Earrings in the Cellar: Growing Up in Ruined Worlds by Rachel Bernheim.

Published by Gefen Publishing House

The title of this book refers to a deeply emotional moment between a mother and her daughters as she takes a slim tube and places jewellery and money within, to be buried in the cellar so that when her daughters return home at some point, they will have something with which to try and rebuild their lives.

This book covers the lives of Rachel Friedman, along with her father and mother Ya'akov and Matilda, brothers Eliezer and Shlomo, and sisters Chaya and Ada during WWII. Like other books on the holocaust, it does delve into the conditions that people were forced to live with, in the numerous camps. What is different about this one, compared to other books I have read on the subject, is that it delves a little into the Jewish culture. A particularly memorable part for me was when the author describes how a typical Purim festival was celebrated. It painted a picture of a vibrant community. Given that the Friedmans lived in a town which had 37,000 people of which 17,000 were Jewish, it's easy to see why.

The reader gets to witness the atrocities that happened, not just in the camps, but long before that when the Jewish people had their lives limited in many ways. I found myself often filled with sadness for the families, and pure contempt for those who sought to put them in harm's way. What hit me the hardest, or at least in retrospect it feels that way, was the deliberate cruelty that was an everyday part of their lives. One particular moment describes a mother, reaching and crying out after recognizing her son as one of the new arrivals to the camp, only to end up electrocuted. In fact, it's mentioned in the book that when people couldn't face the horror of life within the camps - in this case, Auschwitz, they would frequently end their lives by voluntarily taking hold of the electric fence until death.

There are moments too though, that capture the determination of a people. Those people facing death daily, can still sing proudly, holding on to their identity with all they have left, in spite of the inevitable beating it brought to them.  All in all, Earrings in the Cellar is a powerful read that truly impacts the reader. For those who like reading about this subject - like I do - I'd definitely look this one up. In addition to sharing the everyday life leading up to the imprisonment in camps, it also deals with the death marches, and the aftermath in which family members struggled to reconnect with one another.

Even as I write this, days later, my heart catches in my mouth at the memories and I know that I'll read this title again.

2014 Reading Challenges

It's that time of year again and we're already a couple of weeks into some of the challenges. I thought I'd take a moment to talk about a few of my favourite annual reading challenges, and a new one that I stumbled across today.

50 Book Pledge Challenge hosted by HarperCollinsCanada

The first I want to talk about is the 50 Book Pledge from the folks over at HarperCollinsCanada. This one is always a favourite for me because many of the staff over there join in on the challenge and share their progress. I love checking out/drooling over their bookshelves to see what they are reading (including upcoming new releases). If you want to learn more, just click on the logo on the left and it'll take you to where you can sign up too. I'm also thrilled to see a TBR shelf where you can add your planned reads.

You can find my shelf here. 

Challenge hosted by Goodreads

Next is the ever popular Goodreads challenge. I really thought I'd do better last year but this year I've gone for the same number as on my 50BookPledge which is 100 books. I'm hoping to actually pass that and at the time of posting this I'm already at 8 books so it bodes well for the year. Again, with this one you can check the progress of other people from the main challenge page which you can access by clicking on the logo to the left.

You can find my shelf here.

Challenge hosted by Retreat by Random House

Next up is the Reading Bingo from Retreat by Random House. I really enjoy this one as it challenges me to read a far more diverse range of books through the year. One of the fun aspects of this challenge is that if you read a book that meets the requirements of multiple squares you can reach Bingo all that much faster.  Care to join in? Clicking the logo to the left or right will take you over to get your very own game cards to print out for you, family, and friends!

I'll add the link to my post with full sized image and my progress later this week so do check back!

Challenge hosted by Retreat by Random House

Double the fun with Retreat by Random House, as they've added a Young Adult version of the Reading Bingo challenge. I love YA reads so I'll be taking part in this one too. It's also a fun way to get your tween and teens to read more in 2014. If you want to take part, just click the logo on the left and get printing!

I'll add the link to my post with full sized image and my progress later this week so do check back!

Challenge hosted by Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf

Now for the new one. I stumbled across this challenge while browsing earlier. Each year I tell myself that I want to read more of my spiritual titles and each year it hits November or December and I realize I've rarely read any. This year I'm taking part in Melissa's challenge and I'm looking forward to it. There are 4 levels that can be reached in this challenge. Initiate 1-5 Witchy Books, Maiden 6-10 Witchy Books, Mother 11-15 Witchy Books and Crone: 16-20 Witchy Books. I'm aiming for Crone! Want to join in? Just click the image to the left.

When I have my progress post up and running, I'll add a link so do check back!

Challenge hosted by Shannon at Giraffe Days

Another challenge I stumbled across that really piqued my interest, is Shannon's Around the World in 12 Books 2014.  I enjoy reading about different countries, customs & cultures so this one really shouldn't be that tough for me to complete. There are 4 goals which make this a fun challenge for all readers, regardless of how much, or how little they read in a year. Me? I'm jumping in at Level 4 - Seasoned Traveller. If you'd like to enjoy a literary trip around the world too, just click on the image to the left and sign-up.

As with other challenges, when I have my progress post up and running, I'll add a link so do check back!

The Seasoned Traveller doesn't do anything by half-measures: they go the whole hog and the more obscure the better!

• Read 12 books over the course of the year, each set in a DIFFERENT country.
• Books selected should include ones set in Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia+New Zealand, North America and South America. The Middle East is a bonus.
• You do not need to plan ahead but it might help you keep on track
• No re-reads
• Any genre is okay (including non-fiction) but books MUST be set in a specific country or region with a noticeable attention to the location or environment; some book genres won’t be much use for this challenge

As with other challenges, when I have my progress post up and running, I'll add a link so do check back!

Platform 21 by T.R. Patrick (Book 1 in the Beyond the Veil Series)

Published using CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Platform 21 is one of those books that I simultaneously love, and dread, A dread that comes from not knowing what to put in a synopsis without giving much away, which I'm told I am usually fairly adept at. When a book is this complex though, it can be difficult and so I'm going to avoid reinventing the wheel. To that end, I opted (a rarity for me) to simply share the media release synopsis and follow that with my own personal thoughts and opinions, as well as the book tour information and a contest!

Luke’s life is about to take a dangerous turn. But first he has to die. 

In the year 2052, high school sophomore Luke Gibson considers himself an average teenager in a world on the brink of monumental change. Joining his parents and sister, Laura, at the first World Energy Initiative Conference, he is among thousands gathered in a Denver arena to celebrate free renewable energy when a massive earthquake strikes killing everyone in the stadium. The last thing Luke sees before his death is a girl reaching out to him—a stranger whose face he remembers from his dreams. 

The end, however, is not the end. Suddenly, inexplicably, Luke is back home in Ohio and everything is different. His sister is gone, the victim in an unsolved homicide years before. Angela, his mysterious dream girl, is here also, and the only person besides Luke who recalls the previous reality. And now their determination to uncover the truth about Laura’s murder and their transformed world is making them targets—forced to flee for their lives from a nameless shadow organization and a government seeking vengeance for an unthinkable act of terror—as they stand on the threshold of a dark conspiracy that threatens all humankind. 

Where do I begin? In Platform 21, the author T.R. Patrick holds nothing back. From the very beginning I couldn't help but feel enthused at the scene set before me and I'll admit, I enjoyed the idyllic picture playing out. It takes no time for that serenity to be ripped away and at that point, dear reader, it is really obvious that the literary journey you are about to make, is nothing less than a fast-paced and alternatively mind-spinning and mind-blowing experience that you just cannot put down.

I have to admit that one of the least pleasant things about reading so much, and I'm sure any avid reader will agree, it's hard to stop the mind making leaps and trying to predict where the story is taking us. This is one of those wonderful books that simply doesn't allow that to happen. I was too caught up in the plot, in the character developments (complicated by the alternate realities), and yes, even reeling as the thrills and mysteries unfolded.

Some of you will remember that when I was fairly new to blogging about my love of books, I fell in love with a novel by Vincent M. Wales that is titled One Nation Under God. The huge appeal of that for me, is that the book could just as easily be real as it is fiction. Not today precisely but in the very near future and Platform 21 held a lot of that same appeal for me. Corruption in the governments, the distracting whispers speaking of the Illuminati and conspiracies that resonate with me, a person who avidly avoids the news, so I can only imagine how much it's going to strike home with readers who are more 'in-touch' with the world as a whole.

For me personally, the biggest appeal of this novel was easily the character development. In many books it's easy to differentiate between the good, and the evil, but not so much in Platform 21. It's as messy, confusing, and at times soul-shattering as the real world, except of course you can close the book for a while (unless you're me!) and maybe even pull a Joey and place it in the freezer for a while...

I guess what it essentially comes down to is whether I would recommend this book or not, and my answer is a resounding yes! I personally can't wait for book 2 in this Beyond the Veil series and I'm fairly sure that once you read it, you'll agree. It's a hard book to place in a genre since it seems riddled with science, fantasy, thrills, horror, current events, and it even has a sprinkling of zombies though I'll be quick to tell you that they don't play a huge part. In book 1 at least.

Now all I can do is wait patiently for the sequel.

In the meantime, check out the book tour link below and see what my fellow bloggers and bookworms had to say about this title, links to check out the author, and if you're feeling lucky, there are still some hours left to get in your entries for the Giveaway!

Find T.R. Patrick on:

Website: http://authortrpatrick.com/
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads

If you'd like to see what other bookworms think of this title, please check out the blog tour information at Worldwind Virtual Book Tours (who I'd like to thank for having me along for the ride!) by clicking the image below.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

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The Intangibles by Monte Dutton

Published by Neverland Publishing Company.

I really had no idea what to expect when opening The Intangibles and starting my journey with the characters enclosed. Set in 1968, it's a period of time rife with conflict after the recent death of President John  F. Kennedy, and the beginnings of integration of black and white citizens of the United States. The book primarily focuses on the town of Fairmont in South Carolina and the climbing tensions surrounding the closure of Mossy Springs High School and the introduction of the black students to the formerly all white Fairmont High.

While there are some citizens who are meeting the challenge with a great deal of compassion and consideration, there are also those who feel that the deep south shouldn't be enabling such change, and they make it known, whether through the appearances of the Klu Klux Klan, or more covertly through positions of authority. Though it seems like a heavy read at first glance, it was far from it. Sure, it deals with some of the issues of the time, many of which are still prevalent in the current decade. Drugs, underage drinking, and a great deal of social development as these young adults try to find their way in life, but it could be written about any school in almost any era and as such, it enables the reader to connect on multiple levels and really empathize with each and every character, however despicable they may be.

I noticed from the beginning that football was going to be the major star in this book, even over the racial battles that ensue. The thing that surprised me most about that, is that I have no interest in sport at all yet the book kept my attention regardless and I found myself saddened on turning the last page. I'm not sure I'd recognized just how much I had bonded with the characters until that moment.Another thing I liked about this book a great deal too, is that there is no main character in the book but rather a strong and varied cast that are given an equal amount of the limelight in which to succeed or fail. They'll definitely steal a bit of your heart and as some of the characters are developed through the novel, you'll find yourself shifting a lot with regard to your favourites.  Strong language, and sexual content is sprinkled throughout the book but in such a way that it only serves to increase the authentic feel of the novel. It's set in a turbulent time, and deals with the most senior young adults in a school during their time of experimentation and Monte Dutton shares the story with skill, and an unapologetic style that I couldn't help but respect.

The main appeal for me? The racial integration certainly brought a great deal to mind. I wasn't born until 1974 and so I have no knowledge about that era at all. It's not something that was ever brought up much. Certainly not in my family, and in school in the UK we were always focused on other periods of history like the Elizabethans or Tudors. I forget often that the society we see today, with interracial marriage and kids, wasn't always so visible. Of course, there are still battles, and a great deal of racism but I'd like to believe it's becoming more of an exception than a rule (yes, I'm an Optimist). I guess where I am going with this, is that the book doesn't share a story that ends when you turn the last page. It's a book that alters your life, or at least your perception of it. Those are my favourite kind.

I'll also add that I truly appreciated and enjoy the various dynamics between the characters, but most especially the complexity in relationships between fathers (or father figures) and adolescent sons. It's a richly rewarding read and I know I'll be revisiting this title at some point, and I may have to check out other titles by Monte Dutton too.

If you'd like to see what other bookworms think of this title, please check out the blog tour information at Worldwind Virtual Book Tours (who I'd like to thank for having me along for the ride!) by clicking the image below. I know I'm going to be looking to see what others liked best!

Hidden by Catherine McKenzie

Published by HarperCollinsCanada

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” 
― Thomas Campbell

I love books, and what I truly love about the whole reading experience is when a book grabs hold of you and refuses to let go until the last page. This, for me, is one of those books. They say when people are dealing with difficult situations, it speaks volumes about character, and in the prologue we are introduced to Jeff Manning who is facing one of the most difficult days of his life. I couldn't help but react with admiration and empathy and by the end of the prologue, I was already reeling from the possibility of never being able to know this man more.

When Jeff Manning's life is cut short, so unexpectedly, it really takes a toll on his family and friends, and none so much as his wife Claire, and their son Seth. As the days continue though, it's pretty clear to Claire that the presence of Tish - one of Jeff's co-workers - is something more than it seems. If you had suspicions, wouldn't you want to know?  Trying to hold things together, for Seth, and for herself is difficult, and with the constant questions in her mind, along with the resurfacing of Jeff's estranged brother Tim.. it's almost more than she can bear.

The book is narrated by multiple characters, which is something I almost always enjoy. Claire of course is one of them, Tish the co-worker is another, and the character I loved hearing from most was Jeff himself. Although it's bittersweet knowing he's already dead and that can never be undone, it's still a joy to be able to know more of him, through his own eyes.

I found this to be a warmly written, highly emotional read that really delivers. I've liked many of Catherine McKenzie's books but I think this has to be my favourite so far. I love her writing style and it's not many who can create a high level of suspense within such a few short pages, and fuel that suspense throughout the entire novel without it breaking. My heart was in my mouth so often and it's definitely, for me at least, one of those books that even as you read, you catch your mind racing in every direction trying to piece together the information and answer questions that you can't shake.

I couldn't put this book down, both times. It went everywhere with me (yes, I was even that crazy person sitting outside the store in the minivan, in -10c temperatures, reading away because I couldn't bear to put the book down long enough to join my husband in the store).  The author skillfully draws out the story as well as leading the reader on an emotional roller-coaster which brought tears more than a few times. It's a highly charged, intelligent read that brings so much to mind regarding grief, and unresolved issues, but also with regard to ethics. I've tried to share as much as I can without sharing much of the book itself as I firmly believe that you'll find it much more rewarding to be able to read the book yourself. I'd like to think you'll enjoy it as much as I do.  For me, Hidden is now a favourite that will be re-read often. While it's been days since I last read it, Claire, Tish, and Jeff, are very much still on my mind.  I love characters that haunt.

I reviewed this title as part of a Holiday Blog Tour, for which you'll find the info below. Thank you to everyone who organized it, for having me along for the ride! Do take time to go and see what my fellow tour bloggers had to say and I'm sure many will agree, that this is a title that would make a great gift that will not disappoint. Also, when you get this title and read it, do drop me a comment and let me know what you think of it too! I love hearing from fellow bookworms,

Author's website - http://catherinemckenzie.com/

Bork Reveals the Real Deal about the Facts of Life (For Boys Only!) by Terri Shearer Trenchard

A fun read that guides the reader through the many hurdles and pitfalls that boys (pre-adolescent and adolescent alike) find themselves experiencing when puberty hits, and does so in an empowering, engaging and highly informative way.

How much do you remember about puberty, or the way you were educated about it? For some it involved sex-education classes in school, for others it can be an informative - and sometimes awkward - talk with a parent. For many it's learning from our own experiences and those of our friends. For myself it was being handed an NHS (National Health Service - UK) booklet that was only around 20 pages thick, yet I gave up reading 2-3 pages into it due to extreme boredom and anyone who has ever met me knows I am, and have always been, a voracious reader.

I wasn't sure what I would think about this title when I signed up for the virtual book tour (details at the end of this review). So far the only book I'd really liked for teaching the young about these subjects was It's So Amazing!:  A Book about Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, and Families by Robie H. Harris and illustrated by Michael Emberley. I had to admit though that this book held a great deal of appeal from the beginning. A small format that can be carried around and for those who feel self-conscious reading a book on this subject, it's far more discreet.

When I read through this, I took a liking to it immediately. The author writes candidly, simply, and in such a manner that it's easy to forget you're reading a book and it feels much more like a one-on-one chat with a friend. Sprinkled through the pages are also colourful illustrations by Tracy Councill which I personally love as it makes it appealing to even the most resistant young readers.

Additionally we have Real Deal Action Challenges that encourage the reader to get more hands-on but always in a way that promotes safety. I think one of the things I found most appealing is that it's not meant to replace learning from parents or other trusted adults. While it's highly informative, the author frequently creates opportunities for the reader to approach trusted adults with any thoughts, questions, or concerns and in doing so, provides an opportunity for bonding.

I'm also greatly liking that this book touches on the subjects of peer pressure, and most importantly also encourages the reader to understand that although they will often feel like they are on a roller-coaster ride due to the raging hormones, they should still focus on how they interact with others, and in essence, practice a little self-restraint. One example states: You can FEEL moody, but try not to ACT moody. Short yet memorable.

While it is geared for young readers who are approaching or currently dealing with puberty, I'd highly recommend it to parents, teachers, pediatricians anyone who interacts with children. I'm still astounded that this book packs so much into so few pages.

It's definitely a winning book for me.

Author's website: http://factsoflifebooks.com/

Check out what other participants in this book tour thought, by visiting them at their links below, and of course, thank you to the wonderful people at Firefly for arranging this tour and having me along for the ride!

Tour Dates:

 Monday, July 22: Mother Daughter Book Reviews
 Tuesday, July 23: My Book Addiction and More
Wednesday, July 24: Book Reviews by Tima
Thursday, July 25: Storywraps
Friday, July 26: CoupleDumb
Saturday, July 27: The Literary Word (You're Here)
Sunday, July 28: My So-Called Sensory Life

Q & A with Jake Eagle, author of ReRight Your Life: An Introduction to Reology

I've been reading an interesting book this week from author Jake Eagle. I'll be sharing my thoughts on the book itself later today but as part of the virtual book tour, I also had the opportunity to ask Jake a few questions about the book, and Reology in general and I wanted to share those here with you. At the end of the interview I'll also be sharing details of a special offer for The Literary Word readers!

Now, on to the interview...

Why was it important to share some of your own personal life experiences in the book, ReRight Your Life?

One of the themes at the heart of Reology is being willing to openly reveal who we are. Reology makes this easier than some other models because if you step into the world of Reology you stop blaming or worrying about being blamed. This encourages people to be more open. I felt that since I was writing a book about being open and personally revealing, it was important for me to model what I was saying. This is why I shared several very personal life experiences.

How can people begin to apply Reology concepts to their lives?

This is really the point of my book—to help people get started applying Reology to their lives. Without reading the book I think it's hard to get started, but I would suggest three basic things. First, when you speak with other people, try to make it clear that you are only talking about your perspective. You are not telling other people about them or about the way the world is, you are only telling them the way things make sense to you. But, without knowing how to use ReSpeak, which is what my books is about, this is a challenging thing to do.

Second, if you're experiencing tension in your relationship with your partner, try talking only about what's happening right now, in this moment. There is so much energy wasted talking about who did what when, and disagreeing about what really happened. Just focus on NOW. What do you need NOW? What do you want to say NOW? How do you feel NOW? If people focus on what happening NOW, they are much more able to bring about change.

Third, when two people disagree it's just about impossible to have a conversation so I encourage just one person to speak about their concerns and feelings. And I always suggest the person who is the most upset should be the one to speak first. But the unique part of my suggestion is that I don't think the other person should have their say until several hours later, or even the next day. Just allow one person to be heard. Only when they feel heard and their concerns have been given some consideration, only then do we shift our focus to the other person.  

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Yes, the more responsibility you take for your life, the more freedom you will have. This may seem counter-intuitive, and I know people already feel like they have a lot of responsibility and they don't necessarily want more. But the ways I describe in my book that we can take responsibility for ourselves will make our lives easier, not more difficult.

Thank you Jake for taking the time to answer these questions, and for providing a special offer for the readers of The Literary Word.

Special Offer for readers of The Literary Word: 

If you'd like to check out a copy of ReRight Your Life: An Introduction to Reology by Jake Eagle, you can get a 50% discount on Reology.org if you enter the code LW50. 

Children of the Jacaranda Tree by Sahar Delijani

Published by Atria Books an imprint of Simon & Schuster and Simon & Schuster Canada

Neda, Omid, and Sheida are the Children of the Jacaranda Tree. Iran's Evin Prison is where Neda spends her first few months of life with her mother and other women who share in the caring of her before she is whisked away to who knows where. Two parents are taken from their home, leaving their six year old child Omid behind, alone amidst the chaos and disorder that is left behind after their home is searched. Family secrets and tragedies are often left unmentioned due to the devastation a death can bring and especially when the deceased was murdered.

Set in post-revolutionary Iran, Children of the Jacaranda Tree paints a devastating, heartbreaking, yet hopeful picture of how three generations - beginning with the generation above - can overcome their tragic pasts, and try to heal.

This novel is a breathtaking debut that is based on the experiences of the author Sahar Delijani and her family. I have a fondness for books that are based upon real-life events but I was already in love with the story, having read it completely before learning that fact. The author is already one of my favourites.

I loved that the book grabbed me from the very first page, and held my attention throughout the experience. I couldn't put this book down and while I did get this as an ARC (Advance Reader's Copy) I'll be getting a finished copy as I know this title is one I will reread many times. For me a huge part of the appeal is that the author paints a picture of these events that is candid and uncensored. It was difficult to read at times as the characters had gained a place in my heart within just a few pages and I couldn't help but empathize.

If I had to pinpoint one thing I loved the most about this book, it would be that I have nothing but admiration for the people who have experienced (and who still do in many cases) such a turbulent and devastating period in history and yet take the time to also help others. Those types of characters are what made this a wonderfully inspirational novel that, in spite of the terrible acts committed by some, still manages to restore a reader's faith in humanity.

It also gave me an urge to learn more about the Middle East.  It's certainly one of my favourite reads of 2013 and I dearly hope that Sahar Delijani writes more. She captures the unexpected beauty in such a dark time with absolute perfection.

Author's website: http://www.sahardelijani.com/en/

Reading it as a book club choice? Check out this great reading group guide.

To Sing Frogs: A Memoir by John M. Simmons

Published by White Knight Printing & Publishing, LLC

In 2003, John M. Simmons and his wife Amy felt that they were ready to add to their family that already consisted of four boys (3 biological, 1 adopted). The couple really wanted to add a girl and so tentatively they looked into adoption again. With countless hurdles in place that I won't go into here, the family were left with little choice but to seek alternative arrangements, and top of that list was the option of international adoption.

The reader is treated to a no holds barred view of what happens when a family open their hearts and home to bring an endless supply of hope, love, and faith to children in Russian orphanages. This is no fairy-tale that promises a happy ending. It's an honest, down to earth, account that fully engages the reader.

I had no idea what to expect with this book. I knew it was a (true) tale of international adoption but not being familiar with the first book The Marvelous Journey Home I walked into this without expectation. I'm almost hesitant to share my first thoughts because I worry that people may read just those, and then decide to give this book a miss. That would be extremely unfortunate. At the beginning of the book we are introduced to John and Amy as they meet with a social worker to discuss the option of adopting. I was very nearly turned off this book as I read John's description of a social worker and found it to be harsh, unforgiving, and judgmental. His thoughts that were shared came across as arrogant at best, bitter also came to mind.

Anyone who knows me, knows that it will take a lot for me to walk away from reading a book. I'm one of those who has an unceasingly optimistic view on books. Even just two pages away from the end I have faith that something, anything, will salvage this reading experience. Some may consider it obstinate and I wouldn't argue against that either. Still, it didn't take long for me to realize that what I originally took to be a bitter and caustic personality was actually a highly passionate father who felt a great deal of frustration towards a system that seemed determined to keep loving families from offering better (and permanent) lives to orphaned and/or challenged children.

While dealing with the international adoption, this book does take place mostly in Russia, with a brief jaunt in Spain. I greatly enjoyed the view into other cultures and for those who know me, and know of my love for languages, I truly adored the sprinkling of Russian and Spanish throughout the pages. One of the many things I took away from this book is the desire to learn Russian simply because I love the way words like Papashka roll off the tongue.

What I loved even more than that though, is the research done by Amy Simmons prior to the adoption. The care and attention to the orphans needs, right down to preparing 'soft books' that detailed their new family, the family pet, the upcoming journey home and so on. All included in both the English and Russian languages. I'd say to those who are considering international adoption, you could find countless fantastic ideas to smooth the transition for all involved.

To Sing Frogs is an addictive, sometimes challenging, but ultimately rewarding read that I would recommend to anyone. It's an experience that will lift your soul even as you feel your heart being ripped from your chest and tears flowing freely. The passion within these pages ignites something deep inside the reader that I have experienced with no other book. Howard Thurman once said “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - a quote that could have been written with John and Amy Simmons in mind. The world needs more of such people.

You can learn more about the author at: http://johnmsimmons.com/

I'm also happy to let you know that proceeds of To Sing Frogs will benefit the charity Ele Lembra which you can learn more about at http://www.elelembra.com

Heart of a Tiger: Growing Up with My Grandfather, Ty Cobb by Herschel Cobb

Published by ECW Press

Herschel Cobb grew up in a household rife with violence and chaos. His father, also named Herschel, was a cruel and sadistic man who seemed to truly enjoy breaking the spirit of young Herschel and his two siblings Susan and Kit. Life with one abusive parent is hard enough but when it came to family, the Cobb children really drew the short straw. It's tough to read about a father who doesn't hesitate to use his child as a moving target for him to test his BB gun upon, but it's nothing less than heartbreaking when you read that his mother stood by and watched, proving without doubt that she was far from being the maternal type. Instead we see an alcoholic with adulterous tendencies that frequently enraged Herschel senior and led to the children being placed once more in a brutally harmful situation. At times she even states without hesitation that she doesn't love her children, and never wanted them in the first place. The only light in this truly dark and devastating life is Ty Cobb, their grandfather, though he is dealing with his own demons and a troubled past that threatens to resurface.

I'm going to start by saying that this is not a memoir that will only appeal to fans of sports, and in particular Major League Baseball. In fact, when it comes to baseball I am absolutely clueless. It was only after reading this book that I did a Google search for Ty Cobb and found out that he was known as the Georgia Peach and was widely credited with setting 90 Major League Baseball records in his career, and keeping many of the records for half a century. Some are still held by him even now in 2013. Did I know any of this before? No, and I still didn't know much about his baseball career when I got to the end of this memoir. While baseball facts are sprinkled throughout the book (especially towards the end) the focus of this book remains on a more personal level, as provided by his family. I haven't read other books on Ty Cobb but definitely want to after reading this.

The first half of the book deals primarily with the life that Herschel Jr (the author) experiences as a child, and it is tough to read in places. Personally I struggled more with the behaviours of their mother as it became obvious that she was truly indifferent when it came to the welfare of her children. When Herschel Sr passes away, Herschel Jr is just eight years old and I hoped with all my heart as I was reading that this boy would finally have some peace and a more positive life. In a sense he did but it's not from his mother. Rather it's in the form of summers spent with their paternal grandmother, and grandfather.

Thus begins the rest of the book in which the focus is more on the relationship between the three siblings and the Grandfather, including time spent in Lake Tahoe at the family cabin. It's here that we are permitted glimpses into a side of Ty Cobb that few were privy to and these glimpses led me to develop a deep respect for this man and his determination to offer his grandchildren the stability, love, and guidance that had been missing from their lives. One can't help but feel an almost palpable sense of peace as the family moves from a fractured state to forming close bonds. I also have to add here that as Ty Cobb leads by example and shows  his grandchildren the importance of community, responsibility, and charity it was incredibly inspirational and I know the messages will stick with me always.

I could rave about this book for hours and I feel I would still never do it justice. It's a book that hooks the reader from the very beginning and in spite of the sometimes difficult content, keeps you hanging on until the very end. In fact, I loved it so much that it was my top choice to talk about on the Brody & Samantha show over at QX104fm. Missed it? That's okay, you can still hear it by clicking on their image and downloading the April 11th podcast.

It's books like this one that really make the following quote ring true. 

PS. If you'd like to check out an excerpt you can do so at http://www.ecwpress.com/tiger. Also, the book states that if you buy the hard copy, you get the eBook free by e-mailing ECW Press with a few details! Perfect for the booklover who enjoys reading a physical copy but would also like the portability of going digital.

Money Savvy Kids: The Best Ways to Teach Your Children about Money for a Strong Financial Future by Gordon Pape and Deborah Kerbel

Published by Portfolio an imprint of Penguin Group Canada

How much did you learn about finance while growing up? It's hardly surprising that this is the most indebted generation in Canadian History and that the pattern is set to continue as it has over many generations before us. What to do? A great starting point is to read Money Savvy Kids which was written by Gordon Pape and his daughter Deborah Kerbel. Inside the approximately 220 pages of this book you will find a wealth of information that is shared in a way that makes it easy to comprehend whether you are a financial wiz or absolutely clueless, but do keep in mind that Money Savvy Kids: The Best Ways to Teach Your Children about Money for a Strong Financial Future (as the full title states), is primarily geared towards suggesting  methods to engage your children in this subject, and at which ages the various techniques should be applied. 

The back states: Money Savvy Kids features timely information on:

• how to teach the "value" of money
• whether allowances are a good idea and, if so, how much?
• saving, spending, and sharing
• teaching your kids to shop smart
• coping with children-directed advertising
• games that teach money skills
• great websites and apps - some reviewed by the kids themselves
• money-smart books for young readers
• finding that first job
• saving for college

As a woman in my late thirties, with children who are all adults now, I wouldn't fit into the targeted audience for this title. The blurb states that this is a must-read for all parents with children between the ages of five and seventeen and while I do agree that it will be most useful to that portion of society, I have to say that I highly recommend it regardless of age. 

Early in the book we are treated to one of the many little personal experiences that are sprinkled through the pages of this highly informative and entertaining book. In one particular tale, Deborah ventures into a store with her daughter and warns the child ahead of time that this shopping trip will be for one purpose only, a gift for a family member. What happens in that store next was somewhat shocking and prompted a discussion with my hubby on the questionable actions that took place. Further stories in the book made it clear that while this is geared towards money management,  it also guides us into how to use those lessons and skills to encourage selflessness, compassion, and a strong set of morals, values, and ethics. That is what really gave this a 5/5 score for me and caused me to look at this book as a must-read for everyone.  

The layout of the book is wonderfully practical in that many of the chapters are geared towards a set age range and include info and activities for that age. So many of the ideas are ones that wouldn't have occurred to me and they are brilliant. What I love about the suggestions and hints, is that the authors share not just the ideas that worked well for them, but other ideas that totally flopped. Many of those shared experiences result in outbreaks of laughter. I loved too that the authors share their own views on how to deal with allowances, setting a level of tasks that is appropriate for each age, and additionally why connecting allowances and tasks/chores is problematic.

Like when I read The Stop, this book ended up with a myriad of post-it tabs throughout. Some for the parental pearls of wisdom, some for resources that can be found online (and look fantastic, I might add!), and an impossible number of them for further reading material. I need more hours in my day.  I will also add that I now have a better understanding of hyperinflation and that if you're like me, you'll be using Google to learn more about that too by the end of the book.

If all books on finance were this much fun, I'd read so many more of them. 

Author website for Gordon Pape: http://www.buildingwealth.ca
Author website for Deborah Kerbel: http://www.deborahkerbel.com

Sub Rosa by Amber Dawn

Published by Arsenal Pulp Press

I'd like you to indulge me for a moment, as I whisper of a place filled with ghosts, magicians, missing girls, and visitors seeking a special something that can only be found in this secret society/community of magical prostitutes that reside in the place known as Sub Rosa.

Here we find Little, a teenage runaway who doesn't recall her real name. Her life only involves her offering herself sexually to those who would offer her shelter of some kind. That is until she meets Arsen, a stranger who offers her kindness without seeking anything in return. A few short days is all it takes for Little to realize that she feels love, real love, for this man of whom she knows next-to-nothing. She really didn't expect to make love with the man, only to wake the next day and find a woman standing there, talking to her, giving her a choice between a new future, or returning to the couch-surfing and breakfasts of beer that are familiar to her.

Her choice is made. Or almost. First she must brave 'the Dark' and earn her dowry. Terrified and struggling to earn the cash she needs in order to go home, she finds that the Dark holds much to be scared of, including a 'fairy godmother' of sorts who I personally visualize as looking something similar to Samara Morgan from the movie The Ring. You know, the creepy girl who crawls through the TV. 

Only by surviving 'The Dark' will she be permitted to enter Sub Rosa and reunite with her new family, and a community that is like no other. 

I found this title quite by accident. I had been browsing a publisher catalogue for the current book season and a book caught my eye. That book is How Poetry Saved My Life by Amber Dawn which wasn't available to review at the time so I opted to check out Sub Rosa in the meantime. I'm so happy that I did. If Sub Rosa is anything to go by, I can't wait to check out the newer title.

The reader is plunged, almost instantly, into a world seen through the eyes of a teenage runaway, a world so vivid that I caught myself reacting strongly to the content as I read it. It's a book that really defies description so please bear with me as I struggle to find the words. It's a book in which the lines between beauty so haunting and an ugliness that is harsh and brutal are blurred and/or non-existent.  

At times it's easy to forget that Sub Rosa is filled with pimps, prostitutes, and johns, and rather think of it as a vulnerable community that fears much that exists outside of their self-imposed invisible borders. It's impossible to not be drawn in by the entire story that is much like a roller-coaster ride that never ends. It does at least slow down occasionally to give the reader a chance to pause and catch their breath, only to have it whisked away again mere moments later.

There are some books that feed the mind, others soothe the soul or warm the heart. Sub Rosa is unlike any other book I have read, in that it was a purely visceral experience. This book doesn't gently ease you into an alternate reality. It pulls you under, kicking and screaming, unable to breathe but bringing on such a rush of adrenaline that you really don't care, then once it has taken everything from you, it leaves you with a feeling of being utterly and totally spent. The only thing I knew to be true by the end? That I wanted more.

Author's website: http://www.amberdawnwrites.com/

Stony RIver by Tricia Dower

Published by Penguin Group Canada

It was a day like many others. Linda and Tereza had hung out by the river, trying to find some comfort on such a hot and sticky afternoon. While walking home they witness the arrival of a police car at a local house. They're both caught by surprise when they see a girl approximately their own age, along with a baby, leaving the home. As far as anyone in Stony River knew, James Haggerty - or Crazy Haggerty as he was known by many - had lived alone. Of course, not many people ventured close enough to find out. I know that in my own neighbourhood growing up, there was a house that we all stayed away from and I think that is a universally shared experience.

So begins the story of Stony River in an era that many view as safer and filled with innocence. As we follow the lives of the residents we are shown that even then, in the fifties, families were dysfunctional and for young girls coming of age, these were dangerous times.

This book really captivates the reader from the very start and one could be forgiven for thinking that Stony River is going to be a light and breezy read, especially when connecting the first few pages with the enticingly idyllic cover. It isn't long though before the writing creates a different, darker picture and I found myself filled with a lot more questions than I had answers. That’s always a risk in a book as it’s a fine line between holding the reader’s attention and ultimately losing the reader due to frustration at the seemingly unending mystery. Tricia Dower pulls it off wonderfully though and I personally enjoyed it as even when I put the book down to tend to life; my mind was still active, trying to predict where the story was headed, without success I might add.

That is always a sign of great storytelling as the author skilfully weaves a story that totally engages the reader. Ultimately when all was brought to light, I found myself stunned. Not so much at the twists (though they were great too!) but because the book had clues sprinkled throughout that I really ought to have been able to put together but hadn’t. That, to me, is another sign that the book was brilliantly crafted.

One aspect I especially loved is the inclusion of alternative belief systems. In this case a pagan-based religion of Irish origin. I personally found myself fascinated by the natural, herbal healing mixtures and the creation of a garden that would hold a great deal of the ingredients needed. I also found myself enthralled by the religious conflict one of the characters experienced.

I would be remiss if I failed to mention the abusive behaviours that sometimes arise within the pages, most specifically the subject of violence towards girls/women that is touched upon briefly throughout.  For those of you who, like me, have experienced it first hand, it may cause brief discomfort or even mild triggering. In my own case it was strictly brief discomfort. The author tackled these subjects wonderfully and I highly recommend it. It’s easily one of my favourite reads this year so far.

Author's website: http://www.triciadower.com
Author's blog: http://tricia-dower.blogspot.ca/

The Stop: How the Fight for Good Food Transformed a Community and Inspired a Movement by Nick Saul & Andrea Curtis

Published by Random of House Canada Limited

When we think of food banks, often the images and thoughts that come to mind are negative in nature and the Stop food bank was really no different. When Nick Saul came on board in 1998, The Stop was a little urban food bank. Like other food banks the food they could hand out depended on what stores and companies were willing to provide. Often these companies donate mislabelled items, items close to their date of expiration, or 'fresh' foods that were often wilted, slimy and just generally not items that people would choose to eat. Heck, even the description of some of these items was enough to trigger waves of nausea. It's little wonder in these circumstances that those people using the food bank would find the experience to be humiliating and would only use it out of sheer desperation. Staff and volunteers were often as discouraged and depressed as those seeking help. Things needed to change but where to start?

Simple but challenging policy changes were put into place. Staff and volunteers had previously been trusted to use their own judgement on what a family needed and that worked just fine for the most part. With the new rules in place that left no room for personal judgement or exceptions, it's understandable that in the early days there was a great deal of friction, frustration, and in some cases even hostility. Over time though things started to run more smoothly and many new ideas were introduced with a result that is nothing less than phenomenal.

As the books states inside the cover (I could never put it as well as this):

The Stop has undergone a radical reinvention. Participation has overcome embarrassment, and the isolation of poverty has been replaced with a vibrant community that uses food to build hope and skills, and to reach out to those who need a meal, a hand, and a voice. What was once a simple food bank is now a thriving, internationally respected Community Food Centre with gardens, kitchens, a greenhouse, farmers' markets and a mission to revolutionize our food system.  

It began as a food bank.
It turned into a movement. 

Two simple statements that immediately captured my attention when opening the book and glancing at the blurb inside the cover. On reading the rest of the blurb, I was filled with a sense of excitement and couldn't help but dive into the pages. Just a couple of chapters in and I was hooked and I knew with absolute certainty that I would not be able to put this book down. I also knew that I needed a trip to Staples because I had run out of my little post-it flags that I use to mark the various parts of the book that I want to refer back to.  In truth, I ran out some time ago but nothing really inspired me to need more, until now.

I have to tell you, I'm glad I picked up more than one packet because this book is majorly flag-worthy. (I can't use highlighters. Just the thought of marking a book makes me cringe.)

The Stop is a highly addictive and wonderfully informative read. I haven't ever given much thought to food banks though we have donated at times. What I love about this book though, is that while it is essentially about the transformation of an urban food bank, it's also so much more. The author delves into food related issues not just here in Canada, but globally. Information regarding farming in rural India for example, was shocking to me, while information regarding Brazil and the programs they have in place was highly inspirational. In fact, I'd love to see similar governmental mandates in place here. The whole book is just filled with 'wow' and 'a-ha!' moments that really force you to stop and think. There are two that leap out at me still as I write this. One in which Saul shares his realization that:

The most serious barrier to real change is the philosophical divide between those people who see food as a pure commodity, something simply to be bought and sold, and those like The Stop and many others who view food as imbued with cultural, social, health and environmental significance.

 When reading The Stop, the quote above totally captures one of the ways that this book changed my life. I just saw food as something to purchase for the most part. Food was just something to prepare, even from scratch I didn't really think past going to the supermarket and buying the ingredients. That has completely changed and while some of my food related habits may stay the same right now out of necessity, long-term I really see a different reality for my husband and myself, including growing some of our own foods.

Another important issue that is touched upon, is the impact of food on our health. Yet another 'a-ha' moment is when it is stated:

Shouldn't we be taking into consideration the cost to our health care system and the impact on the environment of industrial processed food? I think that big food companies are privatizing profit and socializing cost -- reaping the monetary rewards of cheap, processed, fuel-intensive food and passing the cost of the health and environmental fallout on to the public purse.

That was the quote that really stopped me in my tracks. Yes I've always known that processed foods are a huge factor in certain health issues such as diabetes for instance, or any health issue at all that is complicated by obesity. That was the quote that caused me to really start asking myself some tough questions like how much longer was I prepared to keep lining the pockets of these large companies while impacting my health in a negative way?

The book has a wonderful balance. While a great deal of the content focuses on what is wrong with the system, along with the possible solutions, there is also a wealth of inspirational content including a certain paragraph that describes The Stop having their first-ever-storyteller-in-residence. I love that he's not only sharing stories, but collecting the stories that are told to him, including Yoruba folktales from Africa, and stories from El Salvador, the Philippines, China, Jamaica, Mexico, Canada, Pakistan, and more. (Hint to the folks at The Stop, and the Publisher - I'd *love* to read a collection of the stories. Hearing about Zunde raMambo really whet my appetite!)

As lengthy as this review is, it doesn't even begin to cover the experience of reading The Stop. It's a title that will remain on my bookcase for many years to come, and will be referenced often. There was only one thing that I disliked about this book and that's the number of titles I now have to add to 'Mount To-Be-Read' because they were mentioned in this book and piqued my interest. (If you check the image above again, of the post-it flags, the pink flags are all the book titles I want to read, including 'Good Food for All - a cookbook of recipes from The Stop's kitchens).

You can find out more about The Stop at http://www.thestop.org and don't forget to check out the following bloggers that are also participating in the blog tour this week:

March 25 - Lost in a Great Book
March 26 - You're here.
March 27 - Pickle Me This
March 28 - That Tall Girl Loves Books
March 29 - Serendipitous Reader

The Stop Blog Tour

I'm going to be taking part in the Blog Tour for The Stop: How the Fight for Good Food Transformed a Community and Inspired a Movement by Nick Saul and Andrea Curtis. I'm really excited about this title and I am looking forward to posting my thoughts tomorrow. Meanwhile, check out a wonderful Q&A post over at Lost In a Great Book where the tour launched today!

The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow Blog Tour - The fun continues...

Welcome back! As part of The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow blog tour, the wonderful folks over at HarperCollinsCanada provided a choice of extra ways to participate in the tour, in addition to the traditional book reviews. Yesterday tour followers were treated to a wonderful Q & A with the author and if you haven't checked it out, be sure to do that soon by visiting The Savvy Reader blog and following the links which will be updated daily as each post is published.  Earlier today I shared my thoughts on this book that in my belief is sure to become a bestseller. 

With that taken care of, that leads me to my second post and the subject of my top 5 picks for literature set in the 1950s.  I'm sure I don't have to explain in detail how difficult it is for any bibliophile to recommend a limited number of books - in fact I'm fairly confident that even as you were reading the previous comment, you were doing a great impression of a bobblehead. Even without that limit, there is a second issue that comes to mind. The lists. You've seen them. No matter whether it's on a blog, a social network, or dedicated book sites, you will find the lists that often repeat the same tried and tested favourites. I have no issue with that, but I also don't want to be repetitive.

On that note, I decided not to do that. Instead, I opted to do a little research on books that are set in the 1950s that in most cases, have been released in the last year or so (in no particular order). 

• Driving the Birds (Jabonkah Sackey's Story) by Russell Traughber.
  
  An important book that I believe should be read by everyone. It's a book that opens the readers eyes to the often barbaric practices that are still occurring to this day. I'm always hesitant when speaking about this because I am well aware that in every culture we do things that don't always seem right to those from another country, or culture but in this case, I don't believe these practices have a place in the world today. It's my hope that authors such as Russell Traughber and the courageous Jabonkah Sackey continue spreading the word, and that we continue to support their goal. You can find my review of this book here.


• The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow by Rita Leganski.

If you haven't already, you can read my review to discover why this book is such a favourite of mine. It was actually fairly easy to forget that this novel was partly set in the 50s until certain scenes provided a stark reminder of the racial issues prevalent in that era. A fabulous novel published by Harper Collins Canada

• Stony River by Tricia Dower.

This book is set in Stony River, New Jersey, 1955. Stony River is a small town, you've seen many like it with children playing out in the open, without fear but in one summer, with one girl dead and another missing, all that is set to change. The back of the novel describes Stony River as 'An engrossing novel about growing up, finding your voice and forgiving your family'.You can read my review here. I'm grateful for the recommendation from the crew over at Penguin Canada for this one. 

• A Grain of Wheat by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o.

This book is set during the state of emergency in Kenya's struggle for independence (1952-1959). It's the first book I have read by this Kenyan author though he has quite the number of published works. I'm still working my through this gripping novel which is part of the Penguin Classics line of titles. I'll be posting a review of it in the near future.

• The Jeeptown Sock Hop by John Harrigan.

Often I get requests from independent publicists and authors themselves who are seeking reviewers for their newly released books. That is how The Jeeptown Sock Hop found it's way to me. As a survivor, I was interested from the start as I know the novel deals with the subject of sexual abuse towards children and I try to promote as many books on this, and other issues via my blog.The back of the book promises that 'it plays your heart strings until you can't take anymore and the characters are so well developed they become part of your soul'. It looks to be a powerful read. Once again, the review will be posted in a week or so.

This blog tour, in addition to providing me with an excellent book, a new favourite author, and the challenge regarding books set in the 50s, has really encouraged me to pay attention to the era represented in many of my current and past reads. I could be found at times checking out the titles in the study, seeking out firm favourites and then muttering very impolite words under my breath when I found those titles didn't fit in with this decade and thus prevented me from raving about them. I'm sure I'll find an excuse to do that sometime soon though.

If you'd like to take part in the giveaway and win your very own copy of The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow just drop me an e-mail with the the answer to the following question. The first correct answer gets the book. You must reside in Canada or the US to enter (You'll find the answer here)

Which colourful and evocative city is The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow set in?

Thank you for sharing your time with me today, and once again a huge thank you to Harper Collins Canada for inviting me to participate in this fun blog tour. I'll be following the remaining bloggers through to the conclusion of the tour on March 1, and I encourage each of you to do the same. Once again you can find the information over at The Savvy Reader blog.

The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow by Rita Leganski

Welcome! Today is the second day of The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow blog tour which I have been excited about from the first moment I was sent an invitation to participate. I have to give my thanks to the wonderful folks over at HarperCollinsCanada for introducing me to a book that was such a pleasure to read. The tour started off wonderfully yesterday with Jaclyn of Literary Treats. You can learn more about the stops on this tour by visiting The Savvy Reader blog which will be updated daily with quotes from every blogger and links to each post. I invite you to join me in following this tour through to its conclusion on Friday. I'm sure it's going to be a fun and entertaining experience. I am especially excited about the secondary posts that will be made, though I know that it will undoubtedly mean adding more books to my 'to read' list.  

I'm going to be making two posts today. The first is where I will share my thoughts about the book and the second, more challenging post, will be my top 5 picks of books set in the 1950s. I'm simply terrible when it comes to trying to select a few favourites but I'll try my best and you can see the results at around 1pm EST.

Now for the moment I've been both eagerly anticipating and dreading, my review.. 

Published by HarperCollinsCanada

The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow has lingered with me since I first read it a few weeks ago. Any mother will tell you that when her baby entered the world, the most beautiful sound in the world is their first cry as they announce their arrival to the human race. However, there is always an exception to every rule and Bonaventure Arrow is exactly that. All around him are bewildered by his lack of a voice and that isn't the only thing that they don't understand. Bonaventure has a secret, a few of them in fact.

He has an amazing gift in the form of superhuman hearing. In his world he can hear flowers growing, and even colours have a unique sound that only he can experience. It's the everyday objects such as written letters, pencils and more that really drive home just how special he is. A jar of sand holds the sounds of water, rocks and seaweed from where it used to live, a stub of chalk offered up the sounds of tiny creatures building seashells out of lime. These items and others were soon collected in a box along with many more of Bonaventure's favourite sounds. At least those he can keep. It's impossible to capture the clouds and the joyful noise of possibility that they provided. The only person who really understands his unique qualities is his deceased father, William Arrow, who was murdered before the birth of his son. Often it is only the relationship with his father that allows Bonaventure to remain so kind, gentle, and confident in a house where his mother and grandmother are not only grieving the loss of their beloved William, but are also fighting their personal demons, weighed down with guilt.

This is one of those books that you just know is going to be on numerous bestseller lists. The plot is brilliant and unique, truly unforgettable. The writing style is extraordinary and a joy to read. I know my regular followers are probably aware that sometimes a book will become a favourite for me, just because it has such eloquent and beautiful language that inspires the reader to read certain passages aloud. This book has that effect on me but on a far greater level than I've experienced before.

In addition, the characters are complex, and fascinating. I felt I had bonded with the characters from remarkably early in the novel and usually for me that happens towards the end of a novel when I've absorbed a great deal of detail. It speaks volumes about the writing skills of Rita Leganski that the detail was blended beautifully into this well-crafted tale.

I'd find it difficult to choose a favourite character in this novel. I find myself enthralled by Bonaventure and his inexplicable, almost magical gift as well as his inspirational nature that embodies all that is good in humanity. I also find myself fascinated by Trinidad Prefontaine and her experiences in an era that was still rife with racial inequality, as well as the superstition and fear that surrounds Hoodoo (African-American folk magic). I have to admit that I felt a great deal of emotion for each and every character in this book and not always in a good way. A prime example is the maternal grandmother who inspired only dark and negative feelings in me that mostly stemmed from her awful treatment of Bonaventure. It's certainly an emotionally charged read and though I've read it twice already, I know that I'll be revisiting this book often.

I said at the start of this review, that I had eagerly anticipated and dreaded this review and that still holds true. I always read my reviews a few times before finally publishing them. In some cases that is helpful and then in cases like this, it's really more of a hindrance.

I could write this review a dozen times over, and it would never come close to capturing the magic and beauty of this exceptionally flawless debut novel. It has created a yearning in me, for silence and solitude in the hope that even if just for a second we could experience the world through Bonaventure's eyes. Anyone who has ever met me will tell you that the idea of me, and silence, is a miracle in itself. In finishing, all I can say is you need this book.

Don't forget to pop back here later today and check out my top 5 post, as well as details of a book giveaway for one lucky reader!

The Poisoned Pawn by Peggy Blair

Published by Penguin Group Canada

Some of you will already be familiar with Cuban Inspector Ricardo Ramirez from his debut appearance in The Beggar's Opera. If you missed that title, don't worry as one lucky reader will win a copy of The Poisoned Pawn as well as a copy of The Beggar's Opera so you can read them both! 

Inspector Ramirez has quite the challenge in this novel. When a priest is found in possession of pornography featuring Cuban children, Ramirez is sent to Canada in order to bring the priest back home where he'll face the consequences of his actions. To further complicate issues while he is in Ottawa trying to navigate the legal and political minefield that will allow him to take custody of the priest, women back home in Havana have begun to drop dead from what is believed to be some form of toxin. When it's further revealed that two of the victims were tourists, Ramirez needs to act fast before a travel advisory is issued, and Cuban tourism grinds to a halt. 

It's not often that I find myself drawn to books of the murder mystery type but when I was asked if I would like to participate in The Poisoned Pawn blog tour, I knew I couldn't or shouldn't say no. I was highly curious to see if the second instalment of this series lived up to my expectations and I was definitely not disappointed. Once again Peggy Blair provides a strong cast of characters, along with a brilliantly executed plot that certainly lacked the transparency that can occur with some mystery and thriller novels. I can't comment on the detail and/or accuracy of the Cuban setting, having never been there, but Ottawa was captured perfectly. I always get a little more enjoyment out of a book when it speaks of places that are familiar to me. One of the strongest impressions this book has left with me, is that the writing has a wonderfully fluid style that makes it impossible to avoid being caught up in this fast-paced adventure. So much so that I picked up the novel this afternoon knowing I could get an hour or so of reading time and then found myself at the end of the book, realizing it had been close to 5 hours and the light is fading fast.  

It's all of these things combined that makes The Poisoned Pawn a novel that you should check out. Even if, like me, murder mysteries are not something that usually appeal, you might just be surprised. If you'd like to see more reviews of this title, you can check out the links below and find out what the other blog tour participants think of this title too.

• Feb 25 - The Literary Word (You are here!)
• Feb 26 - Curled Up with a Good Book and a Cup of Tea
• Feb 28 - Just a Lil Lost
• Mar 04 - A Bookworm's World
• Mar 05 - Serendipitous Readings
• Mar 06 - Literary Treats
• Mar 07 - Thrifty Momma's Brainfood

If you'd like to try and win a copy of each of the Inspector Ramirez titles, it's your lucky day thanks to the wonderful folks over at Penguin Canada.

All you have to do is check out Peggy's website (listed below) and then let me know via e-mail what is so special about the martini shaker that is featured there. This contest is open to Canadians only.

Author's website: http://www.peggyblair.com/.

Driving the Birds by Russell Traughber

Published by Shadwell Publishing

I knew I had to review this book from the very first moment it came to my attention. Those of you familiar with my blog will know by now that I often post reviews that deal with some of the darker subjects in life and Driving the Birds is no exception. Its cover states that it is the story of Jabonkah Sackey – A bush girl’s escape from her heartless father, ritual mutilation, and mission slavery. The back of the book describes it as an uplifting true story of one woman’s courageous journey from a small village in Liberia to the freedom that America offers and speaks of Jabonkahs charm, determination and unique world view. I couldn't wait to meet her.

It didn't take long at all to fall in love with this sweet young girl, and simultaneously grow to despise her father.  As she shares experiences it’s impossible not to feel her pain though admittedly I know that this book touched me a little deeper due to triggering some of my own abuse memories so I have to state that this book can be somewhat triggering. I also frequently found myself enraged and/or frustrated as well as utterly amazed that this girl could be subject to this much pain and trauma yet still have such determination and faith.  It cannot have been easy for Jabonkah to share this story and I am eternally thankful that she used the same courage and determination that kept her alive, to speak out in order to bring more awareness to the issues shared within the pages.

There is much about her story that left me feeling stunned to the point where I had to remind myself to breathe. It’s enough that she had to deal with witnessing the frequent and brutal beatings of her mother, and at times face equally brutal beatings herself but when an act leads to her being sent away to ‘the Society’ which she knows very little about, she faces an experience that I could not have predicted in my wildest imagination.  I could only read on, horrified to the point of being overcome by the fear she must have felt, and learn about the female genital mutilation that so many girls are exposed to. I hadn’t been aware that this occurs but I will certainly be trying to bring awareness to it as well as to the issue of mission slavery.

Truth be told, I don’t know which I was more disturbed by; the violence and attempted destruction of anything positive in this beautiful young soul by her father and ultimately his abandonment of her or the treatment of her at the hands of a missionary by the name of Mother Stevens. Time and again I hoped that things were to improve for Jabonkah, only to find her facing further and often far more tragic situations. When I reached the end of the book I felt a mixture of things. Conflict that originates from trying to stay open minded about other cultures and their differences but that in this case was overshadowed by my desire to protect this young girl in a way that I wish someone had done. In addition I experienced a sense of being well and truly emotionally and mentally spent after reading such an incredibly challenging life story. Mostly, I was left with a sense of hope (with some trepidation) that Jabonkah would finally find someone who could shower her with the love she deserved, and who would cherish her for the truly inspirational soul that she is.

My only negative to this book, is that I would have liked to have learned a little more about her life in America. A reassurance I guess that she was finally safe. I know that the existence of this book so many years on means that clearly something good happened but I’d love to hear more.

This book is so many things including brilliant, enlightening, challenging, heartbreaking, and yes, as stated on the back of the book, uplifting. What it is above all that, is a book that only exists due to the sheer determination and courage of a survivor. It’s a book that gives us hope that if enough awareness is raised, maybe changes can be made and fewer lives can be damaged.

I encourage you to read this book and to learn more about the global issues that we don’t always hear about. It’s only when enough people become determined to make things change, that the change can occur.  As I’ve stated often, it’s a challenging read, but it’s ultimately rewarding and I wanted to ensure this review was prepared for today which is not just Valentine’s Day, but also a hugely important day for women around the world as it is the day where they are uniting to bring awareness to the One Billion Rising campaign which aims to end violence towards women.

You can learn more about FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) at http://safeworldcommunity.net/group/fgm

S.E.C.R.E.T by L. Marie Adeline

Published by Doubleday Canada, a division of Random of House Canada Limited

Waiting tables can be fun and interesting work.  So many people pass through the restaurant and each have their own quirks and stories. Cassie Robichaud especially likes to speculate as to what their stories are. One particular couple have piqued the interest of the restaurant staff for some time. They always have an intimacy that shuts out the rest of the world. The woman has a flawless appearance, oozes femininity and confidence. The man focused on his partner, attentive to her every need.

Following one of their visits to the restaurant, a small notebook is discovered and the explicit contents lead Cassie to an underground society known as S.E.C.R.E.T. Their motto is simple: No Judgments.  No Limits. No Shame. There she discovers a very unique ten step program that promises to change her life forever.  Once a quiet young widow, with a one bedroom apartment in the ‘spinster hotel’ and a cat for company, Cassie now finds herself the recipient of a once-in-a-lifetime gift.  All she needs do is share her fantasies and be open to having those dreams fulfilled.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. Partially I had secretly hoped that it would be another kink novel, but much better than the 50 Shades series.  While I learned very quickly that S.E.C.R.E.T is not a kink themed book, I also learned that I love the message behind this deliciously steamy erotic tale.

I think a Random House statement put it best when they defined S.E.C.R.E.T as:

“a society that recruits women to help them realize their sexual fantasies and liberate their sexual selves”.

One of the things I personally loved about this book is the reality. This isn't another of those books where the plot is transparent and fantasies play out perfectly. Sure, there are gorgeous looking men who I certainly wouldn't kick out of bed, but there are also the mishaps, injuries, and hilarity that comes hand-in-hand with sexual creativity. My favourite involves a kitchen (I literally laughed out loud) and that’s all I am saying about that.  It’s a smart, sexy and fun read.

A few things about S.E.C.R.E.T that I'm excited about:

• It’s Canadian! L.Marie Adeline is a pseudonym for a bestselling Canadian Author.
• It’s the first book in a series. (I am eagerly awaiting the next book!)
• It's one of the most empowering erotic novels I have read.

I am also nervous about this book, in that so many people are already trying to label this as the Canadian Fifty Shades of Grey and that honestly does an injustice to this book. S.E.C.R.E.T blows 50 Shades out of the water.

You can learn more about the author, and read excerpts at http://www.secretnovels.com