Linda McCarter Bridge - Cats: Little Tigers in Your House

32. Cats: Little Tigers in Your House by Linda McCarter Bridge (1974)

The National Geographic Society’s Books For Young Explorers Series Book 12

Length: 32 pages 

Genre: Non-Fiction

Started/Finished: 16 September 2017

Where did it come from? From Paperback Swap

How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 14 September 2017

Why do I have it? I like non-fiction and Linda McCarter Bridge is a new author for me.

This short nonfiction book is all about the life of a mother cat named Fezziwig and her two newborn kittens, Toddly and Paddy Paws. The story actually follows the kittens’ life from newly born to two months old, using photographs to chart their growth and their interaction with the world around them. From Toddly’s and Paddy Paws’ first grooming session with their Mom to meeting several unique family members and making friends; from playing with each other to meeting their new humans: the two youngsters, Sam and Dana.

I think that this particular book would certainly be appropriate reading for young children who are just learning about how to care for animals. Although I didn’t really learn much more than I already knew about cats, I still enjoyed reading the cute story and looking at the photographs. I would give this book an A!

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

Robert Wideman and Cara Lopez Lee - Unexpected Prisoner: Memoir of a Vietnam POW

22. Unexpected Prisoner: Memoir of a Vietnam POW by Robert Wideman and Cara Lopez Lee (2016)

Length: 343 pages 

Genre: Non-Fiction 

Started: 18 November 2016

Finished: 21 December 2016

Where did it come from? Many thanks to Samantha at Roger Charlie for sending me a copy of this book to read.

How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 25 October 2016

Why do I have it? I like non-fiction and Robert Wideman and Cara Lopez Lee are new authors for me.

Having spent the past three and a half years in the Navy, Lieutenant Robert Wideman was looking forward to returning to America after completing his tour of duty during the Vietnam War. The recent newlywed had big plans and dreams for his future, and was determined to put them into practice as soon as he came back home. With only twenty-seven days left in his tour of duty - on what should have been just another routine bombing run for him - Lieutenant Robert Wideman's plane is shot down and he crashes in a secluded village somewhere in North Vietnam. The date is May 6th, 1967.

His deepest fear is realized when he is captured and held as a Prisoner of War for the next six years. Although Robert endured the sort of treatment that makes people question humanity, physical torture was never his biggest problem. During his six years spent in captivity, Robert experienced first hand the pain that is orchestrated by other people: shocking instances of 'Man's inhumanity to Man', as well as the truthfulness behind Jean-Paul Sartre's words: 'Hell is other people.' 

Unexpected Prisoner by Robert Wideman and Cara Lopez Lee chronicles a POW's struggle with both enemies and comrades alike; his mistreatment by Vietnamese interrogators and his various dealings with American commanders. Robert Wideman's poignant and heartbreaking memoir further chronicles his personal struggle to maintain a firm hold on his dreams for the future in the face of such prolonged trauma. Ultimately, Robert must find a way to survive and to maintain a solid hold on the memories of his past life, his faltering dreams of the future, as well as his own personal sense of himself as a person.

I must admit that while I learned quite a lot about the Vietnam War in school, I was slightly surprised to learn just how much more of a vicious reputation the South Vietnamese soldiers had than the North Vietnamese. I realize that the Viet Cong - as the South Vietnamese allies of the North - had rightfully earned such a horrific reputation for brutality; but while the North Vietnamese soldiers were considered the enemy, they also seemed slightly less brutal in their treatment of prisoners of war.

In my opinion, this was a thoroughly thoughtful memoir and I truly felt for Mr. Wideman and everything he went through during his captivity. I also understand how hard it must have been for him to come back home and have to adjust to civilian life. To be perfectly honest, I found the story to be extraordinarily poignant and thought-provoking. Although I spent more time reading this book than I probably would have preferred, I would definitely give this book a solid A!

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

Deanna Nowadnick - Signs in Life: Finding Direction in Our Travels With God

38. Signs in Life: Finding Direction in Our Travels With God by Deanna Nowadnick (2015)
Length: 143 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction
Started: 26 November 2015
Finished: 4 December 2015
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Deanna Nowadnick for sending me a copy of this book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 22 August 2015
Why do I have it? I like non-fiction and have read and enjoyed Fruit of my Spirit: Reframing Life in God's Grace by this author in the past.

Deanna Nowadnick's humorously inspirational memoir, Signs in Life: Finding Direction in Our Travels With God opens with a late-night encounter with local law enforcement. Beneath the harsh glare of a police officer's flashlight, an exhausted Deanna learns the consequences of speeding through a stop sign. Her further personal recollections of other incidents follow. All of these humorous anecdotes are linked to the divine signs that she has encountered in that larger journey through life.

Join Deanna as she shares witty anecdotes and inspirational lessons that she has learned from her travels with God. All around us are signs in life, and it is our decision whether or not we follow. Deanna may be speeding through yet another stop sign - while someone else is carefully navigating a busy street - but together we are all part of a bigger journey, a much greater purpose. Ultimately, we are all part of God's great story.

This is the second book by Deanna Nowadnick that I have read and I must say that I really enjoyed it - just as I enjoyed reading Fruit of my Spirit: Reframing Life in God's Grace in January of 2013. In my opinion, Ms. Nowadnick has an extremely easy writing style; just remarkably conversational and funny. I also appreciated that at the end of every chapter, she allowed readers the chance to evaluate their own lives - whether or not they were seeing the signs that God was showing them. I give this book a definite A!

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

Tamara Branch - ItGirl4Life: How to Bring Out Your Special Something and So Much More

13. ItGirl4Life: How to Bring Out Your Special Something and so Much More by Tamara Branch (2014)
Length: 90 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction
Started: 21 March 2015
Finished: 22 March 2015
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Dorothy at Pump up Your Book for sending me a copy of this book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 24 December 2014
Why do I have it? I like non-fiction and Tamara Branch is a new author for me.

The opening sentence of this book exhorts girls that they have 'IT'. 'IT' is defined as the greatness that all young women are born with, and the potential to dream big, do better, and to really own their lives. According to author, artist and motivational speaker, Tamara Branch, the true key to women living a successful life is to 'show up' in their life, and to take ownership of their situations in order to work towards what they want.

Packed with sage advice, life-changing insights and personal affirmations designed to help you soar, Tamara speaks to the heart of every girl. ItGirl4Life: How to Bring Out Your Special Something and so Much More is an empowering book, filled with the best ideas, tips, tools and principles that you can reference and build upon in order to begin creating a solid foundation which you can use to live up to your best potential. Get ready to fall in love with your own wisdom, beauty and strength.

I must say that I haven't really read that many personal motivational books before, perhaps one or two when I was a teenager, but that was about it. I honestly have never felt that I had poor self esteem, or many issues that I needed to work on. Yet reading Ms. Branch's book, I've learned that while I may have a very strong self esteem, and I have many of the positive traits which the author mentions in her book; it never hurts anyone to refresh their memories about what is good about themselves.

I realized after reading this book that I sometimes don't speak up as much as I probably should in certain situations. There's always something women can work on about themselves; to make themselves better people, stronger friends or indispensable bosses or employees. I would give this book an A!

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

Andra Watkins - Not Without my Father: One Woman's 444-Mile Walk of the Natchez Trace

7. Not Without my Father: One Woman's 444-Mile Walk of the Natchez Trace by Andra Watkins (2015)
Length: 220 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction
Started: 7 February 2015
Finished: 9 February 2015
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Dorothy at Pump up Your Book for sending me a copy of this book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 26 January 2015
Why do I have it? I like non-fiction and I have read and enjoyed To Live Forever: An Afterlife Journey of Meriwether Lewis by the same author in the past.

In March of 2014, to celebrate the release of her debut novel To Live Forever: An Afterlife Journey of Meriwether Lewis, Andra Watkins planned an ambitious journey of her own. She planned to walk the historic 444-mile Natchez Trace just as the pioneers did. Her trek would last for thirty-four days, at fifteen miles per day. Ambitious, perhaps almost impossible, but at the end of her monumental endeavor, Andra Watkins could claim the distinction of being the first living person to walk the entire length of the historic Natchez Trace - all the way from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee.

However, the question foremost in her mind was: Can such an epic adventure succeed without a hero? So, Andra decided that she needed a wingman; someone to cheer her on, inspire her, and help her to achieve the incredible goal that she had set for herself. To that end, Andra listed several potential names.

After striking out with everyone else in her life, Andra was left with her disinterested eighty-year-old father. And his explosive gas; his indelicate self-scratching; the blaring television, which competed nightly with the sleep apnea machine. Sharing a bathroom with a man whose gut obliterated his aim. To Andra, her plan was pure insanity: herself and her father, together in close quarters; for thirty-four days? If it were in any way possible; this was a recipe for true disaster, bound to derail rather spectacularly at any point along the way.

As she trudged along America's forgotten highway, Andra lost herself in despair and pain. Nothing went according to plan, and her tenuous connection to her father started to unravel. Through arguments and laughter, tears and fried chicken, father and daughter struggled to rebuild their relationship with each other before it was too late.

Amid the endlessly repetitive stories told enthusiastically to strangers; and the embarrassing instances of fatherly promotion of her novel, Andra invites readers to join her dysfunctional family adventure in this humorous and heartbreaking memoir that asks if one can really turn 'I wish I had' into I'm glad I did'.

I must say that I enjoyed reading this book immensely. In my opinion, this was a beautifully written story; poignant and funny, but also extremely moving. I was consistently reminded while I read this book that in everyone's life, no matter how difficult the relationship may become with a loved one, there are always certain special moments or memories that can never be forgotten. I give Not Without my Father: One Woman's 444-Mile Walk of the Natchez Trace by Andra Watkins a definite A! 

Andra has also set a challenge for her readers for this year: she wants us all to experience life, and to make a memory with that special someone for 2015! She would love to hear about her readers' special memories if they wish to share them with her at mystories@andrawatkins.com. Andra promises to read every submission that she receives and highlight them on her website.

A! - (90-95%)
     
May you read well and often

Marc Shapiro - Total Titanic: The Most Up-to-Date Guide to the Disaster of the Century

41. Total Titanic: The Most Up-to-Date Guide to the Disaster of the Century by Marc Shapiro (1998)
Length: 190 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction
Started: 19 July 2014
Finished: 29 July 2014
Where did it come from? From a Library Book Sale
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 2 February 2013
Why do I have it? I like non-fiction and Marc Shapiro is a new author for me.

On April 14, 1912 at 11:40 p.m. the RMS Titanic struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic. It was her maiden voyage. Just under three hours later - at 2:20 a.m. on April 15, 1912 - the last visible section of the Titanic slipped beneath the waves. More than 1,500 souls perished, with just over 700 passengers surviving what is perhaps the most well-known maritime disaster of the early twentieth-century. This book seeks to separate fiction from fact, reporting on what actually happened.

I have to say that I've always been interested in the sinking of the Titanic. And yes, I've seen the 1997 movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslett twice. As I read this book, I was repeatedly struck by the number of personal histories that were cut short, but that I wanted to know more about.

I suppose that the story of the two children who became known as the 'Titanic Orphans' is already known to history buffs, and I knew a little about their story myself, but it was very interesting for me to discover what happened to both the brothers later on in their lives. I give this book an A! and look forward to reading more from Marc Shapiro in the future.

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

Austin Washington - The Education of George Washington: How a Forgotten Book Shaped the Character of a Hero

33. The Education of George Washington: How a Forgotten Book Shaped the Character of a Hero by Austin Washington (2014)
Length: 327 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction
Started: 12 May 2014
Finished: 8 June 2014
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Dorothy at Pump up Your Book for sending me a copy of this book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 14 April 2014
Why do I have it? I like non-fiction and Austin Washington is a new author for me.

When we hear the name George Washington, we immediately think of America's first president - a man of honor, bravery and leadership - a great general, and a humble gentleman. While he most certainly was all these things, as well as so much more; it is sometimes difficult to see the man through the blindingly brilliant glare of his reputation. But the father of our nation didn't emerge fully formed in commemorative marble and coated in Revolutionary glory.

George Washington created America. But what made George Washington the man he was? How did he become this man of such stature - who, even in his own time, was regarded as the embodiment of honor, courage and integrity? Who better than George Washington's own great-nephew, Austin Washington, to reveal the secret that he has discovered about Washington's past that explains his true model for conduct, honor, and leadership - an example that we could all use.

As an historian, Austin Washington has discovered the answer. It lies in a book - a book that was crucial to the formation of George Washington's character - but was subsequently forgotten for generations. Now this lost source has finally been uncovered and explored, and Austin Washington has found the key to his great-uncle's tremendous achievements - all within the pages of a simple book - one that changed George Washington's life; and ultimately all of us as well.

The Education of George Washington: How a Forgotten Book Shaped the Character of a Hero by Austin Washington definitely took much longer to read than I was expecting, although I'm entirely certain that this is due to my own slow reading pace, and has absolutely nothing to do with the book itself. I enjoyed reading this book very much. I appreciated the easy writing style that the author used, and must say that to me, George Washington became more of a living and breathing person, and less of the dry historical figure who is portrayed in most history books. I give this book an A! and I look forward to reading more from Austin Washington in the future.

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

Sinhue Noriega - If It's Broken, Don't Fix it: A Candid Look at Our Complacent Education System

30. If It's Broken, Don't Fix It: A Candid Look at Our Complacent Education System by Sinhue Noriega (2013)
Length: 237 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction
Started: 29 July 2013
Finished: 3 September 2013
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Sinhue Noriega for sending me a copy of this book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 21 May 2013
Why do I have it? I like non-fiction and Sinhue Noriega is a new author for me.

Told from the perspective of an educator and author, Sinhue Noriega reveals many of the secrets of America's broken and failing education system. Learn the reasons why - despite spending tens of millions of dollars on education - the American education system still allows and accepts failing test scores and graduates students who are poorly prepared for life beyond the classroom. Learn how the government managed to wrest complete control over education from the states; bypassing congress with a power-grab that happened seemingly overnight.

From inside a women's correctional facility, to the small town public junior high school, a teacher on the "inside" takes you on a tour of our public education system and exposes the hypocrisy of the philosophy: "they preach what they don't want you to teach."

I have to say, that as I read this book, there seemed to me to be more news coverage of the American education system than there ever was before. Perhaps that was the way it has always been; but I was just more attuned to the news coverage, because I was reading this book. Anyway, I knew that the American education system was in dire straits; I just never realized that education standards had slipped as low as they have so quickly. It's frightening to witness!

I have a question: How is it possible that debate over children's health and weight can be so rampant - which certainly is a worthy debate, don't get me wrong - but how then can schools remove recess or physical education classes from their schedule, and still complain that children are no longer as fit as they should be? If you remove cursive writing from a school's curriculum, I believe that schools should subsequently be denied the ability to complain about their students' handwriting skills.

How can teachers allow students to continue to believe 3 times 4 equals 11; just as long as they can show their work sufficiently? My father was a former math teacher, and usually - if I used a particularly difficult mathematical concept correctly, but still got the wrong answer - I was certainly praised for figuring out the tough mathematical formula; but I was also told that my answer was wrong, or that I was using a particular mathematical formula in the wrong context. Then my dad taught me how to do the math correctly.

I give this book an A+! and am eagerly looking forward to reading Sinhue Noriega's novel, Prisoner of Paradise sometime in the future.

A+! - (96-100%)

May you read well and often

Deanna Nowadnick - Fruit of my Spirit: Reframing Life in God's Grace

1. Fruit of my Spirit: Reframing Life in God's Grace by Deanna Nowadnick (2012)
Length: 115 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction
Started: 31 December 2012
Finished: 7 January 2013
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Deanna Nowadnick for sending me a copy of this book to read from Amazon.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 13 September 2012
Why do I have it? I like non-fiction and Deanna Nowadnick is a new author for me.

In a very personal memoir of missteps and misdeeds, Deanna Nowadnick writes of the enormity of God's love for, and faithfulness to all of His children. Reframing life in God's grace through her own unique experiences, she discovers an indescribable, indefinable, inexplicable love that has encircled her and sustained her without fail through joyous, sad, cringe-worthy, heartwarming, forgettable and memorable moments in life. Fruit of my Spirit is for anyone who has ever questioned God's ability to love and forgive, who has ever wondered about their place in God's family or God's place in theirs.

Fruit of my Spirit offers hope for those who dare to question, secretly wonder, but who fear to ask.Through Deanna's personal stories of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, you will experience the enormity of God, as well.

This was the first book that I read in the new year. I can see God at work all the time in my own life, and am always interested in learning how He reveals Himself through other people's lives. I give this book an A! and look forward to reading more from Deanna Nowadnick in the future.

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

Connie Corcoran Wilson - Laughing Through Life

27. Laughing Through Life by Connie Corcoran Wilson (2011)
Length: 115 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction
Started/Finished: 15 December 2011
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Connie and Teddy Rose a tour guide from Premier Virtual Author Tours for sending me a copy of this book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 27 October 2011
Why do I have it? I liked Ms. Wilson's It Came From the '70s: From The Godfather to Apocalypse Now and jumped at the chance to read her next book.

This is a collection of humorous essays written by Ms Wilson as part of her newspaper column. I absolutely loved this book and chuckled all the way through it - from start to finish. There have been comparisons made between Ms. Wilson and Erma Bombeck. I have read several of Ms. Bombeck's books years ago and I have to totally agree with these comparisons. It was also an incredibly fast read for me as well. I give this book an A+! and look forward to Ms. Wilson's next book with bated breath.

A+! - (96-100%)


May you read well and often

Shirin Yim Bridges - Sorghaghtani of Mongolia

22. Sorghaghtani of Mongolia by Shirin Yim Bridges (2010)
The Thinking Girl's Treasury of Real Princesses Book 3
Length: 24 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction
Started/Finished: 10 August 2011
Where did it come from? Many thanks to the lovely tour guides at Goose Bottom Books for sending me a copy of this book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 10 May 2011
Why do I have it? I do enjoy true history geared toward children and Shirin Yim Bridges is a new author for me.

Sorghaghtani of Mongolia was married to one of Ghengis Khan's sons and ruled her husband's lands for her sons. She ruled in her own right after her husband's death. This book covers how to pronounce names, what Mongols ate, how they dressed and their lifestyles. I enjoyed this book very much and give it an A+!


A+! - (96-100%)


May you read well and often

Shirin Yim Bridges - Artemisia of Caria

21. Artemisia of Caria by Shirin Yim Bridges (2010)
The Thinking Girl's Treasury of Real Princesses Book 2
Length: 24 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction
Started/Finished: 24 July 2011
Where did it come from? Many thanks to the lovely tour guides at Goose Bottom Books for sending me a copy of this book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 10 May 2011
Why do I have it? I do enjoy true history geared toward children and Shirin Yim Bridges is a new author for me.

Artemisia of Caria was the first ruling Queen of ancient Greece. She was made an Admiral by the Persian King Xerxes and fought in many battles. I found it interesting that Artemisia was taken so seriously at a time when Greek women were considered second class citizens.

I really enjoyed this book because I like history and tales of strong women. I give this book an A!

A! - (90-95%)


May you read well and often

Connie Corcoran Wilson - It Came From the '70s: From The Godfather to Apocalypse Now

20. It Came From the '70s: From The Godfather to Apocalypse Now by Connie Corcoran Wilson (2010)
Length: 268 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction
Started: 14 July 2011
Finished: 21 July 2011
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Teddy Rose at Premier Virtual Author Book Tours for sending me a copy of this book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 13 July 2011
Why do I have it? I love books about the movies and Connie Corcoran Wilson is a new author for me.

Ms. Wilson is an inveterate movie-goer. For years, she was a writer for the Quad City Times specializing in movie reviews. In this book, she covers the classics to the clunkers of the decade of the '70s. I have to admit that I agreed with most of her ratings.

I have not seen many of the movies as I was born in the later part of the '70s, but thanks to DVDs I have watched some: Superman: The Movie, The Exorcist as well as a number of others. The clunkers for me were the sequels of some of the movies as well. I give this book an A+!


A+! - (96-100%)

May you read well and often

Shirin Yim Bridges - Hatshepsut of Egypt

18. Hatshepsut of Egypt by Shirin Yim Bridges (2010)
The Thinking Girl's Treasury of Real Princesses Book 1
Length: 24 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction
Started/Finished: 26 May 2011
Where did it come from? Many thanks to the lovely tour guides at Goose Bottom Books for sending me a copy of the book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 10 May 2011
Why do I have it? I do like true history geared towards children and Shirin Yim Bridges is a new author for me.


This is the first book in a series of six that tells the stories of real-life princesses who successfully ruled their countries in times when it was unheard of to do so. Hatshepsut was the first female pharaoh of Egypt and was the first pharaoh to be buried in the Valley of the Kings. Her father had raised her in the knowledge of government and after the death of her husband, she boldly proclaimed herself as pharaoh. She made Egypt extremely rich and many of her riches came to be found in the boy-king Tutankhamun's tomb although she was not buried with him. Covering what Hatshepsut wore, what she ate, and how she ruled, this is an excellent bit of insight into this interesting female ruler.

I started out not knowing about Hatshepsut at all. I am extremely interested in Egypt. I give this book an A!


A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

Amanda Wolfe - Secrets of the Black Box

29. Secrets of the Black Box by Amanda Wolfe (2010)
Beneath the Silver Lining Series Book 1
Length: 382 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction
Started: 7 December 2010
Finished: 17 December 2010
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Tracee at Pump up Your Book for sending me a copy of this book to read
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 1 August 2010
Why do I have it? I like autobiographies and Amanda Wolfe is a new author for me.


Amanda Wolfe writes about overcoming her abusive childhood in this gripping trilogy. Secrets of the Black Box starts out by introducing the reader to nine-year-old Amanda, who was born in Ottawa, Canada and first dealt with parental neglect which grew into sexual and physical abuse by her father and grandfather. Her spirit and spunk shines through this book continually and, in my opinion, this is a book that needs to be read even though it is truly difficult to read. I give it an A!

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often