The Nest

Oppel, K. (2015). The Nest. NY: Simon & Schuster

Although a baby is always a blessing; a baby's arrival doesn't always bring joy. For Steve and his family the arrival of the new baby was not what a family would expect. Not that the baby wasn't wanted or loved, but the baby is born with a condition and his life is in danger. Steve is constantly troubled by this and wishes he could do something. One night he has a dream in which he is given the opportunity to make the baby better, all he has to do is say yes. What does this answer implicate? What is okay? And is saying yes the right answer?

As parents we worry tremendously about our children but we don't really stop and thinking how our children feel about situations that affect the family as the birth of a sickly sibling. It is heartbreaking to think that our children our troubled with our worries. Sad and somehow scary, this experience is something to think about...

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Mirror, Mirror

Singer, M. (2010). Mirror, Mirror. NY: Dutton

Mindblbown. A magnificent array of double poems about the different classic fairy tales. Each tale is told through two different poems told in reverse form. These poems tell us the stories of Cinderalla, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, The Ugly Duckling, Snow White, Jack and the Beanstalk, Goldielocks, Hanzel and Gretel, The Princess and the Frog, Beauty and the Beast. Each poem provides a smart snipplet of the actual fairy tale. Simply amazing!

I can't even begin to explain how fascinated I am with these poems. They are addicting and genious. I absolutely LOVED this! 

A Snippet

Brown Girl Dreaming

Woodson, J. (2014). Brown girl dreaming. NY: Penguin.

It outlines the story of an African American girl who despite her family's background. She is the descendant of former slaves. Jackie gets to experience the segregation first hand and is exposed to both sides wher she is treated differently because of her skin color, and is also given considerations by other white people who were more humane. Her and her siblings often visit their grandparents from where they acquire many beautiful memories and connects them more with their background. Despite her "color" Jackie is abble to pursue her dream of becoming a writher becuase she receives the encouragement that she needs to not give up on her dream.

Again, we know the historical facts of the time period, the important people that took a stand and so forth, however we rarely see the life of those "regular" people who have to endure the life imposed on them because of their skin color. Accounts such as this make us realize exactly what it was like for colored people during this time.

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The Three Pigs

Wiesner, D. (2001). The three pigs. NY: Clarion.

It starts off as the traditional story of the three little pigs, however, it takes a turn where the little pigs think and think and think some more and decide why their destiny is written for them. So they go on a quest to find a safer place. In their quest they venture off into another story in which a prince is off on a mission to kill a dragon. Well the three little pigs are there to save the day! They go and rescue the dragon by taking him with them. Neat-o! So they are thinking of where they can go, and they think and they think, and they think some more and decide to go back to their story where the big bad wolf is trying to blow down their house. And so he blows and he blows and he blows some more and instead of blowing the house down, he's greeted by their new best friend they just rescued...and needless to say, they lived happily ever after!

What I thought was going to be the fairy tale I have known since I was four, turned into an adventure where the three little pigs defy the norm and create their own ending. This is a great way to teach our children that we can aspire for more. Nothing is predestined and we can challenge what we believe to be our destiny. Loved it!

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Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade

Sweet, M. (2011). Balloons over Broadway: The true story of the puppeteer of Macy's parade. NY: Houghton.

Every little movement has a meaning of its own.

This is the story of the greatness of the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. Tony was always smart and creative. As a child he created an artifact that would allow him to feed his dad's chickens without him having to get out of bed. From there, he started making his very own marionnettes when he realized that they weren't been made anymore. When he moved to New York he was givena greater chance. To decorate the Macy's display window. From there the project grew and grew and based on his plans and trials and errors he created the magnificence of the Macy's Thanksgiving Parades we enjoy today.

This is a truly inspiring tale of how out of nothing, greatness can be accomplished. This is the perfect tale of trial and error that will teach children that everything we create, as magnificent as it may appear, will always have room for improvement. Just as Tony never gave up, this will teach children to keep trying to perfect their projects because there will always be room for improvement.

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It's a Book

Smith, L. (2011). It’s a book. NY: Roaring Brook

Perhaps a bit of a parody about children and their obsession with electronic device. We havae a jackass and a monkey. The monkey is reading a book and the jackass has no idea what a book is, what it does, or hwo it works. Will he be tempted to "test" out the book to see if he likes it?

It saddens me to think that this is not far from a reality. I saw a child once trying to swipe a magazine at the doctor's office. I am not lying or exxagerating. Crazy, huh? But it's the reality of the world in which we live in. Technology is controlling society and warping the mind of our youth. Should books become obsolete? Then let's raise some awareness!

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Where the Wild Things Are

Sendak, M. (1963). Where the wild things are. NY: HarperCollins.

A fantasy world is created by a boy named Max wearing a wolf costume who is sent off to bed without dinner. So his bedroom that has turned into a jungle and goes to that very special place where all the wild things are. And he becomes their friend, and he becomes their king and when it's time to come back to bed, he sails away and finds his very own hot meal.

I feel bad saying this but I've never really liked this book. I try and as much as I try to find a significant meaning to it, I don't. I see a child who wreaks havoc and is reprimanded and the punishment set forth for him is not executed the way it was. Granged, I don't believe in sending children to bed with an empty stomach, I do believe that as parents we must follow through with the consequences that we set for our children.

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Wonderstruck

Selznick, B. (2001). Wonderstruck NY: Scholastic.

Ben loses his mother in a car accident and is forced to move in with his aunt and uncle. He was born deaf in one ear and one day while he is trying to communicate with his long-lost father, he loses hearing in the other ear. He runs and makes his way to the American Museum of Art History in New York City. Fifty years earlier, Rose runs away from home to go to go searching for her favorite actor, who we later find out was her mother. The story fastforwards and we realize that Ben and Rose have more in common that we can possibly imagine. Different and artisitc might seem to be confusing at first but everything falls into place.

Beautiful artwork and an enthralling story guarantees that you will not be able to put the book down. The connections that the reader makes as we read leave us wanting to discover more and more and leave us wondering just how much the world is connected.

Wonderstruck

Good Masters, Sweet Ladies

Schlitz, L. A. (2007). Good masters, sweet ladies Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.

A collection of twenty two viagnetes that outline the lives of 22 differet characters told in monologue form in which they share their roles and a little bit of their lives. Each independent character plays an important role to society and we learn that based on their descsriptions. We also learn about their personalities, worries an likes. We have Thomas, who is the doctor's son and is naturally expected to follow his footsteps. We have Mogg whose father died and now there's an expectation she must meet. And the list goes on...

This reminded me of Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, obviously not the same caliber, but the general idea is somehow the same. Each monologue reveals a different character and a different set of personalities and likes and dislikes. Entertaining an informational it gives us an insight of what took place during the time period.

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Bridge to Terabithia

Paterson, K. (1972). Bridge to Terabithia. NY: Crown.

Being a kid is difficult. Jess knows that. He tries to fit in and to be accepted but kids can be cruel. His only hope is to be the fastest boy in the fifth grade. That will surely make him cool. Well Leslie proves to him that he will not be the fastest, what's even worse is that a girl beat him! However, Jess finds in Leslie the best friend he's been yearning for. Leslie introduces to Jess a NEW Jess. Someone who becomes less and less afraid to open up. Their connection grows into the most beautiful friendship that helps Jess find himself. Together they become part of their imaginary world, Terabithia where they learn so much more about themselves while they grow closer together. Everything goes well until something happens to Leslie when Jess is out on a school trip with Miss Edmunds. Will Jess ever be normal again? Will he remain the new Jess or will he go back to be the old Jess. Filled with fantasy and good feelings, this novel is sure to capture your heart.

It filled me with hope and then it took it away, and then it brought it back. Heartwarming and heartbreaking at at the same time. It teaches kids to deal with death, a subject that sometimes we try to stay away from.

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We are the Ship

Nelson, K. (2008). We are the ship NY: Hyperion

The history behind African Americans in the great game of baseball. First Inning. Many white players refused to play alongside Negroes. Team owners went as far as eliminating them from their teams. These players were forced to play in their own "Negro" leagues. Second Inning. "Negro baseball was fast! Flashy! Daring!" They were not afraid to play and did whatever it took to win. Third Inning. They took any chance they took to play because they didn't have that many opportunities but they were united and worked well together. Fifth Inning. The market crash was a huge hit to baseball. It was hard to stay afloat. Fifth Inning. The greatest baseball players in the world were Negro All-STARS. Despite the limitations of their exposure to playing ball, the best of the best were ALL-STARS. Sixth Inning. Latin America is responsible for some of the greatest baseball player to play in this country. Seventh Inning. When the Negro Leagues played the White Leagues, well let's say the White Leagues weren't known for their Sportsmanship Conduct where they would go as far as even freezing the balls so that they wouldn't travel far upon being hit. Not nice, huh? Eight Inning. Wartime heroes who were drafted continued to play ball in the service. There was nothing that was going to stop their love for the sport. Ninth Inning. Then along came Jackie Robinson and his perserverance earned him a spot in a White League Team...Extra Innings. The end of the Negro Leagues...and the rest was history.

Everyone is aware of the situation with seperate but not equal, segregation, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr. etc. How many people actually know much about other things that took place during this time, I for instance, did not even consider what the situation was with athleletes during this time. Although I'm not necessarily a baseball fan, I found thiss book quite interesting.

The Story

Rules

Lord, C. (2008). Rules. NY: Scholastic.

Catherine is a typical twelve year old. Her brother David is not a typical eight year old. The story starts off with Catherine babysitting her brother David who needs to have a specific set of rules for pretty much anything. Not because he is a trouble kid, or because he is spoiled, but because he is Autistic and he need things explained to him a certain way. Catherine is excited to meet her new neighbor because she needs a friend but when she finally meets Kristi is disappointed that her brother doesn't make a good impression. Living with a special needs brother is not easy for Catherine, and although some may view her "concerns" as selfish, one can only sympathize for her situation. She isn't selfish or unsympathetic, she is just a young girl trying her best to cope with her situation while making her brother comfortable. When she gets close to her friend Jason, she experiences the same dilemma. Will she continue to care what other people will think of her for having a disabled brother and a disabled friend? Sometimes you've gotta work with what you've got...

My niece was diagnosed with Autism when she was four years old. I understand Catherine because as much as I love Jazmin, and as much as I want to protect her from everything, we can't control other people's reactions towards her. She will be 20 years old in February and is currently a college student. Yes, we are incredibly proud of her accomplishment. He graduated in 2015 with Honors and passed her STAAR tests the first time she took them. And we are talking about a girl who didn't start talking until she was in third grade. Wow! Right? Jazmin was my student her senior year and it was 

difficult for me because well, Jazmin tends to say what is on her mind, she has absolutely NO filter, and although I understand this, and her bluntness does not affect me, it sometimes affected those around her. I believe that this lack of sympathy from others is due to ignorance. Our society is an uneducated, selfish society where a great amount of people are heartless and are so unthoughtful. What mattered to me is that Jazmin was a happy kid and she did great in school becaue of her hardwork. So who's to say her disability hindered her success? People with conditions or disabilities can be just as successful as those without...we just have to be open minded and okay with that.

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Skulduggery Pleasant

Landry, D. (2007). Skulduggery Pleasant NY: HarperCollins

Fantasy. Mystery. Excitement. Stephanie Edgley doesn't know that her dead, novelist uncle left her much more than a villa in France, all of his remaining estate, the royalties on his best-selling books, and a mansion filled with his possessions. Gordon Edgley leaves her a world of mystery, secrets, and a lot of suspense. When her own life is threatened by an indivudal searching for a key, Stephanie has no choice but to accept the help of Skulduggery Pleasant, who much to her surprise resembles his name in more ways than one. Stephanie is drawn in to investigate her uncle's murder and to find the hidden mystery of his findings. Filled with suspense and unthought of findings, this novel will have you biting your nails. At the end, Stephanie is left witht he option, should she allow herself to be fully submerged into this new world she has discovered or will she keep herself safe?

I must confess, I was not entirely sold on the idea of this novel but once I picked it up, I could not put it down. And yes, if you're wondering, my shopping list for myself to myself for Christmas has changed a bit of direction. I. Must. Read. More.

Review

Interview with Skulduggery

This is Not My Hat

Klassen, J. (2012). This is not my hat. Boston, MA: Candlewick


A fish takes a hat. He knows it is not his. He takes it anyway. And he plans to never give it back. Why should he? He knows it's wrong but he's sure he'll never be found. Whether you get caught or not, stealing is stealing and it is most definitely wrong. This small fish commits a crime. Yes, stealing is a crime. And there are consequences to stealing a hat. This little fish is about to find out just what the consequences to his crime are.

Simple and to the point. The reason why kids do things they are not supposed to is becuase we place big taboos on the stuff that happens around us. I stole money from my dad once. I didn't mean to. I didn't see it as stealing. He always gave me money when I asked him for it, the only difference this time is that I needed money and he was asleep. So I opened his wallet and took it. Never had I been so embarrassed in my life. My mom found out and she made me tell my dad what I had done and apologize. I was disappointed in myself when I realized what I had done and especially more so when I realized just how disappointed my parents were in me. Now as a parent, I believe they were acting more disappointed than they might have been because children are children and they learn through mistakes. But just because we are not aware of certain things, it does not mean we should know learn about them. My son took money from me to give to my mom becuase he wanted to give her a gift. Sweet, huh? Well, yes, but he still got in trouble for taking money that did not belong to him. This is what needs to be addressed, and this book is the bet way to do it!

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It's So Amazing

Harris, R. (1999). It’s so amazing. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.

Hilariously accurate! How does a parent explain to their children while of a sudden Mommy's tummy is growing rounder and rounder? How does a parent explain to a child how did he get out of the Mommy's belly. Because as simple as the stories of the birds and the bees and the eggs and the sees are still a chaotic mess in your children's mind, perhaps this will help you explain where it is that baby's come from...As uncomfortable as these topics may be for parents, they have to be addressed and this book provides detailed, PROPER explanations that can be shared with children.

Where was this book when I was pregnant with my second child? Granted it was already around...no joke! I didn't know about it. I suppose I lucked out and my son was not too inquisitive, but I have always prided myself in talking to my kids with the truth and should either of them ask for details, I can just pull this out of my bookshelf and explain! Ha!

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Rapunzel's Revenge

t

Hale, S. (2008). Rapunzel’s revenge. NY: Bloomsbury.

The happily ever after coming from this story is different from the happily ever after from the original story, but yet it is much more empowering. Wheras in Rapunzel's mother was just, you know, a typical evil kidnapping mother, here there's so much more that she is responsible for. Witty and funny, Rapunzel's Revenge takes on a different direction of adventure for after escaping from the very tall tower, she takes it upon herself, of course with also the help of her faithful companion, to undo a lot of the harm cauased by her evil "mother."

My son read this after I finished with it, or at least I think he got through most of it. I expcted him to lose interest but was pleasantly surprised to see him with the book for a couple of days. He hesitated at first because, well you know, fairy tales are for girls, but was quickly drawn in by the adventures taken on by Rapunzel. He also enjoyed the graphics. "Mom! It's like I'm reading a comic book!!!" nd whether he felt fairy tales are for girls or not, he enjoyed it.

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Rosa

Giovanni, N. (2005). Rosa. NY: Holt

Every child in America has heard the story of Rosa Parks. However, what is learned on this book is not learned on a history book. The history book didn't tell us that her mother had been ill, that she was an exceptional, hard worker, that she wantd to get home early to surpirse her husband with her favorite meal. History books don't tell us how respected and appreciated Rosa Parks was by the people. Different perspective, different view. It still doesn't change her act of bravery and the consequences of her actions, still, it shows us the more human side to Mrs. Rosa Parks.

I remember the day my son came came home from school telling me what he had learned about Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks. He was a first grader and he was fascinated. When I read this book to him, he was even more touched by the situation. Sometimes it's best to learn about history in story form and it gives children a more personal perspective of the events.

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George

Gino, A. (2015). George. NY: Scholastic

Perhaps a bit of controversy is needed to address a serious topic that many wan to turn their back on. George is an 11 year old girl trapped in boy's body. Everyday she fights to keep her secret because society has taught her that certain things are not okay. Her fourth grade class is going to showcase Charlotte's Webb  and Goerge is dying to play the role of Charlotte. This is not taken seriously into consideration by his teacher. Kelly, who is George's best friend plays an important role. When George tells her the situation, Kelly wants to find a way to make George's dream a reality. Through heartache, an worry, an anger of the unfairness of it all, this novel is more than what one can bargain for. Will George get his way, well her way? Will people understand? Will his mother?

Unfortunately there are a lot of narrowminded people in this world. I personally have nothing against homosexuality, transgender, etc. As a mother, I can honestly say that whatever my children's sexual preferences, I will be there for them 100%. The only heartbreaking thing is to even think they might suffer due to society's views. If my children are happy, then I will be happy too. Reading this broke my heart a little...only to think that innocent people are looked down upon. We definitely need to be more accepting.

Interview with Alex Gino

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The Graveyard Book

Gaiman, N. (2008). The graveyard book. NY: HarperCollins. (may read GN version)


Murder. Ghosts. Special powers. Unfinished Business. Broken Relationships. You name it, this book has it all. Nobody Owens is not the typical boy growing up. By chance his life is spared when his entire family was murdered. He makes his way to a graveyard where the ghosts residing there decide to raise him. Needless to say, growing up was not an ordinary thing for Bod and in living with ghosts he picks up a trick or two. Despite the fact that he is being brought up by ghosts, he is well taken care of and is even able to find a friend. When his family's murderer comes into the picture again, his ghost family does everything within their power to protect him. What will be the cost though? Will he ever have a normal life? What will happen to his friend Scarlet?

At first, I thought this book was a bit creepy. Murder? Ghosts? But as I continued to read I found it to be a charming tale of an orphan boy who is definitely loved by his new family and this new family would do anything to protect him. And despite the fact that he was "different" from the other kids, he still, within his surroundings, had a pretty "normal" life growing up. The ending made me a bit sad but also hopeful, hopeful for a new beginning where we know that he was not going to be in danger anymore.

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The Graveyard Book- Neil Gaiman

Out of My Mind

Draper, S. (2010). Out of my mind. NY: Atheneum.

This is Melody's story about her will to live life as best as she possibly could within her limitations. Melody is determined to let the world know that she is not "stupid," that she is capable of functioning in a regular classroom just as well as any other "normal" kid. Her disability is a great one, but her disability was only physical. Her mind is sharp and photographic even. Having to fight the limited expectations society, and even those of her education system, had of her proved to be a difficult task. Being granted the opportunity to communicate was a starting point for change and success, unfortunately, she had to fight much more than that. She had to fight the low expectations people still had of her. Watching from her chair how worried her parents were thinking of the possibility of their second child being disabled was agonizing, even more so knowing she couldn't keep her little sister out of danger. One can only wonder the greatness Melody could have accomplished if she had been born with no disability. Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, this story is an eye opener about how mean our society can be.

Indeed this society we live in is not a nice one. As parents we pray for our children's health and well being and unfortunately, we don't always get that. And just because we don't get our wish, it doesn't mean that we aren't blessed to still have our little joys share our lives with us. My niece, who will be 20 in February was diagnosed with Autism when she was four. As heartbreaking as this was to my family, especially my sister, they did not give up hope. She didn't start talking until she was in third grade, and she really didn't start writing until much later. Her Autism was bad. Really bad. But you know, her parents didn't give up on her and she graduated in 2015 with Honors. And you know what's even greater? She is attending college. Obviously the disabilities are different, but the point here is that we must NEVER give up on our children. You never know what is underneath the struggles...

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Audio Book

The Legend of the Blue Bonnet

dePaola, T. (1983). The legend of the bluebonnet. NY: Putnam


The Comanche implored to the Great Spirits. Their people were dying. Please end this drought that's killing the land, killing our people. And to their surprise, the Great Spirits responded. People have become selfish. People must sacrifice something to the earth as well. Everyone was willing to dance, but not everyone was willing to make a sacrifice. Only She-Who-Is-Alone was willing to make the greatest sacrifice, burn her doll, the only thing she had left from her family, who had all been victims to the famine brought on by the drought. It only took one selfless act for the Great Spirits to lift the punishment from the Comanche. The ashes and the rain brought upon a most beautiful surprise that because of the selfless act of one young girl, the entire people were able to enjoy.

One word describes this story, beautiful! It teaches about selfless acts, how really it does only take one good, selfless person, to save many and points out how people should be more giving and it serves as an excellent example for young kids. Sometimes bad things happen because people do bad things. Even if we don't do anything to directly hurt another human being, our actions are not necessarily kind. If we want change, we must change those things first.

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Last Stop on Market Street

De la Pena, M. (2015). Last stop on market street. NY: Penguin

What do a grandson and a Nana have in common? Perhaps absolutely nothing...at first sight, that is! When CJ rides the bus with Nana every Sunday from the church to the market, and although it's not one of his favorite things to do, we see a child becoming of age in the sense that within this one particular bus ride, he begins to undertand the importance of this experience of sharing a bus seat with his Nana. He is full of questions and the answers that Nana provides for him are so thought provoking. How come we gotta wait for the bus in all this wet? And the typical answer would probably be something like,"because it's raining and we can't control it," but instead she responds with, "Trees get thirsty, too. Don't you see that big one drinking through a straw?" Her response to his question about the blind man and her implication that he is lucky to get to experience this every sunday finally sink in. Beautifully written and so thought provoking, this is definitely a book you don't want to miss out on.

I think of my son with my dad. My dad and my son go everywhere together and his teacher is always telling me that she loves all the stories he has to share about his grandpa and that just warms my heart. See, I never met my grandmothers and my grandfathers both died when I was one so I never got to experience this. Knowing that my son will have all these memories to cherish when he is older warms my heat.

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The Watsons Go to Birmingham

C. P. (1995). The Watsons go to Birmingham, 1963. NY: Delacorte.


As dysfunctional as the Watsons seem to be, they are probably as normal as they come. Right? We have the black sheep, Byron, or as Kenny describes him, the juvenile delinquent, we have the normal kid, Kenny, who gets picked on but is a good boy, Joey, the adorable little girl who is too cute to resist, and of course the parents, the typical momma, and the light humored dad. While Byron is always getting in trouble, the parents try to set him staight and perhaps finally accomplish the task when they visit Grandma. A series of events take place that seem to be changing Byron for the better and leave Kenny feeling trouble and somehow traumatized. The connection made to the bombing in Birmingham adds a serious touch to the nature of the novel. The events lead the boys to display the love and care they have for each other and are able to continue living a "normal" life...

Easy read and with a little of everything, there's a thumbs up for The Watsons Go to Birmingham. I have taught "The Ballad of Birmingham" in my eleventh grade class, I feel that I can use excerpts from this novel to make connections and perhaps pair up the units to produce open ended questions in preparation for STAAR.
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Audio By Chapters

Dear Mr. Henshaw

Cleary, B. (1983). Dear Mr. Henshaw. NY: Morrow.

Never in his life did Leigh Botts think that by writing to his favorite author he would be finding a friend. Unbelievable, huh? And so cool! In writing back and forth to Mr. Henshaw, Leigh finds a confidente. He is a troubled young boy who without realizing it, needs someone to bring him comfort. In suggesting solutions to his dilemmas, and giving him advice from time to time, Mr. Henshaw makes Leigh realize he has a new friend. His parents divorce, his ackward relationship with his father, being new in school gives Leigh a little bit of all the worse things that can happen to a kid his age. Lucky for him, he is not alone in this, and even though Mr. Henshaw is just a pen pal, he finds a true friend in him.

I was about eleven or twelve the summer I read Dear Mr. Henshaw the first time and quite frankly I didn't understand much from it. During that time I was still struggling to learn the language and I was not very fluent. When I saw the opportunity to read it again, I was eager to finally understand what it was about! It was the first one I picked up from the stack of books from the list. And I absolutely loved it. It gave me a feeling of melancholy but in a good way. I guess I saw a lot of my students in little Leigh. Heartbreak and hope at its best...

Dear Mr. Henshaw Book Trailer

How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous by Georgia Bragg

 Bragg, G., & O'Malley, K. (2011). How they croaked: The awful ends of the awfully famous. New York: Walker &.

Wow!

I would have to say that a very disturbing account was King Tut's story. Maybe because it was the first chapter and I wasn't quite sure what to expect...Maybe? But everything that his remains were put through was a major invasion of privacy. The fact that people just kept opening his tomb and pretty much experimenting with it was just wrong. However the accounts, as gruesome and grotesque as some were, were all intersting! Another thing I truly enjoyed were the fun facts after each gruesome tale of how they "croaked."

This is too much to absorb. Disturbing to say the least, but as the introduction says it, "Who can tear their eyes from a train wreck?"  I did have to take a few breaks, quite a few breaks actually, while reading it because it was too much to swallow. I felt like a woos actually. Yup! Definitely disturbing.

As I read most of it, my husband was sitting next to me. I kept putting the book down every so often, he'd just look at me and grin. One of the times he asked me, "What?" I said, "This is pretty disturbing." He laughed and responded, "What did you expect? It's a book about how people died." Well, he had a point.

                                                           

How They Croaked Trailer