IT'S BUSY DOWN IN THE WOODS TODAY by Rachel Piercey. Illustrated by Freya Hartas I shared a peek in this book on Facebook the other day when my daughter and I were enjoying it over a snack in Panera. Filled with over 100 darling animals to search and find, it's exactly the kind of book that I packed for my kids when they were little to keep them busy. The illustrations are so fun! They are a combination of Richard Scarry's classic characters and Brambly Hedge. Movement and colors explode from the pages captivating little eyes and attention spans. It's truly a delight to behold for young and old alike which is why I am adding it to my Sarah's Favorites Booklist!

PHOENIX by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley I am always on the hunt for a great girl/horse story. One of my daughters grew up loving and riding horses and still does! Everyday I spend part of my day with our two horses! When I saw that Kimberly Brubaker Bradley had a new series coming out involving horses. I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. So, I got a copy, settled in to read, and I am sad to say that this was almost a DNF book for me. The book starts off with a heart-wrenching event. Harper's dad is caught in an affair with her best friend's mom who lives across the street. The book doesn't go into detail about how they're found, but Harper's mom finds them. There are no details given, but we can assume what she stumbled upon. Almost as terrible as the act itself is the possibility that Harper's best friend may have known it was going on. Looking for a new start to life, Harper and her mom decide to pack up and move away. They rent a tiny house next to a riding barn. Every day, Harper sees kids coming and going for their lessons and taking care of the horses. Between the barn and school, she begins the hard process of learning to trust and make friends again. One afternoon a truck with a load of slaughter bound horses unexpectedly pulls into their driveway. One of the horses is unable to stand in the trailer causing issues for the other horses. The driver is looking to offload it somewhere to die and noticed all the pastures with horses. Unable to bear the thought of this horse not having a chance of making it, Harper jumps at the chance to help it. The horse is emaciated and can't stand on its own. Thus begins the process of a girl who's hurting attempting to save a horse that is hurting. There's a lot to this story that is very moving. It's clear that Bradley knows horses and is able to write about them and situations like this with experience. The story is very believable whether the reader has horse knowledge or not. So what makes this book a borderline DNF for me? HEADS UP - I am on the fence about the initial situation that sets this whole book in motion. That's going to be an age appropriate/discussion opportunity decision. This book is not for sensitive kids. When Harper and her mom come to their new home, they pass by a house that has dead chickens hanging on the line. The family that lives there butchers chickens to sell. Also, the idea of horses being shipped to Canada or Mexico for slaughter may be upsetting. While both these topics are true, for some kids it may be a struggle to think about. The lady who runs the riding stable is married to a woman. This is mentioned in passing approx. two times in the story. There is a character named Night that appears several times in this book. When Harper meets Night there is an immediate clarification on pronouns. Night goes by they/them/their. This makes reading the book confusing. In one paragraph, them and their refer to Night, but in following paragraphs it refers to the plural group of kids that are hanging out together. There are several spots in the book where a pause is needed to figure out who the plural form of the pronouns are referring to. It can become frustrating.

A TALE OF TWO CITIES by Charles Dickens Woohoo! It's kick off day for A Tale of Two Cities! To say I'm excited is the understatement of the year. The mystery, the twists and turns, the imagery and character development are downright brilliant, and I am thrilled to be on this journey with you! So without further delay, let's jump into today's purpose - the meeting of Charles Dickens. Charles Dickens was born on February 7, 1812. At 12 years of age, Dickens' father landed in debtors prison due to his tendency to live above his means, and Charles was forced to quit school and go to work at Warren's Blacking Factory (a boot- blacking factory). He worked 10-hour days six days a week earning six shillings per week. (Looking up the conversion to U.S. currency in 1824 - it was approximately $1.34.) The conditions were appalling (filthy and rat infested) and Dickens' time there would haunt him for the rest of his life. How do we know this? The miseries experienced were the foundation for many of the books he wrote later in life. An example of how this time influenced him and later showed up in his writing was a run-in he had with an older boy that worked at the factory as well. This boy decided to humiliate Dickens teaching him how to be a "more efficient worker." The boy's name was Bob Fagin. Of course, we recognize the name Fagin that Dickens later uses when creating the villain in Oliver Twist. This nightmare lasted for about a year and finally came to an end when his father inherited money allowing the family to be reunited again and Charles to return to school. Interestingly, very few people knew about this experience. It wasn't until near the end of his life that he began to reveal to his friend and biographer, John Forester, the painful memories that he had kept locked away from the rest of the world. After finishing school, Dickens became a law clerk and then a journalist. It was the latter that proved to be another great influence in his writing as he was exposed to the separation between the wealthy and those in desperate conditions during the Industrial Revolution. At the age of 20, he became a parliamentary reporter. He was very committed to reform but watching the members in parliament, he became very suspicious and unhappy with the reformers. At the age of 25, Dickens published his first book, The Pickwick Papers. It was a huge success, and the name DIckens instantly became well known in the literary world. Around the same time, he married Catherine Hogarth. Together they had 10 children. Over time, Charles became very unhappy with Catherine and ultimately blamed her for their large family that she was struggling to keep up with. Sadly, he meet Ellen Ternan, an 18-year-old actress (Dickens was 45), and after a short while, their affair began. He and Catherine were legally separated in June of 1858. Their oldest son Charley stayed with his mother, but Charles maintained custody of the other 9 children. They were allowed to see their mother, but it was not encouraged. Catherine understandably never recovered from this blow. He never married Ellen, but she was his companion until he died in 1870. Dickens published 15 book and several short stories. Some of his most famous books are A Tale of Two Cities (200 million copies), A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist, Bleak House, David Copperfield, and Great Expectations.

A TALE OF TWO CITIES by Charles Dickens Woohoo! It's our first discussion day on A Tale of Two Cities. If you're like me, your first experience with this book may have been in a high school College English Class. I remember enjoying the book, the intricacies of the plot and the story telling ability of a true master author, but reading it now, I am blown away. My goal is to share some of that amazement with you. So, here goes! Let's start by keeping things simple. You may have read your four chapters and understood every word. You may have read the chapters and walked away feeling as if you understood nothing. Do not let that discourage you. I have two things to say. (1) Look for one thing in each chapter that you know happened, and (2) know that there are three things going for you in this book. The first is that there are lots of threads happening and as you start to realize one thing, something will build upon it. Two, the more you immerse yourself into the book, the more you'll get used to the voice telling it and the language used. Three, I've got your back! I'm going to come alongside and write about what is happening. I would really love to hear about what you noticed in the chapters. What caught your attention? What caused you to gasp? Did you find the language and descriptions beautiful? Were you horrified by anything that you read? Did you imagine yourself in the shoes of any of the characters? If you have a minute add a comment to the Facebook post, and let's get some discussion going! I write some of my thoughts right into the Chapter break downs. CHAPTER 1- The opening lines of this classic are some of the most recognizable in literature. Google "most well known opening lines of books," and you'll see these appear alongside Dickens' name. Why open like this? Because it catches our attention. This list of opposites (paradoxes) has us asking how it's possible for things to be on such polar opposites at the same time, but it is for many reasons. This book is constantly comparing situations and people, and the opening paragraph sets the groundwork for us immediately. The title alone tells us that there is a comparison going on, right? A Tale of TWO Cities. We'll be heavily comparing two social classes - one that was experiencing the best of everything at the expense of the other (and what that other did about it). But Dickens does something unexpected. He compares the past to what is going on his current Victorian society. He says, "in fact, the period was so far like the present period..." Extreme contrasts to the superlative degree were still going on. Just a thought, but do you think this applies to us today? We learn that the two cities being compared are England and France. ENGLAND fixated on strange spiritual happenings/beliefs they're on the doorstep of the American Revolution - England's revolution will happen outside it's borders, while France will bear the bloodshed within its borders lawlessness abounds - when England does punish criminals it treats them all the same no matter the severity of what has been committed FRANCE printing and spending money in massive amounts not as "spiritual" as England, but quick to punish harshly those that don't obey as expected to (example of the young man tortured to death that didn't kneel for the monks that passed in front of him 50-60 yards away) But then we have this little allegory show up about France. The metaphorical picture of Fate as a Woodman and Death as a Farmer. Their actions foreshadow what is about to take place in the Revolution. For the Woodman everything is set in motion. It is Fate, the wheels are moving forward and there's no stopping what's about to happen. In this case, the trees are growing and being cut into boards for the guillotine. The Farmer is Death, and the tumbrils (carts) he uses for all of his chores will soon be used to carry people to their death. CHAPTER 2 - I love how this chapter is laced through and through with strong mood setting words and actions. There is a feeling of fear (beating hearts, agitation of the coach, etc), uncertainty, and foreboding as a mail carriage makes it way through the night. Can you feel it? It's fall, the passengers have wrapped themselves up so much in their clothing they are unrecognizable to each other (tuck that away in your mind. We're going to revisit this fact in a later chapter.) Dickens threads in beautiful description - similes coupled with personification like "there was a steaming mist in all the hollows , and it had roamed in its forlornness up the hill, like an evil spirit, seeking rest and finding none." I just drink this stuff in. Description doesn't get much better than that. Remember from Chapter 1, there is the fear of highway men. It's at this moment that the coachman and his guard hear the sound of rapidly approaching hoofbeats, and a voice calls out asking if one of the passengers is a man named Jarvis Lorry. A man affirms in a quavering voice that he is Lorry and wants to know if it's Jerry who calls out to him. (Again, tuck this in your brain as we'll see Jerry again!) It is, and he brings a message from Tellson's Bank. Lorry opens the message and reads it. It instructs him to "wait at Dover for Mam'selle." He responds to the messenger with an odd answer "RECALLED TO LIFE." CHAPTER 3 - Dickens interjects himself here. He tells us that no matter our station in life, we all have secrets. Why does he do this? Because he tells us that it's true of the three passengers in the mail coach, and we, as readers, can relate to that immediately. This chapter focuses on Mr. Lorry and the secret he carries, but later we'll take a look at who one of the other passengers might be. Lorry is a banker at Tellson"s and as the carriage moves with all its sounds, he finds himself mentally back in the bank .The harness rattles are the "chink of money," and he walks himself mentally into the deep vaults that he is familiar with that house customers' valuables and secrets. He knows it is secure. It's this picture of vaults and deep secrets that leads us to shocking statement. Lorry is on his way to dig someone out of a grave. Is this a real grave? Is he really going to exhume a dead body that has been buried for 18 years? No. This person isn't dead. He's been buried alive - imprisoned and hidden away for 18 years. Lorry begins the mental game of speaking to the ghost in his mind. He asks him about being "recalled to life," and if he "cares to live,' and then he asks the ghost about "seeing her." The ghost responds in a variety of ways. Sometimes he's ready to return to life and to see her, and sometimes the very thought of it would kill him. Notice two things as the chapter comes to an end. It is morning. The sun is rising. The darkness is being chased away. However. the sun is also rising on the tilled field and a little grouping of trees Remember our Farmer and Woodsman in Chapter 1? CHAPTER 4 - The carriage arrives at the Royal George, and it's here that Dicken's gives us a good look at Lorry physically. I'm going to sum it up by saying he looks like a banker. HIs clothes are in order, his wig, etc. The one thing that is a bit out of place is his bright eyes that he has to work on keeping subdued for his industry. The part I honestly loved the most out of this was the description of how he handles the cares of people in his job. He wears them like second-hand clothing - easily on and off. The work doesn't weigh him down. However this time he has a very unique job to do, and it begins with the meeting of a young woman. Miss Manette is a pretty, seventeen-year- old young woman. She is an orphan and lives in England, but Lorry remembers holding her as a child crossing the English Channel from France. What in the world is going on? Lorry starts the conversation with Miss Manette by telling her a story that she quickly realizes is about her father, Dr. Manette. Lorry met him through banking business 20 years ago. She believes both her father and mother are dead, Her father passing 18 years ago, and her mother a couple years after that from a broken heart, but Lorry has come to deliver some extremely shocking news. Her father is not dead. He has been imprisoned all these years and has just been released. Lorry needs her help to bring her father back to life after being shut away for so long. They need to get him out of France and into England. Okay! This is where we stop our discussion for this week! Hopefully, you are intrigued about what is going on. Get ready, because there is so much more coming! I can't wait to hear your thoughts!

A TALE OF TWO CITIES by Charles Dickens Okay! Last week we got some of the foundational elements out of the way. We have a few more coming, but now the story starts to get rolling, and the farther we go, the faster it moves! One of the things I'm going to do when I start to write the info on each chapter is mention if we're in England or France to help keep things a bit straighter in our minds. Alright, are you ready? Let's go! Chapter 5 - The Wine Shop This chapter opens in Saint Antoine, Paris, France. Something major kicks this chapter off. What is that? It's the breaking of a wine cask in front of Monsieur and Madame DeFarge"s Wine Shop. A wine cask breaks. So what? Dickens uses this event to show us so much! FIrst, we get our first look at the lower social class, the peasants. They are starving, raggedy, beat down, and when this cask breaks they stop everything they are doing and they run to it. Can you see them? Men, women, children scooping whatever they can out of the dirt and dripping it into their mouths. Mothers dipping handkerchiefs into the puddled liquid, and squeezing them into their babies' mouths. Second, what is the overall effect of this? The people are covered in red. Their mouths, their arms, hands, and fingers, their clothes. All of the sudden its no longer wine that we are seeing, but blood. This amazing metaphor foreshadows what is to come and how the masses will be involved in it . In case we wonder if we're stretching our imagination just a bit turning the wine to blood, Dickens answers that for us. A man dips his finger into the muddy wine and writes the word "BLOOD" across a wall. Case closed. There is seriously so much we could cover here. Dickens layers this happening with descriptive words like "tigerish smear about the mouth" Those words turn these beat down people into borderline ferocious beasts in an instant, and it foreshadows again what will be coming. Then we have all the personification about Hunger and Want, and the description of the mill that is grinding these people down. A lifestyle that is making the children look like old men and women. I could spend forever talking about this, but I'm going to jump to something that really caught my attention, the lamplighter. The lamplighter is going around lowering the lights by ropes and pulleys, lighting them, then hoisting them back into place. We get two strong simile pictures from his activity. One, as he pulls them back up , they swing as "if they are at sea." This gives us a vivid picture of the massive storm that is approaching. Then the next paragraph gives us another picture. The scarecrows (the starving peasants) improvise on what they've watched the Lamplighter do for years. Instead of swinging up the lanterns, they'll be swinging up people - hanging them.I jusgt love all the visual imagery we get with Dicken's words. Since I've written a lot already about this chapter and we've got 3 more chapters to go, I'm just going to bullet point a few important points. -We have a physical description of Monsieur and Madame DeFarge. -Madame DeFarge appears to not pay attention to what's going on around her, but know that she see EVERYTHING that is going on! Note how she signs to her husband when he comes with a cough that there are strangers in the shop. -Note the use of the name Jacques for more then one person. Did you find this confusing? This is a French peasant name that identifies the person as a member of the revolutionary. -So who are the strangers that Madame DeFarge signaled to her husband about? They are Lucie Manette and Mr. Lorry. They are here, because Monsieur DeFarge has Lucie's recently released father - the man being "recalled back to life." They make their way to his room. Again, so much I could add about the description of the walk, but again for time's sake, let's just note the locked door. He's free, so why is he locked up? It's because he is a danger to himself if he gets out, and we'll understand that more in the next chapter. Chapter 6 - The Shoemaker Who is the man at the bench creating shoes? He is Dr. Manette, the man wrongly imprisoned for 18 years. His daughter Lucie believed him to be dead. When asked his name his answer is heartbreaking, " 105 North Tower." That man should have recognized the people that stood around him from his former life. DeFarge was his old servant, Lorry his banker, but there is no spark of recognition as they speak to him. It is Lucie that gets his attention for a moment. He pulls out a small, black bag from around his neck and opens it to reveal a small amount of golden hair the same shade as Lucie's. But those hairs cannot belong to her. He recognizes her voice, but it can't belong to the person that stands before him. She is too young. What is the answeer in this? The hairs in the bag belonged to his wife., and Lucie's hair is the same shade. Their voices obviously sound very similar. The hairs were collected off his shirtsleeve when he was imprisoned, and he was allowed to keep them because they offered no means of physical escape for him. Unbeknownst to his jailers, they offered mental escape, but its clear those pictures and connection are fading with time. Why does Lucie tell her father to "weep for any bit of remembrance he begins to have?" She wants the walls he has put up around the memories of the past to break and remembrances to come sweeping in. It will be painful, but it will "recall him back to life." Lucie also knows they must get him out of France to England immediately, but can Dr. Manette handle the trip? Preparations begin. As they load into the carriage Manette asks for his bench and tools. It is the only thing he's known for years. Who hands it to him? The one who appears to notice nothing, yet notices everything, Madame DeFarge. As the carriage rolls away, Lorry looks across at the doctor, and the chapter closes with a flashback to the mental conversation that he had with himself and the ghost on the way to meet Miss Manette. Once again, the man stands before him in his mind (Dr. Manette) and a conversation ensues between them. "I hope you care to be recalled to life." To which Dr. Manette responds, "I can't say." BOOK 2 - Chapter 1 - Five Years Later We have just fast forwarded five years, and we are back in England. Dickens gives us an in-depth look at Tellson"s Bank. It is an old, established business. Woe to the man that tries to modernize it. It is a "dark and ugly" place, and it's not bothered with the ideas of convenience. In fact quite the opposite, it is steeped in tradition. Did you note the idea that death is in vogue?The bank stands in the shadow of Temple Bar - the gate known to have executed people's heads displayed on pikes for all to see. Tellson's is responsible for many people's deaths itself. Did you catch the list of how one can be put to death? The forger, the unlawful opener of a letter, a horse thief, and on it goes all. It doesn't matter the severity of the crime: it all ends up in death. In fact, Tellson's is responsible for so many deaths that if all the heads it has claimed were stacked up around the outside of the bank, the windows would be blocked. Fascinating stuff, huh? But then Dickens zeros in on a man and his son who stand outside the bank everyday - Jerry Cruncher. They're odd jobs men/messengers that set up outside the front door and wait until needed. What's odd about Jerry? -He's angry at his wife for what he claims is praying against him. He calls it "flopping down." (Who in the world would pray against an "honest tradesman" that works in front of the bank?) -In the morning his boots are muddy. He cleans them before going to the bank. They don't get dirty doing the messenger runs. -His red eyes as if he's been awake all night. -His hands are rusty. This confirms for us that Mr. Cruncher is more than just a bank messenger! We learn about his "other job" soon! By the way, remember back to last week's reading. Do you remember the messenger that came to the mail coach to deliver the message to Mr. Lorry on his way to meet Miss Manette? Do you remember that Lorry asked if it was Jerry.? This is who it was. Chapter 2 - A Sight Still in England, we find ourselves in the middle of a court case against a young man named Charles Darnay accused of treason. Supposedly, he has been feeding info to the French king. If found guilty, his punishment will be ghastly. Things to note in this chapter; -Jerry Cruncher is there hired as a messenger. -Dr. Manette, Lucie, and Mr. Lorry are there forced to testify against Darnay. -Dr. Manette is clearly in a much better mental state now able to do this. -Also, note that there is a one "wigged gentleman" that chooses to stare at the ceiling as if he hasn't a care in the world while everyone else stares at the prisoner. -Tuck away the fact in the back of your mind that above Darnay is a mirror that shines a light down upon his face. We'll talk about that next time. You have to love how this chapter ends. The judge leans back in his chair and looks directly at Darnay as the Attorney-General steps up to "spin the rope, grind the axe, and hammer the nails into the scaffold." The case begins, and this is where we end. I'd love to hear your thoughts! What moved you this week? What caught your attention? Did you fall in love with any quotes or descriptions? Where there any specific parts that played out in movie form in your mind as you read the incredible descriptions? Did you rejoice? Did you mourn? I'd love to hear about it!

A TALE OF TWO CITIES by Charles Dickens Welcome back! I hope this post finds you all trucking along in A Tale of Two Cities. I'm going to start things a little bit differently today. Let's start off with a quick recap and some questions. Chapter 3 - A Disappointment Recap moment - we are in England and Charles Darnay is on trial for treason. Testifying against him against their will are Mr. Lorry, Dr. Manette, and Lucie Manette. Remember last time, I encouraged you to land on something out of each chapter that you know happened. Use that as your point of reference and build on it as we discuss the chapters together. Who are the main witnesses against Darnay? What are the flies that are buzzing around the courtroom? Why do Lucie, Dr. Manette, and Lorry have to testify? What is the outcome of the case? Did you notice any great literary devices used in this chapter? The main witnesses are Roger Cly, Darnay's servant, and John Basard. Honestly, as the Attorney-General goes through and questions the two of them, you have to laugh about what "reputable" people they are. Dickens' just pours the sarcasm on. "Ever been in prison?' "No." "Debtor's Prison?" "Well, yes." "How many times?" "Maybe 5-6 times." Like I said, reputable witnesses. Basard borrowed money from Darnay. Never paid it back. Didn't know him well but saw him with the "incriminating documents." You get the idea. of what's going on here. Cly never stole a silver teapot, but he had been accused about a mustard pot, but it turned out to only be silver-plated. Yes, he knew the previous witness (Basard) but only for 7 or 8 years. (not well - just 7-8 years - lol)These two are seriously cooking it up. Then Stryver (Darnay's lawyer) has his turn with these two. You have to love Dickens use of similes. He gives us a beautiful one comparing laying out the evidence to a suit of clothes that he is fitting on the jury. He accuses Basard of being a spy and Cly his friend helping him.. It is a fabulous comparison, and to hit it home, the prosecution steps up and tries to turn those "clothes inside out." I don't know about you, but I just ate it all up. What are the flies that are "buzzing" around the courtroom? It's the murmuring of the people in attendance watching the case unfold. With every fact and every point made the crowd erupts in a buzz as they comment to one another. Can't you just picture all of them in their top hats and bonnets leaning to one and other whispering? Why did Lorry, Dr. Manette, and Lucie have to testify? Because they saw Darnay traveling from France. Lorry may have had 2 run-ins with him. The first was possibly in the carriage the night he travelled to meet Lucie. Remember how bundled up the travelers were? There was no way Lorry could identify if Darnay was one of them. The other time was when Lucie and Lorry were bringing Dr. Manette home to England by boat. Darnay was a passenger on the boat. He was helpful to Lucie and Dr. Manette, and he took the time to explain the American Revolution to her. Back to the courtroom, I love the way Dickens describes the scene when Lucie stands to testify and faces Darnay. "Standing, as it were, apart with her on the edge of his grave, not all the staring curiosity that looked on, could, for the moment, nerve him to remain quite still." She holds his life in her hands. We have this ongoing them of "Recalled to life," and we find ourselves standing on the precipice of death with Darnay wondering if he's going to die or if he will be "recalled to life." Of course, Darnay is acquitted. And there is a very important fact that comes to light in this case. Remember Sydney Carton from last week ? it is brought to the court's attention that he and Darnay bear a striking resemblance to each other. Tuck that in the back of your mind. We'll return to that later. Great literary devices - there are tons, but a couple of my favorites are the "buzzing flies" as already mentioned, the simile already mentioned about the evidence presented compared to fitting the jury out in clothes, and I loved the personification of the time as they wait for the verdict - "an hour and a half limped heavily away." Chapter 4 - Congratulatory Since I spent so much time on the last chapter, I'm just going to highlight a couple of points from this chapter. -Dr. Manette has made an amazing recovery, but there are still times that he lives in the shadow of the Bastille (French prison). The only person that can pull him out of the moods that overtake him sometimes is Lucie. -After the trial. Dr. Manette has an intense look of dislike on his face when looking at Darnay. I think we can safely assume two things from this. 1- There's something budding between Darnay and Lucie. 2 - There's something connected to his past. -The chapter ends with a discussion between Darnay and a drunk Sydney Carton. Lucie is mentioned, but ultimately, it's the end of the chapter that has significance. Carton decides he doesn't like Darnay, because he clearly represents everything that he could have been and is not. Chapter 5 - The Jackal Who is the jackal? Who is the lion? Think of the character traits of each animal and compare them to the two men in the chapter. Clearly, Carton is the jackal while Stryver is the lion. I think one thing to grab onto in this chapter is that in the past chapters Carton has been shown as an annoying, uncaring, drunk-most-of-the-time individual. There is truth to this, but he is INVALUABLE to Stryver even though he lives in his shadow.. As the two of them sit and drink and reminisce about their school days, it's Sydney that is doing most of the work. going over casework. However, he lives in Stryver's shadow. He doesn't have as ruthless a personality as Stryver does, so he's not out front, but he's clearly the more intelligent one in analyzing cases. For someone who seems to not care, why when he goes home and throws himself upon his bed does he cry himself to sleep? Chapter 6 - Hundreds of People it's now 4 months since the trial. You have to love the metaphorical comparison of the passed time to the ocean as the waves carry the memory of the case out to sea to be forgotten. Dr. Lorry is on his way to the Manette's house to enjoy an evening with his friends. As he arrives at their house, he notices the neat little corner the house is tucked back into. It's a place off the busy area of Soho - a sort of respite, but it catches the echoes of the town in it's little corner. The sounds of people's footsteps bounce off the walls making the area sound as if hundreds of people are passing. So what is this chapter really about? Who are the "hundreds of people?" Is it about all the supposed suitors that are coming to see Lucie Manette that a jealous Miss Pross complains about or is it something a bit deeper? Are there hundreds of men coming to see Lucie? No, There are a select few. (Gotta love the hyperbole, right? ) Side note for a moment - who's the only man good enough for Lucie in Miss Pross's eyes? That would be her scoundrel of a brother. Only two men come over the course of the day: Darnay and Carton. Darnay tells an interesting story of when he was imprisoned awaiting his trial. There was a deep dungeon that had been built over that some workmen uncovered. Inside were the letters DIG on the wall. Initially thought to be initials, it was later figured out that it was the word "DIG" which they did. Paper and ash and the remnants of a burnt leather bag are found. Dr. Manette goes pale at this story. It clearly reminds him of something in his past. It takes a moment, but he recovers. (Remember though this is not his previous prison cell. He was imprisoned in France while Darnay was imprisoned in England.) As they all sit and talk, a storm approaches and the people on the streets move as one to find shelter. This isn't the only storm coming. There's another on the horizon.. One composed of a multitude of people that are acting in solitude - as one. Carton remarks that he sees and hears a "great crowd bearing down on them." The rumblings on another shore (France) are happening and before they know it, they will all be swept up in its fury. The chapter ends with a conversation between Lorry and Jerry as they head home. Lorry remarks that it is a night "to bring the dead out of their graves." We have to chuckle at this on one hand, because we know Cruncher is a grave robber. On the other hand, we know that the ongoing theme of being "recalled to life" strikes again. The peasants in France are starting to awaken from the graves they've been in for too long now. Any thoughts or comments on the reading? I'd love to hear about it!

THE LUMBER BARON'S WIFE by Lynn Austin I have been a Lynn Austin fan for around 25 years now. About that time, I worked at a Christian bookstore and discovered her books on the shelf and was hooked. As soon as I saw she had a new book coming out, I put my order in for my copy! This one especially hits home for me, because my great-grandfather was a lumberjack in UP Michigan. This book is a great mix of historical fiction with a streak of mystery down the middle of it. Set in two different time periods, readers travel back to 1837 during the days of the high point of the lumber boom and present day. In the past, we follow a doctor's wife, Hannah Wagner, who, due to tragedy and loss, finds herself alongside her husband in a rough, remote town on the shores of Lake Michigan, Here she befriends, albeit reluctantly, lumber baron Henry Abernathy's wife, Kate. Kate struggles to fit in with the other barons' wives due to her soiled past (her mother was a prostitute and she was raised in a brothel) and lack of social etiquette in dress and behavior. Henry requests that Hannah take Kate under her wing and help her become a more refined lady. After making many social faux pas and causing a lot of embarrassment for her husband, Kate disappears without a trace and is never heard from again. Rumors of abuse and drowning swirl around the town, but no confirmation is ever made. Alternating chapters with Hannah and Kate's story is the present day story of newly married and fresh out-of-college, Ashley Gilbert. Ashley and her husband, David, have just moved to the Lake Michigan area and live in Hannah Wagner's old home. Devoted to the care and revival of old places, Ashley jumps on board with volunteering for the restoration project of the Abernathy Mansion, Kate's home. As the volunteers begin to peel back flooring and wallpaper to expose the grand features and architecture of the old mansion that have been buried for years, the stories and history begin to flow. Ashley can't help but think that someone, somewhere knew the truth about what happened to the young woman and has the answer to the mystery that has haunted the town for over a century. HEADS UP - Austin does a masterful job of blending difficult subjects like prostitution, abuse, and abortion into this captivating story by shining Christ's light into the heart of it all. Everything is tastefully handled with little description. -

MURDER BY THE BOOK by Amie Schaumberg There is so much to like about this murder mystery (if murder mysteries are your thing like they are mine!). Unfortunately, there are some things to be aware of as well. Murder By the Book is author Amie Schaumberg's debut novel. Schaumberg is an English professor, and boy, does her knowledge of classic literature pour through the pages which is one of the serious "pros" of this book. Set around a college campus, Professor Emma Reilly's classes are full of debate and discussion surrounding the literary greats. She knows her books, so when a a college girl is found dead and the scene and victim have been constructed to look like Ophelia from Hamlet, Emma knows there are clues left behind by the killer that the police would struggle to understand. The problem is they don't want her help. But then another body is discovered, and this time the constructed scene and victim are laid out like The Lady of Shalott. Then a third victim is found, and it doesn't take much to realize that with each murder, the murderer is talking to Emma through the scenes and moving closer into her circle. Armed with the help of her professor friends in psychology and art, Emma begins to unravel what is happening and the motive behind it all, but this murderer isn't playing by the book. Twists and turns abound that keep readers hanging on by a thread until the very end. HEADS UP - The biggest factor in this book is the language. There is a decent amount with lots of f-bombs. -One of the detectives is gay - married to a man and has kids. There are 2-3 times remarks are made in passing about his home life such as they took the kids to Disney World. Quick, passing comments. -There are some crass references. There is no sex in the book, but occasionally, a remark about sex will pop up.

KINGDOM'S HOPE by Chuck Black This is such a great series to read which is shy it's landing on my Sarah's Favorites Booklist! Obviously, I have only read the first two of the six book series, but I expect just as great of content in those as I have encountered in the first two so far. Imagine taking well known Bible stories and loosely converting them into a medieval time period tale. That is exactly what Chuck Black has done in this series. What you end up with is a story that pursues concepts such as truth, bravery, sacrifice, and devotion and loyalty to the True King, Character traits that we all pray our children develop within their own lives. As the main character, Leinad, moves through Kingdom's Hope, readers will recognize him take on the persona of the Biblical characters Moses, Elijah, Daniel, Nehemiah, and others as he encounters situations that will be similarly based to the Biblical stories but with a twist to them. This is such a brilliant way to construct a story, and there are so many options on how to use it. If your children have a decent knowledge of the Biblical accounts, see if they recognize them within the story. If they don't, what a perfect time to read the story and then pair it with the true Biblical account. It's a win win no matter what the approach. Of course, there is always the option of handing them a story to just read bursting with goodness and truth that will hopefully inspire them in their own lives. I think that means we just landed on a win win win with this book! A couple of ending notes: -Chuck Black is a former F-16 fighter pilot. That means he knows his battle "stuff" and how to portray them within a story! -At the end of the book is an extensive Discussion Questions section that reveals the parallels the book makes to the Bible along with an Author's Commentary on the representations. Black lays it all out for us, so we don't have to worry about making guesses to the intentions. All-in-all, this is a fantastic book that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

HATTIE IN THE SPOTLIGHT by Poppy Green. Illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell Springtime seems to be the time of plays and recitals as the school year wraps up. With that in mind, I picked up a Sophie Mouse book that deals with being center stage thinking this could be a story that might inspire kids and give a little courage. Hattie has a tendency to be really shy. When she hears about the upcoming play at Oak Hollow Theater, she really wants to be a part, but she isn't so sure of herself. It's even harder when she's asked if she might want to take part, and her friends answer for her that she'd never want to take part. Why are they answering for her? When they find out she WOULD like to give it a try, they rally around her and give her great support. The truth is Hattie is really talented, but that doesn't mean all the jitters go away. It does mean that whatever comes, Hattie doesn't have to face it alone! I continue to really love Sophie Mouse books. I've said before in my reviews that my kids are past the age of them, but I keep buying them and adding them to our shelves. This is a series that I want to have for all the younger kids that are in and out of our house checking out the bookshelves! Every story is a moral, heartwarming read that is solved in a very postitive way. Kudos to Poppy Green for giving readers such a great option! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM!

LIGHT AS A FEATHER by Will Hillenbrand The newest release by Ohio author and illustrator, Will Hillebrand, is one dedicated to the beauty and facts about the lives of birds in North America. Since he is from Ohio, we can expect (and rightly so!) that the majority of the featured birds are found in Ohio! (I will include a list below of the birds.) Each bird receives a two page spread. On the left is a beautiful illustration of the featured bird along with a handful of facts about the bird's physical makeup. On the right is a question that applies to the bird, but also may pertain to other birds as well. For example - If I flip open to the pages dedicated to the American Goldfinch, on the lefthand page there are facts such as length, weight, and wingspan. On the righthand page is the question "Why Do Some Birds Change Color Seasonally." Striking illustrations are interspersed throughout the answer giving eye-catching appeal. The featured birds are as follows: -Northern Cardinal -Pileated Woodpecker -Roseate Spoonbill -Purple Martin -Eastern Bluebird -Blue Jay -Sandhill Crane -American Goldfinch -Baltimore Oriole -American Kestrel -Brown Pelican -American Robin -Barn Owl -Northern Mockingbird -Common Loon There is one Heads Up to be aware of. There are references to evolution to navigate through.

WHEN THE CRANES FLY SOUTH by Lisa Ridzen When the Cranes Fly South is an unbelievably moving read about an elderly Swedish man, Bo, that is facing the last months of his life. Used to being strong and independent, Bo is no longer able to get around on his own. He is housebound with caregivers that come in and out daily to help him meet the most basic of needs. His hours are filled with the companionship of his trusted dog, Sixten, the thoughts of the difficult relationship he has with his son, Hans, the memories of the life he had with his wife, Fredrika, who now lives in a home and no longer recognizes him due to her dementia, and phone calls with his longtime friend, Ture, who is nearing the end of his life as well. The book travels the present and everything that is happening within these relationships and the reality of the steps that are bringing him nearer to the end, but peppered in between the reality are the memories of the past Bo frequently slips into as he remembers his life. We, the readers, become privy to the hardships he has endured and the steadiness of life in the areas that he got right. Now, as the days slip quickly by to the end, the son takes the place of the father, and the father takes the place of the son.. This becomes unbearable when Hans decides that Sixten, the dog, has to go when Bo is no longer able physically to care for him. This evokes lots of anger and hard feelings during a time when permanent goodbyes are on the horizon. Despite the hurt, despite the anger there has to be a way to bridge the chasm that now separates father and son, because any day could very well be their last together. When The Cranes Fly South was originally written in Swedish by Lisa Ridzen, and then translated into English. The idea for the story came from the notes that Ridzen found left by the caretakers that took care of her grandfather in his last days. This clearly lends an air of reality to the story born from experience. There are some things to be aware of in the book. HEADS UP - The first is the language. While not heavy, there is a fair amount of profanity. including approx 7-10 f-bombs. -Bo's best friend Ture is gay. There is no relationship between them and they don't discuss this part of his life, but it's known. He takes trips and lives that part of his life elsewhere. - Religion is discussed briefly. Ture has a negative attitude towards it. SPOILER ALERT When Ture dies the female minister 0fficiating positively alludes to Ture's different style of life without speaking in definites. Bo, on the other hand, gathers comfort from speaking to the minister, but doesn't put a lot of stock in faith. . -There is references to the reality of the body changing. due to age. Bo begins to have accidents frequently. The caregivers have to give him showers. This is handled very tastefully. There is also the mention that certain plumbing doesn't work the way it used to, but he no longer cares about that.