BBMReview

Lakeshore Christmas (The Lakeshore Chronicles) by Susan Wiggs

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by MotherTalk on behalf of Lakeshore Christmas and received a copy of the book to facilitate my candid review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

What is it about small town America that draws us towards it?  Is it the simple life that we really all desire, or is it the honest people we imagine living there, or the great sense of fellowship?  I find myself drawn to stories set in these small towns, being pulled into a life I think I would enjoy immensely. 

Lakeshore Christmas, part of The Lakeshore Chronicles by Susan Wiggs, delivers that small town feeling at a time of year that reminds us what friends, faith, and simplicity really mean in our lives.  The characters are typical, but that's what makes them so endearing to us...the reserved librarian with a past, the Hollywood star/rocker with a heart of gold, the struggling teenage mom, the bad teenagers who find the right path. And of course, the conflict...

At the heart of the story is the town Christmas pageant, the one thing that can save the characters and the heart of the town.  In the end, miracles will happen and it makes the reader believe again in the goodness of others. 

Lakeshore Christmas makes you want to get those decorations out and start baking cookies.  Grab a cup of tea and your coziest blanket and enjoy a heartwarming and fulfilling novel! Thanks for MotherTalk for hooking me up with yet another delightful read!

TKDDaughter gives Lakeshore Christmas a:

"Daniel X: Watch the Skies" by James Patterson & Ned Rust

If you're looking for a teenage friendly alien hunter, you're not going to find any better than Daniel X. Daniel returns in this sequel to the first alien hunting book, on the hunt for Space Alien #5. His journey is not your typical Star Wars-ish adventure.

    

Set in "Holliswood" and reeking of aliens and society's current craze with reality television, Patterson and Rust have created yet another enjoyable and adolescent friendly novel that both boys and girls will enjoy. The best thing about these books is that there is no shortage of aliens, which means the series will surely continue on for quite a while.

What's great about Daniel X books is that they are smart, entertaining, and seem to relate well to younger generations without seeming contrived. Patterson and Rust are good at nailing the sarcasm of a teenager without sounding mouthy. And what parent can resist a main character who conjures up his parents for advice whenever necessary?

An added joy in this book, at least for me, was the mention of martial arts several times. Although it only stayed on the surface and didn't delve any deeper than that, the mere mention of Daniel X using martial arts techniques to defeat evil aliens made me happy.

My only potential criticism or more of a concern actually, is that over time, the books and Daniel X's adventures could become a bit formulaic. But for now, it works so read away.

Although in the first book, Daniel X only has an imaginary girlfriend, in this book we have a bit of a love story that is super sweet, but not over the top. With electric eels, electric first kisses, and electri-charged aliens, this book is one you'll want to put on the list for your kids. With manageable chapters and a fast-paced story, Daniel X: Watch the Skies is another Patterson success. Thanks to Mothertalk.com for the opportunity to review this book!

BBM gives Daniel X: Watch the Skies. . .

The Classical Three Section Staff

I've played with a lot of weapons in my day, but the three section staff is a scary one. Does any other weapon scream quite so clearly "hey, hit yourself in the head!"

That's why I decided to check out "The Classical Three Section Staff" by Rick L. Wing.

I had my reservations about the book at first because it seemed like a normal color-by-numbers martial arts text (show a couple pictures, explain some foot positions, call it a day).

Although "Three Section Staff" does follow a pretty standard setup, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the content. The author provided excellent information about the history of the weapon and wrote in a very approachable manner. At no point did Wing try to sound like the master of all things staff.

One of my favorite parts of the book was in the beginning when Wing discussed the hand positions used with the staff. Seeing his pictures and examples of how the postures could be used was very enlightening.

Example of a Three Section Staff

Rather than trying to pass on a whole "Style", Wing geared the bulk of his book around a single two-man form. The form is a sample combative engagement of the three-section staff vs a spear. As Wing explains it, the techniques contained in this single form allow the practitioner to understand the core principles of the weapon. Therefore, the methods used here can be used anywhere.

The pictures contained in the book are very well taken and the angles help demonstrate what is happening. Although I personally haven't learned the form contained in the book, I have gleaned a lot from the ideas discussed.

Right now in my training I am not trying to become an expert at three section staff. If I ever did want to significantly increase my proficiency, I would certainly use this text as a highly valuable resource.

Overall, Ikigai108 gives "The Classical Three Section Staff"...

Would you like to purchase this book? Check it out here!

An Obese White Gentleman in No Apparent Distress by Riki Moss

Typically, when I'm asked to review books related to the martial arts, I'm asked to review manuals or historic overviews. It's rare that a martial arts novel comes up, but An Obese White Gentleman in No Apparent Distress is just that. The thing about this book, is that although it's a "novel," it's based on actual recordings of deceased Terry Dobson, a beloved Aikido master.

One would think that the book would be almost exclusively about Aikido, and although there are some chapters that talk about the dojo, this isn't what you get. The best way to describe the book would be that it's about an unhealthy Aikido master who loses his mojo and then finds it again through love.

I have to be honest about it. Although Moss is an descriptive writer and she paints a vivid pictures of scenes as she writes them, I'm a bit of a prude when it comes to things related to sex and I wasn't sure how I felt about the main character "Max" (based on Terry Dobson) and his sexual encounters. I can read chick-lit all day long and it doesn't much bother me, but when it's based on an actual person, a person of stature in the martial arts community? I guess I just like to think of highly ranked martial artists with their clothes on.

If you're looking for a glorified portrayal of a martial arts master though, you won't find it here. This book is a very honest look at "Max," his insecurities, his struggles, his mistakes and his demise as he suffers from serious health issues that eventually take his life before his family is really ready to let him go.

There are some accounts, based on recordings of Terry Dobson, about his time training in Japan as the low man on the dojo totem pole, and how he stuck it out regardless of how inhumanely he was treated at times, because he thought eventually he would learn something, really seesomething and come away being a better person and having a deeper understanding of Aikido techniques and something more meaningful as well.

One thing you do get from this book is what seems to be a very honest portrayal of a real person, not some glorified martial artist who does no wrong. Some of the things that "Max" experiences in the novel make you cringe with embarrassment for him, like how his real life master in Japan, uses him as nothing more than a big oaf to attack him and awe an attentive audience with how a small man can take down a much larger American.

I guess when I started reading this book, I expected to be in awe of "Max" and his overall character. But when all is said and done, despite his worst flaws, he still dies being a much-admired Aikido master who has touched the lives of many. This much is true-you can read this about him in many places on the internet.

As you can clearly find on the home page of Terry Dobson's web-page:

"I consider myself a technician. I'm not a guru. I'm not a leader. I have no followers. I want none. I'm a technician. I'm like a mechanic.

I wish you would see me as not a spiritual leader, but rather as a transmission specialist of a sort. I'm working on the transmission of ki, of intention. I'm heir to a legacy that comes down from many generations of Japanese warriors regarding point, or presence, about being centered under fire. I'm not the repository for the entire sum of knowledge on the subject, but I have been close to some good teachers and I do know something about it."

If you are interested in purchasing the book, you can do so through The BBM Review store.

BBM gives An Obese White Gentleman in No Apparent Distress. . .

Mojo Mom

 Every new first-time mom quickly realizes that life all of a sudden isn't about her.  She spends  over nine months being coddled, pampered, questioned, showered with gifts and concern for her well-being.  She is, after all, the vessel of life.  But once the bouncing bundle of joy appears, it's "mommy who?"  It is this realization, that for the next 18+ years of her life she is responsible for the well-being of another dependent being, that pushes new moms into a state of shock.

Amy Tiemann, in her new book, Mojo Mom, attempts to address this dramatic change in the life of a new mom.  While we spend those nine months reading every possible pregnancy and parenting book, we rarely prepare for the changes in ourselves post-delivery.  Tiemann, experiencing these changes herself, hopes to help other woman navigate these murky, lonely waters.

This is a handbook for new moms about new moms.  In this book, you will find honesty and compassion, humor and moments of nostalgia. Tiemann discusses the fundamentals of "coming out of the cocoon" of those early months of motherhood, as well as securing your financial future as an independent person (so incredibly important for women and so often overlooked!). My particular favorite chapter was the one of letting go of the guilt.  If you're a mom and you're reading this, I don't have to write another word! 

If you know someone who is about to have a baby or who has a new baby already, this book would make a great gift.  It reminds us that this whole motherhood is NOT easy and it is NOT natural.  Having a little help from Tiemann's book will help make the transition a bit easier. 

For it's mostly smooth writing style and honest approach to new motherhood, TKDDaughter gives Mojo Mom a :

Leslie Patricelli Children's Books

There are few things a Mom likes more than a good children's book. Let's face it. There are some lousy ones out there. Some of our favorite ones in this house are the ones that are the most simple, like "Goodnight Gorilla." Leslie Patricelli's books are simple and fun, just like our favorite gorilla book.

The two books that we sampled were simple but delightful. The books Higher! Higher! and Baby Happy Baby Sad are enjoyable for any age.

Baby Happy Baby Sad takes you through the typical life of a typical baby. Pages that are exceptionally humorous are the ones that proclaim "Baby Happy" with a naked little baby running around, followed by "Baby Sad" where only baby's face is visible from inside a very restrictive snow suit. I had to laugh because I've always had kids who enjoyed lacking clothing at that age.

The images are simple but funny and this book in particular is one that older children might enjoy reading to their younger siblings. Also, little ones like my 3 year old adore books like this because they can actually "read" them.

Higher! Higher! is just hitting book shelves now and is sure to become a fast favorite. The main character in this book spends the entire time on a swing at the park where she demands to go "higher! higher!" At first, she's able to see the tops of buildings and then things get a little crazy! Before you know it she's giving a "high" five to an alien in outer space.

Patricelli is the author and illustrator of these enjoyable children's books and they would make a great healthy alternative to candy in this weekend's Easter baskets.

For the simplistic but enjoyable and humorous style of Patricelli and her books, BBM gives these books. . .

 

Both of these books can be purchased through The BBM Review store, here and here. Stay tuned because we have some cool giveaways coming soon!

In the Dojo, by Dave Lowry

I have over 15 post it notes sticking out of In the Dojo, reminding me of important things I need to reread.

That's a hint about how I feel about this book.

Dave Lowry is easily one of the most accomplished martial arts writers of our time, and he adds another highly valuable text to his resume with In the Dojo. Focusing on rituals and etiquette surrounding Japanese martial arts, Lowry touches upon points that could very easily fade away into the ether as martial arts become more about business rather than culture.

Many students of modern arts don't realize it, but etiquette (or reishiki) surround every aspect of classical martial training. From concepts as varying as dojo design to proper bowing, reishiki embodies what it means to be a classical warrior. Lowry tries to grant us a peak into the different methods of manner that he has discovered over his years of koryu training.

As jonesed as I am about In the Dojo, I have one important caveat - it's not for everyone. Lowry really digs into the minutiae of etiquette and does not dole out a lot of training advice. People looking for Samurai Secrets or Ninja Techniques have definitely come to the wrong place.

This book is more suited for those unfortunate individuals who find themselves captivated by the arts and all the history, culture, and quirks behind it. For these budo nerds, In the Dojo is a playground of 'did you know?' and 'ahh ha' moments.

A young Dave Lowry

In the Dojo is separated by concept as opposed to having a story arc like Autumn Lightning or Persimmon Wind. Should the reader be so inclined, he/she could jump around to different topics, including: proper behavior for a teacher, proper behavior for a student, the origins of the hakama, the involvement of Shinto in martial arts, and more.

As tends to happen with Mr. Lowry's books, if you buy In the Dojo, have a highlighter and post it notes nearby. There is about 10 pounds of information here crammed into a 5 pound bag and you'll need to come back from time to time to refresh.

Overall, Ikigai108 gives this book:

Would you like to give this book a shot? Buy it from the bbm store.

School of Essential Ingredients

 Very rarely does a book come along that renews my faith in the written word.  I am a fast reader, one who skims hungrily to find out what happens instead of reading each and every word.  This is unusual since I teach literature.  I teach students to read every single word, sentence, and paragraph.  But I find that so much of contemporary literature isn't worth reading so closely.  And then, I was asked to read The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister. 

Here is what I discovered...I had to slow down to read this book.  Not because it was structured grammatically difficult,  not because the message was far too intricately woven into the plot, and not because the language required a dictionary and an advanced degree in linguistics.  No.  This book commanded that I slow down.  At times, I felt compelled to make myself a cup of tea, a ritual I use to calm my spirits and help me savor experiences.  I wanted to explore each word and sentence.  My heart rate calmed and I felt light.  All this from a book?  Yep!

The book explores a group of students who have all committed to taking a weekly cooking class.  Their teacher, Lillian, restaurant owner, developed an appreciation for cooking and a respect for food at an early age, discovering the power of a well-made meal.  She imparts this love of food with each class and each class is a small lesson in life and love.  As these students navigate the kitchen, they are uncover truths about themselves and face difficult memories. 

Each class, Lillian presents ways of  making food, not recipes.  I have learned a multitude of cooking lessons myself as I read this.  And I will read it again and again.  It is most definitely a book to which I will turn when I am stressed and overwhelmed to remember the importance of slowing down and savoring what is in front of you.

Thank you, MotherTalk, for introducing me to this book.  Hands down, TKDDaughter gives this book a

"Me, Chi and Bruce Lee" by Brian Preston

Tonight I watched the Nick Nolte movie, "Peaceful Warrior." I had read the book when I was first out of commission with a newly torn ACL. After a three hour hike up a mountain, the young protege says to his wise mentor, "You brought me up here to see a rock? I was so excited the entire journey. I thought you were going to show me something, not a rock." After a few minutes to allow his anger to subside, he quietly surrenders, "It's about the journey, not the destination."

Brian Preston proves this yet again in his raw and unfiltered "Me, Chi and Bruce Lee", a book about his adventures in martial arts that go from an injury while learning Kung Fu, to a seminar with Royce Gracie, to the backwoods of China, to the UFC. It is a book written with the honesty that only a true beginner in the martial arts could have written. With nothing to lose, he details his journey and his thoughts honestly and without bias. If he doesn't feel the "chi," he doesn't tell you he does. It's a refreshing and fun book.

I dug into this book enthusiastically, being injured myself, and it does not disappoint. Preston swears, and he tells it as he sees it throughout:

"Remember the holy embryo? I'm thinking at this moment Freud missed the mark when he attributed penis envy to women. It's men who have womb envy: women, without even trying, can miraculously produce an entirely new human being out of their abdomen. To match that, men in their jealousy have to invent all kinds of mystical nonsense about Holy Embryos and Immortality" (247).

He doesn't buy all the mystical nonsense that many martial artists proclaim is key and he doesn't make any bones about it. It's not all funny stuff like this though. There's also serious stuff that really makes you think (and made me upset):

"He presents a scenario where good intentions make things worse. 'A guy comes across a gang rape and interferes. He dies. Because the woman is a witness, now they have to kill her too. Is that the right outcome?'"

This as justification to not get involved, even being a skilled martial artist. This from one of Preston's instructors.

If you've ever had an interest in knowing what Royce Gracie is really like or why Jeff Monson took his clothes off at the Abu Dhabi World Championship of Grappling, you want to check this book out. Getting inside the head of serious martial artists, whatever their style, is always something interesting and unique. If ancient martial arts are more your thing, "Me, Chi and Bruce Lee" delivers there as well.

Preston spends weeks in China, watching Wushu demonstrations and asking the great Masters tough questions, like why they beat the young children dropped off to learn their ancient art. Along the way he meets many martial artists, some serious, some not, and learns something from all of them. He approaches his research and the writing of this book in a refreshingly honest way, that only a beginner could do.

Although Preston settles himself on Taiji, he provides an overview of many martial arts styles in his journey all around the world to meet the Masters and learn about their chosen martial art. It's a journey that every martial artist should take, but few will be able. Why not let Preston be your tour guide?

The book is scheduled to be released on January 6, 2009 and can be pre-ordered through The BBM Review store via Amazon for $12.21 here.

BBM gives "Me, Chi and Bruce Lee". . .

Read Kiddo Read

For as long as I can remember, books have held a place of great importance in my life.  From the nightly bedtime books read to me by my parents, to the Nancy Drew books I read as an independent reader, to the first time of many times reading Jane Eyre and being told by  my 8th grade English teacher that my writing was "very Victorian," to discovering Jane Austen, to uncovering obscure 18th Century novels-the books I have read chronicle my growth not only as a student of literature, but as a child growing up.

It was never a problem for me to find another captivating book to read, but today, in such a fast-moving world, it's hard for kids to settle down enough to find something that draws them in. Author James Patterson has taken this problem and provided a solution.  ReadKiddoRead provides parents, teachers, and librarians a place to go to find truly great books, books that will have kids asking for me, instilling in them a love of reading that goes beyond iPods and texting.  Separated by age category, you can easily navigate the website to quickly find some book titles when you're on your way out the door to the library.

My son does not want for books...while I may stop the "gimmies" when it comes to toys, if he finds a book he wants to buy, he gets it.  To me, books are an investment.  If he grows up to read anything  for pleasure, my job will be done!

Please check out ReadKiddoRead for the little and not so little ones in your life.  We have such an important job.  Instead of buying those flashcards to make your own kiddos more advanced, just pick up a book and snuggle on the couch reading together. 

James Patteron gets a resounding Black Belt for ReadKiddoRead!