Wishing for a Parallel World Book Review

 Two groups of friends from two different worlds are about to meet. One world is ours, with Hollywood celebrities: fame, fortune, and paparazzi; the other a Parallel World: peaceful, happy, where politics and paparazzi don’t exist. But all is not what it seems.

It all started with a lost diary…

On a visit to Earth with her friends Merra Adonis finds a diary in the Yosemite Valley. With only a few clues to go on, Meera makes her quest to find the owner of the diary who writes of her Parallel World. This book is an epic story of one young adult's desires and journey to reach beyond worlds and discover what is on the other side.

Full of fun, fantasy, and imagination Wishing For A Parallel World is an adventure into the life of Meera and her determination to discover the unknown. As the story unfolds, you will find yourself emerged and engaged with Meera's life and what is to become of her. The mystery of the diary kept me wondering until the “a-ha” reveal. This book not only takes you on an adventure but also makes you think deeply. I really loved the reflexion passages peppered through the novel sometimes at the end of some chapters.

I recommend this book for people who are fans of Earth Girls Are Easy and My Stepmother Is An Alien. It is a fast paced romp through earth and beyond. Read this book with a thoughtful mind and an open heart. You never know what parallel wonders may be waiting for you…

A Gilded Death Book Review

 

 Escape into a world back in time to the Gilded Age past of Newport high society where Mrs. Astor's annual ball is the place to see and be seen. In the summer at a formal dinner, Val Devere's best friend Cassie confides her rich aunt's heart attack last winter at Mrs. Astor's is rumored to be murder. Soon after, the rich aunt's daughter dies just as mysteriously as she lived, leaving Cassie as the sole heir and possibly next on the murderer's list. Val and her husband, Roddy, are dedicated to keeping Cassie and her children safe as they stumble upon clues to solve the mystery before it’s too late.

A Gilded Death is a puzzling tale with rich (literally!) characters that slowly become under suspicion of Val and Roddy. Cecelia Tichi weaves a fictional story with such historical accuracy that I surprisingly found my own relatives names amongst it’s pages. You will find yourself not only trying to put the pieces together of whodunit but also wanting to try out the  beverage recipes provided that Roddy comes up with in the novel.

This book is ideal for a women's (or feminists) book club, covering topics such as etiquette and women's suffrage; and the readers will love Val's unconventional Western ways in contrast to the stuffy high society of Newport. They will also fall in love with Roddy who is always supportive of Val and her causes. You could even serve up his beverages at book club meetings! Most importantly, this book is about friendship and the need of them when family dramas arise. I would recommend this book for history buffs, mystery lovers, feminists, preppies, and anyone who likes to solve puzzles. This is the first book in the Val and Roddy Devere Mystery series and I am looking forward to reading the next installments that continue their adventures.

I suggest reading this book at night by the fire with one of Roddy's concoctions in hand. Be sure to have your favorite furry reading companion close by as the lovely Boston terrier Velvet will steal your heart away. You could have some tea cakes handy but I would avoid anything with cocoa...just in case...

Little Birdie Book Review

 For International Bird Day today I picked out Little Birdie by Kmac El Bey to read with my son. This is a children's picture book that tells the story of a little blue bird through verse. This book does a wonderful job of explaining how birds live and how we can learn by their example. The illustrations by Cori M. Bey are really bring the story life with color and beauty. I also liked the section for tips for parents on how to get your child excited and engaged in books.

My 2-year-old son loved pointing at the little blue bird on every page along with other characters we meet along the way. The illustrations made it easy for me to explain that the daddy bird gets the food for the baby bird. It also teaches resilience when the birds have their nest blown down by the wind.

I recommend this book for teaching children about birds and other life lessons. I earned bonus points with my son since birds are his favorite animal. This book is also an easy tie-in for activities such as making a bird feeder or going outside and pointing out bird nests in the trees. This book was an easy to read fun favorite for my family!

Bobo The Gazelle Book Review

 

 Bobo is a small, weak gazelle, the runt of his herd with only his mother to stand by him. When his awkwardness causes too much danger the herd banishes him. Through triumph, terror, and tragedy Bobo grows to be strong, wise, and resourceful. He also learns how to make unlikely friends.

Told in beautiful verse, this story is one for all ages. Kmac El Bey has captured a classic in Bobo The Gazelle that should Stand beside stories such as The Lion King and The Jungle Book. You will fall in love with Bobo while making the journey from awkward youth to a strong and wise adult. The theme of it being wise to meet your opponent halfway will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.

I recommend reading this book outside and close to nature. This book is a wonderful way to teach your children to overcome life's obstacles and to be resilient when it isn’t always pleasant. The story also has a wonderful message of peace for everyone.

Those Were Not Love Letters But I Still Fell In Love Review

 
 Five years ago Alina McNelly had everything: five best friends, her boyfriend Jovi, parents that loved her, and almost a ready-made career in dance. But due to a turn of events, she is suddenly faced with life-changing decisions practically overnight. Being forced to choose this path puts Alina on the fast track on a reluctant career that takes her far away from her friends and Jovi. This is the beginning of her five-year journey to self-discovery. Just as she is starting to accept her fate, mysterious letters appear at her door with no postmark and an unknown author. With each letter comes speculation of who the writer is: Jovi, who is thousands of miles away? Mason, her friend, and neighbor who always seems to be there at the right time? Mathew her admiring colleague at the office that her parents think is perfect for her? Or someone else entirely?

Author Arriah Kiprujistho has perfectly captured that time in a woman's life when you are newly adult and unsure of so many things. I identified with Alina's struggles with trying to please her family and being the person she wants to be. The ongoing theme of trying to balance work, friends, family, and love life is spot on and executed beautifully in Those Were Not Love Letters, But I Still Fell In Love…

I would recommend this book especially for women in their early 20s although I feel any woman can go back and revisit that time in their life with this novel. I suggest reading this book on a dreamy weekend afternoon where you can fully emerge yourself in Alina's world. And remember, your destiny is yours, be careful of the paths you choose…