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July 2009

Hi folks!

Isn’t the summer a wonderful time to catch up on some great reading? I love nothing more than grabbing a coffee and reading a book (preferably on a beach, but often on an airplane). Anyone who knows me knows that I’ll read just about anything, and this past month was no different. I read some duds (I won’t mention them by name), but I also came across some gems (that were above 250 pages), including Zac Crain’s Black Tooth Grin (fascinating tale of guitarist Dimebag Abbott’s tragic onstage murder), Randall Rutledge’s informational From Movie City to Music City, USA (about how to make it in movies or music without being related to a studio executive), Janet Evanovich’s latest Stephanie Plum novel Finger Lickin’ Fifteen and Stieg Larsson’s page-turning thriller The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (great recommendation by my brother-in-law, Patrick Tan).

Anyhow, enjoy this month’s book selections below. I hope you are all reading some wonderful books. Make sure to tell me all about them. If you're an author or a publisher and would like to send me review copies of your book(s), please send them to the address listed for authors and publishers.

I hope you are reading some wonderful books. Make sure to tell me about them by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Have a wonderful July, and enjoy your books!

Danny ;-)
Burnt Toast & Jam

Burnt Toast & Jam

By D. Kinza Christenson 220 pages Adult

Danny Says

Sick of all the negative news in the media? Here’s a trick for staying positive: read positive books. Christenson delivers some gems of homespun wisdom in both a light-hearted and heart-warming way. The perfect cure for the nightly news blues.
Buy on Amazon
Caution:Men at (House) Work

Caution:Men at (House) Work

By T.J. McKenna 96 pages Adult

Danny Says

Here’s a great book for executives to read on a short flight. Don’t appreciate the daily trials and tribulations of a stay-at-home mother? After losing his job, McKenna got to play Mr. Mom with his three kids while his wife “brought home the bacon.” Hilarity and wisdom ensue in this quick-read that is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Buy on Amazon
Swine Not?

Swine Not?

By Jimmy Buffett 256 pages Adult

Danny Says

This one reads like a kid’s book, and I think parrotheads will get a kick out of it. Reading Buffett is just about as relaxing as listening to his music. And for those of you who love a little Cliff Clavin-like trivia, did you know that Jimmy Buffett is one of a select number of authors to top the New York Times bestseller list in both fiction and non-fiction? 
Buy on Amazon
Odd Lot

Odd Lot

By Steve Burt 136 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I’ll let adults in on a little secret: some of the best literature available is reserved for teens. Such is the case with anything by Steve Burt, an incredibly gifted storyteller who manages to write chilling stories like this one (part of a series that includes the Bram Stoker award-winning Oddest Yet) or heartwarming stories like A Christmas Dozen. Especially popular with reluctant boy readers, Burt is a treat for all ages (and genders).
Buy on Amazon
If I Love You, Am I Trapped Forever?

If I Love You, Am I Trapped Forever?

By M. E. Kerr 192 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I am thrilled that this classic is back in print! A wonderful story (probably my favorite) by the very talented M.E. Kerr, this book shows the fragility of high school popularity. Very “popular” among all teen readers.
Buy on Amazon
Lost

Lost

By Jacqueline Davies 256 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I am fascinated by one of the most tragic events in American history, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911 that needlessly killed 146 immigrant seamstresses. This brilliantly-written novel chronicles one family’s resilience through devastating circumstances. Some of the best writing I have come across in a long time for young adults…I am anxious to read more by Jacqueline Davies.
Buy on Amazon
Athletic Shorts

Athletic Shorts

By Chris Crutcher 208 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Here’s one for the fellas. Crutcher avoids athletic stereotypes in six compelling short stories that shed a whole new light on jocks in school. Makes for good read alouds with middle schoolers.
Buy on Amazon
Diego: Bigger Than Life

Diego: Bigger Than Life

By Carmen Bernier-Grand 64 pages Children

Danny Says

This one is a MUST BUY. Beautiful illustrations by David Diaz and wonderful poems throughout chart the life of one of my favorite painters, Diego Rivera. The colorful illustrations and poems match this artist’s colorful life. Perfect for read alouds.
Buy on Amazon
Get Up and Go

Get Up and Go

By Amanda Doering Tourville 24 pages Children

Danny Says

Childhood obesity concerns me, as I believe that active children are healthier and smarter (if you don’t believe me, read Change Your Brain, Change Your Life by Dr. Daniel Amen). Kids need to play, and this book demonstrates a number of activities for children to enjoy in all seasons.
Buy on Amazon
Archibald's Swiss Cheese Mountain

Archibald's Swiss Cheese Mountain

By Sylvia Lieberman 48 pages Children

Danny Says

What a wonderful story for children to follow their passions but be careful to “measure with their whiskers.” With enchanting illustrations by Jeremy Wendell, this book makes a wonderful parable to read aloud to children and adults alike.
Buy on Amazon

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