Book Chat: The Tender Bar

The Tender Bar by J.R. Moehringer
****1/2
"How does one go from being a poor, fatherless youth to a Pulitzer Prize winning writer and national correspondent for the Los Angeles Times? With the advice and support of some crazy characters at a local bar, of course. This memoir is at times heartbreaking, poignant, and humorous and at all times engaging. Who knew that so many of life's lessons could be learned in a bar!" -Lesa Albin

Hayley's Children's Book Reviews

Looking for a fun art project? Cool Collage The Art Of Creativity For Kids! by Anders Hanson is the perfect book for you. This easy-to-read, step-by-step book features several fun collage projects kids are sure to love. Material lists, tools, techniques, and accompanying photographs provide an organized, easy-to-follow approach to each art project.

Lots of kids love to cook! Lisa Wagner’s, Cool Pizza To Make And Bake – Easy Recipes For Kids To Cook, introduces kids to cooking in a format that is easy-to-read and follow. A variety of fun pizzas recipes are included with basic cooking techniques explained, and lists of the necessary tools and ingredients. Accompanying photographs make each cooking concept and recipe easy to follow.

Book Chat: She Walks in Beauty: A Woman

She Walks in Beauty: A Woman by Caroline Kennedy
*****
"I have never considered myself a true lover of poetry yet this collection opened my eyes to this unique blend of storytelling. Kennedy has brought together the poets of the ages to share the universal experiences, and to celebrate all that it means to be a woman. I highly recommend this book. After you read it, pass it onto a woman who could use some time to reflect on who she is, and the story she has inside of herself." -Aja Drake

Book Chat: Maybe This Time

Maybe This Time by Jennifer Crusie
****
"Although I'm generally not fond of books concerning the paranormal, this novel was interesting enough to hold me page by page to see what will happen next. Just when you thought the exciting story is about over, you turn the page to a whole new set of new adventures. It was good. I enjoyed it." -Charlotte Kraft

Book Chat: The Devil in the White City

The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
****
"Really enjoyed this NF read. Great insight into the Chicago World Fair in 1893 and the preparation and influence. Two men dominate the novel, an architect and a murderer - very different characters but linked by the fair." -Kay Watts

Hayley's Children's Book Reviews

Bear follows his friend, Goose, on a wild-goose chase in search of treasure.  They dig and they dive.  Will they find what they are looking for?  Treasure by Suzanne Bloom will remind you that sometimes the greatest treasure is right in front of you.  This book is a very quick read…perfect for young kids.

Book Chat: I Am Number Four

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
****
"It was an amazing syfy adventure with a love story. It had a decent pace to it, towards the end it's like a nonstop freefall. A good book. Can't wait for the next." -Tommie Brooks

Book Chat: The Raising

The Raising by Laura Kasischke
*****
"A page turner. I didn't want to put it down. Has some interesting twists. I'll look for other books by this author." -Nita Jackson

Hayley's Children's Book Reviews

Baby and friends are outside in the garden making interesting things for lunch – mud pies, puddle-water soup, dirt dessert and more. Sounds delicious, doesn’t it? However they are not making lunch for themselves. Read Feeding Friendsies by Suzanne Bloom and find out who is going to eat these yummy meals.

Have you ever wished you were different than you are? If you have, Oscar Slimeglider in Ordinary Oscar by Laura Adkins knows just how you feel. Oscar is a snail who is tired of being an ordinary snail. Oscar wants to be different…actually Oscar wants to be famous! When the Fairy Godsnail comes to visit Oscar and grants him three wishes, Oscar believes his dream to be famous is finally coming true. Ordinary Oscar is a great reminder to be careful what we wish for.

Mirror Mirror by Marilyn Singer is the perfect book for kids of all ages who love the classic fairy tales. This unique collection of reversible verse, classic fairy tales show there are two sides to every story. Read these poems from top to bottom and then reverse the lines and read from bottom to top to see these well known classics in a whole new light.

Book Chat: Against All Enemies

Against All Enemies by Tom Clancy
*****
"I like Tom Clancy. This is a very plausible story of Taliban working with Mexican and Columbian cartels to do harm to the U.S.A. (It's a big book, but worth the read.)" -Lois Neufeld