Winter's Respite is Coming. #wintersrespite

Are you in to start 2020 out right? I have already signed up and getting my books lined up.
Who is in? Let me know in a comment.  Happy New Years!

Michelle

#Review: Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library by Julie Gassman #multicultural

About:
Have you ever thought about bringing your dragon to the library? Don't do it! You might have the best intentions, but that dragon will cause nothing but trouble. Using rhyming text and a diverse cast of characters, this charming picture book will provide some important--and some not so important--library etiquette in a very entertaining way.


My review:

This multicultural and diverse book, tells the tale of a young boy who wants to bring his pet dragon to the library. In fact, several different children have pet dragons and try to sneak their pets into the library.

The librarian insists though that no pet dragons can be in the library because they cause a ruckus in a myriad of ways. The boy pleads his case that there is so much to learn in a library and that his dragon deserves to have access.

The librarian sticks to her rules but does come to a compromise at the end. That is, he should use his library card to take books home and read with his friend.

The illustrations are boldly done with larger than life characters. The colors are bright but done in more primary colors which adds to the feel of the overall book.

I loved this book and think young readers will laugh along with the antics but get the ideas.

I give this 5 stars because this is a book kids would want to read over and over. It would make for a great read in the library too. *grins*

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The review expressed here is 100% my own opinions and may differ from yours. ~Michelle

Where to find the author:

Goodreads

Amazon

#Review: The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck #Christmas #ChristmasSpirit

Summary:

Based on a deeply personal true story, The Christmas Sweater is a warm and poignant tale of family, faith and forgiveness that offers us a glimpse of our own lives -- while also making us question if we really know what's most important in them.

My review:

I want to first say that I do not watch or listen to Glenn Beck. I never have so, I do not know his opinions or anything much about him. Having said that this review is not based on the celebrity himself but simply on the book.

When I first got a copy of this book (two years ago), I only read a few chapters. It was the end of the Christmas season and I felt it to be a Christmas book so, I put it away until this year. I have found even though the book is set at Christmas time, it could be read at any time of the year because the message is the same. Be grateful! Be grateful for the people and things you have in your life because, in an instant, they could be gone.

I liked this book...such three stars...but I was not wowed by it either. Amazingly, this book was somewhat, memoir but disappointedly, not either. The character, Eddie, was 12/13 years old and was nothing but a whiney preteen throughout most of the book. He felt he was wronged and entitled. Truly, this grated on my nerves but I plowed through the book and got to a formidable ending. The only problem I had with the ending was it was one of those soap opera kind of endings where it was all a dream. Ugh! Was this not supposed to be somewhat a memoir?

However, as I said the point was made and it was a decent story. The best part of the whole book was how Glenn Beck himself wrapped the book up. With a tear dropping back story the author tells about the real characters in his life and how it took him a lot longer to come to terms with death and reality. Again, for me, that made the whole book.

The book is still worth the read for me. 

Disclosure: I purchased a copy of this book. The review here is 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle

#Review: Christmas, Present by Jacquelyn Mitchard #Christmas #ChristmasSpirit

Summary:
A fourteenth wedding anniversary is nothing to sneeze at, Elliott Banner knows, but it's not exactly a landmark year—like fifteen, or twenty, when he plans to take his wife, Laura, to Paris. But when a headache on the drive home from their anniversary date—two days before Christmas—turns out to be more than a migraine, he wishes he had celebrated every year as though it were their last.

In this poignant, touching, uplifting story, a woman calmly gathers her family around her during the Christmas holiday to celebrate their lives together—both past and future—and to truly count their blessings.

A family history unfolds in a single night in this deeply affecting story that speaks volumes about love, trust, and letting go—a perfect holiday read that underscores the true meaning of the season.

My review:
This book is a marvelous story that can be read in a few hours. I do caution though that this is not a sweet, sappy, or even happy Christmas book. The truth is, the only real "Christmas" thing about the book is it is placed during this season.

No, in fact, it is a sad book and reminds the reader that even though there may be a holiday in the mix of things, that life and death still go on. It reminds to be grateful for life and to live in the "present" and to enjoy it as it is now.

It also reminds us that even in the face of tragedy that life will continue and that even though loved ones may not be here for the big things, like Christmas, that there is hope, love, peace, and joy. 

That my dear readers, is what it is all about.  4 stars.

Disclosure: I own a copy of this book. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ with yours. ~Michelle