Thursday, June 30, 2022

Book Review: Grandma's Tales: Wild Creatures in My Neighborhood and What If I Went to the Circus by Cheryl Carpinello


Grandma's Tales: Wild Creatures in My Neighborhood and What If I Went to the Circus
by Cheryl Carpinello
Children's Picture Book

Grandma and Grandpa’s Tales books 1-3 encourage early readers with fun stories incorporating difference aspects of nature. Book 1, Wild Creatures In My Neighborhood and What if I Went to the Circus, explores the wildlife around neighborhoods and introduces decision-making. Book 2Singers of Songs and The Not Too Stubborn Humpback, explores a common, but not so common insect, and lets readers see that being stubborn isn’t always good. Book 3Vampires in the Backyard and A Fish Tale, introduces readers to an extended metaphor and lets them decide if the fish story is real.

Purchase at Amazon:  https://amzn.to/3374bEX

Why I Wanted To Read...

The cover is what drew me to this book!

My Thoughts on the Book Cover... 

So the book is two stories in one book, right? So how do you make one cover for two stories? I don't know who made this cover, but he or she did an excellent job incorporating the cute story about creatures in the neighborhood and life at the circus. I loved it.

What I Loved... 

It was a delightful menage of imagery for kids to fully understand and I can see how it would give them a lesson or two in decision making.

What I Didn't Like. 

Sorry, too delightful and nothing I didn't like.

My Thoughts... 

I'll start with Wild Creatures in My Neighborhood. Children's imaginations are so non-limiting. It's a pity they lose that when they become adults. In this story, a child notices that there are wild animals living with them in the city and it was enlightening to see the child discover that animals aren't restricted to the country or zoo but could be right there in their own neighbood.
The second story, What If I Went to the Circus?  - Oh how I love circus stories but of course in all fun picture book stories, there's always hopefully something to help the child discover, grow and learn more about their surroundings. And this one is certainly the one to do that. I love circus stories but when they teach some kind of learning lesson, I'm all for it.
I truly loved both stories and am giving it my blue paw print of approval! 

 

Monday, March 21, 2022

Awaken to Tarot by Karen La Puma


Awaken to Tarot: Be Your Own Guide with Astrology, Numbers and the Tree of Life

by Karen La Puma
Nonfiction

The Tarot is a visual system that reveals both our True Nature and our obstacles. Introducing a new Tarot deck, made with digital collage. Through pictures, symbols, meanings, questions, processes, Kabbalah, key words, and affirmations, you can learn to:
  • Find ways to reflect your inner guidance.
  • Explore the magical journey of evolution
  • Discover the power and implications of the symbols of Tarot font-family
    Release Date: November 2, 2021 
    Publisher:  SoulSource Publishing

    Soft Cover: ISBN:  978-1878203106; 420 pages; $24.95; Kindle Unlimited FREE 

    Amazon: https://amzn.to/3poitYX 



    About the Author

    Karen La Puma is the Author of a series of books called A Toolkit for Awakening, which are based on the Goddess Warrior on the Hero’s Journey. She is a motivational, intuitive, and spiritual counselor in private practice in the Bay Area since 1979. She is a teacher, astrologer, hypnotherapist, reiki master, inspirational speaker, and creative storyteller with a potent and timely message to empower your life.

    Her latest book is Awaken to Tarot: Be Your Own Guide with Astrology, Numbers and the Tree of Life.

    Visit her website at www.soul-source.org or connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.

     



    Thursday, January 27, 2022

    Currently Gonna Be Reading: This Cat Loves That!: A Cat Book for Kid



    This one looks right fun to read. I'll be reviewing it pretty soon but it's called This Cat Loves That! A Cat Book for Kids. From Amazon page: Put cute cats to the test and find out what they love best - an early-learning book for toddlers and preschoolers. (I guess that could include cats, too). It goes on to say...If you've been looking for cat books for kids, you'll love This Cat Loves That!, a fun rhyming story filled with tons of cute and colorful cat photos (I wonder if I'll recognize anybody?) that will help your little one learn about their feline friends. Your child will delight in discovering what cats love, as well as some stuff they don't (helpful little book indeed). Of all the cat books for kids, this one is the purr-fect introduction to one of their favorite animals. Can't wait to get my paws on this one!



    Tuesday, January 25, 2022

    Book Review: If They Can't Kiss Right by Shannon Yingst


    IF THEY CAN'T KISS RIGHT: SURVIVING ONLINE DATING
    by Shannon Yingst
    Creative Nonfiction

    Online dating: the new way of life. It seems like the only logical way to meet people anymore. The rest of our lives are on the internet, so why not our love lives too? Because if you wait for your friends to set you up, you’ll only be disappointed with their choice of Roger from accounting, the epitome of mouth breathing, booger-eating morons.

    Fortunately, there are no Rogers from accounting in this tale. There are, however, many other bad choices. But along the way, I learned what I want, and what I don’t want in a relationship. I learned good qualities to seek and bad qualities to leave behind. I also learned a lot about myself in the process, too. The biggest gain I got from my foray into online dating, though? Writing this book and passing along some of the life lessons I discovered through a painful trial-and-error process.

    If you think your dating life is bad, take a gander at mine. Relive the awkward moments, soak in the unnecessary drama, and don’t forget to learn a thing or two. Men and women alike will be able to read this and take home solid dating advice for the future.

    Laugh. Learn. Love. Question why some humans are so insane. Maybe even see yourself in some of the pages. But above all, take to heart all the things I figured out along the way. It’ll save you the heartache and trouble. Trust me.

     
    This whimsical collection of poetic life lessons is sure to inspire 
    Why I Wanted To Read...

    Curiosity killed the cat, right?

    My Thoughts on the Book Cover... 

    Attractive cover. Love the way the heart shaped lollipop is broken - gives you an idea of what's inside.

    What I Loved... 

    What I loved overall about this book is to be able to read about things that happen to people when they are dating online that I usually don't have privy to...like spying kinda sorta.

    What I Didn't Like. 

    It's not that I didn't like it per se, but I found after reading this book that men give humans a bad name!

    My Thoughts... 

    I really enjoyed reading this book and frankly, I didn't want it to end. Is that what dating online human men is like? Meowzers! I liked how the author gave these men names like Eager Beaver, Gnarly, and Banana Bread. So the author goes through different sexual exchanges with these guys and I have to admit they were downright hilarious. Not that I presume all online dating is going to end up like this, but it gives a pretty good picture of the whole scheme of things. Humans have it rough that's all I gotta say about that. You would think though that out of all these dates, just one would have been a keeper. Maybe the author is showing us is what can happen from her point of view. It kind of makes me want to stay away from online dating not that that would be a possibility for me since I'm a cat but hey I can read and write reviews so why not?  

    I so enjoyed reading If They Can't Kiss Right and giving it my blue paw print of approval!

     

    Tuesday, December 14, 2021

    Currently Reading: If They Can't Kiss Right: Surviving Online Dating

     


    Meow! This feline is pretty happy to receive a new book to review. This one is called If They Can't Kiss Right: Surviving Online Dating by Shannon Yingst. I specifically wanted to read this one because I'm dying to find out more about this online dating thing. Humans have it rough. All we have to do is go after what we want and shebang it's done. I think my review is scheduled for January 26 so do come back and hear what this cat has to say about it!


    Monday, December 13, 2021

    Spirituality for Badasses by J. Stewart Dixon



    Spirituality for Badasses

    by J. Stewart Dixon
    Nonfiction/Self-Help/Humor

    Stewart Dixon, award-winning, best-selling humor and self-help author of Spirituality for Badasses has a bone to pick with conventional therapy and pharmaceutical companies concerning our collective bounce back and healing from the stress, anxiety and depression of Covid-19.

    Asserts Mr. Dixon in the introduction to his book: “So you see…I really do get it. I used to be depressed, anxious, too smart for my own good, opinionated and unhappy…a real loveless, badass-hole. But now I’m just a spiritual badass.   Spirituality removed the hole. I transformed. I changed. I grew up. I learned some hard lessons. And I did all this without ever losing my cool, integrity, smarts, libido, sense of humor or soul. And that’s just what this book is going to help you do. 

    Kirkus Reviews – the prestigious book review media outlet wrote this about the book: “A motivational work blazes a spiritual path for those who consider themselves too cool for such things. A jokey yet earnest and useful guide to enlightenment for badass readers.” 

    On a whirl-wind virtual tour of radio station and podcast interviews J. Stewart Dixon has been offering his “calm island in the middle of the hurricane” solution to eager hosts such as celebrity chef Pete Evans from Perth, Australia and sportscaster i-Heart radio-DJ Ken Broo from Cincinnati, Ohio“It’s about noticing that part of you, which hasn’t changed your whole life. If you can notice and nurture this inner badass part, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by its’ ability to heal, help and restore.”

    Mr. Dixon knows first-hand about finding an inner badass, as he suffered from years of depression during his early adulthood. “I didn’t throw myself into spirituality to become a saint or a purist– I did it because I was hurting and in pain.  I did drugs and alcohol.  I tried therapy and Prozac. None of it worked.  I was dragged kicking and screaming into spirituality and mindfulness practices and what I found was that, lo’ and behold, this sh%# works.”

    A common question Mr. Dixon receives is, of course – Why all the swear words and humor? “I love the title Spirituality for Badasses because it instantly disarms any preconceived notions about spirituality and renders it friendly, approachable and down-to-earth. I think many of us are burned out by absolute truths, cures and opinions right now. So– I’m simply offering an alternative non-pharmaceutical “cure” that worked for me.  As a bonus, I’ve thrown in some humor, and to keep it real, a few swear words.”Mr. Dixon’s background as an engineer and business owner has also shaped his opinion about spirituality and mental health. “As an engineer most of my adult life, I’ve been hired to reduce complex systems into bite-sized, manageable portions.  In Spirituality for Badasses I do the same: Mental health and spirituality is, to say the least, complex. I spent decades sifting through and integrating it, and what I came up with – which I’m proud of and grateful for today- was a process that worked both for myself and the thousands of readers who are now finding their own inner badasses.”




    About the Author


    Spirituality for Badasses and 21 Days blossomed out J. Stewart’s life as a spiritual seeker, finder and teacher. He teaches based on his direct experience, twenty-nine years of interaction with numerous nonduality-advaita-zen-unorthodox teachers, his ongoing education / certification in modern mindfulness and a degree in communications / engineering from Syracuse University.

    He has been interviewed by Rick Archer on Buddha at the Gas Pump, was the meditation editor of the mind/body/spirit blog All Things Healing, was a board member of Sevenoaks Retreat Center (a nondenominational spiritual retreat center in Madison, VA) and is the owner/founder of a tech design -install firm called Charlottesville Audio Visual Services.

    J. Stewart Dixon has been a very creative individual for most of his life. In addition to two self-published books, he has written and produced a rock musical, has two professionally produced and recorded CDs with his former band Alchemy and has dabbled in abstract art.

    He lives in central Virginia with his family. When he’s not working or creating he can be found cavorting with the fish, bears, and bald eagles on the local rivers with a fly rod in his hand.

    Visit his website at http://www.spiritualityforbadasses.com or connect with him on Facebook.

     



    Sunday, November 14, 2021

    Book Review: Creature Cat Tales by M.G. Rorai


    CREATURE CAT TALES
    by M.G. Rorai
    Kid's Poetry / Stories in Verse
     
    This whimsical collection of poetic life lessons is sure to inspire positivity and values while delighting young readers with charming creature cat stories and illustrations. Come join the creature cats as they make learning fun—a purrfect addition to any kid’s collection. Suggested reading age 8-12.
    Why I Wanted To Read...

    I have to admit the cover turned this cat on but I so love poetry!

    My Thoughts on the Book Cover... 

    My thoughts on the book cover well it's what made me want to read it with blue being my favorite color! My 5 paws up go to the illustrator!

    What I Loved... 

    Lots of things about this book I love, but especially because it took cats to a new level. Who would have been so clever to come up with an idea to write about cat creatures!

    What I Didn't Like.. 

    Not a thing!

    My Thoughts.... 

    Really awesome awesome book. How did the author come up with such unique ideas? From cats that fly to zombie cats to werewolf cats and everything in between, it was a remarkably well written story in verse. It had a whimsical feel to it and I know human children will enjoy it as much as cat children. 

    I so enjoyed reading Creature Cat Tales and give it my blue paw print of approval!

     

    Tuesday, October 26, 2021

    A Street Cat Named Bob by James Bowen


    A STREET CAT NAMED BOB 
    by James Bowen
    Memoir

    James is a street musician struggling to make ends meet.

    Bob is a stray cat looking for somewhere warm to sleep.

    When James and Bob meet, they forge a never-to-be-forgotten friendship that has been charming readers from Thailand to Turkey.

    A Street Cat Named Bob is an international sensation, landing on the bestseller list in England for 52 consecutive weeks and selling in 26 countries around the world.

    When street musician James Bowen found an injured cat curled up in the hallway of his apartment building, he had no idea how much his life was about to change. James was living hand to mouth on the streets of London, barely making enough money to feed himself, and the last thing he needed was a pet. Yet James couldn't resist helping the strikingly intelligent but very sick animal, whom he named Bob. He slowly nursed Bob back to health and then sent the cat on his way, imagining that he would never see him again. But Bob had other ideas.

    This instant classic about the power of love between man and animal has taken the world by storm and is a perfect gift book for cat lovers.
     




    About the Author


    James Bowen (born 15 March 1979, Surrey) is an author and busker based in London. His books A Street Cat Named Bob ,The World According to Bob and A Gift From Bob, written with the help of author Garry Jenkins were international best-sellers, He now dedicates his time to help Numerous Charities that involve Homelessness, Literacy & Animal Welfare.

     



    Monday, May 10, 2021

    Book Review: Catnip, Toilet Paper, and Lasers by M.G. Rorai


    CATNIP, TOILET PAPER, AND LASERS

    by M.G. Rorai
    Poetry
     

    This purrfectly hilarious cat poem collection while bring back wonderful memories of your feline friends and have you busting with laughter. 9 out of 10 cats recommend this book; the 10th one was Grumpy Cat.

    Why I Wanted To Read...

    Well, not only am I a cat, but I was curious to find out if the author had any catnip to spare.

    My Thoughts on the Book Cover... 

    Reminds me of Big Tom. Big Tom used to roam my neighborhood. I would watch him out of the window of the library. He just stopped coming around one day. I miss Big Tom. Big Tom had that same smirkish grin when he caught me spying on him from the library window. 

    What I Loved... 

    This book took me back in time. You know we have nine lives right? For some odd reason I could really connect to each of the cats mentioned. And so what I loved was there were poems from the cat's perspective which is pretty cool.

    What I Didn't Like.. 

    Poor Tiger - he gets leash walked! I tried that one day. Just one day. We were walking along the sidewalk and I just couldn't take it anymore. And I lost it. My mom ended up in the emergency room.

    My Thoughts.... 

    Really awesome book. Love poetry anyway but told from a cat's perspective it's even better. Poor Tiger though! Annie is an outside cat which I envy. In a way. I miss prowling. Maybe I should riot enough so that they let me out but I know that's not going to happen. Socks sounds like someone to share a few beers with. Hobbes is a mouse chaser and I'm over that but he would be awfully fun to watch. I'm in love with Elsa. She's a down to earth kinda cat but she's going to get into a lot of trouble jumping on that stove - she could get her paws burned that way. Sam is another outside cat and I envy him because as I mentioned with Annie I would love to be outside on my own just once more! Callie is one of those stray cats or used to be so she's got a world of wisdom inside that brain of hers. And there's Fatty. I have a brother who is fat. He's good for nothing except laying on his back and wanting belly rubs. I say he needs to lay off the nibbles but if he's happy, he's happy. I hope I didn't miss anyone. Again, truly awesome book!

    I so enjoyed reading Catnip, Toilet Paper, and Lasers and give it my blue paw print of approval!

     

    Tuesday, March 23, 2021

    BANEWIND by M.B. Chapman

    BANEWIND
    by M.B. Chapman
    Young Adult

    Almost two weeks ago I was just a normal girl getting ready to start my senior year of high school, deciding where I wanted my life to go. And now?
     
    I’ve kissed a boy. I’ve been to another world. I’ve seen death.
     
    And I don’t know what my life’s become.

    Banewind tells the spellbinding story of 18-year-old Genevieve DeWinter, a typical high school girl who finds herself entangled in the throes of adventure, romance, and survival after discovering the existence of a group of magical beings known as Formulists and their co-existing world, Banewind.

    With the arrival of several mages in her hometown of Parma, Ohio, Genevieve soon learns that these extraordinary secrets are rooted deep within her family’s history when it is revealed her deceased mother was a heroic warrior in a long lineage of female protectors called the Holy Guardian. Now, a vengeful group of Formulists known as the Voidweavers have returned and set their sights on Genevieve, believing she might be the next Holy Guardian and the key to awakening their fallen leader, the Void King, who had been destroyed by Genevieve’s mother when she sacrificed herself a decade earlier to save Banewind and all of humanity from an unthinkable evil.

    With the help of new allies, Genevieve must fight to stay alive as she unravels the mystery and danger that have shattered the stability of the life she once knew before the Voidweavers succeed in shadowing the world in chaos and darkness once again.





    About the Author


    Matt Chapman grew up outside of Cleveland and now lives in St. Louis, Missouri where he is completing his residency in Psychiatric medicine at Washington University in St. Louis. He is a graduate of Creighton University School of Medicine where he obtained his MD and a graduate of Saint Louis University where he majored in Biology.

    Matt has had a passion for writing and reading since childhood and continues to find time for these interests among his other pursuits, including medical education and leadership studies. He is currently working on his next novel in The Banewind Series.

    WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

    Website: https://www.lightmessages.com/mb-chapman

    Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mbchapman90

    Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/banewind_series

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mbchapman90/

          


     





    Sunday, March 7, 2021

    THE MYSTERY AT TURKELTON MANOR by Kraig Dafoe

    THE MYSTERY AT TURKELTON MANOR 
    by Kraig Dafoe
    Middle Grade Mystery

    Twelve-year-old Nathaniel Jones wants to be a detective. Though his imagination tends to run wild, Nate knows something strange is going on and he is determined to figure it out. Hearing noises at night, the young detective sees a strange figure lurking about. The Turkeltons are rich and Nate’s grandfather is their groundskeeper. As a result, Nate gets to spend the summer on the manor grounds. With priceless art and expensive jewelry in the mix, and someone creeping around at night, Nate becomes determined to catch a thief. There’s just one problem; nothing seems to be missing.




    About the Author


    Kraig Dafoe was born in New York.  Kraig went back to college at the age of 42 earning his BA in English writing, and graduating cum laude from Washburn University in 2017. Deciding to continue his education, Kraig received his Master of Liberal Studies degree in 2019. Kraig is a member of Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society and The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

    Visit his website at http://www.kwdafoe.com.