More Minds

(No Cover Art Available)

Author: Carol Matas

Genre: Fantasy, Humor, Young Adult

A giant is ravaging the northern lands – and Princess Lenora is going to do something about it, whether everybody likes it or not. So she creates a double of herself to stay at the castle while SHE goes off to get rid of the giant – except the new Princess Lenora is very unlike the real one. And her fiance, Prince Coren, knows something is wrong when Princess Lenora becomes more interested in wedding invitations and dresses and makeup then in being stubborn and having adventures.

This book was several things – 1.) Hilarious. It had me – and then my sister – giggling the whole way through. 3.) It was imaginative – and the main character, Princess Lenora, learns her lesson… for now. 3.) It was clean, which was wonderful!

There were a few things to look out for – ‘The Balance,’ which keeps the world in check, is always mentioned reverently (except for by Princess Lenora and several other characters) in phrases such as ‘Praise the Balance!’ Also, through a long series of events, Princess Lenora is described as ‘divine’ twice (it’s confusing, but nothing comes of it).

This was a quick read – I read it in about two hours, one afternoon. I would recommend it for anyone who wants some lighthearted, clean, mindbending fantasy.

Ages: 12+

4 out of 5 stars

The Penderwicks on Gardam Street

 

Author: Jeanne Birdsall 

Genre: Children/Adventure/Humor/Family 

They’re back – Rosalind, Skye (as in Blue Skye), Jane, and Batty. But this time they’re back in their natural habitat… and having rather abnormal adventures! Enter the Save-Daddy-Plan (which is really the Save-The-Penderwick-Sisters plan) and two nice next door  neighbors, troubles with affairs of the heart for Rosalind and Skye, and writing conundrums for Jane as well as spying dilemmas for Batty. 

In some ways, this book exceeded my expectations. It was just as adorable, warm-hearted, humorous, and timeless as the first book. I absolutely adored it. 

BUT… 

…enter a few disturbing things. Jane wonders briefly about reincarnation. Aztec gods are mentioned a lot (a play Jane writes about the Aztecs is mostly the cause of this) and ghosts are also mentioned. The most disappointing part of the book is just one sentence – it is mentioned that, while Jane did NOT use her alter-ego Mick Hart, she did, however, pray to the Aztec gods once or twice for help during a soccer game. 

…excuse me? 

Another time, she visits her “Enchanted Rock” and waits for different kinds of fictional divinities to visit her (none do) but it’s still disappointing. Therefore, this book might have to wait to be read until the reader is old enough to understand why these things definitely are NOT OK. 

Ages: 10+ 

4.5 out of 5 stars

The Penderwicks

 

Author: Jeanne Birdsall 

Genre: Children/Humor/Fiction/Adventure/Family 

Okay, first, a story about a story. My sister bought this book from Barnes and Noble about a month ago. I said “That looks cute,” and she said “I know!” and read it. 

Thanks to her, I got to hear about half of it out loud – she kept giggling and laughing and reading whole pages aloud to me until I said “That’s IT! I have to read it after you!” 

So I did. 

I was giggling and laughing just as much – if not more than – my sister! This book is squeaky-clean, absolutely adorable, and HILARIOUS!!! I recommend it for anyone from five to five hundred. It will absolutely make your day!! It’s so great – no need to be on the lookout for violent or sexual content or bad language – it’s just a completely fresh, new, funny, charming, timeless book. I really encourage you to get it and read it – it is destined to become a classic! I want it in hardback! 

Ages: Any 

100 out of 5 stars

Happily Ever Laughter

  

Author: Ken Davis 

Genre: Non-fiction/humor/religious/adult 

Back Cover: “Happily Ever Laughter captures real-life stories from couples—stories chosen for their humor, variety of settings, and diversity of years married. As readers laugh along with each couple described, they will begin to understand that being able to see the humor in life helps greatly in keeping one’s marriage happy and healthy through the years. Includes stories from Chonda Pierce, Bob Stromberg, Daren Streblow, Kendra Smiley, Jeff Allen, John Branyan, Rhonda Rhea, David Dean, Dave Veerman, and Neil Wilson.”   

My Review: This book was very, very cute. I’m not married, so I’m sure it didn’t have quite the same meaning for me as it would for married couples, but I still enjoyed it. And is that cover not adorable?

 

Age: 15+

 

2 out of 5 stars

 

Thanks to Tyndale Publishers for the copy I received