[REVIEW] I Hate Picture Books!

Title: I Hate Picture Books!

Author/Illustrator: Timothy Young

Publisher: Schiffer Publishing

ISBN-13: 9780764343872

Pages: 32

Age Range: Early Reader; Ages 5-8.

Blurb: Max hates his picture books and he’s throwing them all away. But he soon learns just how invaluable imagination is and has a change of heart. Find out why in this outrageous book that both pokes fun at and celebrates many of the classics of children’s literature. Join writer and illustrator Timothy Young for this irreverent and humorous story ideal for children and adults alike.

Review: This was a sweet book about a boy who doesn’t want to keep his picture books anymore. So he throws them all away. It doesn’t take long, however, until he starts to miss them and how they made him feel.

I really liked this. It has nice pictures and pays homage to many classic picture books. The language is accessible and fits the age range.

I recommend this to parents who want their children to grow up with a fondness for reading – picture books or otherwise. Read more on the book's home page.

Rating: 4 bookshelves out of 5.

Disclaimer: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Schiffer Publishing for the purpose of a review.

[REVIEW] Face to Face: Portraits of the Human Spirit

Title: Face to Face: Portraits of the Human Spirit

Author: Alison Wright

Publisher: Schiffer Publishing Ltd.

ISBN-13: 9780764343667

Release Date: Feb 14, 2013

Blurb: Wright's photography has been featured in National Geographic Society publications, Smithsonian, Outside, Time, Islands, and The New York Times, as well as a number of books. The recipient of the Dorothea Lange Award in Documentary Photography for covering child labor in Asia, and a two-time recipient of the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Award, Alison travels the globe collecting raw, thought-provoking images. This retrospective of her illustrious, ongoing career features a portfolio of striking portraits of more than 200 individuals. From Asia to Africa, to the Middle East and back, she captures the tapestry of humanity in all its diversity and splendor. Warmth, dignity, and grace emanate from the eyes of monks and geishas, nomads and cowboys, tribal warriors and even inspirational icons like His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Together, these stunning portraits, accompanied by written testimonials, explore the universal interconnectedness of the human spirit.

Review: Just by looking at the front cover with the wonderful picture of a girl in Tibet, I had high expectations. As I read Pico Iyer’s introduction, my expectations were piqued even more: “These are the friends who matter, not because they have signed up to follow my digital updates, but because they’ve reached me at some level deeper than events or updates. They don’t just look at me; they look through me”.

As I saw Alison Wright’s images, it struck me how right Pico Iyer was. Basically every single one of her subjects did appear to look right through me. And despite some of the seemingly dire circumstances some of the pictures were taken in, there is no hopelessness to be found – quite the contrary!

We are taken to various places in Africa, Asia and North America, but despite the differing environments and looks of the subjects, there is no doubt we are all connected. We are one human family, united in our diversity. Few things make this as clear as photographs, and these are stunningly beautiful, crystal clear examples.

The only thing I felt lacking was that not more peoples and nationalities were represented.

I recommend this book to everyone interested in photography, diversity or humanity.

Rating: 4 bookshelves out of 5.

Disclaimer: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Schiffer Publishing Ltd. for the purpose of a review.

[REVIEW] Lying Down in the Ever-Falling Snow

Title: Lying Down in the Ever-Falling Snow

Authors: Wendy Austin et al.

Publisher: Wilfrid Laurier University Press

ISBN-10: 155458888X

ISBN-13: 978-1554588886

Release Date: May 1, 2013

Blurb: First used to describe the weariness the public felt toward media portrayals of societal crises, the term compassion fatigue has been taken up by health professionals to name—along with burnout, vicarious traumatization, compassion stress, and secondary traumatic stress—the condition of caregivers who become “too tired to care.” Compassion, long seen as the foundation of ethical caring, is increasingly understood as a threat to the well-being of those who offer it.

Through the lens of hermeneutic phenomenology, the authors present an insider’s perspective on compassion fatigue, its effects on the body, on the experience of time and space, and on personal and professional relationships. Accounts of health professionals, alongside examinations of poetry, images, movies, and literature, are used to explore the notions of compassion, hope, and hopelessness as they inform the meaning of caring work.

Review: I have read a little about compassion fatigue before, but in order to read this, you don't really need to know about it since they go into great detail. I liked how the authors used the metaphor of lying down in the snow to explain compassion fatigue – the burden keeps getting heavier, you’re still expected to do your job, but you’re just so tired/indifferent that you just shut – or lie – down. In order to get out of extreme winter weather you need tools – it’s the same with compassion fatigue. You need training, resources and support in order to keep being a compassionate health professional.

Some of the language might be too academic – admittedly, I hadn’t heart of “hermeneutic phenomenology” before and there are lots of notes after each chapter, and at times I wondered why the authors had decided to put some of the health professionals’ accounts where they did. But still, I learned a lot from the book, and do recommend it to others. Especially health professionals, but also others who are interested in learning more about compassion fatigue – in health professionals as well as in others.

Rating: 3 bookshelves out of 5.

Disclaimer: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Wilfrid Laurier UniversityPress for the purpose of a review.

[REVIEW] The Absolute

Title: The Absolute: Granting This Power to Humanity, Will Give It the Harmony and Balance to Banish the Deviances Exposed in Everyday Life

Authors: Carolina Fuentes, Catherine Fabbro, Mari Carmen Ortiz Monasterio

Release Date: October 12, 2012

Blurb: For the first time in all of the Ages, the doors to the Konocimiento Kósmico (Kosmic Knowledge) are open. The Absolute narrates the story based on the real experiences of a woman who, since childhood, sought to understand the reasons of life. This desire to understand leads her to the encounter with her destiny. She meets the Maestra, who initiates her in the studies of Konocimiento Kósmico. These studies reveal the origin and purpose of man here on the Earth or Planicio Terráqueo, our relationship with the Earth, and the destiny that awaits us when we leave it upon completing our education which will last the Seven Times that were programmed for our development. The Absolute presents studies that have previously been only for the initiated, but due to the necessity of the time in which we live and to avoid once again being manipulated and diverted from our path with erratic or erroneous teachings, these studies are now delivered to all so that we can experience mental advancement.

Review: Books on how people can transform their lives for the better of not only themselves but the entire world, has always interested me. Needless to say, I had high hopes on this one.

I was disappointed.

While I understand that the subject can be difficult to explain to people not already "into it," this was supposed to be a book for exactly those people! The language is way too difficult to understand - as you can see in the blurb above, especially since new terms are introduced but not explained until later in the text. I also think the book would have benefited from being proofread by users of English as a native language.

I'm sorry to say that I never really understood what it was the authors were trying to tell me....

Rating: 1 bookshelf out of 5.

Disclaimer: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Carolina Fuentes and Catherine Fabbro for the purpose of a review.

[REVIEW] The Company of Writers

Title: The Company of Writers
Author: Hilma Wolitzer
Blurb: Award-winning author Hilma Wolitzer’s expert guide to navigating a life of writing through workshops and writers’ groups.

Review: As a fellow writer, I really enjoyed this book!

It's obvious that Wolitzer knows what she's talking about. She offers not just advice on the writing process and workshops/writers' groups, but also shares some of her own work. She talks about the well-meaning family members who lets you know you're the best writer they've ever read, as well as the sometimes (seemingly at least) too harsh external critics; how to put together a writers' group - and how not to; the downside of scribbling down story ideas on virtually every surface at virtually every hour; the upside of keeping a journal, and many other things it's good for a writer - budding or otherwise - to know.

It was an enjoyable read, full of situations I could definitely relate to. The part about keeping a notebook to write down ideas in is one I've already adopted a long time ago. But even though I've been writing for a long time, I found lots of tricks and tools I'll definitely try out.

I recommend this book to everyone interested in writing.

Rating: 4 bookshelves out of 5.

Disclaimer: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Open Road Media for the purpose of a review.

[REVIEW] Made in China: A Story of Adoption

Title: Made in China: A Story of Adoption
Author: Vanita Oelshlager
Illustrator: Kristin Blackwood
Pages: 32
Age Range: 4-8

Blurb: Made In China touches on two seemingly unrelated subjects - adoption and sibling relations. As told in this story. These are intertwined and very important to one young child who literally was "made in China." The story begins when the child is told by her older sister, in a teasing manner, that she is adopted from China, and "marked" just like the broom and their toys. Upset, she goes to her father who tells her the story of how she came to be their child but "you're not made like a toy, you were made in China to give us joy." And, he also reminds her that "you are much more than what people say about you." The story is resolved with her older sister and she is reassured that "In all the wide world we couldn't love you more."

Review: While sibling relations might be a fairly common subject in children's books, adoption is not. The mother/daughter team Vanita Oelshlager and Kristin Blackwood have done it again - created a great book for children on a subject some would deem quite difficult. Oehlshlager's rhyming language combined with Blackwood's drawings makes for a very nice reading experience.

This book can no doubt make it easier for families touched by adoption to handle situations that may occur, as well as enable those not familiar to what it's like to be part of an adoptive family get a glimpse into life as an adopted child.

Rating: 4 bookshelves out of 5.

Disclaimer: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by VanitaBooks, LLC for the purpose of a review.

[REVIEW] The Fact/Faith Debate

Title: The Fact/Faith Debate
Author: Jack Gage
Release Date:  January 14, 2013

Blurb: The dictionary definition of ''fact'' is ''something known to exist or to have happened,'' whereas ''faith''generally is described as ''belief not based on proof.''

There are 10,000 religions worldwide, eighteen of which are major Christian religions, and among Christians there are 9,000 separate denominations. Each of those religions and denominations has its own belief system--its followers act on faith--even though, as author Jack Gage points out, ''all the adherents of these different belief systems inhabit the same world, with the same physical facts, with access to the same knowledge.'' So how and why did so many religions come into existence? And how do the various religious explanations--whether Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, or any other--for how the world and the people in it began stack up against scientific fact?

Review: I believed this book would be a good comment on the seemingly impossibility for science and religion to agree, with a "jury" consisting of people from various beliefs to answer questions at the end of each chapter. As someone with at least some exposure to those kind of debates, I had high expectations.

Instead of living up to those expectations, Jack Gage's book turned out to be quite underwhelming. First of all, it's blatantly obvious the author sides with the Agnostic juror since ze is the only one allowed to make comment on the questions. I don't know about you, but I don't really call that a "debate".

Second, the language isn't very good. It's...boring, and drags in places. Especially the parts about science, where scientific terms aren't that well explained.

I did, however, enjoy learning some religious history I was unaware of (mostly related to Mormonism, which isn't all too common where I live).

Rating: 2 bookshelves out of 5.

Disclaimer: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Two Harbors Press for the purpose of a review.

[REVIEW] Farfalla: A Story of Loss and Hope

Title: Farfalla: A Story of Loss and Hope

Author: Vanita Oelschlager
Illustrator: Kristin Blackwood
Age Range: 4-8

Blurb: The story is told from the perspective of young Beetle who, with his mother, meets a crowd of caterpillars in the garden they all frequent. Soon Beetle befriends the caterpillars, and he watches in awe as they weave themselves into cocoons. A special one catches his attention and Beetle “adopts” it by making all sorts of plans of what they will do together when it hatches. Later, he watches as the cocoons break open one by one and beautiful butterflies emerge and fly away. But the one he counted on to be his playmate does not.

Review: This was a cute book on a difficult subject - loss.  I really felt for little Beetle when the cocoon containing his would-be-playmate does not open.... I'm sure this book can aid children as well as adults to talk about loss, whether of a friend, family member, pet or someone else.


The language is accessible and direct apart from the "where do we go when we die?" part - but then, no one knows for sure what happens. Considering the delicacy of the subject (kids not taking "I don't know" for an answer, and the reader's own belief), I think it was dealt with in a very good way.
The cute and very fitting artwork was made by Kristin Blackwood (who did the drawings for Oelschlager's A Tale of Two Daddies).

I thoroughly recommend this book.

Rating: 5 bookshelves out of 5.

Disclaimer: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by VanitaBooks for the purpose of a review.

[REVIEW] The Legend of Papa Balloon

Title: The Legend of Papa Balloon
Author: C. R. Mcclure
Illustrator: Steven Kernen

Description: Papa Balloon is the story of a unique, mysterious figure who magically appears in a land where the people have become divided and are in need of greater understanding and empathy for each other. Traveling through each of the four villages in this land and accompanied by the children who discover him, Papa Balloon teaches the villages a profound lesson in a simple way. Colorfully and brightly illustrated, and a page-turner of a tale, it is the perfect book for any parent who wants their children to learn about treating the traditions and viewpoints of others with respect, while putting forth the belief that we, as a group, are more united than we realize.

Target Audience: Early Reader; Ages 5-8.

I really liked this book. It teaches diversity and coexistence, a subject I'm very passionate about. It does it in a way I think is easily accessible to the target audience. The book also shows us that it's easier to embrace a concept we learn as children than having to do it when we're older.

In combination with Mcclure's nice use of language and Kernen's well-drawn pictures, the exciting story makes for a perfect book for children (and hopefully some adults, too) to learn more about diversity and coexistence.

Rating: 5 bookshelves out of 5.

Disclaimer: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Schiffer Publishing for the purpose of a review.

[REVIEW] The Priest, the Witch & the Poltergeist

I really wanted to read and like this book. Unfortunately, I didn't.

I found the language so inaccessible that I was unable to finish the book. At first I thought it was due to the fact that English is not my first language, but I usually have no problem with texts like these. I just could not get through to the characters, to get to know and care about them. This is what made it impossible for me to finish the book.

The title is brilliant, as is the premise: In 1850 a poltergeist erupts in the home of a French village priest. He blames the local male witch, who reacts with the most modern of hexes: a lawsuit. In this extraordinary novel, based on a true story, there’s also a singing seance, a fruitless exorcism, a battery of nails, and a love story. You have to hear the story to believe it. And you have to hear the poltergeist to solve it. 

But I was unable to get through the language barrier, and sadly, left before I could find out what the poltergeist had to say. 

Since I did not finish the book, there is no rating.

[REVIEW] Where do the Animals Go When it Rains?

Where do the Animals Go When it Rains?

by

Janet Crown

I read this cute book today. I received it for free in exchange for an honest review, which follows. 

It's a short (24 pages in hardcover) book in rhyme about where different animals go when it rains. The easy, rhyming language in various colors combined with Daron Rosenberg's cute drawings makes it inviting to read, and I'm sure many children will like it.

The only thing I reacted on was how some of the rhymes were more of near rhymes than actual rhymes, but I'm sure it's something the target audience will have no problem with overseeing.

All in all, a very nice book. 4 bookshelves out of 5.

[REVIEW] What it Means to be a Man: God's Design for Us in a World Full of Extremes

What it Means to be a Man: God's Design for Us in a World Full of Extremes

by
Rhett Smith

First thing first: I do not belong to the book's target (or "intended", if you will) audience. I do not identify as a Christian, but since I do identify as a man I thought I could take something away from this book. I'd also like to mention that I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) for Kindle in exchange for an honest review. That follows now.

What it means to be a man is something that has changed - and will probably continue to change - throughout the years. For good, but also for bad. This book is an attempt to embrace and develop the good. Since it is a book written by a Christian for other Christians, it's heavy on religion (or, well, Christianity). Which is all fine, if it hadn't been for certain wordings, such as "there is some mysterious energy that passes from the male to his children," praise for a runner who finished a race on a snapped hamstring, talk about "the man who would have taught [his children] how to fix and build things, throw a football, tie a tie, cook a meal and drive a car" - like a mother, or another woman, would be unable to do that? I do get the point in the last example, though, that a father should be there for his children.

Another thing that jumped out at me was this: "What if depression is a gift that helps us conquer the emotions that weigh us down?" While being depressed, or having any other diagnoses for that matter, isn't something you should be ashamed of or feel bad about, I find it quite slap-dashed to say something like that. It's not a walk in the park to be depressed.

He also writes, on the subject of religion, that "[t]he grace of being pressed down to the ground is also simple: when we slip and fall, it is usually not fatal, and we can get back up." I don't particularly like the idea of God "pressing us down". *shudders*

There is also no mention of non-traditional gender roles, which I had hoped. But unfortunately there is not too much room for gender-nonconformists in traditional churches (or other religions, for that matter)

So no, this book was definitely not for me. But I'm sure there are many who can benefit from it.

2 bookshelves out of 5.