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October 2012

Hi folks!

Has the election occurred yet? I’ll tell you what: I am relieved not to live in a “swing state.” I recently spoke in Ohio, Florida and Nevada and just prayed for a Budweiser commercial to relieve me of all the negative political ads on TV. Occupied myself with a lot of good books during those commercial breaks and on planes. Read Tom Brokaw’s excellent The Time of Our Lives: A Conversation About America and asked myself why he does not seek political office. Also found myself fascinated by Sheila Bain’s Bull by the Horns, as her perspective of the financial crisis proved to be as interesting as Too Big to Fail by Michael Lewis. As you can see – I don’t lead the most glamorous social life. To lift my spirits, I usually head to the children’s section (Sandra Boynton, Mo Willems and Roald Dahl are pretty dependable for bringing a smile to my face).

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 October, and enjoy your books!

Danny ;-)
I Remember Nothing: And Other Reflections

I Remember Nothing: And Other Reflections

By Nora Ephron 160 pages

Danny Says

I was so distressed by Nora Ephron’s recent passing, as she was truly one of the funniest American women of the past half century. These short essays will remind you of her sharp wit. We lost her too soon.
Buy on Amazon
Mr. Chartwell

Mr. Chartwell

By Rebecca. Hunt Adult

Danny Says

For some reason I found myself reading odd British novels this past month. I guess I just admire the Brits’ sense of humor and imagination. Hunt takes us on interesting parallel tales of a widow and Winston Churchhill, both battling depression. The widow rents a room to a black dog (yes, a black dog), who constantly torments the dying elder statesman. If nothing else, this is one of the more unique novels I have read in recent memory.
Buy on Amazon
Remembrance of Things I Forgot: A Novel

Remembrance of Things I Forgot: A Novel

By Bob Smith 272 pages Adult

Danny Says

What a treat to be introduced to Bob Smith’s intelligent and hilarious brand of science fiction writing. This is satire at its finest with commentaries on politics, sexuality and regret. Found myself laughing throughout the novel.
Buy on Amazon
Be the Change, Revised Edition: Your Guide to Freeing Slaves and Changing the World

Be the Change, Revised Edition: Your Guide to Freeing Slaves and Changing the World

By Zach Hunter 176 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

This is a good book to inspire teens interested in improving the world to go out and improve it. Adults are pretty good at messing things up, and Hunter calls on our nation’s youth to take action and fight problems like homelessness, global warming and worldwide hunger. Hunter’s own story of trying to end modern-day slavery is an amazing tale in itself. 
Buy on Amazon
Almost Home

Almost Home

By Joan Bauer 288 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I’m a sucker for puppies on covers of books, although I always fear the poor dog is going to be abused or die. There’s plenty of sadness in this heartwarming book, but Bauer is a masterful author because, among other things, she manages to take dire circumstances and make them humorous and touching. This book just makes you feel good.
Buy on Amazon
Gifted

Gifted

By Beth Evangelista 192 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Middle schoolers will get a kick out of this tale of an obnoxious 8th grader, George, who’s protected by harassment from his father, the school principal. Daddy does not come along on a fateful school trip, though, and George learns plenty. Quick read; especially popular with boys.
Buy on Amazon
Played

Played

By Dana Davidson 240 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I think all teenage girls should read this book, as it deals with a boy trying to make it into his high school’s “fraternity” on a challenge to sleep with a shy virgin. A good warning tale that makes for an important discussion starter.
Buy on Amazon
Goodnight iPad: a Parody for the next generation

Goodnight iPad: a Parody for the next generation

By Ann Droyd 32 pages Children

Danny Says

With apologies to Margaret Wise Brown, I have never liked Goodnight, Moon. There, I said it. Please don’t hate me. Perhaps that is just one of the contributing factors to my delight in reading this clever parody. Parents and kids will get a chuckle out of this gem (clever author pseudonym, too).
Buy on Amazon
One Giant Leap

One Giant Leap

By Robert Burleigh 40 pages Children

Danny Says

We lost a true American hero recently in Neil Armstrong. All children should get to know about him and the other amazing astronauts that inspired countless people throughout the world. This book includes terrific illustrations by Mike Wimmer.
Buy on Amazon
Can You See What I See?: On a Scary Scary Night: Picture Puzzles to Search and Solve

Can You See What I See?: On a Scary Scary Night: Picture Puzzles to Search and Solve

By Walter Wick 40 pages Children

Danny Says

Are you kidding me? I’ve never included a Walter Wick book on my lists? Yup, even I overlook masters, as Walter Wick’s books deserve a place in everybody’s libraries. His illustrations are to die for, and his books captivate all ages. He is truly one of my favorite children’s authors, and he is a blessing to any parent or teacher of a reluctant boy reader. This is a good one for Halloween.
Buy on Amazon

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