Balanced and Barefoot

Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children by Angela J. Hanscom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The concepts in Balanced and Barefoot would be a five star rating. I appreciated the encouragement and insights about why kids need to get outside and play with less restrictions and worry. However, the delivery was only okay. Some of the research examples seemed a little too convenient and the applications didn't always seem feasible if you're not living with the wilderness in your backyard. Still, we could all stand to let our kids run free a little bit (or a lot) more. I'm glad to have read it mainly because it has pushed me outside more than once with Hudson, and that's a reason for reading this all by itself.

Happy reading--

Good Talk

Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations by Mira Jacob
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is exceptional. Mira Jacob's simple way of presenting the issues of race and bigotry set as a series of questions from her small son and other conversations she's had was masterful. Overtly political and honest, some readers may not agree with all that Jacob had to say. I'm only sad there wasn't more of Jacob's text.

The audiobook is a full cast recording to capture the conversational style of the writing. The print book is graphic novel, written and drawn by Jacob. I loved the audiobook and have poured through Jacob's Instagram for examples of the printed pages.

Full disclosure that Jacob overuses the f-word and acknowledges sex. Mature teens could read this book. More adults should read this book. This is exactly the type of conversation we should be having.

Happy reading and happy talking--

Of Curses and Kisses

Of Curses and Kisses by Sandhya Menon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I read this book because I received an ARC (advanced reader copy) of the second book in the St. Rosetta's Academy series. I hadn't been sure I wanted to read this original because I thought it was more of a fantasy book. Instead, it carries an element of superstition and is more of a YA book that is not based on reality. I think a lot of teenagers would really like it. I like Menon's other books better, but I was entertained. This would make a great Disney series.

Happy reading--

Think Again

Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam M. Grant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love idea of questioning what we think we know - especially ideas and opinions that we've held for a long time. Our blind spots only grow when we resist "thinking again". Grant is clever, practical, and insightful. I get the feeling he's exceptionally bright, but his writing is very accessible and worth reading and considering.

Happy reading and happy thinking again-

ps. One of the things I want to remember about this book is its application to parenting - that teaching our kids that it's okay to revise and rethink what we do is essential to growth. It pairs beautifully with Carol Dweck's growth mindset principles. 

Love Lettering

Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Delightful love story and that makes me wish I lettered things for a living and was able to walk the streets of New York. Hope it gets made into a movie - perhaps a happy version of 500 Days of Summer.

Happy reading--

The Midnight Library - Round Two

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

March 2020
I love rereading books, but I don't usually do it less than six months after the initial read. However, The Midnight Library had stayed with me, and I wanted to give it another go because of the emotional stress I was under when I read it the first time. I'm happy to say was even better and more thought provoking the second time. It would make a great book club pairing with The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.

Happy Reading--

ps. Five stars on the second read as opposed to the four stars on my first.

The Diplomat's Wife

The Diplomat's Wife by Pam Jenoff
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I picked up this book thinking it was new because my library had just gotten it. Turns out it was an old book, a sequel no less, that had recently been made into an audiobook. Still, I kept reading because the story is strong enough to be read as a stand alone novel. Like Jenoff's other books, she manages to hook you with captivating story lines and likeable characters. Though I tore through this book, I didn't love it because I saw two of the three major twists from far off. I like to be more surprised. Still, I'll pick up more of Jenoff's work because I like the worlds she creates.

Happy reading--