River House: a Memoir by Sarahlee Lawrence

I already know who I'm going to recommend this book to. I think she might like this one. Although, based on the title, I never would have guessed River House: a Memoir by Sarahlee Lawrence would reveal the tough life on a ranch.

This is a true adventure story. River rafting in South America, log home building by hand in the frigid U.S. north, maintaining cattle on a ranch, longing for a life away from these struggles, Ms. Lawrence takes us on her journey and to the edge of our seats. This is also the story of a daughter's relationship with her father. You will see parallels between Sarahlee's hopes and dreams and those of her father.

She's a young woman, an only child, trying to find her place in the world. An expert guide for river rafting, she's been away from her parent's home in Oregon several years when she longs to return home. Her work as a guide is tiresome and physically draining. Life back on the family ranch is not easy either. The author is one hard-working, tough gal. She sets her sights on high goals and wants to achieve them herself.

When you finish reading River House: a Memoir, be sure to check out Ms. Lawrence's website. Her photos will bring to life all that you've experienced while following her story. You'll see that beyond what learned from her memoir, Sarahlee is one courageous woman. She has taken life by the horns and there is no stopping her. Kudos to her and others who experience life to the fullest!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

The Cardturner : a Novel About a King, a Queen, and a Joker by Louis Sachar

This may be the first YA novel about playing the card game of bridge that I've ever seen. Growing up in a home where my parents played bridge and were active members of bridge clubs, I had to give The Cardturner by Louis Sachar a try.

Alton is 17 years old and his great uncle needs him. Uncle Lester Trapp is wealthy, in poor health, blind, and an avid bridge player. To continue to play bridge, he needs someone to be his "eyes" at the bridge tournaments - a cardturner. As many great uncles in novels, Uncle Lester is also a bit cantankerous. Alton is a typical teen, a bit lackadaisical, looking for a focus to his life AND a girlfriend. Yes, there is also a love story here.

What I didn't expect in this novel were all the details about the art of playing bridge including some play-by-play tricks taken at the bridge table. Although I have tried to play bridge and understand some of what's involved, I will admit that I scanned over the bridge plays. As it turns out, the author, Louis Sachar is also an avid bridge player.

Alton finds himself immersed in Uncle Lester's bridge world and friends. Over time he develops an appreciation for the skills needed to play. You may guess it, before this novel is done, Alton does become a bridge player in his own right. Now that is not a "spoiler" for you, the reader, because there is much to enjoy in this book. If you don't play bridge or even card games, this may not be a book for you. If you enjoy your grandparents or other elderly relatives, you'll want to give this a chance.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Death Cloud by Andrew Lane

Who hasn't heard of Sherlock Holmes. The use of the name Sherlock, as in "I'm no Sherlock, but ..." is part of our popular culture meaning how adept someone is at figuring things out. Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective in a series of short stories and novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle from the late nineteenth century to early twentieth century. The stories have stood the test of time and the character, Sherlock Holmes, is gaining new popularity due to both television and movies based on him.

Andrew Lane wrote Death Cloud to bring the Sherlock Holmes character back to life but as a young teen. In all of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's writings we learn very little of Holmes' early years. What life experiences gave him the ability to see details in events to help him solve mysteries? Why was he able to see the big picture? Who were his friends and teachers? What about his family - parents and siblings?

In Death Cloud we meet Sherlock as he is leaving a boys school for the summer. He must board with an elderly aunt and uncle because his immediate family can not take him in. It is there that he joins with a homeless young man and a tutor. Together they solve the mystery - the death cloud they see is actually hovering swarms of bees. But why?

Read Death Cloud by Andrew Lane to meet young Sherlock Holmes and see what's up with all the bee hives and bees. If you find that you're intrigued and want more, the Afterward that the author leaves the reader with will fuel your appetite and point you in the right direction to discover more about Sherlock Holmes.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

The Hunger Games, the movie

I hope you're excited about the upcoming movie based on Suzanne Collins' book, The Hunger Games. The premier is expected in March 2012 but the cast can be seen at this Entertainment E-online article. Based on this cover of Katniss Everdeen, to be played by Jennifer Lawrence, I'd say we're in for a great movie! Doesn't she look exactly like you imagined Katniss to look? She sure does for me.

Catching Fire, the sequel to The Hunger Games, will have its movie premiere November 2013.

Read my blog post on the book The Hunger Games.

Read my blog post on the book Catching Fire.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

The Things a Brother Knows by Dana Reinhardt

Brothers and sisters - relationships that are for a lifetime. We love our brothers, we love our sisters but they can sure frustrate us. The Things a Brother Knows by Dana Reinhardt certainly proves that true.

Levi and Boaz. You'll feel their love for each other, you'll know their pains. Boaz is the town hero. He has just returned from a tour-of-duty with the U.S. Marines in a desert country. The town is very proud of him and thankful for his service. Levi, his 17 year old brother, has always lived in Bo's shadow. Now he's benefiting from his brother's heroism: high-fives from high school students he's not known, the attention of girls, and a new, plum job. Yet the reality in their home is that Bo is NOT doing too well. He's spending his days alone in his room not willing to talk to family or friends. Everyone is willing to give Bo some time knowing it can't be easy to return to civilian life. Levi is not so sure. He believes Boaz is planning something - a trip away from home.

When Bo does set out on foot heading to Washington, DC, Levi wants to follow. Bo will have none of that, he wants to hike alone. With the help of family and friends, Levi persists and Bo reluctantly, silently accepts his presence. Mind you, they are walking hundreds of miles for days on end to DC! What can brothers do spending that much time together? Will they regain the closeness they once shared? Why DC? What is Bo looking for in our national capital?

You'll be surprised. You'll learn about what it takes to be a U.S. Marine. You'll feel sympathy for this family. You'll burst with pride for Levi and Bo. And you'll likely shed a tear - it's that good!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Dewey: The Small - Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicky Myron with Bret Witter

Look at this face! Isn't this a most precious kitty face? Who wouldn't fall in love with this cutie? Dewey Readmore Books was found in the library's book return drop box one very cold January morning in Spencer, Iowa. The library staff is used to finding all sorts of things in that drop box but this frigid morning they heard a noise - a meow! From that moment on, Dewey became a permanent resident of the library.

When you pick up Dewey: The Small - Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicky Myron, you'll read about all of his antics, his comfort spots, his temperament, and how Dewey connected with the library patrons. He was a source of comfort for many. Before long, Dewey's story was shared - he was famous! He was on the cover of Iowa library newsletters, the local Spencer newspaper, in Cat Fancy magazine, and more.

To this day, the Spencer Public Library still dedicates a web page to the story of Dewey. If you're a cat lover, a fan of libraries, or just want a comfort book to curl up with, definitely check Dewey: The Small - Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicky Myron out from your library.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Sync

Good news! Free audio books! I wrote about this last summer and Sync is back! Mark your calendars now so you don't miss any of the titles offered. You can even have Sync text reminders to you. The fun begins June 23rd. Dates, titles, and texting info are below -- see you @ Sync!

Mrs. Boehm

SYNC YA Literature into Your Earphones

2 Free Audiobook Downloads Each Week

June 23 - August 17, 2011

Teens and other readers of Young Adult Literature will have the opportunity to listen to bestselling titles and required reading classics this summer. Each week from June 23 - August 17, 2011, SYNC will offer two free audiobook downloads.

The audiobook pairings will include a popular YA title and a classic that connects with the YA title's theme and is likely to show up on a student's summer reading lists. For example, Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, the first book in a popular series with strong allusions to Romeo & Juliet, will be paired with Shakespeare's classic.

To find out when you can download titles to listen to on the run this summer, visit www.AudiobookSync.com or text syncya to 25827

SYNC Titles

Summer 2011

6/23/11 - 6/29/11

Shiver By Maggie Stiefvater

Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare

6/30/11-7/6/11

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

The Trial by Franz Kafka

7/7/11-7/13/11

Where the Streets Had a Name by Randa Abdel-Fattah

A Passage to India by E. M. Forster

7/14/11-7/20/11

The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney

Beowulf by Francis B. Gummere [Trans.]

7/21/11-7/27/11

Chanda's Secrets by Allan Stratton

Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy

7/28/11-8/3/11

Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari

Rescue: Stories of Survival From Land and Sea by Dorcas S. Miller [Ed.]

8/4/11-8/10/11

Immortal by Gillian Shields

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

8/11/11-8/17/11

Storm Runners by Roland Smith

The Cay by Theodore Taylor