Book Review - What Would Mary Ann Do?

What Would Mary Ann Do?: A Guide to Life

By: Dawn Wells
Publisher: Taylor Trade Publishing
Publication Date: September 2014
ISBN: 978-1630760281
Reviewed by: Ellen Feld
Review Date: September 17, 2014

For those of a ‘certain age,’ memories of Gilligan’s Island are filled with fond remembrances of happy times. Among many topics of discussion, boys argued about whether they’d like to date Mary Ann or Ginger, while the girls all discussed if they were more of a Ginger or Mary Ann. Now, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of show, one of only two surviving cast members, Dawn Wells (a.k.a. Mary Ann), has penned a new book with the catchy title, What Would Mary Ann Do?

Part memoir, part Gilligan’s Island trivia, with the bulk of the book filled with tips on everything from manners to men, the book is based on the premise of ‘what would Mary Ann do if she found herself in X situation’ with those situations ranging from how Mary Ann would handle today’s culture to how she’d deal with modern men.

There are over a dozen chapters in this guide, from “Please pass the manners” to “So you want to be in show business.” Many offer sage advice such as the chapter on “If at first you don’t succeed, fail, fail again” that, contrary to so many advice books today that say YOU are special, Ms. Wells contends that “Deep breath here. This might sting a little. Okay. Nobody is born special. This includes you.” (pg. 43). She goes on to say that “special is earned,” and lays out a plan on “how you become special.” This advice may seem a bit too old fashioned for some, but for many of us, it’s what people need to hear – they need to earn various things in life, milestones are not a given. Wells then uses examples from her own life (and of experiences from Gilligan’s Island) to bring home her point. Perhaps the best advice in the book (in my humble opinion, particularly important for young girls reading the book) came in the chapter, “The allure of being alluring,” where the author shares Mary Ann’s style points and the best advice of all, “Your looks are not worth your health.” Ladies, are you listening?

There are some nice stories here for fans of Gilligan’s Island but for those wanting a book purely of fan lore and stories of the show, this is not that book. Tidbits are shared throughout, with some nice sidebars on the various actors and what they were like, but again, it is not the main focus of the book. If, however, you’re looking for some down-home, honest, useful advice, take a look at this book.

Quill says: Dawn Wells does a lovely job of sharing advice about all aspects of life with a little help from Mary Ann.

Book Review - The Best Part of the Day

The Best Part of the Day

By: Sarah Ban Breathnach
Illustrated by: Wendy Edelson
Publisher: Regnery Publishing
Publication Date: August 2014
ISBN: 978-1-62157-252-7
Reviewed by: Amy Lignor
Review Date: September 17, 2014

It is so nice—especially in the times we live in now where a computer screen offers up the next new story—to be able to enjoy and get lost in a book composed of beauty, finesse, and the absolute perfect combination of lovely writing and amazing illustrations.

This new children’s book proves itself to be one of those books; the books that are stuck in our memories because they were our favorites to hear and see when we were growing up. This is not an exaggeration, either. This story is all about seeing the world and being thankful for it. From outside the window, looking into the great expanse of the night, all of the cool creatures and stunning wildlife are at rest...settling down with their own families for a good night’s sleep.

From there, the book explores the enchanting moments that happen during each season. It brings children through autumn, seeing the creatures ‘stock up’ for when the winter snow starts to blow. Heading onto the bus for the first day of school, raking leaves – everything the lover of crisp, clean fall days enjoys most. Then, on to winter and the inevitable snowman; the creatures at rest while the warm fireplace burns. When spring comes to town, the wildlife once again peek their heads out to hear the enjoyment of the kids as they race back outside to have fun. Family loves the summertime, as well. Enjoying a picnic or fireworks with friends...every season is represented to a point where you wish it would never end, and staying a child forever could be a choice.

There is new life from a family friend, there is cuddling with sheep and learning, while still young enough to be excited by the world, that life is most definitely something to treasure.

For all readers, this will become a cherished book. This is one tale that, no matter how bad reality has intruded upon your day, will automatically uplift and excite. And when you curl up with the ones you love to read this story every evening, you will remember that the best part of your day is happening right then and there.

Great writing, incredible pictures, and a way to look at the world that we should all try to do at least once a day!

Quill Says: Enchanting.

Books In For Review

Here's a sample of the books that have just arrived for review.  Check them out and then stop by in a few weeks to read the reviews!








Keeping Fit from A to Z: Mantente en forma de la A a la Z by Stephanie Maze Designed to inspire children to stay active and healthy while introducing them to new vocabulary in two languages, this bilingual English/Spanish alphabet picture book features more than 200 colorful photographs with descriptive text of a variety of physical activities, sports, children's games, and problem-solving classroom exercises, as well as a glossary of health benefits for adults. Whether it's jumping with joy on a trampoline, flying kites on a breezy day, racing with friends in sleeping bags, rafting down rapids with family, or practicing karate kicks in class, exercise is key to one's health and well-being. Children and their parents will learn about the vast array of physical activities in the world today, as well as the importance of being active.

Playing With Fire by David Tienter An older ex-special forces Marine is asked to find a lost hiker on the Appalachian Trail. He discovers evidence of a heinous murder and the hunt is on for the Monster who would commit such a terrible crime. The fast pace action races down the east coast to the Florida Keys and back to the Trail. Exciting and surprising, this is a story that is a must read. A hero for all, especially those over 50.

Doghouse (A Gin & Tonic Mystery) by L. A. KornetskyEven though she’s unlicensed as an investigator, the infamously nosy Ginny Mallard has begun to make a name for herself as an unofficial champion of the tongue-tied. When a mysterious stranger comes to her with landlord trouble, she convinces her bartender friend Teddy Tonica to help her once more. Soon, they realize they might have got themselves tied up in an underground dogfighting ring. With the help of Ginny’s pet shar-pei puppy and Tonica’s tabby cat, they have to figure out what’s going on before someone else gets hurt. Will twelve legs really be better than four?

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes From actor Cary Elwes, who played the iconic role of Westley in The Princess Bride, comes a first-person account and behind-the-scenes look at the making of the cult classic film filled with never-before-told stories, exclusive photographs, and interviews with costars Robin Wright, Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, and Mandy Patinkin, as well as author and screenwriter William Goldman, producer Norman Lear, and director Rob Reiner. The Princess Bride has been a family favorite for close to three decades. Ranked by the American Film Institute as one of the top 100 Greatest Love Stories and by the Writers Guild of America as one of the top 100 screenplays of all time, The Princess Bride will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come. Cary Elwes was inspired to share his memories and give fans an unprecedented look into the creation of the film while participating in the twenty-fifth anniversary cast reunion. In As You Wish he has created an enchanting experience; in addition to never-before seen photos and interviews with his fellow cast mates, there are plenty of set secrets and backstage stories.

Chuck It by Knut Hansen A dark and humorous anti-hero novel spanning an appromxiate 380 pages, magnifying the mythical otherness across the Atlantic, one way or the other, and exploring juvenile exuberance elongated by past and future dreams of those who've set sails and those who yet haven't.

Persuasion, Captain Wentworth and Cracklin' Cornbread (Jane Austen Takes the South)by Mary Jane Hathaway Lucy Crawford is part of a wealthy, well-respected Southern family with a long local history. But since Lucy’s mother passed away, the family home, a gorgeous antebellum mansion, has fallen into disrepair and the depth of her father’s debts is only starting to be understood. Selling the family home may be the only option—until her Aunt Olympia floats the idea of using Crawford house to hold the local free medical clinic, which has just lost its space. As if turning the plantation home into a clinic isn’t bad enough, Lucy is shocked and dismayed to see that the doctor who will be manning the clinic is none other than Jeremiah Chevy—her first love. Lucy and Jeremiah were high school sweethearts, but Jeremiah was from the wrong side of the tracks. His family was redneck and proud, and Lucy was persuaded to dump him. He eventually left town on a scholarship, and now, ten years later, he’s returned as part of the rural physician program. And suddenly, their paths cross once again. While Lucy’s family still sees Jeremiah as trash, she sees something else in him—as do several of the other eligible ladies in town. Will he be able to forgive the past? Can she be persuaded to give love a chance this time around?

The Paris Winter by Imogen Robertson Maud Heighton came to Lafond's famous Academie to paint, and to flee the constraints of her small English town. It took all her courage to escape, but Paris, she quickly realizes, is no place for a light purse. While her fellow students enjoy the dazzling decadence of the Belle Epoque, Maud slips into poverty. Quietly starving, and dreading another cold Paris winter, she stumbles upon an opportunity when Christian Morel engages her as a live-in companion to his beautiful young sister, Sylvie. Maud is overjoyed by her good fortune. With a clean room, hot meals, and an umbrella to keep her dry, she is able to hold her head high as she strolls the streets of Montmartre. No longer hostage to poverty and hunger, Maud can at last devote herself to her art. But all is not as it seems. Christian and Sylvie, Maud soon discovers, are not quite the darlings they pretend to be. Sylvie has a secret addiction to opium and Christian has an ominous air of intrigue. As this dark and powerful tale progresses, Maud is drawn further into the Morels' world of elegant deception. Their secrets become hers, and soon she is caught in a scheme of betrayal and revenge that will plunge her into the darkness that waits beneath this glittering city of light.

The Turning Season (A Shifting Circle Novel)by Sharon Shinn For Karadel, being a shape-shifter has always been a reality she couldn’t escape. Even though she’s built a safe life as a rural veterinarian, with a close-knit network of shifter and human friends who would do anything for her—and for each other—she can’t help but wish for a chance at being normal. When she’s not dealing with her shifts or caring for her animal patients, she attempts to develop a drug that will help shifters control their changes—a drug that might even allow them to remain human forever. But her comfortable life is threatened by two events: She meets an ordinary man who touches her heart, and her best friend is forced to shift publicly with deadly consequences. Now Karadel must decide whom to trust: her old friends or her new love.

Christmas Desserts: Sweets of the Season by Laura Powell Sweeten up your holidays with Christmas Desserts! With this delicious collection of 20 seasonal recipes, you'll enjoy treats like Gingerbread Cheesecake Squares, Chewy Popcorn Balls, Eggnog Cookies, and more! Not only does this affordable, full-color pamphlet make the perfect gift for neighbors, coworkers, and friends, but these festively flavored recipes will soon become family favorites.

Book Review - Keepers of the Runes and the Tower of Shadows

Keepers of Runes and the Tower of Shadows (Volume 1)

By: Andrew D. Cratsley
Illustrated By: Tony Foti
Publisher: Andrew D. Cratsley
Publication Date: May 2014
ISBN: 978-1494365530
Reviewed By: Kristi Benedict
Review Date: September 11, 2014

After years of training, a young elf named Corinth is finally deemed worthy to be a sage knight by his teacher Tessius and is eager to serve his country of Enzlintine well. However, his first assignment sends him way beyond the forest that he knows and on top of everything else he realizes he will have to work with beings other than elves. For years he had been under the impression that elves were superior to every other race, especially humans who seemed to corrupt anything good with their greedy ways. Feeling discouraged at the prospect of working with humans, Corinth tries to convince Tessius that he can handle any assignment better if he is able to work alone. In the end, however, it is shown that Corinth will not have any choice in the matter. His own opinions will be tested as through the upcoming struggles he realizes that there are times where elves are not the superior beings.

Soon Corinth finds himself in the company of two humans; Aventis who has expansive knowledge of tracking and hunting, and Nadine who claims that she can infiltrate any place in any town. Of course Corinth does not think much of his human partners initially and insists that he would do just fine without either of their help. This causes numerous arguments between these three traveling companions but soon it is proven that they actually need each other more than ever as none will survive if they do not learn to trust one another. For the evil that they will have to face is more powerful than any of them imagined and without someone there to stop it, will sweep across every land leaving only death behind.

As soon as I read that this was a fantasy book I immediately wanted to start reading, as this genre is one I truly love. This book did not disappoint at all as from the very first page I was consumed by the amazing elements and characters that come from a great fantasy story. Author Andrew D. Cratsley took a little different approach to the relationship between elves and humans as he was able to show that growth in the character Corinth throughout the story as the adventures these characters go through bring about a definite respect and friendship. In addition to action, adventure, and suspense, I love when a book also brings to light the relationships that are growing and developing in the midst of the story. For me that is what relates a reader to the words they are reading and takes them to another place. This book did exactly that as I found myself worrying when a character was injured, or fighting when this group met an enemy and that made for a fantastic read.

Quill says: A book that brings together all of the amazing elements of a great fantasy adventure!

Book Review - Time For Kids All Access: Your Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Coolest People, Places and Things!

Time For Kids All Access: Your Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Coolest People, Places and Things!

By: Editors of the Time for Kids Magazine
Publisher: Time for Kids
Publication Date: September 2014
ISBN: 978-1618931054
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: September 11, 2014

Swat! Don’t like flies? Well, not too many people do, but there are lots of times we’d all like to be a fly on the wall. It would be kind of fun to take a look at all kinds of things, including people. Not that anyone wants to spy, but wouldn’t it be fun to check out the cast of the Hobbit? It would be kind of cool to know just what Bombur really looks like under all that reddish hair and mustache. Did you know that “it took about 8,800 pounds of silicone rubber to produce the facial prosthetics for the films?’’ Now you do and you’ll know what Nori, Fili, Dori, Bofu, Gloin, Dwain, Thorin, Balin, Oin, Bombur, Bifure, Ori, and Kili look like in real life when you flip that Lift-And-Look page. How cool can it get?

Take that fly mentality and head over to some real walls, walls in the White House. You can’t look at everything because that’s super-secret (and kind of nosy), but if you flip that Lift-And-Look page you can check out a cross-section of the White House! It’s actually a model of the house in Clermont, Florida, but it’s very realistic. John Zweifel “spent 50 years creating a miniature replica of the famous house.” It’s amazingly cool and so realistic you’ll think you’re looking at the real thing. You can see the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, the furniture, paintings, rugs, and even a miniature version of Bo. In case you didn’t know, Bo is Malia and Sasha Obama’s dog.

Every now and then you probably get some big bucks for your birthday. Maybe you’ve even gotten one of those new $100 bills if you’re lucky. They look a lot different than they used to, but how can you tell the difference? That bill doesn’t even look anywhere near like it did more than a hundred years ago and you can check out how it changed over the years. There are a lot of new features. For example, if you “hold the bill up to the light, you’ll find a smaller simplified portrait of Franklin staring right back at you.” There’s some really interesting security features on this bill and you can impress your classmates by your new-found knowledge. Do you know what “color-shifting ink” is? You’ll know once you read this book!

This is a fun, fascinating look at some really cool people, places, and things. Many of these interesting facts have those Lift-And-Look pages that make it infinitely more interesting to read and browse. I had a lot of fun flipping pages back and forth trying to discover things like the hidden creatures in an Amazon forest. A forest is a forest until I turned the page and began to check out numerous critters staring right back at me. The book is divided into sections: People, Places, and Things. The layout pops with action and full-size, full color photographs. Sidebars and photograph captions add a lot to the text (and the fun). Admittedly, those sections with the Lift-And-Look tabs were the most fun, but no doubt, this book is definitely kid-friendly and has that wow factor that will lure in even the most reluctant readers!

Quill says: This will be one book that will be mighty hard to put down once you start flipping those pages!

Book Review - Sports Illustrated Kids All NEW Access: Your Behind-the-Scenes Pass to the Coolest Things in Sports

Sports Illustrated Kids All NEW Access: Your Behind-the-Scenes Pass to the Coolest Things in Sports

By: The Editors of Sports Illustrated Kids
Publisher: Sports Illustrated
Publication Date: September 2014
ISBN: 978-1618930491
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: September 11, 2014

Do you like Legos? If you’re a Carolina Panthers fan and think Cam Newton is the best thing since sliced bread you’re in for a real treat. Mix Legos and Newton and you’ll find that 24,360 Lego bricks later you’ll discover a very interesting model. Master builder Erik Varszegi built a way cool bust of Cam that actually looks like him. Maybe you’ve built that DeLorean Time Machine or even a Super Hero out of Legos, but building a bust of a real live hero is quite another thing. You’ll learn all of Varszegi’s little secrets and will learn just how he accomplished that amazing feat with Lego bricks. There’s a Lift-And-Look page for you to flip back and forth as you marvel over that amazing bust.

Everyone has their own special hideaway, but just where does CC Sabathia hang out? Well, this New York Yankees pitcher has his own idea of what a man cave, or should I say Fan Cave, should look like. He’s got a couch in one room. No big deal you may say, but do you have “a wall of 15 46-inch HD televisions” near yours? He doesn’t want to miss out on any games so fifteen it is. Sabathia has all kinds of other cool things in his Fan cave. He’s got a Home Run Slide, a Nonopus, and even a photo booth. If you don’t have a clue as to what a Nonopus is, you’ll just have to read this book to find out!

Maybe you’re a hockey fan. Unless you have hockey cards, you just might not know what Martin Brodeur looks like when he’s not suited up. Well, wait a minute, many of them show him in full gear “protecting the net for the New Jersey Devils.” He’s got on his mask, catcher glove, leg pads, he’s holding his stick, and there’s that blocker on his right hand. Flip that Lift-And-Look page and there is Brodeur standing on the ice with nothing on! Well, he does have on a Devils Hockey shirt and his leggings. You’ll find out a few interesting things about those leggings as well.

This is a fascinating look behind the scenes of some very interesting sports-oriented facts. Many of these interesting facts have those Lift-And-Look pages that make it infinitely more interesting to read and browse. Even I was interested in flipping these pages back and forth learning about such oddities as the biggest shoe size in the NBA. Youngsters can even put their foot on a full-scale shoe to see how they measure up. The book is divided into sections: Athletes, Places, and Gear. The layout pops with action and full-size, full color photographs. Sidebars and photograph captions add a lot to the text (and the fun). Admittedly, those sections with the Lift-And-Look pieces were the most fun, but no doubt, this book is definitely kid-friendly and has that wow factor that will lure in even the most reluctant readers!

Quill says: If you have a youngster who is a sports fan, this is one cool book to add to your list!

Book Review - Memoirs of an Elf

Memoirs of an Elf

By: Devin Scillian
Illustrated by: Tim Bowers
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Publication Date: September 2014
ISBN: 978-1585369102
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: September 11, 2014

Spark Elf was all excited because it was Christmas Eve. Yeah! He was feeling extra short and extra excited so he stood beside Santa’s sleigh and took an elfie with Bobbin and Nutshell. Click, click! They were looking good. It was only an hour before they’d take off and the reindeer were all harnessed and ready to go. It was time to text Santa “Time to fly, big guy!” It wasn’t long before Santa was in the doorway kissing Momma Claus. Kiss, kiss! The sack of toys was in the back of the sleigh and Bobbin was making sure it was tied tightly while Nutshell was checking that list and checking it twice.

A “crack of the whip” and they were off. Spark started the timer. They only had 24 hours to deliver all those toys. Would they make it? The sleigh floated above the clouds with Santa at the reins. Guam and Figi were behind them and they moved right along, but there was a little problem. The fact that “Santa always wants to stop and pet EVERY dog” was slowing them down. Tugboat was awfully cute, but Spark shouted, “Santa, we gotta go!” Ho, ho, ho! There was only “18 hours to go.” The dogs, the cookies (yum!), and playing with all those toys was holding them up. Just when they thought they were all done, there was one little extra in the toy bag. It was Tugboat! Was someone’s Christmas going to be ruined or could they get him back in time?

This is a delightfully hilarious Christmas tale that children will love. This is a modern-day twist on Santa and his elves’ big night. It is one tale that little ones will relate to as Spark texts, snaps elfies (selfies), and keeps time on his smart phone. The tale is the perfect blend between the classic Christmas tale and the high-tech world young children see around them. There are several little-known facts about Santa scattered throughout the book. For example, “When Santa is serious about something, he bets you a candy cane.” The artwork sparks with excitement and is wonderfully appealing. This is definitely one tale that should be added to the list of Christmas classics!

Quill says: If you're interested in a modern-day Christmas classic, this is a perfect choice!