Tween Tuesday Review: Truth about Twinkie Pie

When Gigi’s older sister, Didi, wins a million dollars in a cooking contest, the first thing she does is to move them from South Carolina to Long Island. Didi wants her younger sister to make it big in this world. Didi tries hard to make sure that Gigi has everything she needs including food that their mother used to make. She saves every penny for Gigi’s college fund and pushes her sister to study hard.

Gigi decides to reinvent herself before starting at her new school in Long Island. On the first day of school, she literally runs into a boy. Trip takes her under his wing and for the first time in her life, Gigi has friends. When Gigi discovers the truth about a family secret, it could tear the sisters apart.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. There were lots of emotional moments between the two sisters - especially as they started to add new people into the lives.  I liked watching Gigi start to gain friends for the first time. I loved how Gigi related choices in life to cooking and recipes her sister makes from memories of their mother. This story tugged at my heart strings. 

Release Date: January 27th
Reviewed for VOYA magazine

Review: Deviant

 * this book comes out in June*

Abigail's life hasn't been easy since her foster mother died when she was nine. She's been in and out of homes in Glasgow since then. One night, a worker tells her, her birth mother died leaving her a letter and personal effects.

The letter reveals the name and location of her father and sister. He's expecting her on a plane; Abigail jumps at the chance to leave Scotland and escape her life.

She arrives in California and meets her family. Abigail wants to blend into her family, but she soon realizes that something's not right at the Johnstone house. The more time Abigail spends with Becky, the more she begins to wonder what's really going on. Could there be something sinister underneath everyone's perfect smiles?

My Thoughts: Even though it took me a little while to get into this book and it's something I probably wouldn't have picked up on my own, I ended up really liking it. It appears to be the first book in a series as the ending left me hanging. I felt horrible for Abigail - she grew up fast in Scotland and had a horrible life. When some answers finally come her way, she can't enjoy the moment. I liked uncovering the family history and what happened to her parents. I liked the interaction between her and Becky; it was strange and yet emotional. The horrors of family and people run deep in this book, but I like Abigail's courage to fight. She's a strong character with steady morals. I look forward to reading the next book.

Cover Thoughts: Good
Source: Reviewed for VOYA

Do You Use Pinterest?

Sure you might use it personally, but are you using it for work?  I wrote an article for VOYA Magazine about how Pinterest works great for libraries. (If you don't work in a library, you can adapt most of the ideas to fit your own work.) Now because of the article, you can take a look at the brand new VOYA Pinterest boards! I have my own board and so does Otis Library. Check us out!

You won't  find the article in their awesome magazine - you'll find it here. I hope it you find it interesting!

Review: No Crystal Stair

Lewis Michaux isn’t sure where he belongs in the world.  As a boy, he’s angry and stubborn about the treatment of his people.  He questions the world around him - which sometimes gets him into trouble. After floundering for several years, he finally finds a purpose in life.  

He starts a very small bookstore with only 5 books, deciding to sell only books written by black authors for black people. His ideas are scoffed at, but he doesn't give up.

Years later, his bookstore becomes the hottest cultural spot in Harlem. Malcolm X, Langston Hughes, Zora Neal Hurston, James Baldwin, Muhammad Ali, and Louis Armstrong spend time in the store. It's the place everyone goes to learn and to share ideas.  

My Thoughts: I wish this bookstore was still in existence because I'd love to see it. I found this book enlightening, touching, and weeks later I was still thinking about it. It wasn't a book I'd ever pick up on my own, but I'm happy I read it. I loved the idea of learning your past to improve upon your future. I loved how books were so important in Michaux's eyes. I love how he shared them and his knowledge.

Cover Thoughts: Ok

Source: Reviewed for VOYA magazine.

Trailer Thursday: Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides

I wasn't a fan of the last two movies - but I love the humor in these films. The 4th movie looks EXCELLENT. I can't wait to see it. What do you think?



Plus, did you know there's a book coming out? It's a crossover book and it's a prequel to Jack Sparrow's days as a Pirate (sort-of). Most of the book takes place at sea. There are plenty of fights against pirates, double crossings, magic, an in-depth look at the slave trade, and a little romance. I reviewed it for VOYA. It appears as a republished book on May 20th 2011

Review: Putting Makeup on Dead People

After her father’s death, Donna has simply been going through the motions in high school. She applies to college before she even knows what she wants to do with her life.

Donna isn’t happy; she hates that her family’s starting to move on. She hates knowing that she’ll never hear father laugh again. She hates that she's being left behind.

After a conversation with a mortician at a classmate’s wake, something shifts inside her.

Donna begins to find her confidence again after befriending the new girl in school. Liz seems to have all the right answers. She finally knows what she wants to do with her life. She wants to put makeup on dead people. She wants to help people find a way to get through the most awful time of their lives.

My Thoughts: This is not a book I would have picked up on my own, but I'm so glad I read it. I liked following Donna's path. She stood up for herself. She found her way. She branched out in her life. It's a little bit morbid. I love that it's an older book for YA - as it takes place during the last semester of high school and into Donna's further education. We need more books for this age - you can read my post here on my thoughts on YA and college. The book was funny, heart-wrenching, and an all around good read.

Cover Thoughts: Very different - eye catching - and a little creepy

Source: reviewing for VOYA