I couldn't wait to read "Little Princes". It related to my family. My daughter had spent six months working with orphans in Kenya. While these children hadn't been trafficked they still acted a lot like the children of Nepal. She came home with similar stories as Connor. The children wrapping themselves around you, following you around like little puppies, and making you feel so wonderful. Connor Grennan wrote this story with a lot of warmth and humor. His story of how he helped these children was full of humility, which I appreciated. This book would be excellent to be read by book clubs and for anyone who thinks they would like to be involved with helping people overseas. This book tells about what it is like to live in developing world countries. Thanks for the amazing book Connor!

I was intrigued with this book when I saw it on the First Impressions list. My daughter went to Kenya to work with Masai and Kikuyu orphans and had been there since January. This is how I like to learn culture and history, through a story. I enjoyed this book immensely but gave it a four because at times it dragged. With what my daughter was sharing with me I found the facts of the setting and the people to be spot on. I liked the writing and I thought the details of the dig to be enchanting.

I found this book very interesting. In fact I couldn't put it down and I was reading it while on vacation. On vacation I usually read fiction. The author is well educated and the book is well written. It explained a lot to me about my fifth grade students. They all fans of hip-hop music but not so much with the education. This gives me a small insight into their world. This might help me in teaching them. I liked the way he blended philosophy with the fascinating story of his life. I don't think we have heard the last of this smart young man. I think that this is an important book that should be read by all.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a historical novel based on a true court case in California at the turn of the twentieth century. Many of the reviewers said that they wanted more fleshed out characters. I had to keep reminding myself that in those days people didn't express their emotions as much as they do today. That they accepted what happened to them, and much of what they did do was to please society. They made the best of every situation and didn't feel as sorry for themselves as we do today. This is evident by Margaret's acceptance of the situation. In today's world one of the wives would have been divorced, but in those days that would have made the children illegitimate. That would mean that they may not be employed or have opportunities in later life. That makes a good reason not to have either marriage annulled. It made me feel fortunate to be living now. Nowadays, this would have made front page news and they all would have had family counseling. They would have been interviewed by Oprah and there would be outpouring of support. I really enjoyed reading this book and will recommend it to all of my friends.

This was a beautifully written novel. It kept me riveted from the first page. The characters are fully drawn and it was a pleasure to read such lyrical writing. I only gave it 4 stars because I have a hard time with depressing novels. This should be a favorite of book clubs all over North America.

This was a powerful book about how the the bombing of Japan effected the generations to come. It involves only one Japanese character, Hiroko, who survives the bombing of Nagaski. She then travels to India, Pakistan, and finally New York. All of her relationships are affected by this one event. It is written without prejudice and states the historical facts without any judgment. I think that this is a book that all should read. This would be a great book for book clubs because there is a lot to be discussed.

Of course no life is simple but the main character of Jamie, who is the mother to Arley, is one that she craves. She is living in a small town in Connecticut in an old farmhouse. She is housemates with an older man, Harris, who is raising his grandson Christopher. Suddenly Harris dies and life gets very complicated. Nate, Christopher's dad comes back to take control of his son and the life he never wanted, but did he? I really enjoyed this story of love. It raises truths about how people change. The characters were believable and very likable. The two little boys were especially charming and added much to the agonizing of the adults. This was a great end of summer read, though it will not solve the problems of the world, it made me happy and that is something that is very important to all of us.

I really enjoyed reading Talk of the Town by Lisa Wingate. It was a sweet story and the plot was predictable. What I really liked was the characters. I wanted to actually meet the two main characters and be friends with them. It was a Christian book but wasn't preachy - just fun and full of truths to live by. I liked this book so much that I am going to read more of Ms. Wingate's books.

I usually review books for young adults so sitting down with Peter Hoeg's book was very challenging for me. It takes a lot of focus and mental prowess to read but it was worth it at the end. This is mainly a thriller and the main character is a clown and a brilliant musician who is fixated on the music of Bach. It is set in a very innocent world and explores love and what is real. If you would like a challenging read I recommend this book.