Free Library Book Reviews

Leadership and the art of struggle : how great leaders grow through challenge and adversity by Snyder, Steven, 1954-

Mary M — 2013-05-20T11:30:25-05:00

How to master the Art of Struggle? According to Steven Snyder, author of the "Leadership and the Art of the Struggle: How Great leader Grow Through Challenges and Adversities," leadership is the metamorphosis of the leader's imperfection. By examining a struggle narrative through the Struggle Lens, new pathways emerge for understanding and managing conflict. Snyder highlights that failure is a normal stage in the life-cycle of a leader. He states that, in this phase, new ideas emanate to resolve proactively the upcoming challenges in the work environment. In addition, the author reinforces the idea that the leaders decision must reflect a conscious thinking about the consequences of the ripple effect in the well being of the companys culture. As Snyder affirms ...struggle is a natural part of a leadership and it is often the struggle itself that unlocks the potential for the greatest growth. This book provides many strategies to embrace failure as a learning tool for personal transformation. Excellent book!

written by Mary M

Let's Meet a Librarian by Bellisario, Gina.

Mary M — 2013-05-20T11:03:53-05:00

Mr. Field is the pleasant school librarian that welcomes the children for a fun tour to the library. In this guided tour, the librarian explains to the school-age children that his mission --as an Informational Professional-- is to help the customers to discover the world throughout the various format of informational resources. The children learn from Mr. Field that the library carries not only materials inside a physical building but also it provides virtual resources that can be found in an online catalog. In this picture book, Gina Bellisario wants to introduce to the children the magic world of knowledge. She highlights, in the storytelling, that the library is an evolving entity that tries to adapt accordingly with the new technological challenges of this century. Finally, the illustrator Ed Myer complements the story with warm colors that suggest to the reader the welcoming environment inside the library. This is a great picture book!

written by Mary M

Meet you in hell : Andrew Carnegie, Henry Clay Frick, and the bitter partnership that transformed America by Standiford, Les.

2013-05-17T17:35:35-05:00

I really believe this account of Andrew Carnegie's life and times. There's so much information of Pennsylvania especially Pittsburgh. This book reinforces how a good work ethnic and the willingness to be confident when needed can make your desires an accomplishment. It proves how making the right connections with people you can trust is of the upmost priorty, or what left of your life could be spent trying to correct those choices. Loretta written by G

Secrets of effective leadership by Manske, Fred A., 1939-

Mary M — 2013-05-09T19:35:41-05:00

Leadership is a lifetime commitment of self-discipline! The book Secrets of Effective Leadership: A Practical Guide to Success provides useful techniques that can be applied to create successful teams for a lifetime. What is the secret? According with the author of this book, F. A. Manske, the key is to motivate each team member to envision active participation before, during and after the project. As the author states: "Outstanding leaders are future oriented. They love to dream about what could be and involve others in their dream." Creating a common vision is the most essential leadership skill that a leader must develop in order to transform a dream into an attainable reality. Manske suggests that enjoying the landscape path of success is the most rewarding experience that nurtures the soul of a leader.

written by Mary M

Starting From Here by Bigelow, Lisa Jenn

Teresa G — 2013-05-07T12:01:17-05:00

Starting From Here is the story of a high school girl who is growing up on her own after her mother's death from cancer. Colby Bingham's father loves her, but he is a long-haul trucker and isn't able to be home very much. Colby is afraid to love again after the loss of her mother, but can't help herself when a stray dog crosses her path. Mo is critically injured and needs amputation surgery which a local vet provides free of charge in exchange for a promise from Colby that she will pay for the medicine, food, and other care Mo needs to survive. Right before Mo came into her life, Colby also suffered the loss of her first love, her girlfriend Rachel. As Colby begins to build a new life with Mo Colby meets and is attracted to a girl, Amelia, who interviews her about Mo's miraculous recovery for the school newpaper. Fresh, honest, and full of quirky, but very realistic characters, Starting From Here is a delight to read. written by Teresa G

The Sanctuary Seeker by Knight, Bernard

Teresa G — 2013-05-07T11:50:31-05:00

The Sanctuary Seeker is the first in a series of medieval mysteries featuring Sir John de Wolfe. Sir John has been appointed coroner for the county of Devon, a new position at the behest of King Richard the Lionheart, which is created to investigate deaths. Pitted against his brother-in-law, Richard de Revelle, the Sherriff, "Crowner John" must assert his authority in order to bring justice to bear when two returning Crusaders are found murdered. Full of excellent historical details, humor and wonderful characters, The Sanctuary Seeker is the first book in a long and wonderful series. written by Teresa G

Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Winterson, Jeanette

Teresa G — 2013-05-07T11:38:42-05:00

Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? is a thought provoking book. Telling the story of her life, Jeanette Winterson holds very little back as she describes growing up as an only child adopted by Pentacostal parents. Mrs. Winterson, her adopted mother, looms larger than life as she refuses to give warmth and love to the child she has been given. Despite the harsh conditions under which she starts life, the young Jeanette refuses to give up on life. After attending Oxford Ms. Winterson goes on to achieve success as a writer. She never completely puts the demons of her past behind her and at a time in her life when she feels loved and safe she explores her adoptive history and eventually meets her birth mother. Her thoughts on adoption are thought-provoking. If she'd been raised by her birth mother would she have become the woman she is today? Despite the harsh realities of her early life this upbringing has made her who she is. Fascinating, at times funny, and always as honest as one can be when telling one's own story, Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal is a beautiful book whose words will linger long after the last page is turned. written by Teresa G

Manuscript found in Accra by Coelho, Paulo.

Mary M — 2013-05-01T11:25:00-05:00

The inspirational stories found in this book elevate the spirit and the heart of the reader. Life is a learning tool that must be explore in all its levels to achieve happiness and joy. The challenging experiences that are found in the person's walking path help him to open undiscovered doors with potential alternatives and solutions. According to Paulo Coelho: "Difficulty is the name of an ancient tool that was created purely to help us define who we are." The positive or the negative impact of the ripple effect can be diminished depending of the lectors perception of solving the dilemma.

The main message of Manuscript Found in Accra is to enjoy life in its simple way with its ups- and-downs. Feeling neglected will bring negative vibrations into the persons life and future spiritual enrichment. The best approach to any difficult situation is to admire the outer and inner beauty of every creature that is part of the human cycle. Looking at the worlds creation can provide the person in need a sense of belonging to something magnificent. In Coelhos own word: Everything has a reason to exist. Excellent book!

written by Mary M

The colossus rises by Lerangis, Peter.

Mary M — 2013-04-25T15:56:28-05:00

Jack McKinley, 13 years old, is captured by a group of scientists that live in another tri-dimensional space. The doctors of the Karai Institute wants to help Jack to survive to a rare genetic condition that only the personnel of this hospital knows how to treat it. After the surgery, Jack will have special powers and skills to combat the monster of a lost civilization.

In the story, the author of the book, Peter Lerangis explores the imagination of the reader with a chain of clues and symbolisms that are given in the form of reverse words and artwork fragments. The lector must pay attention to these details in order to discover all the pieces of the puzzle and solve the mystery clue that encapsulates the tale. Adventure is the main component of the story! As the tale progresses, the young lector will get deeper into the protagonists' personality and their way of resolving a problem: the main goal is to defeat the monster of the Atlantis. In the fifty-one chapters the reader will feel empathetic about the challenges that Jack and his team have to go through in order to accomplish their mission. They must return safe to planet earth to unfold the mysteries of the unknown.

written by Mary M

The Blackhouse by May, Peter

Teresa G — 2013-04-18T14:43:24-05:00

Set on the Hebridean Isle of Lewis, The Blackhouse is a story of how the past is never really over. Fin MacLeod grew up on Lewis and now he's come home for the first time in eighteen years. Fin has not, however, come back willingly, but has been sent by his commander in the Edinburgh police force to investigate a murder that resembles a recent Edinburgh crime. The story of Fin's life slowly unfolds like the peeling of an onion as the past intertwines with the present. Peter May's description of these bleak Scottish islands brings to life their beauty, but also reveals the harshness that accompanies life in this remote location and how the location molds those living there. While there is a mystery at the heart of this novel, it is more than a "who-done-it." It is a reflection on Fin's childhood and teen years with his close friends, Artair and Marsaili, their turbulent teen years and how events long forgotten have shaped their lives. written by Teresa G

The Shape of Snakes by Walters, Minette.

Tamoul Q — 2013-04-03T12:58:02-05:00

Too often, when confronted with bullying, injustice, or prejudice people choose to do nothing. Fear for their reputation, physical safety, or agreement with the views of the hater lies at the heart of such a choice.

In The Shape of Snakes, this lack of empathy is shared by a community toward "Mad Annie". Her sins are many. First of all, she's an old African American woman. Second, she fiercely protects her privacy. Due to constant harassment by her neighbors she has learned its better to keep to herself. And worst of all? She couldnt give a tinkers damn what anyone else thinks she should or should not be doing with her life.

All efforts to drive her out of her home and off the streets of the mostly White town have failed, but when Mad Anne Butts is discovered dead, only one soul is moved to cry out for justice. written by Tamoul Q

The Accursed by Oates, Joyce Carol

Teresa G — 2013-04-01T19:26:13-05:00

Having visited Princeton for the first time recently I was particulary interested in this book which is set in Princeton. Written as a historical treatise in a florid Victorian style, I was prepared for the book to be a slow read. However, the intriguing and mysterious occurences hinted at early in the book kept me wanting to continue reading--for a while. As the pages slowly turned, I began to lose interest in what was promised to be the "action" in the book. I grew weary of the tantalizing tidbits and wanted a full bite of something that would capture my attention fully. After 110 pages I began to lose hope and reading felt more like a punishment than a pleasure. With a stack of more promising books begging for attention, I gave up on The Accursed. This is not to say that it isn't well-written or well-planned. It is both, but the pace was too slow and there were no characters I was invested in. I can read the slowest book in the world if the characters are interesting. This just wasn't the book for me. written by Teresa G

The Wicked and the Just by Coats, Jillian Anderson

Teresa G — 2013-04-01T19:09:40-05:00

Set in Wales in the late 13th century, The Wicked and the Just leaves the reader pondering the question of who, in this book, was the wicked and who was the just. Cecily, a young English girl, must make a home for herself when her father accepts a position as a burgess in Caernarvon, a remote outpost where the native Welsh must be kept under control. Cecily doesn't fit in with the other English girls, but her attitude towards the Welsh makes her no friends, there, either. Lording her power over the local girl, Gwenhwyfar, who works in the house, Cecily's cruelty pushes Gwenhwyfar to her limit. When crops fail and famine results, the Welsh subjects can starve no longer. The tables are turned on the English and Cecily finds herself at the mercy of Gwenhwyfar. This is a thought-provoking book without a single character who is likeable. This made it difficult to feel the characters were genuine. But the underlying story is a powerful one--when pushed beyond all limits, do the wicked become the just? written by Teresa G

Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe by Sáenz, Benjamin Alire.

Joel N — 2013-03-28T15:07:12-05:00

Two teenagers who couldn't seem more different (skin color, sexuality, class status, language spoken at home, etc.) end up making one of the strongest, most believable and indelible connections in YA fiction. Winner of this year's Stonewall YA Award as well as the Pura Belpre Award and many other honors, and you won't be able to put it down. written by Joel N

One gorilla : a counting book by Browne, Anthony, 1946-

Joel N — 2013-03-28T15:04:59-05:00

With beautiful paintings of monkeys and apes, this simple picture book is a great way to practice counting and numbers at the same time children are learning to appreciate the beauty and intelligence of our ape cousins! written by Joel N

The Nicholas Feast by McIntosh, Pat

Teresa G — 2013-03-26T15:56:09-05:00

The second Gil Cunningham Mystery centers around the mysterious death of a student at Glasgow University. Full of period details and engaging characters The Nicholas Feast continues the story of Gil Cunningham and his sweetheart, Alys. Gil's mother has learned of her son's plans to abandon his future in the church in order to wed Alys and she is not pleased. In addition to investigating the murder, Gil must deal with a visit from his mother. written by Teresa G

A Dying Fall by Griffiths, Elly

Teresa G — 2013-03-26T15:47:28-05:00

In A Dying Fall, another wonderful addition to the Ruth Galloway Mystery series, Ruth becomes involved in an archaeological find after shocking evidence is uncovered of the mystical King Arthur. When Ruth's university friend who made the discovery dies under mysterious circumstances Ruth travels north to Lancashire to investigate. As luck would have it, DCI Nelson is visiting his mother in nearby Blackpool. In an effort to help Ruth and protect Kate he, too is drawn in. Funny, quirky and full of surprises, A Dying Fall is sure to please fans of this series. written by Teresa G

The Winter Witch by Brackston, Paula

Teresa G — 2013-03-04T15:54:16-05:00

While the premise is interesting and the setting is spectacular, The Winter Witch, fails abysmally. Set in early ninteenth-century Wales, The Winter Witch is the story of a young mute woman, Morgana, who is seen as an outcast in her small village because of her unusual powers. After her gypsy father vanishes Morgana and her mother barely scrape by. Morgana's mother fears for Morgana's future. No one in their village wants to associate with Morgana, much less marry her, her mother arranges for her to marry a solitary cattle drover. After settling in at Cai's farm, Morgana realizes she loves the wild landscape and the freedom it affords. But all is not as it seems. There is an evil force at work that will stop at nothing to get rid of Morgana and take her place on Cai's farm. The fantastical elements become trite all too quickly and the melodrama is so overdone that it becomes sickening. What a disappointment. written by Teresa G

The leadership challenge : how to make extraordinary things happen in organizations by Kouzes, James M., 1945-

Mary M — 2013-02-26T09:07:10-05:00

How do you define leadership? This query must be answered during the introspection process of the self. A profound meditation will reveal the individual's core of values that will energize his human roots in the universe. Understanding the reason why each person has a purpose in life, will eventually provide better ways to work for the common good of future generations.

How this philosophical approach can be applied in the work environment? James Kouzes and Barry Posner, authors of "The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations," provides a unique perspective on how to lead individuals for a common goal. They agree that truly leaders get people moving, only when everyone, in the work environment, is treated with respect. Also, the authors highlight that credibility is the foundation of leadership.

In this book Kouzes and Posner provide the five practices of leadership: 1) Model the way 2) Inspire a shared vision 3) Challenge the process 4) Enable others to act and 5) Encourage the heart. Each chapter, of this publication, is supported by the testimony of leaders that had had successful productive paths at work. They modeled the mission and the vision of the company improving not only the work culture in a global context, but also cultivating the individual talents within the team. Ductus Exemplo is the way to lead! written by Mary M

Fifty cents and a dream by Asim, Jabari, 1962-

Mary M — 2013-02-26T09:05:21-05:00

Booker T. Washington was born captive slave on April 5, 1856 and he died as free man on November 14, 1915. The end of the Civil War in 1865 gave all subjugated slaves the precious gift of freedom. At this point, Booker's family moved to West Virginia to enjoy the independence of a youthful life.

During this transition period, the teenager Booker learns how to read the words of the newspapers. He was fascinated with the knowledge that he could acquired just for reading the books. From this first moment, the freed slave showed his inclination to continue a higher education. He knew that this landscape of freedom will bring him more challenges than opportunities.

"With fifty cents and a dream in his soul," Booker walked 500 hundred miles from his home to the Hampton Institute of Virginia. He worked very hard, as janitor, to pay for his education at this important school. He enjoyed learning a lot, but also he admired his teachers for sharing their knowledge with the rest of the students.

As a son of slave, Booker was able to overcome all the obstacles to obtain his goal in life. At the end, all the hard work paid off the sacrifices that he made to reach his dream: being part of the Hampton Institute, as an excellent student. His social condition was not a barrier to dream big. This is a great inspirational story of work commitment and action plan that should be learned and followed! written by Mary M

Our children can soar : a celebration of Rosa, Barack, and the pioneers of change by Cook, Michelle.

Mary M — 2013-02-21T19:50:19-05:00

What a beautiful picture book! The remarkable paintings of "Our Children Can Soar" bring life special moments in the history of the African American Community. The twelve stories reflect on the hard work of past leaders, which brought to the community, their unique contribution to a greater vision: recognition of cultural pride. The history events, presented in this book, assemble the need to look up into the past in order to move toward a better future. With a few words, every picture speaks by itself highlighting, to the readers, the need to build a better world for the common good of the younger generation. Dream big is the message of this story! written by Mary M

Where Death Delights : a Forensic Mystery of the Nineteen-Fifties by Knight, Bernard

Teresa G — 2013-02-19T15:38:04-05:00

A rather plodding murder mystery set in Wales in the 1950s, Where Death Delights brings together two forensic investigators, Richard Pryor and Angela Bray, who set up their own forensic lab in the Wye Valley in Wales. Even the beautiful setting could not bring to life this dull story. Two mysteries are at the heart of the story, first, the drowning of a prominent lawyers daughter, and, second, two women's who claim a body found in a local quarry belong to a missing relative whose death will bring about large inheritances. Neither mystery produces much suspense. written by Teresa G

The Harper's Quine by McIntosh, Pat

Teresa G — 2013-02-14T13:46:43-05:00

This is the first in a series of mysteries set in Glasgow, Scotland in the last decade of the 15th century. Gil Cunningham, the protagonist, is introduced he is a young scholar studying law. Since the death of his parents and brother he has been supported and guided by an uncle, but it is understood that he will soon enter the priesthood. He is drawn into a mystery surrounding the death of the runaway wife of disolute local nobleman who has taken up with an itenerant musician. When his chance encounter with Alys, the daughter of a French stone mason, develops into something more serious, Gil must decide what to do with the rest of his life. Familiarity with the politics and history of medieval Scotland would be helpful in keeping track of the subtle relationships between the myriad characters. The use of medieval descriptions can either frustrate the reader of The Harper's Quine or lead to exploration of the terms used. written by Teresa G

A sweet smell of roses by Johnson, Angela, 1961-

Mary M — 2013-02-14T12:03:56-05:00

Freedom and equality of rights for everyone was the message of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the pacific march of August 28, 1963. In this historical moment, Dr. King shared with the followers his famous speech "I have a dream" on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

A Sweet Smell of Roses, written by Angela Johnson recollects that historical event as an important civic milestone for the African American community. In this narrative, the writer portraits Dr. King as a compelling leader with a vision that challenged the status quo of the American society: as a colored man, Dr. King's dream was to bring everyone together as a nation.

Johnson uses simple and powerful words to transmit to the younger audience the importance of sharing not only a mutual goal but also the need of compromising toward a common vision. This storytelling is crafted with symbolism that reinforces the idea of hope as a natural community builder. Visualizing peoples dream can generate a positive energy for a better future.

The illustrator, Eric Velasquez uses mainly a tri color palette of ivory, white and black tones to extend the meaning of the drawings. He adds the red color, with a delicate touch, to symbolize that the individuals rights in the United State are guaranteed by the American Constitution. written by Mary M

Summit Avenue : a novel by Sharratt, Mary

Teresa G — 2013-02-13T20:41:55-05:00

Summit Avenue tells the story of a young German immigrant living in Minneapolis just before and during the First World War. Kathrin comes to America for a better life. She starts out working in the Pillsbury flour mill sewing bags to hold the flour. She shares a room with her cousin, Lotte. Lotte, who also works as a seamstress at the mill, plots her escape by hanging out in bars looking for a man to marry. Kathrin, who is quieter and more serious, devotes herself to studying English. She visits a bookstore where she makes friends with the elderly owner and his nephew. When a wealthy widow needs someone to translate folklore and fairy tales from German into English, Kathrin is given the job. She has no idea how her friendship with Violet Waverly will change her life forever. Beautifully written and full of strong, believable characters, Summit Avenue is a wonderful book from beginning to end. Not all is tied up neatly in a bow at the end, but this just adds to the power of the story and leaves the reader imagining "what next" for Kathrin, her daughter Jana, and Violet Waverly. written by Teresa G

The things they cannot say : stories soldiers won't tell you about what they've seen, done or failed to do in war by Sites, Kevin.

Mary M — 2013-02-11T14:46:03-05:00

The new released book: The Things They Cannot Say written by the journalist and author Kevin Sites reflects on the experiences of combat soldiers that return to the civil life, as veterans, after spending many years in the international wars: Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq. After learning how to survive in a war zone now the ex-fighters must acquire the skills needed to return to live in peace and in harmony with family and friends. Many questions are raised in the nonfiction story regarding the wellbeing of the combatants: what happens with the soldiers' mind and spirit when they return home? How they can erase the killing memories of the past? And, how far the ghost of the death can haunt them in the present?

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are the two illnesses that postwar fighters must deal with in their adjustment to the civil life. The book excerpt: "I dont want to die anymore and I dont want to go back to the sad angry person I was," reveals to the reader not only the soldiers pain to leave the bad memories of the past but also the commitment to find a new way to express happiness with family and friends.

As a war correspondent, Kevin Sites also suffers the same psychological trauma as any soldier in action. Storytelling and sharing his experiences with other war veterans are the only way to grieve the past with a hope for a peaceful future. This book is divided in five parts and the writer provides photos of soldiers, poems and email conversations with other postwar fighters that keep struggling with the ghost of the past. This narrative recollects those experiences and the willingness to look up for a better future. written by Mary M

Practical tools & techniques for managing time by Lebov, Myrna.

Mary M — 2013-02-11T14:29:50-05:00

"Practical Tools and Techniques for Managing Time" written by Myrna Lebov brings to the reader simple techniques that a new entry-level manager can put in practice in order to improve effectiveness in the work environment. According to Lebov, the inexperience manager arrives to the administrative position without the skills and the knowledge to supervise a group of employees. The first roadblock that a manager encounters is how to define the goals and the objectives to follow the company's vision. As stated by the writer, micromanagement is not the best solution to create and to inspire the workers to be productive. Eventually, as Lebov highlights, the negative and the poor management skills of the new supervisor will diminish the talent and the creativity of the workers causing a difficult atmosphere for communication and delegation of assignments. Working as a team will inspire the employees to accomplish goals that can carry on the mission and the vision of the company. In order to avoid failure, the author suggests that the manager must define the level of authority and the level of responsibility of any project. How to motivate the staff is the big question? Lebov concludes that clarifying instructions and engaging staff in development trainings are the key to succeed. This is a required book for all entry level candidates. written by Mary M

Above all things by Rideout, Tanis.

Mary M — 2013-02-11T14:13:08-05:00

Gregory Mallory died in his third intention to climb the Mount Everest in 1924. His frozen body was found by another group of mountaineers seventy-five years later. According with the history records, Arthur Hinks the chair of the English expedition in 1920 invited Mallory to be the team leader of the last journey that was supposed to conquer the Mount Everest. Glory and fame were awaiting at the top of the Bloody Mountain for this qualified and experienced group of climbers.

Mallory's main purpose in life was to be prepared physically, emotionally and mentally to defeat the weather conditions of the Mount Everest. The meetings, the trainings and the teams survival plan were the pieces of the puzzle that needed all his concentration to reach the final destination. In Gregorys fantasy world his vision in life was to be remembered, especially by his family and his friends, as the first climber who reached to the top of the Mount Everest. The reality is that his obsession built a bridge of emptiness in the heart of the people that he loved the most.

Above All Things written by Tanis Rideout combines the facts of Gregory Mallorys life with the fiction of Ruth Mallorys psychological battle, in the personage of supportive wife, to the challenges and the difficulties of having an absent husband and father to live with. How to cope with guilt, desire, anxiety and joy in an empty life? How the persons subconscious can fade away these contradictory sentiments? What sacrifices someone can do to attain a goal in life? And, how far a person can go to reach the glory?

In this biographical fiction story, Rideouts seduce the reader with a descriptive writing style evoking not only powerful imagines in the mid of the lector, but also bringing to the reader the pain and the psychological battle among all personages of the narrative. During the six stages of Mallorys last climbing, the writer introduces to the reader all the adversity that the expedition team battled to continue in the ascendant way to the top of the Mount Everest. The challenging weather conditions and the instinct for survival were the only two elements that keep Gregorys adrenaline a life until the next team crisis. What happens next is the following question?

The message of this book reveals that a persons passion and his meaning in life cannot be mistaken with the obsession to sacrifice his familys love for the glory and the recognition of others. This is a great story! written by Mary M

Twelve Years a Slave by Northup, Solomon

Camille T — 2013-02-06T19:20:54-05:00

While reading this novel, I often thought about what I learned about slavery in school and the many films I've seen on the subject, most notably, the television series Roots , which is probably most of our first visual representation of a slaves' life but I thought, "Noooo, they got it wrong! Slavery was 50 times worst than any representation I've ever seen on a film."

Solomon Northup, was a free born, African America man living in New York state in the early 1800s. He had a wife, three children, and was able to provide for his family working various jobs, depending on the season. Solomon is kidnapped and forced into slavery for 12 years, in the deep south.

What makes this novel so compelling is his story telling. He goes into great detail explaining what is feels like to be a slave; the constant state of fear (scared of waking up late, scared of not working fast enough, scared of being in the wrong place at the wrong time if your master is in an angry mood), the whippings (which happened more often than I originally thought), the brutal labor, the little food (yet being forced to work at 100% at all times with little nourishment), and the depressing feeling of being separated from your family (being sold to another master was the worst nightmare of most slaves, more fearful than the whip). His prose paints a clear picture of what it feels like to be a slave.

I highly recommend this non-fiction novel (did I mention, this is a TRUE story) to any and everyone interested in American or African American history.

This novel is currently being made into a film by director Steve McQueen, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Brad Pitt, Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Fassbender. I have to admit, I am very eager to see this film (it's slated for release Sept. 6, 2013) because I'm curious to see if they will be true to the original work, and go hard and showcase slavery in its most brutal form, even if it will make audiences uncomfortable, because as time goes on, I think we forget how truly horrible an institution slavery was. written by Camille T

Martín de Porres : the rose in the desert by Schmidt, Gary D.

Mary M — 2013-02-05T15:27:04-05:00

Evoking the colonial period of the seventeenth century in Lima, Peru, the author Gary D. Schmidt brings to the young reader the story of the slave Martn -who as a young fellow- discovered his holy grace and spiritual wisdom to cure people's body and heart. The miracles that he performed during his live among all people made him gain the title of "doctor apprentice" in the catholic congregation.

Martn spent his childhood in the poor sector of Lima. The barrios was an area designated to the low social working class: the slaves and the mestizos were found in this border. This indigent neighborhood was built on the Rimac River shoreline under the lack of basic living conditions for the community. Here he lived with his mother Anna Velzquez, a freed slave, and his sister Juana. At the age of eight, Martn met his father Don Juan de Porres -a royal Spaniard- for the first time. After the family reunion, Don Porres decided to take his children to Ecuador -where he was assigned to work- to give them a basic formal education for the future.

Back in Lima and at the age of fifteen, Martn entered to the Monastery of the Holy Rosary as the sweeper of the cobblestone. Father Juan de Lorenzana, the Dominican Provincial of Peru, told the young Martn that his aspirations to serve God as a priest would never be fulfill because of his slave condition. Martn accepted his destiny and he suit his life with acts of love and compassion to other human beings. Most of the time, the juvenile mulatto was seen carrying his broom and surrounded with animals.

During many years Martn was following his heart and healing the sickness of the people with his holy hands. At the age of nineteen and against all social status, the mulatto took his vows as a priest and he devoted his life, completely, to the service of the poor. He lived a short life dying at the age of forty-five. After many years of his dead Martn was canonized by Pope John XXIII in 1962 as the first saint of mix raced.

The Pura Belpr 2013 award winner illustrator, David Daz uses -in this picture book- a combination of warm colors that add a touch of personality and a texture to the story. Both humans and animals are drawn with love and empathy. The thirty-two pages of this book are crafted to make the reader feel the humble heart of Saint Martn de Porres. This story is beautifully written and the drawings extend the meaning of the narrative. written by Mary M