Saltwater Sorrows by Rhonda Parrish (editor)
Publisher: Tyche Books
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense/Mystery/Thriller, LGBTQ, Paranormal, Romance, Historical, Action/Adventure, Contemporary
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe
Deep, mysterious, beautiful . . . dangerous . . .
Women and the sea have been tied together in myth and story from the beginning of time. Tales of women being drawn to the sea or being left on the shore, waiting for their men’s return, have been passed down through the ages.
But what mysteries lie beneath the sparkling placid waters? What power drives the wind and waves crashing against the shore? There is transformation and exaltation—magic—in the ocean and women alike. And both know that while the sea gives, the sea also takes.
Sink into the icy depths of the ocean with these stories by: E.E. King; Natalie Cannon; Morgan Melhuish; Paul A. Hamilton; Laura VanArendonk Baugh; Sarah Van Goethem; Adria Laycraft; Dino Parenti; B. Zelkovich; Lisa Carreiro; Lea Storry; Nikoline Kaiser; Elin Olausson; Chandra Fisher; Hayley Stone; V.F. LeSann; Catherine MacLeod; and Jennifer R. Donohue.
August Book of the Month Poll Winner ~ Saltwater Sorrows by Rhonda Parrish (Editor)
Pete the Cat and the Itsy Bitsy Spider by James Dean
Pete the Cat and the Itsy Bitsy Spider by James Dean
Publisher: HarperCollins
Genre: Childrens (0-5 yrs), Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by NymphaeaPete the Cat’s cool adaptation of the classic children’s song “Itsy Bitsy Spider” will have have young readers laughing and singing along.
The itsy bitsy spider climbed up the water spout. Down came the rain….
As the itsy bitsy spider struggles, Pete and his friends know just what to do to help out!
Fans of James Dean’s #1 New York Times bestselling Pete the Cat will love rocking out with Pete.
I loved this book!
It’s so cute. The itsy bitsy spider story is fun and now it’s been told with Pete the Cat. Children can sing along with the story and it’s repetitive, so it’s easy for younger readers. It’s also got a good message that you should never give up. Keep trying. I loved that. The art is so colorful and bright, too, sure to draw in younger readers.
If you’re looking for a fun book for a rainy afternoon, this one is sure to please.
Splat and the Cool School Trip by Rob Scotton
Splat and the Cool School Trip by Rob Scotton
Publisher: HarperCollins
Genre: Childrens (Ages 0-8), Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by NymphaeaJoin Splat the Cat on a school trip to the zoo in New York Times bestselling author-artist Rob Scotton’s hilarious new adventure, Splat and the Cool School Trip.
Splat the Cat is so excited when Mrs. Wimpydimple announces that the class will be going to the zoo. While everyone calls out his or her favorite animal—Elephant! Giraffe! Monkey!—Splat only wants to see the penguins. After all, penguins are perfect; they are black and white, just like Splat!
All day long, Splat just can’t wait. But when the smallest animal makes the biggest splash and shuts down the penguin exhibit, Splat goes home disappointed and alone . . . or does he?
Fans of Splat the Cat will delight in this story about zoo animals and enjoy Splat’s always-present enthusiasm.
A silly little cat and his obsession with penguins.
I loved this book because Splat is so cute. He’s determined to see the penguins on the school trip, but he’s got to handle the sadness because he can’t see them. I liked how this taught the lesson that you can’t always get what you want, but it’s done in a funny way so it doesn’t feel preachy. I loved the little twist in the story, too. So worth the read.
The writing is fun and the pictures even better.
If you’re looking for a story about not always getting what you want and how to deal, then this might be the book for you and your young reader.
Memories of John Lennon by Yoko Ono, editor
Memories of John Lennon by Yoko Ono, editor
Publisher: It Books
Genre: Non-Fiction, Biography
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by NymphaeaJohn Lennon . . . as much a part of our world today as he ever was
He touched many lives in his brief forty years, and continues to move and inspire millions more to this day. Now, invited by Yoko Ono, friends, family, and fans from all walks of life—including some of the great artists of our day—reminisce about Lennon as a visionary and friend, musician and performer, husband and father, activist and jokester.
In their own words and drawings, poems and photos, Lennon’s life from his childhood through the Beatles years to the happiness and tragedy of his final days become stunningly vivid.
Intimate glimpses gathered from musicians who knew John, such as Pete Townshend, Sir Elton John, Billy Preston, and Joan Baez; friends and relatives such as producer David Geffen, publicist Elliot Mintz, and cousin Mike Cadwallader; and artists who followed him such as Bono, Alicia Keys, Steve Earle, Jello Biafra, and Carlos Santana.
And, for the first time, renowned photographer Annie Liebovitz presents every frame of the historic last session with John and Yoko.
Memories of John Lennon is a rich and deeply felt appreciation of a truly great man.
How do you speak about a legend?
I picked up this book because I wanted to read what others had said about John Lennon. I know how I felt about him and his music, but what about his peers? This is a good way to see how they felt and what they thought. Ono adds her own special touches and the little drawings really added to the stories.
I liked the stories about how Lennon affected their lives, but also the court paperwork and the paperwork from the FBI. Lennon was a complicated man and it shows in these pages.
If you’re a fan of the Beatles, then you need to read this. If you like John Lennon, then you really need to read this.
Stop Being Mean to Yourself: A Story About Finding The True Meaning of Self-Love by Melody Beattie
Stop Being Mean to Yourself: A Story About Finding The True Meaning of Self-Love by Melody Beattie
Publisher: Hazeldon Publishing
Genre: Self-Help, Contemporary, Non-Fiction
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by NymphaeaBeckoning readers toward a spiritual territory beyond even that of her revolutionary best-seller Codependent No More, Melody Beattie conducts us through teeming Casablanca, war-torn Algeria, and the caverns of Egypt’s great pyramids as she embarks on a new kind of journey of the soul.
An enlightening blend of travel adventure and spiritual discovery, filled with new ideas for overcoming the pitfalls of guilt and self-doubt, Stop Being Mean to Yourself is a compassionate tour guide for the troubled and the heartsick, for those who seek a happier place in the world. A tale that is at once modern and timeless, rich with the promise of personal discovery, it is a book about learning the art of living and of loving others — and ourselves. As full of suspense and excitement as it is of hope and encouragement, it is as rewarding for its pure reading pleasure as for the wisdom it imparts.
It seems so easy, but the title isn’t so easy after all.
Stop Being Mean to Yourself. Like I said, it should be easy, but it’s not. We’re all mean to ourselves in one way or another. In this book, Beattie talks about how to stop, but this isn’t the usual self-help story. This is her story and how she learned the biggest lesson of all – you’ve only got yourself and if you beat yourself up, you’re the one who has to pick you up. You’re all you’ve got.
Seems like a huge thing to understand, but it’s not. We all tear ourselves down in one way or another and it’s high time we stopped. We put too much pressure on ourselves. This book doesn’t necessarily show how to overcome being mean to yourself, but it shows that giving yourself some self-love and compassion will help.
If you’re interesting reading a story that involves a personal journey, then this one will be good for you.
1964: Eyes of the Storm by Paul McCartney
1964: Eyes of the Storm by Paul McCartney
Publisher: Liveright, an imprint of WW Norton & Co
Genre: Non-Fiction, Historical, Photography
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by NymphaeaTaken with a 35mm camera by Paul McCartney, these largely unseen photographs capture the explosive period, from the end of 1963 through early 1964, in which The Beatles became an international sensation and changed the course of music history. Featuring 275 images from the six cities—Liverpool, London, Paris, New York, Washington, D.C., and Miami—of these legendary months, 1964: Eyes of the Storm also includes:
• A personal foreword in which McCartney recalls the pandemonium of British concert halls, followed by the hysteria that greeted the band on its first American visit
• Candid recollections preceding each city portfolio that form an autobiographical account of the period McCartney remembers as the “Eyes of the Storm,” plus a coda with subsequent events in 1964
• “Beatleland,” an essay by Harvard historian and New Yorker essayist Jill Lepore, describing how The Beatles became the first truly global mass culture phenomenon
Handsomely designed, 1964: Eyes of the Storm creates an intensely dramatic record of The Beatles’ first transatlantic trip, documenting the radical shift in youth culture that crystallized in 1964.
What a great book for the time.
I liked this window in the year 1964 through the eyes of Paul McCartney. I can’t even imagine being in his shoes in that year or that perfect storm. So much screaming and crying. This book is filled with photographs of that time from his lens. I liked the window into his life, but I also liked that it’s amateurish. He doesn’t make pretenses about his ability. He was learning and this is what he came up with. I liked the intimacy in the photos, too. No, there aren’t any big revelations among the images, but it was nice to see the Fab Four at play and at rest. They weren’t always on, and it was nice to see that. Plus, there are little essays by the author talking about the time, the place the photos were taken and the mood. It’s quite interesting.
If you’re looking for images of the Beatles in 1964 and want something a little different, then give this book a try. It’s worth the read and viewing.
The Dance of Anger: A Woman’s Guide to Changing the Patterns of Intimate Relationships by Harriet Lerner
The Dance of Anger: A Woman’s Guide to Changing the Patterns of Intimate Relationships by Harriet Lerner
Publisher: Perennial Library
Genre: Non-Fiction, Self-Help
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by NymphaeaThe renowned classic and New York Times bestseller that has transformed the lives of millions of readers, dramatically changing how women and men view relationships.
Anger is something we feel. It exists for a reason and always deserves our respect and attention. We all have a right to everything we feel—and certainly our anger is no exception.
“Anger is a signal and one worth listening to,” writes Dr. Harriet Lerner in her renowned classic that has transformed the lives of millions of readers. While anger deserves our attention and respect, women still learn to silence our anger, to deny it entirely, or to vent it in a way that leaves us feeling helpless and powerless. In this engaging and eminently wise book, Dr. Lerner teaches both women and men to identify the true sources of anger and to use it as a powerful vehicle for creating lasting change.
For decades, this book has helped millions of readers learn how to turn their anger into a constructive force for reshaping their lives. With a new introduction by the author, The Dance of Anger is ready to lead the next generation.
Want to tackle your anger and be a better listener? Then this book is for you.
I picked up this book because I went on a self-help binge and wanted tips as to how to manage my anger better as well as be a better listener. This book did help with that. I liked that the author encourages the reader to be their own self. Be yourself. That’s huge. Many people disappear into relationships or into what they have with the other person, so this bit of information did help. In some ways, this book is a bit sexist, but it’s also empowering. Women are taught to say no, taught to not want things and this book shows that that doesn’t have to be the case. I liked the tips and suggestions. One doesn’t have to suffer in silence and can stand up for themselves.
If you’re wanting to be a better listener, then give this book a try. You’ll learn a lot. It’ll also give you tips about dealing with anger. Give it a chance.
From Stressed To Best — A Proven Program For Reducing Everyday Stress by by Ruth E Schneider and David S Prudhomme
From Stressed To Best — A Proven Program For Reducing Everyday Stress by by Ruth E Schneider and David S Prudhomme
Publisher: Lulu
Genre: Self-Help, Non-Fiction
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by NymphaeaA proven program for reducing everyday stress that produces remarkable results! Because people are different, a “one-size-fits-all” approach to stress reduction simply will not work. Instead, From Stressed to Best uses definable personality differences to pinpoint specific, individualized steps to reduce your stress.
Want to learn how to handle your stress better? Then check this book out.
I picked up this book because I wanted to know how to better handle my stress. This book certainly did help. It showed me my personality and my traits, but also how to look at the stress once it happens. I learned about my personality – extroverted, sensing, thinking, perceiving. Now I know that when I get stressed, I revert to being an introvert. I try to get away from people. I pull inside myself. Now it makes sense. Now I can figure out how to better deal.
I liked that this book showed me a bit about myself.
If you’re looking for a book that’s going to give a bit of insight about your personality and how to deal with stress, then this might be the book for you.
Great Cat Tales Edited by Lesley O’Mara
Great Cat Tales Edited by Lesley O’Mara
Publisher: Carroll & Graf
Genre: Historical, Fiction
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by NymphaeaRespected authors, such as James Herriot and Doris Lessing, spin twenty yarns about cats.
So many stories about cats and only so much time.
I picked up this book because it featured stories about cats. I love cats, I love books…what could go wrong? Nothing, really. There are twenty stories in this anthology and they’re across the gamut of stories about cats.
I liked the variety because there’s so much to learn about cats and there’s so much to infer about them, too. Some of the stories are hard to read in that they’re longer than others – so those wanting short stories might be a bit put off. And also, some involved not so fun endings. I want to read uplifting stories and these weren’t always that, but that doesn’t mean others won’t like this anthology. It’s still good and the stories are wonderful.
If you’re looking for an anthology of animal stories and love cats, then this might be the one for you.
Touch the Earth by Julian Lennon
Touch the Earth by Julian Lennon
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
Genre: Childrens (Ages 0-8 yrs), Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by NymphaeaA New York Times bestseller that TODAY calls “beautiful” and “stunning!” Boys and girls can take to the air and learn how precious the Earth and her natural resources are.
This interactive book immerses children in a fun and unique journey. Jump aboard the White Feather Flier, a magical plane that can go wherever you want!Just press a button printed on the page, and point the plane up in the air to fly, or down to land it!
Fly to the top of a mountain!
Send clean water to thirsty people!
Dive deep into the ocean (the Flier turns into a submarine!) to pick up pollution and bring back the fish!
Explore the planet, meet new people, and help make the world a better place!
The Flier’s mission is to transport readers around the world, to engage them in helping to save the environment, and to teach one and all to love our planet.
An inspiring, lyrical story, rooted in Lennon’s life and work, Touch the Earth is filled with beautiful illustrations that bring the faraway world closer to young children. The book includes words to a special poem written by Julian Lennon, specifically for Touch the Earth.The first book of a bestselling trilogy that includes Heal the Earth and Love the Earth. A portion of the proceeds from book sales will go to support the environmental and humanitarian efforts of the White Feather Foundation, the global environmental and humanitarian organization that Lennon founded to promote education, health, conservation, and the protection of indigenous culture.
Sometimes we need to see the bigger picture before we can work on a smaller scale.
This book is fantastic in that it’s about the earth and how we can change what’s going on, but on a smaller scale. I liked that it’s lyrical and pretty, while educational. Lennon writes in a way that’s empathetic, but also sweet. It’s a love story to the earth, wrapped in a children’s book, and educational without being pushy. We need to fix the earth so we can all enjoy it. I loved it and the illustrations are beautiful.
If you’re looking for a book that’s pretty, educational and fun, then give this one a chance.
