Smart Women Read between the Lines: Reader's Journal by Julie Hellwich & Haley Johnson

Published by Chronicle Books

Julie Hellwich brings us a reader's journal which is the best one I have seen and which deserves a place on any womans bookshelf. This spiral bound journal has four main sections, which are: Books Read & Reviewed, Novel Ideas, Books to Read and Lists.

Books Read & Reviewed contains pages in which you can note the titles, whether fact or fiction, page turner or ripper, the author, genre, publisher info, who you want to recommend the books to and notes as well as giving the title a star vote.

Novel Ideas is a section in which to make notes on your favourite authors, passages, plots, characters and of course, ideas for your own novels if you are that way inclined.

Books to Read is for keeping track of titles you want to read. This is brilliant useful since I know all too many readers, myself included, who keep track of this info via favourites, scraps of paper and just about anywhere else you can think of. In this section you write down the title, author, publisher, who recommended it, notes and when and where you plan on reading it. Especially useful for keeping track of your reading goals.

Lists is my favourite section. The following lists are included:

• Book Tracker: Keep tabs on books lent and borrowed
• Gift Tracker: Keep tracks of possible book related gifts for family and friends.
• Book Club Tracker: Book Club selections, future themes and titles.
• Books About My Favourite Subjects: Self Explanatory
• Books by My Favourite Authors: Self Explanatory
• The Fearless World of Books: Read from a New Genre
• Food & Drink for Thought: Note recipes, food themes and good food to read by
• Books as Motion Pictures: Rate which is better (I love this section)
• Smart Women A-Z: A list of amazing women writers.
• 100 Best Books by Smart Women: A fun way to explore different writers.
• My Favourite Childhood Books: Self Explanatory
• My All-Time Favourite Books: Self Explanatory
• My Favourite Books, Authors & Characters: Self Explanatory
• My Favourite Book Sources: bookstores, libraries, catalogues and more.
• Smart Women are Resourceful: Recommended literary websites
• Favourite Book Review Sources: Self Explanatory
• Literary Dates: Keep track of book launches, author readings, book releases etc.
• Literary Connections: Address book just for your literary buddies.

Also included are bookmarks, bookplates and a pocket for keeping slips of paper in.

Great tool for any reader. I love this to bits and it would make a great gift for the female book lovers in your life.

Out of Character by Vanessa Craft

Release date May, 2007.

Published by Key Porter Books

Vanessa Craft brings us a wonderfully moving and funny debut novel that is a true joy to read. The main character Emma Gordon, is a journalist who spends much of her time reading books and avoiding the real world. At least that is the view of everyone around her. She is indeed a quiet person but when we learn about her history and the fact that people have a habit of leaving her life as quickly as they enter it, this is not surprising.

One day, while attending an office meeting to brainstorm for new story ideas, the idea is raised of doing an exposé on a gentlemen's club. Emma finds herself volunteering for the job and what follows is a brilliant mix of humour and soul searching as she explores her new life as an exotic dancer, an experience which the author brings to life perfectly.

I imagine Emma believes her worst night at this new job, would be the wonderful display she put on as she gracefully attempted to remove her clothing, only to stumble, fall, and eventually end up with her head in the lap of a client. Imagine her shock as one night, while dancing one of her best dances ever, she looks across the room and meets the eyes of her father. Just how do you handle such a situation?

The book is a wonderful tale of empowerment and independence. At times the character gives off an aura of invincibility which is simply infectious and I found myself connecting to this character right from the first pages. I also found myself not wanting to put the book down, even for a moment, as I was incredibly eager to learn more about her. I loved that additionally the book is about family, bonding and learning to deal with the past and that all of this is mixed in with the grit and humour to make this an unforgettable journey.

I noted in the back of the book, it states that the author is working on a second novel. I desperately hope it is a sequel. This book is a great read!

Author's website: http://www.vanessacraft.com/ (Includes a great book trailer for this title. Please do check it out).

Jasmine and Stars: Reading More Than Lolita in Tehran by Fatemeh Keshavarz

Published by The University of North Carolina Press

Within the pages of this book, Fatemeh Keshavarz shares with us the Jasmine and Stars of her life. Like Reading Lolita in Tehran, this is a memoir of life in Iran but the similarities end there. While Reading Lolita in Tehran is a book that focusses on the darker aspects of Iran with just the odd glimpse into lighter moments, Jasmine and Stars is the opposite. The author shares her fond memories of growing up and of her family and she introduces us to the wonderful and colourful world of Persian Literature.

Simultaneously, the author references Reading Lolita in Tehran and provides a critique of the same. While I understood many of the points she made, I couldn't help but feel that it could have been expressed differently. Oftentimes the author's view came across as narrow with an intolerance for differing opinions. That in itself I found confusing as the author clearly states from the start that her aim is to promote open-mindedness. I also felt some of the points were reaching a little. An example of this being the author's comment and complaint that Reading Lolita in Tehran covered very little (if any) of the Persian Literature and authors. Given the title of the book and the fact that it is based around a group of women who are learning about western literature, I am not surprised by this fact and to be honest I was a little unsure why the same cannot be said for Keshavarz.

That said, I did greatly enjoy reading about Persian Literature and getting a glimpse into a little of the culture and history. Some of the authors mentioned have been translated into English and some not. At the end of the review I will be including a link to one of the poets mentioned, who has many of her poems online and I will also be including a link to a really useful (and free) site I found which teaches Persian. I loved that this book does give another perspective to life in Iran and I came away with a wonderful new way of looking at Iranian family life. A brighter, happier picture.

There is no choosing between the two books. I believe that while Reading Lolita in Tehran paints a dark and gloomy, oftentimes frightening view of life, Jasmine and Stars paints a view that is overly filled with sunshine and roses and so I would recommend that both should be read as the reality is probably somewhere inbetween. I also hope in the future to add further Iranian memoirs to my reading list.

Author's website: http://artsci.wustl.edu/~fatemeh/

The website of Forugh Farrokhzad: http://www.forughfarrokhzad.org (Beautiful site and breathtaking poetry)

Easy Persian site: http://www.easypersian.com/

Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books by Azar Nafisi

Published by Random House

In Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books, we are introduced to a group of 7 women (though they are referred to as girls) who arrive at the author's home every Thursday morning for 2 years. The women are a very diverse group who have a shared interest in literature and learning. These women are described and discussed in this book in such a way that much of the essence they must have in real life, shines through and I couldn't help but connect with them even though I often couldn't empathise. Nafisi states often in the book that when the girls, and others, share their tragic stories, it is always in a way which denies the listener any chance of feeling sympathy and empathy with them and I love that Nafisi was able to bring that across in the book.

This book is formed of four sections: Lolita, Gatsby, James and Austen. In these sections we are not only treated to wonderfully in depth explorations of various books but we get to see the impact of these works on the girls, and also on the author's students during her years of teaching at various universities. Simultaneously in this great book we are exposed to little glimpses of life in Tehran, political and religious issues, the brutality that occurred during and after the war, and so much more. While much of the book paints a dark picture, I couldn't help but be enraptured by the small and rare moments of beauty. The descriptions of 'The Magician" and his delicate ways. The way he stays away from people mostly and yet when he does allow them to visit, he takes great care to make them feel welcome and even serves little chocolates on a plate. The playful innocence as girls fall in love and discuss it with a shyness that touched my heart. The inner beauty that shone from each of their souls, along with a desperate hope. It makes for a splendid contrast and shows us that while it's not often easy to see, there is another side to their lives that without the totalitarian way of life would probably surface more easily.

Much of it was a shock to me as I knew little of Tehran and Iran before this book and I think what hit me more, was that I often forget how amazingly different cultures can be. This was a brilliant reminder. It is impossible for me to try and explain what makes this book so great, it is a mix of so many things but for me especially, it was the way that this book draws the reader in and pulls them close to the many people within the pages, sharing an intimacy between the two that is rarely (if ever) shared between the people in the book.

It's a wonderful book and one that not only will I read again, but which has inspired me to explore the books described within.

Stuck in Downward Dog by Chantel Simmons

Release date May 24, 2007.

Published by Key Porter Books.

Mara Brennan is 28. This should be a good year for her, according to her mother that is. For Mara's mother and sister, 28 was a brilliant age, a year in which everything seemed to fall into place for them and surely it will work out that way for Mara too.

Within days, her boyfriend leaves her (taking almost everything), she feels a growing distance between herself and her long-time friends, and her sister - a regular Martha Stewart clone - decides to come and stay for a while to help cheer her up. Can things get any worse?

Mara feels surrounded by reminders of how incompetent she is. Her friends have their careers, while she is stuck in a mind-numbing receptionist job at a cosmetic surgery clinic. Even her parents are running a successful home business. Determined to get her life on track, she puts together a list of things she needs to achieve so that she can prove to everyone (and herself) that she is just as organised, confident, skilled and smart as anyone else. The results are often both hilarious and touching.

This is a tale of self-discovery and of friendship that will leave you wanting to both laugh and cry. It's also a wonderful reminder that everyone is human and things around us are rarely as they seem. This was a quick and easy read though admittedly it did take me a couple of pages to adjust to the writing style. A fun debut novel from Chantel Simmons. Hopefully there will be more to come.

Author's website: http://www.chantelsimmons.com/

The Celtic Way of Seeing: Meditations on the Irish Spirit Wheel by Frank MacEowen

Published by New World Library

In The Celtic Way of Seeing, Frank MacEowen brings us a book that is a joy to read. It is a blend of myth and modern insight which brings the subject of meditation and self-discovery to life in a fantastic way. Whatever your spiritual tastes, this book has much to teach the reader, both by reading and the following of included meditations and exercises. It also includes very moving examples of the wheel at work from workshops and retreats that the author leads.

It is based on the Irish Spirit Wheel which is formed of the four directions -- North, South, East and West along with a Center. The author explains the qualities associated with these, which include:

• North: battle, informed warriorship, addiction, and the magic of conflict for transformation.
• South: music and art, sensuality, rhythms of nature, and the music and power of flowing water and waterfalls.
• East: hospitality for oneself and others, and generosity.
• West: knowledge and learning, longing for knowledge, and counsel and vision.
• Center: integrating these directions and finding sovereignty and wholeness.

Through the use of the history, myth, meditations, exercises and brilliantly inspiring questions for contemplation, the author helps us to discover the wheel and how to incorporate it into our daily lives for not only self discovery and spiritual enlightenment but also everyday problem solving and, my favourite aspect, how to become more in tune with the earth and all the sacred others that inhabit it.

Do you find yourself feeling so much more at peace with life when near the sounds of babbling/falling water? How about when you are going about your day and when you notice the beauty of your surroundings, you feel your spirit starting to soar? So many of these things came naturally to me, as they do to countless of us, but in this book I found so many answers as to why they affected me so much. It's surprising how much of this we actually do without realising consciously.

This is a brilliant book. I loved it and it is one that will be remaining close at hand for reference often as I practice this method. I found it easy to understand and I liked the way he describes the wheel as a map of the soul. It's a remarkably simple concept though the journey itself for each reader, will involve a great deal of self-exploration and honesty which is never easy. It is one of those books that encourages the reader to take all they have read and decide for themselves which parts are relevant for their own lives.

Well worth the read

Author's website: http://www.solasdana.org/

As If by Accident by Julie Johnston

Published by Key Porter Books

As If by Accident is one of those books that is impossible to put down. Julie Johnston has a remarkable talent for being able to weave a story that will keep you guessing right until the end. This book is brimming with mystery and emotion as the author takes us on an unforgettable journey.

The story begins with the character of Val Hudson, an editor who finds her life changing suddenly after the death of her husband. A death which she believes would not have occurred if only she had made different choices. Following the tragic event, we watch as she learns that there is much she didn't know about her husband and his life.

We are also introduced to a writer, Gus, who has his own ghosts to deal with. A mother who I found it really hard to like, and a brother who is very different. Gus reads about Val's tragedy in the paper, her guilt and grief touch him and he decides to base a novel on the accident. These two characters are woven together in a way that will leave the reader in awe.

I had no expectations when beginning this book. It was a great read. Very gripping, a real page-turner and I was often caught between a mix of excitement and anticipation as I waited to see where the author would take this story next. I was never disappointed. The characters are well developed and the storyline is simply brilliant.

This is a fantastic first adult novel by this author and I would love to see another book with the characters as I reached the end of the book with a sense of sadness at having to say goodbye to them.

While this book is Julie Johnston's first adult novel, she has previously written six novels for young people. I may have to try those next. I love her writing style.

Party of One: The Loners' Manifesto by Anneli Rufus

Published by Marlowe & Company - An Imprint of Avalon Publishing Group Inc

In Party of One: The Loners' Manifesto, Anneli Rufus shows us, with brilliant honesty and style, the good and bad to being a Loner. Strangely enough (and it makes perfect sense to me) it seems that the only bad points to being a Loner are brought about by those who prefer to be sociable, and the media with it's misuse of the word in reporting.

In this book, Anneli brings to light so many things which should be obvious to us and yet often pass unnoticed. I hadn't given much thought to the media using the word Loner to define just about everyone who commits a crime but spend a few minutes searching online and the word is there almost constantly. Scarier still is the fact that when you research these 'Loners' they are often anything but. Corrections are rarely made though and so the stigma remains.

The author strives to bring clarity to the definition of a Loner and rescue this word from it's negative connotations, and she succeeds. Her explanations are simple to understand and she provides a great deal for us to think about. I especially liked the section on childhood in which she explores the effects of making children (and parents) suffer playdates rather than letting children play alone and use their imaginations more.

I love that the author brings the message to us that it's okay to be different, it's okay to be a Loner, and that it isn't freakish or weird. I would have loved to have read this as a teen when people couldn't understand my preference for remaining with the same 2 friends and burying my head in books a lot.

This book is one of those which will appeal to everyone. Loner or not, young or old this is a gem of a read. It is sprinkled throughout with many wonderful facts and I have to admit, I think I was born in the wrong era. My dream job was apparently available long ago and paid 50 pounds a year for life, for someone to live in an underground cell and be supplied with as many books as they desired.

The most wonderful aspect I think, of this book though, would have to be the many shining examples of how Loners have changed the world. The works of Anne Rice, the brilliance of Albert Einstein, H.P Lovecraft, Michelangelo, Isaac Newton, John Lennon, Kurt Cobain, Beatrix Potter, Joe DiMaggio and many, many more.

A great read. Anneli Rufus is fast becoming one of my favourite authors.

Author's website: http://www.annelirufus.com/

God Without Religion: Questioning Centuries of Accepted Truths by Sankara Saranam

Published by The Pranayama Institute Inc

God Without Religion is a book like no other I have read. Sankara Saranam introduces us to an age-old approach to spiritual inquiry and does it in a way that makes it easy for anyone to understand and embrace, regardless of their belief system. The author opens our eyes with many difficult questions but whereas other books feed the reader answers, this one guides and teaches us to open up and look inside ourselves, think for ourselves and come to our own conclusions.

The author discusses religion and God in a refreshing way. While he makes it perfectly clear that organised religion stifles the intellect and often causes more problems than it solves, the reader cannot miss the message that he is a greatly spiritual person who believes in seeking out the answers from ourselves.

I loved that in this book, right from the start, the reader is encouraged to learn about all religions, to read any and all religious texts and join discussion groups where we can learn from people in all walks of life. I love that he shows us that only if we can be truly open to all ideas, can we then connect with humanity on a more meaningful level.

In a time where so many wars and battles are often started because of religious beliefs and where past events such as the holocaust have occurred for the same reason, helping people to empathise and connect with one another in this way is simply brilliant and if more people actually read this book and take on some of it's advice it would be easy to imagine the world improving greatly, given time.

I know personally, this book has changed my own outlook a great deal already and I will be reading and referring to it again and again. In addition to the very clear and concise information I got, regarding religion itself, I also got a great deal of insight into how to be a better person for me. How to have more confidence, how to stop blocking the positives from my life and a wonderful guide in learning to relax/meditate/focus more. It certainly changed my outlook and is by far one of the best books of this genre.

Highly recommended.

Pranayama Institute Site: http://www.pranayama.org/

God Without Religion Site: http://www.godwithoutreligion.com/

Author's website: http://www.sankarasaranam.net/

Lessons from Jacob: A Disabled Son Teaches His Mother About Courage, Hope and the Joy of Living Each Day to the Fullest by Ellen Schwartz

Published by Key Porter Books

This is a little book with a really big message. Ellen Schwartz talks about her disabled son Jacob who was born with Canavan disease and shares with us the impact it has had. While this book starts with devastating news, by the end it shows us that all things happen for a reason and that Jacob is one amazing boy with an unforgettable gift for everyone he meets.

I was blown away by this book. When Jacob's parents were told that most children suffering from this disease die at age 3 or 4, they had to come to terms with that. Jacob has other plans though and is still fighting strong many years later. A brilliant example of what can be achieved with spirit and determination. Jacob has touched many lives and will undoubtably reach so many more with this publication, as he did mine.

While many things touched my heart while reading this, I think one of the most truly great things was learning that this family, while struggling to deal with everything, formed Jacob's Ladder (The Canadian Foundation for the Control of Neurodegenrative Disease). Part of the proceeds from the sale of this book go to this special cause which you can learn about by visiting www.jacobsladder.ca

I'll Sleep When I'm Dead: The Dirty Life and Times of Warren Zevon by Crystal Zevon

Release date May 01, 2007.
Reviewed as part of the First Look program.

Published by Ecco - An Imprint of Harper Collins Publishers

Warren Zevon as a final request, asked that his former (and only) wife, Crystal Zevon, compile his memoir. This book is that memoir. Written with the input of many people who all had their lives touched by this legend, it's an honest, and often not pleasant, look into the life and times of Warren.

Rarely have I seen such a turbulent yet surprising life. Turbulent because of his substance abuse and habit of acting without much thought for those around him. Surprising because through it all, you can't help but feel the love and respect that most in his life seem to hold for him.

It's a brilliant look into the struggle to have his music recognised more widely, the struggle within his relationships - romance and friends alike, the struggle to deal with the high pressures of his life and trying to find a balance between being a rock and roll star and being a normal everyday guy. Something he never quite seems to pull off.

This book sent me reaching for the internet often to research more deeply and to try and discover his music as, to be honest, I had never heard of Warren Zevon before now even though I had obviously heard his "Werewolves of London" track. Just listening to some of his music, the brilliance that is often discussed in the book, clearly shines through and it saddens me to know that his music isn't more well known and appreciated.

By the end of this book, I am sure I didn't understand Warren Zevon but then, I am not sure anyone really did, not fully. What I am also sure about though, is that when you read this book, you will discover someone who is impossible to forget and is well worth reading about. While he admitted himself, that he made a great many mistakes in life, he greatly inspires a lot of good. To me he did anyway.

I liked this book a lot.

Official website: www.warrenzevon.com

From My Side of the Table by Tammy Benlolo

Published by R.W. Publications.

Tammy Benlolo brings us a book that makes it impossible to ever view the dining out experience the same way again. With a wonderful mix of stories, experiences may be a better word, Tammy gives us a glimpse into the worlds of those around us, and most especially those who are often under-appreciated - the servers.

I loved that this book gives an insight into how behaviours differ based on cultural background and age through some fun lists at the end. I love that the author could gain so much from observing people and that in itself inspires me to be more aware of everyone around me. I also enjoyed the peek behind the kitchen doors where the reader gets to see how the staff interact too.

This book takes us through a range of emotions as we get to play voyeur in these daily interactions she chooses to share. My favourite had to be a wonderfully considerate customer who while witnessing Tammy dealing with another table, as well as his, leaves her an extra large tip, assuming (correctly) that the other table would fail to show their appreciation. Such consideration, sadly, in this day and age is becoming all too rare.

This book is a joy to read and a wake-up call which shows that we all have something to learn about being more observant, not taking people for granted and especially, how to be more appreciative.

Great little book!

Author's website: http://www.tammybenlolo.com/

Dork Whore: My Travels Through Asia as a Twenty-Year-Old Pseudo-Virgin by Iris Bahr

Published by Bloomsbury USA

Iris Bahr writes with such hilarity in Dork Whore. The book follows the adventures of the author as she decides to explore asia with the goal of losing her virginity. Forget the mile-high club, Iris finds a whole new level on strange places to get sexual. From a seedy sex club (I am not sure I can ever eat a banana again! *laughs*), a first class train carriage on the top bunk with an entire family sleeping in the bunks below and the tops of mountains, to name a few.

More than just sexual though, this book is a brilliant journey of self-discovery, shared through a wide variety of emotional moments. You can't help but feel an empathy as you read along and I felt more of a connection with this book than I have with many others. It's written in a refreshingly honest way with literally nothing held back and that the reader gets to glimpse other countries through the author is a great bonus.

I admit at first I was a little skeptical when I saw the book described as hilarious, as so many books claim to be and fall short but the author really hit the mark with this one. I rarely comment on book covers but I absolutely adored this one.

This is Iris Bahr's first book and I sure hope it won't be the last. The world needs more books like this!

Author's website: http://www.irisbahr.com/

Book website: http://www.dorkwhore.com/

When the World Was Young by Tony Romano

Release date May 22, 2007.
Reviewed as part of the First Look program.

Published by Harper Collins Publishers.

When the World Was Young is a book that will tug at your heart strings while simultaneously disturbing you with the secrets that are hidden within this family of Italian-American immigrants.

We are brought into this family in the most tragic of circumstances, the loss of their youngest son. While I had expected the book to be about the healing process of such an event, it was so much more.

One night, during a festival the older son who is named Santo, witnesses somthing which causes him to look more closely at his father who has always had a weakness for the ladies. Santo is also trying to protect his younger sister Victoria who seems determined to ignore the guidance of those around her, seeming to seek out trouble but mostly being an average curious teenager.

The family has a wonderful mix of both modern and old-country culture which adds a nice touch to an already fascinating novel. I love that it made me think as many ethical/moral situations come to light which made me question myself on what I would do in place of the characters. For that reason, I would say this would make a great book-club choice. I can't say this book is a coming of age story though that very much plays a huge part within the pages. What it is, to me at least, is a heartwarming and heartbreaking tale which is difficult to put down.

I really liked this one and I look forward to more works by this author. (Perhaps a sequel?)

Be the Change: Your Guide to Freeing Slaves and Changing the World by Zach Hunter

Published by Zondervan

Be the Change is probably one of the most inspiring books that you can read. It's definitely one that after reading, I would recommend for any parent to read and give to their teen. Zach Hunter, the author of this book, is 15 years old and shows us that there is truth in the saying "age is but a number". At 15 years old, he shows an astonishing level of maturity, conviction, faith and passion and he is out to teach everyone that the world can be changed and that his generation can be the ones to do it.

This book is well laid out. It has a seemingly infinite amount of inspirational quotes from both influential people (be it past or present) and the Bible, and each chapter has a section at the end for discussion and contemplation of the content. Zach, with faith that is a very strong and wonderful part of his personality has naturally geared this book towards the Christian community but I would recommend it for people from all walks of life. The message within this book's pages is of great importance, not just to teens and twenties but for any age.

I myself am 33 years old and I came away from this book with a distinct feeling of awe that this young man has grasped simple ideas and concepts that many older people just never have. It's one of those books which makes you want to be a better person, which changes your life in an undeniable way and makes you really take a good long look at the important things in life.

Even if getting involved with Freeing Slaves and similar causes is not your thing, there is one message that cannot be denied. The younger generations learn by example and for that reason alone, it's up to my generation and older ones to stop teaching our children to be so passive when it comes to the many issues of this planet.

This is an excellent book and one that everyone should read.

Author's Blog: http://www.myspace.com/lc2lc

Upcoming website: http://www.lc2lc.org/

Tyrannosaurus Rex Versus The Corduroy Kid by Simon Armitage

Release date April 14, 2007.

Published by House of Anansi Press Inc.

In Tyrannosaurus Rex Versus The Corduroy Kid, Simon Armitage brings us vivid and memorable poetry that guides the reader through incalculable emotions. Armitage has a style which manages to make the reader's spirit soar, all while keeping their feet firmly planted on the ground with the often serious conflict presented.

This book deals with so many issues which we all face often and does so in an original yet familiar way. Simon Armitage has a style of writing which is so easy to love that even from the first few pages, you will feel as though you have been reading his works for years. Such is the ease with which the reader can connect to this sublime collection.

What I loved most was the inclusion of playful presentation and especially I loved the Sympathy poems which were written with an accent much like my own. I loved reading those aloud and hearing the familiar twang cross my lips. I will be eagerly looking forward to more releases from this author.

Great book! If you only ever buy one book of poetry in your life, this is the one to get.

Author's website: http://www.simonarmitage.co.uk/

YesNo by Dennis Lee

Published by House of Anansi Press Inc.

YesNo is a companion volume to Dennis Lee's Un which was published in 2003. I haven't read Un but this second book is a joy to read. In YesNo, Dennis Lee brings to light both the negative and positive in a magical, whimsical and unique way.

The poetry within these pages just begs to be read aloud, whether to yourself or friends. The emotion leaps from the pages, the words dance on your tongue and you can't help but enjoy the experience even through the confusion you may feel at first as you adjust to the style of poetry which is indefinable.

I tried to choose a favourite poem from this collection and failed miserably. There are too many which I adored and each of them will trigger your imagination and set your mind racing as you consider the content.

In the author's own words what he aimed for with this book was "Namely, to articulate a world in which the demolition derby and the possibility of living more constructively in the natural order are both real. And at once. So, not just no; not just yes; but yesno." and I have to say he achieved that goal in a brilliant way.

As Un contains parts I through V and YesNo contains VI through X, I would highly recommend buying both books and reading them in the way the author intended. That said, reading the second book alone didn't take away from my enjoyment or understanding.

I will be looking for more by this author.

Reflections on Islam: Ideas, Opinions, Arguments by George Jonas

Published by Key Porter Books.

Reflections on Islam is one of the most thought-provoking books I have read. George Jonas brings us, as the title suggests, his ideas, opinions and arguments which, though dealing mostly with Islam, encompass a miriad of related hot topics.

Through a collection of essays which were written between 2001 and 2006, George Jonas encourages us to join us in his exploration of issues which are of great importance. The books deals with whether there is a difference between Islam and Islamism, whether we are in the midst of a clash of civilisations, the need to recognise the limit of military action - for example, should the military have simply invaded iraq, helped to overthrow the dictatorship and then left, rather than staying on and trying to help with nation-building, and much, much more.

A topic that was close to my heart in this book is the subject of multiculturalism and immigration and the issues that it can (and does) lead to.

These and countless other subjects make this a book which is not just food for thought, but an irresistable feast. It is a must-read for anyone grappling with the defining issues of our age and a should-read for everyone. Whatever your nationality and wherever you call home, this book will bring so much to your attention and will make you look at things in a totally new way.

I think the best thing for me, about this book, is that the author, though very forceful with his ideas and arguments at times, never pushes them onto us, the reader. Rather, he inspires us to think for ourselves.

Needless to say, but I will say it anyway. I loved this book!

Author's website: http://www.georgejonas.ca/

Winterton Blue by Trezza Azzopardi

Published by Key Porter Books

Trezza Azzopardi brings us two wonderfully written and complex main characters. Lewis and Anna are both trying to deal with fears and events which haunt them. For Lewis, trouble began when he was in the back of a stolen car which was driven by Carl, the bad-seed who had befriended Lewis's younger brother. Tragedy struck and from that moment Lewis has been fighting his inner demons and trying to put things right.

While Lewis is struggling with his past and present, Anna is having issues with her present and future. Her mother 'Rita' is driving her crazy. Rita herself is a larger than life 76 year old character who is very flirtatious and outspoken much to Anna's dismay. She runs a movie-themed guest house which only has one paying guest for the most part - a dramatic character known as Vernon Savoy (aka cabbage) who was once very famous and had a ventriloquist act with a stuttering dummy. Vernon is a thorn in Anna's side almost from the start and her biggest fear is that he may one day become her stepfather.

Lewis and Anna cross paths in the most unexpected of ways and find in each other a kindred spirit. What follows is a greatly moving mix of love, mystery and thrills which grabs the reader from the start and refuses to let go.

Azzopardi has a delightful way with words and divine descriptions. The characters are so vivid they practically leap off the page and the plot is a brilliant and emotional rollercoaster ride. I haven't read anything else by this author yet but I am sure that will change as I found a great deal to like about this book.

Child of the Holocaust by Jack Kuper

Published by Key Porter Books

There have been many memorable books concerning the holocaust but I don't think any have touched me in the way that Child of the Holocaust did. This book follows the true experiences of the author at 9 years old as he struggles to hide his identity, his faith and everything about his life, in order to survive. He is so resilient and has an amazing way of being filled with hope even when totally consumed by fear. What stays with me the most though, is the author's lack of self-pity through all of it.

I found this book impossible to put down and yet at times, the all too vivid images which the author describes were difficult to face. This book is so different from any other that I have read on this subject and I had problems trying to pinpoint why. Perhaps it is the point of view of a child that makes it more tragic and heart-wrenching. Perhaps it is his obvious innocence and the fact that he was often cast aside by those he sought protection from. Perhaps it is that at times, it seems the only person who had compassion and respect for life was the author himself.

This is a book that will not soon be forgotten. I can also say it is one of the few books I have ever read, that has made me want to turn back to the beginning and read it again right away. There is a sequel which is titled After the Smoke Cleared but looking around, it is really hard to find. I am hoping though that like Child of the Holocaust it will be printed again.

Note: Even if you read this many years ago you might want to read it again as this new edition states it has been substantially revised by the author.

For those who are film buffs there was also a televised play by Jack Kuper about his life. It was in 1960, shown by the CBC and was titled Sun in My Eyes. As we learn in the book, the title comes from a polish myth that Jews could not see the sun. Research shows that this is probably the first time the CBC addressed the subject of the holocaust directly.

A great read. Highly recommended.

Wiped! Life with a Pint-Size Dictator by Rebecca Eckler

Published by Key Porter Books

The author of 'Knocked Up: Confessions of a Hip Mother-to-be' brings us a hilarious account of the first two years of life with a child. Rebecca Eckler guides the reader through the joys and stresses of being a first time mom and does so with a perfect mix of wit and heartwarming moments which bring tears to the eyes.

The book covers the sleeping problems, teething troubles, weaning, terrible twos and so much more but what I loved most was the journey of discovery. Babies have a huge impact on our lives and the author's outlook constantly evolves through the pages.

I would seriously recommend buying this for any new mom or mom-to-be. It's like the 'everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask' book of the parenting world. I loved the layout. The book is divided into trimesters and written as journal entries. The end of each trimester includes a list of 'Mommy moments which people 'forgot' to mention'.

When I had my daughter, I remember being constantly concerned I was doing something wrong or thinking I was a bad mother if I accidentally bumped the baby somehow. (These things DO and WILL happen!) We never seem able to express these fears out loud but Rebecca Eckler does exactly that and brings us the message that we aren't alone.

This book will also leave you longing for more which in this case is just fine as Rebecca Eckler has a blog where you can continue the journey with her.

Author's website: http://www.rebeccaeckler.com/

Journey to the Darkside: Supermom Goes Home by Kathy Buckworth

Published by Key Porter Books.

In this book, Kathy Buckworth examines the switch from Supermom (working mom) to stay-at-home mom in a refreshingly fun and bold way. The gossiping and backstabbing, the competitiveness, the volunteering and the PTA are just a few of the many scenarios she guides us through. Kathy Buckworth has an uncanny way of taking the situations that we deal with every day and bringing them to light with a style that will leave you nodding your head enthusiastically in agreement and feeling so relieved that someone out there feels the same way.

This book is laugh-out-loud funny. It is such a joy to see someone explore a subject which is nothing short of a minefield and do it with such honesty and humour. She also hands us a great deal of food for thought about how raising children has changed so much over the years. We see children being driven around to various appointments, children being helped with their homework and projects to an unhealthy level, children not venturing outdoors unaccompanied and of course the dreaded playdates. Whatever happened to children playing outdoors, heading over to their friends houses unannounced and then vanishing into the nearest field or play area to play as a group. An unsupervised group at that.

While this book will naturally appeal to any mom or mom-to-be, I think anyone would get a kick from reading it. I have to comment also on the excellent way the author presents some of the information in the book. Bulleted lists and tables make this book even more of a pleasure to read. I couldn't put it down and I am sure you will feel the same.

There are two previous Supermom books: The Secret Life of Supermom and Supermom: A Celebration of All You Do.

Author's website: www.kathybuckworth.com

How the Children Stopped the Wars by Jan Wahl

Published by Tricycle Press - An Imprint of Ten Speed Press.

Jan Wahl brings us a wonderfully descriptive tale of a shepherd named Uillame (pronounced Wee-yam). One night, while out with his sheep, he meets a mysterious visitor with an important message. Uillame realises that it's up to him to make a change in the world and so after returning the sheep to the safety of his master, he sets off to do exactly that.

Along the way, he is joined by children from all the towns and villages, all of whom miss their loved ones who are fighting in a war. They face many hurdles, countless obstacles, often being ridiculed by many of the adults but determination prevails.

This is a brilliant and provocative story which is great for all ages. It begs to be read aloud with all of its colourful and stunning descriptions. I love that in the back of this book it contains questions for discussion. Questions that make you consider war and its effects in greater depth. Questions that also invite you, as an adult, to discuss war in an informative and educational way with your children and maybe, just maybe, help form a generation willing to make change.

I think Jan Wahl sums up perfectly in the beginning of the book, just how war affects children. While being aware of missing family members, war isn't given much thought. If they don't think about it, how can they ever hope to stop the endless cycles. It's the way it has always been and the way it always be unless we find ways to change it. Reading this book with your child is a fantastic start.

First published in 1969, it's easy to see how this timeless tale continues to enchant readers in every generation.

Kabbalah 365, Daily Fruit from the Tree of Life by Gershon Winkler

Published by Andrews McMeel Publishing.

In this book, Gershon Winkler, a longtime practitioner and interpreter of the Kabbalah, brings us a wonderful and inspirational collection of valuable life teachings that are sourced from rare Kabbalistic writings and oral traditions. These messages which give much food for thought are offered over 365 days and the book also has an index at the back so you can find the days which contain the subject you wish to focus on for that moment.

I read through this in a couple of days as I wanted to be able to write the review based on the whole book but I will be using it in the way it is intended also, as each daily message deserves a lot more focus than I could give over a couple of minutes.

This book is a great first step for anyone who is interested in the Kabbalah and while my understanding is that it is primarily Jewish, I can understand why many people from all walks of life, and all religions, are turning to this piece of wisdom. There are so many important lessons in this text and many of the messages that spoke to me, were of being kind to those around us, showing compassion and so on. In short, focussing on things which in this day and age seem to have been forgotten.

This book is a brilliant reminder of just how small, yet precious, each of us is.

I loved so many of these messages but my favourites had to be:

So long as the petals of the rose are folded shut, she has no aroma and does not rise above the thorns. But when she opens her petals, she gives forth aroma and stands out above the thorns. Likewise, so long as our hearts are closed and we are not open to turning our lives around, our auras lack luster and we fade into oblivion. But when we open ourselves up to turning our lives around, we sparkle and we rise above the mediocre and transcend painfulness. -- Sefer Ha'Zohar, Vol 4, folio 232b.

All kisses that are inspired by love wield the power to join the two in total oneness without any quality of seperateness. These kinds of kisses merge one with the other, merge universes with universes, forging all diversity into total unity, so that all becomes one. -- Zohar Chadash 63:4

Why in the beginning was the human created singular? To demonstrate the preciousness of the human, that destroying a single human being would be akin to destroying an entire world, and saving a single human would be akin to saving an entire world. --Babylonian Talmud, Sanhedrin 38a

These are just three of the 365 messages found within this book. Whatever your beliefs are, I believe that no-one who reads this book could fail to come away from it feeling more enlightened. For me, it spoke volumes and it's a book I will be referencing often.

Gershon Winkler is a co-founder and executive director of the Walking Stick Foundation. Learn more here

Canadian Politics Unplugged by Eric Nicol and Peter Whalley

Published by Hounslow - An Imprint of Dundurn Group.

A fun little book which simultaneously gives a glimpse into the way the Canadian Government works while making fun of it. It's semi educational and definitely provides food for thought in all of the 19 chapters:

Advisory, Parliament - The Pox on Both Our Houses, We Should Not Speak Ill of the Senate, The Commons -- The Lower (Much Lower) House, The Power Trip (Scenic Route), The Prime Minister, The Cabinet, The Monarchy, The Parties, Choosing the Party Leader, The Election -- How Everyone Gets to Share the Blame, Provincial Politics -- A Regional Disturbance, The Oracle of Media, The Opinion Poll, Separation, The Canadian Civil War, Americanada, Where Canadian Politicians Come From and Rehabilitating the Image.

I had the pleasure of learning new things, having my interest piqued lots and of course, I often laughed out loud at the humour.

My favourite quote had to be:

Canada is often described as "a country of immigrants." This annoys the hell out of the native Indians, who have been here long enough to qualify as residents.

This is the first book I have read by Eric Nicol and I am sure it won't be my last. The author is a 3 time winner of the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour. Whatever your level of knowledge when it comes to Canadian Politics, this book is a gem.

Diary: A Novel by Chuck Palahniuk

Published by Anchor Books - An Imprint of Random House

This books follows the life of Misty Kleinman, a promising art student who finds her life going down a very different path after meeting "the walking Peter" Peter Wilmot who proposes to her and takes her to live with him on the local island.

The book brings us in as Misty is taking calls for her husband who works in construction. His clients are starting to call with complaints of missing rooms in their homes and as she goes to investigate one such call where the client has rediscovered the sealed off room, she realises that there is so much she didn't know.

The whole island seems to be pushing her to find her inspiration and begin painting again. Misty is happy just waiting tables at the hotel until a fall keeps her away from work, and away from the mysterious trail of clues which all began with one cryptic message beneath a table at work. "choose any book at the library". Will she ever find the answers to her questions and if she does, will it be too late?

The whole book is a rollercoaster of a ride and you just won't be able to put this book down. The complex characters are a joy to discover and the storyline will keep you guessing constantly. This book has so many twists and turns all of which lead to an ending that will leave you amazed at the skill this author has for weaving an exceptional, mysterious tale. A tale which is darker than most but doesn't shine any less brilliantly because of it.

I loved the way he sprinkles the story with emotional weather forecasts such as: Just for the record, the weather today is bitter with occasional fits of jealous rage. There were more than a few quotes I liked in this book also but my favourite is probably:

Leonardo's Mona Lisa is just a thousand smears of paint. Michelangelo's David is just a million hits with a hammer. We're all of us a million bits put together the right way.

If the rest of his books are as great as this one. I know I am going to be hooked on this author.

Official Fan site: http://www.chuckpalahniuk.net/

Author's website? http://www.chuckpalahniuk.com/