January 3, 2013
by Ariel Turner
The hilarious motion picture, A Christmas Story, is a Christmas classic. Now you can read the short stories that inspired one of the most cherished holiday specials. This entertaining compilation of memories gives a deeper look at the life of little Ralphie Parker and his quest to obtain a Red Rider bb gun as well as many other adventures. Originally published in the larger collect In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash, this piece comprises all the favourites from the film in an easy to read, fun rendition.
This book is quite equal to the movie. It’s heartwarmingly funny and clever. The wording gives the reader the exact impression portrayed in the film. You are given an interesting view point written in a quirky sort of style. I loved the stories.
It was a little odd reading each story as a single event, some of which didn’t even happen at Christmas time. There was a little lack of flow in that respect. And some of my favourite tales weren’t included, such as: the tongue frozen to the pole, or Ralphie using a dirty word he heard from his father. I’m unclear whether these were written for the movie or are in some other essay by Jean Shepherd.
And though some were missing, most were included: the vixenous leg lamp, their neighbours the Bumpuses, the disappointing Ovaltine message and ofcourse, the prevalent telling of the quest for a bb gun.
Jean Shepherd really can bring the family together. Whether read or watched you will never find a funnier, sweeter holiday classic to enjoy with the ones you love then A Christmas Story.
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Posted in Action, Adventure, Children, Christmas, Classics, Fiction, Humour, Young Adult |
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December 29, 2012
by Ariel Turner
There is no describing this book any better than the author so I’ll just give you the description on the cover:
“My name is Tucker Max, and I am an asshole. I get excessively drunk at inappropriate times, disregard social norms, indulge every whim, ignore the consequences of my actions, mock idiots and posers, sleep with more women than is safe or reasonable, and just generally act like a raging dickhead. But, I do contribute to humanity in one very important way: I share my adventures with the world.”
Well honestly that sums it up. I read this because my husband’s friend left it at our house and my curiosity got the better of me. (Also, I had recently watched the movie and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it.) After all of the men in my life raved about the hilarity that is Tucker Max I was inclined to see what the hype was about.
Honestly, it was exactly what I was expecting. It is a rude, misogynistic manuscript written by a narcissistic frat boy with an ivy-league education and no literary skills whatsoever. That being said, there were some moments of merriment. I’m not in any way condoning his actions, but in reality, they aren’t so very different from many people I know (you know who you are) that I still think fondly of. The difference here is Tucker Max wrote them in a book and shared them with the world.
And although he is a narcissist, an a-hole and a misogynist, he freely admits to these things in the beginning. Reading I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell is no more disturbing than watching a movie like Animal House, Porky’s or even American Pie. I don’t know that this is a book I would recommend to just anyone, but I won’t condemn it to sit on the shelf never to be passed on.
Posted in Adult, Adult Content, Humour, Non-Fiction |
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December 27, 2012
by Ariel Turner
With all the pressure around the holidays to eat heavy meats and delicious candies and baked goods, it’s hard to find a balance with the lighter side of food, especially if you have little ones. Knowing their nutritional needs and being able to determine where and when they get this nutrition is vital. Enter New Vegetarian Baby by Sharon K. Yntema and Christine H. Beard. This is a comprehensive guide for starting your infant on a plant-based diet and bringing up a vegetarian in an omnivores world.
Now I know what you are thinking: “She’s just trying to preach a vegan diet.” But, that’s not exactly the case. True, I am on my way to a vegan lifestyle. It’s a slow process but I’m confident I’ll get there. However, the review of this book is simply to offer a wide range of reviews on a vast amount of topics.
New Vegetarian Baby is a very detailed overview of what it means to build a vegetarian diet for an infant. It is not a be-all and end-all of vegan/vegetarian nutrition although it’s an excellent starting off point. It’s ideal for parents, during pregnancy and the first few years after birth, giving an in depth assessment of how to change your diet and how this can affect habits and nutritional intake.
I found Chapter Two: The Healthy Vegetarian Baby extremely helpful. The authors break down the most common vitamins and minerals, giving a general idea of what it does, how it works and where you get it. There are also wonderful little charts throughout the book which, I feel, added a completely new level of expertise to this topic.
Some of the content is a tad outdated due the fact this book was printed back in 2000, but the majority of the information and ideas presented are useful, practical information on raising a happy, healthy vegetarian baby.
I mean really… What would you rather eat?
Posted in Diet, How-To, Infants/Children, Informative, Instructional, Non-Fiction, Self-Help, Vegan/Vegetarian |
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December 16, 2012
by Ariel Turner
Debt-Free Forever is a no-nonsense approach to managing your money. If you are drowning in your debt and are tired of watching the money go out before it’s even come in Gail is here to get you back on track. She offers practical assistance to become free of consumer debt and help you pay it down while building up your savings. Gail gets you to take an honest look at where your money is going and then helps you direct it to where it needs to be. If you are tired of living paycheque to paycheque and are ready to take the plunge to get your finances back on track then Debt-Free Forever is an excellent choice.
This isn’t the perfect book. It has its flaws like anything, but if you really do need a practical, no-nonsense guide to managing your debt, this really is the book for you. It was extremely helpful for me and mine. When we sat down at the beginning of the book and figured out where all our money was going it’s doesn’t do justice to say we were shocked. We were astounded. Who knew we wasted so much money at the convenience store? Well you know what – we should have. It’s embarrassing to see where your money goes and honestly, it’s not fun. But it’s one of those necessary evils in life. It has to be done.
Some of the suggestions hit the nail on the head but not all were relevant to my family. I found the section on cash to be a little outdated. Honestly, I’m terrible with cash. If I have change, I spend it, plain and simple. It burns a big hole in my pocket and I have to get it out. I don’t know what the idea behind that is but I just can’t do it. I’ve tried and it always ends badly. Instead, I have a chequing account strictly for spending. I do not pay bills from this account and I do not keep savings in this account. It is the only account connected to my bank card and it is for purchases. Before I leave the house I transfer exactly the amount I have calculated that I will need and no more. Therefor I cannot spend extra, because I don’t have it. This system works for me. You might be reading this thinking I’m bonkers, but like I said, not everything will work for everyone.
You aren’t going to get perfect instructions from this one book and have everything work out great. But it’s a start. I think it’s a good idea to have 3-5 financial assistant books, from various authors, on hand at all times. This way if one doesn’t have the right idea for you, you have another that might. Overall the book was straightforward and helpful. And although we are not going to be debt-free in the next 12months (insert sad face), I have every confidence we will be within 4years. How freaking exciting is that?
As a side note, I was also able to determine that we will not only be debt-free in 4 short years, we will have a hefty nest egg in our savings. Woo-hoo!
Just remember, not everyone’s story will be the same, but everyone’s story can have a happy ending.
Are you ready to become debt-free? What other financial aid books have helped you on your money managing journey?
Posted in Finances, How-To, Informative, Instructional, Money Managment, Non-Fiction |
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December 13, 2012
by Ariel Turner
Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner is a comprehensive introductory guide to living a magickal, spiritual life. Scott Cunningham presents Wicca in a realistic way giving a practical approach to the craft. He illustrates common practices and tools and relays basic information on magickal supplies such as herbs, incense and gemstones. This book is designed to assist solitary practitioners with their individual exploration of an Earth-bound religion.
When I was at the beginning of my own spiritual journey, I came across Scott Cunningham’s book. And it was exactly the book I needed at the time that I found it. It is written as a transitional book for someone coming from one philosophy to another. It is meant to correct the negative ideas that may have previously been ingrained in ones thoughts and open the mind up to a simpler, more down-to-earth view. It’s a stepping stone.
The beginner information in this book is perfect for, well, a beginner. It is easy to understand, gives basic, clear ideas and examples and illustrates a new way of thinking. Or more accurately, an old way of thinking brought to new light. This guide is absolutely NOT a complete manual to Wicca or Witchcraft but should be used for reference during the voyage of self-discovery. It’s simply for those new to Wicca and paganism, and those interested or curious, as a point of assistance. It’s to remind the reader that even though they practice alone, they are not alone. There are so many people out there following in a similar direction; many other likeminded individuals following a pagan path.
This book isn’t perfect, but if you are truly a beginner and you don’t know much, if anything, about Witchcraft or Wicca, this is a great place to start. Just keep in mind: if you don’t like the examples he’s laid out for you – make up your own. The beauty about a pagan faith is the individualist expression. And it harm none, do what ye will.
Posted in Informative, Non-Fiction, Pagan, Self-Help, Spiritual, Wicca |
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December 12, 2012
by Ariel Turner
In a comfortable hole, with lavish furnishings and cozy décor lives a Hobbit. Bilbo Baggins loves peace and quiet and never, ever goes on adventures. When Gandalf the wizard tricks the Hobbit, Bilbo unintentionally agrees to venture on a journey for treasure, instilled with dwarves, elves, goblins and giants. In his travels, Bilbo stumbles upon Gollum, a wild cave-dweller whom Bilbo escapes by stealing Gollum’s magic ring. The little Hobbit is faced with many dangers, but if he can stay brave in his trials he may just secure the dragon’s riches.
With all the hype around the movie release of The Hobbit (which comes out December 14th) I felt driven to write a review. I think the world created by J.R.R. Tolkien is incredible. The intricate detail that went into this book, (as well as the LOTR trilogy) is astounding and original. I mean, he created a darn language. How many people have done that for art? (Alright, the Star Trek guys… but still.) The writing is wonderful and Tolkien displays such a detailed image of Middle Earth you feel like you are a fairy hovering over Bilbo’s shoulder. Like you are there, watching everything with your own eyes instead of reading it in a book.
The Hobbit is just begging to be read aloud. I know, I read it aloud to myself. Yes, I even did voices. All of the poems and puzzles riddled throughout the book make it impossible to read them in your head and capture the full value of the words. You can actually feel the emotion of the character and the weight of the event when you read them for all to hear. It traps you in the adventure and whisks you away for the ride. And let me tell you, it’s quite a ride.
The Hobbit is considered a children’s classic and I must say I’m inclined to agree, however, I recommend you read it TO your kids: like I said, it begs to be heard. The LOTR trilogy that follows is a little more adult but a glorious bunch of sequels nonetheless. And because The Hobbit is the most tightly written of the four books I’m really starting to wonder how on Middle Earth they are going to extend it into three movies. Yup, three. I know right?
Posted in Action, Adult, Adventure, Children, Classics, Fantasy, Fiction, Magickal, Mystery |
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December 9, 2012
by Ariel Turner
Spruce up your Christmas presents this year with some beautifully homemade gifts – on a budget. Being frugal and cost effective doesn’t have to mean skimping on style or functionality. Spread some holiday cheer with simple, affordable and individualized gifts created by you, with love. Find step-by-step instructions complete with pictures in this easy to follow guide of 60 handcrafted gifts.
I thought people might need a little inspiration this Christmas. We only have 16 days left to finalize our present lists and make sure we’ve covered everyone. I ran across this nifty little homemade gift guide last week and felt inclined to read it. Cover-to-cover. I know reading a step-by-step instruction manual doesn’t seem like the most interesting thing in the world but the entries were just so cute and informative it was hard not to. Plus, it didn’t take all that long.
Anyways, what I’m trying to say is if you want to add a personal touch to Christmas (or whatever holiday you choose to celebrate this time of year) this manual is a great little starting off point. It has clear instructions, a wide range of projects and helpful images to boot. There are many web addresses included for the individual blogs where the ideas where collected: which is excellent because I went to some of the blogs (okay, all of them) and ended up with even more fantastic project ideas.
I personally LOVE homemade gifts. It’s personal, it’s thoughtful, it’s heartwarming. All of the gifts I’m giving this year are homemade (almost). Toni Anderson does a nice job of compiling some of the more beginner friendly – but still beautiful – gifts into a handy little reference book. The projects are well laid out, the materials and tools are easy to find, and you don’t need a lot of experience to make some amazing items that will get people saying – “What? You made this?”
Have you finished your Holiday shopping? What are you giving that’s homemade?
Posted in Christmas, Holiday, How-To, Informative, Instructional, Non-Fiction |
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December 6, 2012
by Ariel Turner
Mina Grime is just your average, inconspicuous teenage girl. She enjoys a plane, unnoticed existence and she likes it that way. Mina’s a larger than life best friend Nan has enough personality for both of them. Her little brother, Charlie, doesn’t speak and her mother, Sara, works as a chambermaid. Overall, there is nothing special about Mina Grime. Until one day, on a class field trip, she saves the life of her crush. She uncovers her true heritage as a Grimm brother descendant and an ancient family curse is unleashed upon her. Mina must live through the stories that threaten to ruin her life or the Story just might stop it instead.
There are some important issues I need to address with this novel. I may go on a bit of a rant, but bear with me I do have some valid points. First I would like to address the matter of grammar. This book was clearly not edited. I’ve seen many people comment on the grammar issues and the spelling mistakes; saying they couldn’t get past this to finish the story. So yes, as far as that goes, Unenchanted is a 0/5. But I’m not reviewing this book for its grammatical errors.
Which brings us to point two: plot. The premise is exceptional. I won’t go into too much detail here because I hate spoiling plot twists, but let’s just say it’s original. The curse of the Grimm brothers and the magical world that is created for their descendent, Mina, is wonderfully inventive. I loved the new kink on these old tales. I’m a big sucker for fantasy fiction and fairy tale retellings. (You will probably figure that out). The problem I had with the story line is it was mostly filled with fluff. To break the curse Mina Grime must finish 200 quests but by the end of the book I think her count was at 3. I was expecting action and adventure but instead I was saddled with tween boy/girl drama. Little dull, not going to lie.
So as not to completely overwhelm, I will give you my third and final concern: the characters. Unenchanted reads as if all the characters are children, I’m talking like 9 or 10. Turns out, Mina is just a 16 year old who acts like she’s 9 or 10. The characters are kind of flat and underdeveloped. I’m so weary of all these books coming out with boring, uninteresting female leads who are overrun with gorgeous, wannabe boyfriends. These girls have nothing special or unique about them and yet all of these sexy, perfect, charismatic high school boys are fighting for them. It’s unreal. Speaking of unreal, why are all these boys erotic, chiseled and muscular with commendable personalities and prince charming attitudes? They stand up to parents, fight for the girl, break the rules for love, save the day, risk life and limb, and they are all around 17. Where the heck were these boys when I was in high school? Oh right, they don’t exist. I just want someone to write some books about normal looking people, who have believable reactions. I get that the events are fantastical, and I love that, but why can’t fantastical events happen to plausible people?
Posted in Action, Adventure, Children, Fantasy, Fiction, Magickal, Myth and Legend, Teen |
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December 5, 2012
by Ariel Turner
A sarcastic middle-schooler is faced with many new challenges in growing up. Greg Heffley has always been the leader, but when his best friend Rowley starts to rise in the ranks, Greg becomes jealous. Greg tries to use his friend’s new found popularity to his own advantage with some devastating consequences. He stretches the boundaries of friendship in his battle to make it through middle-school alive.
Before we even hit the content, let’s take a look at the layout. The drawings are cute, fun and add some wonderful visual personalities to the characters. They add a comic feel which I just love. I also happen to enjoy the lined paper and the mimicked handwriting. It adds a realistic feel to the book, as though you are actually peeking into the diary of this kid. Alright, now that I’ve covered that, let’s take a deeper look inside.
It was sarcastic, lazy, funny and clever. Coming from a long line of sarcastic, lazy, funny and clever people, I can really appreciate the point of view. Greg does come off a little vain and selfish, but in the end he learns some lessons and that’s all you can really hope for. The writing though was easy to read and personally, I think the content is appropriate for all ages. I suppose it depends on your parenting style and individual taste, but I read it to my son when he was only 2, and he loved it. And I do mean loved. He listened to the whole thing. We read a few chapters a night before bed. He loved the pictures, he loved story; he even laughed at appropriate times. And you know what, I think he’s better for it. He’s always loved books (how could he not?), but after reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid he even “reads” to himself now. It’s adorable.
I’ve heard lots of people commenting that this book got their (insert age here) year old child, who hates reading, to start reading. And in my opinion, any book that gets kids reading is a darn good book.
What gets your child(ren) pumped to turn some pages?
Posted in Children, Fiction, Humour |
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December 2, 2012
by Ariel Turner
When his name shows up at a crime scene, Robert Langdon becomes the prime suspect in a murder. He embarks on an epic adventure, accompanied by a cryptologist named Sophie. Together they uncover an ancient secret. A secret so deep, so protected, others will stop at nothing to unearth it. Sophie and Robert battle life and limb to real the truth and clear his name.
I hear a lot of negative comments about this book. It seems that not many people are willing to say they liked it, or that it was even worth a read. I on the other hand, did like it. It’s not without its faults, however the book is meant as a mystery, based on a completely fictional story with completely fictional characters. With this in mind; as a fun, albeit creepy, investigative thriller, I have to say The Da Vinci Code is absolutely worth a read. On the other side, if you are looking for a fact filled, historical piece you might want to keep looking.
As a practicing pagan, I can tell you some of the references to pagan history are a touch off base. And some are just wrong. The thing I have to give Brown credit for though is that no matter how the pagan ideas were represented, they were indeed represented. And although this book might not be completely factually accurate, it is a fictional book. It is also apparent from discussions I’ve witnessed that Brown got people thinking. For that reason alone I have to commend him. The Da Vinci Code got people asking questions, it got them checking facts and it even expanded some minds. That, combined with the pure entertainment value, has made it, I believe, a pretty noteworthy novel.
I’m sold on the creative adventure, the mild historical aspect and the fact that it was just plain fun to read. I’m not saying this book changed my life or anything, but it truly deserves some positive recognition. And if you haven’t read it, I think it’s time you did.
Posted in Action, Adult, Adventure, Fiction, Mystery, Spiritual, Thriller |
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