Review: The Unfinished Gift

Summary: Can a gift from the past mend a broken heart?

Ian Collins is an old man without his son. Patrick Collins is a young boy without his father. On his Christmas list are only three items. He wants the army to find his father. He wants to leave his grandfather's house. And he wants the dusty wooden soldier in Grandfather's attic--the one he is forbidden to touch.

Set at Christmastime in 1943, The Unfinished Gift is the engaging story of a family in need of forgiveness. With simple grace, it reminds us of the small things that affect powerful change in our hearts--a young boy's prayers, a shoe box of love letters, and even a half-carved soldier, long forgotten. This nostalgic story of reconciliation will touch your heart. -- Revell

Now that Thanksgiving is over and I'm all decorated for Christmas, I feel like I can kind of relax a bit. Since reading is one of my absolutely favorite (and most relaxing things) to do, I've decided that I'm going to spend some time over the next few weeks reading some holiday-themed books. I absolutely love Christmas and especially books about Christmas. For some reason, reading these books just gets me in the right mood for the holiday.

I recently finished a Christian fiction book called THE UNFINISHED GIFT by Dan Walsh, and it is definitely a book that epitomizes the spirit of Christmas. This novel about a young boy who is forced to live with his grandfather is guaranteed to touch your heart. It might even bring a tear or two to your eyes as well. This novel is a relatively quick read that is perfect for this time of year.

I enjoyed THE UNFINISHED GIFT a great deal, and I can't get the characters out of my mind. Patrick is a young boy whose mother dies in a car accident and whose father is overseas fighting in World War II. Since Patrick's grandfather is the only living relative, he is forced to live with him until his father can come home from the war. Patrick's grandfather is a very bitter old man because he has lost everything dear to him -- his wife has died and he and Patrick's father have had a falling out. Patrick's grandfather is so miserable that he takes his anger out on Patrick.

Of course, my heart went out to Patrick. He was so young to be dealing with the loss of his mother as well as a missing father. In addition, he had to live with his grandfather who was a stranger to him and a mean one at that. But, I actually felt very bad for Patrick's grandfather too. I can't imagine living with so much anger and resentment -- it just seemed like he was wasting his life. I was so glad that by the end of the book, he realized the error of his ways and could start healing the relationships with his son and his grandson.

I loved the lessons in this story and they definitely made me reflect on my own life. I've recently been reminded that life is too short not to appreciate each and every day. And I am also constantly reminded of how important family is in my life. I liked that THE UNFINISHED GIFT showed that it's never too late to open your heart to love and ask for forgiveness. In addition, I appreciated that even though Patrick's mother had died, she still could affect others' behavior through the strength of her Christian faith. There were just so very many beautiful messages in this story.

THE UNFINISHED GIFT is Mr. Walsh's first novel, and I absolutely loved the characters. I thought the story ended perfectly, but I admit that I'm curious about what happens to the characters after the book ends. I was glad to see that there is a sequel to THE UNFINISHED GIFT called THE HOMECOMING which will be available in June 2010. I am looking forward to reading this novel as well as Mr. Walsh's future books.

If you are looking for a story that will definitely tug at your heartstrings, then you might want to give THE UNFINISHED GIFT a try. I also think this novel would make an excellent gift for anyone who enjoys stories about the magic of the Christmas season.

Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book.

Book Report: The Cat Ate My Gymsuit

Summary: Marcy Lewis is bored by school, she despairs of ever being thin, and she is certain she'll never have a date. Life at home isn't great either, since her father bosses her and her mother around.

Then along comes Ms. Finney, an English teacher who will try anything in the classroom, and above all, a teacher who acts human. Marcy has never met anyone like her, and suddenly life in and out of school begins to have a purpose.

When Ms. Finney is suspended because of her controversial teaching methods, the school is thrown into an uproar. When Marcy, now out of her shell, helps to organize a protest, she too is suspended. With her mother firmly on her side, her father violently opposed, Marcy must decide whether her fight for Ms. Finney and the values she stands for is worth the price she must pay at home and in school. -- Dell

As part of the Shelf Discovery Challenge that I'm hosting, I decided to read the classic THE CAT ATE MY GYMSUIT by Paula Danziger. I was familiar with the name Paula Danziger because my daughter devoured the Amber Brown books when she was younger. And, I do remember seeing this book around when I was a kid -- the cover looked awfully familiar. It's just so unfortunate that I missed out on reading this one when I was a girl.

I absolutely loved THE CAT ATE MY GYMSUIT, and I can't wait for my daughter to read it. I actually think the book stands the test of time mainly because it has so many positive messages for young girls. I'm curious, however, to see if my daughter thinks the book is dated because it clearly references the early 1970s -- undertones of the Vietnam War and the Feminist Movement. I'm not sure she can comprehend a world where women are subservient to (and possibly afraid of) their husbands, or where a teacher could be fired for refusing to say the Pledge of Allegiance.

I loved the character of Marcy, but my heart just went out to her for so many reasons. Of course, I felt bad for her because she was so self-conscious; but I really was affected by her family situation. Her father was just horrible to poor Marcy -- he tore her down by calling her fat and stupid; and he wasn't good at showing her that he cared about her. I had a very supportive father, and I can't imagine how difficult it would be to navigate the middle school years with someone who was so verbally abusive. I was so happy to see that by the end of the novel, both Marcy and her mother were eventually able to stand up to him.

I also loved the character of Ms. Finney, Marcy's progressive English teacher, who actually made learning fun for the kids. I appreciated that this novel showed how much of an influence a good teacher can have on the lives of his/her students. I loved some of her unique perspectives on teaching as well as life in general; and I thought it was a shame how narrow-minded some of her counterparts were.

I was actually a bit surprised by the end of this novel. Unlike so many kids' books, THE CAT ATE MY GYMSUIT didn't have an ending that was all wrapped up with a bow on top. Everything wasn't okay for Ms. Finney or Marcy, and I thought the ending reflected the reality of life -- there aren't always happy endings. Despite the way the book ended, I still was left with a feeling of hope for Marcy. And for that reason, I thought the ending was perfect!

Despite the almost 40 year old cultural references, I still think the underlying messages hold true today. Marcy is a young girl who is extremely insecure about her self image -- so insecure that she makes up a different excuse every day not to have to change into her gymsuit. I think most young girls today can relate to concerns that they aren't pretty enough or popular enough, or even that they will never get a boyfriend. I love that Marcy grew to appreciate herself throughout the course of this story. And even though she wasn't totally at ease (what middle grade girl could be?), she learned to embrace herself -- flaws and all. My hope is that my daughter will read this book and see how Marcy gained self-confidence; and that she will be able to tell herself "if Marcy could do it, then maybe I can to."

Note: There are tons of covers for THE CAT ATE MY GYMSUIT, but I actually read the 1974 version of the book that is pictured above.

Review: VeggieTales Saint Nicholas

Summary: Discover the power of a simple gift! Laura Carrot’s Christmas stocking might be empty this year because her dad is in danger of losing his job. While Larry thinks a letter to the North Pole should fix the problem, Bob knows what will really help…and tells the story of a little boy named Nicholas who made a discovery in Bethlehem that changed Christmas forever. But what did Nick learn and how can it possibly help Laura and her family? Find out as the Veggies discover the true joy of giving to others—at Christmas time and throughout the year!

Bonus Features

- “Give This Christmas Away” Operation Christmas Child music video
- Behind The Song with Matthew West and Amy Grant
- Art Gallery
- Audio Commentary
- Sing Along with Larry
- Discussion Guide
- Family Activity – “Bob & Larry’s Sugar Cookies”

For the past few weeks, my kids have been cutting up all of the toy catalogues and making their wish lists. All too often, my family (myself included) gets caught up in planning for Christmas; and sadly, the "real reason for the season" isn't always in the forefront of our minds. That's why I was so excited to receive a review copy of the new VeggieTales DVD, Saint Nicholas: A Story of Giving.

Before my kids and I watched this DVD, I asked them what Christmas meant to them. My 10 year old daughter knew the "correct" answer, but my 5 year old old totally said "Santa Claus." I first cringed and then told him that it was Jesus' birthday and not all about Santa. I suggested that we watch this VeggieTales DVD together and learn about Saint Nicholas and his generosity.

My kids recognized their favorite veggies Bob the Tomato (whom my kids swear isn't a vegetable but a fruit) and Larry the Cucumber. And they also "met" a new veggie Nicky the Pepper, the first new VeggieTales character in five years. Nicky stars as Saint Nicholas, the world’s greatest giver, and my kids absolutely loved him!

Both Booking Daughter and Booking Son thoroughly enjoyed Saint Nicholas: A Story of Joyful Giving! I did as well. I am a big fan of VeggieTales, and I think these DVDs are a great way to teach youngsters about bible stories and life lessons. I absolutely loved the message in this story about the importance of giving gifts to those less fortunate. In addition, I liked the idea that we don't give gifts to make us happy. Rather we give gifts because we are happy -- we are lucky enough to have been given so much and we can share our happiness through giving.

I'm happy to say that when we finished the movie, I asked my son the same question about the meaning of Christmas. This time, he got the "right answer." I have a feeling that we will be watching this DVD more times in the next few weeks. It's a great wake-up call for all of us during this holiday season!

The DVD is available for the Suggested Retail Price of $14.93 so it makes a budget-friendly and fun holiday gift. Thanks to Elizabeth from The Morris + King Agency for sending me a review copy of Saint Nicholas!

Virtual Cookie Swap - Chocolate Cookies/Candy & Giveaway

I hope you've enjoyed The 12 Days of Christmas Cookies. I have had such a wonderful time sharing my recipes with you over the past 12 days. And, of course, I've loved giving away some goodies during that time. But now the real fun begins ....

Today, Kathy and I are each hosting part of the Virtual Cookie Swap. We have set up Mr. Linky's on both of our blogs, and we ask that you link your cookie recipe blog posts to us. Kathy will be hosting the traditional cookie recipes; and I will be hosting the chocolate cookie and candy recipes. Hopefully, we can make up for not having any true chocolate cookie recipes during The 12 Days of Christmas Cookies!

To entice you to join us in our little Cookie Swap, we will both be giving out copies of THE CHRISTMAS COOKIE CLUB to two lucky participants who link their recipes to our blogs. That means that you can enter to win on both of our sites by linking a traditional cookie recipe to Kathy's blog and a chocolate treat to mine. Please make sure you also leave a comment with a valid email address in the comment section of this post. Don't worry if you don't have a blog -- just leave your recipe in the comments section along with an email address. Then, you can hover over the date/time of the comment and copy that link as your URL for Mr. Linky.

And to make things even "sweeter," we will also each be giving away a BIG Cookie Prize Pack which includes a copy of THE CHRISTMAS COOKIE CLUB, a cookbook, and other cookie-related items. (Hint - my prize pack includes chocolate!!!) Because of the cost of postage, only those in the US and Canada are eligible to win the prize pack, but international readers can enter to win the book. To be eligible for the prizes, you must leave a link before Friday, December 4th at 11:59 p.m. ET. We will notify the winners the following day.

Items included in The Christmas Cookie Club Prize Pack
- THE CHRISTMAS COOKIE CLUB by Ann Pearlman
- 100 Best Chocolate Recipes
- Plastic Coffee Tumbler
- Hershey's Cocoa
- Hershey Milk Chocolate with Almonds Big Candy Bar
- Plastic Snowman Tray
- Spatula
- 2 Potholders
- Towels with Cookie Cutter
- Gingerbread Cookie Tin

We're hoping that many of our friends out there in the blogosphere will join us. Please help spread the word about not only the virtual cookie exchange but also some of the great prizes you can win!

Format: Your Name/Blog Name (Name of Cookie/Candy Recipe)

Day 12: The 12 Days of Christmas Cookies & Guest Blogger Ann Pearlman

It's Day 12 of The 12 Days of Christmas, and Kathy has posted a yummy recipe for Brown Sugar Cookies. Today, I'd like to welcome Ann Pearlman whose book THE CHRISTMAS COOKIE CLUB (my review) was the inspiration behind The 12 Days of Christmas Cookies. I can't think of a better way to bring The 12 Days of Christmas Cookies to a close than with a guest post from Ms. Pearlman.

In the essay below, Ms. Pearlman writes about the time her personal book club discussed her novel THE CHRISTMAS COOKIE CLUB. I couldn't ever imagine sitting with my friends as they talked about a book I wrote! In addition, she talks about the balance between truth and fiction in her writing. I hope you enjoy this guest post as much as I have!

The Truth in Fiction

I was excited, and, yes, slightly intimidated when my book club decided to discuss my first novel Christmas Cookie Club. A member commented that I was brave. We are amazingly different in how we react to books. Characters I’ve loved, others have hated, and books, scenes, characters have had widely varying impact on my friends.

So I was relieved and pleased when they loved the book, embraced the women’s friendships and accepting love for each other. They cared about my characters who had lived full, sometimes difficult, lives. As I had hoped, they read the ingredient sections according to their own wishes, some straight through, some saving them for later, some a mixture. One finally figured out about chemistry in baking…another said it made her miss her friends and reminded her how important they are. One mentioned that reading the book was like attending a way-cool party.

But they were in a rare position. The novel is set in our hometown and they experienced the places portrayed in the book. They knew the setting was suggested by a cookie exchange I attend and that a few of the characters shared elements with friends or acquaintances. Mostly, they were in a unique place—they could ask an author-friend questions about a book set close to their own lives.

The first questions were about two items that were presented as facts. The initial one-- that if a baby dies in utero, the woman carries it to term-- seemed unbelievable to one member. I said, Yes, I’ve known that to happen to two women; another member also had knowledge of this. The second question was about a fact that is presented as truth. A character in my book states that 35% of people do not experience awe which may be partly genetically based. Are there fact checkers for fiction? There are consistency checkers, but you don’t have to prove the facts you state. However, if you’re wrong and your reader knows it, you loose your reader’s trust. This fact about awe was reported in an article on biological determinants of personality. It struck me, also, as so incredible that I have checked it out when it’s conversationally appropriate since then.

Several times during interviews, I’ve been asked if setting the novel in Ann Arbor with actual places and events changed it. My answer is no. I could have made up restaurants and parks and the novel, the story, the characters would have been the same. It is only we who have bought books and incense at Crazy Wisdom that are flooded with memories at the mention of the name, or we who have walked the trails of Gallup Park that visualize the graceful wood bridges and clusters of geese.

But I like that mix of truth, actual, real in the fiction. I’m a great fan of Doctorow who put Houdini and Goldman in Ragtime. And I love Capote who used fictive techniques in In Cold Blood. Both authors changed writing by blurring the line between fiction and truth.

Should they be?

Or is that the truth of human memory?

I know that sometimes our memory is wrong. When I wrote Infidelity, I made sure that my Mom really did make a speech at a conference in downtown Pittsburgh in the early 60s. I obtained a program of that conference and her name presenting the welcoming address was listed. And yet, my cousin told me that she had never smoked although, in the book, she smokes like a chimney. My memory was wrong.

Studies of memory indicate that it can be manipulated, particularly in children, by repeated questions so the mind makes up an account that embraces the questioner’s suggestions. And we have learned that witness identifications are notoriously unreliable. Our memory may play tricks on those who believe they were kidnapped by aliens, or are victims of satanic cults. The controversy about repressed memories brought this issue into sharp focus. Or conversely, we, or another, may embellish our role in an event and then we incorporate this enhanced role as truth.

And then there is the issue of point of view. A story and event look different depending on how you participate in it and may assume the mien of an entirely changed tale as so brilliantly depicted in the movie Rashomon where the victim, the murderer, the victim’s wife and a witness all present entirely dissimilar stories.

Our very brains take the snapshots captured by our eyes and string them into a film that turns Polaroid into a sensible movie.

We are story-loving creatures and the tales we form from the facts, events, views of our lives make them understandable and meaningful.

A novel, when it works, does the same. It carries us into a narrative dream in which we are able to experience another life, another’s view of the world. The perceived truth of that life, presented through unique details and resonating feelings, is the conduit. The writer must put in these ‘truths’ for the story to be believable enough to capture the reader.

Interesting, at that book club, we discussed another novel, too in which some of the plot elements involved magical realism. A cloud in the shape of a man walked on the tree-tops. Did this happen? Unlikely. But someone could view a cloud that way. A German American grandfather was incarcerated in a concentration camp with the Japanese. Did this happen? I didn’t know America also imprisoned German Americans during World War II. I could do research to find out. But I suspended disbelief, there was enough realism and consistency to keep myself in the writer’s hands and be buffeted by his story.

Does truth make fiction more believable? Does it enhance a gripping story? We writers will do anything to enhance a narrative dream, to make you the reader, fall into our story, fall in love with our characters and be swept into our world. That suspense of disbelief is what it is all about.

And so we cannibalize our very lives. I steal the habit of playing with a necklace from a beloved friend, now dead, and give it to a character. I hear a tune and remember a concert that becomes a setting for a scene. The bump on my grandmother’s finger, which I now have, and the amazing way my mother’s eyes reflected yellow bless a character. I do not even realize I’m doing it as my brain picks up these long ago sights, smells, sounds and stirs them, mixing them up with fantasy and theme in the scene I’m trying so hard to capture and portray before it stops playing out before my eyes to share my experience with you.

Sometimes we stumble on a truth when we think we’re in fiction. My first book, which was a nonfiction book, was written with two other therapists. We invented a dream for a fictional case study; the interpretation of the dream elucidated a psychological principle. Two hours later, a patient walked into my office and told me the same dream. She dreamed the dream we invented! But the meaning of my real patient’s dream was very different than our fictional character’s. Several times, I’ve stumbled on a truth I could not have known. And of course I wonder and am amazed at how this happens. Like psychics, do writers pick up clues that are so subtle they’re unaware of them? Does the line between truth and fiction waver rather than stand firm. If our own memories are wrong, how do we answer?

Are we writing about universal experience (no matter how much we try to particularize it) so much so often we inevitably hit on “a truth.” And then we hear, “That happened to me, how did you know?”

We don’t.

We made it up.

In some cases the truth is accidental.

Has that ever happened to you? Where you ‘knew something’ you could not have known?

Thanks to Ms. Pearlman for taking time from her busy schedule to write this guest post! Make sure you have your cookie recipes ready for tomorrow so you enter to win a copy of THE CHRISTMAS COOKIE CLUB or a CHRISTMAS COOKIE CLUB Prize Pack.

Book Club Exchange - Lisa of Lit and Life

Welcome to Book Club Exchange, a relatively new (and hopefully) regular feature on Booking Mama which highlights anything and everything book club-related! Today, Lisa from Lit and Life has written a great post about her book club - The Omaha Bookworms. I think you'll enjoy her essay and I know that I even related a little bit to some of her feelings about her book club!

The Omaha Bookworms

When I went to my first meeting of what is now The Omaha Bookworms, it was a book club in transition. The club had started about eight years earlier as an offshoot of a larger social group. The group met various places but, as part of the larger group, the book club was not allowed to request head counts for meetings. Which meant that one month, the leader was left sitting alone in a restaurant, waiting for almost an hour for someone else to show up. At my first meeting almost no one had even read the book. I wasn’t sure that this group was going to work for me; I was looking for a group of ladies with an interest in books, not just a social evening. Two months later a group of the ladies decided it was time for some changes to be made.

Our fearless leader, Mari, set some things in motion that have been a great help in the past year making sure that people are reading the books, that there are people at the meeting, and that we are reading books that are discussion worthy. The book club broke free and now we meet almost exclusively in someone’s home. We always have great eats and plenty of wine. We only read books now that have been pre-read so that, like the book or not, there is plenty to discuss. In September of 2008, Mari started a blog and began reaching out to authors and publishers. We were all astounded by how willing to send us books they all were. But the biggest surprise was how many of the authors were willing to “meet” with us by phone. Now we try to talk to authors every other month. There’s no better way to convince yourself that you have to get through the book than to know you’re going to have to have questions for the author! Right now our club is up to 15 members and we average 9-10 each month. Every month I look forward to spending time spending time with these bright ladies laughing, enjoying a glass of wine (or two!) and talking books.

*****
Lisa is a wife of 27 years and mom to three kids of her own and countless others that call her Mama. Some of Lisa's favorite things are books, cooking, movies, music, flea markets, football and having fun with her family.

I am so grateful to Lisa for sharing her some of her book club experiences with us. If you are interested in participating in a future Book Club Exchange, please contact me at bookingmama(at)gmail(dot)com.

Review: Love in Translation

Summary: Stuck. That’s how 33-year-old aspiring singer Celeste Duncan feels, with her deadbeat boyfriend and static career. But then Celeste receives a puzzling phone call and a box full of mysterious family heirlooms which just might be the first real clue to the identity of the father she never knew. Impulsively, Celeste flies to Japan to search for a long-lost relative who could be able to explain. She stumbles head first into a weird, wonderful world where nothing is quite as it seems—a land with an inexplicable fascination with foreigners, karaoke boxes, and unbearably perky TV stars.

With little knowledge of Japanese, Celeste finds a friend in her English-speaking homestay brother, Takuya, and comes to depend on him for all variety of translation, travel and investigatory needs. As they cross the country following a trail after Celeste's family, she discovers she's developing "more-than-sisterly" feelings for him. But with a nosy homestay mom scheming to reunite Takuya with his old girlfriend, and her search growing dimmer, Celeste begins to wonder whether she's made a terrible mistake by coming to Japan. Can Celeste find her true self in this strange land, and discover that love can transcend culture? -- St. Martin's Griffin

I recently finished LOVE IN TRANSLATION by Wendy Nelson Tokunaga, and I found that it was just a pleasure to read! The book is about Celeste a woman in her 30s who discovers that the key to her father's identity might exist in Japan. Since she's not really happy with her career or her boyfriend, she decides to drop everything and head there for some answers. Celeste not only finds answers to some very difficult issues, but she also learns a great deal about herself!

When this book first started and I was getting to know Celeste, my heart just went out to her. She never knew her father and her mother died when she was young. As a result, Celeste had grown up with foster families and never really felt as if she knew her place in the world. It was clear to me that she was in a relationship with a man that wasn't doing her any favors, and she was clearly lacking direction and self-confidence.

I am happy to say that as the book progresses, so does Celeste! When Celeste first arrives in Japan, she knows little about the Japanese culture or the language -- she most definitely feels like an outsider. However, she hears a Japanese song and it stirs up a unexplained feeling in her. It's almost as if she has an instant affinity with the song despite not understanding the lyrics. I think this was the first sign to me, as a reader, that she might actually "belong" in Japan. From this point in time, I was already attached to Celeste and I sincerely wanted her to be happy.

So... I was very excited when Celeste was willing to take chances (and I mean huge chances) in her life to find happiness. It was more than just leaving her boyfriend, country, and career though. Celeste actually followed her passions -- her love of music, finding her father, and falling in love with a man. By the end of the novel, Celeste has found not only her family, but she has also discovered a true sense of belonging.

After reading LOVE IN TRANSLATION, I am very eager to read Ms. Tokunaga's earlier novel MIDORI BY MOONLIGHT. Swapna at S. Krishna's Books really, really liked it and went so far as to say it was one of her favorite books of the year - and you know how good her recommendations are! I think one of the things that I appreciated the most in LOVE IN TRANSLATION was how the author brought Japan and the Japanese culture to life for me. If LOVE IN TRANSLATION is any indication, I am looking forward to the more of the same in MIDORI BY MOONLIGHT.

It is very obvious that Ms. Tokunaga has a love of Japan, but she also appears to have a vast understanding of the Japanese culture. Not only has she lived in Japan, but she has studied both the Japanese language and culture extensively. I admit that I know little if anything about the Japanese people and their customs, yet Ms. Tokunaga's writing allowed me to visualize and even understand so much about them. I especially loved how she paid attention to the smallest details because it made the book so much richer.

LOVE IN TRANSLATION would make an excellent book club discussion book! I wasn't able to find a reader's guide at this time, but I'll be sure to link to it if one becomes available. I don't think you need a readers guide to jump- start your meeting though. There are so many topics that are just ripe for discussion including family dynamics, love and relationships, personal development, a sense of belonging, and discovering one's passion.

I highly recommend LOVE IN TRANSLATION if you appreciate books about other cultures. In addition, I think many readers will enjoy the character development as well as the general themes of love and belonging. Thanks to the author for sending me a copy of this book.

Day 11 - The 12 Days of Christmas Cookies

It's Day 11 of The 12 Days of Christmas Cookies -- I can't believe how quickly the past week and a half has flown by. I hope you are enjoying Kathy's and my favorite cookie recipes!

As many of you already know, my little guy has life-threatening food allergies to anything dairy. In addition, he is very allergic to peanuts, tree nuts and eggs so finding Christmas cookies that he can eat is a challenge to say the least. Today, I'm going to share with you a recipe for Holly Leaves that I can adjust a tad so that Booking Son can eat them. The ironic thing is that they are actually tasty and the entire family enjoys them. Plus they are very pretty and add some much-needed color to my cookie trays!

HOLLY LEAVES

32 large marshmallows
1/2 cup dairy-free margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoon green food coloring
4 1/2 cups corn flakes
cinnamon red hots for decoration

Melt dairy-free margarine in nonstick pan.
Add and melt marshmallows.
Stir in vanilla and food coloring.
Remove from heat.
Mix in corn flakes.
Drop in cookie sized mounds on wax paper.
Place 3 cinnamon red hots in center of each cookie.

Review: According to Jane

Summary: In Marilyn Brant’s smart, wildly inventive debut, one woman in search of herself receives advice from the ultimate expert in matters of the heart…

It begins one day in sophomore English class, just as Ellie Barnett’s teacher is assigning Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. From nowhere comes a quiet “tsk” of displeasure. The target: Sam Blaine, the cute bad boy who’s teasing Ellie mercilessly, just as he has since kindergarten. Entirely unbidden, as Jane might say, the author’s ghost has taken up residence in Ellie’s mind, and seems determined to stay there.

Jane’s wise and witty advice guides Ellie through the hell of adolescence and beyond, serving as the voice she trusts, usually far more than her own. Years and boyfriends come and go—sometimes a little too quickly, sometimes not nearly fast enough. But Jane’s counsel is constant, and on the subject of Sam, quite insistent. Stay away, Jane demands. He is your Mr. Wickham.

Still, everyone has something to learn about love—perhaps even Jane herself. And lately, the voice in Ellie’s head is being drowned out by another, urging her to look beyond everything she thought she knew and seek out her very own, very unexpected, happy ending… -- Kensington

Ever since I signed up to participate in the Everything Austen Challenge, I have been reading a lot of Austen-related books - I'm actually almost done with this challenge! My intent when I signed up was that I'd read one or two of the "real" Jane Austen books like PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and PERSUASION; however, I have found that I really enjoy reading the modern day Austen-themed books. The latest one that I read is ACCORDING TO JANE by Marilyn Brant.

Since I had already read four of these light (almost chick-litish) type books, I was beginning to worry that I might find them a bit redundant. I am happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed ACCORDING TO JANE, and I thought the premise was fresh and interesting. In ACCORDING TO JANE, the narrator Ellie is, of course, a huge Jane Austen fan; however, what makes this book different is that Ellie can actually hear Jane Austen's voice inside her head. Starting when Ellie was in high school, she and Jane had conversations about her life; and she was even fortunate enough (or maybe not) to have Jane's constant advice on her love life. I just loved premise of this book!

I find that when I read romance/chick lit books, I need to really like the characters. I thought Ms. Brant did a great job of developing Ellie's character; and even though I didn't always agree with her, I still really liked her. While I was lucky enough to meet my husband when I was 19 and didn't experience many of the dating woes that Ellie did (thank goodness!), I found that I could relate to the high school Ellie a great deal. I thought the author captured the essence of a teenage girl's insecurities perfectly!

One thing that I really appreciated about ACCORDING TO JANE was how the author told the story with flashbacks. I enjoyed seeing Ellie's prior experiences because it better helped me to understand her present day behavior. I also loved all of the 1980s cultural references, and I found myself laughing a lot at these sections of the book. The descriptions of the music and clothes were just too funny -- sometimes I can't believe that I was a product of the 1980s.

While there were some very funny parts to this book, I also found myself touched by some of Ellie's story. Probably the most heartwarming part of the story was the ending where Ellie (hopefully) finds some happiness -- it's kind of left up in the air for the reader to interpret! But I also found the side story of Ellie and her sister to be interesting. So often, sisters don't really have that much in common and it takes until they are adults to find some common ground. I liked how the author delved into Ellie and her sister's relationship, and I actually thought parts of it were very honest and real.

ACCORDING TO JANE is Marilyn Brant's first novel, and I just have to say that it's a fantastic debut. It has already been awarded the Winner of the 2007 Golden Heart Award for "Best Novel with Strong Romantic Elements." I really enjoyed her writing style and especially the humor that she infused into the story. I am looking forward to her next novel FRIDAYS AT NINE which will be available October 2010.

While I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, I'm not sure that my first impression of ACCORDING TO JANE would be to pick it as a book club selection. However, I have to admit that the more I thought about it, the more I realized that it would make a pretty good discussion book. Of course, it depends on your members, but if you are looking for a light, entertaining book that still has some discussion -worthy topics, then ACCORDING TO JANE might fit the bill. There is a reading guide available on-line as well as in the back of the book. Some of the themes covered in the questions include dating, relationships, sisterhood, expectations, and growing up. When I look over the discussion questions, I think there is actually a great deal to talk about!

If you enjoy Jane Austen books or even cute romance stories, then I suggest taking a look at ACCORDING TO JANE! Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book.

Day 10 - The 12 Days of Christmas Cookies & Giveaway

Welcome to Day 9 of The 12 Days of Christmas Cookies! Today, Kathy has posted a recipe for Raspberry Almond Cookies, but I have something extra-special too to share -- a giveaway for some classic Christmas DVDs!

Earlier today, I posted a review for The Original Christmas Classics Limited Keepsake Edition DVD Boxed Set. This collection includes seven holiday favorites which are family classics including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus is Comin' to Town!, The Little Drummer Boy, Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol, Cricket on the Hearth, and Frosty Returns. In addition, there is a bonus holiday music CD which includes the classic Burl Ives' songs "A Holly Jolly Christmas" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."

Needless to say, I love these movies and so do my kids. Thanks to the kind folks at The Morris + King Agency, I have a complete set of The Original Christmas Classics to share with one of you! To enter the contest, all you have to do is leave a comment telling me which one of these seven movies is your favorite. Please include a way for me to contact you! To increase your chances, you can blog and/or tweet about this giveaway with a link back to this post. This contest will be open until Tuesday, December 8th at 11:59 p.m. ET, and I will notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. and Canada mailing addresses only -- no p.o. boxes please. Good luck!

Review: The Original Christmas Classics DVDs

Summary: Thumpity, thump, thump! Look at Frosty go!

Frosty’s 40! The story of how everyone’s favorite snowman magically came to life on Christmas Day, Frosty the Snowman” has signified the arrival of winter since his TV debut in 1969—and he’s still melting hearts! The series remains one of the most popular animated holiday TV specials of all time. To celebrate, Classic Media is inviting kids and families to “chill out” with Frosty, Rudolph, and Santa with the ultimate holiday DVD gift set: The Original Christmas Classics Limited Keepsake Edition.

The box set contains seven of the most beloved holiday TV specials of all time, including the Rankin/Bass classics "Frosty the Snowman,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” and “The Little Drummer Boy,” among others.

Watching these iconic TV specials are part of the American holiday tradition, just like baking cookies or trimming the Christmas tree!

I was so excited when I was asked to take a look at The Original Christmas Classics Limited Keepsake Edition DVD Gift Set. In our family, the holiday season wouldn't be the same without watching Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Santa Claus is Comin' to Town. I mean, who doesn't love Frosty, Rudolph and Santa?

My kids and I certainly do. We had the best time watching these movies together! I remember watching these holiday classics with my parents when I was a kid, and I love that I can share these special moments with my children. As a parent, I also love that we can watch these DVDs anytime rather than working our busy schedules around the one night when these shows are on television (yes, I pre-date VCRs and Tivo!) These movies were an important part of my childhood Christmases, and I still get choked up every time I watch Rudolph and Frosty.

Even though I am a huge fan of Frosty, Rudolph, and Santa Claus is Comin' to Town, I wasn't familiar with all of the Christmas classics included in this DVD set. I faintly remember Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol and Cricket on the Hearth, but I'm entirely sure if I had ever seen them as a child. I like that there are some new-to-me movies in this collection too!

A few weeks ago, I discovered that this year (2009) is when Frosty the Snowman turned 40 years old. I had no idea that Frosty and I are exactly the same age, and I thought it was so cool that I can claim Frosty and Sesame Street as birthday buddies!

The Original Christmas Classics Limited Keepsake Edition DVD Gift Set is available wherever DVDs are sold for $39.98. I think this collection is a must for any family with kids!

Thanks to Elizabeth from The Morris + King Agency for sending me a review copy.

Review: Shadow Horse

Summary: Horses + mystery + rescuing abused animals = a triple crown of perpetually popular preteen genres!

Thirteen-year-old Jasmine is found guilty of assaulting Hugh Robicheaux, the owner of the horse farm where she works. But she's still determined to prove that Robicheaux killed Whirlwind, the mare she loved. Jas is sure that Shadow Horse, a scrawny brown gelding she rescues at a horse auction, is the key to the mystery—but just how is Shadow Horse connected to Whirlwind?

Deftly written by a teacher and equestrian who has authored more than sixty books, this heartwarming and inspiring Edgar Award nominee will have special appeal for mystery fans as well as young horse lovers. -- Random House

A few days ago I reviewed a book for young readers called HORSE DIARIES: BELL'S STAR by Alison Hart. I really enjoyed the book and I think young girls are going to love it! Along with BELL'S STAR, the author also sent a mystery book geared towards middle graders and young adults called SHADOW HORSE. SHADOW HORSE was a Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award Nominee back in 2000; however, it is being re-released in May 2010.

I thoroughly enjoyed SHADOW HORSE and I think kids who enjoy mysteries are going to appreciate this story. It was a very quick read for me (I read it in two sittings) because I couldn't put it down. Ms. Hart did an excellent job of developing the character of Jas and making her believable -- I like that she was a complicated 13 year old with "normal" feelings. Given her circumstances, Jas' feelings of anger and resentment were dead-on as far as I was concerned. I think young girls are going to feel an affinity with Jas and especially her feelings of loyalty.

I haven't been reading many mysteries lately, but I found that I really enjoyed this one. There was just enough suspense and intrigue to keep things interesting for me. I also think young readers will be kept guessing and appreciate the little twists and turns that appear into the story. If I am any indication, SHADOW HORSE will quickly draw the reader in. From the first few pages of the book, I felt an attachment towards Jas and her plight; and I was certainly anxious for her to solve the mystery.

Along with SHADOW HORSE, the publisher is also releasing the sequel WHIRLWIND. I definitely intend to read this book because there were some issues left open at the end of SHADOW HORSE. I am looking forward to learning what happens to Jas and her grandfather, and I'm especially curious to see how things play out for Robicheaux. I think both SHADOW HORSE and WHIRLWIND are ideal for young girls who enjoy mysteries and/or books about horses.

Make sure you check out my giveaway post to win a copy of SHADOW HORSE and BELL'S STAR just in time for the holidays! Thanks to the author for sending me a copy of this book.

Day 9 - The 12 Days of Christmas Cookies

Welcome to Day 9 of The 12 Days of Christmas Cookies. It seems like time is really flying by, but I always feel that way around the holiday season.

Today I'd like to share with you a recipe for a relatively recent addition to my Christmas Cookie list -- Coconut Biscotti! I have only made the plain coconut cookie, but I decided to include the recipe the chocolate drizzled version due to popular request (Deborah!) I absolutely love this cookie for breakfast or anytime of the day, and it's especially yummy with coffee!

COCONUT BISCOTTI
(from Cooking Light magazine)

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon grated whole nutmeg
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 cup flaked sweetened coconut

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife.
Combine flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda and nutmeg.
Place sugar, vanilla and eggs in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed 2 minutes or until thick.
Add flour mixture and coconut; stir to combine (cough will be very sticky.)
Turn dough out on to a heavily floured surface; knead 7 or 8 times.
Shape dough into a 15x3 inch roll.
Place roll on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and pat to 1 inch thickness.
Bake at 300 degrees for 40 minutes or until roll is golden brown.
Cool for 5 minutes on a wire rack.
Cut roll diagonally into 2o (1/2 inch) slices; stand slices upright on baking sheet. Bake 20 minutes (cookies will be slightly soft in center but will harden as they cool.)
Remove from baking sheet; cool completely on wire rack.

Yields 20 cookies.

Variation:
Chocolate-Drizzled Biscotti

Melt dark chocolate chips in a small bowl in the microwave, stirring after 30 seconds and then in 10 second increments until smooth. Spoon the chocolate into a plastic zip-top bag, snip off a corner and use to drizzle chocolate onto the cooled biscotti.

Day 8 - The 12 Days of Christmas Cookies & Giveaway

Welcome to Day 8 of the 12 Days of Christmas Cookies. Today is Kathy's day to post a recipe for Pecan Balls, but I wanted to celebrate by giving away some books!

First up is a very-gently read HORSE DIARIES: BELL'S STAR by Alison Hart and illustrated by Ruth Sanderson. I thoroughly enjoyed BELL'S STAR (you can read my review here) and I think it would make an excellent gift for the upcoming holiday season. In addition to BELL'S STAR, I have a very-gently read copy of a MG/YA mystery book called SHADOW HORSE also by Alison Hart. I really liked SHADOW HORSE too, but I haven't gotten around to writing my review yet!

To enter the giveaway for both books, all you have to do is leave a comment telling me something you found interesting in Ms. Hart's Book Club Exchange Post. To increase your chances, you can blog and/or tweet about this giveaway with a link back to this post. This contest will be open until Friday, November 27th at 11:59 p.m. ET, and I will notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. or Canada mailing addresses only -- no p.o. boxes please. Good luck!

Summary: Vermont, 1850s Bell’s Star is a brown Morgan colt with a white star and two white stockings. He was bred for hard work, yet he longs to run free with his human friend, Katie, on his back. But when Star helps rescue a runaway slave girl, his ideas about freedom may change forever. Here is Star’s story . . . in his own words. With exciting and knowledgeable text and lovely black-and-white art throughout—both by real horse owners—Horse Diaries are the perfect fit for all lovers of horses and history! -- Random House Kids

Summary: Horses + mystery + rescuing abused animals = a triple crown of perpetually popular preteen genres! Thirteen-year-old Jasmine is found guilty of assaulting Hugh Robicheaux, the owner of the horse farm where she works. But she's still determined to prove that Robicheaux killed Whirlwind, the mare she loved. Jas is sure that Shadow Horse, a scrawny brown gelding she rescues at a horse auction, is the key to the mystery—but just how is Shadow Horse connected to Whirlwind? Deftly written by a teacher and equestrian who has authored more than sixty books, this heartwarming and inspiring Edgar Award nominee will have special appeal for mystery fans as well as young horse lovers. -- Random House

Book Club Exchange: Author Alison Hart

Today I'd like to welcome Alison Hart, author of
HORSE DIARIES: BELL'S STAR (my review), to Book Club Exchange. Just to recap, Book Club Exchange is a new (and hopefully) regular feature on Booking Mama which highlights anything and everything book club-related!

Ms. Hart has written many middle grade fiction and historical fiction books (including an American Girl mystery book), so I was very excited when she wanted to write something about promoting reading and books for kids! I hope you'll enjoy her guest post as much as I did -- I know I got a few ideas!

Hi Julie! Thank you for inviting me to blog on your Book Club Exchange. My blog post may be somewhat different than what your readers are used to but perhaps it will elicit some reactions.

I am an author. I love books. I love writing and reading books of all genres and on all topics. Most of my day is spent reading, researching, writing, and reading some more. It is an addictive pleasure—and, lucky me, my job. But I am also a teacher. I teach students at the pre-college level who do not love writing and reading unless it is on Facebook or written in text message-speak. That means part of my day is spent convincing teens that reading is knowledge and power and fun!!! And yes, I use italics and all those explanation points though my enthusiasm doesn’t sway them.

Finding a blog written by book lovers is delicious. Reading posts on mother daughter book groups sends shivers of joy up my spine. Except that it deludes me into believing that most of the world is populated with people who love reading and sharing books. When I go to schools, I do meet book lovers in person. They’re the kids who gush about a book (hopefully mine) with pure wonder and enthusiasm. Unfortunately, too often, I also meet the student who says grumpily, “I hate stories.”

Aliteracy (disinterest in reading) figures are rising. And they are frightening:

1/3 of high school graduates never read another book for the rest of their lives.

80% of US families did not buy or read a book last year.

So what can we book lovers do? How can we reach middle and high schoolers (which is where aliteracy starts with a vengeance) who have become turned off? We need to get book clubs into schools. We need to share our enthusiasm no matter how sullen the response. Teachers have to teach. We don’t. Some ideas:

-Volunteer to start a book group during club days. There’s French Club and Debate Club, why not Book Club?

-Get involved with the PTA and spearhead author visits. If the sports club can raise $10,000 for new uniforms, book lovers should be able to raise enough to snare an interesting author.

-Buddy up to an English teacher who loves book. Volunteer to meet with the most reluctant guy or girl readers in the class once a week for fun reading.

-Snag the ‘most’ popular coach or teacher to help you start a club that attracts the ‘most’ reluctant students.

-Buy used books to donate to a class as giveaways or to the library as additions to the collection.

-Donate bean bag chairs or giant pillows to create a fun place to relax and read.

-Brainstorm with real kids on ways to make reading cool in their school. Then convince the principal or media specialist or an English teacher to try implementing at least ‘one’ of them.

Book lovers might be in the minority, but remember, we have knowledge and power from all that reading. So let’s spread our love and enthusiasm!

Alison Hart’s books for Mother/Daughter Clubs (Find more about each title at www.alisonhartbooks.com)

For second-fourth grade readers:

Spy on the Home Front: A Molly Mystery.
Anna’s Blizzard
Emma’s River (coming in 2010)
Bell’s Star

For fourth and up:
Fires of Jubilee
Shadow Horse
Whirlwind (coming in 2010)
Return of the Gypsy Witch

For Mother/Son or Father/Son Clubs
Racing to Freedom trilogy: Gabriel’s Horses, Gabriel’s Triumph and Gabriel’s Journey

*****

Alison Hart has been writing since she was seven years old when she wrote, illustrated and self-published The Wild Dog. (A book she still shows young readers to prove that it's never too early to be an author.) Today she is an adjunct college instructor teaching reading and writing as well as the author of over twenty mysteries and historical suspense novels for young readers. "I honed my craft writing Nancy Drew mysteries and quickly developed a love of strong characters who are thrown into suspenseful situations; in other words, I love writing books that keep young readers glued to the pages."

Research is another passion, and old journals, letters and memoirs are her favorites, often sparking ideas for future books. "When I read a diary written long ago, I feel an incredible connection to the past, a connection that I hope to bring to my own books. Well-researched historical fiction should bring to life the people, events and struggles of the past and make them relevant and real for today's young readers."

I am so grateful to Ms. Hart for her guest post and for providing some book club suggestions for the younger set. If you are interested in participating in a future Book Club Exchange, please contact me at bookingmama(at)gmail(dot)com.

Day 7 - The 12 Days of Christmas Cookies

It's Day 7 of The 12 Days of Christmas Cookies. I'm sure you already know by now what this is all about, but I'll give you a brief recap just in case. After reading THE CHRISTMAS COOKIE CLUB by Ann Pearlman, Kathy and I thought it would be fun to share some of our favorite cookie recipes with you.

I realize that I just told you that the idea of The 12 Days of Christmas Cookies is about sharing cookie recipes, but I couldn't resist posting this one recipe for Pecan Mix. I guess technically you could make these sweet pecans and package them in little muffin cups or even tiny bags to add to your holiday cookie tray. We'll just go with that, alright, because I really want to share this recipe.

I first received a tin of this Pecan Mix over ten years ago from a co-worker. I couldn't believe how delicious (and addictive) these nuts were. And then, when I discovered how incredibly easy they were to make, they quickly became a regular addition to my Christmas cookie trays.

PECAN MIX

1 lb. pecans
1/4 cup brownulated sugar
2 teaspoons cold water
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg white
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 225 degrees.
Mix dry ingredients in a bowl and put aside.
In another bowl, whisk egg white and water until fluffy.
Fold pecan into egg white mixture.
Pour dry ingredients on pecans and mix.
Place pecans on a cookie sheet. Make sure pecans are spread out evenly.
Bake in oven for 45 minutes, turning after 30 minutes.
After baking, place pecans in a brown paper bag for 10 minutes.
Shake the bag.

Do not double recipe!

Review: Horse Diaries: Bell's Star

Summary: Vermont, 1850s Bell’s Star is a brown Morgan colt with a white star and two white stockings. He was bred for hard work, yet he longs to run free with his human friend, Katie, on his back. But when Star helps rescue a runaway slave girl, his ideas about freedom may change forever. Here is Star’s story . . . in his own words. With exciting and knowledgeable text and lovely black-and-white art throughout—both by real horse owners—Horse Diaries are the perfect fit for all lovers of horses and history! -- Random House Kids

HORSE DIARIES: BELL'S STAR by Alison Hart and illustrated by Ruth Sanderson is a wonderful book for young girls, and especially those that have a love of horses. Booking Daughter thought she was a little too old for this book, and I have to agree; however, I think BELL'S STAR would be ideal for second through fourth graders. I think this story had many elements which will make it a hit with young girls!

As a mother, I have to say that I love when my daughter reads books that can also teach her something. The Horse Diary books are just perfect for this because they are actually historical fiction for the younger set. In BELL'S STAR, a young farm girl Katie and her horse Bell's Star discover and save a runaway slave girl. Both Katie and her horse attempt to protect the young slave girl from the slave catchers; and they eventually help her escape to Canada where she can live freely with her family.

The book is suspenseful and touching, and I think young girls are going to love this story. The book is written in first person through the voice of the horse BELL'S STAR. I think this narrative technique worked especially well in this story, and the horse definitely offered a unique perspective of the events. I think young readers will appreciate that the horse didn't understand many of the historical/political issues and still managed to do the "right" things.

In addition to the historical fiction aspect of the story, there is also a appendix in the back of the book which gives additional information about Morgan horses, life in Vermont in the 1950s, and slavery. I have to admit that I really learned a great deal from reading these sections, and I think they definitely enhanced the story. With all the historical lessons in BELL'S STAR, I think it would be a great book to use in the classroom as well!

BELL'S STAR is actually book 2 in the Horse Diary series, and I would like to read the other books in the series. The first book is called ELSKA and the third book is called KODA. You can actually read an excerpt of the KODA book in the back of BELL'S STAR. I thought it was interesting that all three books in the series were written by different authors (but they do have the same illustrator Ruth Sanderson.)

Ms. Hart has written many books for middle grade readers. Many of her books are horse-related, but Booking Daughter and I know her best for A MOLLY MYSTERY: A SPY ON THE HOME FRONT (an American Girl book) and The New Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley. Ms. Hart also has written SHADOW HORSE (a 2000 Mystery Writers of America Edgar Nominee for Best Juvenile Novel and a 2003-2004 Association for Indiana Media Educators Read-Aloud Books too Good to Miss) which is being re-released next spring. In addition, Ms. Hart has a new American Girl novel coming out which will be available in Fall 2010 -- Booking Daughter is anxiously awaiting this one.

Make sure you come back tomorrow because Ms. Hart will be stopping by with a guest post! Thanks to the author for sending me a copy of this book.

Day 6 - The 12 Days of Christmas Cookies & Giveaway

It's Day 6 of The 12 Days of Christmas Cookies, and we're just about at the half way point. I hope you are enjoying this week and all of the recipes as much as Kathy and I are. Today is Kathy's day to post a recipe (and it's for rugalah!), but I still wanted to be part of the celebration. So instead of doing something cookie-related, I'm going to giveaway a book -- and it's a good one!

Thanks to Kyle at Harper Collins, I have a copy of Wally Lamb's Christmas book WISHIN' AND HOPIN'. I just finished this book a few days ago, and I really liked it. It is the perfect read for this time of year, and it's guaranteed to make you laugh -- a lot!

To enter the giveaway, all you have to do is leave a comment telling me about the best gift you've ever received. To increase your chances, you can blog and/or tweet about this giveaway with a link back to this post. This contest will be open until Friday, November 27th at 11:59 p.m. ET, and I will notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. or Canada mailing addresses only -- no p.o. boxes please. Good luck!

Summary: It's 1964 and ten-year-old Felix is sure of a few things: the birds and the bees are puzzling, television is magical, and this is one Christmas he'll never forget.

LBJ and Lady Bird are in the White House, Meet the Beatles is on everyone's turntable, and Felix Funicello (distant cousin of the iconic Annette!) is doing his best to navigate fifth grade—easier said than done when scary movies still give you nightmares and you bear a striking resemblance to a certain adorable cartoon boy.

Back in his beloved fictional town of Three Rivers, Connecticut, with a new cast of endearing characters, Wally Lamb takes his readers straight into the halls of St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parochial School—where Mother Filomina's word is law and goody-two-shoes Rosalie Twerski is sure to be minding everyone's business. But grammar and arithmetic move to the back burner this holiday season with the sudden arrivals of substitute teacher Madame Frechette, straight from Québec, and feisty Russian student Zhenya Kabakova. While Felix learns the meaning of French kissing, cultural misunderstanding, and tableaux vivants, Wishin' and Hopin' barrels toward one outrageous Christmas.

From the Funicello family's bus-station lunch counter to the elementary school playground (with an uproarious stop at the Pillsbury Bake-Off), Wishin' and Hopin' is a vivid slice of 1960s life, a wise and witty holiday tale that celebrates where we've been—and how far we've come. -- Harper

Review: Wishin' and Hopin'

Summary: It's 1964 and ten-year-old Felix is sure of a few things: the birds and the bees are puzzling, television is magical, and this is one Christmas he'll never forget.

LBJ and Lady Bird are in the White House, Meet the Beatles is on everyone's turntable, and Felix Funicello (distant cousin of the iconic Annette!) is doing his best to navigate fifth grade—easier said than done when scary movies still give you nightmares and you bear a striking resemblance to a certain adorable cartoon boy.

Back in his beloved fictional town of Three Rivers, Connecticut, with a new cast of endearing characters, Wally Lamb takes his readers straight into the halls of St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parochial School—where Mother Filomina's word is law and goody-two-shoes Rosalie Twerski is sure to be minding everyone's business. But grammar and arithmetic move to the back burner this holiday season with the sudden arrivals of substitute teacher Madame Frechette, straight from Québec, and feisty Russian student Zhenya Kabakova. While Felix learns the meaning of French kissing, cultural misunderstanding, and tableaux vivants, Wishin' and Hopin' barrels toward one outrageous Christmas.

From the Funicello family's bus-station lunch counter to the elementary school playground (with an uproarious stop at the Pillsbury Bake-Off), Wishin' and Hopin' is a vivid slice of 1960s life, a wise and witty holiday tale that celebrates where we've been—and how far we've come. -- Harper

I am a HUGE fan of Wally Lamb so when I discovered that he had a new book out, I could hardly wait! (This time I only had to wait a year instead of 10 plus years!) And then, when I heard that it was a holiday-themed book, I was practically beside myself. You know by now how much I love Christmas! Mr. Lamb's new novel is called WISHIN' AND HOPIN': A CHRISTMAS STORY, and it's very different than his prior novels. I mean that in a good way, though -- this book is extremely entertaining and very, very funny.

When I first picked up this book, I knew little if anything about it. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it's a light, easy read; and it's just a perfect way to escape the hassles and stresses of the holiday season. The story is narrated by 10 year old Felix Funicello (great name, right?); and he is most definitely a character that I will remember. I fell in love with his insight and honesty as well as his naivete. I could really relate to not being "in the know" like the rest of my classmates. Felix also happens to be one of the sweetest and funniest narrators that I've "met" in recent memory.

As far as I'm concerned, the best thing about WISHIN' AND HOPIN' was the way Mr. Lamb told this story. I absolutely love that he chose Felix to tell this story. Not only was the character of Felix developed extremely well (I mean it is a Wally Lamb character) but he was also very believable. Through the use of Felix as a narrator, the reader was able to look back at his/her own childhood and remember what it was like to be 10 years old. In addition, Mr. Lamb did an excellent job of taking the reader right back to 1964. I truly appreciated all of the cultural references, and I can imagine how much fun this book would be for a reader who had actually been a child during this time period.

WISHIN' AND HOPIN' definitely reminded me a little bit of Barbara Robinson's book THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER (one of my all-time favorite Christmas books) and THE CHRISTMAS STORY movie. All three are hilarious stories told in a young kid's voice, and they all manage to touch my heart. I can easily see including WISHIN' AND HOPIN' as part of my yearly must-read/must-see holiday entertainment list.

If you're like me and love Wally Lamb, you might want to check this out -- it's "Wally's Wishin' and Hopin' Time Machine. I found these links after finishing the novel, so I thought it was a great way to visualize some of the cultural references in the story. (I know what you're thinking -- I'm old, but not quite that old!) In addition, you can visit the publisher's Wally Lamb page to discover some of his essays, his favorite books, and even some photos of Mr. Lamb through the years.

I highly recommend WISHIN' AND HOPIN' to anyone and everyone this holiday season. It's a very entertaining read that is perfect for this time of year. The novel is funny and at the same time heart-warming; and I think it captures the essence of the Christmas season perfectly!

Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book.