The Forbidden Sea by Sheila A. Nielson

The Forbidden Sea
by Sheila A. Nielson

YA Fantasy
304 pages, hardcover
Target Reader: 12+

Scholastic Press
978-0545097345
Release Date: July 1, 2010



From the publisher:

A mermaid haunts Adrianne's dreams . . . is she coming to warn her, save her, or drag her down into the depths of the briny sea forever?


When Adrianne comes face-to-face with the mermaid of Windwaithe Island, of whom she has heard terrible stories all her life, she is convinced the mermaid means to keep her younger sister. Adrianne, fierce-willed and courageous, is determined to protect her sister from the mermaid, and her family from starvation. However, the mermaid continues to haunt Adrianne in her dreams and with her song.

Isn't that the most amazing cover?! I think it's absolutely breathtaking.

The story inside is wonderful too. When her father dies, Adrianne's mother suffers from what we'd call severe depression. They lose their income, their status and their home. Adrienne is forced to work on the farm and care for her younger sister, while her mother does mending and her Auntie Minna daily blames her for their situation. Adrienne also must contend with her own version of "Nellie Oleson" in the form of Cora Lynn, and other town bullies. Denn, her lifetime friend and now the boy she secretly loves, has a crush on Cora Lynn. On top of all that, there's a mermaid trying to lure her into the sea.

This is a great mermaid story with a twist. The writing is clear and descriptive. You feel like you're there experiencing life right along with Adrianne. Your heart breaks for her, but you can't help but be inspired by her strength and courage.

Although this is listed as a YA book and the main character is a teen with a love interest, I recommend this book to girls, ages 12 and up, and to anyone who enjoys YA fantasy or a good mermaid story.

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Violence: A mermaid scratches Adrianne, but it's not really a violent act.

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© 2010 It's a Book Affair

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games (Hunger Games #1)
by Suzanne Collins

YA Dystopian Future
384 pages, hardcover
Target Reader: 14+

Scholastic Press
978-0439023481
Release Date: September 14, 2008



From the publisher:

Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.

I really liked this series. Yes, it's brutal in places, disturbing. And I definitely would have had my children wait until they were mature enough to read it. I don't think anyone under the age of 14 has any business reading these books, and for most teens, I'd say sixteen (or older) to read it. Readers who are sensitive to violence might never want to read it (in fact, one of my adult children probably shouldn't read it).

Given that, here's why I liked it. First, Suzanne Collins has done a superb job with the mechanics of writing in this series. The writing is beautiful, eloquent, poignant—laugh out loud funny in places, tear-jerking in others.

The suspense keeps you going. There are a few predictable places, but other places where she totally surprised me. A few places were slightly unbelievable—would adults really trust so much in a teenager they couldn't control? But then on the other hand, it made sense when the teen is seen as little more than a pawn in a game.

Katniss and the other teens are trapped in an unfair "game" where they are forced to fight for their lives. Don't we all feel that way at some time or another? Teens are trapped in school, adults trapped in their jobs. Maybe we're trapped with health or financial issues—whether of our own making or completely out of our control. Life itself often seems like an unfair game—and we won't make it out alive. We form alliances the best we can, and it breaks our hearts when we're betrayed. Katniss is used and betrayed over and over again. The heartbreak sometimes sends her to her bed. But she gets up again. And again. Her strength in the face of adversity is inspiring.

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Language: Mild swearing.

Violence: Teens murder each other to survive the government-sponsored game.

Drugs/Alcohol: One of the secondary characters, a previous survivor of the games, is an alchoholic.

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Values/Themes: This is a hard book, but I think it makes you look at your choices.

Age Appropriate: Definitely a book for mature teens and adults, not for children.

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© 2010 It's a Book Affair

The Road Show by Braden Bell

The Road Show
by Braden Bell

LDS General Fiction
128 pages, softcover
Target Reader: LDS Adult

Cedar Fort, Inc.
978-1599553566
Release Date: June 8, 2010



From the publisher:

“Brother Jenson, you’ve been called as the ward road show specialist. Would you accept that calling?”

What? The road show? The greatest fear of all Mormon theatre artists. The curse of anyone who does theatre. No, no, no! This isn’t happening. The road show! What can I do? I can’t do this! This is like asking Mack Wilberg to lead the ward choir or Danny Ainge to coach church basketball.

“Sure,” Scott answered quietly.

Scott Jenson hates everything he knows about road shows, especially the cheap costumes, silly songs, and bad acting. So when he finds himself agreeing to be the road show specialist, he wonders how he can do it without becoming the biggest fool in the ward. From miscues to missed practices, Scott directs his crew of amateur actors all while hoping that no one finds out about his secret.

Is there any way that this trivial road show could have a healing effect on those who participate? A pornography addict, a depressed young mother, a sick older sister, a lonely outcast, and a spiritually numb elder’s quorum president are about to find out.

The Road Show is the powerful story of five broken souls, contemporary Mormons struggling with familiar challenges—and their unlikely journey to ultimate healing and hope through the Savior's Atonement.

Read Sample Chapters

This is NOT your standard LDS fiction. The characters deal with real issues that we often try to pretend don't exist in our LDS communities—addiction to pornography, sin, depression, pride, loneliness and isolation, health issues. The characters are realistic, sometimes very familiar. We see the whole person, warts and all, as we follow their paths to resolution—and we come to love, empathize and understand them.

This book may be a little too realistic for some—it's definitely raw in places. Having dealt with some of these issues myself, and with close friends who deal with the others, I felt this book was an honest read. It's a bit depressing at first, but by the time it was done, I thought it was hopeful, without being preachy and unrealistic in its outcomes. It is clear that the Atonement works.

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Values/Themes: Making choices and accepting the consequences.

Age Appropriate: Deals with some mature themes; for adults.

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*received a review copy.


© 2010 It's a Book Affair

33 Habits of a Really Good Man by Yvonne Swinson

33 Habits of a Really Good Man
by Yvonne Swinson

LDS Non-fiction/Memoir
96 pages, softcover
Target Reader: Adults

Cedar Fort, Inc.
978-1599554105
Release Date: May 8, 2010



From the publisher:

Bill Wells was not a famous man, but he left an invaluable legacy for those who knew him. He kept a little black notebook full of quotes, proverbs, poems and stories that inspired him. He lived his life by these words of wisdom and taught his children to do the same.

Compiled by his daughter, Yvonne Swinson, 33 Habits of a Really Good Man shares Bill's legacy with you. Each mini-memoir includes one of Bill's favorite bits of wisdom and how making it a habit can lead to a "really good" life.

I cried the first time I read 33 Habits of a Really Good Man—both because it was written about my uncle who passed away not too long ago and because of the valuable lessons found within its pages.

Some of the "habits" included in this book are:

• Dream Big
• Laugh Often
• Stretch Your Mind
• Seek Truth
• Slow Down a Little
• Pray Often
• Love

This isn't just a book of quotes, although there are plenty of quotes scattered through it. It takes a habit, then gives us an example of how to use and develop it in our lives.

I can't pick a favorite. I love them all and the ones I like best seem to change from day to day, depending on what my current struggle is. Here is just one of the ones I love:

Do Your Best: While on a sales call, [Bill] went into a showroom to introduce himself. He said, "Hello, I'm Bill Wells, ad I work for Such–and–such Company..." The showroom manager said, "Stop right there. The last experience I had with your company was lousy, and I don't want to talk to you. I don't want to hear from you. Leave."

[Bill] picked up his briefcase and left. He walked outside. He set down his briefcase and straightened his tie. And then he picked up his briefcase and went back in. The man said, "I thought I told you to leave." [Bill] said, "You did, but you didn't tell me I couldn't come back." He brought the nan's business back to the company, and he and the man became good friends.

This story has been particularly meaningful to me as I've been working the last two months, starting a new business.

I love this little book and it makes a great gift for birthdays, graduation, or Father's Day. In fact, all four of my boys are getting a copy later this month. (Shh, don't tell.) It's a great guide to being a good man and a good dad. In fact, it's a great guide to being a good person.

If you're looking for a good gift, or want something that's a fast and feel-good read, this book is wonderful. I give it a full 5 out of 5!

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© 2010 It's a Book Affair

Interview with C.L. Beck and D.N. Giles (Or a Blogging Comedy of Errors)

I am so thrilled to be able to interview the authors of Mormon Mishaps and Mischief—a book filled with funny and embarrassing moments related to LDS culture and activities. I posted a review back in February, but now they're doing a blog tour. I'm happy to give them more exposure because they're great friends of mine.

[And for those brave souls willing to read all the way to the bottom, there's a contest where you could win a prize worth $150!!]

Cindy (aka CL Beck) and Nichole (aka DN Giles) came over to my blog for brunch the other day. I spent all morning making crepes and raspberry tarts and hand-dipping strawberries in chocolate. I even made teeny little cucumber sandwiches. I planned to serve them with chocolate mousse mint cocoa because it was a cold and blustery day out. I put out the good china and tea set with the delicate little rose pattern and the hand-tatted lace doilies that I whipped up myself last week, just for this occasion.

I was so excited to see Cindy and Nichole that I almost hyper-ventilated when they rang the bell. When I opened the door, I noticed Cindy's husband, Russ, standing on the porch with them. He was holding a bundle of rags.

Me: Cindy! (hugs) Nichole! (European cheek kissing) Come in! I'm so glad you made it, even though the weather is bad.

Cindy: We wouldn't have missed it for the world! But neither of us felt comfortable driving in this wind, so Russ drove us. You don't mind that I brought Russ and Corky Porky Pie along, do you?

(The bundle of rags turned into a small dog and jumped from Russ' arms to my floor. He shook himself, spraying little droplets of water all over us.)

Me: Of course not. (I shook Russ' hand and patted Corky Porky Pie on the head. He bared his teeth at me.) (Corky, not Russ.)

(I quickly added two more place settings to my new dinette table in the east-facing breakfast nook (which I'd remodeled just for this interview). I calculated that there would be enough sandwiches and strawberries for two more, but there might not be enough tarts. I'd only planned on two per person. Maybe one of them won't like raspberry tarts?)

(I poured out the chocolate mousse mint cocoa into the little teacups and everyone helped themselves to the food.)

Russ: I love raspberry tarts!

Cindy: Me, too. They're my favorite.

Nichole: Mine too! Karlene, how did you know?

Me: Uhmmm, lucky guess?

Nichole: Mmm. (She takes a sip of her cocoa and splashes a few drops on her white pants.) Karlene, this cocoa is delish! Where did you get it?

Me: Well, I mixed it up myself from a secret family recipe. I can't share or I'll be disowned.

Nichole: Oh. Well. It is yummy.

(Corky Porky Pie barked in agreement, then knocked over his teacup, spilling cocoa all over his doily and chipping the handle of the cup.)

Russ: Maybe we should get on to the interview soon. Corky seems to be overly excitable today. But he sure likes those raspberry tarts! That's the second one he's wolfed down already.

Me: I think getting to the interview is a great idea. Cindy and Nichole, what gave you the idea to write Mormon Mishaps and Mischief?

Cindy: The moon was full, Aquarius was on the cusp, and the chickens were molting, all of which combined to make this the right time for a book of humorous anecdotes. Well, that and the pantry was empty, so a book that might actually sell a few copies seemed like a good idea.

Nichole: What Cindy says might be true. But I think perhaps it was our children. Or our bishops. Or maybe it might have been our silly husbands and neighbors. Whoever it was, we should really thank them. They made us laugh.

Cindy: They sure did!

Nichole: And then one sunny spring morning, one of us woke up and said, “I think I’ll write a book of humorous anecdotes today.” Then there was email involved. Lots of email. And brainstorming and collecting and chocolate eating. And maybe some Twinkies. Thus, the proposal for a book of humorous anecdotes was born.

Russ: I think it was the chickens. Definitely the chickens. Don't you agree, Corky Porky Pie?

CPP: Yip. (He starts panting hard, obviously envisioning the chickens, and makes himself so dizzy that he tips himself off his chair. The doily, which was stuck in his flea collar, drags his plate off the table and it goes crashing to the floor. The plate wasn't damaged, thanks to my newly installed ultra-thick cream carpet, but Corky was so excited he stepped all over his crepes, smooshing the raspberry jam into the fibers.)

Me: Your book is pretty funny. Some of the anecdotes were potentially embarrassing situations. Personally, I've never done anything to embarrass myself but I understand that other people might do this quite often. What is the most embarrassing thing that you've done at church?

Nichole: Like you, I'm not susceptible to embarrassing moments. (Nichole swings her hands for emphasis. Unfortunately, she's still holding her second cup of cocoa and it sloshes onto my tablecloth, which I hand-tatted to match the doilies. Maybe I should have served water.)

Me: Oh, I see. You're not admitting to any social gaffes, huh?

Nichole: Seriously, there are none to admit (gives me a crusty). I'm going to have to pick something from the book. I think the story about the lady who's toddler pulled all her clothes open in Sacrament Meeting wins that one. Or wait, no, it's the bishop who told the crying lady we like big boobs. That's a hard choice!

Me: Cindy, what about you?

Cindy: (coughs a bit as she hurriedly chews the ginormous strawberry she'd just stuffed into her mouth. She uses the edge of her doily to wipe the juice off her chin.) I'd been wearing fuzzy socks before getting dressed for church, and never realized that when I put on my pantyhose, a big clump of fuzziness attached itself to my leg, inside my hose. I walked around all three hours looking like I was growing a large clump of green moss on my calf.

Russ: That's my girl!

Me: What about your most embarrassing moment outside of church?

Cindy: Ooo! I have a good one! I happened to be out driving past a friend's farm and noticed her husband standing by his barn. I pulled up and for about twenty minutes, I unabashedly sat there just shooting the breeze with him. Literally. Because as I drove away, I discovered the middle button on my blouse had been open the whole time, giving him a grand view of the whole enchilada. Not that my enchiladas are that buxom, but still ...

Russ: When was that? WHO was that? You never told me.

CPP: Grrrr!

Me: Nichole, are you admitting to anything outside of church?

Nichole: Of course not! (Drops a loaded raspberry tart, bright red jam side down, into her lap.) But from the book, I liked the fathers and sons who got caught in the sprinklers at a camp out and ended up standing outside in their pearly whites.

CPP: Ruff!

Cindy: Corky Porky Pie likes that one too.

Me: Well, okay then. Next question. When you get rich and famous from this book, how do you plan to treat yourself? How will you spend all your money?

Cindy: Donuts and Cheetos and Ho-hos and Twinkies. Umm, er ... I mean, I plan to travel to foreign countries, pleading for world peace. Okay, I'll actually be serious for a minute. If I had a ton of money, I'd like to spend a chunk on scholarships for authors to go to conferences like Storymakers, Highlights, Erma Bombeck ... and other conferences that most of us can only dream about attending.

Me: That's pretty altruistic of you. No mansion? No Hummer?

Cindy: Nope. I'm fine.

Russ: I wouldn't mind a Hummer.

Cindy: (ignoring Russ) Although I promised Corky Porky Pie that I'd buy him a Jeweled Crown Canopy Dog Bed.

(Corky Porky Pie runs around the table, slips in Nichole's tart jam that she had brushed from her pants onto the carpet, then nuzzles up to Cindy and licks her leg.)

Me: What about you, Nichole?

Nichole: After I buy an iPad, I believe I shall buy a small island for myself, where I'll invite all my writing friends, including Cindy and you. Also, I'll be buying Cindy a lifetime supply of Twinkies, because I believe that would make her happy. And she has a beautiful smile.

Cindy: (blinks back tears) Why thank you, Nichole. No one has ever done anything quite so wonderful for me. (Gives Russ a crusty. Russ ignores her, so she kicks his ankle under the table.)

Russ: Ouch!

CPP: Yip! (Corky runs over to Russ and jumps up on his lap, knocking Russ' untouched teacup of cocoa onto the new cream carpet.)

Me: (Sigh.) What is your favorite ice cream topping?

Cindy: More ice cream.

Nichole: Pineapple. And hey, I'd probably have that on my island because it will be well-stocked. Ooh, and maybe mangoes too.

Me: If you could have a secret identity, what would it be? What would your super powers be?

Cindy: I would be Super Twinkie, and wear a golden, cake-like cape. My super powers would consist of wrapping the bad guys in cellophane and entrapping them in a box.

Nichole: Yay, Cindy! (Stands to applaud and bumps the whole tray of cucumber sandwiches onto the new cream carpet. She doesn't notice and jumps up and down in excitement, grinding the sandwiches to gloppy bits.)

Me: And you, Nichole. What would your super powers be? Maybe turbo cleaning new cream carpeting?

Nichole: (Gives me a quizzical look.) What kind of super power is that?

(Nichole and Cindy both laugh hysterically as Nichole sits back down, missing the chair and landing with her bum in the cucumber mess.)

Me: Whatever. Just answer the question.

Nichole: Okay, but you have to promise not to tell. (She gets up and sits in the chair. I mentioned I had a new dinette, but I don't think I mentioned that the chairs have padded seats covered in a lovely off-white satiny fabric.) (Nichole leans over conspiratorially, lowers her voice and whispers.) Shh. Don't tell. I do have a secret identity. I'm an invisible ninja who goes on covert operations regularly. Don't tell the dew-dew spies! My super power is either being invisible or super-ninja skills. Take your pick.

Me: Alrighty, then. Ninjas make me think of stalkers. I had a stalker once but he's in jail now. Have you ever had stalkers?

(Cindy and Nichole shake their heads in unison.)

CPP: Yip.

Russ: Corky Porky Pie had a stalker. Remember, Cindy? That black cat that used to come prowl around the house and pounce on him when we weren't looking?

Cindy: Russ! Shhh! You're embarrassing him!

(Corky Porky Pie is now hiding under Russ' chair with his sticky red jelly paws over his eyes.)

Me: If you were to ever become a stalker, who would you stalk and why?

Cindy: Ooo, a stalker. That's a whole different snack cake than being a Twinkie. Okay, so I'd stalk Dave Barry, the humor columnist.

Me: Why?

Cindy: Because I once sent him a note saying that his picture in the Trib made him look bizarre and he kindly responded by saying, "What makes you think I don't look that way? Possessed by demons!"

CPP: Whine...

Cindy: And really, someone that nice deserves to have a stalker of his own.

Nichole: You're right, Cindy. All nice people really should have stalkers. Who would I stalk?...Wow, that's a tough one. Hmm. Maybe Taylor Lautner, because he was looking very stalkable in New Moon. Yes, I realize he's much younger than me. Details. I just want to touch his abs, that's all. Those can't be real!

(Embarrassed silence all around the room.)

(Nichole picks up another tart and almost drops it on its way to her mouth. She does a quick save but tips over the warm homemade maple syrup that I'd put out for the crepes. Yep. It ran straight off the table and onto the new carpet.)

Me: Last question. Sarah Eden asked me this question for INFF and I loved it: Suppose you were stuck on a desert island with only one type of food, one book and one pair of shoes. What food/book/shoes would you want to be castaway with?

Cindy: Food: Twinkies; Book: Where to Find More Twinkies When Stranded on a Desert Isle; Shoes: Sandals, so my Twinkie toes can shine through.

Nichole: Snow crab, definitely, and...um, can I take a Kindle or iPad with me? I'd choose that so I could have a variety of books. No way I could choose just one. And really, I can't believe you're making me choose one pair of shoes. Do you not know me at all? How can I make a decision like that? I suppose I could take my Sketchers flip-flops. My tan ones. They would probably match a grass skirt pretty well. But I'd forever miss my closet full of fantastic sandals. Or maybe I'd take these...

(Nichole lifts her foot up to the table top to show me the shoes she's wearing. They're shiny gold sandals with little beaded crystal flowers at the toe.)

Me: Lovely sandals. Really. I love them.

Nichole: Thank you. (When she drops her foot to the floor, the buckle snags on the hand-tatted tablecloth and everything comes sliding off the table onto the new cream carpet. Every. Single. Thing.)

Nichole: Ooops! Well, it's a good thing that's our last question, isn't it?

Me: Yes, I think it is.

Cindy: We really hate to eat and run but we do have another interview we need to get to. Let's go, Russ.

Russ: Just a minute. Something's wrong with Corky Porky Pie.

(We turn to look at Corky just as he spews out everything he ate for brunch, all over the new cream carpet. When he's done, Russ grabs the last clean doily and wipes off Corky's face and paws. Then he picks him up and heads for the door.)

Cindy: It's been a blast, Karlene! Thanks so much for your fun, creative questions. (hugs)

Nichole: Thanks for doing this! Love your questions. (European cheek kissing)


You can read more funny stories at Cindy and Nichole's LDS Humor blog.

[Disclaimer: No dogs, chickens or carpeting were hurt in this interview. I hardly put any made-up words in Cindy and Nichole's mouths, but I did make up responses from Russ and Corky Porky Pie. Also, Russ refused to sit for the photo shoot, so I stole his photo from his blog.]

The Promised Contest Information!
Your LDS Neighborhood has offered a YEAR LONG advertising package which includes space on the Neighborhood website as well as tiles in the newsletter. Were you to purchase advertising with them, this package would cost $150. (More details HERE.)

This is a fabulous contest for authors and/or people who have just launched a new business. (cough, cough)

To enter, FOLLOW ME and LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS POST. You can also get extra entries by promoting the contest on your blog. (More details HERE.)

DEADLINE: Midnight, May 16, 2010.

*I received a review copy from the authors.


© 2010 It's a Book Affair