One Chapter

History Smashers: The Titanic by Kate Messner

5 stars Children’s Chapter/ Middle School – any one really!!

This is the second History Smasher book that I have had the pleasure to read and yep, this 50+ year old Nana enjoyed every minute of it! I wasn’t one who enjoyed history in school, yet I liked learning about important events. When I learned about the Titanic in school, I didn’t recall learning much except the basic facts and over the years, I have picked up a great deal of information about how this event came about (thank you, social media). I’m one who likes to learn quirky and interesting details and I want to know the truth about something. I don’t want to know what “someone thinks,” as we all have an opinion and whether it’s right or wrong depends on the individual. When I read about this series of children’s books, I knew that they might be something that I would like as they’re straight to the point, fun and entertaining reading, lots of illustrations and pictures, and I loved the way the author presents the information.

The book begins with the building of the Titanic, and it ends with current events of the Titanic. There’s a wonderful section of Rumors in which they address different rumors associated with the ship, there’s a Titanic Timeline, and a fantastic index. The author’s notes at the end of the book lists additional books and websites about the Titanic. The bibliography is massive, and the author includes a couple pages from History Smashers: The Mayflower and History Smashers: Pearl Harbor in the final pages. Yes, I highly recommend this book for any age if you’re interested in the Titanic. Grab yourself a copy! 5 stars

Some interesting facts I learned:

There were 254 official accidents recorded while building the Titanic which included at least 8 deaths.
The Titanic received multiple warnings about “icebergs and field ice” in the path but yet, they never slowed down. Why? Were they trying to meet their deadlines?
The Californian Ship was closer to the disabled Titanic, yet the Carpathia Ship was the one that helped the victims of the Titanic. It was interesting to learn why.
The Titanic was only required to carry 16 lifeboats onboard. That was not enough for all the passengers. Reading why they were only “legally required” to carry 16 and how this law has now changed.
The water temperature was 28 degrees F. How long do you think you could survive in that type of water with a cork life vest?
Thomas Andrews, a ship builder, remained on board while the ship sank, throwing chairs and anything that he thought would float to the individuals in the water.
The tours to the wreckage were interesting to read about and now there are hopes of another private company starting up operations to resumes these tours. I just heard that they want to halt these tours as they want the Titanic’s resting stop to be recorded as a burial site. The wreckage is deteriorating, what is the future of this famous event.
Items have been taken from the wreckage of the Titanic, but they have now been released into the hands of a group of investors.

I’m the Girl by Courtney Summers

3 stars YA

Well, I’ve been waiting for the latest Courtney Summers book, and I finally got around to reading it. I tried reading it before, but I just couldn’t get into it, so I thought I’d give it another go. This book just didn’t grab me like Courtney’s previous books have.

Georgia stole some money from her brother which her brother discovers. With their mother no longer with them, it’s important and urgent to replace these funds. Georgia feels that the time has come for her to become an Aspirant Girl. This dream job can finally now become a reality. Her brother though, will begin working more hours at work.

Aspirant Girl. Nestled in the mountains, the member-only resort, just might be Georgia lifeline. Surrounded by wealthy individuals, Georgia might be able to repay her brother and fulfill her dream. Sounds simple enough but the road to her dream is complicated and not direct. Georgia does land a position at Aspera but it’s not what she desired. An accident while in route to Aspera has Georgia discovering a young body in the woods. Did I mention that Georgia’s mother used to work at Aspera and Georgia believes that she was terminated from her position? Why oh why would you want to work there Georgia? To prove yourself or are you shouting something to someone who is not even there?

I felt like Georgia was playing. I could understand her confidence and esteem to a point, but the book kept going and what was she doing? I felt frustrated and tired, feeling confused and lost at where this all might go. The whole thing was confusing. Sorry, but this book just wasn’t a good fit for me. Not a thriller but more drama than anything.

83 Days in Mariupol by Dan Brown

5 stars Graphic Novel Children’s/ Middle School

Don Brown…Don Brown…your books just keep on getting better. I’ve been reading his books for a while now and I love how he drives deep into the subject matter and tells it, like it is. Nothing is sugar coated but the subject matter is softened for his target audience. It’s important to know something about the people of Mariupol and where this city is located.

A war broke out battling to gain control of it. If I said Ukraine, I’m sure the picture of Mariupol becomes clearer and now, you’re wondering how this city played a part in this war.

Mariupol was like other cities in Ukraine during the war. They would be under attack.

This city was special though. Comprised of 400,000 citizens, they were the first ones to come under attack from Russia because of their uniqueness. Mariupol was a port city, the gateway to the Sea of Azov which was important to the agriculture and financial sector of Ukraine but would also be a great benefit to Russia.

Brown takes us there, to where the action is. In the Prologue, he explains the history of the area yet we’re not ready for what is coming. February 24,2022 is the date that Vladimir Putin decides to invade Ukraine and that’s the date this story begins. Reflected in black and white graphic novel boxes, the story is told in dateline format which is perfect.

The story is not a happy one as the citizens and the Ukrainian Soldiers try to take cover and they’re fighting back against an army who are relentless. The war tears up the book.

The citizens who are trying to stay safe as running out of options. Too many battles and destruction is everywhere.

The number of casualties is rising, and the fighting continues. My adrenaline was rising, and I caught myself sitting on the edge of my seat as the action intensified. Yes Brown, you did it again, you brought this event right into my home. 5 stars

History Smashers: The Mayflower by Kate Messner

5 stars Nonfiction Middle School/Children’s Chapter

What a fun way to learn history! I’ll be honest and tell you that I didn’t make it all the way through this book, it was due back to the library before I got to finish it. I did make it through most of the book and what I read was amazing! I’m not into history but I really wish I was. In school, I hated history but that was many, many years ago. Now, with all the amazing books that they have available, I think I would love to learn about history. History is now presented in a fun, entertaining way yet when I was learning about it, it seemed like it was all dates and facts. I had heard about these History Smashers books, and I found the Mayflower edition at my local library, so I checked it out. It’s crazy the information I learned in these pages!

I loved the language of this book and how this book felt as if, it was talking to me.

The author was explaining the information to me in a fun and informative way. Engaging the reader, the author addresses the many notions and beliefs that surround the Mayflower and lead me on a path of discovery.

I liked this way of learning vs. being told the facts of this important event, for I felt more engaged and receptive of what they were trying to communicate. With the accompanying black and white pictures, this book kept my attention and it moved along quickly. Using cartoon drawings, actual photographs and diagrams, the book’s illustrations are a great addition to this book.

I was also impressed with how many different topics they cover. There is so much to love about this book. Be ready to submerge yourself in the Mayflower when you pick up this book, as you’ll be amazed at what you’ll discover about this famous voyage. Definitely a 5-star read.

“Paintings like this one make it easy for people to assume that Pilgrims walked around in black clothes all the time. But historical documents tell a different story.”

“So, what would you have eaten during the trip if you’d been on board the Mayflower? Biscuits – But these weren’t the nice, soft, fluffy biscuits we eat with gravy today. They were hard and dry, so they wouldn’t get moldy. And after a while, they became infested with little bugs called weevils. (But look on the bright side! At least that added some protein….)” (There were other food/drink items listed too).

Big Tree by Brian Selznick

5 stars Children’s audio

As I child, I remember thinking my stuffed animals would come alive while I was not in the room. I imagined they had conversations and they’d all play together while I was away. When I returned, I’d find them sitting there waiting for me and I would sometimes think, that some of them had forgotten where I had placed them and now, they were out of order. Authors now give voice to a variety of items and I shouldn’t be surprised to find a voice attached to a tree seed. What I am surprised to find is, how much I adore these stories and what these stories have to offer their readers.

Imagine being a tree seed waiting to for the seedpod to burst open and be free? To be released and unrestricted. To fly. Leaving the security of your mother and poof, off you go! You can now go find your place in the world, be strong. The wise words of your mother are running through your head. Sounds easy yet it’s scary as the world is a big place.

I wasn’t ready for the moment when Louise and Merwin were released from their mother, it’s hard to tell if these siblings were ready either. I wanted to hear about their life with their mother, I wanted to hear more of their mother’s wisdom, and how she had prepared them for the world beyond her reach. As they started their new life, Louise was the one who was looking at the world around her, admiring all that she could see. Her eyes were open: what her mother had told her was instilled inside her and she dreamed. She wanted it all and she wanted the best of it. Merwin was the safe one, I thought. He was the protector and he would settle for what would work. Louise is fascinated about the world around them and she has lots of questions for her brother. You can feel the frustration mount in Merwin as the questions continue. Will they ever find their own place?

This was a fantastic audio; I love the voices and how the story progressed. Wow! Definitely one that should be listened to. 5 stars

My Darkest Prayer by S.A. Cosby

4 stars Mystery

This was an exciting read, the action kept building throughout. Nate is currently an undertaker but he’s had many titles throughout the years which all come in handy. When the leader of their church is suddenly shot dead, some women of the church call upon Nate for some answers. They don’t trust the local authorities and they know about Nate; I think everyone knows about Nate. Nate says that he’ll check into it but he ends up doing more than checking into it, Nate gets involved in something bigger than he ever imagined. Nate wants to uncover the truth; he wants justice to be served and he’ll do almost anything to make sure that gets accomplished.

I don’t like a book with a lot of different characters, I find that they’re confusing but I liked the variety of individuals inside this story. They kept the story moving and the variation of stories added to the intensity of the drama. There are instances of violence, swearing, and sexual encounters in the story so that needs to be noted for some readers. I liked Nate’s determination and drive. He wasn’t doing it for money, work, or for the glorification, he was solving the problem. This was a fast, enjoyable read for me. 4 stars

The Skull by Jon Klassen

5 stars Fiction Folklore Middle School/ Children’s

What a clever story! I have always enjoyed Jon Klassen stories even though I know that I’m not his target audience. His stories, along with his art, are creative, moving, and they’re not over the top. I like the simplicity of what he does. He doesn’t try to put on a circus performance for his readers. He takes them on a journey. A journey of discovery, of wonder, and one that makes them want to keep flipping the pages.

Just opening The Skull, I knew I was in for a treat. The paper, the fonts and the colors used in the illustrations were setting the stage for this Tyrolean Folktale. Part One: Young Otilla has been running all night. Dressed in a hooded cape, Otilla pushes herself through snow that’s past her knees. What she is running from, I have no idea but her walking stick has kept her upright so far. As the dark, thick forest begins to crowd in on her, she begins to hear it call her name. Pushing herself, she makes her way through the trees and she discovers a huge, old house. Hope!

With a locked door, Otilla knocks and calls out. Yes! Someone immediately answers her call. Looking up, Otilla discovers that there’s a window above her and a skull had answered her call.

My mind was going as I turned the page and saw that I was going into Part Two of the book with three (3) different sections. There were so many different possibilities as to where this story might go. Otilla and the skull reach an agreement and they meet (I loved the creativity here and the illustrations were amazing). Seriously, I would love to share how the two of them conversed and discussed the house that the skull lived in but I feel that it would give away part of the story. I was enjoying their innocence, the tenderness, and the grace the two of them had with each other and how they accepted each other as they talked. The ballroom……..oh, the ballroom. You couldn’t knock the smile off my face at this point as I read.

Part Three: As the day winds down, the skull makes an offer to Otilla but it comes with a warning. Again, these two discuss everything and they come to an understanding, as friends should. The ending was fantastic!!

From the paper used in this book to the large print of the text, this book just didn’t think of the storyline and the illustrations. I liked how the author broke up the book into parts to give it an older audience appeal yet the story also appeals to younger children. Using a skull, there is a creepy tone to the story yet the folktale is not haunting or horrific. The illustrations were wonderful, I loved the color scheme used and it complimented the text. 5 stars

The Wager: a Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder by David Grann

5 stars Nonfiction

You have to listen to this audio! Did a fabulous job reading this book as I felt a part of the action. After finishing the book, I really wondered how anyone survived the whole ordeal. The odds were bad to start and when you add in all other misfortunes and the behavior of the individuals aboard the vessels, the survivors were a tough group.

I really liked how I felt a part of the action and how realistic this book felt. It was interesting viewing the action behind the eyes of the different captains. The allies amongst the crew and how they felt about their captain, the way they felt about their mission and its success and how they manage themselves made this book one that I couldn’t stop listening to. They were fighting a battle to stay alive, to fight a war, to find treasure, to find their way home, and to serve their country. Such a great book. 5+ stars!!

Notes while listening to the Playaway:

Listening to this on a Playaway, narrated by Dion Graham. Seriously, Dion brings this book to life!! The energy and excitement in his voice was phenomenal. It was as if Dion was retelling the story from his own personal experience about The Wager and that he was not, actually reading a book to me. Phew, what a voyage!!

Listen to Me (Rizzoli & Isles, #13) by Tess Gerritsen

4.5 stars

Once again, I jumped into the middle of a series but I knew about this one. I knew this book was part of a series when I picked it up so I was prepared to perhaps be confused but I really wasn’t. I had read a few of Tess Gerritsen’s books before and I had enjoyed them, so I was anxious to see how a series of hers would be. I really enjoyed the characters, especially Angela and I liked the little twists that were inside the book which kept the book moving along.

Angela was Jane’s mother and she was my favorite character. I normally don’t care for busy-bodies in books but Angela was hilarious as she kept track of the neighbors around her. She seemed to know what was going on in the neighborhood or so, she thought. She had her own opinion and as she shared it, in the book, she had me chuckling. Her daughter Jane, is a homicide detective and Angela keeps the phone ringing to her daughter, if she spots anything out-of-the-ordinary hoping that her daughter will check it out. Angela doesn’t want the glory if they apprehend a criminal or stop a crime, Angela just wants a safe and secure environment. Jane, on the other hand, is tired of her mother countless phone calls over everything and anything and her mother’s calls begin to fall on deaf ears. Does her mother give up, nope! Her mother calls the police and yes, they’ve dealt with Angela before so they know the routine with her calls.

There’s been a report of a murder and when Jane and her partner investigate it, they realize this case is more than just a burglary/murder. This investigation is just the beginning of an adventure that turns into something much bigger than they imagined.

I enjoyed this book more than I anticipated. There were plenty of little twists here and there that changed the direction of the book and made me rethink that something else was up when I had thought that I had things figured out. I was glad that I was able to read this book as a stand-alone novel, too. I would like to go back and read the beginning of this series; it was that good. 4.5 stars I received a copy of this book from Random House Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion of this book, thank you for sending me this book. #RizzoliIslesListentoMe #NetGalley.

The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary D. Schmidt

5 stars YA/ Middle School

What can I say about this fantastic new book from Gary Schmidt? You need to read it! Yes, what an interesting, thought-provoking read that I laughed, I cringed, and I stopped while reading to thoroughly enjoy the text that I had just read. It’s a clever story of Hercules Beal as he attempts to fulfil the writing assignment from his teacher at the Cape Cod Academy for Environmental Sciences. This is Beal’s first year at the academy and he’s not thrilled about having a retired marine lieutenant colonel as his teacher. Hercules has other classes at the academy but they don’t take up his time as much as the Beal lives with his brother as his parents died and they’re trying to keep the Beal Brothers Farm and Nursery running.

What got me first about this book. Every morning, Hercules leaves his house and takes a half-mile run/walk to a sand Dune. Before dawn, every morning. He stands there at the top and just as the sun “jumps into the sky, he whispers, ““Morning, Mom,” and “Morning, Dad” and the light is all around me now, so much of it that it finally spills over onto the west side of the Dune and it fills the dark.” What a sweet tribute to his parents every morning! Hercules knows that his brother Achilles is not happy to be living in Truro as he used to be a writer for a famous magazine and travel the world but they need to keep the family business going and Hercules feels that Truro is the most beautiful place on Earth.

This was a fun read and it went fast. I liked that the other students in the class also got interesting assignemnts and I read how their assignemnets went as I read how Hercules kept up with his assignment. Lieutenant Colonel Hupfer runs the classroom tightly but he does have some fun and tender moments as he keeps the students in line and he writes in Hercules . Each student in his has a yearlong Classical Mytholody Application Project. The project is individually based on the student and classical myths. I liked how each of them were unique and different, and I thought they brought a personal touch to these myths. When Hercules started his project, I was worried how difficult it was going to be but he was creative in the application of the myth’s story to his life.

An entertaining read and one I would highly recommend- heck, I highly recommend all of his novels! 5++ stars

“ I don’t know what happiness beyond belief would feel like. I can imagine, I guess, but I’m not sure what it would like. What I am sure of is this: Who would not want to give someone else happiness beyond belief?”

“ ….even if Hercules the Myth had to go down into hell alone, I didn’t.”