A quick recap | Top 5 summer reads

W
ith the summer over I figured I could share with you my top stories we cherished during our summer holiday. I had a couple and my son picked some fun stories from our local library. Some took us on a far away adventure and a few made me think about how wonderful it is to have family and friends though out our lives supporting and loving throughout the years.

Below is my book collage for a few of the summer books that we loved to read.

Summer Books 2012 by jmclozano on Polyvore

Now the school year has started we are off to a new set of books. Although I loved to keep reading a few books at a time this month I am aiming for two books and plenty of bedtime stories.

Keep Turning those pages
Happy Reading,
 Jennifer

Book Review :: Summer Sisters

F
inally, finished my JUNE book reading Summer Sisters by Judy Blume. I thought I was going to dread another girly friendship book but as the other I did get to know the characters and started to wish I was part of that family on the beach growing up. It did bring back plenty of memories of the days when my family would take summer vacations to Rhode Island and all the local boys just seemed amazing.

This is definitely a QUICK read I finished on my commute to city last week. So all the LIRR riders pick up a book from the past and enjoy. I guess you can understand it wasn't so much a page turner to figure out the plot but more of yeah I read this before type of book. Just like we watch our TV programs love and pain seem to keep us glued to the story.

 Share a Book Rating ::  3 - Finished - Let me know what you think!

I am looking forward to finishing my July book.

Keep Turning those pages
Happy Reading,
 Jennifer

Product Description (from Amazon)

In the summer of 1977, Victoria Leonard’s world changes forever when Caitlin Somers chooses her as a friend. Dazzling, reckless Caitlin welcomes Vix into the heart of her sprawling, eccentric family, opening doors to a world of unimaginable privilege, sweeping her away to vacations on Martha’s Vineyard, an enchanting place where the two friends become “summer sisters.”

Now, years later, Vix is working in New York City. Caitlin is getting married on the Vineyard. And the early magic of their long, complicated friendship has faded. But Caitlin begs Vix to come to her wedding, to be her maid of honor. And Vix knows that she will go—because Vix wants to understand what happened during that last shattering summer. And, after all these years, she needs to know why her best friend—her summer sister—still has the power to break her heart.

Children Books :: Library Picks

This week our trip to the library saved us from a terrible thunder storm. It is great for our plants and gardens but not so great for our play time at the park. Usually, it is a trip to the library followed by a stop at the corner store for an ice pop and then a walk to our favorite park on Madison Ave.

Our little library has been part of little man's life since he was able to sit in a circle and listen to songs, now he is joining book clubs and picking his own children's books.

This weeks children's book selection has no particular theme but I can see the interest from summer school, under the sea lesson plan, is still around with his selection of Puffer Fish. Next we take a trip to the zoo with Mr. Carle famous Chameleon. And finally an adventure with a very smart mouse and a Gruffalo. 

Reading ::
 

Puffer Fish (Under the Sea (Capstone Librar...  by Rake	The Mixed-Up Chameleon  by Eric Carle	The Gruffalo  by Julia Donaldson

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

I am sure some of us have read these children's books in the past. We are enjoying playing Puffer face, thinking about some crafts to make with our chameleon and maybe a Gruffalo recipe for trail mix. Share with me your special memories and reviews of the books.

Keep Turning those pages!
Happy Reading,
 Jennifer

Book List :: August 2012 (summer reading)

A
ugust already! The summer is half way over and yes it is sad but I am enjoying all of the fun activities (keeping me from my books). I have updated the reading list for the August selection. I know the post is short and sweet but that is kind of the way it has been going. Not so much for the SEO lovers of the world. But I hope you READERS are enjoying the books.

Check out the reading selection from our goodreads.com group.

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Ca... by Fannie Flagg $15.10	Divergent by Veronica Roth $9.99	The Memory Keeper's Daughter: A Novel by Kim Edwards $10.20
Lucky Man: A Memoir by Michael J. Fox $9.48

Cheers to the August selection - I hope you are able to sit and relax, sip a glass of ice-tea, be warmed by the sunset and Keep Turning those pages!
Happy Reading,
 Jennifer

Book Review :: Firefly Lane

W
ell I tried, and I just have to move on. Everybody loved it but I am just not into this summer read. So I pass it on to YOU! Share with me all you book DIVA's. Did you love the book? Don't get me wrong I love friendship books. And this is definitely got the girlfriend from childhood to adult drama. The setting and characters are great but I feel I got the story in the first 250 pages not 500 pages. 


But what I do love is the authors postscript about the AWARENESS of your body and breast cancer. Everyone pay attention. We lose to many wonderful people to this disease and early diagnosis  can be a key to saving lives. So touch, feel, get funky - Know your breasts, Know your Body. For more details on self examination check out this site. Breast Self-Exam http://ww5.komen.org/breastcancer/breastselfexam.html


Share a Book Rating :: 2 - Skimmed the whole way to the end, Did I miss something?


I will keep on my list but I am on to a new book. 

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.

#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!