The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2013
As a kid, I always wanted to go to Disney World. It was the ultimate fantasy land. I never got the chance to go. As a parent, I've been feeling like I should plan a trip for my own children. With that in mind, I picked up this book and...wow, holy overwhelming! If a vacation requires an 800 page travel guide, I think it might not be the kind of vacation I would like. I have moved Disney from the top 5 vacation list after reading all the effort it takes!! I'm more into relaxing vacation full of quality family time and less chaos.
However, if you do want to make a Disney trip, I think this guide is perfect for breaking down the places you need to see. I especially liked the end, where there are different plans for each type of tourist.
If I move it back up on the list, I will definitely pick up this guide again.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Answering 911
Answering 911: Life in the Hot Seat by Caroline Burau
Ever wondered what being a 911 Dispatcher would be like? If so, Burau's book is enlightening. She gives details on the stressful job of taking emergency calls.
I thought the stories would be more dramatic, so I was a little disappointed. But this was, overall, an interesting book to read.
Ever wondered what being a 911 Dispatcher would be like? If so, Burau's book is enlightening. She gives details on the stressful job of taking emergency calls.
I thought the stories would be more dramatic, so I was a little disappointed. But this was, overall, an interesting book to read.
Monday, January 14, 2013
The Mephisto Club
The Mephisto Club by Tess Gerritsen
I am still loving Gerritsen's Rizzoli/Isles series. It is amazing how Gerritsen keeps you on edge until the end. I was questioning everyone in this one! The only complaint I had was that I felt the ending was a little abrupt. On to the next!
Fans of thrillers with strong female leads should definitely start this series.
I am still loving Gerritsen's Rizzoli/Isles series. It is amazing how Gerritsen keeps you on edge until the end. I was questioning everyone in this one! The only complaint I had was that I felt the ending was a little abrupt. On to the next!
Fans of thrillers with strong female leads should definitely start this series.
In the Land of White Death
In the Land of White Death by Valerian Albanov
Albanov's diary tells of a disastrous 1912 Arctic expedition. The ship was frozen into the sea for a harrowing 2 years! With death on the horizon, Albanov organized a small crew to leave the ship in an attempt to reach land. He recounts a perilous, 235 mile journey over ice. The crew had to contend with blizzards, wild animals and many other obstacles in their quest for survival.
What a shocking ordeal. I struggled at times with the language, as it was originally written in Russian. But, overall, I really enjoyed this diary and was engaged in how these people managed to survive in such extreme circumstances.
Albanov's diary tells of a disastrous 1912 Arctic expedition. The ship was frozen into the sea for a harrowing 2 years! With death on the horizon, Albanov organized a small crew to leave the ship in an attempt to reach land. He recounts a perilous, 235 mile journey over ice. The crew had to contend with blizzards, wild animals and many other obstacles in their quest for survival.
What a shocking ordeal. I struggled at times with the language, as it was originally written in Russian. But, overall, I really enjoyed this diary and was engaged in how these people managed to survive in such extreme circumstances.
I Shall Not Hate
I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctor's Journey on the Road to Peace and Human Dignity by Izzeldin Abuelaish
This book made me feel very small. Some days I complain about truly asinine things. A memoir like this humbles me. In turns inspiring and heartbreaking, Dr. Abuelaish tells his story about life on the Gaza Strip.
In 2009, Dr. Abuelaish lost three daughters and a niece to an Israeli attack. While he was angry and grieving he also wanted to put a human face to this conflict. To show that real people, good people, are affected but these country's policies.
I find his dedication to a peace between Israel and Palestine both heroic and hopeful. He is the type of person that doesn't sit back and suffer injustice, instead he looks at both sides of the issue and works toward a solution.
I have to admit to an overall ignorance about this issue. I know the basics of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, but I had not really delved into the reasons behind it or the consequences of this long-standing feud. It is heartbreaking. I am hopeful that a peace can come to both sides for the sake of the people.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Random Family
Random Family: Love, Drugs, Trouble and Coming of Age in the Bronx by Adrian LeBlanc
LeBlanc researched this book for over 10 years. She uses interviews and observations for a poignant telling of life in the Bronx. A side of urban poverty is shown that most people don't take the time to consider.
I liked this book. I especially engaged with CoCo and I hope she has been able to break out of the cycle of poverty.
One aside, this book only follows a handful of people. Judgmental people may take this book and generalize it to everyone living in poverty or everyone in the Bronx. However, there are many other people that are hard working and law abiding that survive in poverty. This isn't the book that tells those stories.
I wish LeBlanc would have chosen to focus only on Jessica or only on CoCo. The volume of new people introduced throughout the book became overwhelming. I felt CoCo's story was most interesting and would have loved to read more from her point of view.
I have been so blessed in my life. I have never been challenged with the struggles of poverty and I feel strongly compassionate for those that have.
LeBlanc researched this book for over 10 years. She uses interviews and observations for a poignant telling of life in the Bronx. A side of urban poverty is shown that most people don't take the time to consider.
I liked this book. I especially engaged with CoCo and I hope she has been able to break out of the cycle of poverty.
One aside, this book only follows a handful of people. Judgmental people may take this book and generalize it to everyone living in poverty or everyone in the Bronx. However, there are many other people that are hard working and law abiding that survive in poverty. This isn't the book that tells those stories.
I wish LeBlanc would have chosen to focus only on Jessica or only on CoCo. The volume of new people introduced throughout the book became overwhelming. I felt CoCo's story was most interesting and would have loved to read more from her point of view.
I have been so blessed in my life. I have never been challenged with the struggles of poverty and I feel strongly compassionate for those that have.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
In the Dark
In the Dark by Marliss Melton
Book #2 in the Navy Seals series. I really enjoyed the first and I liked this one, too. This is a good romantic suspense series. Lots of action and emotion!
Book #2 in the Navy Seals series. I really enjoyed the first and I liked this one, too. This is a good romantic suspense series. Lots of action and emotion!
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