The Box From Braunau : In Search of my Father's War by Jan Elvin

It seems that our U. S. veterans keep many war stories to themselves. They are trained in the U. S. military, become patriotic comrades with each other, sent off to war, sometimes return home a hero, then never share the experiences with their family. That was the life Jan Elvin lived with her father. He was a World War II veteran and hero who kept his stories tucked away in his memory.

It was a metal box that always sat on her father's desk that was opened upon his death, that spurred Jan Elvin to write The Box From Braunau : In Search of my Father's War. She intersperses the journal writings of her father with actual events that she researched matching the timeline and places where her father was stationed. As she explored his experiences, she came to the realization that her father had suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). His was undiagnosed but the author's insight points to PTSD which would explain her father's silences and anxieties.

This is a dry read but does give you, the reader, an empathy for those who serve our country in particular those who see battle. We must honor their commitment and its impact on their families.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick: The Movie Hugo

Hollywood has been busy turning great books into exciting movies! The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick is out now as the movie Hugo. The book won the Caldecott Medal for illustrations in 2008 so it only makes sense that the movie should also be cutting-edge 3D imagery. Martin Scorsese has directed the movie and I'm very pleased that Asa Butterfield was selected to play Hugo - he has the perfect eyes! If you've read the book, you'll know from the illustrations how crucial the eyes are to the mysterious elements.

Enjoy this movie trailer and pick up a copy of the book from your library!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

The Hunger Games: Movie Trailer

First glimpse at The Hunger Games movie. Exciting!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Miles From Ordinary by Carol Lynch Williams

You've got that right! The title speaks volumes. Miles From Ordinary by Carol Lynch Williams reveals a home life that truly IS NOT ordinary. Young Lacey, 13 years old, is trying to keep the life she shares with her Momma together. At her young age, she can barely cope with the troubles her Momma encounters.

From the first page you will feel like you are peeking into a place you have no business knowing. This is a suspenseful story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You'll feel sorry for Lacey and her teasing at school, lack of friends, and missing her Aunt Linda. You'll cheer her on as she finds a way out of this life and her dreams that Momma can hold down a simple job at a Winn-Dixie grocery store. When a nice looking young man from her school and neighborhood befriends her, you'll know how important his friendship can be to her survival. You'll be swept along with this story trying to make sense of Momma, Lacey, and Aunt Linda's situation.

Lacey loves her mentally ill mother yet resents her, too. She's angry at her Aunt Linda for moving away leaving Lacey alone with Momma. She's desperate to have an ordinary life with friends she can bring into their home and a job she can enjoy. All of this will unfold slowly and darkly as you peek into Lacey's life.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

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