This classic takes us into the heart of the war on the side of the Germans. I liked this POV change as we, Americans, seldom see the war from the viewpoint of the adversary. Also, it was great to feel the similarities in contrast to what one might think of their enemies. This novel is…

Book 3 of Goosebumps. This was a fun horror for YA. It is no surprise that even in his early books he does a great job. There is an interesting theme about being happy about being where you are. Well, that and not messing with something you know nothing about. Overall a fun read.

Book 12 of Myth Adventures. This latest installment completely changes our status quo. I loved this one and the idea that not knowing what we want makes it impossible for others to help us achieve our goals. I love that even through the humorous lighthearted adventure there is so much deeper a lesson to learn.…

Book 3 of A Dragon’s Guide series. This was a great conclusion to the series. A great twist and a chance to make new friends and conclude old issues. The theme of greed vs gratitude shines through, alone with the underpinnings of the story of Pinocchio. I love that it is left open with plenty…

Book 2 of A Dragon’s Guide series. A continuation in the series of a girl and her dragon. The big emphasis of this one was that it is not might that resolves all issues but talking it through and looking for a win-win. It is hilarious that this simple message is the root message of…

Book 1 of A Dragon’s Guide series. This fun book is entirely appropriate for young readers. The perspective is told from the dragon and the way she sees her human companions. Although it is a silly little adventure it leaves us with the moral of loving those we have lost without trying to find a…

Book 104 of The Boxcar Children. This is the first one in a long group, maybe all where the perpetrator actually goes to jail. What I have loved about this series is that it illustrates that criminals are usually the person you know or come in contact with and that crimes, can simply be an…

Book 3 of The Unicorn Quest. This series is perfect for those that must deal with loss. The book is heart-touching. It is the perfect ending to the trilogy and completes what it starts out to do. If you are wanting a fun exciting series that would help those dealing with losing someone close to…

This is an older book but has a lot of great information on why memory works and practical exercises. A lot of tips on spotting methodologies that are trendy instead of science based. The main take away I liked was: Interest, Attention, and Exercise. This combined with a daily reflection to solidify memories in your…

My interest in this book was in the pictures showing skinning works and how to salt stabilize the skin. There is a lot of not pertinent information due to age, but still interesting as you educate yourself on skinning/tanning and what goes into leather products.