Book Review: Grimms Manga Tales (English) by Kei Ishiyamab

Grimms Manga Tales (English) by Kei Ishiyama is a classic manga version of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales with the authors special, creative twist. The book features the stories of Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, The Two Brothers, The Twelve Hunters, Snow White, The Frog King, Puss in Boots, and The Singing, Springing Lark. This fantasy manga retells these timeless tales with a twist of originality.

Grimms Manga Tales is an interesting look at fairy tales that are well known, and some much less common. I like the manga twist, but recommend reading in paper rather than digital copy- mainly because the book is in the traditional Japanese format- meaning that it is read back to front and right to left.The stories are definitely given twists that surprised me, some of which worked for me and some that just did not. The artwork was well done, and the stories were interesting. However, I had trouble getting fully engaged in the stories- including the ones that I knew less well than the others. Maybe it was because each of the retellings was so short, or maybe I missed something along the way, but I just did not love it like I do most things fairy tale related.

Grimms Manga Tales is a quick read, and offers some new twists to fairy tales. Those looking for quick reads, and those that love fairy tales and the manga style of story telling might enjoy the read, but it is not something I think everyone will love. I think this would be best for young adult and older audiences, because of some of the content.

Early Book Review: Silver Hair: Say Goodbye to the Dye and Let Your Natural Light Shine: A Handbook by Lorraine Massey, Michele Bender

Silver Hair: Say Goodbye to the Dye and Let Your Natural Light Shine: A Handbook by Lorraine Massey with Michele Bender is currently scheduled for rel;ease on February 6 2018. Written by the author of the bestselling Curly GirlSilver Hair covers step-by-step the many options for going silver with style. It includes before-and-after photos of real models; advice on how to stay gorgeous during the silver journey—with tips on the best ways to have a smooth color transition; keeping your silver gorgeous with the right hair care and DIY recipes; and finally how to complement your chic new look with flattering fashion, makeup, and accessories. Going silver is not just about style, or saving time and money at the salon or on your own.  It satisfies that deeper desire for authenticity and the freedom to be oneself.
Silver Hair: Say Goodbye to the Dye and Let Your Natural Light Shine: A Handbook is an encouraging and useful guide to those that are pondering the end of dying their grays, and the start of embracing the hair nature is giving them. There was a large number or stories from different women that have gone through the transition, all telling the methods they used and how their looks, lives, and perception of themselves changed. As someone with naturally dark hair, and plenty of what I like to call "wisdom highlights". I did not find much in the book that was relevant to me, because I have not dyed my hair in a number of years and the stories are mostly about giving up the dye, and the process of growing out the color rather than just letting nature have its way from the very beginning. However, I did enjoy reading about how other women felt about their hair and the reactions they received when they embraced the silver. The most instructive thing for me was the tips for hair care and treatments. I think this would be a great read for those considering making this transition. 

Early Book Review: A Stegosaurus Would NOT Make a Good Pirate by Thomas Kingsley Troupe

A Stegosaurus Would NOT Make a Good Pirate by Thomas Kingsley Troupe is a picturebook that is currently scheduled for release on February 1 2018. Everyone has dreams, even dinosaurs! But not every dream can become reality. For example, the brachiosaurus would love to be a spy! But at 40 feet tall, he certainly would not blend in. And the T-rex aspires to be a knight. But how would she manage to pick up a sword with those tiny arms?  

A Stegosaurus Would NOT Make a Good Pirate is a picturebook that is good fun, with charming illustrations. I liked the dinosaur's attempts at being a good pirate, and how the tone gave the impression that he could laugh at himself while still being more than a little overconfident. I think the deliver of dinosaur facts along side the light hearted story make for a fun read that might get many re read requests. I also enjoyed the glossary and mini quiz at the end. The fact that the answers are hidden in the illustrations, and the quiz offers clues as to where young readers can find the answers, might spark a larger search for hidden information and encourage them to study pictures in other books to see if they can find information and clues. 

Book Review: Romancing the Undead (V-Date) by Juliet Lyons

Romancing the Undead is the second book in the V-Date series by Juliet Lyons. While I have read the previous book, and it did give me a bit of insight on a few characters, I do not think it is needed to fully enjoy this read.

Mila Hart’s first experience with the vampire dating site V-Date.com is a complete disaster–her date is wanted for murder! But things turn around when she’s rescued by dashing vampire cop Vincent Ferrer. Dangerous and devastatingly attractive, he’s just the undead hottie Mila was hoping for. However Vincent is haunted by his past and does not want to risk falling in love again–even if Mila charms him more than anyone he’s ever met. But when the killer from Mila’s date seeks her out, Vincent is the only one who can protect her. Protecting his heart is a different story.

Romancing the Undead is a solid paranormal romance with a solid plot and danger and connections that were on point. I liked Mila's character, she was strong and aware of her flaws. She was not the mess she considered herself to be, but she certainly did find herself in less that ideal conditions on several occasions. Vincent was a good character as well, although I did find his attachment to guilt and his past to be a little much on occasion. I found the suspense plot line with the vampire murderer to be well done, although I admit that I suspected the twist, or something of its nature from the start. I do think that my favorite part was the characters, especially the supporting characters and hoe varied but real they all felt. From Vincent's co-workers, to the vampires, and beyond to Mila's friends and family, I found the little details about these characters and their lives made everything much more real as I read than the story would have been without them.



Romancing the Undead is an engaging read that had me entertained through out, and holding my breath more than once.  I do believe I will be continuing this series, and looking to see what happens to all the characters I have met on the edges of the story.

Book Review: Can I Touch Your Hair by Irene Latham and Charles Waters, Sean Qualls and Selina Alko

Can I Touch Your Hair is a poetry collection written by Irene Latham and Charles Waters, illustrated by Sean Qualls and Selina Alko. How can Irene and Charles work together on their fifth grade poetry project? They don't know each other, and they're not sure they want to. Irene Latham, who is white, and Charles Waters, who is black, use this fictional setup to delve into different experiences of race in a relatable way, exploring such topics as hair, hobbies, and family dinners. Accompanied by artwork from acclaimed illustrators Sean Qualls and Selina Alko (of The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage), this remarkable collaboration invites readers of all ages to join the dialogue by putting their own words to their experiences.

Can I Touch Your Hair is an honest and touching collection of poems that address so much more than race. The collaboration approach was perfect, giving the scenario and the result an authentic feel- because it was real. I think the open discussion involved in the poetry and matching illustrations does a wonderful job of highlighting some of the challenges adults and children face when they are willing to try to form understanding across lines they might not even want to acknowledge. I love that the characters each had missteps along the way, but they just kept trying to find their way and discovered that it is through communication and a willingness to listen and apologize when necessary is all that is needed to understand each other.

While the main topic here is bridging the racial divide and open up communications, I think it could be used as a great starting point for so many divides in our society. We are all the same at heart, we all need the same things, and by exploring our differences and similarities I think we all could forge friendships like the fictional classmates if we are willing to put forth the same effort with open hearts and minds. This is a poignant and important read for children and adults alike.

Book Review: The Girl with the Ghost Machine by Lauren DeStefano

The Girl with the Ghost Machine by Lauren DeStefano is a middle grade novel. When Emmaline Beaumont's father started building the ghost machine, she didn't expect it to bring her mother back from the dead. But by locking himself in the basement to toil away at his hopes, Monsieur Beaumont has become obsessed with the contraption and neglected the living, and Emmaline is tired of feeling forgotten. Nothing good has come from building the ghost machine, and Emmaline decides that the only way to bring her father back will be to make the ghost machine work, or destroy it forever.


The Girl with the Ghost Machine is a heart breaking novel about loss, friendship, family, and grief. Emmaline has learned to survive after the loss of her mother, and her father's obsession with the ghost machine he has built. She is taking care of herself quite well, with the support of her two best friends, at least until in an attempt to destroy the machine she figures out how to make it work. The conflicts and emotions were very poignant, and felt real. The characters were dynamic and had a good mixture of the expected and surprises in their personality and actions. I rode the roller coaster of Emmaline's emotions, and was engaged through the whole read. The book comes mainly from Emmaline's point of view, but we occasionally get the viewpoints of others, which gives readers a better overall picture of the action and state of the entire cast of characters. I will admit that there is a twist, and that I saw it coming. It was like watching a horrible accident unfold in a movie when you know something is coming, and want to shout at the characters, but can do nothing to stop it. The story crushed me many times, in many ways, but it also gave me hope and warmed my heart. 

The Girl with the Ghost Machine is an engaging read that torn at my heart, and then put it back together. The characters and their pain was so real that I think the story will touch, and stick with, many readers. 

Early Book Review: Honk! Splat! Vroom! by Barry Gott

Honk! Splat! Vroom! by Barry Gott is currently scheduled for release on February 1 2018. Five mice speed down a road race, eager to cross the finish line. But first they must overcome all sorts of messy obstacles, including mud and one very hungry cat! Luckily, a friendly goose saves the day. 
Honk! Splat! Vroom! is a fast and fun read for even the youngest readers. The five mice are racing hard, and while they struggle to win and are not always kind to each other as one mouse is left behind and they pass and pass again. However, when danger is at hand the mouse that was left behind and his new friend save the day. Not the best tale about how to behave in competition, but in the end they all redeem themselves and act as friends should. The illustrations and words are big, bold, and will capture the attention and interest of readers, keeping them engaged and entertained. 

Book Review: Hard Breaker (Gargoyles) by Christine Warren

Hard Breaker is the sixth book in the Gargoyles series by Christine Warren. I have read most, of not all of this series, and I recommend having read at least a few of the previous books before picking this one up otherwise you might get lost in the larger story line.

Ivy Beckett 's gift feels more like a curse. She can hear things happening in distant locations, which is how she knows the very instant her family is killed by servants of the Darkness. Furious, she joins the fight to save the world – but the losses are mounting up. She thinks only a miracle can save them—but she doesn't expect the miracle to come in the form of a handsome gargoyle. Baen is a fearsome Guardian, but when he awakes, even his surprised by war that is going on. But what’s even more distracting is beautiful Ivy. Driven by passion, she’s ready to charge head-first into battle. But Baen’s primal instincts to protect what’s his rise within him, and Ivy is dangerously attracted to him. Can she and her gargoyle warrior save the world…and fall in love?

Hard Breaker is the heart of the action and everything comes to its final resolution. I liked that ll of our Gaurdians and Wardens step in and work together, and the support and teasing they offer each other is the best part of the story. I liked Ivy and Baen, but felt like some of the relationship was just glossed over and lost in the larger story. I did enjoy their coming together, and Baen's challenge to understand where her reluctance came from. However, I will admit to the action getting a little drawn out- and I skimmed some of the story just to see how it all came together. I still enjoyed the read, but I just never got lost in the story like I hoped I would.

Hard Breaker is a satisfying conclusion to the series, but I felt like it was somehow a little rushed in some ways but drawn out in others. I still enjoyed the characters and think that those that have stuck through the series need to read it. 

Book Review: The Real Thing (Sugar Lake) by Melissa Foster

The Real Thing is the first book in the Sugar Lake series by Melissa Foster.  Bakery owner Willow Dalton’s friendship with Zane Walker has always been a bit complicated. Now a scrumptiously hot A-list actor, Zane’s always had a reputation as a player. He’s arrogant, and he’s definitely not boyfriend material. Sure, he did Willow a favor by agreeing to take her virginity before college, but is that reason enough for her to go along with a fake engagement a decade later—even if it comes with a real diamond ring? Zane should have known better. Nothing involving Willow has ever been easy. Still, he knows her better than anyone, and becoming America’s hottest new leading man means cleaning up his reputation. An “engagement” to curvy, sass-mouthed Willow is the perfect PR move…provided no one gets hurt. Now Zane and Willow’s little white lie has turned into an irresistible recipe for sweet temptation. And soon no one will be able to tell the difference between their fake engagement and the real thing, including them.

The Real Thing is a charming romance. I found Willow and Zane to be great characters, they both had depth and good and bad attributes- and some serious chemistry. I feel like I missed some of the connection between the pair from the past, which is important to the story. Whether this is because of the number of books I have missed from Foster over the years or not, it was really the only negative that I found, but it just never solidified for me personally. I loved the family and friend connections, and the emotionally charged bickering between Zane and Willow. I also like that the discussed things like adults when it was important, although occasionally assumptions, pride, and hurt feelings got in the way. No surprises, just a book with witty dialogue, its fair share of steam, and a pretty perfect blend of charm and snack for a engaging read.

The Real Thing is another romance from Foster that includes characters that feel real, with good and bad and some small town charm thrown in. While it is not the best I have read from Foster, it is still remarkably good and an enjoyable read. 

Book Review: Lumberjanes: Unicorn Power! (Lumberjanes #1) by Mariko Tamaki

Lumberjanes: Unicorn Power! (Lumberjanes #1) by Mariko Tamaki brings the beloved Lumberjanes characters into a novel format with brand-new adventures. Welcome to Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady Types. The five scouts of Roanoke cabin—Jo, April, Molly, Mal, and Ripley—love their summers at camp. They get to hang out with their best friends, earn Lumberjane scout badges, annoy their no-nonsense counselor Jen and go on supernatural adventures. That last one? A pretty normal occurrence at Miss Qiunzella’s, where the woods contain endless mysteries. Today is no exception. When challenge-loving April leads the girls on a hike up the TALLEST mountain they’ve ever seen, things don’t go quite as planned. For one, they didn’t expect to trespass into the lands of the ancient Cloud People, and did anyone happen to read those ominous signs some unknown person posted at the bottom of the mountain? Also, unicorns.

Lumberjanes: Unicorn Power! is a a fun to read adventure. I loves that the personalities of April, Jo, Mal, Molly, and Ripley were consistent with those from the graphic novels- and the illustrations were a lovely addition. I liked that there was a good deal of back story and character building, so that newcomers to the series are not completely lost as to who is who. I do think that fans of the graphic novel will enjoy the read more than others, but new readers will still be able to enjoy the read. The story of the Lumberjanes and the unicorns was fun, silly, and a little goofy. exactly what I expect from the characters and their slightly hyper personalities. I enjoyed the humor and friendship that is so much a part of the graphic novel series, and think that this switch of mediums was very well done.

Lumberjanes: Unicorn Power! is a great, fun read. I prefer the original format- the artwork and stories in the graphic novels are fabulous- however this book is well worth your time. Fans of the graphic novels, and anyone that wants to read about adventurous girls having amazing adventure will fully enjoy the book.