The Year My Life Went Down the Loo by Katie Maxwell

The Year My Life Went Down the Loo by Katie Maxwell ISBN 0843953136

This is an amazingly funny account of an American girl who is uprooted by her professor father and moved to Great Britain.  The book format is ingenious because it is written as a series of emails to her friend back home and so it is indeed a journal of the life of a teenage girl who starts off very upset about the move and slowly adjusts to life in a foreign country as well as adjusting to being a young woman.

From Amazon.com:

From Booklist
Gr. 10-12. Transplanted from Seattle to an English hamlet called Piddlington-on-the-Weld, 16-year-old Emily Williams braces herself for a year abroad. Life in a country “that still has discos!” really “irks her pickle.” No makeup is allowed at school, and the uniforms are “gacky”; at home, a poltergeist haunts her panty drawer, and her parents are generally appalling. Emily vents her frustrations in wickedly funny e-mails to her best friend, spiced with British slang and her own idiosyncratic coinages. Sex is a major theme here (the cartoonish cover belies content that is solidly YA), but despite Emily’s air of worldliness, her essential naivete becomes obvious when she falls in with a more experienced crew–for whom drinking and sex are apparently common leisure activities. The plot is utterly formulaic: girl has sleazebag love interest and then boots him for not respecting her personal boundaries. But like her spiritual cousins Georgia and Bridget, appealingly anguished Emily will have girls wanting to embrace her as their uber-coolio new best friend. Three more visits with Emily are in the works. Jennifer Mattson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Begging for Change: the dollars and sense of making non-profits responsive, efficient, and rewarding for all by Robert Egger with Howard Yoon

Begging for Change: the dollars and sense of making non-profits responsive, efficient, and rewarding for all by Robert Egger with Howard Yoon ISBN 9780060541712

I am ashamed to say that this book was in my house for almost a year before I actually opened it.  I had heard about it from Faith Middleton on National Public Radio and thought, “My, this sounds great!” So it was purchased and arrived at the library in February … no one checked it out and I finally did take it home in August.  I just started it less than a week ago and it is now finished.  I am amazed at why I didn’t read it earlier, for it was wonderfully refreshing and shares great insight into the non-profit community.

You can tell that Mr. Egger is very passionate about his field and his experience.  He has personal, vibrant anecdotes about all that he does.  In his exuberance for homelessness and hunger, he may sometimes be less than logical or thought out; however, one of his premises is that you can’t force someone to change their mind, you make suggestions and then hopefully they will have a “calculated epiphany”.  You share a life story or anecdote and hopefully a donor will eventually see the situation in a different light. 

This was a wonderful quick read talking about our society and how it is changing — our youth are doing more in the volunteer field because of school graduation requirements.  With organizations like AmeriCorps and Peace Corps — our college graduates have done more to help and gain experience in wide realms of global spheres yet when they return and seek job opportunities they cannot find jobs that suit their expectations.  The world is changing and yet non-profits, especially older and more established non-profits, do things the way they have always done them.  Mr. Egger suggests that this is the 21st century and non-profits tend to be acting in an early 20th century model.

Non-profits can’t be operated in the same way as for-profit companies — but they can be inovated and creative.  All non-profits should look at why they exist and who do they serve.  How can they best serve the community in which they live?  Is hunger the only issue?  Does the non-profit need to address the whole person?  Do the people they serve need a secure and safe neighborhood?  Food, so that the parents can be assured that their children are well and the parents can focus on work?  A vehicle or mode of transportation so they can get to work on time and then to grocery stores and food banks for when the paycheck doesn’t last as long as the month does.

This is a great book and if anyone has anything to do with a non-profit this should be a highly recommended book.  I am also tempted to say that every high school student should read it before graduation.

Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death by M.C. Beaton

Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death by M.C. Beaton ISBN 978-0312939168

I had never read any of the Agatha Raisin stories but they had come highly recommended by a number of patrons — so I thought I would try one.  Agatha is a middle aged woman who retires young from her own public relations firm and moves to a small village where she had vacationed once.  She is a woman who had fought her way to the top and held tight with a firm hand.  She had a very hard time fitting in with tea parties and Ladies Society Meetings.  This book is how she uses her acute business sense and stubborn attitudes to find a place in a small village while trying to avoid being murdered in her quest for truth.

This is a great book with funny scenarios and wonderfully strong characters.

From Amazon.com:

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
In this highly promising launch to a new mystery series, Beaton turns from the adventures of her Scottish policeman Hamish Macbeth to introduce the redoubtable Agatha Raisin. At 53, Agatha, whose personality is a piquant combination of brusque competence and fallibility, sells her London public relations firm to retire to the picturesque Cotswold village of Carsely. Determined to gain acceptance among the villagers, the undomestic Agatha enters a local bake-off. The judge, Reg Cummings-Brown, not only snubs her entry but later dies, poisoned by cowbane in Agatha’s killer quiche. Of course Agatha is innocent: her “homemade” entry came from a Chelsea delicatessen. Knowing news of her cheating will light up the village, Agatha hopes to save face by proving Reg was murdered, even though the police think it was all a ghastly accident. But was Reg or Agatha the target? And why would anyone want to kill the popular Reg, whose wife was only one of “quite a lot of ladies . . . sobbing into their handkerchiefs” at the inquest? While the murder is occasionally overshadowed by Agatha’s settling-in problems, Beaton’s ( Death of a Snob ) playful depiction of village life makes it all a delicious romp.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review
“- ‘Beaton’s dry sense of humour and her unflattering but affectionate portrait of gruff, often adolescent acting Agatha make this… tale a bloom worth picking.’ – Publishers Weekly – ‘Engaging’ – Booklist –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

The Self Sufficient-ish Bible: an eco-living guide for the 21st century by Andy + Dave Hamilton

The Self Sufficient-ish Bible: an eco-living guide for the 21st century by Andy + Dave Hamilton ISBN 9780340951019

These brothers have a great way of seeing things and though they write all about eco-footprints and growing organic gardens — they are friendly to people who want to start small.  They mention the bicycle powered blender — put they don’t expect everyone to give up the grid and move to some small unknown hamlet.  They offer fun tips for every aspect of life — they tell you about the most energy efficient home but also speak on travel, shopping, and what vegetables to grow when, foraging tips and home brewing and other forms of food preservation.

“The Self Sufficient-ish Bible” is a fun book to read thoroughly or just browse through.  The Hamilton Brothers do have a very definite Great Britain flavor and speak a great deal about allotments and how to find them.  But their perspective is truly great and well worth looking at.

they have a website:  www.selfsufficientish.com

They have some great ideas and wonderful recipes.  If you have ever wondered if there is a more energy efficient and earth friendly approach (or money saving too!) this book could be the answer!!

from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Self-Sufficient-ish-Bible-Eco-living-Century/dp/034095101X/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1246484317&sr=1-3

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
British twins Andy and Dave Hamilton provide an inspiring blueprint for eco-living in this elegantly styled guide. The first-time authors posit that while it’s impossible—or at least undesirable—to revert to foraging and cave-dwelling, it is possible to be self sufficient-ish. To that end, they roll out hundreds of suggestions in four general areas (home, garden, food and lifestyle) to help readers live more harmoniously with Mother Earth. Particularly engaging are their discussions of small-scale beekeeping, harvesting of wild foods, home beer, wine and cider making, small space kitchen gardening and low-carbon holidays. While a long list of books on permaculture and other techniques have helped thousands get off the grid, this book has a more inviting feel for those who want to make à la carte green adjustments to their life. The book does have drawbacks: much of its information can be found on the authors’ own popular site (www.selfsufficientish.com); and the exclusive British focus leaves those in other countries confused during lengthy discussions of specific edible mushrooms and planting calendars. Yet the book’s lush color photography, earnest prose and pragmatic approach will appeal widely as concern over global warming mounts. (Nov.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Warrior Princess by Frewin Jones

Warrior Princess by Frewin Jones ISBN 9780060871437

There are some days when I have a whole stack of books on my bedside table and nothing to read.  I was in one of those moods when I was walking in the children’s room and saw this book on the shelf display.  The cover is just strange enough to attract attention: a beautiful brunette in a red dress to die for … except if I read the book correctly the heroine preferred her brother’s hunting jerkin and going into the forest and hunting with a slingshot.  But do clothes really matter?

Branwen is a young woman who witnesses her brother’s death and is then forced by her parents to wed some young prince in a neighboring kingdom which is supposedly safer.  Branwen is the sole surviving child of the union of a famed woman warrior who co-rules their little kingdom and she does not understand the other kingdoms and their ideas of the role of women.  She wants to learn the military arts, but her mother has hoped to have her escape all that difficulty.

This is a good story and it does delve briefly into the idea of the old mystic faith of the British Isles.  It is pleasant — yet there seems to be more made of how different Branwen is from the spoiled princesses of other kingdoms than the destiny that is presented to her and the decisions that need to be made.

It was a pleasant story and if you like fantasy … check this out.  You won’t find a “to die for” book … but you will find a good book.

From Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Princess-Frewin-Jones/dp/0060871431/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245706236&sr=1-1

Spy High: Mission One by A. J. Butcher

Spy High: Mission One by A. J. Butcher ISBN 0316737607

Yes — I know I have been told on many occasions never to judge a book by its cover.  But I first noticed this book as it was being returned and I saw the cover and said, “Hey this looks interesting”

And it was — I read about a third of the way through and then because of life, other books that were more interesting, and a scene that happened in the book that I really didn’t like (but can’t remember now — so it couldn’t have been that bad!) I set it aside.  When I returned to it I thought it was great and finished it in 2 nights. 

Is this a 5 star book?  I don’t really think so — but it was a good read in the spy adventure tradition about surly teenagers that can’t work together and how their teachers try and get them to learn that “there is no “I” in team”.  I suppose they learn that lesson enough to pass their exams — but knowing the characters as well as a reader can (which isn’t very deeply) there will definitely be contests of wills in the following books.  Do I feel compelled to read the next one?  No, but if I ever am looking at the shelves going what do I want to read next?  I would not be adverse to picking up “Spy High: Mission Two”.

From Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Spy-High-Mission-One-Butcher/dp/0316737607/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245705222&sr=8-1

Murder Takes the Cake (Sullivan Investigation Mystery) by Evelyn David

Murder Takes the Cake (Sullivan Investigation Mystery) by Evelyn David ISBN 978-1590806180

This was a very fast paced read with all of the enjoyable characters we met in “Murder off the Books”.  Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and all the family arrives to celebrate the holiday and the upcoming nuptuals of Bridget O’Herlihy, god-daughter of Mac Sullivan.  However, it seems that Bridget’s newpsaper expose of corrupt Boston cops follows her home to DC and she is receiving death threats that prove more than mere threats. 

If you have ever dreaded a family gathering, an over enthusiastic wedding planner, or a noisy neighbor you will find scenes in this book to chuckle over.  This is a great book to read while sitting inside on a rainy day (which we have had many lately … so Evelyn David needs to write a third so we can stay inside!) and a wonderful light read to pass to friends. 

A web link to Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Takes-Sullivan-Investigation-Mystery/dp/1590806182/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245334166&sr=8-1

Smithsonian Photography Blog

http://photography.si.edu

This web site is a wonderful gift to anyone who loves looking at pictures to learn history.  The Smithsonian has 13 milion images ranging from 1846 to the present.  They have created teachers guides and each image has a story that is revealed about it.  This is a great way to entertain and if you aren’t careful — maybe even learn a bit about our rich national history! 

This summer especially — with the wonderful movie “Battle of the Smithsonian” — help the pictures come alive by checking out this website!

Murder off the Books by Evelyn David

Murder off the Books by Evelyn David  (ISBN 9781590805220)

“Murder off the Books” was a very pleasant read that starts in a closet and somehow through many circuitous paths up college clock towers and into funeral home dumpsters, ends up in that same closet, with an unexpected twist. 

The Private Investigator, Mackenzie Sullivan, is a retired DC cop turned private agent.  Mac has a messy office in need of an interior designer, an Irish Wolf hound always in need of food, and a desperate need for a working vehicle.  Mac gets a job finding money embezzled from the local college and the story starts in fast forward.  Mac meets Rachel, the sister of the primary suspect of the embezzling charge.  There are a few break-ins and a number of murders, a litter of kittens, and an emergency trip to the vet.  All in all this book is well worth the read and  I would recommend it for mystery fans and animal lovers — a nice cozy read.

From Amazon.com:

Editorial Reviews

Review
“One howling good whodunit, and a terrific debut. MURDER OFF THE BOOKS offers a plot as twisty and fast as an Irish Wolfhound. Whiskey joins the ranks of beloved four-footed sleuths. Great fun!” — Julia Spencer-Fleming, Edgar finalist and author of ALL Julia Spencer-Fleming, Edgar finalist and author of ALL MORTAL FLESH

“A fast-paced mystery with a lively and indomitable heroine, a tough-guy hero, and a lovable dog.” –JoAnna Carl, author of The Chocolate Bridal Bash

“Evelyn David’s quirky sense of humor sparkles on every page. Murder Off The Books is a clever, witty romp with plenty of twists and surprises. A laudable debut.” –Kathryn R. Wall, author, Bishop’s Reach

“One howling good whodunit, and a terrific debut. MURDER OFF THE BOOKS offers a plot as twisty and fast as an Irish Wolfhound. Whiskey joins the ranks of beloved four-footed sleuths. Great fun!” –Julia Spencer-Fleming, Edgar finalist and author of All Mortal Flesh

“The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch ISBN-13: 978-1401323257

This was one of those amazing books that I feel should be required reading for most anyone … especially high school seniors.  Many people know that Randy Pausch died of cancer last summer but this book is not a “woe is me, I am dying” book.  It was an amazing story of “let’s celebrate life”.

Maybe I loved this book so much because it is the sort of book that I would love to have to give to my kids as a testimony of a father’s love and experience.  Not everyone has the time to write their thoughts on life to give to coming generations — so we have to recreate those stories from friends and family and though rich, it is not as satisfying as actually having the movie and words to pass on.

One aspect about this book that I do appreciate is that it is written in short vignettes which can be read quickly and then set aside.  However, if you start to read it — I doubt you will set it aside easily.  I felt compelled to read more and truly enjoyed his stories of stuffed animals at carnavals, painting childhood bedrooms, and salt and pepper shakers at Disney.  Randy had a rich experience that shared very well with the reading public. 

I would encourage everyone to read this book.  The title of the lecture was “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams” — this in itself was an optimistic look at life and tells us how important it is to achieve what we have dreamt of doing.  It made me think back to what I had hoped for and made me ask what I have achieved.  No matter what else I do for my children … before they graduate, I will be buying each of them a copy of this book.  This is what your father would have said … if he had had the time to write it.

The following link is to a website based on Randy Pausch’s life and teaching.  All the projects that he started and left in the capable hands of his students and peers.  An excellent look at the interactive computer field.

http://www.thelastlecture.com/

 

From Amazon.com Review — The Last Lecture
“We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.”
–Randy Pausch

A lot of professors give talks titled “The Last Lecture.” Professors are asked to consider their demise and to ruminate on what matters most to them. And while they speak, audiences can’t help but mull the same question: What wisdom would we impart to the world if we knew it was our last chance? If we had to vanish tomorrow, what would we want as our legacy?

When Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon, was asked to give such a lecture, he didn’t have to imagine it as his last, since he had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. But the lecture he gave–”Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams”–wasn’t about dying. It was about the importance of overcoming obstacles, of enabling the dreams of others, of seizing every moment (because “time is all you have…and you may find one day that you have less than you think”). It was a summation of everything Randy had come to believe. It was about living.

In this book, Randy Pausch has combined the humor, inspiration and intelligence that made his lecture such a phenomenon and given it an indelible form. It is a book that will be shared for generations to come.