The Last Day of Paradise by Kiki Denis

The Last Day of Paradise by Kiki Denis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Last Day of Paradise by Kiki Denis is a rollicking good time about a Greek teenage girl and her family. You will laugh out loud as you read this book; it is authentic, unapologetic. The small Greek community within which it takes place is as real as it gets as you learn more about each character. The family dynamic is great, some secrets come out, and it feels oh so real and untouched by propriety. Anyone who has grown up in a small town knows that it is virtually impossible to keep a secret, that's what makes this book so delicious, that authenticity, with a Mediterranean slant. Over the top funny, you will remember this book long after you finish, and look back on it fondly, and maybe even re-read it again. Highly recommend.

View all my reviews

Goodbye Homeboy: How My Students Drove Me Crazy and Inspired a Movement by Steve Mariotti

Goodbye Homeboy: How My Students Drove Me Crazy and Inspired a Movement by Steve Mariotti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodbye Homeboy: How My Students Drove Me Crazy and Inspired a Movement is one of the most inspirational stories you will ever read. A pivotal moment in the author's life changed the trajectory of his life, along with the lives of his future students. This is a great memoir that shows the tremendous influence a teacher can have and in this case, the influence is massive, as the author challenged his students to think outside their restrictive boxes. This book is both funny and at times intense, but the net result is that countless students were positively changed and given opportunities they might not otherwise have had if it weren't for Mariotto and his Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship. This is a must-read book, one that both inspires but sets an optimistic tone for the future of teaching and business. Highly recommend.

View all my reviews

Wraith: Garbageman Book Three by Erik Dean

Wraith ; Garbageman Book Three by Erik Dean
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wraith: Garbageman Book Three by Erik Dean is a great continuation of this series. If you haven't read the first two books in the series, do so, they are that good. This is a well put together book with entertaining and hardcore characters as well as a plot that keeps you guessing. The protagonists stick together as they join forces to root out evil. While some of the characters may seem shallow, pretty much black and white renditions of good and evil, this is still a great read and one that keeps you interested. Plenty of obstacles come up in the story and there is an abundance of challenges that must be overcome, keeping this story appealing. The fantasy aspect is well rendered and will appeal to those readers who enjoy that especially. Overall, an enticing read and one that will keep you up at night. Highly recommend.

View all my reviews

The Adventures of Fawn: Til the Last Snowflake Falls by Al E. Boy

The Adventures of Fawn: 'til the Last Snowflake Falls by Al E. Boy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Adventures of Fawn: 'Til the Last Snowflake Falls by Al E. Boy is truly a delightful book for older kids that builds off of the fanciful characters of Comet and Vixen, the famous reindeer. Fawn is their child, quite young, and is ready to experience life beyond Santa's village. This is a true coming of age story rendered in a thoughtful and engaging way. The writing makes all of the characters seem quite real, they are imbued with human emotion and feeling, even though they are animals. Fawn manages to have a lot of adventures many of which are fun and exciting, but some that are dangerous and challenging too. Add to this tale, the charming illustrations, and you have a lovely book that will capture an older child's interest as they continue to read more expressive themes. Highly recommend.

View all my reviews

The Cat Who Loved the Moon by Jennifer Lea Reynolds

The Cat Who Loved the Moon by Jennifer Lea Reynolds
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Cat Who Loved the Moon by Jennifer Reynolds is beautifully written and lovingly illustrated children's book that subtly helps children deal with loss. The relationship Cromwell the cat has with the moon is one that is both sweet and fanciful, the moon means the world to Cromwell. When the moon disappears one time, Cromwell is understandably upset. The message resonates that even though someone is gone, they're still there in some form. Sweet message and well executed in this well crafted book for young children.

View all my reviews

It's Not The Score, It's The Trip: One Man's Journey to Building a Global Franchise by Brian O'Hara

It’s Not The Score, It’s The Trip: One Man’s Journey To Building A Global Franchise by Brian O'Hara
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s Not The Score, It’s The Trip: One Man’s Journey To Building A Global Franchise by Brian O'Hara is a memoir that tells the life of one highly successful man. As the founding president of XL Insurance, O'Hara grew the business to become wildly successful and prominent. This book details his life experiences and how his business acumen and ability to sustain great relationships contributed to creating a fantastic life. There are many famous names dropped in this book, along with a vast collection of photographs, each of these people having an impact on the author's life. Each of these interactions influenced O'Hara's view of the world, relationships, and the importance of enjoying life both through work and play. A powerful and positive message resonates throughout the book; you will enjoy reading about this vastly successful businessman. Highly recommend.


View all my reviews

Life's Gentle Reminders by Kamini Wood

OM: Life's Gentle Reminders by Kamini Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OM: Life's Gentle Reminders by Kamini Wood is a great little book with a lot of worthwhile advice. Filled with short chapters that highlight some of the internal conflict the author has faced, this book addresses those smaller issues that may need fixing in your life. Simply stopping to pay more attention to your daily activities and appreciate them is a breath of fresh air for your mental health. Other times it is reassessing a relationship or friendship that has changed, and acknowledging that perhaps it is time to let go. Full of personal anecdotes and written in a heartfelt and open manner, this book will help you come to terms with your real self. Instead of being a people-pleaser you can actually put yourself first sometimes in order to heal and grow. Effectively written in a conversational and light tone, this is the perfect book if you are looking for a positive message. Highly recommend.

View all my reviews