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?
Both books sound as if very well written.
We have a wedding over the weekend involves very tedious travelling which is the difficult part. With this wedding I hope our wedding going is over for this year! This month alone 4 weddings!!
I’m so glad you loved The Dearly Beloved, I absolutely adored it! Have a great time at SIBA, hope you find some new books to share with all of us.
I can’t wait to read the new Woodson book – I’m so far behind in reading!!!
I’m so excited about both these books Dearly Beloved is next up.
I might like the Doggie Defenders book when I need an easy read- I like reading about animal behavior, how work dogs are trained, and I live near DC so might just recognize some of the setting in the photos! Is Tiger a german shepherd? His coat color looks a bit different.
Have fun at SIBA! Both book reviews have me adding the titles to my wish list. Go figure you and Carl ended up at a brewery 🙂 Happy Belated Birthday to him!
It’s amazing to me that with all of the books I read, there are so many top notch, prolific writers that I have never read. Jacqueline Woodson is one of those. P.S. Make sure you see The Peanut Butter Falcon.
Lloyd (408) 348-4849
On Fri, Sep 13, 2019 at 1:00 AM Bermudaonion’s Weblog wrote:
> BermudaOnion posted: ” 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 show” >
All these books look good!
Somehow I ended up with multiple copies of The Dearly Beloved and still haven’t read it.
I am in such a funk over my current book club read. It won prizes but was very difficult to get because it’s out of print but man, is it tedious. The Bridge on the Drina. Heard of it? Probably not. I feel as if I am walking through molasses.
These books all sound good. I’ve enjoyed Jacquelyn Woodson, and The Reluctant Prince sounds like a must-read.
Happy birthday to Carl!
Kathy,
Each of the books featured here sound appealing, but The Dearly Beloved sounds like a must-read. Happy birthday to your hubby! The cow balloon is such fun. Have a terrific weekend!
Lol, I love that balloon
Sounds like your reads this past week were very good. I’m looking forward to “The Dearly Beloved” — thanks for the word on that. That police dog looks top-notch!
Looking forward to “The Dearly Beloved” book. Thanks for the word on that one. That police dog looks top-notch!
Busy week Kathy! I want to read both the books you featured. I like the picsof you and Carl and, I agree will prep is not very exciting!
Getting your will done is huge, important, and such a relief!
Three winning books!! Love. Good job on the wills, we really should do that too. Have a ton of fun at SIBA.
Is this Woodson book written in verse too? I’ve only read Brown Girl Dreaming but really loved that one. I like the synopsis of this one! I just returned from a quick trip to Denver so I’m playing catch-up with all the regular and book mail!
I have loved everything I’ve read of Jacqueline Woodson’s. She is such a powerful writer.
It looks like your week was an excellent one. I bet you will have a great time at the book event. I love any sort of book event.
I hope you have a great week.
Wow, three books that were winners for you! Love that pic of you and Carl.
How many years have you been going to SIBA? I hope you enjoy it again. Happy birthday to Carl.
I can’t wait to read THE DEARLY BELOVED. It’s next on my list!
Nice picture! Getting wills done is never pleasant, but a necessary thing.
Really looking forward to Red at the Bone!
I’m eager to read both of these novels! We updated our wills a few years ago, but we should probably do something with them now that we live in a different state. Cute picture of you and your hubby. 🙂
I am so glad you enjoyed Red at the Bone! I am eager to read that one as well. The Dearly Beloved sounds good as well. I’ll be curious to know what you think of Pretty Guilty Women. I’ve read that one as well. Happy belated birthday to Carl!
Added The Dearly Beloved to my list!