via Goodreads)

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I was pretty excited about this book. Sadly, I was pretty disappointed. First of all, it was pretty hard to get into. I felt like I was just dropped into this world, and I struggled to figure out what was going on. The beginning was also very slow story wise. Now, once the initial story picked up in pace, the book improved greatly. There were still some aspects I didn't enjoy though. The plot twists felt pretty random. They just appeared out of nowhere and made very little sense in the context on things.

There were two potential love interests in this book, and I didn't really get a feel for either of them. One especially felt rushed. One page you're introduced to him, and on the next page it is true love forever and ever. It just kind of left me scratching my head. The ending was also vastly unsatisfying for me. I really wanted to love this book, and instead I felt like it was ok. It is by no means horrible or anything, just not as good as I was expecting.

Galley provided by publisher for review.

Review: William's Midsummer Dreams by Zilpha Keatley Snider

Title:		William's Midsummer Dreams
Author:		Zilpha Keatley Snider
Publisher:		Simon & Schuster
Imprint:		Atheneum Books
Pub. Date:		06/07/2011
ISBN:		9781442419971
Pages:		224

After a year living with Aunt Fiona, William is off to audition for the role of Puck in a summer production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream . But getting the part is just the beginning. Now William has to deal with a jealous rival, a not-so-secret admirer, and the way the Baggetts still haunt him in nightmares. William’s summer is filled with acting and costumes and applause, but he still worries sometimes that he and his younger siblings will never be able to shake off the past. But when the Baggetts show up again, William realizes that he is braver than he thought, and that it will all turn out okay.

(Summary via Amazon and cover via Goodreads)

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What a delightful book! I'm thinking this must be a sequel since it read like one, but it was easy to read as a stand-alone. I don't feel I was missing any important details. This book is about William, a budding young actor who is participating in a summer Shakespeare festival. With his natural acting abilities, William steals the show at the auditions. We are taken through his rehearsals and performances. There is a little drama with rivals and scary memories of the past, but overall it is just a massively entertaining look at one young man's summer on stage.

One thing this book captured amazingly was the magic of being on stage. That overwhelming feeling of becoming someone else entirely and getting lost in your performance. That feeling that you can fly when you hear that applause just for you. There were also a lot of good descriptions of all the behind the scenes work that goes into a theatre production. Williams was also a great lead character. He had insecurities, but he also was able to overcome them. He was able to adapt and learn. William showed poise, and I think he was an excellent example of a normal kid with a lot of talent.

Overall, I say this is a great read for kids. Just enough drama to keep them interested, but nothing that overwhelms the real story of William's theatre production. Kids that are interested in acting or performing will definitely find a lot of themselves in William. As an adult, I loved this book too. It made me recall all the times I've been on stage, and it brought back some really fond memories. I recommend this book for sure!

Galley provided by publisher for review.

Review: What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

Title:		What Alice Forgot
Author:		Liane Moriarty
Publisher:		Penguin Group
Imprint:		Amy Einhorn Books/Putnam
Pub. Date:		06/02/2011
ISBN:		0399157182 (ISBN13: 9780399157189)
Pages:		368

What would happen if you were visited by your younger self, and got a chance for a do-over?

Alice Love is twenty-nine years old, madly in love with her husband, and pregnant with their first child. So imagine her surprise when, after a fall, she comes to on the floor of a gym (a gym! she HATES the gym!) and discovers that she's actually thirty-nine, has three children, and is in the midst of an acrimonious divorce.

A knock on the head has misplaced ten years of her life, and Alice isn't sure she likes who she's become. It turns out, though, that forgetting might be the most memorable thing that has ever happened to Alice.

(Summary and cover via Goodreads)

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Ok, this is my first official "must read" of the summer. I loved this book so much! What Alice Forgot starts with Alice waking up at the gym. She passed out, and when she wakes up she does not remember the
last 10 years of her life. She discovers that rather than being extremely happy and pregnant with her first child, she instead has 3 children and is going through a rather nasty divorce. As she tries to get her memory back, Alice also tries to piece together what has happened to her life. Where did it all go wrong?

One thing I found so fascinating was this concept of how our past selves would view our current lives. I wonder how me 10 years ago would view my life now. It's certainly different than I thought it would be, but I'd like to think that I'd be pleased with it. Alice was not. Everything was so different than how she thought it would be. She had become a completely different person, and her younger self wasn't so sure she liked the current Alice. It also became apparent that all those things that seem so deadly important as we go through our everyday lives aren't always so massive when viewed with a different perspective.

There were two other plot parts that were fascinating. One dealt with Alice's honorary grandmother Frannie. She was still dealing with things that happened in her past, and through a series of letters we see her thoughts and ideas. Frannie was fantastic! The other plot point involved Alice's sister Elisabeth, who was dealing with unexplained infertility. That part was heartbreaking at times. I think it was very realistic though. All the other characters were interesting too. Sure, they had their flaws, but in the end they were mostly good people just living normal lives.

I found myself really thinking about how much we gradually change over time. Thinking about if my decisions now will still make for a happy life in 10 years. I know it's impossible to really know, but I did find myself reviewing how I treat my family to ensure that they would still be happy in 10 years. This book is probably an example of "chick lit" at it's finest. It's fun and light-hearted, but it does make you think about things. Or maybe that's just me. Some people may think the ending was wrapped up too prettily, but I think it was absolutely perfect. If you're looking for a fun read with a bit of substance, then What Alice Forgot is a great choice.

Book won in Goodreads Firstreads contest

Splash Into Summer Giveaway Hop Winner

I'm happy to announce the winner of the Splash Into Summer Giveaway Hop. The lucky person is

Lolawid!

An Amazon giftcard is on it's way. Thanks again to everyone who entered, and don't forget to stop by my giveaway for a great children's book, The Misadventures of P.I.P.

Book Tour: Review & Giveaway of The Misadventures of P.I.P. by Donna Peterson

Welcome to the Virtual Blog Tour for The Misadventures of Phillip Isaac Penn. I have a review and giveaway for this wonderful children's book. 

Title:		The Misadventures of P.I.P.
Author:		Donna Peterson
Publisher:		Cedar Ford
Imprint:		Bonneville Books
Pub. Date:		06/08/2011
ISBN:		9781599558936
Pages:		96

Pip, whose real name is Phillip Isaac Penn, feels that the world is against him as he struggles to deal with angry parents, a bossy older sister, a frazzled teacher, and memorable characters such as Bully Bart, Cheater Chaz, Know-It-All Nell, Liar Lizzy, Stealer Steffan, Conman Cody, and Tattle-Tale Tess. Every day of the week brings another challenge that Pip handles in his own endearing way. Yet, no matter how hard he tries, he realizes that it’s just not easy being a kid.

(Summary and cover via the official Misadventure of P.I.P. Goodreads page)

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This book was adorable. It follows a week in the life of Phillip Isaac Pen, or Pip. He's your typical young boy, always getting into trouble. Sometimes he's innocent, sometimes he's not. He is always fun though. Each chapter begins a day, often with Pip already getting into trouble before the day begins. Each chapter also highlights a particular person causing Pip trouble.

I had fun reading this, remembering what it was like to grow up with brothers. Pip may get into trouble, but he always means well. I like that Pip readily acknowledged what he might have been able to do differently in each situation. He understood that even with good intentions, some things should not be done. The illustrations were so cute. This will be a great book for younger children who are just starting chapter books. It even includes questions at the end for some great discussion with your kids! Overall, it was a very enjoyable children's book.

Galley provided by publisher for review.


And now for the fun part! I am hosting a giveaway for this book.


The only requirement is to like the Facebook page.
Bonus entries for following my blog and tweeting about this giveaway.


The best news is this giveaway is open internationally! This giveaway will run from May 31st to the end of the book tour on June 7th. The winner will be decided by random.org and announced on sometime on June 8th. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!