book reviews

25 Mistakes LDS Parents Make and how to Avoid Them by Randal A. Wright. I borrowed this book from a friend of mine almost a year ago - sorry Wendy! I knew the author and his son and wanted to read it. I started off strong. Even wrote a few notes down but then I started to get burned out halfway through reading. I don't know if it's because it was non-fiction, the book or a little of both. Anyway, I finally finished it and I liked a majority of what he said. Each chapter was an area that parents make mistakes in such as television, music, parental example, discipline, friends, communication, dating, etc. He used great quotes from prophets and scriptures that I liked and had some research data to prove points. What I didn't like was that he had so many personal/example stories for every scenario. I felt that it was a little much. However, after reading the book, it just reaffirms and supports that what we hear from our church leaders at General Conference (want to know more click here), the guidelines from "The Strength of Youth" and even the Primary's "My Gospel Standards", are really what we need to follow and adhere to. Overall I give the book 3 out of 5 stars.

Can You See What I See? by Walter Wick We have had so much fun looking through the series of Can you See What I See books as a family. The detail and photos are fantastic! He even has younger versions that are great for Olivia. Great books for everyone! 5 out of 5!

Bloody Jack, Curse of the Blue Tattoo by L. A. Meyer: This is book two in the Bloody Jack adventures. I did enjoy the first one so I picked up the second and liked it even more. Is it the best juvenile literature out there? No. Is it full of adventure? Yes. Easy reading - yes! We pick up right where book one leaves off. Jacky is getting sent to an all girls school in Boston so she can learn to be a lady. Of course Jacky does not fit in and gets into all sorts of trouble and has many adventures. If you read it, you will probably think like I did, "what's going to happen now? Of course that happened to Jacky. etc" but the book is fun and you are into the characters it doesn't matter that much. It does end on another cliff-hanger and if I pick up the next book, I'm hoping to see some of my favorite characters from books 1 and 2 return. I would recommend for kids 15 and up - there are some situations that are probably not for the younger crowd. Overall 3.5 out of 4.