The Manicurist by Phyllis Schieber - REVIEW

I am thrilled to share with you a review from a book I recently featured in a blog tour. While that was just a spotlight, this is where I can show you how the novel really shined! The Manicurist by Phyllis Schieber really is a unique book and one that I highly recommend to add to your "to be read" list.

Book Summary:

Tessa and Walter have, by all appearances, the perfect marriage. And they seem to be ideal parents for their somewhat rebellious teenage daughter, Regina. Without warning, however, their comfortable lives are thrown into turmoil when a disturbing customer comes into the salon where Tessa works as a manicurist. Suddenly, Tessa's world is turned upside down as revelations come to light about the mother she thought had abandoned her in childhood and the second sight that she so guardedly seeks to keep from others. A magical novel of secrets revealed and a family in turmoil, searching together for new beginnings. 

My Thoughts:

First of all, check out that cover!  Upon receipt of this book that was the first thing I noticed...it is striking!

There were a number of things that struck me about this book, one being the meticulously woven story of Tessa.  When I started reading the novel, I immediately thought of another book I read recently called Ghellow Road by T.H. Waters.  Both that novel and The Manicurist are stunning portrayals of life with someone who is mentally ill.  I don't know if either of these writers have firsthand experience with this, but it definitely is something that they have mastered in writing about.

Another high note was how the author conveyed Tessa's character to the reader.  I felt a lot of empathy towards her and I spent the majority of the novel really rooting for her to find peace with her past, present, and future and I think that is exactly what the author was striving for.  I would even branch out and say that all of the characters in this novel were colorful and vividly painted and worth each turn of the page.  I think this is the strongest point of the novel, and I wish all characters were painted this way - every book would be a treasure.

I did have reservations at first because it has been labeled as paranormal but the author did a great job keeping that to a minimum yet still encompassing some aspects that would fall into the paranormal realm.  I don't have to have a huge paranormal element to be happy and this book was peppered with just enough to taunt the imagination but not too much that it was over the top.

There are so many REAL and RAW elements to this story, it is truly one-of-a-kind.  You won't be disappointed with this read, and it comes highly recommended.  This is the type of book that you find yourself thinking about days after you finish...that is how I would describe a successful piece of literature!

Many thanks to the author who sent me the book for review and a lovely set of cards.

It's Simple by Michelle Richardson - BLOG TOUR!

It's Simple is a fantastic story about love, and what it takes to make it work in these modern times. From reading the short description I knew that this was something I wanted to read, it caught my attention immediately! Thanks to Pump Up Your Book Virtual Book Publicity Tours for hosting this tour!

Book Summary:

The general consensus is that relationships are easy to start but challenging to maintain. Although we may not think so, our choices ultimately determine the types of relationships we have. It's truly funny how after we've contributed to the chaotic state of the relationship, we hire therapists to fix us, to tell us it's not our fault when it typically is. The truth? Therapists don't fix us; they provide tools that guide us. Ultimately, we find the solutions ourselves and, for the most part, we really need to forget what we've heard. Relationships can be complicated, littered with challenges and that preventable thing called drama. Just ask Tia and Chase.

Teachers Top 100 Books for Children

Every now and then the NEA (National Education Association) does something actually worthwhile, and here is one.  They compiled a list of the top 100 books that parents and teachers find useful in selecting quality literature for children.  These titles were compiled from an online survey in 2007 so just be aware that it is four years old! 

And just because it should be mentioned, there are lots and lots of other lists that have been compiled and many whole books dedicated to the task of figuring out what children SHOULD read.  I think it wise to look at multiple sources when determining what is appropriate for your child or children.

    Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

    Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

    The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

    Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

    Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

    I Love You Forever by Robert N. Munsch

    Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

10 Reasons Why Reading Is Important (for kids AND adults)

I thought it a good idea to give a short (and concise) list of ten reasons why reading is important. I have these posted in my classroom and am always encouraging my kids with them. I found this list at: http://www.best-books-for-kids.com/benefits-of-reading.html.

1. Kids who read often and widely get better at it. This is pretty much just common sense. After all, practice makes perfect in almost everything we humans do and reading is no different.

Act of Grace by Karen Simpson - Review & Blog Tour

As I sit here contemplating how to write this review, I am still overcome with emotion from this book - what a tale! And more important, what amazing characters Simpson has managed to create in this novel. You are in for a real treat with this one...

Many thanks to Pump Up Your Books for allowing me to feature Karen Simpson and her novel for two days :)

Book Summary:

Why would Grace Johnson, a bright, African-American high school senior, save the life of a Ku Klux Klansman named Jonathan Gilmore?

That question hovers over Grace's hometown of Vigilant, Michigan, and few people, black or white, understand her actions-especially since rumor has it that many years ago, a member of the Gilmore family murdered several African-American residents. And if Grace had her way, she would not reveal the circumstances that led her to make what some deem to be a foolish sacrifice and an act of treason against her race.

Author Interview & Blog Tour: Act of Grace by Karen Simpson

When I asked to be a part of Pump Up Your Books Act of Grace blog tour I immediately went to Goodreads and read up on Karen Simpson's book...the reviews were outstanding from other readers so I knew I was in for a treat! And being a huge history buff, this book fit right in with my favorite things to read.

Book Summary:

Why would Grace Johnson, a bright, African-American high school senior, save the life of a Ku Klux Klansman named Jonathan Gilmore?

That question hovers over Grace's hometown of Vigilant, Michigan, and few people, black or white, understand her actions-especially since rumor has it that many years ago, a member of the Gilmore family murdered several African-American residents. And if Grace had her way, she would not reveal the circumstances that led her to make what some deem to be a foolish sacrifice and an act of treason against her race.

The decision to remain silent, however, is not Grace's to make, for the spirit of her ancestors have emerged and insist, in ways Grace cannot ignore, that she bear witness to the violent racial history that continues to divide the town of Vigilant. But when Grace discovers a century-old tale of a bloodsoaked, eye-for-eye vengeance that includes the mysterious death of her own father, she questions whether she has the ability and the will to accept the mind-bending spiritual challenge in front of her.

As Grace reluctantly embarks on the unlikeliest of journeys and into the magical world of the African-American traditions used by her ancestors to fight slavery and oppression, she undergoes a spiritual transformation that leads to the true nature of her calling: to lead Jonathan Gilmore, the town of Vigilant and her own soul on a path toward reconciliation, redemption and true grace.

Author Interview - Legacy: The Niteclif Evolutions by Denise Tompkins

I have been gearing up for this tour from Nurture Virtual Book Tourz...the book sounds great, the cover is amazing, the author is as Southern as they come (which is definitely a good thing!) The paranormal genre is definitely hitting a chord with readers, so this book comes at the perfect time. And while I am normally into more realistic fiction and historical fiction, this was a welcome departure from my norm!

Book Summary:

When Fate tempts you, accept it and adapt. Or die.

The Niteclif Evolutions, Book 1

Looking back on the wish she made on Midsummer’s Eve, Maddy Niteclif should have been more specific. She only wanted to escape the shadowy nightmares that plagued her nights, not to be thrust into a completely altered reality.