"Glimpse of Sunlight: Jonathan Dickinson Odyssey Book #1" review.

“Glimpse of Sunlight: Johnathan Dickinson Odyssey Book #1” by Leona DeRosa Bodie and G.E. Gardiner is an adventure set in modern day Jamaica and well as 17^th century Port Royal, Jamaica. Three men, Captain Kyle Seydou, a marine archaeologist, Donovan Bouchara, a college student and Jon Taylor, a businessman, and their ancestors Oumar Seydou, Blair Brannigan and Jonathan Dickinson as their stories converge on the island of Jamaica. The narration swifts between the three men tell the story of their prospective families’ stories and 17^th century Jamaica and the events that occurred there.

I enjoyed this book for the history of 17^th century Port Royal, Jamaica. The authors tell a detailed story about the Spanish rule, the British attack and rule, and the slave raids on the plantations. I knew about the raids from World History class in high school but the descriptions here are detailed and action packed. I really liked that Jonathan Dickinson was a historical figure and has great significance to Jamaica. I am excited to read about this man and his adventure because he really did have quite the adventure. I could feel like I was there and could sense the danger. I love how the authors hint at the significance of June 7, 1692. If you know Jamaican history, then you already know why but if you don’t, I’m not going to spoil it.

My only criticism is the beginning story of Blair Brannigan. Her father, Master Brannigan and his wife, Mistress Brannigan are having an argument and she kicks him out of his family’s ancestral manor for having an affair. This scenario seems unlikely for 17^th century Ireland. The authors may have found incidences when this scenario did in fact happen but from my own knowledge and research of the time it just seems to be a modern scenario than a 17^th century one.

I had confusion set in with one of the minor characters. Lord Thurston is introduced as just Lord Thurston but his son is introduced as Edmund Jr. So, I can assume that his father is Edmund Sr. but later in the book, it is revealed that his name is William. If that’s so, then how can Edmund be a junior?

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It started off a little slow and I was wondering when Jonathan Dickinson would play into the story but once I got into the story I couldn't put it down. I just had to finish the story. I am looking forward to reading the rest of Jonathan Dickinson’s odyssey. 

One of my most important lessons from school

One of the most important lessons I learned in school is that teachers aren’t always right. I know from firsthand experience when teachers would make a statement about a child that could affect his or her future.

                                                

One of the first statements ever made was when I was in kindergarten. My teacher, Mrs. Acton, told my mother that because I didn’t jump rope, I wouldn’t be a good reader. My mom knew that I could jump robe, I did at home all the time. Why I didn’t want to at school, I have no idea. My mom took this statement and laughed. At the time, the correlation was never explained to my mom but I have found research that shows that jumping rope can help with establish basic reading skills. However, my teacher made this statement on the fact that she didn’t see me jump rope at school, never acknowledging that I jumped rope at home. Although research shows that jump rope can help with reading skills. Many teachers fail to see the correlational relationships and immediately jump to the cause and effect relationship. Anyway, I certainly proved her wrong especially when I would be given awards in the 7^th grade for reading books at a college level. I’ve been reading ever since and it’s my favorite activity.

                                          

A second statement made to about me happened in the 3^rd grade. Third grade taught the dreaded cursive writing and like many people, I couldn’t make certain letters like they would supposed to look like. I did my own and I also write fast that sometimes my writing can be illegible. My teachers, Mrs. Stockings and Mrs. Mackenzie, both told my mom that because my cursive wasn’t legible, I would not do well in college. Again, my mom just laughed pointed out that many doctors' handwriting is illegible and they apparently made it through college! I did very well in college. I enjoyed all my classes. The funniest thing about this whole statement is by the time that I attended college, beginning in 1998, everything that was handed in had to typed and very little was handwritten!

A third statement was said to me constant during the 8^th grade. In the 8^th grade, I was a student aide to my team of teachers and they were amazed that I read so much. However, my Algebra teacher, Mr. O’Leary, didn’t like that I was reading romance novels and would tell me often that “those books will rot your brain.” Many of the romance novels that I read were written by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss or Julie Garwood who both are considered greats in the romance genre. Compared to what is written today, they will remain the greatest in their genre. Those romance novels led me to read other books and learning about different times and places in history. For instance, many of Julie Garwood’s historical fiction takes place in Scotland. Reading about this wonderful place led me to check out books about its history and people. Robert Burns, national poet of Scotland, is one of my favorite poets and Scotland is on my bucket list of places to travel to. There are many books out there are not worth reading but when a child is reading on his or her own, don’t put down their choice of book. Encourage their growth in reading and lead them to discover new and wonderful books.

                                   

Teaching is a difficult job and many teachers are never thanked like they should be. However, teachers, please be careful what you say about a student because that statement stay with him or her throughout their lives. If they aren’t like me and turn it into a positive, it can have devastating results for that child’s future. 

A wonderful new book: "Shadow Heart"

“Shadow Heart” by Pamela Taeuffer is a story of a young girl who is trying to overcome her dysfunctional family by working hard and earning her place at Stanford University. Nicky Young is a high school senior on her way to her dream college when she meets professional baseball player, Ryan Tilton. Ryan turns her world around and helps her experience a part of life she avoided and fear she wouldn’t fit in. There is so much I could talk about in this book but I don’t want to give away too much that I will pick a few of my favorite points.

My top 3 reasons why I love this book. First, the brutal honesty and accurate depiction of an alcoholic family. As a child of an alcoholic parents, I understand and developed many of Nicky’s defense mechanisms. I buried myself into studying and reading. Books had been my escape just as Nicky’s determination to better herself was hers. The learning to do things on your own and getting certain “information” from someone other than your parent is accurate. I also see the fear and ultimate defiance of Nicky is very real.

Second, the courting, wooing and sexual tensions between Nicky and Ryan remind me of my favorite romance writers, Kathleen E. Woodiwiss and Julie Garwood. The melt your heart, burning sensation through your veins feelings is great and helped made the emerging relationship between Ryan and Nicky so real and hypnotic. I haven’t read scenes like this in a long time.

Third, the wonderful insights that the characters around Nicky give her as she enters into a world she avoided. There are several quotes that I wrote down as I read this book because I thought they were great thoughts to remember. One of my favorites is when Nicky tells Ryan: “I’m sick of being strong.” As I child of alcoholics, I understand the need and desire to show no weakness for fear of falling victim to the same vice. But being or acting strong can only go on for so long. I never learned to be weak until I met my husband and was able to completely rely on him just as Nicky is learning to do with Ryan.

My only criticisms are, first, the fact that Nicky decides to date her friend, Jerry, to play the “same game” as Ryan and with the ease she does so. And it is a game that she perceives is being played. Although I do like when Ryan confronts her about her manner of dress, he says, “Dressing like this isn’t how you make yourself an individual or become independent.” Someone who avoided boyfriends, she seemed to be comfortable with having two. Second, Ryan asks Nicky where she will live when she attends Stanford, she acts like she is leaving the state when Stanford is only about 45 minutes from San Francisco. She could commute or live on campus and Ryan could visit. I don’t understand her fear that when she starts Stanford, their relationship will be over. Unless it’s her defense mechanism again or her fear that the relationship will get in the way of school.

Despite those nitpicks, which I’m sure were dramatic devices, I really enjoyed this book and eagerly await the rest of the series. I’m curious to see if Nicky ends up with Ryan or Jerry. Personally, I hope its Ryan because Jerry seems like a player in the making. I am going to keep an eye out for the next book, “Fire Heart.” “Shadow Heart” will have a place on the “keeper” shelf on my bookcase. 

A letter to a long, lost friend

May 1, 2014

Dear Friend,

I had a dream about you last night. I dreamt that we had ran into each other somewhere. You greeted me warmly as you showed me pictures of your family. I, in turn, showed you pictures of mine. I woke up with the common ache in my heart that you are no longer in my life. 

I think of you often. I pray that you are doing well and that you are happy.  I remember all our good times together and wonder why we still couldn't be friends. I was wonder what happened to our friendship. Was it was something I said? Something I did? I think of you when certain songs play. For example, Pink’s “Who Knew" especially when she sings: 

“You promised me you’d be around

I took your words and I believed in everything

You said to me”

I suppose what people say is true that some friends are meant to be in your life for a time, not a lifetime. I’d always thought we’d be friends forever. I guess forever was a lot shorter than I envisioned. It hurts when friends leave and leaves behind silence with no explanation, just gone. I suppose you had a reason. I no longer had a place in your world. I realize now that God had plans for me that didn’t involve you. To you I was just one person in the world but soon after you left, I met someone who thought I was the world. Whatever happened, I forgive you and pray that you are happy and safe. This letter is my goodbye. I'll remember you and think of you often. But I realize now that our friendship was only for a season and it's time to let go. 

I leave you with this blessing. May the Lord bless you and keep. May He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace (Numbers 6:24-26).

Love always,

Someone you left behind

Spanking is not a laughing matter

Spanking is defined as the striking of the buttocks, thigh or hand of a child to cause temporary pain as punishment for unacceptable behavior. Spanking is a hot topic among parents. Some parents believe that spanking is the only way to get their children to behave. I, however, do not believe that spanking or corporal punishment works in the long run. Spanking is for the here and now and does not deter future misbehavior. The most disturbing aspect of spanking is that some parents still use corporal punishment when their children are well into their teenage years. There is a point when spanking stops being effective. I have also heard many people make jokes about the corporal punishment they received as kids especially the objects they were hit with. This is not a laughing matter. As someone who sees the effects of such punishment every day, it is not a topic you can joke about.

Studies have shown that corporal punishment has long term psychological effects on a child and on his or her brain. A recent study out of Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario has shown that corporal punishment can effect a child’s cognitive development and may reduce the grey matter of the brain. Other studies have shown a link between the use of corporal punishment and aggression in children. Long term corporal punishment has been shown to cause lasting emotional damage as well as inhibiting the learning process. It can undermine the trust between parent and child and can breed hostility toward authority figures. Despite what the picture below states, spanking doesn't teach respect for others. You can teach respect by showing respect. 

I believe that a quick smack on the thigh or hand to warn the child of danger such as getting too close to the stove or to get their attention for a bad behavior is OK. However, a parents needs to talk to their child to explain why he or she is being punished and why the behavior is unacceptable. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends, “Parents should explain calmly why they did it, the specific behavior that provoked it, and how angry they felt.” For my husband and I, we feel spanking is the last resort when punishing our two year old daughter. For instance, she has a toy broom that she likes to play with as we sweep the floor. But lately, she has been swinging it around like a sword and in danger of hitting someone or breaking something. We first take the toy away for a period of time while we let her know why the toy has been taken away. After maybe a day, we’ll get it back to her. She has continued to swing the broom that we have taken the toy away permanently. Has she learned her lesson? Maybe not but she can have the toy back when she understands that she cannot swing toys around and hit someone or something. And when she’s older, she’ll lose privileges for misbehavior.

I have spanked my daughter when I was angry and I immediately regret doing so. I hate that I may be teaching her to hit when she’s angry instead of talking it out. If I do spanking her, I immediately kneel down so we see eye to eye and I calmly talk to her about why I hit her and what she did was wrong. I also apologize for hitting her that I don’t like doing it.

Parenting is not an easy job. You have to make decision that you may not know the lasting effects. I know that parents are doing the best job they can. Some parents will quote Proverbs 13:24 (NIV) "Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them." However, this is verse is talking about careful discipline and does not give parents license to beat their child. The point is to discipline your child in a way that they learn correct behavior. I believe that spanking as the only form of punishment sends the wrong message and confuses children that they never learn what is correct behavior. People will also try and say that the Bible says, "spare the rod and spoil the child" which is not true. This phrase never appears in the Bible. It is actually from a poem by Samuel Butler called Hudibras published in 1664. 

My point is if a parent is going to use spanking or corporal punishment, please do so with careful consideration and understand what your limits and boundaries are. The last thing you want to do is go to far. Our children are the best legacy we can leave to the world. 

Two new children's books reviews: "If you were me and lived in Australia" and "The Unlucky Teacher and her Koalas"

Today I have two new children’s books to review. Two books I would highly recommended to teachers and parents to introduce children to very important lessons. 

The first is from the “If you were me and lived in…” series by Carole P. Roman. Ms. Roman is a former teacher when she and her husband started a successful family business. She enjoys time with her grandchildren. She currently lives on Long Island with her husband. Her teaching career is reflected in this book due to the fun way she introduces the country and its culture.

This book is about the country of Australia. I really enjoyed this book. I think is a fun way of introducing different countries and cultures to children. The illustration were simple and colorful. The author included the phonetic pronunciations of new words such as Australia and Aussies. The book also introduces different aspects of the culture such as its major cities, the natural wonder like the Great Barrier Reef and a national holiday, January 26^th. This is a great book to introduce children to different counties. Ms. Roman has already published a book about Mexico and a new book about France is in the works. I look forward to getting these books and any new ones in this series. The recommended age for this book is 3-8 years old. I feel that 8 might be too old. I would put the age range at 3-5.  

Second book is “The story of the Unlucky Teacher and her koalas” by Nina Johnson. Ms. Johnson is a passionate teacher who taps into her students’ natural ability to learn. She is currently working as an academic literary coach for the Southeastern Region of Guilford County Schools in North Carolina. She uses her knowledge about the challenges facing students today and transforms it into a delightful story about meeting the challenge. 

The story takes place in a quaint little village called All-We-Do-Is-Test. She was the Unlucky Teacher because she taught children who weren’t “normal” and wouldn’t be able to pass the annual Big Mountain Climbing Contest. But on the day of the contest, the Unlucky Teacher’s students revealed something special and passed the test!

This book teaches the lesson of using the tools one has been given in order to meet a challenge and prevail. According to the author’s description, this book represents the challenge in America’s public schools. It illustrates the importance of having teachers who believe in their students to achieve their goals despite the challenges or limitations. The illustrations are beautifully done. The message may be too deep for younger readers. I would recommend 5-8 years old as the recommended age range. However, younger readers will story the story of the koalas despite not understanding the deeper meaning.

“If you were me and lived in Australia” is available at www.caroleproman.com and www.amazon.com. 

“The Unlucky Teacher and her Koalas is available at www.outskirtspress.com/theluckyteacher.

P.S. I would like to thank Carole P. Roman who sent all the goodies with her book. It was a awesome surprise and my daughter enjoys playing with them. 

A few of my favorite books

“He was fond of books, for they are cool and sure friends”

Les Miserables

Books have been my escape since I was 12 years old. Books about times long past and place I’ve longed to visit. I’ve read books in all genres except horror. I took an online quiz recently which asked the all-time questions: my favorite book. It’s hard to pick just one even with the criteria of a book I’ve read multiple times. It’s just so many books! I have books that I’ve read so much that the binding is falling apart and I’ve afraid to reread because I can’t replace them because they are out of print. So, I’ve decided to write about my top 3 favorite books (these are in no particular order):

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

I first fell in love with the story of the Phantom of the Opera one summer when I was 12 years old. I was visiting my Aunt Nancy’s and she had the original London cast recording of the musical. She let me listen to it and I did. Over and over and over again. So much that she would take me to see it for my 13^th birthday. Ever since then I can’t get enough of this story. I found the book in which the musical in based on and I enjoyed the mystery and the tragic love story of the Phantom of the Opera. It is a story of a love triangle between Christine Daae, a young ballet dancer who dreams of the Angel of Music, Erik, a disfigured man who lives in the shadows of the Opera House and becomes obsessed with Christine and Raoul, Christine’s childhood playmate and love interest who returns to her life and offers her a life away from the horror of her Angel of Music. It was also inspired by real events at the Paris Opera House. This is the book that inspired me to learn French and visit the famous opera house. Even though I never mastered French, I still dream of going to Paris and seeing the opera house. I still love this story. I’ve read the book so many times. I’ve listened to the musical soundtrack so much that I have the lyrics memorized. I love the 2004 movie adaptation of the musical. It’s a great story!

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

I’ve watched the movie Gone with the Wind all my life. When I was 12 years old, I decided that I wanted to read the book. I first read it in the 7^th grade and enjoyed it so much that I read it again. My reading teacher was so impressed that I was reading books beyond the recommended reading that she gave me a Reading Award for the Fall Semester. I love the history of the book. The picture of pre-Civil War Georgia to the devastation of Reconstruction. My favorite character is Rhett Butler, the dashing gentleman who walks the line between the genteel society and the taboos they so desperately avoid. He is the wild spirit to Scarlett’s fire. He represents the realization of what one had when it’s gone. Rhett realizes that he longed for the south of his childhood and not the world he came to be in. “Gone with the Wind” is a love story of two people who aren’t destined to live happily ever after. It’s also a story of death and survival. The death of a world with so much pride that they felt invincible and the survival of the ones who saw that they weren’t. It’s a story of remembering a world long past and learning to live in the world it had become. It’s a story of how hardships can make or break a person. Some people become stronger after struggles while others wither and break apart.

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

I read “Les Miserables” for the first time in the 7^th grade after I had finished “Gone with the Wind.” I was drawn to the story of Jean Valjean, a man who struggled to live a life in poverty, strived to live a holy life and escape his criminal past. The story of Fantine who fell in love, became pregnant, abandoned and left to find a life for herself and her child. The story of Cosette, a child who was left in the care of a family who abused her, raised by a mysterious man and learns the missing parts to her story. There are themes of love and forgiveness, social injustices of the French society of the 19^th century and society’s inability to eliminate the rigid class system. The haves still had a lot and the have nots still struggled for their place in the world. The story of a group of students who saw these injustices and fought and died for the resolution. I was given the original Broadway cast recording by my Aunt Fran one Christmas after reading this book. I enjoyed it so much that I also have it memorized and recently enjoyed the movie adaptation. I have not seen the musical on the stage yet but it’s on my bucket list. “Les Miserables” is a story of struggles and injustices but, most importantly, it is also the story of hope, faith and love.

“The Phantom of the Opera,” “Gone with the Wind” and “Les Miserables” are just three of the books that I love and enjoy after many years of reading. Books have been my constant companion. I love books. I introduced books to my daughter at birth. When she’s a little bit older and can understand how to take care of books, we will take trips to the library and she can pick out her favorites. Then she can start her own list of books that speak to her and stay with her as she grows up. I love when I have a stack of books waiting for me to pick it up. I love going to the library and checking out the maximum number of books. When I got the opportunity to review newly published books I jumped on it. I love reading new books and reviewing them for future readers. I love books!