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Book Tour: A Friendly Town That’s Almost Always by the Ocean

Have you ever wanted to visit a town that was different from anywhere else? Welcome to TopSea: A Friendly Town That’s Almost Always by the Ocean. A new book by authors Kir Fox and M. Shelley Coats. I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

About A Friendly Town That’s Almost Always by the Ocean

Welcome to Topsea, the strangest place you’ll ever visit. In this town, the coves are bottomless and the pier has no end in sight. THere’s a high tide and a low tide … and a vanishing tide. Dogs are a myth, but mermaids are totally real. ANd whatever you do, don’t make eye contact with the rubber ducks!

New kid Davy definitely thinks Topsea is strange. His mom keeps saying they’ll get used to life in their new town – it’s just the way things are on the coast! But after his first day at Topsea School, Davy finds himself wondering: Why is his locker all the way at the bottom of the school swimming pool? Why can’t anyone remember his name? (It’s DAVY!) And why does everyone act like all of this is normal?!

About The Authors: Kir Fox and M. Shelley Coats

Kir Fox (Kirsten Hubbard) and M. Shelley Coats (Michelle Schusterman) are great friends, longtime critique partners, and ardent consumers of the strange and unusual.

Kirsten is the author of the middle-grade novels Watch the Sky and Race the Night (Disney-Hyperion), and the young adult novels Like Mandarin and Wanderlove (Delacorte Press/Random House Children’s Books). She lives in Los Angeles.

Michelle is the author of the middle-grade series I Heart Band and the Kat Sinclair Files (Grosset/Penguin), and the middle-grade novels Olive and the Backstage Ghost and the forthcoming Spell & Spindle (Random House Children’s Books). She is also the coauthor of the YA novel The Pros of Cons (Scholastic). She lives in New York City.

My Thoughts on A Friendly Town That’s Almost Always by the Ocean

Do you remember reading Sideways Stories of Wayside School as a kid? Well, get ready for more odd tales, weird mannerisms, and a town that thinks it’s all perfectly normal. I actually read Sideways Stories to my kids last year, and they thought it was a hoot. Now I can share a new book with them, following the same concept of short stories all taking place in the same abnormal – or is it? – town.

A Friendly Town That’s Almost Always by the Ocean is reminiscent of those days of childhood oddity. I was drawn originally by the title of this middle-grade novel. How can a town be almost always by an ocean? This book has not disappointed. I love that this book does have an underlying plot following new kid Davy as he tried to adjust to his new town.

Along with the short stories – news articles, PTA (picky troglodyte association) flyers, student surveys, and excerpts from other books are scattered between the chapters. This set up is enjoyable and a fun break to the stories, that only enhances the experience of the reader.

April 26, 2018
How To Turn Your Grown-Up Into A Robot and Other Coding Stories

How to Turn Your Grown-Up Into A Robot and Other Coding Stories will hook your kids on this book while familiarizing themselves with the language of coding. I received a copy of these coding stories in exchange for a post. All opinions are my own.

When I was a kid, our computer was a a bulky monitor that required ms-dos. A bit of coding language was required to go anywhere, and I even remember one game that was basically just a story of text. What we typed would determine what happened next. I remember getting a lot of errors as I wasn’t using the correct coding.

My kids never had anything like that. Instead they are surrounded by technology, where all the coding is done behind the screens. They push some ready made buttons, and know exactly what will happen. However, I still feel it’s important they learn about coding. As the world continues to become more technologically advanced, it seems it will be required for just about any job in the future.

From our phones to our homes, life is being run through coding, and while I fully support these advances, I still want my children to enjoy screen-free time and a chance to let their minds rest.

That being said, I absolutely love this book from CodeSpeak. It removes the screen from coding and gets back to good old paper learning.

I don’t know a single kid that wouldn’t love to control their parents – if even for just a little bit. Parents, get ready to engage and make your kids laugh out loud as you read How To Turn Your Grown-Up Into A Robot. The first of 3 stories in this book gets kids thinking about robots, how they’re made, and how they receive commands.

The second story brings screens to life as kids play with the Scratch Jr Kitten, and give him a friend. Through multiple options, kids create the scene for Scratch Jr. Kitten.

My favorite story, is Level 3: Do You love Cookies?

Maybe it’s because I love cookies. It’s probably because I love cookies.

In the last of the coding stories, kids see the code written out. They see how it affects change in a program. From building the cookie to eating the cookie, level 3 will familiarize kids with the language of coding.

For more coding fun beyond the book, check out CodeSpeak Labs. You’ll find how to bring more coding into your school, and kids can have fun with an Hour Of Code.

April 20, 2018
Live Your Life: 14 Days to the Best You by Ann LeFevre
It’s time to start living your life. If you feel yourself in a rut, and not sure who you are anymore, you’ll want to check out Live Your Life by Ann Lefevre. I received a copy for review. All opinions are my own.

About Live Your Life

Live Your Life: 14 Days to the Best You is a transformative resource for exposing your mental blocks and building a bridge to success. Through daily lessons and easy-to-follow action items, Dr. LeFevre will guide you along the path of self-discovery, growth, and acceptance.

In Live Your Life, you’ll discover:
- How to pinpoint your sources of dissatisfaction and enact meaningful change
- How to acquire new skills in the pursuit of your goals
- How to reframe your story through the lens of compassion
- How to manage stressors and reduce the risk of stress-induced health issues
- How to create a strategy for taking your life to the next level, and more!
About Ann Lefevre

Dr Ann Lefevre is a Licensed Clinical Socal Worker, Certified Massage Therapist, and a Certified Acupressurist. SHe is the founder of Restore Body and Soul, a health and wellness enterprise designed to meet the therapeutic needs of the whole person using research-backed Western and time-tested Eastern techniques. Restore Body and Soul offers counseling for concerns such as depression, anxiety, insomnia and PTSD, as well as therapeutic and acupressure massage.

After working as a psychotherapist for nearly 20 years, Dr Lefevre has decided to share a series of lessons in her book, Live Your Life: 14 Days to the Best You. These lessons have inspired countless clients to take control of their lives, manage stress naturally and holistically, enjoy lives filled with meaning and value, and to start living the lives they always dreamed of.

My thoughts on Live Your Life

Absolutely loved this book! If you are looking for a self-help type book, this is the one I would recommend. I’ve read a lot of good books to guide me through different aspects of life, but this one came at the perfect time for me.

I often find myself rushing through life. From one “have to get this done” to the next. This is not how this book is meant to be. There was a day or two in the 14 days that I could have skipped. Areas I didn’t feel I needed to work on in my life, but I chose to really embrace her steps. So rather than skipping them, or rushing through it, I took time every day to read Ann’s words and then think about them.

Here’s what I’ve come away doing after reading Live Your Life: I now am more conscious of and try harder to up my water intake. I found a new hobby to pursue. I have become aware of the negative thoughts I tell myself which makes it easier to push those thoughts away.

See more of my thoughts on living your dreams.
April 13, 2018
Book Tour: Charlie and Frog by Karen Kane

Welcome back to another book tour! Today I’m telling you about Charlie & Frog by Karen Kane. I received a copy of the book in exchange for my thoughts.

About Charlie and Frog

All Charlie Tickler wants is for his parents to listen.

Charlie’s parents have left him (again). This time they are off to South Africa to help giant golden moles. And Charlie? He’s been dumped with his TV-obsessed grandparents. Lonely and curious, Charlie heads into the village of Castle-on-the-Hudson, where a frightened old woman gives him a desperate message – in sign language. When the woman suddenly disappears, Charlie is determined to find answers.

All Francine (AKA Frog) Castle wants is to be the world’s greatest detective.

Frog, who is deaf, would rather be solving crimes than working at the Flying Hands Cafe. When Charlie Tickler walks into the cafe looking for help, Frog jumps at the chance to tackle a real-life (maybe) murder mystery.

Together, Charlie and Frog set out to decipher a series of clues and uncover the truth behind the missing woman’s message. Charlie needs to learn American Sign Language (fast) to keep up with quick-witted Frog. And Frog needs to gather her detective know-how (now) to solve the case before it’s too late.

About Karen Kane

Charlie and Frog is Karen’s first novel! Her path led her from a small village near Rochester, New York, to the bustle of Washington DC. The people she met along the way inspired her writing with their warmth and humor, especially those in the deaf community.

Karen graduated fro the National Technical Institute for the Deaf and received her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. When she’s not writing, Karen spends her days as a sign language interpreter at Gallaudet University or lost in the stacks of her local library.

Learn more at her website.

My Thoughts on Charlie and Frog

My Mom was born deaf in one ear. We never had to learn sign language because she has one perfectly good ear. I always wondered though what my life would have been like growing up if she was completely deaf. Learning American Sign Language never took a priority, but rather earned a spot on my bucket list of things I’d like to do.

Enter Charlie and Frog. What an interesting novel. The inside cover has the full alphabet in ASL. Before even diving into the book I went through and retaught myself the letters. There’s always those few that I can’t remember – g and r. To my utter delight, each chapter is named with sign language.

Once I got past the uniqueness of incorporating sign language so fully into Charlie and Frog I settled into the story. As an adult, I’m really struggling with the lack of attention any of the adults in the story have for the kids. As a middle-grade novel, however, I can see kids loving this view of the adults. The story is intriguing, and as a mystery really holds the readers’ attention.

I can’t wait to get this into my kids’ hands, and then work together on learning more ASL!

Purchase Charlie and Frog at your local bookstore or through the Amazon link below.

April 11, 2018
Book Tour: Burning Magic by Joshua Khan

Welcome welcome! I’m so glad you stopped by to learn more about Book 3 in the Shadow Magic series: Burning Magic. I was sent a copy of the book in exchange for my thoughts.

About Burning Magic

In Book 3 of a 3-book series, when Lily, aka the “witch queen” and bat-rider extraordinaire Thorn travel to Sultanate of Fire, things go terribly wrong. Instead of celebrating a reunion with their old friend K’leed, they are thrust into royal murder, an epic quest, and a deadly battle for the throne.

While investigating the murder, Lily learns shocking truths about her life that could destroy all she has achieved. Yet, among the ruins of her old life, she has the opportunity to become someone greater…and more terrifying.

Thorn and the magnificent bat, Hades, join the timid K’leef and the idiotic Gabriel Solar in a quest to find a phoenix. These fire birds are the key to saving the sultanate, but they nest within the Shardlands. The boys must defeat not only the monsters of that magical wilderness, but also rivals eager to claim the throne for themselves. Rivals that include a renegade from House Shadow…

About Joshua Khan

Joshua was born in Britain, the land filled with ancient castles, dark forests, and tales of legendary heroes and fantastical monsters. He has visited King Arthur’s grave and stood at the ancient oak where Robin Hood once gathered his Merry Men.

His head stuffed with magical stories, it was inevitable that Joshua would want to create some of his own. Hence the Shadow Magic Series.

Josh lives in London with his family, but he’d rather live in a castle. It wouldn’t have to be very big, just as long as it had battlements.

Follow Joshua on Twitter and visit his website to learn more.

My Thoughts on Burning Magic

I picked this one up to read with the kids on our spring break vacation. It seemed the right length, and full of magic, surely would hold their attention. I hadn’t realized it was book 3 at first, and so without the background and friendship building of the first 2 books, most of the children took little interest.

Chloe, however, loved it. Hanging on to every word, she asked me every spare second we had to please keep reading. She laughed at Gabriel’s idiocy, and thought the love blooming though unmentioned between Thorn and Lilly to be quite silly.

During breaks from our reading she recounted all that her siblings had missed, with a certain kind of joy you can only find in a child.

For her enjoyment, I’d say this book was a hit! There were few parts I thought felt a little dark, or pushing on the limits of dark magic being appropriate – however, after reading the whole book I came to appreciate the way Lilly looks at her kind of magic, and how death shouldn’t be feared. At least not as long as you’ve lived a good life.

Purchase Burning Magic on Amazon

April 9, 2018
Hygge: Learning to Relax and Enjoy the Simple Things

Hygge: pronounced hoo-guh.

The Danish word means feeling cozy contentment while enjoying the simple things that life has to offer.

When I first heard of hygge, I pictured myself curled up on our couch, a fire blazing in our non-existent fireplace, a good book in my lap, and a cup of hot cocoa in my hand.

Hygge will look different for everyone. Some people may enjoy hygge while out walking. Others may enjoy it while surrounded by their friends and family with the noise of conversation and laughter.

I find hygge more in the silent moments. Moments of reflection. Sometimes while watching my children play from a distance, though most often I find it in the simple accomplishments of my day to day activities.

Many of you may recall when I first began writing I would show you before and afters of my very messy and disorganized home. Those posts brought me a feeling of contentment. As I took the time to organize our home into the cozy space I desired, I could enjoy the little moments of my life more.

So in honor of finding hygge, I’m going to share another before and after.

I love this desk. We acquired it for free when some friends moved across the country and didn’t want to take it with them. It sits under the east-facing window in my bedroom and gets a beautiful morning glow across it.

It is also easy to cover it with ‘to do’ and ‘take care of later’ items. Basically rendering it completely useless for anything I’d like to use it for. Last week on my kids’ chore list, I had them clean off their desks. They were atrocious and unusable. I wonder where they got that from….

Obviously, I couldn’t be a hypocrite of a mother, so I went to work cleaning off my desk as well.

Now that the space is cleaned off, I can enjoy more intentional moments of hygge. Whether it’s reading a book, coloring in my Hygge Happy coloring book, or planning my spring garden – I’ve now got the space to do that. Just looking at this cleaned up area brings a little of that cozy contented feeling into my life.

Hygge Happy: Coloring Pages for a Cozy Life

The coloring book featured in this post is full of beautiful artwork that you get to color! Each page is inspired by something that could be a source of contentment in someone’s life – maybe yours. On the back of each coloring page is an idea on how you can add a little bit of that hygge feeling to your daily life.

Check out the artists at Robin Pickens Blog and April Heather Art. Then purchase a copy of Hygge Happy on Amazon today.

March 30, 2018
Book Club: The Rent Collector by Camron Wright + Banana Slice Bar Recipe
If you haven’t had a chance to read The Rent Collector by Camron Wright yet, put it on your list!

I thought it would be fun this year if I shared a book every month that I’m reading with my local book club. If you happen to be local and want a good book club to join, let me know! I’m a bit late getting started, but you all don’t mind overlapping some books each month right?

In January I hosted our club. We were discussing The Rent Collector by Camron Wright. This is a book I highly encourage everyone to read! It was my first taste of author Camron Wright, and I got hooked. Shortly after reading this one, I borrowed The Orphan Keeper because I needed more of this type of storytelling.

Storytelling. The finest kind is what you will find when reading The Rent Collector. Camron Wright based The Rent Collector off a documentary his son filmed called River of Victory. The book takes the real struggles and story of the family in this documentary and fictionalizes them just enough to fill in gaps and do what a good story does – grab at our emotions and pull us in.

The Rent Collector by Camron Wright

Survival for Ki Lim and Sang Ly is a daily battle at Stung Meanchey, the largest municipal waste dump in all of Cambodia. They make their living scavenging recyclables from the trash. Life would be hard enough without the worry for their chronically ill child, Nisay, and the added expense of medicines that are not working.

Just when things seem worst, Sang Ly learns a secret about the ill-tempered rent collector who comes demanding money – a secret that sets in motion a tide that will change the life of everyone it sweeps past. The Rent Collector is a story of hope, of one womans journey to save her son and another womans chance at redemption. It demonstrates that even in a dump in Cambodia – perhaps especially in a dump in Cambodia – everyone deserves a second chance.

Since I was hosting Book Club, I had to have a snack to share. I recalled that I had a Cambodian Cookbook – not sure why I have one – and started browsing through that. This recipe for Banana Slice was the perfect sharable treat, and they served well with Coconut Ice Cream.

Along with the bars and ice cream, I whipped up a mango pineapple drink – diced mango and pineapple blended well. Add a bit of Stevia and lots of water.

We had a pretty nice evening discussing different aspects of the book. The characters, and what was real verse fiction. Since I had read the book on my phone – thank you Hoopla – I missed out on seeing photos of the family. Luckily one lady had brought her copy and I got to connect even more with this family through their photos.
Banana Slice

2018-03-19 11:33:14

Taste Cambodia while discussing The Rent Collector at your next book club.

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Ingredients

3 bananas, mushed

2 eggs

3/4 cup rice flour*

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 cup coconut milk

pinch of salt

2 egg yolks

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350F

Mix the rice flour with the bananas.

Mix in the brown sugar

Add coconut milk and whole eggs. Stir until well combined.

Pour into a 9×13 baking pan.

Bake for 10 minutes.

Whip the egg yolks. Brush on top of the bars.

Bake for another 10 minutes.

Let cool.

Notes

*I used a gluten free flour from Pillsbury. It is partially made with rice flour.

Adapted from Nyum Bai!

Adapted from Nyum Bai!

Home Maid Simple https://www.homemaidsimple.com/
The above recipe came from the book Nyum Bai! If you would like to purchase a copy to enjoy more Cambodian foods, consider purchasing from the Green Gecko Project as they put all the proceeds back into helping kids get off the streets in Cambodia.

Now this is a book club, so I feel the need to ask a question. If you have read the book, I’d love to know your thoughts

Do you think Sopeap was looking for redemption? Or did it just fall in her lap?

Next book discussion will be When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
March 19, 2018
Don’t Ever Look Behind Door 32 book review

I received a copy of Don’t Ever Look Behind Door 32 for review. All opinions are my own.

Don’t Ever Look Behind Door 32

by BCR Fegan and Illustrated by Lenny Wen.

The magical Hotel of Hoo is a mysterious place with some very unusual occupants. As our guests explore the strange hotel, they are invited to experience everything it has to offer with just one warning … don’t ever look behind door 32!

This picture book aims to take children beyond the first 10 cardinal numbers, and introduces them to the patterns of counting in a fun and accessible way. With rooms to explore and unique objects to count,

You can learn more about author B.C.R Fegan here and illustrator Lenny Wen here.

Our Thoughts

Absolutely love this book! My first thought when looking at the cover was that it reminded me of A Series of Unfortunate Events. Unlike that popular and riveting series, the children in this book are never in any harm. Rather they get to explore a hotel and find new friends behind every door. Well, every door but door 32. Don’t ever look behind door 32.

I love how this book introduces counting in a way that the kids don’t even realize they are counting. With the repetition of Door 32, it makes it easy to read with Lincoln as he is still learning to read. He caught on to door 32 pretty quick and was able to read the numbers along with me. It goes beyond counting, so yes parents, this is one you can read over and over again.

Purchase on Amazon

One day I walked into our family room just as Rosie put it down once again. She giggled, not knowing I was in the room with her. Out loud she quietly whispered, “That’s a good book”.

Any parent knows that when they catch their child in moments like that, it’s a winner.

March 14, 2018
Scalloped Potatoes from Valerie’s Home Cooking
Enjoy this simple side dish of scalloped potatoes and let it remind you of a time long past. I received Valerie’s Home Cooking in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you click on and make a purchase through them.

Scalloped potatoes. Kind of a mundane side dish. Easy to make, this dish may often get looked over.

For me, it’s more than just sliced potatoes and cheese. When I eat scalloped potatoes I can’t help but think of my Grandmother. She could make potatoes into just about anything. Living on a farm, during the depression years, potatoes were a part of every meal. She once told me that she had to eat potatoes in some form every day.

As I shingled the potatoes across the top of my casserole to get a nice look of uniformity, I couldn’t help but picture Grandma’s hands. A hard worker, she taught herself how to do everything. From sewing to baking, and she was good at it all. My hands covered in cream, I pictured hers slicing potatoes, working pie dough, and refusing to write down any of her recipes because there were “no recipes to write down”.

Since I don’t have Grandma’s recipes, I look for home cooking like hers in recipe books like Valerie Bertinelli’s – Valerie’s Home Cooking. Full of delicious recipes, and anecdotes that make you feel at home, I love this book and the recipes inside.

Enjoy this excerpt and recipe from Valeri’s Home Cooking for Scalloped Potatoes:

When you get a craving for a rich, creamy, indulgent potato, say for a holiday family get-together or, in my case, a birthday or a book club gathering, this should be your first choice: scalloped potatoes. To slice the peeled potatoes, use a sharp knife if that’s your preference, or, if you’re like me, get out your mandoline and enjoy turning out perfectly round and thin cuts that can be laid flat and piled high in the baking dish. I get a kick out of watching this dish come together; each step is clearly defined, different, and yet essential. Now, I’m aware that a traditional scalloped potato does not include cheese, and that adding cheese to this recipe technically makes it a potato au gratin, but so what? I got this recipe from my mom, who called it Scalloped Potatoes, and out of respect for her, I’m going to continue this rich tradition of misinformation. When all is said and eaten, I think the only question you’ll be asked is the same one I get afterward: “When will you make this again?”

Doesn’t that just sound perfect and homey? Definitely the kind of misinformation my Grandma would have enjoyed sharing as well.
Scalloped Potatoes

2017-12-22 08:40:32

Serves 12

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Prep Time

20 min

Cook Time

1 hr 55 min

Total Time

2 hr 15 min
Prep Time

20 min

Cook Time

1 hr 55 min

Total Time

2 hr 15 min

Ingredients

4 large russet potatoes (about 3 3/4 pounds), peeled

1 1/2 teaspoons table salt

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere Cheese

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 F. Lightly grease a 13-x-9-inch baking dish. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, cut the potatoes into 1/8-inch-thick slices. Toss together the potatoes, salt, and 3/4 cup of the cream in a large bowl.

Spread half of the potato micture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with 1 cup of the cheese, and shingle the remaining potato slices over the cheese. Pour the remaining 3/4 cup cream evenly over the potatoes and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Cover loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 1 hours and 20 minutes.

Uncover and bake until the potatoes are tender and the cheese if golden brown, 20 to 30 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, and cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Variation: Don’t have heavy cream on hand? Use half-and-half or even whole milk. Try Manchego instead of Gruyere cheese.

Make Ahead: To get ahead, peel and cut the potatoes ahead of time but keep them in cold water so that they don’t brown.

By Valerie Bertinelli

Adapted from Valerie’s Home Cooking

Adapted from Valerie’s Home Cooking

Home Maid Simple https://www.homemaidsimple.com/
Next on my list to make from Valerie’s Home Cooking is Mom’s Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and the Hamburger Helpa.
December 22, 2017
Winter Reads for the Whole Family from Disney

Winter is a wonderful time to cozy up in a warm blanket and break out some new books. These new titles from Disney caught my eye as there was a little something for our whole family. It’s time for some new winter reads! I received these winter reads from Disney in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you click through and make a purchase.

William’s Winter Nap

Written by Linda Ashman, this story follows a young boy getting ready for a little nap. Every time he lays down, though, there’s a knock and an animal looking for a warm place to stay. This is such a heartwarming book that teaches the lesson of sharing – no matter who it is. Chuck Groenink’s artwork is dreamy and something to pay close attention to.

We have fallen in love with William’s Winter Nap. I could read it over and over to my kids and never get bored of the pictures or words. From our youngest to our oldest, this is a book that truly the whole family will enjoy.

Beatrice Zinker Upside Down Thinker

Everyone in Beatrice’s family is normal. They sit up straight, they are smart, and they do things by the rules. Everyone that is but Beatrice. Shelley Johannes has created a masterpiece for kids everywhere who think outside the box and do things their own way. We started reading this one as a family when we were early for a competition one day. The kids groaned when I told them we’d be sitting in the car while I read them this new book. It only took a page before my audience was captured and they wanted to skip the spelling competition and keep reading.

I can not recommend this book enough! It’s an easy read, perfect for kids transitioning from picture books to chapter books with a scattering of line drawings throughout. Whenever my own Upside Down Thinker gets up to her antics, I remind myself that it’s OK, and join in her fun. However, I have drawn the line at climbing trees higher than the telephone wires.

Suspect Red

Wow.

What a read. While the style of writing by L.M. Elliott is focused for middle-grade readers, I would urge parents to read this one first. There is some language in it that I was not expecting from a Disney or middle-grade reader. However, it’s still a fabulous read, and I would encourage teen readers to pick up a copy this winter.

Full of intrigue, espionage, and 007 type work, Suspect Red puts McCarthyism in a spotlight that can’t be ignored. Each chapter begins with actual news clippings from the time period featuring people like McCarthy, Hoover, Truman, and the Rosenbergs. After reading Suspect Red, I took a long breath. Have we pushed such a time under the rug? Do we just glaze over McCarthyism in school? This is US history, albeit told from a fictional family’s point of view, the facts of the time are still there.

What’s on your Winter Reads list?

December 4, 2017