witty, adorable, & socially relevant
596413
Beautiful story about the magnitude of time and memories. The personality driven characters were perfectly cast, and Dustin Hoffman executed this wonderfully.
4174849
This book is honestly one of the most charming novels I've read in ages. Cilla is ridiculously funny at times (like, laugh out loud on the bus so other people give you looks funny) while addressing more complex issues like art, community, negotiating familial and cultural tensions, and subtle forms of racism. I can't wait to share this book with the kids around me!
2567824
This is a fun, witty story with gorgeous illustrations!  The rhyming is delightful and quick-paced.  Also purchasing "A Family Album" (where the characters sing!) is a MUST!  It was my boys' favorite CD this year.  :-)
1257604
Brilliant writing, dazzling wordplay, sly humor -- and an important story about individuality, optimism, and the shifting shapes of friendships. Top all this off with clever, pitch-perfect, and downright delightful illustrations, and you have one of the best all-around books I've read in years. Simply wonderful.
4754435
This book doesn't have as much factual information or cultural diversity as "It's Perfectly Normal," but it is nearly as endearing simply because of its cast of characters. You are introduced to a funky-looking  gang of seven friends at the beginning of the book, each with their own  personality: the smart and sassy Grandma, the know-it-all Steve, Ice Cream  (who's so worried about the size of his ears that he wears an ice cream  cone on his nose to draw attention), even a girl named Horse who decides  she's a... well, a horse.  Instead of clinical information, the book  focuses on feelings associated with growing up, and does so with a total  lack of sentimentality that kids will appreciate. The information is  presented in a conversational manner, and the comments of the characters  are witty and will ring true for many kids entering puberty. Like  "It's Perfectly Normal," the book is for both boys and girls.  Together, they make a great set.
996187
I absolutely love this book! Its among the few books that has made me laugh abruptly and loudly (many a time was I glad I was not reading it in a library!) The Unicorn's Tale is a charming and inspiring tale for anyone who loves a good laugh and a GREAT story! David Franklin has weeded any anticipated clich&eacute; right out of this timeless fairy-tale theme and has replaced it with his magical touch: good-natured wit and hysterical originality "with sparkles and wind-chimes thrown in!"

The characters are wonderfully concocted, each one of them quirky and dynamic, and in this way cherishable and genuine.
Amethyst is a startlingly wise eight year old, while still adorable and innocent. In some ways she is the child we all wished ourselves to be at that age: problem-solving, world-changing, and the care-taker and best friend to a magical unicorn!

This unicorn, Nova, will have you believing in a heartbeat that creatures such as he truly exist. Pet lovers will especially adore Nova's amazing balance of dignity and cuteness, something we all see in our own animal companions.

Amethyst's Mother, though laughably naive in many ways, is a lovable and respectable woman. She doesn't know much, but she knows what's most important in life, and this opened my eyes as a reader to see just how silly WE can be when we lose sight of those important things!

Among the handfuls of other uproariously funny folk you will meet upon reading this book (including the hairless King, Timmy the Tremulous Knight in shining armor, The Hoarse Whisperer, Ralph Hood, the Yes-man, and many more) my favorite has got to be Gunter, the rough, tough, kind-hearted, weapon-wielding dwarf who I've been wanting to hug ever since he and his thick-bearded accent popped off the page!

I also love the hidden satire the author slips between the pages, providing an amusing and equally insightful social critique. Filled with puns, parodies, and bizarre jokes that will catch you so off-guard you will laugh right out loud, The Unicorn's tale is a priceless re-readable classic, filled with all the adventure and surprises a child wants, and all the laughter and wisdom a grown-up needs!
2535664
I can't wait for the second book!!  These four girls felt like my best friends... and not just by the end of the book, but by the end of the first chapter!  I loved being privy to their innermost thoughts, especially their insecurities and fears.  And then, to see them try to be brave in spite of those fears, especially after they totally fall on their faces-- how inspiring!  The book switches point of view between each of the four main characters, and I think this way of telling the story makes it so much fun to read and does a great job of revealing how complex friendships are.  Oh, and did I mention it's FUNNY?  Laugh-out-loud funny, yet it still managed to make me sniffle on more than one occasion.  Read this fabulous book, and you'll know why my new motto is, "I'm on fi-ya!"
2348032
This book contains solid truths about friendship without sacrificing humor. (Really, it's so funny!) I love the author's ideas for ways that women can make new friends and deepen old ones. Easily applicable, full of wisdom, and a fast and enjoyable read.
1720107
The photos are adorable, the stories/letters from pet to owner are funny and endearing. My family has enjoyed reading this over and over again...using a different voice for each critter is lots of fun! Nice Job, Jeremy!
1362090
Best Friends and Bastards is a delightful read about relationships of all kinds impacting our daily lives. Ms. Byrne shares how relationships with family, friends, fools, etc. shape our personality.  Best Friends and Bastards focus on how we respond/react in these relationships and how it often influence how we view ourselves. Her  characters are realistic and easy to connect with, settings are acceptable and the story elements were developed and touched all the sensory points maintaining the readers interest. There are plenty of situations occurring within the story's relationships mirroring the hectic, real life of the 21st century. The main and minor characters behavior and dialogue were expressive without going over the top with profanity and sensual activities and I enjoyed that aspect. Ms. Byrne's use inference in her writing style throughout the story allowing readers to use their prior experiences to connect with the book. I think Best Friends and Bastards is a nice book for a week-end of necessary "down-time" with three highly valued best friends: "me, myself and I.
4209669
Eliza Rhodes' book Sign Language is witty and insightful, playful and thought-provoking, and while it romps as a quick feel-good read, we soon come to understand that what is fun and light can deftly become poignant and meaningful.

Nothing pleases so much as a book that is strikingly deep while disguised as light fun, and Sign Language delivers as no other does.

Eliza Rhodes' unique creation can be read through or delected in small sized daily bites of wit and wisdom. -Alexis Miller
2986457
Disclaimer - I am a long time Lauren fan.  I love Lauren (almost) as much as I love Lorelei Gilmore.  After reading, "Talking As Fast As I Can" - I am convinced that Lauren feels the same way about her too.

This charming, funny and emotional journey through Lauren's life was a delightful read.  Honestly, I really needed a book like this.  I am still reeling from recent national political events and have been struggling this fall.  The anticipation of the Gilmore reboot and book from Lauren are two very bright spots in a dark period for me.  I need a good laugh & something comforting.  They both delivered that in spades.

I find Lauren's voice so relatable and just like sitting down with a long-time girlfriend.  She's honest, hilarious and self-depreciating.  What's not to love?  Hearing all about Lauren's upbringing felt like a view into my childhood (except the houseboat bit).  Maybe that's why I have always felt such a close affinity to her.  Now, don't get me wrong - I'm sure there are thousands of other women out there that think Lauren could be their BFF as well.  I think that's a huge part of her charm.  We all respect her.  Want to be like her.  And, most important want to be friends with her.  That's the biggest compliment I know how to give.

I loved this book.  If you are a Gilmore Girl, you'll love it too.  The happy surprise is that it's even more than that.  It's full of reminders to be our own best friend, advocate and cheerleader.  I think we can all use those extra nudges from time to time.  This book is a real joy.
Cheers!
Carrie
2653963
The Brevity of Twit:  Poetry and More in 140 Characters by K.D. Rose is an intriguing collection of observations and poems using the framework of Twitter specifications.  This is not a medium that I am very familiar with but I was fascinated by both the pithy observations that can be presented concisely and the methods of bypassing the limitations of only 140 characters using a technique called Tweet series.

I have found a few new favorite aphorisms, such as At the table of intellect, some are missing a few portions or The best books change every time you read them. and, especially, Charisma is usually mistaken for enlightenment, intelligence and expertise.  Hence, the state of the world.  and I was entertained by the hashtags for certain Trends.  This is a fun, quick read that will appeal to those who enjoy witty collections, whether one is familiar with this form of social media or not.

A copy of this title was provided to me for review
4790996
"A is for Donkeys" is a lovely gem of cheeky linguistic humor, charmingly illustrated and wittily written. A lovely read, the book is a wonderful gift for anyone from new readers to decorated academics. The rhymes flow smoothly, making the book a treat to read aloud - to yourself or to a captive audience - and the layers of humor are engaging. And the illustrations? Just as clever and aesthetically appealing! Jonathan Hope is a master wordsmith and Riccardo Guasco is a talented artist. Let's hope they collaborate again!
714946
I admit I am a social media junkie!  I can't get enough.  When reading this book I thought to myself "gee, this sounds a lot like me" and then I realized, it's really ALL of us!  Written with fabulous insight and a nice dose of humor, Facehooked is a must read for anyone who loves tweeting, liking, pinning, and following!
1915479
I adore this movie--it's one of a few (in a long time) that's left me wanting more: more movie, banter, prose, and feeling of connection to a  perceived outcast living in between realities of existential discord and slow awakening to where one belongs. Witty, fun, cheeky, and insightful without being obtuse, elitist, or forced. Endearingly and romantically  pedantic;) in all the right ways.
3451967
This author really appeals - she's clever & amusing in a brilliant understated way. There's no "in your face" humour, just quiet observations of human nature that are poignant, touching, hilarious... I loved how she wove all the threads together - again not being obvious or heavy handed. It's a book that leaves you feeling uplifted in a believable way - not that Disney "we need to point out why you should be feeling happy" kind of manner.... She's funny, clever, writes beautifully with great observation & sympathy. Highly recommend it!