The Great Unexpected Book Birthday Post!

Happy Book Birthday!

Today is release day for, The Great Unexpected

By Sharon Creech

Sharon Creech is an award winning author of many well known 

and beloved children's books.

Including: Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird and Bloomability.

All of her titles can be seen @ Sharon Creech's Website!

Also, be sure to check out her blog! Words We Say

"I had big thoughts to match the big wind. I wondered if we find the people we need when we need them. I wondered if we attract our future by some sort of invisible force, or if we are drawn to it by a similar force. I felt I was turning a corner and that change was afoot."

In the little town of Blackbird Tree live two orphan girls: one Naomi Deane, brimming with curiosity, and her best friend, Lizzie Scatterding, who could talk the ears off a cornfield. Naomi has a knack for being around when trouble happens. For she knows all the peculiar people in town--like Crazy Cora and Witch Wiggins and Mr. Farley. But then, one day, a boy drops out of a tree. The strangely charming Finn boy. Then the Dingle Dangle man appears, asking all kinds of questions. Curious surprises are revealed--three locked trunks, a pair of rooks, a crooked bridge, and that boy. Soon Naomi and Lizzie find themselves zooming toward a future neither could ever have imagined. Meanwhile, on a grand estate across the ocean, an old lady whose heart has been deceived concocts a plan. . . .

As two very different worlds are woven together, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech celebrates the gossamer thread that connects us all, and the great and unexpected gifts of love, friendship, and forgiveness...

~ MY REVIEW ~

As was my reaction to reading Sharon's other books, I was left in awe and meditative repose after finishing The Great Unexpected. It has been too long since I read her work and I have a renewed vigor to re-read my favorites. Her writing influenced not only my love for reading, but the way I thought about life when I was younger. I am sure that this book will be as equally well received as her other titles. 

The Great Unexpected is perfectly titled. It held such an air of mystery about it as the story began to build. I did not know what to expect, all I knew while I was reading was how it constantly tugged at my heart. Naomi's perspective on life is so fresh and I connected with her character instantly. She embodies a certain old wisdom. The dynamics between her and her best friend, Lizzie and perfectly executed. The balance they create between each other and the story is undeniable. 

This story also centers around another unusual pair; Miss Kavanagh and Pilpenny. They operate as a parallel to Lizzie and Naomi. Both pairs are quirky and extremely different from one another, yet as friends they are peas in a pod. I enjoyed the constantly changing points of view, from that of Blackbird Pond and Ireland. Miss Kavanagh is quite a curious woman and I found her to be one of my favorite characters, despite her crass demeanor.  

Sharon Creech has this way of writing that pulls you along and immerses you in her words. I so enjoyed reading this tale. It is the epitome of original and heart warming. Everything comes together so well throughout The Great Unexpected. I loved watching as the connections between the characters and happenings solidified. This is a beautifully crafted novel for readers of any age--and no less than perfect for middle grade readers. I HIGHLY recommend reading this book. You will become elated as you traverse the great unexpected.

Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door - Review

Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door

By Bruce E. Arrington 

Josh Anvil has a big problem. His dyslexia has made life tough through middle school. Now he's supposed to take on high school?
Then, of course, things get messed up. Josh ends up in a swamp by himself and things get weird. Like falling out of his canoe and waking up in his bed. What is with that? And now Josh has powers. He can make living things just by talking about them. And of course they get him into all kinds of trouble. Then he can heal people, like when a family friend is dying and he brings his health back. Yet with these new abilities, Josh is a target. Schoolmates harass him, the FBI kidnaps him, and something is out to kill him. Who would have seen all that coming? And that girl, Kirsten Gorge. Sigh. If she could just be his, then everything would be perfect. Why can’t it be easier to get your dream girl? Oh yeah, all these fires burning up his home town of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It’s up to Josh and his friends to step up and save his town before it's too late!

Bruce Arrington teaches full time at Paisley Charter School in the quiet town of Paisley, Oregon, in Lake County. Along with Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door, Bruce authored the children's illustrated story, The Seventh Birthday Wish. For over seven years, Bruce worked as a wildlife biologist in Florida cypress swamps like those in the Josh Anvil young adult novel. A graduate of Oregon State University, he lives with his wife, a son, and two daughters in Paisley.

Bruce can be found on:

Goodreads / Pipe Dream Books / Twitter

~ MY REVIEW ~

Three CHEERS for Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door!

Bruce Arrington has written a splendid debut young adult novel. As I'm sure you all know, I am a huge fan of science fiction; whether it is YA, adult or even MG. This book did not disappoint and I am so glad I got the opportunity to review Josh Anvil! Full of magic, adventure and even a little mystery, this is a fun and charming book, with an outstanding main character. Quite a few things set this story apart from others in it's genre. First and foremost being Josh. His character is so well written and really brings a smile to your face. Most importantly, he is real and relatable for young adult readers. Having struggled with dyslexia his whole life, he has more than his share of teenage problems to deal with. When he is saved by an alien race and somehow gains powers, life gets even more complicated. I enjoyed the fact that although Josh becomes a superhero of sorts he is still a kind hearted, down to earth teen. His has a loving and supportive family that at times can get on his nerves. He learns lessons along the way and you get to see him grow as a character.  

I enjoyed the originality of this book! Josh's power allows his stories to come to life--he can create anything living. He also has a healing touch. This is where the author's creativity really shines through. The circumstances that ensue due to Josh's power are entertaining and often comical. I loved the floating island that he creates for his dragons to live on! 

Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door had a little of everything you want from a sci-fi adventure. The ending leaves you eager for the next big chapter in Josh's life. I definitely recommend this book for all the sci-fi lovers out there. Although, it is a book that could be enjoyed by anyone. Keep 'em coming Bruce! 

You can purchase your own copy of Josh Anvil at:

Amazon / Smashwords / Barnes and Noble