JULY BOOKS:: Laughter, Biographies & Vampires

I t looks like there are some interesting reads this month. I hope you enjoy the selection. I know we will all be enjoying our beach chairs (well I hope too!) So hit the beach with some good books. My first pick is the Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter. I don't know but something about Vampires just gets me so intrigued. I am not a die hard fan like those other books. I did enjoy them but I like more of the classic writings of Anne Rice witches. And don't forget the classic that is our SUMMER reading list, TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD.

Enjoy the books. And let me know your SHARE A BOOK rating.

 Keep turning those pages....

 Happy Reading,
 Jennifer

• Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America ForeverBy Bill O'Reilly, Martin Dugard
• Let's Pretend This Never Happened: (A Mostly True Memoir)By Jenny Lawson
• And One Last Thing ...By Molly Harper
• Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter By Seth Grahame-Smith

Product Description (From Amazon)

Book Review :: Life As I Blow It By Sarah Colonna

I would actually call this post "sloppy seconds" but I think some would get offended.

READ ::  Life As I Blow It... By Sarah Colonna

Share a Book Rating ::  2 - Finally finished, your turn!!

I have to say I thought I was in for a real laughter ride but ended up just annoyed I learned about some other girl make all the mistakes and mishaps that everyd other girl in the mid west or westchester county made during high school.

Laughter - not really. Yeah she took some chances and made some major mistakes. But this book was nothing like the laugh out loud, people looking at you on the train, that her boss had me hurting the abs.

Don't get me wrong I am sure hanging with this chic at a bar would be a blast and the vodka would keep flowing and the abs would hurt from Laughing at all the fools around us.

I have to say I was pretty sad that I pumped up the story.This is why I love reading it's the journey of finding the ones you LOVE LOVE and reading the ones that make you thankful that the final page has come.

 Keep turning those pages....

 Happy Reading,
 Jennifer

Product Description (from Amazon)

In this wickedly funny and irreverent memoir, Chelsea Lately writer and comedian Sarah Colonna opens up about love, life, and pursuing her dreams . . . and then screwing it all up.

Children Book Review :: What Dads Can't do By Douglas Wood.

We ended this weekend with a nice book reminding us how great Father's can be. It was a little confusing for my little guy because he said to me "Daddy CAN do that" - hit a ball, eat lot's of cake, play hide and seek.

This book was a nice reminder of all the wonderful things Dad's do for their little ones to make them feel AWESOME.

Check out the book and share the story.
READ ::  What Dads Can't Do By Douglas Wood.

Share a Book Rating ::  4 - Could have been a 5, but nothing is perfect!!


 Keep turning those pages....
 Happy Reading,
 Jennifer


 Product Description (from Amazon)

There are lots of things that regular people can do but dads can't. Dads can't cross the street without holding hands. They can push, but can't swing. When dads play hide-and-seek they always get found, but they have a hard time finding you. Dads really need to be kissed good night at bedtime. It's a wonder they make it through life at all!

About the Author :: Jennifer McMahon

In February I read Jennifer McMahon's book DON’T BREATHE A WORD and it made me scared to even look under the bed to grab that missing sock. Check out my review in a previous post here.

Here is a quick bio from her website.

"I was born in 1968 and grew up in my grandmother’s house in suburban Connecticut, where I was convinced a ghost named Virgil lived in the attic. I wrote my first short story in third grade. I graduated with a BA from Goddard College in 1991 and then studied poetry for a year in the MFA in Writing Program at Vermont College. A poem turned into a story, which turned into a novel, and I decided to take some time to think about whether I wanted to write poetry or fiction....."

Like I said a her books are great. In my Share a Book rating it is a 4 - Could have been a 5 but nothings perfect!

Details about the Author

• Born in Hartford, Connecticut
• Over the years she has been a farm worker, paste-up artist, Easter Bunny
• A Quote :: “Sometimes what a person needs most is to be forgiven.” ― Jennifer McMahon, Island of Lost Girls
• Website ::  http://www.jennifer-mcmahon.com/
• 8 books listed in Goodreads Profile. 

 Other books

	Island of Lost Girls  by Jennifer McMahon (Goodreads Author)   3.43 avg rating — 3,148 ratings — published 2008 — 9 editions
	Dismantled  by Jennifer McMahon (Goodreads Author)   3.53 avg rating — 1,527 ratings — published 2009 — 11 editions

Check out her books - let me know what you think.

 Keep turning those pages....
 Happy Reading,
 Jennifer

#FridayReads :: Life as I Blow it by Sarah Colonna

Anybody up for a LAUGH!! This weekend I am going to hopefully have a laugh reading about the life of Sara Colonna. I love the show After Lately with Chelsea Handler staff. I am hoping her book has me laughing out loud like I did on my commute home on the LIRR reading CH book.

Enjoy the weekend everyone!

 Keep turning those pages....
 Happy Reading,
 Jennifer

Product Description (from Amazon)

In this wickedly funny and irreverent memoir, Chelsea Lately writer and comedian Sarah Colonna opens up about love, life, and pursuing her dreams . . . and then screwing it all up.

Sarah believes we all struggle to grow up. Sometimes we want to have fun, not take things too seriously, and have that fourth margarita. Other times we would like to get married, stay in, order Chinese food, and have a responsible, secure life.

From her formative years in small-town Arkansas to a later career of dates, drinks, and questionable day jobs, Colonna attempts to reconcile her responsible side with her fun-loving side. Sometimes this pans out, and sometimes she finds herself in Mexico handing out her phone number to anyone who calls her pretty. She moves to Los Angeles to pursue acting, but for years is forced to hone her bartending skills; she wants a serious boyfriend, but won’t give up nights at the bar with her friends. She tries to behave like an adult, but can’t seem to stop acting like a frat boy. In the end, she discovers that there doesn’t have to be just one or the other. And if there’s one thing Colonna has learned from her many missteps, it’s that hindsight is always 100 proof.

Includes a Foreword by Chelsea Handler

Video :: #Children #Book :: Llama Llama Mad at Mama

Not everyday we read our traditional print books. So today we declare WEDNESDAY a Video day. We are watching a video during stroytime and we can't go wrong with Llama Llama. Check out this video with Anna Dewdney reading her New York Times bestseller, Llama Llama Mad at Mama.

I have had one of these days! And I learned that our first stop during our grocery store is the BAKERY. Free cookies for their little shoppers at Waldbaums. (THANK YOU THANK YOU)


 Keep turning those pages....
 Happy Reading,
 Jennifer

Children Book Review :: Because Your Daddy Loves You

This adorable story was fun to read with my son. The story setting was just like one of our weekend days we just had with DAD. I would have to say most all the adventures they shared we mostly had, too. Although, our "drippy ice-cream cone" was an ice pop. Noted by my little guy :)

READ:: Because Your Daddy Loves You By Andrew Clements

Share a Book Rating ::  5 - Loved it! Can't wait to share with you!!

A nice reminder also to parents to not be in such a RUSH take it easy and be patient and affectionate. Familiar scenes and illustrations are well crafted. 

This is a terrific book for Father's Day. When we finished I have to be honest my little one did ask "Where is Mommy?" so I politely said "She was resting and reading her book" from the mouths of babes.

This book is a nice tribute to all of those DAD's that take the FULL responsibility and run with it. You are our hero's!

 Keep turning those pages....
 Happy Reading,
 Jennifer

Product Description (From Amazon)

A day spent with a young child at the beach is filled with many minor dramas—a lost shoe, a ball that floats too far out into the water, a drippy ice-cream cone. These can be frustrating events for both child and parent, but the daddy in this book finds a way to fix each problem, lovingly and patiently. Why? Because he loves his little girl, of course! This spot-on pairing of words and images is a warm, reassuring, and humorous tribute to dads everywhere.

About the Author :: Cathy Lamb

I love reading books and drift into a new world or part of a tale that takes me on a journey. But most of all I enjoy learning about the authors. A few months ago I read First day of the Rest of My LifeBy Cathy Lamb.

I couldn't put the book down. (I bet all Authors aim for that in their readers :) What made me want to keep reading was my feeling of at home in the setting. I love Oregon. Not just because my favorite girl lives there but for the beauty of the country and the people. As a NYer we are use to the quick pace and never a good morning smile to a passer by but in OR its a norm. And I love it, so Ms Lambs books was a nice reminder of how beautiful that part of the country is to live in.

Cathy Lamb is a lovely storyteller. I was engaged in all of the characters and her twist in the plot were very alluring. Who knew I would end up in Israel??? Or be so intrigued by all the smaller characters - those Mob sisters were a HOOT and I just fell in love with her coaching style in her main character. And the scenes from the characters childhood - heartbreaking. Like I said a MUST READ. In my Share a Book rating it is a 5 - Loved it! Can't wait to share with you!!

Below are some details about the Author.

• Born in Newport Beach, California
• Wanna be surfer and butterfly catcher
• A Quote :: “I laughed until my fat hurt.” ― Cathy Lamb
• Website :: http://www.CathyLamb.net
• 12 books listed in Goodreads Profile. 

	Beach Season  by Lisa Jackson, Holly Chamberlin, Cathy Lamb (Goodreads Author),Rosalind Noonan   3.85 avg rating — 13 ratings — published 2012
	A Different Kind of Normal  by Cathy Lamb (Goodreads Author)   4.33 avg rating — 3 ratings — expected publica

Check out her books - let me know what you think.

 Keep turning those pages....
 Happy Reading,
 Jennifer

Community :: Heckscher State Park

Well, today will be a beach day and we are heading to the great south shore of Long Island. But there are so many other great places to visit close to home. I just found this park right around the corner. I am thinking this is a spot to hit this summer for a nice day trip with my little man.

Adding this location to our list of Summer Fun!

I found this book that could help me find some more fun ideas. Product Description (by Amazon) Organised by town and then subdivided into the various villages and hamlets, this popular guide provides informative entries for each locale. Going beyond the scope of a typical travel guide, this book includes directions from the Long Island Expressway to places of special interest: federal, state and county parks and preserves; archaeological sites; museums; and, nature conservancies.

Happy Sunday everyone!


 Keep turning those pages....
 Happy Reading,
 Jennifer



#Heckscher State Park (From Wikipedia)


Heckscher State Park is a park on the shore of the Great South Bay at East Islip in Suffolk County, New York, USA. The park was 1,469 acres (5.94 km2) that was once the 19th century estates of George C. Taylor and J. Neal Plum. Islip's founder, William Nicoll, originally built his estate on this property. The park was purchased by the State of New York using a donation by the affluent August Heckscher with strong opposition from wealthy local residents.

Heckscher offers a beach, picnic tables with pavilions, a playground and playing fields, recreation programs, hiking and biking, fishing, a campground with tent and trailer sites, cross-country skiing, a boat launch, an olympic sized swimming pool, and a food concession.



Heckscher State Park is known as the "Home of the White-tailed Deer." In fact, deer are fairly populous throughout the park. Additionally, about 280 bird species can be observed in the park.[1]

The park falls within the district protected by the Great River Fire Department. The park is accessible by the Heckscher State Parkway.

Beginning in 1972 and continuing until 2008, the New York Philharmonic played at Heckscher State Park as part of its free "Concerts in the Parks" series. The annual event was held on summer evenings in an open field near the campground and was open to the public. In 2009, the New York Philharmonic chose to cancel the event for the summer of that year due to financial constraints. After consideration to keep the tradition, the Long Island Philharmonic volunteered to perform. Ultimately, the Long Island Philharmonic was forced to cancel their plans as well, as a deadlock in the state senate prevented funds from being allocated to the event. The following year, the New York Philharmonic again chose not to perform. This time, however, the Long Island Philharmonic was able to put on a successful performance. The new generation of concerts commenced with a theme of American composers, including George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein, John Phillip Sousa, John Williams, and Billy Joel.

#KidLit :: Children Summer Reading No Beach day fun!

So let's say it isn't a perfect day for the Beach. I found a great activity for you and your child. Don't fret its FUN!

I swear you will be singing - My Four Groovy Buttons!! 

Product Description (from Amazon)

Pete the Cat is wearing his favorite shirt—the one with the four totally groovy buttons. But when one falls off, does Pete cry? Goodness, no! He just keeps on singing his song—after all, what could be groovier than three groovy buttons? Count down with Pete in this rocking new story from the creators of the bestselling Pete the Cat books.

We had a fun time with Pete! 
 Keep turning those pages....
 Happy Reading,
 Jennifer

READ :: Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons [Hardcover]James Dean (Illustrator), Eric Litwin (Author)

ACTIVITY :: I also found a wonderful print out from the publisher. Click here to have some fun!

WATCH :: Youtube Hit!

Friday Reads :: Firefly Lane By Kristin Hannah

T his book has been on my night stand for some time. Teasing me every night before I lay my head to rest, well not so much a tease but a clear reminder that the days are getting to short and the night approaches to soon.

Too bad my eyes kept closing before I was able to pick up the book last month so it will roll over to my June books. Cheers to all you weekend readers. Hip Hip Hooray! It's Friday ~ here is to a weekend of reading.

What book are you reading this weekend? Go a head you can let me know. Enjoy!!

 Keep turning those pages....
 Happy Reading,
 Jennifer

Product Description (from Amazon)

From the New York Times bestselling author of On Mystic Lake comes a powerful novel of love, loss, and the magic of friendship. . . .

In the turbulent summer of 1974, Kate Mularkey has accepted her place at the bottom of the eighth-grade social food chain. Then, to her amazement, the “coolest girl in the world” moves in across the street and wants to be her friend. Tully Hart seems to have it all---beauty, brains, ambition. On the surface they are as opposite as two people can be: Kate, doomed to be forever uncool, with a loving family who mortifies her at every turn. Tully, steeped in glamour and mystery, but with a secret that is destroying her. They make a pact to be best friends forever; by summer’s end they’ve become TullyandKate. Inseparable.

So begins Kristin Hannah’s magnificent new novel. Spanning more than three decades and playing out across the ever-changing face of the Pacific Northwest, Firefly Lane is the poignant, powerful story of two women and the friendship that becomes the bulkhead of their lives.

From the beginning, Tully is desperate to prove her worth to the world. Abandoned by her mother at an early age, she longs to be loved unconditionally. In the glittering, big-hair era of the eighties, she looks to men to fill the void in her soul. But in the buttoned-down nineties, it is television news that captivates her. She will follow her own blind ambition to New York and around the globe, finding fame and success . . . and loneliness.

Kate knows early on that her life will be nothing special. Throughout college, she pretends to be driven by a need for success, but all she really wants is to fall in love and have children and live an ordinary life. In her own quiet way, Kate is as driven as Tully. What she doesn’t know is how being a wife and mother will change her . . . how she’ll lose sight of who she once was, and what she once wanted. And how much she’ll envy her famous best friend. . . .

For thirty years, Tully and Kate buoy each other through life, weathering the storms of friendship---jealousy, anger, hurt, resentment. They think they’ve survived it all until a single act of betrayal tears them apart . . . and puts their courage and friendship to the ultimate test.

Firefly Lane is for anyone who ever drank Boone’s Farm apple wine while listening to Abba or Fleetwood Mac. More than a coming-of-age novel, it’s the story of a generation of women who were both blessed and cursed by choices. It’s about promises and secrets and betrayals. And ultimately, about the one person who really, truly knows you---and knows what has the power to hurt you . . . and heal you. Firefly Lane is a story you’ll never forget . . . one you’ll want to pass on to your best friend.

Book Review :: The Murderer's Daughters

Like I mentioned in a previous post the end of June was a bit crazy but SO worth it. Back to writing about the BOOKS I finally had time to finish.

I couldn't imagine the fate of these two young girls after the day their mother died. An astonishing story of how children are resilient in handling situations and protecting their siblings.

The author kept the pages turning and my heart aching for both daughters. The struggle and life decisions each made on their journey made me understand both sides to a situation. This is a perfect story that portrayed both sides of a coin.

Turn the pages and let me know what you think.

 Keep turning those pages....
 Happy Reading,
 Jennifer

READ :: The Murderer's Daughters By Randy Susan Meyers

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Share a Book Rating:The Murderer's Daughters
	5 :: Loved it!! Cant wait to Share with you!
	4 :: Could have been a 5, but nothings perfect!
	3 :: Turned all the pages
	2 :: Enjoyed
	1 :: Couldnt even Finish, Hope you can!
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Product Description (from Amazon)

Lulu and Merry's childhood was never ideal, but on the day before Lulu's tenth birthday their father drives them into a nightmare. He's always hungered for the love of the girls’ self-obsessed mother; after she throws him out, their troubles turn deadly.

Lulu had been warned to never to let her father in, but when he shows up drunk, he's impossible to ignore. He bullies his way past Lulu, who then listens in horror as her parents struggle. She runs for help, but discovers upon her return that he's murdered her mother, stabbed her five-year-old sister, and tried, unsuccessfully, to kill himself.

Lulu and Merry are effectively orphaned by their mother’s death and father’s imprisonment, but the girls’ relatives refuse to care for them and abandon them to a terrifying group home. Even as they plot to be taken in by a well-to-do family, they come to learn they’ll never really belong anywhere or to anyone—that all they have to hold onto is each other.

For thirty years, the sisters try to make sense of what happened. Their imprisoned father is a specter in both their lives, shadowing every choice they make. One spends her life pretending he's dead, while the other feels compelled, by fear, by duty, to keep him close. Both dread the day his attempts to win parole may meet success.

A beautifully written, compulsively readable debut, The Murderer's Daughters is a testament to the power of family and the ties that bind us together and tear us apart.