Reading and Reviewing 15: Thunder Struck Hero

Thunder Struck Hero - What's the voice of a dead rock star doing inside Max's head? by Babs Annsetti and Eric Seiden

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loving it so far ... great story, a few typos, not disruptive, though. As I've read on, the typos are far fewer, and the quality of character development is very rich. The author is able to work with both adult and teenage characters with credibility.

The main character, Max, begins the story as a science/math honors student, with virtually no interest in the arts. When lightning strikes him for the second time in twelve years, he is suddenly occupied by a wandering soul who had been a rock star twelve years prior. The rock star influences Max to pick up a guitar and play, giving the concert of his life (or death, as it is).

I am purposely writing this review before I finish the story, because I am wondering how the author will reconcile Max's infatuation with the rock star's daughter, once the rock star leaves Max's body and finds his way to heaven.

I highly recommend this story ... it is enjoyable, readable, clean, wholesome fun that can be shared with your own inner adolescent and your adolescents.

January 10, 2012 I finished the book - great ending, all around!

You can see this Kindle book preview at this link.
View all my reviews

Reading and Reviewing 14, a look back at Turnabout.

Turnabout by Margaret Peterson Haddix

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I read this book about ten years ago, when my son was in a shared reading group, eighth graders and senior center readers. I loved the story, am amazed today to be living in what Haddix described as an internet society, where people shared their thoughts and lives openly with the public! She was ahead of her time in predicting that one.

I gave it a four because I cannot remember how it ended! The two women who were medically provided with a return to youth moved back through each stage of life but in a different decade, a different culture than they had the first time through. I think if it was a memorable ending, I would recall it. Though I, too, am reaching the stage where memories fade, decade by decade, starting with the most recent!

The book is recommended for school grades 6 through 10, but what made this reading delightful for me was knowing that my son and his classmates were sharing discussions of the book, and perhaps of life, with the elders next door. I would recommend this book for all ages who want to thoughtfully reflect on what we value now, and in the past, and perhaps yet ahead.

You can find this book at Amazon by clicking this link.

View all my reviews

Reading and Reviewing 13: The Dorky Homemade Look (what else for 13?)

That Dorky Homemade Look: Quilting Lessons from a Parallel Universe by Lisa Boyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Very funny book, with practical tips for beginning quilters who will be relieved that a book allows for human mistakes. There is no perfection in the world of dorky quilts, but as the author, Lisa Boyer, points out, no one has ever cuddled with an heirloom quilt hanging in a gallery or packed away in acid-free tissue. I read this book long ago, and thought of including it only when I referred to it on my facebook page, Terry's Thoughts and Threads. Join me there - you'll find Daily Tips for quilting and/or writing. No pre-requisite skills required!

Oh - you can find this book at Amazon for less than $10.00. In fact, you can find it there, used, for a penny (plus shipping that makes up for the bargain price.)
But hurry, there are only 2 left in stock (or so it has said for many years!)



View all my reviews

Reading and Reviewing 12 :Peggy Webb

Donovan's Angel by Peggy Webb

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I love books with happy endings, and have grown to anticipate these when reading Peggy's books. This one is no exception. The two characters come to the relationship from very different backgrounds and experiences, but feel an instant attraction. The characters around them have a wet towel effect on their relationship, but it doesn't dim the spark. I gave this a four only because the third quarter of the book seemed almost endless, and I grew impatient. But the fourth quarter did not let me down. I would recommend this one for a long winter's night!



View all my reviews

Reading and Reviewing 11

Sunflowers by Melodie Starkey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


In Sunflowers, Melodie Starkey has written a story that brings her characters to life, with all the challenges that life offers. Single male parenthood, tangled and negative family relationships, lost and then realized motherhood ... each character's demons and delights are very well cultivated in this poignant novel. Issues addressed through the story line are right to life, abandonment, parental rights, bipolar disorder, and economic disparity. The author deals with mental illness and its effects on individuals and families with empathy, knowledge, and depth. The children in the story are not just miniature adults, but true children, with their own set of emotions and perceptions. This book held my attention for a full day, as I could not put it down and needed to read to the end once started. I would highly recommend this book for readers interested in the many choices faced by ambivalent expectant parents and families facing mental illness.


View all my reviews