Tag Archives: author

Book Review: Tarzan of the Apes

As a child, I can recall my family’s watching the old black-and-white movies of Tarzan of Africa. I remember vaguely perceiving Tarzan a hero and a likeable character. After reading a 2010 reprint of the original 1914 novel, my perception of Tarzan has changed. Tarzan is an anti-hero; in my opinion, he is the villain.… Read More »

Book Review: The Ugly Pumpkin

One would think by the title, The Ugly Pumpkin by Dave Horowitz, is a seasonal story, but it isn’t. This book is not about Halloween and you can read it all-year-round. The Ugly Pumpkin is a story about finding one’s identity. The Ugly Pumpkin is a picture book and a story told in rhyme. In… Read More »

Book Review: A Life Crossing Borders: Memoir of a Mexican-American Confederate

Based upon the title, A Life Crossing Borders: Memoir of a Mexican-American Confederate by Reverend Santiago Tafolla, you might be under the impression that this memoir can contribute to your academic research paper on the American Civil War and debate over Black American slavery before and during the American Civil War of the 1860s. Luckily,… Read More »

Book Review: Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site

Do you have a small child in your life, who cannot calm down for that midday nap or for bedtime? I highly recommend Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker and illustrated by Tom Lightenheld for you and your child. This is a picture book. The story is told in rhyme. The illustrations contain… Read More »

Book Review: Native New England Cooking

I was searching for a library book that specialized in Native American cooking prior to the arrival of the English in New England since the Thanksgiving holiday is approaching. The only book I can find at my local library is Native New England Cooking by Dale Carson. Many of the recipes in this book represent… Read More »

Book Review: Buskers: the on-the-streets, in-the-trains, off-the-grid memoir of two New York City street musicians

Buskers is a compelling memoir of two brothers, Heth and Jed Weinstein. I couldn’t stop reading until I finished the book. The authors start with their parents’ background and their childhood. There was a moment in time when Heth and Jed were very young and where the family was happy in California. Their father was… Read More »

Book Review: Sheltered, Volume 1

Sheltered: A Pre-Apocalyptic Tale, Volume 1, by Ed Brisson, Johnnie Christmas, and Shari Chankhamma, jumps into action with a conspiracy among the teenagers under the control of a charismatic leader to kill their parents at a preppers’ colony. The new girl, Victoria, arrived at the compound right before the mass murders took place. Therefore, the… Read More »

Book Review: Old MacDonald Had a Dragon

The book, Old MacDonald Had a Dragon by Ken Baker and illustrated by Christopher Santoro, is a very funny story. The story is told in a fairy tale style where the antagonist swallows people and animals whole. Certain phrases are repeated as the story progresses, creating a rhythm in the story. I have read this… Read More »

Library research as recreation

A few months ago, I had a few consecutive days off for recreational purposes. I chose the library. A friend of mine responded, “Ugh, you can go anywhere on your time off. Why would you go to the library?” I said, “Because it’s fun!” I guess most people don’t have as many questions as I… Read More »