Andy Weir’s debut novel is the most riveting, most compelling, most intense science-fiction thriller I have ever read. From his very first words, botanist Mark Watney sucks you into his harrowing, horrifying predicament: he is stranded on Mars. The sandstorm that led to his fellow Ares mission members fleeing the planet also destroyed the satellite… Continue reading The Martian
Tag: Must-Read
A Riveting Nautical Adventure
Rough Passage to London is a riveting tale of intrigue, danger, and adventure told in the tradition of Patrick O’Brien and C.S. Forester. In this fascinating novel, Robin Lloyd brings his ancestor Ely Morgan and the seafaring world of the 19th century vividly to life. Lloyd’s meticulous research and masterful storytelling ability transport the reader… Continue reading A Riveting Nautical Adventure
Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office, by Lois P. Frankel
This book has been all that I hoped for and more. The book, in a nutshell, basically says that to get ahead in life, in career, in everything, women need to stop acting like little girls. Replete with examples from Ms. Frankel’s consulting clients, this book gives practical, no-holds-barred evaluations of such behaviours as feeding… Continue reading Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office, by Lois P. Frankel
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle
I discovered Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle at the age of 12. I fell in love with her, and I am now reading these stories to my 4- and 6- year-old sons. There are four books in the series by Betty MacDonald: Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, Hello Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle’s Farm, and Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle’s Magic. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle is a… Continue reading Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle
The Phantom Tollbooth
This is one of the best books for kids on the planet. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norman Juster is graded for kids aged 9 to 12, but I have found that even 5 and 6 year olds can enjoy the story if it is read to them. The video is good enough to have made… Continue reading The Phantom Tollbooth
Mr. Popper’s Penguins
Mr. Popper’s Penguins, by Richard and Florence Atwater, is one of the very best books I ever read as a child. Excellent for reading aloud, and written with just the right mix of easy and advanced vocabulary to challenge the intermediate reader. This is a Newbery Honor book. The story is that of the Popper… Continue reading Mr. Popper’s Penguins
Is My Child Sleep Deprived?
Of great importance and relevance to all parents is the book Is My Child Overtired? by Dr. Will Wilkoff. The section on the sleep needs of teens is highly informative, as is chapter 12, “It Takes a Well-Rested Parent….” Studies show that most children and a large number of adults are sleep-deprived. Sleep-deprivation causes irritability, health… Continue reading Is My Child Sleep Deprived?
The Trumpet of the Swan
The Trumpet of the Swan, by E.B. White should be on every child’s bookshelf, from the age of 3. It’s a great read-aloud book, and it has very strong messages about honesty, loyalty, friendship, love, and faithfulness. Louis, a Trumpter Swan, is born without a voice — the greatest handicap possible for these majestic and endangered… Continue reading The Trumpet of the Swan
Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office
I discovered this book on the sale table at a local book shop in March 2004 and bought it, thinking it might help me. Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office: 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers, by Lois Frankel, Ph.D. has been all that I hoped for and more. The book,… Continue reading Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office
The Problem of Pain
This book is a very deep and thought-provoking examination of the role that pain and suffering play in the world. If it is read carefully and with reflection adequate to ensure full understanding of the author’s theses, premises, and conclusions, The Problem of Pain provides an excellent answer to the question “How can a good,… Continue reading The Problem of Pain