For historical fiction lovers, this one is a winner! One night in 1928, a whale washes up on the shores of the English Channel. By law, it belongs to the King, but twelve-year-old orphan Cristabel Seagrave builds a theater from the whale’s skeletal rib cage. Within the Whalebone Theatre, Cristabel escapes her stepparents and governess, and her imagination comes to life. When World War II starts, Cristabel and her beloved younger step-brother Digby become British secret agents on separate … [Read more...] about The Whalebone Theatre

A little masterpiece is how I’m referring to this gem of a book. The protagonist, the other characters, the writing—all so unexpectedly WONDERFUL. I wish you could see me holding it next to my heart. … [Read more...] about Dinosaurs: A Novel

Reading these treasures that Marilyn wrote on scraps of paper, or typed out without censoring herself, or jotted down on  sundry items gives new insight into this cultural icon. More importantly, reading her words reminds us that she was much more than a "ditzy blonde" as she was often portrayed. In fact, she was well-read and thought deeply about life, love, and death. Utterly fascinating. … [Read more...] about Fragments: Poems, Intimate Notes by Marilyn Monroe

This is an excellent book that offers a concrete explanation of how and why we feel anxious and tips and strategies for dealing with anxiety. Really enlightening and helpful. … [Read more...] about Unwinding Anxiety