Spend some time at Barnard with Zora...
350762
I was blessed enough to get an advanced reader copy of this book. I'm not sure if I was asked for a review but probably. I pretty much review and keep track of the books I read anyway.
I LOVED this book. I did not realize it was on good reads and so I did not mark my progress with notes like I would've liked to do for a novel like this.
The Harlem in this novel felt tangible and real, it had smell, taste and texture. I'm intensely interested in this time period and area in the US. It was a treasure to spend time with famous African Americans of that era: Zora Neale Hurston, Bumpy Johnson, etc. Also Barnard College in the Anthropology department with Zora. Wow Zora acts and behaves very believably.
The mystery is OK, well written but truly what I loved the most was the window into this time period.
I'm not giving to many plot details but I want to shine a light on how effective the world building was. Magical.
I can not recommend this book highly enough to those that enjoy historical novels. Especially those interested in historical novels featuring African American main characters. Perfection!
2974528
As Rhia comes of age, her Guardian Spirit becomes apparent.  Terrified by the Aspect of Crow and what it means to her life, she denies her totem animal, refusing to accept the inevitable.

But soon tragic events in her life make it all too clear how important her role is to her clan, and she can no longer ignore her destiny.

Aspect of Crow, Book 1:  Eyes of the Crow splendidly exhibits author Jeri Smith-Ready's writing talent and imagination.  In the first story of this series, she begins the spiritual journey of the young Rhia, starting from early childhood and ending in young adulthood.  Smith-Ready ably builds a multi-dimensional world with compelling characters.

I started reading this book while on the road, travelling to a business trip in Memphis.  I had to put the book away until the return trip - the very first few chapters had me fighting back tears!  Knowing red, puffy eyes would not be ideal for a meeting with a potential client, I put it down until the ride home that afternoon.  I think my tears made the men I was travelling with a little nervous, and I had to assure them that the tears were simply due to the intensity of the story I was reading!  LOL  I don't think these guys normally read anything that moves them to waterworks...

I have to confess, the story was a little difficult for me to get into, simply because I do not particularly care for stories whose theme is `animal guides' or `spiritual guides'.  Had I realized that this was the premise that Eyes of the Crow was built on, I would not have selected it to review, but the synopsis on the back didn't make it apparent to me that this was what the book was about.  Even though the story itself doesn't suit my taste, I was very impressed with Jeri Smith-Ready's writing skill, and am confident that readers who enjoy this theme will find a new must-read in this series!  I know that I will certainly be revisiting this author when she releases stories more suited to my own interests.

Series Order:
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Eyes-Of-Crow/dp/0373802587/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Eyes Of Crow</a>
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Voice-Of-Crow-Aspect-of-Crow/dp/0373802900/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Voice Of Crow (Aspect of Crow)</a>
3002764
Book Review:  A NOTION OF PELICANS
By Donna Salli
Published by North Star Press
173 Pages

I have met ladies who are like the women who populate the world of Donna Sallis book.  I would bet that when you wade into A NOTION OF PELICANS, you will find women you know, too.

Theres the church basement lady who is firm in her ways and solid in her faith.  Theres the uppity college professor who makes sure you know her opinions.  Theres the lady thespian who is proud of her artificial world on the stage but not so sure of her real world.  Theres the pastors wife, who recognizes her place in the community but still has her desires.  And of course, it all comes from the pioneering spirit of the lady who founds a church based on a heavenly sign in the form of circling pelicans above the hills along the shores of a beautiful lake.  Interspersed among the story of each ladies are short vignettes of a night in the town where the church and the ladies reside.  And yes, the lore that began with those pelicans so many years ago presents itself, sometimes unnoticed, sometimes obvious.

Each woman is featured in a chapter all their own.  Ms. Salli more than tells us about each lady  she shows us the life and emotions of each lady.  By the time we read of each woman, we know what she looks like, what her habits are, her preferences in culture and men.

Just like the women who have so many aspects, the setting of the story offers so many moods.  The small town of the Pelican church is located on the shores of the Great Lakes, which can be clear and sunny, or stormy and dark, and every mode in between.  Is it a cool night?  Rainy?  Sunny?  What season is it?  The descriptions in the book fill us in well with every breath of wind and movement of the lake.

Sallis writing style presents humor and pathos as we meet each woman  her writing skills are many, and very precise, so that all the words are used in a crisp, clear manner.  Each chapter moves right along with its purpose.  Ms. Sallis training as a writer began with poetry, so we see her preference of economical use of words, and of choosing the right word in every sentence.

I am fortunate to count Donna Salli as among my writer friends.  I have been allowed in on some of the decisions that led to this book.  In so many ways, I see Donnas world, and I also saw some new matters that let me know Donna even better as a writer and as a person.

When you buy your copy of A NOTION OF PELICANS, buy two.  I can guarantee you have a friend who will like this book as well as you will.
3732202
Once again, Sr. Dorothy delivers a book that provides nuggets of spiritual food......great stuff!
3076609
My mom and I really enjoyed this book. It's a unique blend of the author's interpretation of ancient Sumerian writing and personal dimensional experiences of the Goddess Inanna, the kind of teachings we're feeling driven to rediscover in our lives now. It's interwoven with Karen's own life experiences, teachers, insights and professional knowledge. For me, reading it is an inspiring reminder to pay attention, nurture and allow our feminine connection to our true selves. I'm imagining the possibilities on the timeline! Also, I am fortunate to have experienced the Holotropic Breathwok described in this book and I'd like to say that I trust and respect Karen as a caring expert facilitator.
Ann
685276
Beautiful story about love and self discovery. Easy read. Can finish in a day because it's that good. Zora you are a treasure.
2606414
A trip to Tiffany always cheers me up, but unfortunately, I won't be visiting Chicago or New York again any time soon. So, what's the next best thing to visiting Tiffany & Co. along Michigan Avenue in Chicago or the one along Fifth Avenue in New York?

READING about WORKING at Tiffany!

This wonderful memoir by 83-year-old Marjorie Hart takes place during the summer of 1945 when she and her best friend, Marty, worked as pages at Tiffany & Co., making them the first female employees ever to work the sales floor. As pages, they were responsible for delivering packages to the repair and shipping department whenever one of the salesmen discretely "rapped" on the counter. There is a really funny story about how Ms. Hart mispronounced one of the salesman's names - which would ultimately cause her trouble later in the story -- because she had misunderstood the person who had told her the salesman's name due to the person's thick Brooklyn accent.

What I find almost more interesting than Ms. Hart's memories of working at Tiffany - there's another really funny story about all the stress she endured while riding in the elevator with a bunch of loose pearls bouncing around as she tried helplessly to catch them -- are the ways she tried to save money! For instance, she cashed in empty soda bottles, at a nickel each, to help pay for her $40 round-trip train ticket from Iowa to New York and budgeted her weekly $20 paycheck right down to the last penny (e.g., ride the subway daily for two nickels, eat a sandwich at the Automat for 15 cents, use penny postcards to write back home -- no 3-cent stamps!)

While the book is a fun light read, there's also some serious moments. Even though Ms. Hart is working at Tiffany -- TIFFANY! -- and having fun adventures in Manhattan with a shipman named Jim during her off hours, World War II is going on, and she's always very mindful of that. There's also a very touching chapter in the book about an army plane that crashed into the Empire State Building on July 28, 1945 that almost left me in tears because it reminded me so much of September 11, 2001.

I'd give this book 10 stars if I could!
2816161
I'll admit that I am majorly behind in watching The Big Bang Theory. (I think I'm still on season six.) However, after listening to this book, I really want to start watching it again!

Yes, My Accent Is Real: and Some Other Things I Haven't Told You is best as an audio book, since you can hear Kunal's accent. I love listening to him speak. He's very pleasant on the ears and his inflections somehow make things even funnier. His stories about growing up, dating, establishing his career, family and cultural traditions, and college life were fun and interesting to hear about. I found myself reacting a lot to what he was saying, whether it was laughing or nodding in sympathy.

I'm glad I checked this book out. Last year, I got to meet Kunal at Book Expo America and he's as kind and gracious in person as he is throughout his book. I think he'd be a lot of fun to spend time with and I envy the cast of The Big Bang Theory for getting to hang out with him all the time. (I'm sure they are all great in person, but do they have books yet?!? :) )

P.S. His last name rhymes with "mayor." (I always thought it was Nigh-are.)
942639
While some stories "ramble" a bit,  if you love having female friends to kvetch with, laugh with, complain with, share your time with... this is great to keep near your bathroom for "longer trips," or in your favorite place, so you can pick it up anytime.

I have a few favorites, and I'm sure you will too, if you have not purchased it. While it sits on my shelf a lot, I know I'll find a piece I really like. "Post Humus," by Patti Tana is my favorite--and most reminds me of me.

Note: I find it best to read the piece first (especially if it's not a long one), and reread it again, slowly, to really enjoy the imagery. It's worth the gift to yourself. Women are amazing... so are many men, like my love of 36 yrs.

I really dislike the cover photo. It always reminds me of my deceased, stoic grandmother! The book deserves a better cover. We shouldn't have to look so suspicious, as this woman does.  Eewww....
4076165
Zor: Philosophy, Spirituality and Science
Author: J.B.
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 978-452895406
Reviewer: June Maffin

"Dear Reader, Remember when you believed you would change the world?  It's not too late. Let's change the world together."  And with that short note to the reader, the author had my attention.

I couldn't help but wonder - where would his novel go from here?  How would the sub-title be addressed?  And what was a Zor anyway?

The 1966 song "What's It All About, Alphie", the 2004 film "What The Bleep Do We Know" and many others have raised the everpresent "What is the meaning of life?" question and tried to make connections between philosophy, spirituality and science.  In this brilliant novel, author J.B. accomplishes it through the persona of Zor in a series of interactions with Boston businessman John Brewster.

So, who is Zor?  John Brewster introduces the reader to Zor this way: "There are two things you need to know about Zor.  First - the man is brilliant.  A native of Haiti, he stands less than five feet tall boasting broad shoulders and a muscular build. Classically handsome, with mocha skin and European features that suggest mixed ancestry. Zor is charmingly soft spoken with a disarming, Caribbean lilt.  Second - he destroyed my life."

And with that introduction, I was hooked. Woven throughout a plot that involves betrayal, a struggling marriage, alcoholism and suspicious business dealings, the reader discovers that John's life is out of control.  In conversations with Zor about negative ch'i, rewiring neuron networks, reductionism, addiction, entanglement, God, the collective unconscious, the Big Bang theory, meditation and more, John realizes that the beliefs he has held throughout his life no longer hold any veracity for him.  In his interactions with Zor, John Brewster uncovers a new reality, wholeness and peace in his life as he discovers the true meaning of Metta.  But, not without conflict and drama along the way.

This story powerfully addresses the synergistic connection between spirituality, science and philosophy (entanglement) in a compelling and easy-to-understand way.  Zor offers the example of the tuning fork where vibrations of one tuning fork only affect another if they are identically calibrated. The more tuning forks one uses, the greater likelihood of finding another who will likewise be affected.  Similarly, Zor says that prayer group members often comment that when they pray, they feel the energy (the positive ch'i).  Zor notes that praying vigils are often successful because "the bigger the sample of people praying, the greater the likelihood of finding someone whose positive energy is on the same frequency." Synergy. Connection.

It's seldom that I find a book that resonates so deeply with every fibre of my being in so many ways, but this is such a book.  I didn't want it to end.  I read it slowly, savouring each page, enjoying the plot and the intricate ways J.B. maintained the humanity of John Brewster and brought his years of research, wisdom and ch'i to the character of Zor who challenges the reader to think - really think about love, wholeness, peace - life.

I hope we haven't seen the last of Zor.
2528400
This is a wonderful book that should be read by every classroom. It is really fun to create projects with. We are reading The Gypsy Game now in our class and it is amazing. Zilpha Keatly Snyder is ( or was :-/ ) a really good writer of books. I don't understand the fact that the book came out twenty years later, but I won't judge her techniques. She deserves the Newberry Honors Medal and any other medal she could have ever gotten.

Please read this book if you haven't already. This is soooooo good. Also read The Gypsy Game, because that is really good, too.
4222169
She is such a wonderful writer! I just recently reread all the Chanur books and am now considering doing the same here: 14 books that invite us into a whole new world.  This latest volume is wonderful and I so look forward to the next book.  If you haven't read any of these books, go to the library and treat yourself.  No matter where you enter this universe, I think you will find enough to be intrigued and then be inspired to hunt down and devour ALL.  I promise you, the trip will be worth it.
4903347
Another school year approaches and I possess empirical evidence - back-to-school commercials are ubiquitous on the tube.  As part of my preparation as a high school teacher, I switched back to reading non-fiction [my Mom still worries that I don't read enough fiction - I usually try to compensate during summer vacation] and Miss Leavitt's Stars by George Johnson led the way.  The first unit will be astronomy and Henrietta Swan Leavitt will be making her yearly appearance.  This year, however, thanks to author Johnson, I have a far better understanding of Leavitt than I did before.  The book would be extremely short if it was just a biography - even with new primary material on hand, Johnson didn't have a lot of material to flesh out Leavitt's life.  Johnson gives us Leavitt's life as a computer at the Harvard Observatory and her discovery of the relationship between the period of Cepheid variable stars and their absolute brightness imbedded within the history of the Harvard Observatory and the science that followed directly from her discovery.  My only problem with the book concerns the beginning of the prologue which involves a little piece of fiction that may be a little too clever and seems to me to be a little bit out of context when first read.  This book is further evidence that bright folks relegated to "women's work" such as Edward Pickering's "girls" at the Harvard observatory - Leavitt and Annie Jump Cannon among others [or Louis Leakey's "trimates" - Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, Birute Galdikas - to site another example of women being given the job of making basic observations] often make great discoveries despite expectations to the contrary!  Suggestion:  We need to have an author do for the "girls" of the Harvard Observatory what Sy Montgomery did for the "trimates" in her 1991 book Walking With The Great Apes.
2001193
We are less than a week away from having two new saints in the Church - Louis and Zlie Martin! I have a family of friends who are so excited for their canonization, you'd think they were distant relatives of theirs. For those of you unfamiliar with these two future saints, they are the parents of St. Thrse of Lisieux as well as many other children including four nuns! They were truly a holy family and a model for us all, and I believe we should read more about them, so that we can emulate them. TAN Books is one of the best sources for books about the Martin family, and I'd like to tell you about a few of them today.

The Story of a Family was published in the 1940s, reprinted in 1994 by TAN Books, and now has been reprinted again in 2015 in time for the canonization of Louis and Zlie Martin. The book is only fifteen chapters in length, but it is full of detail as it spans 400+ pages. The book begins by giving us a backstory of the two parents and their early years. We learn that Louis was a watchmaker and Zlie was a lacemaker. It was these two professions that led to their chance meeting. Both felt a call to the religious life, but chose to marry. Interestingly enough, after marriage, Louis Martin wanted to live a celibate married life, like Mary and Joseph, but Zlie had strong maternal instincts. We also learn about the children they had, the children they lost, and a great deal about Thrse.

Chapter 13 - 'The Offering of the Children" was my favorite chapter. In this chapter, we learn of the Martins deep desire to give birth a future priest. They lost two boys, and therefore their hope was lost after this. However, with each girl, they had dreams, which came true, of populating the cloister. "They were not of the number of those pusillanimous parents who dread sacrificing to God what they have no hesitation in handing over to a creature." It was surprising to me to read these words, not because they were so accepting and encouraging of religious vocations, but because even that far in the past, parents were still hesitant to embrace the idea of religious vocations for their children. May the Martins serve as an example for all of us with children!

I have two final observations to leave you with regarding this book. First, the true treasure of this book is found in the images. We as Catholics have a lot of older saints who we see depicted in ancient artwork, but no real actual photographic evidence. Being able to see actual pictures of these recent saints, help demonstrate to us that they were humans just like us, and that we too can be saints if we follow their examples and say Yes to Jesus! Second, the age of the book is reflected in the writing style and language, but that doesn't mean that it is impossible to read. As a fan of classic literature, I personally enjoy that style, but it isn't for everyone. I for one am grateful that this book is back in print, and think it is a very good introduction to the Martin family. After reading this, I plan to read some more books about the Martin family, mainly The Father of the Little Flower, The Mother of the Little Flower, and My Sister Saint Thrse. All of these were written by Sr. Genevieve of the Holy Face (Celine Martin), the sister of St. Thrse and should provide a more personal and intimate look at the Martins.
1353567
I love the books written by Mercer Mayer and this one is another excellent  example of this author's ability to weave a creative and imaginative story with a funny professor and the creatures in his world.

Once again Mercer Mayer has written a book which shows amazing details in the drawings. Look carefully at the darling creatures he has created and the little signs in the areas the professor visits as he tries to locate the Zipperump-a-Zoo. The creatures are so cute you would welcome them into your home! Mercer Mayer weaves his creative magic so you can actually see the personalities of the creatures in the professor's collection and also the creatures he meets along the way. Note the facial expressions on the beasties and the professor as they reveal their feelings.

This is a story that children and adults will definitely enjoy together. It will take you on a delightful journey to find out what the Zipperump-a-Zoo looks like and does the professor eventually find one for his collection.

So,  Professor Wormbog collected beasties. He has beasties in his collection labeled from A though Y. The professor had no Zipperump-a Zoo to complete his collection. Thus the professor decided to search all over the world for the one beastie which would make his collection complete.

In the professor's travels, he dug a pit, went fishing, pretended to be a bird in flight, hiked to a craggy peak, and went into a deep cave but found not one Zipperump-a- Zoo. After all his travels he decided to go home. The poor professor was tired, weary ,and very sad. He is so tired he fell asleep in his chair in front of his fireplace. Well, while he was asleep,  guess who decided to visit him and frolic in his house . . . .

Will the professor wake up in time to see this beastie who has visited him? Is this the Zipperump-a-Zoo? What do you think?

You really will enjoy this new addition to the already popular and engaging Mercer Mayer books published. You will want to add this to your collection of literary favorites.
3838464
I thought this book provided a great way to escape this world for the day, only put it down for the necessities:)  I also enjoyed having to look up the mythological and cultural references, a trait shared with a character or two, I too am a bit behind in today's fashions and mores.
Thank you Allison for a delightful read; I look forward to "Sacrifice"!
1330441
I love those ladies of Covington! It's so refreshing to find older women portrayed as the interesting, vital and caring people so many of them are. As an author myself, of NEW PSALMS FOR NEW MOMS: A KEEPSAKE JOURNAL, I especially appreciate the role of motherhood that is shown so well with all of its pitfalls as well as blessings. Visit Covington and you'll enjoy your stay -- and hate to leave!