Author: Ashley Rhodes-Courter

Summary from Goodreads:

This book offers insight into the next phases of Ashley’s life. Her childhood was filled with memories of being transferred from foster home to foster home, until she finally finds a place to call her own. The book shows vulnerability of the author as she tries to make sense of the memories that have left an impact on his life over the years. This book is the next part of Ashley’s life as she gives back to the system that raised her. I enjoyed the book. 

Disclaimer: I was awarded this book in a Goodreads giveaway. While I did not pay for the book, the opinions expressed in this book are strictly my own.

Personal Review:
I really enjoyed this book. I cannot imagine the pain that Ashley experienced growing up. Instead of letting that control who is she is though, she decides to embrace it. This is her story of being married, being a foster parent herself, and the battles she fights every day.
 
I find it admirable of the author to want to document the memories she had and learn something from them. The experiences she has helped shaped who she is and I found that a very interesting story to read. 

All in all, I have to say that I enjoyed the book.
 
Happy Reading!

Book Review: Escape from Baxter's Barn

Author: Rebecca Bond

Summary from Goodreads:
This book is part Charlotte Web, part Homeward Bound (of sorts). A short book about animals who learn something terrible is about to happen and their plan for escape.  I enjoyed the book.

Disclaimer: I was awarded this book in a Goodreads giveaway. While I did not pay for the book, the opinions expressed in this book are strictly my own.

Personal Review:
I liked the feel of this book, especially the talking animals. That said, it had a concern that ate at me the entire time. Please stop reading here if you do not want spoilers!!!  

My concern: I did not like that Dewey just decided that he was going to burn down his barn. Granted, we don’t get any insight about him throughout the book so I am not able to fully understand his opinion on why he would want to do such a thing. I kept thinking that somehow the animals would realize it was all a mistake and that they would be safe after all. Nope, not the case. I just can’t imagine why anyone would want to burn down a barn full of animals. That makes me very sad.

The redeeming quality is that the animals were smart enough to get out and find a home that really loves them. I am hoping that I just missed a key part in this book. The parts I did like were - I really loved the dialogue, the illustrations, and the inventiveness of the animals. I really wanted to give/share this one with my niece, but I am not sure what she would say. Maybe it wouldn’t be a big deal for her. I’ll give it some additional thought.

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Backpacking Basics

Author: Clyde Soles

Summary from Goodreads:

A quick brief insider’s guide to the basic set of information you should know before you go backpacking. This book was a super-fast read to get you on the path for you next adventure.
I highly recommend this book.

Personal Review:
I liked this book! Confession: I wanted a quick book to help me get through the 7in7 readathon challenge and this fit the ticket of what I have been working on, to learn more about the proper ways of backpacking. The book was a brief overview filled with good information.

It is small and would fit in your packet. It gives you a way to get some quick information in a short amount of time. I enjoyed the descriptions of what basic items can help you to be successful in your quest to get outdoors.
 
Happy Reading!