The Class Project: How To Kill A Mother - The True Story of Canada's Infamous Bathtub Girls by Bob Mitchell

Published by Key Porter Books

Two teenage sisters return from dinner with friends to a shocking image of their mother dead, face-down in a bathtub of water. Frantic, they call 911 and the operator keeps them on the line, trying to calm their hysterics until the emergency services arrive. Friends and family are shocked and stunned by the news and rally around to help the girls - along with their younger brother - recover from this tragedy.

Little do authorities know that the death of Linda Andersen is not accidental, but was in fact planned by the two sisters aided by various close friends. Only a year later when Sandra (the oldest daughter) tells her dark secret to the wrong person, does their perfect murderous plot see the light of day. How is it possible that 15 and 16 year old girls almost get away with such a terrible crime?

In The Class Project, Bob Mitchell shares all the answers. With the cooperation of the homicide investigators, crown prosecutors, and the girls' own defense team, the author tells all in this inside look into the sensational trial that would rank among the most notorious in Canadian judicial history.

I was totally taken aback by this book. I admit that I am not fond of watching or reading about the news and so I knew nothing about this event. In my mind though, I have never associated homicide with youths, much less young girls. Not unless they were victims. To read about teen girls who plotted to kill their mother for months was disturbing but more disturbing still was the fact that they shared this info with a number of friends. Friends who didn't try to talk them out of it, who didn't go to the authorities or a parent and express concern. Friends who instead, chose to collaberate with the sisters on the best methods to use and safest ways not to get caught. Hence the title, The Class Project.

The author shares all the information in an interesting and factual manner that easily keeps the readers attention. Indeed, I began reading this book when I couldn't sleep last night and while I did eventually put it down (around 2am), I didn't hesitate to pick it back up when I woke at 7. I couldn't help but be drawn in even as I found myself in constant turmoil. I couldn't (and still can't) decide wether to feel sympathy for the girls and their environment or feel horror at the cold-hearted manner in which they planned and then carried out the murder of their own mother.

It's not an easy read at times but is always rivetting all the same. I have read a few true crime books and this is definitely among my favourite. The author has taken interviews, court documents etc and has woven them brilliantly together to form a gripping yet chilling read. It certainly opened my eyes.

An informative and fascinating read.

Consequences by Penelope Lively

Published by Key Porter Books

Consequences follows the lives of three generations of women in the same family. First there is Lorna, a young lady who finds herself on a park bench one day, distraught from yet another argument with her mother. A chance encounter with a local artist named Matt brings her hope, a hope that is shattered when war begins and Matt is killed in action. She is left to try and pick up the remnants of her life and raise their young daughter alone.

Then we move forward twenty years and follow the life of the daughter Molly. The reader observes Molly as she struggles to find herself. Her first job leads her unexpectedly into the arms of an older man, a man who adores her and wants to marry her, especially now that she is carrying their child but Molly is not in love with him.

It is their child, Ruth, who seems to have the most stable life as an adult. Settled down with her husband Peter and their two precious children, she seems to have it all but Ruth finds herself with a lot of questions. Questions she can only answer by rediscovering the past. Will there ever be a woman in this family who can find true - and lasting - happiness?

A friend told me I had to read this book and I am so thankful I did. It's a book that grabbed my attention from the first couple of sentences and kept me reading - often with my breath held - for the duration. I found the characters to be well written and the story as a whole was wonderfully executed. The shifts back and forth in time add something special to this novel and I especially like that we get to see how women of the same age and similar circumstances face very different challenges in each era.

I loved the reminders of England. The references to the Zannusi fridge, fish and chips, the narrow lanes that only one vehicle can pass through, and lots of British terminology. For that reason alone I was very fond of this book.

It's a wonderfully addictive tale.

Author's website: http://penelopelively.net/

Bay of Fundy: A Natural Portrait by Scott Leslie

Published by Key Porter Books

Scott Leslie brings us a stunningly wonderful book on the Bay of Fundy. In this book he provides over a hundred vivid and amazing photographs of birds, mammals, landscapes, and underwater life. Accompanying the images, the author has provided a great deal of text in which he shares his own personal exploration of the area.

I adored this book. All too often, I forget to enjoy nature as much as I should, and this book was a brilliant reminder of the amazing sights that are just waiting out there for us in the great outdoors. I couldn't put the book down as I followed Scott's journey and lost myself in his descriptions. His sense of awe and his enthusiasm are contagious. I loved learning about the things I wouldn't usually pay attention to, like the sea anemones, nudibranchs, fan worms, sea peaches, lampshells and more.

I loved learning about jellyfish and sea ravens. Both of these creatures are caught in images that are breathtaking and awe inspiring. Scott Leslie seems to capture each photograph perfectly in a way that fills it full of life, and I am definitely left with a longing to go and visit this amazing place for myself. I love that this book also contains a message about our responsibility to preserve the nature around us and helps the reader to take a closer look, beyond the obvious, to the many life forms that we often miss.

This is one of my favourite books, and one I will be returning to often.

Author's website: http://scottleslie.com/ (Amazing galleries included on the site, including some of the creatures I mention here in the review).

Sundancer by Shelley Peterson, Illustrations by Marybeth Drake

Published by Key Porter Books

Shelley Peterson brings us another brilliant Young Adult book, Sundancer. Sundancer is a beautiful chestnut horse, who thanks to the quick-thinking actions of a local vet, is saved from being euthanized and is sent instead to Saddle Creek Farm. The farm is the home to thirteen-year-old Alberta (Bird for short) and her Aunt Hannah.

Hannah is at her wits end when it comes to Sundancer. He seems troubled, unreachable and dangerous. She makes it known that he is not to be ridden, especially after Bird's attempt which led to nothing but a concussion. Bird isn't going to be put off that easily though and besides, she has a gift for dealing with animals. People around her find her strange since she doesn't talk. Well, not to people at least. She can hear the thoughts of animals and send thoughts back to them and within the pages of this novel, we are treated to a glimpse of many beautiful relationships between Bird and the animals in her life.

In the middle of dealing with Sundancer, just when things can't seem to get any crazier, Bird's mother decides to pay a visit. Bird has many mixed emotions and understandably so, as she is still feeling the sting of being left with her aunt almost two years ago. She doesn't want to meet her mother's new boyfriend who is coming along for the ride, but she is excited that she will see her sister Julia again!

When they finally arrive, Bird can hardly believe it. Her mother steps out of the car all dressed in pink (including pink ankle socks!) and her sister is dressed to look like a miniature carbon copy. What follows is a wonderful mix of laughter, tears (I cried like a baby), excitement, adventure, disappointment and more, as the author delivers a story that is unforgettable. Will Bird ever feel able to speak again? Will Sundancer ever settle down and trust anyone? Will Bird's mother ever stop dressing like Barbie? It's a book that regardless of age, the reader is going to fall in love with.

Iced: Crystal Meth: The Biography of North America's Deadliest New Plague by Jerry Langton

Published by Key Porter Books

Iced is one of those books which disturbs and yet you won't want to put it down. Meth is a drug that is mentioned increasingly in the media these days. Some reports show that the production and use of meth is a fast growing problem which needs to be dealt with, while others report with equal certainty that there is no need for alarm. The often conflicting articles bring little more than confusion and misinformation.

Jerry Langton brings light to the subject in a very clear and concise way. It's obvious he has done his research, on both the more recent events, and the history of this destructive substance. In addition he interviews numerous experts among which are Users, Sellers, Cooks, Doctors, Politicians, Police and also families of the users.

The content of this book is often disturbing and certainly raised more than a few raw emotions in me. Much of it anger. When we hear about drugs, we often focus on the effects they have on the users and maybe even on family members. Crimes rates are often another point of consideration. Iced gives us much more food for thought when it comes to meth.

The dangers of explosions in meth labs for instance, often leaving the cook with very serious burns which can require treatment costing hundreds of thousands of dollars which when the cook has little or no health insurance, leaves the hospitals or burn centers to absorb the financial loss. This can lead to the closure of such burn centers, making it difficult for the rest of the communities to find appropriate care. The same meth labs create 6lbs of toxic waste for each pound of meth created, which is far from good on the environment or people living in the area. I was less than thrilled when I read about these things.

What greatly bothered me though, is the information on what effects meth has on a person. I had known nothing about this drug but on reading, and learning that it is more dangerous than cocaine and heroine and more widely used also, I do know that people need to become more educated about it. This is a drug that causes major and permanent damage to the user. The author defines it as:

It's almost unbelievable how meth affects the brain. It's a drug that forces our
brains to reward us with otherwise unattainable pleasure. Then it denies us
pleasure from any other source. As if that wasn't bad enough, it also makes us
forget that our actions have consequences and it constantly reminds us of how
great it is. Then it damages our brain to the point where nothing, not even more
meth, can ever make us feel good again. Meth is one of those strange things that
if it showed up in fiction, it'd be dismissed as too perfect to be real.

There is so much that could, and should be done about this. There are voices out there who are trying to be heard. Voices such as Richard Rawson of the not-for-profit Matrix Institute for Addictions which has success in helping patients overcome methamphetamine dependance. Voices such as Dr Mary Holley - founder of Mothers Against Meth. Projects such as IMPACT who use Bait Cars to catch car theives, many of which are meth addicts. To bring this project to the public eye, there is a website featuring some of the video footage taken from the cars. I am sure there are countless more voices too, all we need do is listen.

If you think this subject doesn't concern you. Think about a couple, newly married, who are mentioned in this book. They had saved for their dream home and were concerned when neighbours mentioned that the previous owner had many late night visitors. The home was tested and was found to have toxic levels 70 percent higher than were safe. A result of being a meth lab in earlier times. They had to move out after only a few months there, a few months which though brief, still led to many health problems.

I found this book to be a greatly informative, and eye-opening read.

Bait Car website: http://www.baitcar.com/

Matrix Institute for Addictions website: http://www.matrixinstitute.org/

Mothers Against Meth website: http://www.mamasite.net/

The Royal Woods by Matt Duggan

Published by Key Porter Books

Hold on to your hats as this book wastes no time in sweeping the reader into a fast paced, imaginative tale filled with many memorable, and at times odd, characters.

The reader is introduced to Sydney and her brother Turk as they decide to take a trip. This isn't just any trip. Sydney who is twelve years old, and her nine year brother feel a little troubled in life after a tragic event. They think back to happier times, in a farm with Uncle Frank and Aunt Lily, and they desperately want to feel that safety and warmth again.

They hop a freight train heading West which probably wasn't a great idea when they look back on it. Some of their next choices are far more wild though. On discovering that the farm is gone, along with their aunt and uncle, they don't know what to do. They vowed to each other to not go back home but what can they do when all they are left with is a new subdivision: The Royal Woods. They don't know anyone and don't even know where to begin looking for Uncle Frank and Aunt Lily. That doesn't stop the feisty and determined Sydney. On their adventure they meet a crazy old man who has a home made from junk, a gas bar attendant who pops up again in so many different places that he seems to work everywhere in town and the local bullies who become instant enemies.

This book is a fantastic and magical read. The characters are so vivid and real. The situations are oftentimes funny but equally as often contain a lesson or two on safety, tolerance, honesty, trust and more. Yet another Young Adult book that older adults are going to like too. A book that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you read, never knowing what will happen next. I just loved it.

So Long, Jackie Robinson by Nancy L. M. Russell

Published by Key Porter Books

In So Long, Jackie Robinson we are introduced to Matthew Parker. A twelve year old boy who finds himself far from his friends, and baseball team in Pembroke, Ontario, living instead in Montreal, Quebec with his mother and new stepfather Alain, who frankly, Matthew really doesn't like that much at all.

Matthew feels very lost and alone. His love of baseball makes it difficult to make friends as everyone else seems passionate about hockey. One day though, as he wanders around, he hears a familiar sound and traces it. What he finds is Delorimier Downs, the home ground of the Montreal Royals, who just signed Jackie Robinson, the first African-American player to play in the majors.

From there, the story follows Matthew as he lands a job selling refreshments in the stands, thanks to Tyrone, an old baseball player who seems to have a mysterious connection to Jackie Robinson that Matthew has not been able to figure out. He isn't the only one, neither has the reporter, Dewey, who tries to uncover the story to make a name for himself.

Matthew begins to make new friends both at work, and with his neighbours, finally finding his feet and when an opportunity arises, he has a tough choice to make.

This book has so much going for it. History, drama, humour, friendship, and love. The vast range of emotions will leave the reader as it did me, holding their breath, chuckling, sharing moments of sadness and excitement alike. It's a book that a reader can't help but enjoy.

I think my favourite aspect was the sprinkling of french, throughout. It added a nice touch. I definitely loved the history too though and it has inspired me to learn more about that period in time and this great player, Jackie Robinson.

A great read for Young Adults that older adults will greatly enjoy too!

Author's website: http://www.isn.net/~rmaclean/

Holding My Breath by Sidura Ludwig

Published by Key Porter Books

Beth is the only child of Goldie and Saul Levy. At a time when Beth's grandmother is needing to be taken care of, Beth and her parents move into the house which is also shared with two aunts, Carrie and Sarah. What follows is a story of a Jewish family who are dealing with many secrets, tragedies and the usual conflict that occurs between loved ones.

Goldie is very traditional and has long held the dream of living in a large house with four children and being very successful in the community. Sarah is wild and rebellious, choosing to do her own thing, regardless of the consequences and then there is Carrie, quiet, thoughtful and often saddened by the loss of their brother Phil who died during the second world war.

Beth often seems to be walking a tightrope in life as she is alternatively pushed into adulthood and yet still kept sheltered and innocent. She comes across as a really complex character who knows what she wants in life almost from the start but is often unable to reach for it. I loved witnessing her development.

This book is just wonderful, I couldn't put it down. The author writes with a style that pours emotion from the pages to drown the reader. While the content is often saddening, there are many moments that will make your heart spin and churn with excitement, suspense, regret, and at times you will moved to laughter and tears.

I would love to see more about Beth in the future but regardless of whether that happens or not, I know this is definitely not the last we have seen of Sidura Ludwig.

One of my favourite novels of this year.

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

Homeland by Paul William Roberts

Published by Key Porter Books

The year is 2050 and life as we know it no longer exists. The media is tightly controlled, the identity of the President and the Administration are withheld as a security measure and war is rampant everywhere. People are led like sheep and in the newer generations the concepts of thought, freedom and consent simply don't exist.

David Leverett is 100 years old this year. He has been a government advisor for the longest time and he has watched the changes in the system between former President Carter and current President Bush. What he has learned along the way will shock the reader as much as it shocks David himself.

We first meet David as a young boy and we get to follow along as he finds his way in life. His life changes when he receives an invitation to join a secret society while in University. An invitation that will bring him many great opportunities in life along with a lot of pain and disappointment. What follows from there is a gripping tale of corruption, lies, plots and so much more that will leave you reeling and will certainly make sure you look at things a great deal differently.

The book has it's occassional dry moments, for me at least, but they are rare and I still came away from this book having totally loved it. It made my Everyone Must Read list. I found I had to keep reminding myself that this was in fact a work of fiction. The author has a very skillful way of weaving fact and fiction together that leaves the reader constantly wondering which is which. Indeed, the first thing I did when I closed the book upon finishing it, was to dash to my laptop and check some of the info.

I think what had the most impact was that like One Nation Under God by Vincent M. Wales, this is a work of fiction that can very easily become reality if people don't wake up and start paying attention. Looking around the internet at times and knowing the vast number of conspiracy theories out there, it's even possible some of it did happen. I think that adds a little something to this brilliant and controversial novel.

I haven't read anything else by this author but I am aware he has written a great deal including bestseller A War Against Truth. I do hope to review more of his titles in this blog in the near future. Homeland is definitely a book that deserves a space on any bookcase.

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

Author's Blog: http://paulwmroberts.blogspot.com/

The Walking Boy by Lydia Kwa

Published by Key Porter Books

In The Walking Boy, Lydia Kwa brings the reader a fascinating and unique novel that is set in early 8th century China. The book begins with Baoshi, a young boy who after being cast aside by his own father, is taken in by a man who becomes his Master. Baoshi is asked by his Master to embark upon a personal pilgrimage and what follows is a wonderfully descriptive journey that teases all of the readers senses.

Much of the book is of course based around Baoshi which is expected since he is The Walking Boy after all, but a great deal also explores the court of the female Emperor Wu Zhao. While Wu Zhao plays a very small part in this book, much is still learned of the character through the reactions of all who surround her in this novel and personally I thought that was wonderful.

Those who have explored my previous reviews will have seen the one I wrote about "Empress by Shan Sa". While Empress was based primarily on Wu herself, this novel focusses intimately on others including Shangguan Wan'er (my favourite after Baoshi), a sculptor trying to rediscover the love for his craft, and of course fleetingly, the few characters who come together to try and remove Wu from the throne.

This book has so many things to love about it. I adored the attention to detail, the brilliantly woven tale, the colourful characters and the skill the author has for making each of them so real that you can't help but share their emotions and don't even get me started on the exquisite sprinklings of poetry throughout. This book has it all, love, lust, greed, pity, fear, sadness, happiness, mystery, it even has ghosts!

I loved this book and I think what I am most excited about is that Lydia Kwa will be working on a prequel and a sequel for this novel and I just can't wait. I know that if you read this book, you will feel the same.

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

Orphan Love by Nadia Bozak

Published by Key Porter Books

Nadia Bozak brings us a dark and brutal novel that assaults the senses. The story revolves around two brilliantly written characters named Bozak and Dave. While Dave is running away from his life, desperate to make a new start, it isn't that simple, not when his past seems to be lurking around every corner. Bozak is also on the run, from something that has filled her with anger and shame and leaves her craving revenge, something which the author entices us with, until the very end.

After their paths cross, the two embark on a journey together in a beat-up canoe. A journey which will test their endurance on many levels and which gives the reader a fresh look at the beautiful and challenging landscape of northern Ontario, and beyond. With just two main characters this book is able to focus on each of them more closely. The reader gets to discover just a little more each time as layers are peeled away. While both Dave and Bozak have deeply saddening stories, it is impossible to feel sorry for them as they both ooze strength and courage that fills the reader with admiration.

I loved so many things about this book. The detail, the well developed characters, and the raw constant emotion that just pours off the page. A very intense read that will keep you guessing right until the last pages. This isn't a book that I will forget anytime soon and I can't wait for Nadia Bozak's second novel.

Out of Character by Vanessa Craft

Release date May, 2007.

Published by Key Porter Books

Vanessa Craft brings us a wonderfully moving and funny debut novel that is a true joy to read. The main character Emma Gordon, is a journalist who spends much of her time reading books and avoiding the real world. At least that is the view of everyone around her. She is indeed a quiet person but when we learn about her history and the fact that people have a habit of leaving her life as quickly as they enter it, this is not surprising.

One day, while attending an office meeting to brainstorm for new story ideas, the idea is raised of doing an exposé on a gentlemen's club. Emma finds herself volunteering for the job and what follows is a brilliant mix of humour and soul searching as she explores her new life as an exotic dancer, an experience which the author brings to life perfectly.

I imagine Emma believes her worst night at this new job, would be the wonderful display she put on as she gracefully attempted to remove her clothing, only to stumble, fall, and eventually end up with her head in the lap of a client. Imagine her shock as one night, while dancing one of her best dances ever, she looks across the room and meets the eyes of her father. Just how do you handle such a situation?

The book is a wonderful tale of empowerment and independence. At times the character gives off an aura of invincibility which is simply infectious and I found myself connecting to this character right from the first pages. I also found myself not wanting to put the book down, even for a moment, as I was incredibly eager to learn more about her. I loved that additionally the book is about family, bonding and learning to deal with the past and that all of this is mixed in with the grit and humour to make this an unforgettable journey.

I noted in the back of the book, it states that the author is working on a second novel. I desperately hope it is a sequel. This book is a great read!

Author's website: http://www.vanessacraft.com/ (Includes a great book trailer for this title. Please do check it out).

Stuck in Downward Dog by Chantel Simmons

Release date May 24, 2007.

Published by Key Porter Books.

Mara Brennan is 28. This should be a good year for her, according to her mother that is. For Mara's mother and sister, 28 was a brilliant age, a year in which everything seemed to fall into place for them and surely it will work out that way for Mara too.

Within days, her boyfriend leaves her (taking almost everything), she feels a growing distance between herself and her long-time friends, and her sister - a regular Martha Stewart clone - decides to come and stay for a while to help cheer her up. Can things get any worse?

Mara feels surrounded by reminders of how incompetent she is. Her friends have their careers, while she is stuck in a mind-numbing receptionist job at a cosmetic surgery clinic. Even her parents are running a successful home business. Determined to get her life on track, she puts together a list of things she needs to achieve so that she can prove to everyone (and herself) that she is just as organised, confident, skilled and smart as anyone else. The results are often both hilarious and touching.

This is a tale of self-discovery and of friendship that will leave you wanting to both laugh and cry. It's also a wonderful reminder that everyone is human and things around us are rarely as they seem. This was a quick and easy read though admittedly it did take me a couple of pages to adjust to the writing style. A fun debut novel from Chantel Simmons. Hopefully there will be more to come.

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

As If by Accident by Julie Johnston

Published by Key Porter Books

As If by Accident is one of those books that is impossible to put down. Julie Johnston has a remarkable talent for being able to weave a story that will keep you guessing right until the end. This book is brimming with mystery and emotion as the author takes us on an unforgettable journey.

The story begins with the character of Val Hudson, an editor who finds her life changing suddenly after the death of her husband. A death which she believes would not have occurred if only she had made different choices. Following the tragic event, we watch as she learns that there is much she didn't know about her husband and his life.

We are also introduced to a writer, Gus, who has his own ghosts to deal with. A mother who I found it really hard to like, and a brother who is very different. Gus reads about Val's tragedy in the paper, her guilt and grief touch him and he decides to base a novel on the accident. These two characters are woven together in a way that will leave the reader in awe.

I had no expectations when beginning this book. It was a great read. Very gripping, a real page-turner and I was often caught between a mix of excitement and anticipation as I waited to see where the author would take this story next. I was never disappointed. The characters are well developed and the storyline is simply brilliant.

This is a fantastic first adult novel by this author and I would love to see another book with the characters as I reached the end of the book with a sense of sadness at having to say goodbye to them.

While this book is Julie Johnston's first adult novel, she has previously written six novels for young people. I may have to try those next. I love her writing style.

Lessons from Jacob: A Disabled Son Teaches His Mother About Courage, Hope and the Joy of Living Each Day to the Fullest by Ellen Schwartz

Published by Key Porter Books

This is a little book with a really big message. Ellen Schwartz talks about her disabled son Jacob who was born with Canavan disease and shares with us the impact it has had. While this book starts with devastating news, by the end it shows us that all things happen for a reason and that Jacob is one amazing boy with an unforgettable gift for everyone he meets.

I was blown away by this book. When Jacob's parents were told that most children suffering from this disease die at age 3 or 4, they had to come to terms with that. Jacob has other plans though and is still fighting strong many years later. A brilliant example of what can be achieved with spirit and determination. Jacob has touched many lives and will undoubtably reach so many more with this publication, as he did mine.

While many things touched my heart while reading this, I think one of the most truly great things was learning that this family, while struggling to deal with everything, formed Jacob's Ladder (The Canadian Foundation for the Control of Neurodegenrative Disease). Part of the proceeds from the sale of this book go to this special cause which you can learn about by visiting www.jacobsladder.ca

Reflections on Islam: Ideas, Opinions, Arguments by George Jonas

Published by Key Porter Books.

Reflections on Islam is one of the most thought-provoking books I have read. George Jonas brings us, as the title suggests, his ideas, opinions and arguments which, though dealing mostly with Islam, encompass a miriad of related hot topics.

Through a collection of essays which were written between 2001 and 2006, George Jonas encourages us to join us in his exploration of issues which are of great importance. The books deals with whether there is a difference between Islam and Islamism, whether we are in the midst of a clash of civilisations, the need to recognise the limit of military action - for example, should the military have simply invaded iraq, helped to overthrow the dictatorship and then left, rather than staying on and trying to help with nation-building, and much, much more.

A topic that was close to my heart in this book is the subject of multiculturalism and immigration and the issues that it can (and does) lead to.

These and countless other subjects make this a book which is not just food for thought, but an irresistable feast. It is a must-read for anyone grappling with the defining issues of our age and a should-read for everyone. Whatever your nationality and wherever you call home, this book will bring so much to your attention and will make you look at things in a totally new way.

I think the best thing for me, about this book, is that the author, though very forceful with his ideas and arguments at times, never pushes them onto us, the reader. Rather, he inspires us to think for ourselves.

Needless to say, but I will say it anyway. I loved this book!

Author's website: http://www.georgejonas.ca/

Winterton Blue by Trezza Azzopardi

Published by Key Porter Books

Trezza Azzopardi brings us two wonderfully written and complex main characters. Lewis and Anna are both trying to deal with fears and events which haunt them. For Lewis, trouble began when he was in the back of a stolen car which was driven by Carl, the bad-seed who had befriended Lewis's younger brother. Tragedy struck and from that moment Lewis has been fighting his inner demons and trying to put things right.

While Lewis is struggling with his past and present, Anna is having issues with her present and future. Her mother 'Rita' is driving her crazy. Rita herself is a larger than life 76 year old character who is very flirtatious and outspoken much to Anna's dismay. She runs a movie-themed guest house which only has one paying guest for the most part - a dramatic character known as Vernon Savoy (aka cabbage) who was once very famous and had a ventriloquist act with a stuttering dummy. Vernon is a thorn in Anna's side almost from the start and her biggest fear is that he may one day become her stepfather.

Lewis and Anna cross paths in the most unexpected of ways and find in each other a kindred spirit. What follows is a greatly moving mix of love, mystery and thrills which grabs the reader from the start and refuses to let go.

Azzopardi has a delightful way with words and divine descriptions. The characters are so vivid they practically leap off the page and the plot is a brilliant and emotional rollercoaster ride. I haven't read anything else by this author yet but I am sure that will change as I found a great deal to like about this book.

Child of the Holocaust by Jack Kuper

Published by Key Porter Books

There have been many memorable books concerning the holocaust but I don't think any have touched me in the way that Child of the Holocaust did. This book follows the true experiences of the author at 9 years old as he struggles to hide his identity, his faith and everything about his life, in order to survive. He is so resilient and has an amazing way of being filled with hope even when totally consumed by fear. What stays with me the most though, is the author's lack of self-pity through all of it.

I found this book impossible to put down and yet at times, the all too vivid images which the author describes were difficult to face. This book is so different from any other that I have read on this subject and I had problems trying to pinpoint why. Perhaps it is the point of view of a child that makes it more tragic and heart-wrenching. Perhaps it is his obvious innocence and the fact that he was often cast aside by those he sought protection from. Perhaps it is that at times, it seems the only person who had compassion and respect for life was the author himself.

This is a book that will not soon be forgotten. I can also say it is one of the few books I have ever read, that has made me want to turn back to the beginning and read it again right away. There is a sequel which is titled After the Smoke Cleared but looking around, it is really hard to find. I am hoping though that like Child of the Holocaust it will be printed again.

Note: Even if you read this many years ago you might want to read it again as this new edition states it has been substantially revised by the author.

For those who are film buffs there was also a televised play by Jack Kuper about his life. It was in 1960, shown by the CBC and was titled Sun in My Eyes. As we learn in the book, the title comes from a polish myth that Jews could not see the sun. Research shows that this is probably the first time the CBC addressed the subject of the holocaust directly.

A great read. Highly recommended.

Wiped! Life with a Pint-Size Dictator by Rebecca Eckler

Published by Key Porter Books

The author of 'Knocked Up: Confessions of a Hip Mother-to-be' brings us a hilarious account of the first two years of life with a child. Rebecca Eckler guides the reader through the joys and stresses of being a first time mom and does so with a perfect mix of wit and heartwarming moments which bring tears to the eyes.

The book covers the sleeping problems, teething troubles, weaning, terrible twos and so much more but what I loved most was the journey of discovery. Babies have a huge impact on our lives and the author's outlook constantly evolves through the pages.

I would seriously recommend buying this for any new mom or mom-to-be. It's like the 'everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask' book of the parenting world. I loved the layout. The book is divided into trimesters and written as journal entries. The end of each trimester includes a list of 'Mommy moments which people 'forgot' to mention'.

When I had my daughter, I remember being constantly concerned I was doing something wrong or thinking I was a bad mother if I accidentally bumped the baby somehow. (These things DO and WILL happen!) We never seem able to express these fears out loud but Rebecca Eckler does exactly that and brings us the message that we aren't alone.

This book will also leave you longing for more which in this case is just fine as Rebecca Eckler has a blog where you can continue the journey with her.

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

Journey to the Darkside: Supermom Goes Home by Kathy Buckworth

Published by Key Porter Books.

In this book, Kathy Buckworth examines the switch from Supermom (working mom) to stay-at-home mom in a refreshingly fun and bold way. The gossiping and backstabbing, the competitiveness, the volunteering and the PTA are just a few of the many scenarios she guides us through. Kathy Buckworth has an uncanny way of taking the situations that we deal with every day and bringing them to light with a style that will leave you nodding your head enthusiastically in agreement and feeling so relieved that someone out there feels the same way.

This book is laugh-out-loud funny. It is such a joy to see someone explore a subject which is nothing short of a minefield and do it with such honesty and humour. She also hands us a great deal of food for thought about how raising children has changed so much over the years. We see children being driven around to various appointments, children being helped with their homework and projects to an unhealthy level, children not venturing outdoors unaccompanied and of course the dreaded playdates. Whatever happened to children playing outdoors, heading over to their friends houses unannounced and then vanishing into the nearest field or play area to play as a group. An unsupervised group at that.

While this book will naturally appeal to any mom or mom-to-be, I think anyone would get a kick from reading it. I have to comment also on the excellent way the author presents some of the information in the book. Bulleted lists and tables make this book even more of a pleasure to read. I couldn't put it down and I am sure you will feel the same.

There are two previous Supermom books: The Secret Life of Supermom and Supermom: A Celebration of All You Do.

Author's website: www.kathybuckworth.com