Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Rate: 4 Stars
Age: 8 and up

I have had many people recommend this book to me and I have kept putting it off because it just didn't sound like a book that would be my thing.  It finally took my niece literally shoving the book into my hands for me to read it, and I'll admit, it still took a few weeks for me to actually pick it up.

From a grammatical point of view this book is superbly written! (except for one section where nothing is capitalized and there are no quotations for when people are speaking...)  As far as the plot goes, I am still trying to figure that out.  I understand the point of the book now, but for me it was slow moving and a little confusing how they kept jumping from different perspectives. 

The pinnacle of the book for me was towards the end when the middle school director gives a speech.  I was misty eyed through the whole part, and his speech alone is what brought me up to 4 stars.  The emphasis is on choosing to be kinder than necessary and that is actually a goal that I am working on with myself and my children.  Every night in our family prayers we ask for help in being kinder, we have for years, and because of his speech at the end...this book will now be one that I read to my children here in a few short years to teach them about both acceptance of differences, and for the huge emphasis on kindness.

This book is appropriate for all ages, there is no questionable content or language.  This is a fast read with very short chapters that have just enough humor and intenseness to keep young readers attention.

Chicken and Rice Salad

Chicken and Rice Salad

Growing up, this was one of the only ways to get me to eat rice.  This make ahead salad is cold, creamy, and tangy.  It's hard to stop eating it once you start.  I made a few modifications to this recipe, my grandma's recipe calls for water chestnuts....no thank you.  If you choose, you can add a 4oz can, it's up to you.

Ingredients:

1 cup Dry White Rice  (Cook according to package directions)
1/4 cup Salad Oil
1T White Vinegar
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper

Combine cooked rice with oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.  Refrigerate for a couple of hours.

3 Green Onions thinly sliced
1/2 cup Green, Yellow or Red Bell Pepper, chopped*
1/4 cup Parsley, chopped
1/3 cup + 1T Mayo
1/3 cup + 1T Miracle Whip
1T Lemon Juice
3 Cups Cooked and Cooled, Diced Chicken

Combine all remaining ingredients with the rice mixture. and chill until ready to serve.  This tastes great with fresh garden vegetables like tomato's or cucumbers.

* The recipe calls for Green Peppers, I use Yellow for 2 reasons.  One, I like them better since they are sweeter.  Two, My daughters actually eat them without a fuss.  Use whichever you prefer.

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

3 Stars
Age: 17 and up

To sum this book up, it was kind of strange...but yet I liked it.  To me it took the fey world to a different level.

The story is told from several perspectives which I didn't care for, but everything comes together decently.  I don't think I will continue the series though.

Content:  Not much casual swearing, the F-bomb is dropped twice and Christ's name is used in vain once.  There is a lot of talk about and illusions to sex, but nothing graphic.  I'm honestly not sure if I would let my daughter read this one.

Defiance by C. J. Redwine

4 Stars
Age: 16 and up

I enjoyed this book.  It kept me engaged and wanting more.  The heroine is strong, but reckless and the author does well at having the hero keep her somewhat contained but still keeping her in charge.

The plot was full of twists that kept me guessing.  The story is unpredictable and I will most definitely continue the series.

Content:  Not for the week constitution; there was a decent amount of blood and callous gore.  No swearing worth mentioning and only a handful of kisses.

The Trials of Apollo 'The Hidden Oracle' by Rick Riordan

3 Stars
Age: 16 and up with a good moral discussion before and after.

I have mixed feelings about this book.

I thought it captured the same charm that the first Percy Jackson series had which was refreshing because I HATED the Hero's of Olympus books.  My downfall to this one was the constant references to homosexuality and the flat out flirting between Nico and Will.  For me that warranted the loss of 2 stars.

Content:  no kissing, no love scenes, no swearing.  Excessive gay references.  I probably would not let my children read this which is a shame, because it had the potential to be a seriously cute, awesome, fun book.  But I dont feel it was appropriate for the age it is intended.