Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Blogging for Books in exchange for my hoenst thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

Holding Up the Universe is a story about Libby, who was once the fattest teen in America, weighing in at over 600 lbs and had to be fork-lifted out of her house. She's now dropped a lot of that weight, but people still can't seem to see past her body shape to see the girl inside. Still, she braves the worst crowd possible, high schoolers, to start a new school. The book is also about popular guy on campus Jack, who seems to have it all, but who in reality is overcompensating for a debilitating issues he has- he can not recognize faces, not even from his own family. These two meet under what are not the greatest circumstances and then we get to see both of their stories unfold.

Holding Up the Universe for me what a thought provoking novel. It made me have some a-ha moments about my own panic attacks and food issues. Who knew a young adult novel would dig that deep? And even deeper than that to teach us about prosopagnosia, something I had never heard of before I picked up this book, but something that I found profoundly interesting and caused me to have a lot of empathy for Jack. High school is tough for a lot of people, without these huge added issues that these two characters have. It is difficult to see some of the things the other kids say and do, but I think this is a great book for high school aged kids to read to open up a serious discussion about bullying, and about differences. As I read through this book, I thought several times, this will probably be one that ends up banned somewhere (or several somewheres) someday, sadly. I feel like the most compelling books are the ones that are fought against the most. I hope that this book, despite some of it's more controversial content, makes it's way into some high school English classrooms.

A List of Cages by Robin Roe (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

When Adam Blake lands the best elective ever in his senior year, serving as an aide to the school psychologist, he thinks he's got it made. Sure, it means a lot of sitting around, which isn't easy for a guy with ADHD, but he can't complain, since he gets to spend the period texting all his friends. Then the doctor asks him to track down the troubled freshman who keeps dodging her, and Adam discovers that the boy is Julian--the foster brother he hasn't seen in five years. Adam is ecstatic to be reunited. At first, Julian seems like the boy he once knew. He's still kind hearted. He still writes stories and loves picture books meant for little kids. But as they spend more time together, Adam realizes that Julian is keeping secrets, like where he hides during the middle of the day, and what's really going on inside his house. Adam is determined to help him, but his involvement could cost both boys their lives. First-time novelist Robin Roe relied on life experience when writing this exquisite, gripping story featuring two lionhearted characters.

My thoughts-

It has been a long time since I read a book that impacted me as much as A List of Cages. At the heart of it, is a strong bond between Adam, a popular boy who takes care of everyone around him and doesn't seem to have a care in the world, and a younger boy, who once was Adam's foster brother, Julian, who has the weight of the world on his shoulders. The book switches narratives between Adam and Julian. I appreciate this style of writing maybe more than any other kind because it gives us more than one perspective and I feel like that always makes for a stronger story. By the end of the novel, I almost felt physically ill at some of the things poor Julian endured, but at the heart of the novel is the friendship between these two unlikely friends. I can not believe this was a debut novel. The writing was stellar, I kept wanting more, the character development was on point and both of those things lead to big feelings to be felt by the reader. I will be on the look out for more from Ms. Roe. If her future novels are anything like A List of Cages, she should have a long, successful career as a novelist ahead of her! 

When Calls the Heart: Complete Season 3

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the box set of dvd's via Edify Media in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About When Calls the Heart-

When Calls the Heart is a television show on the Hallmark Channel based on the writings of Janette Oke that debuted on the Hallmark Channel to more than 3 million viewers, making it the #2 show for the night on all of cable for the primary telecast at 9 p.m and #3 overall in households. The show is about Elizabeth Thatcher, a young high society woman who is now working as a teacher on the western frontier.

My thoughts-

Season 3 has been a great season for When Calls the Heart. The show is all so full of drama, romance, and laughs. I love watching it with my family! It is a rare show on tv these days that is completely appropriate for children that you don't have to watch on edge and worry about needing to turn the channel for any reason. I love that it shows romance in a sweet way. I think that is an important part of the show. When Calls the Heart: Complete Season 3 has all 10 full length episodes full of all but the real reason to get this dvd set is for the special features. There are 3 discs just devoted to special features, including a fun trivia game for Hearties, a slide show and "Hearties Family Reunion". Season 3 brought us two of my favorite moments, Lee and Rosemary's nupitals and Elizabeth meeting Jack's mom! You can purchase your copy on Amazon.com and catch up in time to see the When Calls the Heart Christmas Special, airing Christmas Day, only Hallmark Channel. 

Puppy Pals: Bijou by Susan Hughes (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

The newest adventure in the pawsitively adorable Puppy Pals series!

When three bichon frise puppies are left on the doorstep of Tails Up!, Aunt Jenn asks Kat, Maya, and Grace to look after them and find them new homes. Best of all, they get to choose names for the pups! They pick three French names: Aimée, Chantal, and Bijou.

Calls begin to come in from people interested in adopting the puppies, and Aimée and Chantal are soon placed in loving homes, but Kat worries that nobody will see the playful side of Bijou, the shy puppy. Even worse, Grace is being teased at schoolagain. Can Bijou help end Grace’s conflict and find himself a new home?

My thoughts-

The Puppy Pals series are popular among my third grade daughter's classroom. They love these books, each about a different puppy or two. This was the series that got her out of her "I only read Junie B. Jones" phase, so I am thankful that they allowed her to branch out and try something new. The Puppy Pals books are always cute books, easy to read, but there is usually a lesson in there somewhere. In "Bijou" the lesson is that what you see on the surface with someone isn't always the whole story. I think that is a great lesson for the age group that likes these books and I love how sweet the story about these three puppies that need to be adopted, including sweet, but lonely Bijou, just add to that lesson. I recommend this book for children ages 7-10. Puppy Pals: Bijou will be available February 7, 2017. You can pre-order your copy on Amazon.com.

The Grain Brain Whole Life Plan by David Perlmutter, MD (Book Review)

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

The official guide to Dr. David Perlmutter's revolutionary approach to vibrant health as described in his New York Times bestsellers Grain Brain, The Grain Brain Cookbook, and Brain Maker. 

With more than a million copies sold worldwide, Dr. Perlmutter's books have changed many lives. Now, he's created a practical, comprehensive program that lowers the risk for brain ailments while yielding other benefits, such as weight loss, relief from chronic conditions, and total body rejuvenation. Science-based and highly accessible, THE GRAIN BRAIN WHOLE LIFE PLAN expands upon the core advice from Dr. Perlmutter's previous works, and introduces new information about the advantages of eating more fat, fewer carbs, and nurturing the microbiome. Including original recipes, tips and tricks for common challenges, meal plans, and advice on everything from sleep hygiene to stress management, exercise, supplements, and more, THE GRAIN BRAIN WHOLE LIFE PLAN shows how to live happily and healthily ever after.

My thoughts-

Eating gluten free was a piece of the puzzle I figured out for my family a while back, mainly due to my daughter's behavioral problems getting so much better when she doesn't have gluten in her system. We are still working on being 100% gluten free, so reading books like these help me on that journey and help cement the idea that we are on the right path.  I love books like The Grain Brain Whole Life Plan that offer science to back up statements. I also like that this book isn't just about eating habits. It is about the bigger picture. Stress, sleep, exercise, and supplements that will help lead to optimal health are all discussed here. There are also many great recipes to get you started. I read a lot of books about diet and lifestyle and I think each one offers at least a little bit of good advice on how to become healthier or start down a healthier road, but I feel like The Grain Brain Whole Life Plan is a great place to start and may be the only book necessary to begin a journey to better health.

Skinnytaste Fast and Slow by Gina Homolka (Cookbook Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Blogging for Books in  exchange for my honest thoughts. I  was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

80+ Under 30 Minute Dishes and 60 Slow Cooker Recipes

The easiest, tastiest, most convenient healthy recipes—ever!

With Skinnytaste Fast and Slow, you can get a nutritious, flavor-packed, figure-friendly meal—complete with a flourless chocolate brownie made in a slow cooker—on the table any night of the week. Gina Homolka, founder of the widely adored blog Skinnytaste, shares 140 dishes that come together in a snap—whether in a slow cooker or in the oven or on the stovetop. Favorites include:
 
Slow Cooker
Chicken and Dumpling Soup
Korean-Style Beef Tacos
Spicy Harissa Lamb Ragu
Peach-Strawberry Crumble
 
Under 30 Minutes
Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp and Feta
Pizza-Stuffed Chicken Roll-Ups
Grilled Cheese with Havarti, Brussels Sprouts, and Apple 
Cauliflower “Fried” Rice
 
Each recipe includes nutritional information, which can help you take steps toward weight and health goals, and many dishes are vegetarian, gluten-free, and freezer-friendly—all called out with helpful icons. Gina’s practical advice for eating well and 120 color photos round out this indispensable cookbook.

About the book-

The first Skinnytaste cookbook is one that I utilize often in my kitchen, so I was excited to see that there was a new one that utilized different cooking methods. The book is full of beautiful pictures and filled to the brim with all kinds of tasty recipes sure to please your palette and save you time. The best thing about slow cooking and also about quick to throw together recipes is that it saves you time to devote to other things in your day and you still get delicious food to eat out of the deal! I love that the book includes several different types of diet friendly recipes, particularly I am glad to see gluten free recipes since those are the kind of recipes I am looking for. Skinnytaste Fast and Slow is a cookbook for anyone who wants to eat well, but doesn't want to spend hours in the kitchen.