Worlds So Wonderful You'll Wish You Were There
583475
American God led me on a month-long deep-dive into the worlds of Neil Gaiman.

I say "worlds," because Gaiman invents many worlds -- dimensions that overlap our own. Delightfully. Engrossingly. His stories and characters are so rich, I found myself wishing I would fall through the cracks into one of those dimensions.

I read American Gods in three days. Then I bought four other Gaiman books. I tore through those, as well.

American Gods stands out for its inventiveness of story. The gods of antiquity--rich and complex and nobel--living among us. The gods of modernity--shallow and creepy and obvious--trying to rewrite mythology. A regular Joe caught in the middle of the battle.

I loved American Gods so much, I actually bought copies for two friends--I knew they'd think me smart for finding it.

Excellent fiction. You'll wish it were true.
1306361
A delightful romp through a surreal landscape that dances along the edges of our real world. Each vignette with its accompanying slice-of-life story draws you closer into the lives of Horace and Agnes and had me eagerly turning the pages to learn more. Kepkas photography and styling are sublime, making great use of the vintage palette and found objects. The writing is both clever and heartfelt without ever becoming twee. Its a fine line that Dowling walks with true skill. From the very beginning, I found myself happy to be traveling through their world. I highly recommend inviting yourself in to spend some time with this enchanting couple.
478904
I wish I could be teleported to another world through my local wishing tree. While it looks like it might never happen to me, Marshall and Mayberry, the main characters of Skip Brittenham's BETWEEN WORLDS, have that exact fate handed to them when they go to Eden Groves Mystery Forest." No really, when they fall asleep next to a regular looking tree, they wake up in a completely new world full of crazy creatures they never could have even dreamed of seeing. However, it turns out that its tough to be a hero, and they are forced to learn how to control magic in order to survive, but also to play into a scheme they never could have imagined.

In the midst of all the monsters who only want to use them, they find out more about themselves as they learn to control their magic. While accompanying them on their journey to get stronger and master their magic, I couldn't help but feel attached to them. Throughout the entirety of this novel, Marshall and Mayberry fight to control their powers and learn more about the place they were transported to and the beasts in lurking it.

I loved that Marshall and Mayberry weren't considered to be the most beautiful, perfect human beings on Earth. It was actually really refreshing, especially when a lot of authors are trying to add diverse characters into their novels, Brittenham really succeeded at doing so by adding characters that represented the average teen, and not some crazy agile warrior that most YA books seem to default to for their heroes and heroines.

I tried really hard to fall in love with this book. It was all there: the relatable protagonists, an enchanting new world and even using augmented reality to show the story in a new light! But I just wasn't drawn into the story itself. Sure, I loved the way Brittenham described the setting, the way the smallest details of the story were still acknowledged and loved, but I just wasn't engrossed into it. For a young adult novel, BETWEEN WORLDS is exceptionally tame: there is not too much action, but there is still a great group of characters who show off the meaning of friendship in heartwarming ways.

However, the augmented reality app that came with this book was probably one of the most impressive aspects of it all. When I got my copy, I got the free companion app and put my phone over the illustrations embedded between the pages of the novel. When I did, the picture came to life and a 3-D model popped out. Sometimes it was a tree and sometimes it was a mythical creature, but I could always interact with them by clicking on them and moving my phone around. I could also read entries from Mayberrys journal or play mini games. It was definitely an amazing experience to be able to mash technology with my reading. AR technology is what makes this book a game-changer, and I hope to see it accompany more books in the future.

That being said, I think that this book has promise, and seekers of an adventure who want to see what its like to add augmented reality to your reading experience should really check BETWEEN WORLDS out. BETWEEN WORLDS is a great introduction to fantasy novels for middle grade readers, but lacked the spirit of a young adult novel.

Reviewed by Rachel D., Teen Board Member
1147361
Walter's book is as inspiring as it is beautiful. The photos that he captured during his travels are truly breathtaking and evoke a great sense of wonder, as if I were alongside Walter on the streets of all the cities he traveled to or the beautiful landscapes he visited. His personal stories interspersed throughout the book add a great touch that turns the book into a real adventure. It is clear how incredible Walter's story is, and I am glad that I am able to share in the experience with his book. I cannot wait to go traveling again to all of these places that Walter has inspired me to visit!
181990
This book is a visual delight as one would expect from National Geographic. They have broken down trips by top ten of everything from biking to hiking to sailing etc. It makes you want to get out there and see some more of the world. If you have a specific bent on life; you like Craft European beers for instance, there is a page for that!  It is a fun read and fun way to daydream or even a start for planning your next trip
3436997
A great ride through a wonderfully and thoughtfully imagined world. I have rarely met a book that I so much enjoy reading and re-reading all the little details. Truly a world worth visiting.
4749568
My wife and I just returned from a wonderful visit to the Emerald Isle. What a wonderful 2 weeks! Reading this wonderful book, both before and after our visit, was monumentally useful for us. In the magnificent flow of the storyteller, Frank Delaney takes you on a magical trip through both fact and fiction in this novel come alive. I found that my understanding of what I experienced was so much enhanced using the book as a sort of accompaniment piece. I encourage you to read it for the simple pleasure of doing so, but also as an enticement to visit the country if you've not already done so; or as a wonderful refreshing of your memories if you have.
885899
A wonderful trip into a world most of us would pass by. Seed captures the psyche of his characters with mastery. Fascinating.
1653442
This was a beautiful story.  I didn't want it to end; that's how beautiful it was.  Thanks for a lovely journey to a part of the world where I'll neve go.  More than that, the story itself was life-affirming and left me with hope for a more open world.
83415
Don Bisdorf's wry sense of humor, coupled with Cahtri's tempestuous adventurous spirit combine to create a magical world filled with vivid imagery, tense relationships, and supernatural villains.  Cahtri's journey has filled me with unforgettable moments, visions, and insights.  I know the world is a better place now for this story having been a part of it.
1136142
Sometimes a book captures you for reasons you can't easily express. This one does just that. For starters, the illustrations are charming, and fit Lea Lane's writing style perfectly. And I've been swept away by each travel essay in a different way. Her piece about dancing in Malawi is a hundred swift words, but made me laugh out loud. Her piece on cruising in Antarctica is in-depth, and made me feel as if I've read a whole book about the place. The characters she has met come to life and we see the joy and realities through her wide-open eyes. Lea Lane shows us much of the world through her senses and her sense, and shares her juicy life and loves while doing it. I wanted to stay on her journey, and hope she writes more for us to share very soon.
1491971
This is a lively, rich, colorful, and beautiful book that can show you places you might never have thought to visit but will always be glad you did. Su Clauson-Wicker finds what is most intriguing wherever she goes. From "Rippling Farmland & the Palace of Gold" to "Railroad Loop & the National Radio Observatory" to "Clear-Flowing Rivers and Dramatic Rock Folds," the byway wonders pictured and described in this book just keep calling to you. Do you know that "On a cool morning, Organ Cave (organcave.com) exudes a warm mist from its rocky mouth"? Or where to find a "shiny black rectangular building with its graceful entrance and window arches ... built of sixty-five tons of local bituminous coal"? Or how to get to "the world's largest radio telescope sticking out of the grounds ... like a giant daisy" to "study radio waves that emanate from the universe around us"? You'll find these sights and many more in this book, a book to keep near you for its beauty and to take with you when you drive.
4705231
The world is a big place and full of cultural diversity and interesting sights to see. Children need to learn about this wondrous world - the civilizations, the history, the peoples, the climates, the geography, and the food. Well, author, Lisa Manzione and illustrator, Kristine Lucco will bring the world to your door step courtesy of Bella and Harry.

In Paris they visit art museums, see the Eiffel Tower, eat French food, and visit the Arc de Triompe. Lots of famous places and things to see in the very large city of Paris. In the back of our book about Paris, there is a section of Fun French Phrases and Words and a section for Bella and Harry's snapshots of Paris.

Each of these books is sturdy and hardcover with thick pages for durability. They will enhance a home, classroom, school, or library providing the young child with an opportunity to learn in a light-hearted manner about various locations in this wonderful world of ours.

As Chat With Vera's readers already know, I love it when a young child's book is entertaining as well as educational. There is such a dearth of instruction in the schools and text books today, that children are not gaining knowledge of the world in which they live, where countries are located, what country is neighbor to another, what the cultural aspects of the population is, what the land mass is, and if it is dissected by rivers or surrounded by water. It is sad. But there are some books on the market that you can use to enlighten and bring the world home to your special child. Recently I featured some books that are a great introduction to social studies and cultures. Then I also reviewed two very large books of maps (or atlas) featuring pictures of the history, peoples, animals, land formations, etc. Chat With Vera wants children to learn about their world.

Now to travel with Bella & Harry ... got your passport?

Each of these books is beautifully printed in bold colors and hardbound. They have a map that positions the city you're visiting. You learn about the famous buildings, rivers. You see what they eat, what they wear. There are a few words in the back in the language of that city/country with their meaning. And the illustrations are a real joy.

DISCLOSURE: The author provided a copy of each of the books reviewed in exchange for my honest review which I have given. No compensation was received for the review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. Copies of the book for the winner of the giveaway are provided by and mailed directly to the winner.(less)
1059265
Come, dear reader, spend a few weeks with The Arabian Nights and get a sense of the wonders of the Arab imaginary world.  Be granted 3 wishes by awesome djinnis, be told sad tales of love lost and good men squandered by cursed princes, be amazed by the tale of the wondrous Ebony Horse.  Run with thieves and murderers, keep company with princesses and Caliphs and Sultans, spend time with bustling merchants and industrious craftsmen, and hear their tales and triumphs and woes.

You know the stories of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves, Aladdin and the Magic Lamp, and Sindbad the Sailor, but when was the last time you read them in the original and caught all the little nuances and details?  Here's your chance to do so again, and refresh your heart in these timeless stories.

Yes, the Burton translation isn't perfect (none of them are), but it is a rollicking good time with someone who clearly loved these stories and took his poetic license in the interests of trying to make them more exciting, more intense and more all-around fun.

Let clever Sheherezade lead you through 1001 nights of fun and excitement as she takes you through the imaginative world of the Arab mind of 1001 years ago and introduces you to a vivid cast of characters of all stripes and social classes.  There are djinni-bearing magic lamps, rings of protection, flying horses, and gem-bearing trees; there are feasts and famines and paupers and rich men.  Good usually triumphs, but sometimes the bad guys win, just often enough that you can't take anything for granted in the world of The Arabian Nights.  Read these classic tales and go on a magic carpet ride through the Middle East and the medieval world!
1735631
A world where there is no limit to fascination, with heroes who'd rather be at home than making history. A place of wonder, of deep human feelings. A place full of great battles and magic, where the characters have their  own motivations and have to face their worst inner fears. Where the  temptation of power is enormous, and the line between good and evil is  sometimes too thin to see.  This is a story that can be read as many times  as you wish: you'll never get tired of it. This is more than a classic,  this is the world where I would choose to live.
4274162
The author takes you on a round the world journey without leaving the airplane. It's magnificent and captivating in ways never imagined.
1083951
Free to Roam is a book that pulls you in and makes you wish you could be there to share the experience. I enjoyed reading the stories about life in the UK, the pleasant and the occasionally not so pleasant. The authors positive outlook shines through as she shares her adventures and personal reflections. The fact that she is a Reiki Master, and includes how she uses Reiki in different areas of her life, was an added bonus.