BOOK REVIEW: Just Sayin' by Dandi Daley Mackall

Just Sayin' tells the story of an almost-blended family that almost falls apart before it even begins. 11 year-old Cassie Callahan is staying with her grandmother while her mom, Jennifer, recovers from a difficult breakup from her fiance, Trent. Cassie, along with Trent's kids, Nick and Julie, are trying to figure out why their parents' relationship ended so abruptly and searching for a way to bring them back together. Meanwhile, the kids get caught up in a game show that encourages the "art" of insults, and learn along the way that our words have much more power than they think.

In a way that only Dandi can accomplish, this story weaves together, in a contemporary way, an old-time game show, letter writing, outstanding vocabulary, and reminders from God's word that taming our tongue is both difficult and important!

There was something about the idea of this book that reached out to me when I exploring options on the Tyndale site.  It looked interesting and different.  I'd peg this more to a middle grade reader than a young adult reader.  Though as a grown up I really enjoyed it!  It is a fun story about Cassie and Nick and their experiences as their parents don't marry and they finagle their way through the idea of insults and game shows and Cassie's aversion to the phone.  Cassie also spends a little more time at church, a built in approved way to avoid her Moms phone calls, and picks up a few tidbits of helpful knowledge.  And curbs her insult career a tad.

I didn't get the opportunity to read this with the Minions of Mischief but I really really think that both Moo and Munch would enjoy it for vastly different reasons.  It's a little mature, as far as the actual words, for Moo but she would enjoy the relationships cheesiness of the characters.  Munch, on the other hand, would devour it in an afternoon and I think would bury into the insults and the interplay and would greater grasp the 'power of words' thread more so than his younger sister.  Although some of the 'handwriting' in the book was difficult to read (Gram and Ma had such thin tight writing) but I have to wonder if the kids would struggle with that as well since it's cursive.  I know there's been this whole hoopla about cursive and school and whatnot.  My Minions are learning it so that won't be an issue.  But it's something to think about on a larger scale.  And also something to consider as far as limiting accessibility to this book to older middle grade readers who have been exposed to cursive.

The entire story was fanciful and partly so over the top that while it was not realistically believable it was embracing and endearing.  The idea of a famous person writing a couple of kids back?  Or Gram becoming besties with said celebrity?  Or two kids winning spots on a national game show?  Or? Or? ... There were lots of that will never happen moments.  And a beautiful massive red bow tied all around the ending.  It didn't bother me one bit.  I know, I am shocked too!  The author managed to build solid characters with a multilayered story line with letters.  Plain, old, post office delivered, letters.  And she managed to encompass faith for a young person that made sense without feeling preachy or fake or awkward.  The letter to God felt so real.  I highly recommend this book to any middle grade reader, young adult reader, adult reader, senior reader, just a reader.  It's quirky and entertaining and insightful and just there ya go...

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.

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About Dandi Daley Mackall 

Dandi Daley Mackall is the award-winning author of over 450 books for children and adults. She visits countless schools, conducts writing assemblies and workshops across the United States, and presents keynote addresses at conferences and young author events. She is also a frequent guest on radio talk shows and has made dozens of appearances on TV. She has won several awards for her writing, including the Helen Keating Ott Award for Contributions to Children’s Literature, the Edgar Award, and a two-time Mom’s Choice Award winner. Dandi writes from rural Ohio, where she lives with her husband, Joe, their three children, and their horses, dogs, and cats.s.

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BOOK REVIEW: Just Look Up by Courtney Walsh

After tirelessly climbing the ranks of her Chicago-based interior design firm, Lane Kelley is about to land her dream promotion when devastating news about her brother draws her back home--a quaint tourist town full of memories she'd just as soon forget. With her cell phone and laptop always within reach, Lane aims to check on her brother while staying focused on work--something her eclectic family doesn't understand.

Ryan Brooks never expected to settle down in Harbor Pointe, Michigan, but after his final tour of duty, it was the only place that felt like home. Now knee-deep in a renovation project that could boost tourism for the struggling town, he is thrilled to see Lane, the girl he secretly once loved, even if the circumstances of her homecoming aren't ideal.

Their reunion gets off to a rocky start, however, when Ryan can't find a trace of the girl he once knew in the woman she is today. As he slowly chips away at the walls Lane has built, secrets from his past collide with a terrible truth even he is reluctant to believe. Facing a crossroads that could define his future with Lane and jeopardize his relationship with the surrogate family he's found in the Kelleys, Ryan hopes Lane can see that maybe what really matters has been right in front of her all along--if only she'd just look up.

I wasn't overly sure what I was going to think of this book.  The premise was enough to draw me in when I read it on the Tynedale page.  But then I've read a few romances lately and tend to burn out on them fairly quickly.  That and I've never heard of this author.  I should have known I'd love her just based on the bio but well, ya know.  Lane was everything a flawed character needs.  Social tics, insecure backstory, and a drive to be better than what she believes she's not.  Ryan, or Brooks, as he's called a lot by those who know and love him, is just as beautifully flawed with his own backstory, minus the social tics and feelings of insecurity.  It just goes to show that having a so-called perfect childhood does not shelter someone from growing pains and guarantee a well adjusted adulthood.  Or that being from the literal wrong side of the tracks means you will never stretch your wings and fly.  

I loved these two flawed characters surrounded by flawed family and a town that never quite grew up.  It's steady consistency is vital to these characters and this family.  People grew, and sometimes changed but the town itself remained the safe harbor of 'home'.  And yes, while you can never go 'home' again you can always go home to love and acceptance and memories.  As Lane learned though, you have to be ready to go home.  You can't just do it out of obligation.  Lane has avoided home, the horrible memories, and the inferred betrayal of her family.  Having gone away to college, changed herself completely as a person, lost her first love to her sister and feeling betrayed by that she's made her life about her career.  And the hustle and bustle of the big city.  How often do we all try to find ways to replace the hurts with something that can't hurt?  

Brooks on the other hand was given refuge with Lane's family when he was just a kid.  He got out, went to the military, deployed, came home the hero.  But it wasn't enough for him either.  From the next town over, a town to nowhere, he relocates to the haven of his childhood and knows he has found home.  The son of an abusive alcoholic and a disappearing mother he knows the hardness of life.  But he finds solace in the acceptance of his found family and tries to look for the silver linings.  Their backgrounds are as opposite as the moon and sun. Their outlook is just as varied.  I loved these two characters, watching them grow and learn and just figure things out.  Sometimes you have to have the confidence to look up, look around, and hang on for your life.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Tynedale and NetGalley.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.

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About Courtney Walsh

When I was a kid, I had an imaginary friend. Her name was Kellen and she had auburn hair and freckles. She wore a patchwork brown dress and brown Mary Janes.
Come to think of it, she was very brown, but she went with me everywhere.
I suppose it’s unacceptable to have imaginary friends once one becomes an adult. That’s why I decided to become a writer. To give myself creative license to dream up all kinds of imaginary friends…and then, to tell their stories.
I’ve always been a person with a pure love for creating characters and bringing them to life. In high school and college, I turned to the stage. Later, it was scrapbooking. Now, it’s fiction. Funny how it all comes together, no?
See, I believe we all have a story to tell. We all have stories that make us laugh or shed a tear. We may even have that one that stops the heart. And I suppose that’s why I write…to capture those stories. To give them a place to breathe. To remember how it is that I got here in the first place.
I learn so much more when I’m paying attention.

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BOOKREVIEW: I'll Push You by Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck

Two best friends, 500 miles, one wheelchair, and the challenge of a lifetime.
Friendship takes on new meaning in this true story of Justin and Patrick, born less than two days apart in the same hospital. Best friends their whole lives, they grew up together, went to school together, and were best man in each other's weddings. When Justin was diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease that robbed him of the use of his arms and legs, Patrick was there, helping to feed and care for him in ways he'd never imagined. Determined to live life to the fullest, the friends refused to give into despair or let physical limitations control what was possible for Justin.

So when Justin heard about the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile trek through Spain, he wondered aloud to Patrick whether the two of them could ever do it. Patrick's immediate response was: "I'll push you."

I'll Push You is the real-life story of this incredible journey. A travel adventure full of love, humor, and spiritual truth, it exemplifies what every friendship is meant to be and shows what it means to never find yourself alone. You'll discover how love and faith can push past all limits--and make us the best versions of ourselves.

So, a few weeks ago I was browsing through the available books at Tyndale.  Don't ask me why, I was so booked up with so many review books that I was just torturing myself with book options I truly didn't feel I had time to read and do justice.  But then this book jumped off the screen.  I could hear it calling to me, a whisper at first growing louder in my head as I attempted to do a quick scroll and on with my evening.  But it kept calling louder until it was the only thing I could hear in my overfull, scattered brain as I rushed through yet another evening of responsibility (OK, we all know the R word is not a complete truth) and on to what really matters...reading time.  I kept going back to this book and it kept saying 'pick me', 'you have to read me', 'you must read me', 'I said me!'.  Talk about pressure.  I mean where would I find time to toss in yet another book.  So I expanded the schedule, threw a few things on Saturday, mainly, I can't pass up a book period but this one HAD to be read.  I requested it and it came in 'book mail' which makes me ecstatically happy.  And then sat in the 'to read' pile as I whittled away at everything that was scheduled before it. It called to me from that stack 'read faster!'  Some books are so pushy.  (Totally an unintentional pun mind you.)  It called to me for a reason, it changed me just a bit, and I'll never regret choosing (or perhaps more honestly being chosen) by this book.

You know how when you read a book for pleasure but are occasionally lucky enough to take some small gem away from it that alters you, typically for the better.   There is a world of growth opportunity and introspection at the very core of every page of this book.  You just have to be open to it.  Hoesntly, I think it is one I can happily reread multiple times and always find even more to take away from it.  It's not an overt, in your face 'God' book but it's so many subtle layers of faith and Holy Spirit and deeper understanding all rolled up in one big ole squeeze of friendship and compassionate understanding.  I think anyone of 'faith' not religion can take something away.  Even those without 'faith' per se but an open heart to their fellow man can take soemthing away without feeling preached at.  It's just that good.

Every last one of us needs a Justin in our lives.  Someone who helps us see that even dark clouds have silver linings, that it's OK to let others do for you what you can no longer do for yourself.  A Justin to impart the understanding that letter others 'do' is not about giving up or being indebted to someone else or being weak, that letting others 'do' is about strength.  Strength in your faith in yourself as well as that person.  Every last one of us needs a Patrick to jump in, no matter what no matter where, and step up to the plate.  Always willing to lay it all on the line in utter confidence that there is always a way.  A Patrick to help us understand that just because you can doesn't mean it will be.  That even the able bodied and strong also need help, sometimes from the very person they think they are helping.  Last but for me the most important thing I took from this reading of 'I'll Push You' (becaue you know it has to be read again!) is that we need to learn the balance of what is sabbath (not the literal calendar meaning) really is, choose to practice it in the most real sense, and understand how it can positively impact all areas of our lives.  Seriously, this book people.  You have to read this book!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.

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About Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck

Two best friends, Justin Skeesuck & Patrick Gray, walked “The Way of St. James” or more commonly known as the Camino de Santiago, a 500 mile epic pilgrimage across the vast terrain of northern Spain. What was unique about this journey was Justin was pushed in a wheelchair by Patrick the entire way!

Born a little over 36 hours apart in the same town and in the same hospital, they have grown up together, traveled together, and have navigated many of life’s challenges together.

Over the past 20+ years, a progressive neuromuscular disease has slowly taken away Justin’s ability to use of his arms and legs. From each morning until night, Justin requires daily assistance in every aspect of life such as eating, getting dressed, bathing and even using the restroom.

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BOOK REVIEW: The Frightening Philippi Jail by Gary Bower Illustrated by Barbara Chotiner

The Faith that God Built series by Gary Bower uses the same whimsical style of storytelling as The House that Jack Built, using rhyme to introduce preschoolers through second graders to favorite Bible stories. Gary has a well-developed talent for creating engaging narratives that also teach biblical truths through rhyme.

In The Frightening Philippi Jail, Paul and Silas praise the Lord in a difficult and unfair situation.

Based on the story of Paul and Silas in Acts chapter 16 this story has a repetition to it that is engaging and easy for any reader of the story to help draw in the listener.  Or even for a beginning reader to gain confidence in their reading while also building their foundation of Biblical truths.  The narrative was engaging to even grumpy old me and the pictures complimented to verse while also offering their own enticement to the story.  Personally, I'm very glad I chose to request this book for review from Tyndale to add to my Minions of Mayhem's book collection.  speaking of the MoM's, I read this book with Goobie (4) and Moo (6) and like other reviews, don't just take my word for it but theirs as well.

Moo is a pretty good beginning reader and was easily drawn into the story and the repetition helped to build her reading confidence.  She enjoyed the pictures and was able to better understand the truths in the book, as we also read through the story in the Bible, than her younger brother.  Moo said her favorite part was that God rescued Paul and Silas since they didn't deserve to be in jail but that while they were they tried to help the others.  She gave 5 fingers. (I'll explain fingers later!)

Goobie said he liked everything about it.  He had difficulty following the pattern and would insert his own ideas instead since some of the words were a bit over his understanding.  He was engaged with story the entire time but the message was a little lost on him.  This is a book that he will most definitely grow with as he continues to grow up.  He too said it was totally a 5 fingers book.

(Fingers are our version of stars.  It's easier for me to show them on my hand the way they can attempt to relay how they liked the book.  Thumb means not at all.  Index finger means it was okish.  Third finger means that it was good.  Ring finger is pretty good.  Pinkie is amazing.  We use this easy scale for lots of things around the house.)

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.

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About Gary Bower 

Gary Bower is an adoring dad who strives to write books that have appeal both to children and grown-ups. He says, "A book that is relevant to a wide range of age levels offers a way for parents and kids to have meaningful talks about important life issues.   I try to create for families springboards into natural conversations." 

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About Barbara Chotiner

The "BZ" of bz designstuff is Barbara Rose (Zuckerman) Chotiner. Barbara Chotiner is an artist, designer, mom, and coffee lover, who lives, works, and creates in a pretty little suburb just outside Philadelphia, PA. Previously she has lived in New York City (her first love) as well as Boston.

Barb creates colorful, whimsical and sophisticated designs for numerous clients, and is a fan of combining traditional techniques with modern approaches. What starts as a simple doodle usually ends up living among numerous (organized) layers in the computer. She is inspired by large cities, small elements found in nature, and Scandinavian design. With her work, she believes in organized chaos and making people smile.

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BOOK REVIEW: The Hurry-Up Exit from Egypt by Gary Bower Illustrated by Barbara Chotiner

The Faith that God Built series by Gary Bower uses the same whimsical style of storytelling as The House that Jack Built, using rhyme to introduce preschoolers through second graders to favorite Bible stories. Gary has a well-developed talent for creating engaging narratives that also teach biblical truth through rhyme.

The Hurry-Up Exit from Egypt takes readers along as Moses leads God's people out of slavery in Egypt and toward the Promised Land.

Following the Passover the Israelites escaped from the Egypt at the order of God.  However, once they were en route the Egyptians changed their minds and gave chase, trapping the Isrealites at the Red Sea.  God, however, as always had a plan and used Moses yet again to part the sea and allow the Isrealites passage.  Not so much for the perusing Egyptians.  However, this book does an amazing job of making even that part of the story appropriate for a younger audience.  Using repetition and rhyming this book engages a young listener as well as gives confidence to a beginning reader while building on the principles of Biblical truth.  Personally, I'm very glad I chose to request this book for review from Tyndale to add to my Minions of Mayhem's book collection.  speaking of the MoM's, I read this book with Goobie (4) and Moo (6) and like other reviews, don't just take my word for it but theirs as well.

Moo liked the book and the story a lot but it bothered her that the people had been captured (we read the actual Bible story as well.)  She was repeating the rhythm along with the story.  Given a choice she said it would be 5 fingers (our rating system) from her.  She had a good grasp of the story behind the story and seemed to enjoy the whimsy in the presentation.

Goobie was very engaged in the story and picked up the repetition and was saying the words (somewhat) along with the book.  His favorite part was Moses (OK, mine too!) and he really liked the pictures.  I feel like this book did a good job of helping to provided a foundation about this period of Biblical history that we can come back to with maturity to build on for deeper understanding.

(Fingers are our version of stars.  It's easier for me to show them on my hand the way they can attempt to relay how they liked the book.  Thumb means not at all.  Index finger means it was okish.  Third finger means that it was good.  Ring finger is pretty good.  Pinkie is amazing.  We use this easy scale for lots of things around the house.)

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.


Goodreads     Amazon     Barnes & Noble

About Gary Bower 

Gary Bower is an adoring dad who strives to write books that have appeal both to children and grown-ups. He says, "A book that is relevant to a wide range of age levels offers a way for parents and kids to have meaningful talks about important life issues.   I try to create for families springboards into natural conversations." 

Website | Facebook | Goodreads







About Barbara Chotiner

The "BZ" of bz designstuff is Barbara Rose (Zuckerman) Chotiner. Barbara Chotiner is an artist, designer, mom, and coffee lover, who lives, works, and creates in a pretty little suburb just outside Philadelphia, PA. Previously she has lived in New York City (her first love) as well as Boston.

Barb creates colorful, whimsical and sophisticated designs for numerous clients, and is a fan of combining traditional techniques with modern approaches. What starts as a simple doodle usually ends up living among numerous (organized) layers in the computer. She is inspired by large cities, small elements found in nature, and Scandinavian design. With her work, she believes in organized chaos and making people smile.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram