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Write a review of a book you've read with your mother-daughter book club and click here to send it in. Not in a book club? We like to hear from reader's everywhere. Just tell us how many stars from 1 - 5 you rank it, tell us your first name and last initial, city and state, and identify whether you're a mom, a daughter, a reader, a librarian, etc.
Millions - Frank Cottrell Boyce ***** A Daughter's Review What would you do if you found nearly 1 million English pounds, and had only a little while in which to spend it before the money became worthless? Well, if you're like the main character in this wonderful book you would attempt to give it to the poor (or you could be like his investment savvy brother, Anthony, and attempt to spend it on real estate, which will then increase in value). Unfortunately, as the story goes along, Damian finds out just how hard it is to do good deeds with such a large and conspicuous amount of money. This is a funny, deep book, which compares child-like innocence with the corruption of greed. I would highly recommend this book (as well as the movie) for book-clubbers of any age. - Madeleine H., Portland, Oregon Read an interview with Frank Cottrell Boyce. To buy Millions click here. Other books by this author. Write a review and click here to send it in.
Movie Girl - Christina Hamlett ***** A Reader's Review I love this book! As a person who graduated from high school over 30 years ago, Movie Girl by Christina Hamlett reminds me of the time when having a bad hair day or getting a zit was social disaster. A time when getting asked to the high school dance was a matter of life or death. Movie Girl is the story of sophomore Laurie Preston and her crush on hunky senior, Artie Weisberg. When their school gets a film grant and Laurie is chosen to be the lead screenwriter, she sees it as her lucky break to make Artie finally fall in love with her. The trouble is, Artie doesn't know she exists. She concocts a plan with her best friend, Kathy, to get Artie to ask her to the Winter Dance. She knows if he doesn't ask her to the dance, she'll totally die...and the future of their unborn children could be at stake! Movie Girl is teen angst at its most humorous. It's so good you can almost smell the Clearasil. - Maggie K., Sheridan, Oregon ***** A Reader's Review The once scrawny, mop-topped Laurie Preston is now a blossoming, quick witted, boy-crazy fifteen year old. Aspiring Junior Miss Cambridge, Kathy, is her best friend except when they‚re in a super huge fight, of course. Laurie is full of teen angst; she is deeply frustrated by the immaturity of many of her high school friends. All of her private thoughts about the trauma of her perpetual "bad timing," rants about the giggly annoying Keena Nina Feeney, and her intention to one-day marry her dreamboat, Artie, fill up the pages of her diary. Arthur Jerome Weisberg, otherwise known as Artie, is her obsession. He is without a doubt, the most interesting, flawless and cutest guy on this and all other planets. In school, surrounded by pimple-faced punks, a pensive Laurie pontificates, "Why waste time having homeroom when clearly none of the homeroom teachers have regular classes? Who wouldn‚t feel anxious, clumsy and vulnerable about the way their bum looks in those geeky green gym outfits?" Still, the super hot Artie Weisberg is the reason to wash her hair each day. The sad truth is that she is practically invisible to him. Laurie is chosen to lead a young filmmaker's project, secretly she romanticizes of casting Artie as her leading man. And when she is not becoming Paul Revere High's first screenwriter or daydreaming about becoming the future Mrs. Weisberg, Laurie experiences life lessons about friendship and teamwork, as well a, the importance of ignoring the gossip and toxic rumors that can ruin relationships. Finding love in high school can be heartbreaking; Christina Hamlett's, Movie Girl also makes it funny. The surprise ending flashed me back to the good ole days, like the time when I received my driver's license for the first time. I remember the moment was something like how '‚d imagine receiving the Oscar or the Nobel Peace Prize would be; funny, sweet memories. Marci W., Maui, Hawaii ***** A Mother's Review In Movie Girl, Laurie Preston is a sophomore attending a high school that has just won a grant to write and film its own movie. Laurie has been elected to write the script. To Laurie, this is a dream come true because her master plan is to create a script starring Artie Weisberg. Artie Weisberg is Laurie’s senior heartthrob who is totally oblivious to Laurie’s crush. Unfortunately, to Laurie’s dismay, she learns that writing a script is a lot more burdensome than she first anticipated. Between Kathy, her self-centered best friend, the chess nerds Dean and Ellis, her best guy friend Gus and Lyn, the new girl from Vietnam, all fighting for parts, she almost quits the movie committee altogether. But the wisdom of her grandmother Sylvia, the support of her mother and father, and the learning she does along the way, all helps her pull through. In this book we see the author, Christina Hamlett, touching on typical teenage challenges. We see the growing apart of long time best friends to the agonizing torture of being in puppy love with an unknowing senior hunk. There is the budding friendship with an outsider and the confusion of starting to look at that all-too-comfortable guy friend in a whole new way. The book even touches on the poignancy of a refugee fleeing from the poverty of a foreign country to seek safety in America. Each chapter begins with a journal entry from Laurie that gives the reader a personal touch. The author is very loyal to teenage lingo, which makes the reading very fun. For example, Kathy’s outcry to Laurie’s dad’s offer to make s’mores for the girls during a sleep over: “Puh-leeze, that is sooo second-grade!” The book is quite entertaining and the pages flip quickly. I almost caught myself chewing gum with my mouth open and twirling a lock of hair around my finger while reading this book! Turning to the final page is definitely very bitter sweet. I’ll be tapping my toes in anticipation of the next book in the series! ***** A Grandmother's Review “Movie Girl” by Christina Hamlett is a book which every teen/tween (and some older) girls would love to have on their bookshelves. Hamlett’s writing evokes a sweet and innocent period of adolescents of the past, their “girlie” talk, and whispered confidences about boys. The writer sympathetically captures the inner-mind and the whirling emotions of adolescent girls. Laurie Preston, a high school student, experiences the highs and lows of all teenagers, and the bitter sweet feelings of first love ... and the angst of her love unreciprocated. She writes long romantic, self-conscious passages in her diary, weaving dreams around her one and only true love, Artie Jerome Weisberg, her future husband and father-to-be of her children. Receiving a grant to make a film, Laurie’s high school selects her to write the script to be produced by her class. Laurie also sees this is an opportunity to be noticed by Artie. In writing the screenplay, Laurie assigns herself and Artie, leading roles in a romance - Lauren True Heart and MacArthur Wedlock. Puppy-like, she follows Artie around using clumsy pretences to coincidentally bump into him. Laurie’s life devolves into chaos. The film-making committee has to come to the rescue of storyline of the script. She nearly loses the friendship of a truly nice boy. With humour and light touch Hamlett skillfully brings to vivid life Laurie’s family, her friends, and other characters at her school. Laurie is particularly close to her patient father and her grandmother. These family dynamics enable Laurie to grow and resolve her dilemmas her own way. Kathy, Laurie’s best friend, Lyn a Vietnamese, her pal Gus,a young artist, Ellis and Dean, members of the chess club, and others - all in their different ways contribute to Laurie’s growing awareness and maturity. Drawing on her own experiences in the film industry, Hamlett gently guides the reader on formatting a script. In introducing two names, Robert Burns and Ogden Nash, on opposite sides of the poetry genre, Hamlett also opens a vista for curious young readers to explore. For anyone tending to buy that special gift for a teen/tween, I highly recommend “Movie Girl” by Christina Hamlett. -- Danielle J., Australia To buy Movie Girl click here. Other books by this author. Write a review and click here to send it in.
The New York Stories of Edith Wharton - Edith Wharton **** A Mother's Review Step into the pages of Edith Wharton’s short stories about turn of the century New York and you find yourself in the midst of a genteel, well mannered society where “doing the right thing” takes the center stage. The language in these stories is elegant, especially Miss Wharton’s descriptions of the architecture and the furnishings. What made this a treasure to share with our daughters, however, was that each of the stories has a lesson within it about making choices that demonstrate empathy and respect for other people. This is something that t so often goes missing in our Me Me Me society where kids – and a lot of adults, too! – are more tuned into their iPods and “American Idol” than they are to what is going on in their own families and neighborhoods. Each story in this collection makes for a good “What would you do if you were any of these characters” discussion, and we decided to make one of our sessions extra special by accompanying it with a mother and daughter tea party. No jeans and sneakers were allowed at this one! We each dressed up for the reading and the daughters helped make the finger sandwiches. We bought the scones from a local bakery and had several different kinds of tea. To top things off, we even found an older lady who offered to come to our group and talk about rules of etiquette. This tied in well with our Edith Wharton readings because the people in the stories are quite polite and would be aghast to commit social faux pas! What gladdened us the most, though, was that the etiquette lesson made such an impression on our younger members that they each hand-wrote thank you letters to the woman who gave a talk on manners. We are hoping this stays with them through their adult lives, along with the memory of this quality literature and its author. (Special Note: If you don't have someone you can get to come and talk about good manners, there is a fun book called "The Book of Etiquette," by Michael MacFarlane and published by Main Street/Sterling Publishing Company. It is worth a look and also makes a good present for a teen or tween who needs a politeness nudge.) - Inez C. from Arizona To buy The New York Stories of Edith Wharton click here. Other books by this author. Write a review and click here to send it in. **** A Daughter's Review Petey is one of the most touching and thought provoking books I have ever read. It is the sweet, yet sad tale of a person growing up in mental institutions because his parents gave him up due to not knowing what was wrong with him. At the time, they didn't know what Cerebral Palsy was, or that their son had it. Petey finds small pleasures in life, and makes connections with the people who see past his disability and love him for the amazing person he is. I would recommend this book to all old enough to read it, to learn of the heartwarming story, and the ability to look beyond the surface and see the real pleasures in life. - Franny S., Portland, Oregon To buy Petey click here. Other books by this author. Write a review and click here to send it in.
Red: The Next Generation of American Writers--Teenage Girls--On What Fires Up Their Lives Today - edited by Amy Goldwasser **** A Mother's Review This is the best book I’ve ever read that gives one a rare and true glimpse into the hearts and minds of teenage girls today! The book is a bridge that allows moms to cross over into the lives of their daughters in ways never before documented. A MUST READ for all moms and daughters! - Michele C. *****A Mother's Review The cover of this book called to me -- especially this line of the subtitle: /the next generation of great American writers -- teenage girls./ How thrilling to FINALLY see teenage girls getting their literary due. I started reading Red at the bookstore and was, quite simply, blown away. Whether writing about war, fat, boys, prejudice or their hair, these girls' words are raw, true, searing and their stories should be heard -- and shared -- by mothers and daughters. I salute Amy Goldwasser for gathering these voices and putting them out into the world - Lori L., Brooklyn, New York *****A Mother's Review The young women today are so fearless and candid. I couldn't believe the stories were written by teenagers. Can't wait to see what else these writers have to say in the near future! - Sandra F. *****A Mother's Review I really looked forward to reading Red with my 12-year old daughter, and I was not disappointed! Each day after school we would settle in and then take turns reading the essays. Some were funny, some sad and some heartbreaking, but all felt very true and real. I feel fortunate to have had a unique opportunity to share this book with my pre-teen daughter as now I am much better prepared to understand the teen girl psyche. But more than that, reading these words together has created a deeper sense of trust and intimacy and I feel my daughter will not be scared or reluctant to talk to me about some of these issues in the future. I would love to see a book of essays by these girls when they turn 21. - Dorene O., West Bloomfield, Michigan *****A Daughter's Review I felt that this book connected my mom and me a little more. Before we started reading Red together, I thought she didn't understand the life of a teenage girl very well, in my case a pre-teen. (Life for us girls can be pretty difficult, and there is this wonderful book to prove just that.) Once we finished all the funny, sad, and interesting essays, I think my mom better understood the lives of young girls today, and I saw that I wasn't alone in some of my experiences, especially at school and with friends. After reading this book I realized how different girls can be and I think I understand why they act the way they do. I know I will read this book again when I get older. I <3 Red! - Hadley O., West Bloomfield, Michigan *****A Mother's Review I am a new step-mother to a young teenage girl. Not only are there the normal "teenage issues" but compound those issues with a new family unit and a longing for bio-mom and daddy to get back together and you have one emotional young girl! I pre-ordered this book and gave it to my step-daughter as soon as it arrived. She did not say a whole lot other than the barely audible "thanks". However, about a week later my husband came home from a visit. She wanted him to let me know how much she is enjoying the book and sharing it with her friends. She really likes it! The stories hit home and resonate with her! This has opened the door for me to engage in dialogue with her surrounding those stories: What in particular did she like? Which stories was she drawn to and what did those stories mean to her in her own life? As a new mom, I say thank you to the author for compiling such an intriguing set of life stories that resonate with a 14 year old and helped to "fire-up" real dialogue! - Deborah F., Detroit, Michigan To buy Red: The Next Generation of American Writers click here. Write a review and click here to send it in.
***** A Mother's Review A compelling memoir from a girl growing up during the Chinese cultural revolution. Filled with patriotic fervor for the Chinese communist government, Ji-li is at first ashamed to be part of her family, which is persecuted because of her grandfather's political beliefs. But as she sees injustices heaped onto the heads of many people around her, she gradually becomes disillusioned and no longer believes government propaganda. Ji-li's authentic voice inspires discussion about family loyalties, government betrayals, and China's history. This is a great book to read with children. I read it aloud to my daughter, who could not believe that this life happened to this girl and so many like her in China. It prompted lots of discussion about families and government. Even kids as young as 10 or 11 should be able to appreciate the story, and it's fascinating for adults too.- Cindy H., Portland, Oregon To buy Red Scarf Girl click here. Other books by this author. Write a review and click here to send it in.
Remember Me to Harold Square – Paula Danziger **** A Mother’s Review Remember Me to Harold Square is about a high school boy from Wisconsin who spends six weeks one summer in New York City with friends of his parents, who have a high school daughter and a middle school son. The four parents have devised a six-week-long scavenger hunt for the kids to help them experience the best of the city and stay busy for the entire visit. This book generated lots of great discussion in our Mother Daughter Book Club. We talked about whether it's an advantage for girls to be friends with boys before they start to date them and the difficulties of getting seriously romantically involved with someone when you're still young. None of the daughters are dating yet, or even plan to, (they're 12 so it was a good way to talk about dating issues theoretically). We were also inspired to create our own summer scavenger hunt, and the girls loved it. They had to visit museums, eat new food, go to the park and discover places around the corner they never knew about. It was a great way for them to stay in touch over the summer, and the parents were able to share the shuttling from place to place. It was lots of fun! – Cindy H., Portland, Oregon To buy Remember Me to Harold Square click here. Write a review and click here to send it in.
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