Cute kids story, nice illustrations. I think I must buy this. Set in France, naturellement. Has a “Babe: Pig In The City”-esque quality to it.

More Gordon Ramsay!

I actually finished reading this a few of weeks ago. This book and the Kübler-Ross five stages of loss, I’ve come to learn, is studied by people in the counseling field. However, I appreciated the book’s non-clinical perspective.

I’m not sure if it has helped me-no book probably could-although it did let me know my grief is normal and a little about what to expect as time passes.

I do recommend it.

On my continued quest to read all the young adult books I’ve missed during my youth, I picked up this book mainly based on it’s cover which made me think of “To Kill A Mockingbird.” Set in North Carolina during the polio epidemic and WWII of 1940s, the author actually transports you to the era with her words. It’s a really fast, well researched, yet emotional read.

This is such a sweet little book with illustrations by Tasha Tudor, the author’s mother. Oh to live in their world.

I’ve loved the movie for many years, “Paper Moon,” but I know that movies rarely cover the entire story. In this case, it covered about a third of the book which was originally titled, “Addie Pray.” The rest is just as good, and the end is really sweet, but I can see why they decided not to do a sequel. The author made mid-1930s South really come alive for me, but what really amazed me is how an older man could write from a twelve year old girl’s perspecive. I’m so glad I took the time to read it.

I’m just eating this up.

I love Gordon’s tell it like it is demeanor. He’s the ‘Dr. Phil’ of the kitchen.

This story started me, a middle aged woman, on my newfound quest to read all children and young adult books, including those I may have missed during my childhood. Do not fear the older woman in the YA section of your public library. She will do you no harm. She only wishes to read stories of amazing young people like Ida B., whom she believes, with her wit, self-awareness, and sensitivity, should grow up to be president one day.

I’ve actually just read this today. Sure, I’m officially WAY past the suggested age groups, but I thoroughly devoured the book and didn’t even read it to my son since it would have taken too long. Maybe I’ll read it to him now that I’ve finished.

Update: I decided to let someone else read this to my son and checked out the audiobook which was narrated by Graeme Malcom. Surprisingly I didn’t enjoy it as much as reading the book myself. The narrator’s british accent was a little hard to understand. My son actually asked me what language he was speaking.

I can’t recall ever seeing this when it came out. I love this movie and must make it mine.