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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2478 KP) rated Demolition Angel in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Three years ago, Carol Starkey lost her partner and lover when a bomb exploded. Heck, she almost lost her life herself, and she has lived with the scars, real and emotional, from it ever since. Now she is tasked with solving the murder of another LAPD bomb squad member killed by a bomb. The ATF thinks it was the work of Mr. Red, a serial bomber. Can Carol catch him?
The mystery itself in this book is strong, and I enjoyed the twists and turns as we went along. However, I had a real problem with Carol. She was a walking cliché of the hard-boiled mystery genre right down to her chain smoking, secret drinking, and hard to like personality. Her character arc was a cliché as well, but I finally did find myself caring about her toward the end of the book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/07/book-review-demolition-angel-by-robert.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The mystery itself in this book is strong, and I enjoyed the twists and turns as we went along. However, I had a real problem with Carol. She was a walking cliché of the hard-boiled mystery genre right down to her chain smoking, secret drinking, and hard to like personality. Her character arc was a cliché as well, but I finally did find myself caring about her toward the end of the book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/07/book-review-demolition-angel-by-robert.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Sarah is running a sport equipment exchange in a local school gym. The night before, as she is about to leave, someone attacks her. Despite the attack, the event goes off without a hitch – until Sarah finds the dead body of the school superintendent. What is going on?
This is another fabulous, fast paced read in one of my favorite series. There are several different avenues that Sarah investigates along the way, and they all come together beautifully for the climax. Meanwhile, we get some development in several series threads and a very funny sub-plot. Sarah continues to grow as a character, and the rest of the cast, both new and returning, are fantastic. The writing makes me feel like I’ve visited Sarah’s corner of the world.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/02/book-review-i-know-what-you-bid-last.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is another fabulous, fast paced read in one of my favorite series. There are several different avenues that Sarah investigates along the way, and they all come together beautifully for the climax. Meanwhile, we get some development in several series threads and a very funny sub-plot. Sarah continues to grow as a character, and the rest of the cast, both new and returning, are fantastic. The writing makes me feel like I’ve visited Sarah’s corner of the world.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/02/book-review-i-know-what-you-bid-last.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Maggie is trying to deal with what she saw and learned in Berlin while training future spies to help England during World War II. But when a friend gets in trouble, Maggie snaps out of her depression to help. Meanwhile, Japan and the US are not finding any common ground in November of 1941.
Fans of the series will appreciate the character development we get here with Maggie and some other series regulars. It feels like a slower book than normal, but it was needed and I never felt my interest waning. Maggie and the others take a back seat to the lead up to Pearl Harbor at times, but I found that part just as interesting, and I don't know how the author could have played it any differently for this series.
NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/07/book-review-prime-ministers-secret.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Fans of the series will appreciate the character development we get here with Maggie and some other series regulars. It feels like a slower book than normal, but it was needed and I never felt my interest waning. Maggie and the others take a back seat to the lead up to Pearl Harbor at times, but I found that part just as interesting, and I don't know how the author could have played it any differently for this series.
NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/07/book-review-prime-ministers-secret.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Human Body: Discover the inner workings of the human body! in Books
Jun 14, 2018
Inside Out Human Body: Explore the World's Most Amazing Machine! by Luann Columbo is a fantastic book full of facts and diagrams which enables us to begin to understand the human body in all its glory. Each section has a layered model which illustrates some of the facts presented. The book is extremely informative.
This book gives the reader information about our muscular system, skeletal system, joints, digestive system, urinary system, respiratory system, and nervous system. Pronunciation tips for more advanced words like pulmonary are provided and there are some simple experiments kids can do to demonstrate what they’re learning, such as looking at the underside of their tongue in a mirror to see their blood vessels.
I recommend this book to any kid or kids and heart who loves learning about the human body.
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group and becker&mayer kids! for this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book gives the reader information about our muscular system, skeletal system, joints, digestive system, urinary system, respiratory system, and nervous system. Pronunciation tips for more advanced words like pulmonary are provided and there are some simple experiments kids can do to demonstrate what they’re learning, such as looking at the underside of their tongue in a mirror to see their blood vessels.
I recommend this book to any kid or kids and heart who loves learning about the human body.
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group and becker&mayer kids! for this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Molly the Mole: A Story to Help Children Build Self-Esteem in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Molly the Mole: A Story to Help Children Build Self-Esteem by Alice Reeves is part of the Truth and Tails series, specifically regarding Self-Esteem. Molly is feeling sad because she is comparing herself to her friends. She does not think she measures up in various areas. Through helping her friends with different things, they help to show her that she has other traits and qualities that make her special too. The lesson of being yourself and feeling good about it is one important message, but also accepting each other for who they are and for whatever their talents and skills might be.
The questions at the end of the book to promote discussion are an added bonus. This is a good addition to an elementary class to help develop values and positive character.
I give this book 4/5 stars. I received an ARC from the publisher,Jessica Kingsley Publishers, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The questions at the end of the book to promote discussion are an added bonus. This is a good addition to an elementary class to help develop values and positive character.
I give this book 4/5 stars. I received an ARC from the publisher,Jessica Kingsley Publishers, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Ecosystems in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Ecosystems by Mary Lindeen is an informative, non-fiction book in the Physical Science Series. The book provides an interesting way that is easy for children to understand about some of the ecosystems in the world. Some of the things explained include location, climate and what might be living there.
This is an early reader book so will also help to reinforce reading skills and build confidence. At the back of the book it lists the high frequency words as well as content words that can be pre-taught or discussed if the book is being read aloud. There are facts given during the reading accompanied by wonderful photos and many labels. The section at the back for parents and teachers gives suggested activities for connecting concept as well as resources for further investigation.
I recommend this book for young readers and for parents and teachers to read to children.
I received this ARC from NetGalley via Norwood House Press in exchange for an honest review.
This is an early reader book so will also help to reinforce reading skills and build confidence. At the back of the book it lists the high frequency words as well as content words that can be pre-taught or discussed if the book is being read aloud. There are facts given during the reading accompanied by wonderful photos and many labels. The section at the back for parents and teachers gives suggested activities for connecting concept as well as resources for further investigation.
I recommend this book for young readers and for parents and teachers to read to children.
I received this ARC from NetGalley via Norwood House Press in exchange for an honest review.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated The Big Flood: The Story of Noah and the Ark in Books
Jun 18, 2018
The Big Flood: The Story of Noah and the Ark by Paul Gully is a wonderful new look at the story of Noah and the Ark. The illustrations are well done, very fun to look at and would definitely appeal to youngsters. The text is rhyming and easy to understand, just right for little ones to enjoy. This is a well adapted Bible story.
The story teaches young kids about the unshakeable faith that Noah portrays when God asks him to build an ark and then take care of all the animals on board. He alerts Noah to the fact that He is sending a huge rainstorm that will result in the flooding of the entire earth and He warns Noah that all the non-believers will perish if they refuse to come onto the ark which will be a safe haven for them.
I received an ARC from Broadstreet Publishing Group LLC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story teaches young kids about the unshakeable faith that Noah portrays when God asks him to build an ark and then take care of all the animals on board. He alerts Noah to the fact that He is sending a huge rainstorm that will result in the flooding of the entire earth and He warns Noah that all the non-believers will perish if they refuse to come onto the ark which will be a safe haven for them.
I received an ARC from Broadstreet Publishing Group LLC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Joelene Marie (28 KP) rated How to Murder Your Life in Books
Oct 1, 2018
Compulsively readable, feels more like a novel than an autobiography. At times I found myself able to relate to her or almost feeling sorry for her, at least in regards to her childhood, while other times I found her to be truly obnoxious and off-putting, especially in not accepting responsibility for her actions. However, I enjoyed her style of writing and I commend her bravery in putting her life and her struggles with addiction out there for the world to see, and judge. I imagine that every author dreads the bad reviews but when it's a book about your life that has to sting twice as hard. Hopefully her story will inspire others dealing with the same issues to turn things around. Curious to see if/how she will continue her literary career, perhaps a novel will be in her future (I certainly hope so!) *Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!*
Roxanne (13 KP) rated Stupid Poems 11 in Books
Nov 14, 2018
<i>I received an ARC ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review</i>
_____ <b>5 Star Rating</b> _____
I thought this collection of poetry was fantastic as it gave me proper belly laughs.
This author really knows how to write great poetry...
<img src="http://static.rcgroups.net/forums/attachments/2/1/4/7/7/1/a3234523-52-animated-laughing.gif?d=1273492044"; width="300" height="280"/>
It was weird, random, hilarious and I honestly could not fault the rhyming; that is some skill!
If I was really hunting for anything negative I would say that it could do with a bit more editing as I did notice a few mistakes, not enough to knock off any points though.
If you would like something random to read I would recommend picking this one up as it is a short, easy to read book that once you start you just have to finish it.
_____ <b>5 Star Rating</b> _____
I thought this collection of poetry was fantastic as it gave me proper belly laughs.
This author really knows how to write great poetry...
<img src="http://static.rcgroups.net/forums/attachments/2/1/4/7/7/1/a3234523-52-animated-laughing.gif?d=1273492044"; width="300" height="280"/>
It was weird, random, hilarious and I honestly could not fault the rhyming; that is some skill!
If I was really hunting for anything negative I would say that it could do with a bit more editing as I did notice a few mistakes, not enough to knock off any points though.
If you would like something random to read I would recommend picking this one up as it is a short, easy to read book that once you start you just have to finish it.
Roxanne (13 KP) rated Random Body Parts: Gross Anatomy Riddles in Verse in Books
Nov 14, 2018
<i>ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, thank you.</i>
I imagine this book would look really nice as a glossy, A4, paperback. Bright, colourful and attractive with cute little drawings and speech bubbles. Visually, this is definitely a winner. After reading this book I understand that it definitely isn't aimed at my age group, I'm too old and my daughter is too young *sad face* although I believe it's something I would of liked when I was younger.
I requested this because as a child I was fascinated with the human body and now...I just like gross stuff.
The poetry element was a nice surprise, although towards the end it was a bit of a mish-mash (are we learning about the human body or Shakespeare?).
If you're interested in the human body with an extra dose of ickyness then I recommend The Horrible Science collection. I love those collections!
I imagine this book would look really nice as a glossy, A4, paperback. Bright, colourful and attractive with cute little drawings and speech bubbles. Visually, this is definitely a winner. After reading this book I understand that it definitely isn't aimed at my age group, I'm too old and my daughter is too young *sad face* although I believe it's something I would of liked when I was younger.
I requested this because as a child I was fascinated with the human body and now...I just like gross stuff.
The poetry element was a nice surprise, although towards the end it was a bit of a mish-mash (are we learning about the human body or Shakespeare?).
If you're interested in the human body with an extra dose of ickyness then I recommend The Horrible Science collection. I love those collections!