Giveaways

Who knew there was a whole world of book blogging out there! I am slowly finding many great ways to participate in the online book world. There are challenges, book giveaways, read-a-thons, weekly and daily topics to discuss. The possibilities for someone obsessed with reading are endless!

One of the ways that I feel most comfortable joining in is book giveaways. Hey Lady! Whatcha Reading? is hosting an Election Giveaway. You should head on over and check it out!

Review: My Life with George

My Life with George: What I Learned about Joy from One Neurotic (and Very Expensive) Dog is an endearing story about the influence a dog has on a family. Judith Summers and her son are devastated by the loss of some dear family members. In a short period of time, they both lose their fathers and Judith her husband and life partner. Not knowing how to fill the void in their lives, they seek out George an adorable and lovable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. George becomes a welcome addition to their family, even though he is what one would call, high maintenance. Refusing to eat dog food, George trains his owners to feed him chicken, he takes over furniture and beds, and then there are the ever increasing vet bills. My Life with George is a delightful tale of how our dogs take over not only our hearts but our lives.

This memoir was enjoyable to read, it was plain to see how George wiggled himself into the center of this family. Judith Summers was honest in her portrayal of the upheaval of one's social life that a pampered pooch can create. My Life with George provided moments of laughter and moments of tears. All the great moments a reader looks for in a good book!

Espresso Tales

Alexander McCall Smith returns to 44 Scotland Street in the second installment of the series. Many of the story lines and characters return to entertain the reader. Most prevalent is little Bertie whose mom is dictating every aspect of his six-year-old life. Bertie finds adventure through a few plots to undermine his mom and he finds a supporter in his father. Bruce gets his comeuppance when he tries to become a wine broker. Pat decides to return to school while continuing to work with Matthew.


Overall I enjoyed the second book in the 44 Scotland series better than the first. The key for me was more Bertie. His adventures in this book had me giggling. I hope his father continues to support Bertie’s opinions and wishes. I also enjoyed that good-looking, obnoxious Bruce was not as easily successful as he thought he would be in the wine trade. I look forward to reading the next installment, Love Over Scotland.

This is it.....

So, another year has gone by. Tonight seals my summer and back to work I go. Really it is with mixed feelings....I have loved day trips and activities with James, last minute plans and loads of adventure...but I do love teaching and this year is already promising lots of challenges.

As I start the year, I have a few goals:

* Use my time more wisely at school
* Keep on top of marking and lesson plans
* Improve parent communication
* Try to plan meals ahead to eat better
* Try to leave earlier in the morning and leave sooner after school

Now that I have started the list, I realize that I could go on and on. I think I will stick to those five. Maybe I will re-evaluate next term.

So, in order to fulfill my second goal, I had better head down to the freezer and pull something out. Oh, and I had better head to bed so that I can leave early tomorrow morning....Something tells me this is not going to be as easy as I think!!!!

Through the Eyes of a Survivor

I must confess when I first received this book as part of a bookring I really did not want to read it. The sheer size of the book, 503 pages, had me wishing for a lighter read.

As I began to read Nina Morecki's personal account of her survival of one of the most horrific periods in History I became enthralled with her story and could not put the book down. Nina grew up in a privileged Jewish family in Poland; beautiful new dresses, vacations to her beloved country retreat, a solid education. It would appear that she had it all. Her parents worked hard to build. But, even pre-war Poland there was animosity toward the Jews. Life slowly became harder and harder as Poland was invaded by the Russians and then the Germans and her family lost everything. Nina survived the following years following her instincts, her quick wit and her strength.

Colette Waddell weaved Nina's oral account of her life in a caring and informative fashion. Unique to Holocaust survivor stories, Waddell, with Nina, relays her entire life including immigrating to the United States, building a life and a family. No matter how many accounts I read of the Holocaust it is always shocking to imagine that not only did people live in such horrible conditions, but they survived. Nina's story is definitely no exception, she is an incredible lady. It was a privilege to be able to read her story.