Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien

Mrs. Frisby is a widowed mouse with four small children.  Winter is ending soon and they need to move to their summer home. But, the youngest has pneumonia and can't be moved. What's a mom to do? She searches for help, even from those who are most likely to refuse. But, the rats of NIMH have a grand plan to help her in her dilemma.

I really enjoyed this book. It was written in 1971 and received the Newbery award in 1972.  

**Spoiler Alert**

There are themes in this book that will never grow old. Like being kind to everyone, no matter who it is. And that if you are kind to them, most likely they will return that kindness.  I know that not everyone is kind back, but the importance of being kind and compassionate is something we all long for. Even the bully craves those things.

As a mother, I could relate to Mrs. Frisby.  Her worries, doubts, fears, and determination were all strong and very real. I like that about this book. That as a child I could read it and love the adventure and the mystery as to why the rats are so helpful. But, as an adult I can relate, too! 

Can't wait to read this on out loud to my kids!

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

I don't know what to say about this book. It was a well written book but I didn't care for it. The story follows Yossarian, a bombardier during World War 2. I use follow loosely. The story isn't linear. I had a real hard following what was going on. It was like reading an episode of Hogan's Heroes or Gomer Pyle. Plenty of funny parts, just confusing over all. I talked a few people who stated this was their favorite book of all time and they said I had it right. It's supposed be confusing, ridiculously so. Glad to have this one off my list.

REVIEW - TWO OLD WOMEN

"Two Old Women" by Velma Wallis



This is another book that has been on list to read for ages. This is a really good book. The writer takes you deep into the heart of Alaska during the bitter cold of Winter. These two women must survive somehow or die. I really liked the characters, Ch'idzigyakk, meaning Chickadee bird, and Sa' meaning Star. They are very determined to live what has happened to them. You can feel the worry, hunger and tiredness that these women go through. I was rooting for them the whole time I read the book. I wanted them to survive. They had to go back to a time when they were young and remember how to survive. Gathering wood, keeping a fire going, and trapping animals for food. They also had to travel a long way until they found the place where the fish was plentiful. Did they survive? What happened to the people that turned them out? You will have to read the book to find out. If you have a chance to read this book, please do. You won't be disappointed. You can see my complete review at Just Books.

East of Eden read-along: p240 - 320

Hey, everybody! I'm still chugging along. How's everybody else doing?

Last week was quiet here so I wonder if people are dropping behind (or giving up)--please feel free to leave comments from any point in the book up until now, though, and if you DID give up feel free to share why.

Hope everybody's keeping warm!

REVIEW - TH1RTEEN R3ASONS WHY

MY THOUGHTS: I have been trying to get this book from the library for the longest time. Every time I went to get it, it was out. So I finally put it on hold. I started this book yesterday afternoon and finished it this afternoon. It is a very good book and keeps you locked on to what the author is writing. You want to find out why Clay is on the list of 13 people. Did he do something to Hannah? You also want to find out what the 13 reasons are for Hannah to take her own life. This is a very moving book. While I was reading this book I was so hoping that it was a mistake and someone helped Hannah. And the interesting thing is that while Clay was listening to the tapes he recognized all the signs of suicide. But by then it was too late. This book also made me very angry at all the people that added to the reasons for Hannah's suicide. The consequences of what they did took a life. If you haven't read this book, please do. It's very well written and moves along very fast. I highly recommend this book.

You can see my full review at my place, Just Books.

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

I was anxious to read Water for Elephants before the movie came out. I knew once the movie came out I would picture the actors as the characters so I wanted to make up my own mind about them first.
I loved this book. The imaginary was beautiful that I could smell the popcorn on the midway and hear the horse hooves on the dirt. The world Gruen paints both inside the circus world and later with 90-something Jacob in a nursing home is so magical. Jacob is a delightful character. I could really connect with him.
Water for Elephants is the story of Jacob who joined the circus in his 20's.  Jacob is adrift and finds distraction, a family and love in the circus.  Now I know why people wanted to run away and join the circus. I greatly enjoyed the ride.

REVIEW - THE CHRISTMAS TRAIN

The Christmas Train - David Baldacci



MY THOUGHTS: This book has been on my TBR list for ages. I'm glad I finally read it. Wonderful book filled with mystery, love, romance, and lots of stories being told by everyone on the train. There is a thief on board who isn't who everyone thinks he is. A masquerading police officer, I didn't see this one coming. And a really big surprise ending that I totally didn't see coming. If you haven't read this book, you really need to. It's written beautifully and will keep you glued to the chair so you can finish it.