The Week in Review: 09.13.2019

Between the Covers

Finished last week:

It’s always a good day when there’s a new Jacqueline Woodson book to read.  RED AT THE BONE, her latest, is the story of Melody, a girl born to unwed teen parents.  With beautiful, poetic language, Woodson shows how the unexpected affected everyone, including Melody’s grandparents, parents, and even Melody herself.  The book opens with them preparing for Melody’s 16th birthday celebration.  They’re getting her dress ready – the dress that was made for her mother’s own 16th birthday party that never happened because of her unplanned pregnancy.  The party and the dress make them all reflect on their lives.

I just loved Melody and her family.  The story alternates between the past and the present giving readers the full picture of this family struggling to do the right thing, like so many other families.  I found it touching and somewhat poignant.  As usual, Woodson’s writing is spare and spot on and I found myself lost in her words and this family.  Woodson has another winner on her hands with RED AT THE BONE – be sure to pick it up!  (Review copy provided by Riverhead Books.)

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THE DEARLY BELOVED by Cara Wall is the story of two couples, James and Nan and Charles and Lily, whose lives become entwined when the men are appointed co-ministers of a Presbyterian Church in New York City.  The couples couldn’t be more different – Charles is deeply religious while Lily is not; James isn’t particulary religious but became a minister to help people and Nan has a strong faith in God – but they find a way to co-exist and work together.

Oh, how I loved this character driven story!  Wall’s writing is fabulous.  I came to care deeply about these wonderfully flawed characters and hated when real life interrupted my reading time.  The story is quiet but consuming – I thought about it all the time as I read the book and am still thinking about it – and left me in tears at the end.  THE DEARLY BELOVED is sure to be on my list of favorites for 2019 because I loved this book.  Be sure to pick it up!  (Review copy provided by Simon & Schuster.)

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DOGGY DEFENDERS: TIGER THE POLICE DOG by Lisa M. Gerry with photos by Lori Epstein shows early readers what a day in the life of a police dog and its trainer is like.  Tiger and his partner, Aida Rodriguez serve in Washington, D. C. and live and work together.  They report to work and get different assignments every day.  They can be found in schools or the Metro or just walking down the street.  At the end of the day, they like to play and every month or so, they retrain.

This National Geographic Kids book is fairly simple because it’s aimed at early readers.  I think they’ll love Tiger and his partner and seeing them in action will help them feel safe.  The full color photographs are fantastic and make readers feel like they are there with Tiger and Officer Rodriguez.  There’s a short question and answer and safety tips from Tiger in the back that can help lead to further discussion.  This book is perfect for 4 to 8 year olds who love animals and/or are interested in policework.  (Review copy provided by Media Masters Publicity.)

Currently reading:

• PRETTY GUILTY WOMEN by Gina Lamanna
• AMERICA’S RELUCTANT PRINCE: THE LIFE OF JOHN F. KENNEDY JR. by Steven M. Gillon

On the Screen

College football!  I watched Virginia Tech beat Old Dominion.  The game was much closer than it should have been.  As I’ve said before, it’s going to be a long season.

Off the blog

• Carl and I went on a little day trip and, once again, found ourselves at a brewery.

• Carl picked up our new wills on Monday.  It’s nice to have that over and done with!

• We celebrated Carl’s birthday with a little get together at the store Tuesday night.

• My sister arrived yesterday and will be going to SIBA with me starting today.
• I walked at least three miles every morning and averaged just over 17,000 Fitbit steps a day.

What’s going on in your corner of the world?