Review: Orphan Train

Orphan Train
by Christina Baker Kline

Like many of the reviews, I felt the modern relationship lacking. But the history behind this book is fascinating. Still, it's a good introduction to a little known period in our nation's history. (Originally posted at GoodReads.com.)

If you ever get a chance to see Kline live at an author's event, do so! She is personable, knowledgeable, and seems to love meeting people and talking books. I met her on my last day of work at my previous job (shout-out for Central Lakes College Theatre in Brainerd, MN). She was one of the most engaging authors I've met - both onstage and off.

Review: Book by Book

Book by Book: The Complete Guide to Creating Mother-Daughter Book Clubs

by Cindy Hudson

A well thought-out, practical, and lively how-to guide. Pros? Lots of ideas are introduced. The author tackles a variety of problems that may arise, and she acknowledges and encourages evolution of the group as the girls age and change. Best of all, the author pragmatically reminds the reader that every group is unique... use solutions and choices that work for your group.

Cons? Quotes that introduce each chapter all seem to be from mothers. Where are the daughters' voices? Plus, I could've done without the chapter on recipes - that's just me. I would've rather had a section on communicating with all the group members. How to coordinate between meetings and keep everyone up-to-date on logistics... email? telephone? social media - using Facebook, GoodReads, or a blog? But all in all, I can't wait to join a book club with my daughter. (It will be a few years, though!) This book glows with enthusiasm. (Originally posted as SquareSpot on PaperBackSwap.com)

Review: The Handmaid's Tale

The Handmaid's Tale

by Margaret Atwood

My first reaction was that I didn't like this because I must not like dystopian literature. But after some reflection, I didn't like this story because too many elements were disjointed. I finished reading this because I wanted to figure something out... mainly, something about the main character. The narrator drops clues about herself, and in the hopes that those clues would lead to more back story about her, I kept reading. All to no end. I suppose, the main character is left non-descript as a way for the reader to project some of our own expectations / experiences onto her. But for me, that results in nothing but blah. What does that say about me? I'm not sure except that I simply like to read about a protagonist that is more fully realized than this.(Originally posted as SquareSpot on PaperBackSwap.com.)

Review: Family Fun My Great Idea

Family Fun Magazine My Great Idea: 350 Parents Share Their Creative Tips
by Parke Goodwin

So many tips, I had to read small sections each day. Otherwise I'd read so fast, the suggestions would all haze together. I wish the pictures were bigger. Also would've liked if the tips were somehow organized by ages. Something simple like toddler vs. school-age or pre-literate vs. reading. Worth keeping on-hand for a few years to come. (Originally posted as SquareSpot on PaperBackSwap.com.)