November 20, 2015

Book Review: Bob Dylan: All the Songs

Katie November 20, 2015 1Comment

I love these books that go on about every song in an artists catalog (and maybe they give me ideas about compiling the same about a certain band I have a fansite for).

This book includes the story behind every track, information such as the musician, recording studios, run time of the songs, technical team, etc.  Basically everything and anything you have ever wanted to know about Bob Dylan’s songs.

The book is 700+ pages, which makes sense because it covers a LOT of ground.  A very interesting read.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

This is the most comprehensive account of Bob Dylan’s work yet published with the full story of every recording session, every album, and every single released during his remarkable and illustrious 53-year career.
Bob Dylan: All the Songs focuses on Dylan’s creative process and his organic, unencumbered style of recording. It is the only book to tell the stories, many unfamiliar even to his most fervent fans, behind all the 525 songs he released. Organized chronologically by album, Margotin and Guesdon recount the details that led to the composition of Dylan’s recorded songs, what went on in the recording studio, what instruments he used, and behind-the-scenes account of the great artists that Dylan worked with.

Book Review: Until Beth

Katie November 20, 2015 0Comment

Until Beth got off to a bit of a crazy start – every chapter it seemed like someone was gone, dead, or injured.  But it was all downhill from there for me.  After her brother is injured, her Mom decides to relocate the family to a home that will be more accessible.  Beth had gotten the chance to audition for a special school that at first she didn’t want to go to, but after her Mom announces the move she decides maybe she should audition after all.  She gets in to the school but all the kids there seem to have some secrets going on.  Unfortunately I found things were moving a bit too slowly for me and sometime after she got to school I decided the book was no longer for me.  Other reviews mentioned this being a book similar to XMen, so I guess you can maybe figure out what the “secret” is from that. Or maybe not.  I wish I could have liked this book more, it seemed to get off to such a good start but completely lost my interest.  This is a YA read, which usually I do enjoy, but maybe I am just a bit too old to be the target audience for this one.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Talented rock guitarist Beth Collins has been barely holding herself together for months, ever since her boyfriend and bandmate became the latest victim in a string of suspicious disappearances. When her brother is injured an accident and she sees something dark billowing around him as he hovers close to death, sheâs convinced her sanity is collapsing for good. Then she’s accepted by a boarding school for the musically gifted. All of her new friends are bursting withtalent, but they’re also keeping secrets. Can she trust Vincent, who’s so sweet that his very touch makes her fears melt away? Or Xavier, who’s trying to tell her something but is hiding even more? And will anyone be safe when her true Talent comes out?

Book Review: Softer Than Steel

Katie November 20, 2015 0Comment

Softer Than Steel is the 2nd book in a series, however I didn’t realize this until after I finished the book so it works as a stand alone as well! The book is about rock star Rick “Riff Rotten” Rottenberg and yoga instructor Sidra Sullivan.  The two meet when Sidra is doing a bagel delivery to help out the shop her brother works at after he forgets part of an order and Sidra loses her flip flop.  Rick has his driver take her to a shoe store to buy her a new pair of shoes, even though Sidra would be perfectly happy with a cheapo pair from the drugstore.  When Rick tries to find out where Sidra was dropped off, there ends up being a mix up with why he was interested in the building (that Sidra’s uncle is trying to sell) and that of course causes for some drama.  Sidra and Rick’s path ends up crossing again, when Rick shows up at a  Yoga lesson at NYU that Sidra’s friend is teaching.  Her friend suggests Rick go to Sidra’s beginner yoga class and that’s where the relationship starts to blossom.  But of course it is not without its misunderstandings and drama.

I liked this book, there are a lot of cool coincidences and intertwining of characters throughout the book and there is just enough drama and trouble with Rick and Sidra’s relationship to make you wonder how they may end up.  I will certainly be open to reading other books in this series and maybe going back to reading the first when I find the time!

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the book

From the author of Deeper than Dreams and the Much “I Do” About Nothing novels, a story that proves that you have to find yourself before you can find love…

As a rock star “Riff Rotten” Rick Rottenberg has enjoyed all the perks that fame can offer, especially now that he’s reunited with his former band mate, Adrian “Digger” Graves. But despite his success, Rick is a mess. Still reeling from the death of his wife years ago and terrified his demons will end his career, he agrees to seek help for his anxiety.

Burned by a musician in the past, Sidra Sullivan has closed her heart to love. So when Rick walks into her yoga studio, she wants nothing to do with him—until the bad boy shows an unexpected soft side.

As Sidra and Rick work through their painful pasts, they realize just how strongly opposites can attract. But when a crisis threatens the delicate balance they’ve forged, they’ll discover if their love is strong enough to weather another storm or just too broken to survive…

Book Review: Dream On

Katie November 20, 2015 0Comment

Dream On! Is a book about possibilities. It teaches kids the importance of having dreams and doing what they can every day to work towards those dreams and to be the best me they can be. Using your imagination is important and this book helps show kids that they can use their imaginations to make their dreams come true!

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Imagination and motivation are key to young children’s happiness and health. Thinking about dreams and goals can help children cope with challenges when they arise and view life through a hopeful lens. With this encouraging book, nurture children’s imaginations and help them enjoy taking responsibility for their choices and goals. Back matter includes advice for motivating kids and teaching about goal setting at home, at school, and in childcare.

From the author of the popular Learning to Get Along® series comes the next book in this one-of-a-kind character-development series. Each of the first seven books in the Being the Best Me! series helps children learn, understand, and develop attitudes and positive character traits that strengthen self-confidence and a sense of purpose. Each book focuses on a specific attitude or character trait—optimism, self-esteem, assertiveness, resilience, integrity, forgiveness, and goal-setting. Also included are discussion questions, games, activities, and additional information for adults. Filled with diversity, these social story books will be welcome in school, home, and childcare settings.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cheri J. Meiners, M.Ed., has her master’s degree in elementary education and gifted education. The author of the award-winning Learning to Get Along social skills series for young children and a former first-grade teacher, she has taught education classes at Utah State University and has supervised student teachers. Cheri enjoys visiting and sharing her books in classrooms, libraries, and bookstores. She and her husband, David, have six children and enjoy the company of their lively grandchildren. She lives in Laurel, Maryland.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:
Elizabeth Allen is an artist and professional illustrator of children’s picture books as well as a former songwriter and jazz musician. She has exhibited her art in galleries in the Midwest and on the East Coast. Elizabeth lives on a river running through a forest near St. Paul, Minnesota.