BOOK: Friday's Child

Friday's Child
by Georgette Heyer

Every time I read one of Heyer's extremely enjoyable novels I can't help but think, "Why on earth has this book not been made into a film?  BBC, where are you?  This is perfect material for your audience!"  This book is particularly suited for film... I can well imagine it as a delightful and extremely popular "Masterpiece" mini-series.

I don't know how she managed to do it, but though every one of her novels is set in similar circumstances and setting, they are all quite unique in plot and character development.  As in the other Heyer novels I have read, I found myself frequently sighing, grinning, or laughing out loud.  Even though I knew all would end well, I found myself on the edge of seat, eager to find out what would happen next, never quite sure who would end up with whom, or how the author could possibly bring it all around to the inevitable "happily ever after."  What can I say?  It's just pure fun!

None of Georgette Heyer's books contain anything offense other than an occasional mild swear word or reference to a dishonorable man who has taken advantage of some naive damsel. 

Recommended for.... anyone who loves to read and be entertained!

BOOK: Crossing to Safety

Crossing to Safety
by Wallace Stegner

For years my sister has been bugging me to read this book because she "knew" I would love it.  Well, she obviously knows me pretty well because this is exactly the kind of book I love.... one about regular people; their lives, relationships, struggles, pains, joys, experiences, triumphs, failures, and their personal growth.  It is also a story about luck vs. hard work, having wealth vs. being poor (but happy none-the-less), having a large close-knit family vs. having none.... among other things. 

The characters (two married couples) are well developed and interesting, and their lives are full and fascinating, and yet really simple and "normal."  Stegner's use of language is poetic and lovely.  This is a well-written novel, and yet you would think it a beautifully-written memoir.  It was the author's last novel, and it is certainly worthy to be called his final "masterpiece." 

This novel contains a few profanities and a couple of scenes vaguely implying intimacy between married couples. 

Stegner's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Angle of Repose is also on my much-too-lengthy "to-read" list.  Perhaps now I will get to it sooner than later.....

BOOK: Heart of a Samurai

Heart of a Samurai
by Margi Preus

This true story (in novel form) is a fascinating read both for children and adults.  It's a story of courage, adventure, family, determination, and friendship.  The book if full of action, and the story moves along quickly, but there are also plenty of tender scenes, and even a few that produce tears.  It would be a great read-aloud for families to enjoy together.  I really enjoyed it.  In fact, I was surprised to find I had a hard time putting it down!

There are a couple of scenes of mild violence involving 19th century whaling practices, and a couple of scenes of bullying/fighting, but nothing graphic or intense.  There is no offensive language. 

Recommended for:  Ages 10 to adult

BOOK: The Masqueraders

The Masqueraders
by Georgette Heyer

I had taken a break from Georgette Heyer for a while, so it was time for another one.  Oh, yes, I was seriously overdue.  I realized again how much I truly enjoy her books!  It's true, not everyone can enjoy these books... only those who don't mind challenging language, as in archaic and old-fashioned.  And yes, it's true, I find I sometimes have to re-read passages to make sure I understood what was just said.

But the books are wonderfully witty and fun, and the characters are delightful and varied.  This one is filled with drama, adventure, humor, romance, and even a little mystery.  It kept me guessing, giggling, and grinning.  And I couldn't put it down.  I think it might possibly find a spot in my top-ten favorite books!

Recommended for:  Jane Austen lovers, and those who enjoy great wit

TV SERIES: Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey (Seasons 1 & 2)
PBS Masterpiece
Starring Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith, Elizabeth McGovern

You might not have heard of Downton Abbey.... if you have been living under a rock.  :)  I kind of resisted watching it at first because I knew I would be hooked and I didn't have time for another obsession.  Well, as expected, I was completed addicted after the first very episode.   My husband (he is just as hooked) and I even stayed up until 2:30 a.m. watching the last five episodes of the second season.

As we finally went to bed (but couldn't stop thinking about it and talking about it, and the next day too), I said to my husband, "You know, we would never want to actually endure the gut-wrenching heartbreak that these characters experience, but we certainly enjoy watching it!"  I suppose that is because we have all felt brokenhearted for one reason or another (and not necessarily romantically) so we recall our own feelings as we watch these fictional characters suffering. 

During several episodes I actually said out loud, "I can't stand it!  It's just too heartbreaking!"  I felt like I was about to explode.  It just feels so real that I felt like my own heart was breaking.  It's so emotional and powerful....and human.

The series is extraordinarily well-acted, the sets and costumes are exceptionally realistic and carefully controlled to maintain historical accuracy, the characters are extremely fascinating, and the story lines and events are incredibly compelling.  I imagine I am not the only one who is waiting breathlessly for season 3 to begin.

As for any objectionable material; there are some intense scenes of war, including some violence and visible injuries, and a couple of scenes of a sexual nature, but they are relatively mild and viewers don't see anything inappropriate.  Some of the serious subject matter makes it inappropriate for children, but they wouldn't find it interesting anyway.

Are you a fan?  Have you seen this hilarious parody?  It's spot on!

BOOK: Stand for the Family (Sharon Slater)

STAND FOR THE FAMILY
by Sharon Slater, President/Founder, Family Watch International

The author happens to be my neighbor and fellow church member, so I know her pretty well.  I knew that she was heavily involved with family issues around the world, and lobbies constantly at the UN, but until I read this book I really had no idea of the extent to which she is involved, the incredible influence for good she has been, and the terrible plague that is sweeping the world in opposition to the family.

The book is very eye-opening... shocking is a better word.  It's sobering, frightening, and horrifying.  If you care about families, this book will make you angry at the evil out there, but very grateful that there are people like Sharon Slater who "stand for the family."  Hopefully, it will also inspire you to do something.... to find out more, to get involved in your community.

So, get the book.  Read it.  Buy it.  Read it again.  Inform yourself.  And do whatever it takes to protect your family..... and "stand for the family."

Because of some of the shocking content (carefully edited to avoid the most offensive material, but necessary to help people understand the truth), this book is not appropriate for children, but should be shared and discussed with teens.

BOOK: What's So Great About America (2002)

What's So Great About America
by Dinesh D'Souza

This excellent book by writer/speaker/former-Reagan-policy-analyst/Indian immigrant Dinesh D'Souza is part world history lesson, part American history/civics lesson, part philosophy lesson, and part psychological analysis, and yet is perfectly accessible, gripping, and downright fascinating.  It is also timely, even though much has changed in our country (and the world) since this book was published in 2002.  It should be required reading for every American high school and college student, every teacher, every parent, every politician, every public servant, every business man or woman, every homemaker, every immigrant... well, basically every American.  (I'm even going to have my 12-year-old read it.) 

Unless you are familiar with D'Souza's writing, you might be deceived by the title at first glance.... it's not a question, but rather a statement.  And yet the book does ask (and answer) that very question, by teaching us, as I mentioned, not only about America herself (warts and all), but about other countries and societies and their perceptions of America, and why they matter to us.  D'Souza's unique perspective as an American by choice, rather than by birth, is valuable indeed.  And even if you think you know what Mr. D'Souza has to say or suspect where he goes with this, you will be surprised.  It's not exactly what you might think.

BOOK: Persuasion (audio)

Persuasion
by Jane Austen

Here is another book I should have read long ago, but never got around to it.  I have seen a couple of excellent film versions of it, and it has long been one of my favorite Austen stories (though Pride & Prejudice will always top the list).  Here is another story of deep and enduring love overcoming obstacles, including time.  It doesn't have the wit of Pride & Prejudice, making it much more serious in tone, but it's no less romantic and sigh-inducing.  (If you don't believe me, just read Captain Wentworth's letter to Ann, below.)  Sigh.  See?  You just can't help it. 

I listened to the audio recording of this one as well.... the reader was fine, but when compared to the excellent Joanna David (Jane Eyre) she was merely mediocre. 

Spoiler:

"I can listen no longer in silence. I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it, eight years and a half ago. Dare not say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you. Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant. You alone have brought me to Bath. For you alone, I think and plan. Have you not seen this? Can you fail to have understood my wishes? I had not waited even these ten days, could I have read your feelings, as I think you must have penetrated mine. I can hardly write. I am every instant hearing something which overpowers me. You sink your voice, but I can distinguish the tones of that voice when they would be lost on others. Too good, too excellent creature! You do us justice, indeed. You do believe that there is true attachment and constancy among men. Believe it to be most fervent, most undeviating, in

F. W.

"I must go, uncertain of my fate; but I shall return hither, or follow your party, as soon as possible. A word, a look, will be enough to decide whether I enter your father's house this evening or never."

from Persuasion by Jane Austen, vol II, chapter XI

BOOK: Jane Eyre (audio)

Jane Eyre
by Charlotte Bronte

I don't know how it is that I hadn't read this book earlier in my life, though I have seen several film versions of it, which I enjoyed.  However, as is usually the case, the book is SO much better! I think that perhaps as a younger woman (and an immature one) I didn't fully appreciate the depth of the love story, finding it rather less than romantic because of the age difference ("But he's so old and gross!"), whereas now, as a wife of 15 years and a mother of three children I see it so differently.... true, deep, abiding love that triumphs over every adversity. 

I especially enjoyed listening to this audio version read by Joanna David... she is amazing!  Her voice is extremely pleasing to listen to, her pacing is perfect, and the character voices are excellent.  I can't say enough good about it.  

FILM: The King's Speech (edited for language)

The King's Speech (edited for language)

starring Collin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter

OK, I think you've MIGHT have heard of this one.  :)  I was extremely disappointed when this film appeared in theaters with an R rating.  I have a personal rule against watching rated-R movies, but thanks to  ClearPlay I was able to watch it edited.  (We also use ClearPlay for many PG-13 movies.)  It's fabulous.... great story, excellent cast.

Recommended for:  everyone, if edited

BOOK: Number the Stars

Number the Stars
by Lois Lowry

This amazing book about how the Danish people bravely smuggled thousands of their Jewish friends and neighbors into Swedish, right under the noses of the Nazis who occupied their country, is all the more thrilling because it's true!  Though the main characters are fictional (a composite of real people) the events actually took place.  

I love that the author doesn't talk down to her reader in this children's book.  She is straight forward and honest about the events that took place, but not graphic in recounting the horrors.  The book is only 137 pages, including an afterword specifying which parts are fictionalized, but that's as long as it takes for the reader to see the whole picture.  Though the story ends satisfactorily (we all know the Nazis are eventually defeated) we are left longing and hoping for that future happy ending.

Recommended for ages 10 and up

BOOK: A Tale of Two Castles

A Tale of Two Castles
Gail Carson Levine

This is a great read; part fantasy, part detective story, completely clean, and very fun.  AND positive values are reinforced.  I read this to review for our school library, and I'm sure my daughter will love it, but I really enjoyed it too.

When I read books like this and compare them to some of the garbage out there that is written for kids, I want to hold this up to all those authors who resort to trash because they think it's appealing, and say, "See, you can be clean and successful!"  

Recommended for:  Ages 9 - 15 (or younger than 9 if they are good readers)

FILM (TV): Temple Grandin

Temple Grandin (2010)
rated PG, starring Claire Danes, Julia Ormond, Catherine O'Hara

Wow.  This fantastic HBO film about the life of Temple Grandin made me think, and made me cry, and I loved it.  There isn't much else I need to say except, "Go watch it!"  But if you still need convincing, I will continue....

Temple Grandin is autistic.... AND a doctor of animal science, livestock handling genius, university professor, author, and autism advocate.  Truly an amazing person.  Her story touched me, as it has done millions of people.  Her influence is wide-spread among many fields of study.  I would be impressed by her work even if she were not autistic... the fact that she is makes it all the more amazing (sorry, I can't help using that word repeatedly). 

Claire Danes does an excellent job portraying Grandin, and together with a fabulous cast of supporting actors, makes this award-winning film what it is.  The film-makers used Grandin's books as the basis for the script and brilliant techniques to show us how this highly intelligent woman "thinks in pictures."  This powerful, inspiring and emotional film is worth watching with your whole family (the only thing that might be offensive is some mild gore from the slaughter of cattle, but it's pretty minor).

[As a side note, Temple Grandin's 2010 TED speech is fascinating and informative, and should be required viewing for teachers!  I think I'm becoming slightly obsessed, wanting to watch every YouTube video I can find of her.]

FILM: Strictly Ballroom (1992)

Strictly Ballroom (1992)
rated PG

I first saw this delightfully quirky Australian film many, many years ago... and several times since.  I watched it again recently first the time in years and enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time.  It's a charming and funny story with hilarious characters, touching moments of truth, and a lovely "Cinderella" twist.  There is a bit of mild language*, the ballroom costumes show quite a bit of skin and some of the dancing is a bit on the sensual side, but it's fairly tame.

And should you think that your tough-guy hubby or boyfriend won't like it, think again.   If he has a sense of humor, he will.

[I give out 5 stars only very infrequently, and only after careful deliberation.  Before I gave it much thought I was going to give this film 4 stars, but after thinking about it a moment longer I realized there is really nothing wrong with it, and MUCH that is excellent... a story filled with great characters, touching moments, and timeless themes of romantic love, family love, friendship, loyalty, perseverance and hard work... plus lots of humor.  There is something for everyone, and it deserves 5 stars.]

* Apparently, but I didn't catch any, possibly because there are a few un-subtitled phrases blurted out in Spanish, or, more likely because of the heavy Aussie accents. 

TV/DVD: Kipper the Dog

Kipper the Dog
based on the books by Mike Inkpen


Even though I have always hated the thought of the TV as babysitter, many years ago when I was pregnant with my second child and completely exhausted, I was desperate to find something decent on TV that would entertain my toddler for a bit so I could lie down.  But it had to be appropriate, and short.  One morning on CBS, I discovered exactly what I needed.....Kipper the Dog.  It is utterly sweet and funny, and my son was hooked.  The episodes are short, the stories are simple and slow-paced, the music is light, and the excellent animation is not distracting.  AND, amazingly for a kids' show, it's not obnoxious! 

Sadly my children have all out-grown these wonderful shows, but recently when I went to throw out the many VHS tapes (yes, it was that long ago) of "Kipper" that I ended up buying and which served us well for years, neither I nor my kids could bear to part with them.  We ended up sitting down and watching them together and laughing and reminiscing.  They are still in the cabinet with all our DVD's.  I guess I'll save them for my grandchildren.  :)

Recommended for ages 18 mo. - 5 years

P.S.  It turns out my 2 year old nephew is addicted too.

BOOK: The Help

The Help
by Kathryn Stockett

I'm glad my book club chose this so I would read it before the movie comes out.  Well, I'm also glad because I really enjoyed the book.  I feel like I was the last person on earth to read it.  It seems everyone I know had been raving about it, and it deserves the praise.  It's well-written (another first time novelist.... I'm impressed), entertaining, funny and touching.  There is some PG-13 language, mostly the s-word, and adult themes, so I wouldn't recommend this for anyone under 18. 

BOOK: Okay for Now (Gary D. Schmidt)

Okay For Now
by Gary D. Schmidt

Wow.  Schmidt's books take my breath away.  I first read The Wednesday Wars more than a year ago when someone selected it for our book club.... and I loved it.  I was completely surprised by what was supposed to be "juvenile fiction" (featuring a 7th-grade protagonist) when it turned out to be filled with mature themes (in a good way), a fantastic plot, great characters, and excellent writing. 

Okay For Now picks up where The Wednesday Wars left off.... sort of....with a different protagonist (he was a minor character before)/point of view and setting (I would recommend reading The Wednesday Wars first, though it isn't mandatory).  The story is sometimes heartbreaking (you are bound to find yourself sniffling through much of it, but there is also plenty to grin about), slightly painful and yet tender.  It's a powerful story about love and loss, overcoming and surviving, friendship and family.  It will leave you feeling that most people in this world are actually good people deep down....and you will want to go hug your family. 

As I mentioned, the themes are fairly mature, and the story takes place in 1968-1969, so a younger reader who doesn't understand the context of the Vietnam war might not get as much out of the story.  I'm glad I read this before my 12-year-old (who I know will love it as he did The Wednesday Wars after I recommended it to him) so we can discuss it.  Amazingly, this is still a story that is totally appropriate for the middle-school set..... Schmidt writes for that audience, but doesn't talk down to them.  And yet, it reads like a novel for adults in many ways.  Schmidt does a great job of writing for both audiences, in a very entertaining style.

The only "language" I recall is one or two common exclamations of deity.

Has anyone else read anything by Gary Schmidt?  I can't wait to read more of his books.

Recommended for ages 12 and up.

BOOKS: (Maisie Dobbs Novels) An Incomplete Revenge AND Among the Mad

An Incomplete Revenge (A Maisie Dobbs Novel) (Book 5)
Among the Mad (A Maisie Dobbs Novel) (Book 6)
by Jacqueline Winspear


I frequently rave about the Maisie Dobbs Novels.  (Read them in order....the first one is called Maisie Dobbs: A Novel.)  The writing is excellent... descriptive and well-crafted.  The characters are wonderful and well-developed.  And the stories will suck you in.  This can be a problem because I absolutely cannot put these books down!  Beware!  (I admit it....I read these 2 books in two days. Yes, I sort of ignored everything else.  Oops.) 

Maisie Dobbs is not your average detective.... the psychology angle is fascinating, and her personal development and relationships add great depth to the stories.  I love that these books are also basically clean.... there is no sex, but you will find an occasional mild profanity.  There are sometimes murders to solve, but generally nothing descriptive or gruesome.  The stories are very intense though, so these books are definitely not for kids or teens.

(The complete series)

TV MINI-SERIES: Sherlock (Masterpiece Mystery)

Sherlock, Series 1 (2010)
Masterpiece Mystery

When it comes to television, the best of it seems to come from the BBC, especially under the banner of "Masterpiece."  Here is yet another wonderful, but, alas, too short, series based on the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and updated to present day London.  With clever, witty dialogue and stories that keep you riveted, each episode will leave you anxious to watch the next.  Unfortunately, there are only 3 episodes (though each is about 90 minutes), and the last leaves you utterly surprised, and desperate for more.  Fortunately, three more episodes will air this fall.

It's going to be a long wait.

Since murder is involved, naturally each episode contains some violence, though it's not graphic.  However, overall the subject matter is too mature for children and younger teens.   There is occasional mild language.

BOOK: The Ordinary Princess

The Ordinary Princess
by M.M. Kaye

This contemporary novel reads like a classic fairy tale.  Given the gift of being simply "ordinary," this princess finds her way to true happiness in a real and wonderful way.  It's beautifully written, and the story is perfectly charming.  It contains absolutely nothing offensive, but much that will delight all ages and genders.

Ms. Kaye is also a talented illustrator.  Only two of the illustrations (which appear only occasionally throughout the book) are full-color, and the rest are black and white sketches that are so detailed and lovely that you will recall them as if they were full-color. 

Age recommendation:  8 and up