Soul of A Lion

Soul of a Lion: One Woman's Quest to Rescue Africa's Wildlife Refugees by Barbara Bennett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a heart touching novel that, since I was in a bad place, up lifted my spirits and helped set a goal of going to visit Harnas Wildlife Foundation. Although the book is called Soul of a Lion there are more stories about leopards and cheetahs than lions. There is no direct story line for this book but it is a collection of stories relative to the Van der Merwe family and Harnas. Pictures at the beginning of each chapter allow you a chance to see the animals and 'put a name to a face' after hearing about their shenanigans and hijinx. Loved that Marieta was always found with a vervet monkey or baby baboon attached to her hip and that she refused to have any animal put to sleep unless it was suffering. There are a lot of lovely quotes that highlight the purpose and meaning behind Harnas that are also interspersed throughout the book as wel. Overall, a feel good type of read that has you wanting to travel to Africa to get cuddles from various types of baby animals.

View all my reviews

How Evan Broke His Head and Other Stories

How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets by Garth Stein
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If there is one thing that Garth Stein can do it's WRITE. His first book was a complete hit and in my collection of re-reads. This book although it does not make the re-reads list it does make you more informed about the world of epilepsy and the choices a caring and concerned brother makes so that his younger brother doesn't have to suffer through a particular situation in their childhood. Along the way there are many choices that Evan has made that have put dampers on his life or made his life harder. There have also been choices that he had no idea would come back and stare him in the face... literally. The thing about Evan is that he is a great character but a very unpredictable character, you are always unsure what choice he is going to make and the reasoning he is going to have behind that choice. The one thing that Evan does guarantee is a blunt sense of humour which really just puts things into perspective. The book was also an interesting look at the music scene and what it's like to be an aspiring guitarist in a band full of people with little to no talent.

This book is totally different compared to The Art of Racing in the Rain but it's also nice that it is different because it means that Stein can write a variety of good things. Here here to that

View all my reviews

The Invention of Wings

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book took a long time to read. I found it was an ok book but it didn't seem to consistently hold my attention. If you liked THE HELP this is much better writing and a much better story.

View all my reviews

The Best Halloween Ever

The Best Halloween Ever by Barbara Robinson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While it was in line with the rest of the Herdman stories, I must say I didn't like it very much as compared to the other books. I guess I got sick of everyone hating on the Herdman's even though they are different and peculiar they do have core values and stick to them. They don't even have any parent figures so of course they are going to be a little off the wall. It may not have helped that I thoroughly dislike Halloween also.

Quick and easy read, definitely children would love this.

View all my reviews

Freaks

Freaks by Tess Gerritsen
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Didn't realize this was such a short story. Could have been beefed up a little bit more.... And Tess Gerritsen writing about vampires.... Ewwwwww.

View all my reviews

The Best School Year Ever

The Best School Year Ever by Barbara Robinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Even though this is the second book about the Herdmans, I am growing to love their bizarre family. Robinson writes great stories and they all seem to have that make you melt quality but then also that quality that you laugh your ass off! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!

View all my reviews

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was recommended this book by a dear friend, who is also a devoted bookworm like myself. She said that she reads this book every year to her nieces and nephews at Christmas time. She said that if I was looking for a quick read and something that is a great story with a whole lot of heart this is what I should read. And as usual, my bookworm friend, knocked it out of the park. The book took me back to my days of reading Fudge-A-Mania, the Ramona B Quimby series and so many other fantastic great reads when I was in public school. The best thing about this book was the message. I'm not going to give it away but damn... The Herdmen's have a point and by George, they've got it!

If I could give it more stars I would :)


View all my reviews