#BookReviews: 5 Stars for each one!

Published on by balroop singh
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Leora’s Dexter Stories capture the challenging times in the lives of the Wilson family as they move from one farm to another in search of work  to support their seven children. A story of togetherness, changing seasons, and struggle through disease, and the great depression, it brings alive the history of those times when life was really hard. There were no gadgets to ease the workload, and manual labor was the only option for the poor.

A heartbreaking account of whooping cough and the loss of two babies, Jack and Jean, reveals how helpless people were in the face of adverse circumstances. Kidney’s book is an excellent historical artifact, featuring both happy and sad stories, as well as lovely pictures of her family. A wonderful mother and a devoted wife, Leora’s resilience stands out in most of the stories. She believed that “the greatest successes are those who have some hardships in getting there.” 

It is surprising to note that in 1933, one-fourth of the nation’s population comprised of families with no regular income. However, sons valued family and were worried about their parents. They sent money home. Delbert and Donald were happy when they joined the Navy, as they could get enough to eat, learn a trade, and see new places. Extreme temperatures and drought exacerbated the situation, but the Wilsons persevered and navigated through the depression with positive results. 

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A Bold Bargain is much more than just a bargain. It is a heartwarming story of kindness and love. It highlights the loneliness of an old woman, Mrs. Fletcher, and the plight of Naomi, who is struggling to raise her two sons alone. Jack comes like an Angel into their lives. He knows what hunger is; he understands the importance of love, and is immediately pulled by the need to provide support. His sterling qualities unfold as the plot progresses. 

The story flows at a steady pace, keeping you invested with new developments. A parallel plot of mink poachers adds an interesting angle to it. Sikes’ characters will win your heart, as they emit positive vibes, and have been crafted with great respect and tenderness, especially Wolf, Kitten, and Mitzi. There is an amazing relationship between Jack and his furry friends. Jack is just eighteen, but circumstances have molded him into a responsible and caring person.

Some delightful moments that bring joy into Queenie’s life won my heart, elevating this book above the average. The ending is extremely well-written. Highly recommended.

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‘The Mystery of the Pink Poodle’ is much more than just a mystery. It is a captivating story of relationships, parental love, and friendship. The tenor of this book is that wealth and fame are insignificant if homes are devoid of love and happiness.

Alina is the daughter of rich and famous divorced parents, and neither of them has any time for her. A summer trip to Conrad gives her a purpose and brightens up her life quite unexpectedly. What she thought was a creepy innhouse, with old-fashioned furniture, turns out to be a place full of mystery and warmth. She meets twin sisters and their pleasing mother here, and some lovely bonds are created. 

Mimi King is an interesting character with a colorful past. She wants her pink poodle, and Alina wants to help her, but nobody knows anything about it. The curiosity and excitement of the teens adds an element of charm to the mystery. Will they be able to solve the mystery of the pink poodle?

This is a heart-warming story with wonderful characters. Even cold and aloof Michael Doherty understands the importance of relationships and agrees to write Mimi’s and Henri La Bouche’s story. 

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This book is a kaleidoscope of syllabic poetry, free verse, art, and pictures. Cheadle’s love for wildlife and her astute observation shine through ‘Burning Butterflies,’— a magnificent symbol of transformation and hope. Highly informative and evocative, her poems inspire us to reflect on mankind’s attitude toward flora and fauna. It also lays bare the grim reality of the harm that is being done to the natural environment.

Cheadle’s poems acquaint us with the playful nature of animals, exhort us “to learn from animal friends,” and treat them with respect. 

She warns, “Let the natural world remain
Or we’ll all implode in the burning.” 
She uses anaphora to emphasize her point – 
“Shout, make your point heard,
Shout, many voices cry out
Save the black rhino
Shout
Our voices cry out…”
“Act now – Save lonely black rhino
Act now – Save lonely black rhino.”

Cheadle’s poetry is intense yet accessible, informative, and stirring. The imagery of ‘River Fun’ and ‘The Buffalo’ made me pause and there are many such poems that need to be read again and again to understand her love for animals and birds.

I’ve read the book on my laptop to absorb the beauty of artwork and admire the stunning pictures of wild animals in their natural habitat. I would call it creativity at its best.

Thank you. Happy reading!
Balroop Singh.

Here is the link for my New Release – Beyond the Fetters

37 thoughts on “#BookReviews: 5 Stars for each one!”

  6. Fantastic reviews, Balroop:) I’ve read all but Joys and hers is circling the top of my reading list as is yours! I know I have some great reading ahead

    Reply

      1. They didn’t really have the money for the photos, but the two oldest brothers had joined the navy earlier that year, to have a job to do, enough to eat and take pressure off feeding and clothing the five kids still at home in poverty. They wrote letters back and forth and I’m the keeper of those precious letters and photos.

      1. Thank you, Dawn. They were the stories I didn’t want to hear as a child because they usually came with a lesson, or Mom would say her family would have been so grateful to have whatever it was I was tired of as a teen. Later on, I began to write down those stories, then added them to Grandma’s letters to their “navy boys,” creating such a poignant picture of growing up during Depression days in small town America–and with a mother determined to get all seven children through high school!

  9. Thank you so much, Balroop, for including me in your reviews! I appreciate your wonderful review of “Pink Poodle” very much! I will include this with my post tomorrow.

    Reply

  10. Wonderful reviews, Balroop. I’ve enjoyed books from all four authors. I’ve read Jan’s and Robbie’s from the collection above and thought both were great. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Congrats to Joy, Jan, Dawn, and Robbie!

    Reply

  11. Wonderful reviews, Balroop. Thank you for sharing them. I’ve read Joy’s, Jan’s, and Robbie’s books, and like you, I thought they were terrific. I’m looking forward to beginning Beyond the Fetters. Congratulations to you—and to all the writers you’ve featured. ❤️

    Reply

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