by Summer D Clemenson | Jul 25, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
Descriptions of cultural, racial and physical differences that note “otherness,” these may also include wealth, class and gender; these differences are used to identify an outsider in order to define one’s self. Othering is only taught by example. We want to own and govern the other because of the emotions they provoke in our own self. When strangers walk away from us they sometimes take our good opinion of ourself with them.
These are all ideas that I pulled out The Origin of Others by Toni Morrison a Black author, known for her stories and essays on feminism, race, social justice and history. Morrison is a highly intelligent artist that writes fiction novels but weaves in nonfiction and deep cultural meaning into all her work. Her philosophy is to engage her readers in as much reality or purpose as they can bear.
The Origin of Others is a short but powerful read. I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of The Origin of Others by Toni Morrison on Amazon.
Read My Review on GoodReads:
The Origin of Others by Toni Morrison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Toni Morrison has always fascinated me and this book did not disappoint. The Origin of Others by Toni Morrison is about race and how people create “others” because of the emotions they created in our own self. Morrison talks about how she uses these concepts in her books and how she felt her readers responded to them. It is a short but honest read.
View all my reviews
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Jul 24, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
The best times I had as a kid were under the apple trees in my back yard. I would steal my mom’s old sheets and find some string or yarn and make a tent and live in there until I had to come out. When I wasn’t doing my doll’s hair I was reading. It was a great way to find shade and let my imagination run wild. I hope you are finding times with your kids making forts and reading piles of books. It is the best way to take adventures without going anywhere, especially when parents have to work and kids need something to do. I hear Longview Public Library has some great programs this summer too! Now for our 5 books for July 2024:
The Grouchy Lady Bug by Eric Carle
The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have to admit I was a little grumpy when I started to read The Grouchy Lady Bug by Eric Carle and the art in this colorful children’s picture book really cheered me up. The grouchy lady bug has terrible manners and big emotions and feels like fighting but can’t seem to find the perfect animal to fight no matter where she goes on her adventure. This great classic family fiction book talks about time, size, shape, mathematics and manners and is even a board book so it can be washed a bit, making it a perfect story time book.
This is definitely a book to read again and again. In fact, apparently I read and reviewed this book last summer too! 🙂
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of The Grouchy Lady Bug by Eric Carle on Amazon.
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A Picture for Harold’s Room by Crockett Johnson
A Picture for Harold’s Room by Crockett Johnson
A Picture for Harold’s Room was written in 1960 by Crockett Johnson. It is a wonderful adventure story as Harold, wanting to create a picture for his room imagines an entire world where he becomes very large and also very small. This fiction children’s classic is the perfect pace for family story time before bed while Harold explores and explains the fantasy world he creates in this picture book. I really enjoyed it.
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of A Picture for Harold’s Room by Crockett Johnson on Amazon.
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Dandelion by Don Freeman
Dandelion by Don Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Dandelion by Don Freeman is a story about a lion that is invited to a party and wants to change his look but his friends like him the way he is and don’t recognize him. This classic fiction book is full of different animals who all help Dandelion with his day of fashion or enjoy him at the party after they finally let him in. I think this picture book is a little short-sighted because no one lets Dandelion explore his new look but only likes him when he stays the same. Sometimes that happens in real life so maybe this book also brings value to story time.
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Dandelion by Don Freeman on Amazon.
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Even Fairies Fart by Jennifer Stinson
Even Fairies Fart by Jennifer Stinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Even Fairies Fart by Jennifer Stinson is a colorful children’s fantasy picture book that reminds us that no one is perfect. We all color outside the lines sometimes or make mistakes and it is ok. With wonderful words that rhyme, Stinson uses poetry to liven up story time with fiction that is as real as true life and farting. The illustrations by Rebecca Ashdown add humor and aid our imagination to take us to fun places. I recommend this book.
I got this book from my own personal collection. You can get your own copy of Even Fairies Fart by Jennifer Stinson on Amazon.
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Layla the Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish and Jerdine Nolen
Layla, the Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Layla is about to start school for the first time and she is a little nervous. She has spent all her life in the Overlook Woods with her animal friends and that is where she is comfortable. But as fall comes, it is time to go to school at Unicornia with all the other unicorns. Layla the Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish and Jerdine Nolen us a fantasy children’s story about learning how to find your way in a new place. This fiction picture book is brought to life by illustrations by Jessica Gibson. This book, about how our differences can be our strength, will be a great addition to your story time.
View all my reviews
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Layla the Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish and Jerdine Nolen on Amazon.
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I had a great time reading this books. Let me tell you, it was what I needed to get my mind off of politics!
Be Blessed!
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Jul 12, 2024 | Fuel Your Wellness
This article was originally posted on Wellness Works NW on June 28, 2024. I have been in a bit of a rut lately and letting my self-care get a little lackadaisical. While I was scrolling on Facebook I saw an advertisement by Jason Seib for Weakless Week June 2024 and thought this might be what I needed. It was. I didn’t get too deep into researching Seib but from what I can tell, he is a personal trainer that helps people change their thoughts in order to change their lives. He offered membership to a closed group for a week, 5 days of videos where he gave tools to help people change how they think and in the end you can join another closed group for a monthly fee. The first week and group was free. (more…)
by Summer D Clemenson | Jun 28, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
It is officially summer time and the kids are home. There is no better reason to be reading children’s books. I hope you are enjoying time in any book you enjoy but if you have kids, there is no better time than time spent reading with your kids. When you read to kids to teach them that learning and loving is important, you encourage communication too and that is so important. With out much further ado…here are our 5 Books for June 2024.
Harold’s Circus by Crockett Johnson
Harold’s Circus by Crockett Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Harold’s Circus by Crockett Johnson is an amazing adventure for Harold as he draws his way through his visit to the circus. With humor he tells us about the animals and dogs, clowns and even the treats in this fiction children’s classic. Harold is endearing and charming and provides many ways to talk about all kinds of things in this picture book. Harold’s Circus is an outstanding addition to any family story time.
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Harold’s Circus by Crockett Johnson on Amazon.
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Curious George Rides A Bike by H.A. Rey
Curious George Rides a Bike by H.A. Rey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
George is a little monkey that is known for humor and getting himself into adventures and Curious George Rides a Bike by H.A. Rey does not disappoint. It is George’s 3rd anniversary with the Man in the Yellow Hat and he has given George a beautiful bike as a gift. While his friend finishes work, George explores the town in this picture book and finds ducks and other animals at the zoo. In this fiction children’s classic, George even gets to play a part in the zoo performance that night. This story book is super fun!
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Curious George Rides a Bike by H.A. Rey on Amazon.
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Walter the Farting Dog Banned From the Beach by William Kotzwinkle, Glen Murray and Elizabeth Gundy
Walter the Farting Dog: Banned From the Beach by William Kotzwinkle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Walter always makes me laugh and the fact that his family loves him in spite of his terrible gas is very endearing. Yet not everyone can, as seen in this fiction family story, Walter the Farting Dog Banned From the Beach by William Kotzwinkle, Glen Murray and Elizabeth Gundy.
First Walter is banned from the beach and then he is banned rom the village because of his bodacious farting but it is that same gargantuan gas bombs that ends up saving the day, finding buried treasure and helping the family afford their own private beach house where Walter is free to fart and not be condemned.
The illustrations by Audry Colman make this story book even more hilarious! I highly recommend this book that is exploding with humor!
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Walter the Farting Dog Banned From the Beach by William Kotzwinkle, Glen Murray and Elizabeth Gundy on Amazon.
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The Tale of Three Trees: A Traditional Folktale Retold by Angela Elwell Hunt
The Tale of Three Trees : A Traditional Folktale by Angela Elwell Hunt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Tale of Three Trees: A Traditional Folktale retold by Angela Elwell Hunt is a beautiful children’s fiction picture book. Based on religion folklore, the story tells us how three trees grow up to become tools that serve Jesus through His life on earth. The illustrations by Tim Jonke are stunning and really bring the book to life. This is a special story to add to any book collection.
I got this book from my own personal collection. You can get your own copy of The Tale of Three Trees: A Traditional Folktale retold by Angela Elwell Hunt on Amazon.
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Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett is a fun family story filled with humor and fantasy, told by a grandfather to his grandkids about a place called Chewandswallow where all the food came from the sky. This was a great place to live until it got out of hand and everyone had to escape for their lives. This children’s fiction picture book is brought to life by illustrations by Ron Barrett. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs will make any story time more tasty!
View all my reviews
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett on Amazon.
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I had so much fun picking out these book. I hope you enjoyed reading the reviews. If you want to hear about any books you have heard about please send me a message with the form below and I will make sure to try to find that book.
Be blessed.
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Jun 20, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
My first experience with Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert was as a MP-3 that an acquaintance put on my iPod when the book first came out. I don’t generally listen audiobooks but I did enjoy the nonfiction travel biography, as read by Gilbert, herself. I saw the movie and really enjoyed it. I recently bought a copy of the book and decided it was time to read this travel memoir myself. I have gone through a lot since this contemporary autobiography was first published in 2006 and this book was fascinating.
Eat Pray Love is not an easy read, if you are a reader like I am, that really internalizes what I am reading, empathizing with the characters in the book. There is a lot that Liz goes through as she deals with the end of her marriage and then embarks on the adventure of finding herself while she travels through Italy, India and Bali in order to find what she has lost inside herself. Her search through religion and spirituality and emotional wellness through prayer among cultural experiences takes great strength. In the end Liz finds the peace she has been missing and even some romance.
I find this book to be a very powerful book to add to any collection.
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert on Amazon.
Read My Review on GoodReads:
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It doesn’t matter how many times you have read Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, you have to be ready to read it. This book is not a light read; it is a life changing read. In this nonfiction memoir Gilbert takes you through Italy, India and Bali while she discovers what she has lost in herself and if you are like me, you come with her and you change too.
This is a book you don’t just read one time. It is a book you buy and you keep it on the shelf to read as you grow in yourself so that as you find yourself at new places in your life you can go on a journey and measure once again.
View all my reviews
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Jun 18, 2024 | About Summer, Opinions, Prayers, Queer Community, Wellness
I got triggered by Father’s Day. I didn’t realize it was Father’s Day before I went on Facebook and saw all the great posts everyone had for their dads. I write about my journey to celebrate my steps and share what I have learned with others that might benefit from my path. I have PTSD and sometimes yesterday is right now but I have new tools.
The episode didn’t actually start on Sunday but had started earlier. Pride usually reminds me of several things that make me feel loss and I work through them. I assume that most of my extended family doesn’t even realize how their actions have affected me and how my mind has created connections through Pride Month; it only makes sense to me and isn’t even fair to include them so I forgive because it isn’t anything they actually did. But the tenderness was already there when I saw the pictures of women with their dads, dancing, fishing, doing puzzles, gardening, cooking or any other relationship building activity.
The most recent reason my extended family is not in my life is that when I needed answers, no one could give me answers that made me feel peace, joy, safety and loved so I left them behind me. I never had success when I was around them so I needed to leave them. Love was not enough. It is my fault I am not in their lives. It was my choice. I do not choose to bad mouth them. They are successful with each other. I was the one that didn’t fit. I found other people that had no problem with my needs.
This truth does not erase my history. I still have PTSD. Once I realized that the emotions I was feeling were not reliable or even recent, I needed to listen to them before they leaked out on an innocent bystander. By the time I was really aware of them they were a big red ball of emotions, mostly anger and hatred toward two people. I have forgiven them so many times. These things are old. I was sitting with God, knowing that I had already forgiven these things. I knew I didn’t hold this against them anymore. My goal was peace. So I began reminding myself of what is true today: They are just people. They are not perfect. They have their own traumas. They have done the best they could. They don’t benefit from my anger and hatred.
I felt the ball of emotions begin to shift as I reminded myself that I don’t want this. I don’t benefit from these emotions anymore. I want them to do well. I want them to be blessed. I want them to have a good life. I want God to love them.
I am going to be honest. I don’t like one of them. It took me almost 30 years to be honest with myself that I hated them. I had to say that so I could forgive myself for that hatred. I don’t hate them anymore but I don’t trust them and I don’t like them and I refuse to have them in my life. It is hard to be loving toward someone you feel that way about. But removing my emotions, I know that my anger and hatred does not benefit anyone that they are around that I love. Those emotions don’t help me either.
The ball of emotions had become very manageable.
It is not always easy to forgive or pray for the people in our past. But it gets easier. It isn’t about those people that once had so much say in our lives. It is about letting them go so we can have peace.
This is a hard article to write. There is a part of me that still wants to tattle. She is many ages of Summer, but I am in control and I am a lady. I am here and I want to see my readers get well and I don’t think telling on people will make anyone feel better. In reality it never made me feel better. I think that sharing what I have learned is what actually helps me move forward.
There are many paths to wellness. For me, medication and therapy, several types, has been a life saver for me. I think everyone should see a therapist for at least a period of time in their life. We can all use more tools to help us use our words and our minds to help us process what the world throws at us. I do know, for me, I would not be here without my relationship with God. God has always turned me in the right direction and spoken truths to me when I was ready to hear them. As I leaned into Them, I learned more and especially gained that peace, joy, safety and love I was looking for.
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | May 29, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
I am sort of listening to Tiffany Haddish in her interview on Colbert while I am typing up what I already wrote earlier and she is talking about her new book. I love listening to her. She is a a hoot! So her new book is called: I Curse You With Joy…I think I will have to find this book. I love how she is always changing herself because the fact that she is dynamic is what keeps her fresh. As someone who has tried several aspects of characteristics, I appreciate this about her..
I think the 5 books I read this month are like this. These books are about being strong and learning and becoming. That is what life kind of about, other than overcoming fear and learning to love…but we can talk about that later…without much ado here are our 5 Books for May 2024. (more…)
by Summer D Clemenson | May 28, 2024 | Fuel Your Wellness
The article was originally posted on Wellness Works NWon May 21, 2024.
I was recently watching TV and a commercial came on that said that artificial sweeteners caused strokes. I don’t eat foods with artificial sweeteners because they cause my GERD to flare up but I was curious and thought it was time for me to be learning about artificial sweeteners. Food and beverages with sugar in them give us empty calories that add up and cause weight gain. They also raise the risk of of health problems like diabetes and heart disease. Whether you are eating white sugar, honey, molasses or organic sugars, they are all sugar and they all lead to the same result. For this reason, many people look to sugar substitutes that offer less calories and some have no calories.
Types of Sugar
- Sugar (50% glucose, 50% fructose)
- Agave (10% glucose, 90% fructose)
- Honey (30% glucose, 40% fructose, 14% water & small amounts of vitamins & minerals)
- High Fructose Corn Syrup (45% glucose, 55% fructose)
- Rice or Brown Rice Syrup (3% glucose, 52% maltotriose, 45% maltose)
- Molasses
- Sugar Substitutes
Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that is naturally found in fruits, dairy, grains and some vegetables. Table sugar is a combination of two simple carbs: glucose and fructose. Glucose is metabolized by our cells for energy. Fructose is metabolized by our liver which promotes fat. The FDA calls Sugar Substitutes Non-Nutritive Sweeteners because they are high-intensity, low-calorie, artificial sweeteners that provide no nutritional benefits such as vitamins and minerals. (more…)
by Summer D Clemenson | May 20, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
The Ark and the Dove The Story of Noah’s Wife by Jill Eileen Smith is based on the scriptures from the bible found in Genesis 5:32 through 10:1 where we can learn about what was happening during the time of Noah and the building of the ark and what it was like to be alive on the earth at that time. The bible doesn’t give a ton of detail but Smith has obviously taken a lot of time to help us see what it would have been like to be alive during this time and how it would have been to be the wife of Noah in this historical fiction book. Zara had many responsibilities in order to support her family, her husband and the wives of her sons. It was hard to be the only family that believed in the Creator and her family was persecuted often. Zara had to be strong for them all and she worked hard to be what they needed.
It was also hard to leave behind the people they loved that didn’t choose God. I hadn’t ever thought of that before, but mourning was part of their burden as they lived in close quarters with thousands of types of animals in the ark. This story continues for generations after the flood as Noah and Zara lived to see their great-great-grandchildren. This is a beautiful Christian story. I really enjoyed it and I highly recommend this retelling of Noah’s ark.
I got this book from my sister, Jamie Holloway. You can get your own copy of The Ark and the Dove The Story of Noah’s Wife by Jill Eileen Smith on Amazon.
Read My Review on GoodReads:
The Ark and the Dove: The Story of Noah’s Wife by Jill Eileen Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have heard and read the story of Noah and the Ark many times but it was nothing like The Ark and the Dove The Story of Noah’s Wife by Jill Eileen Smith. I loved this version! It had so many details about the life of Noah and Zara and their children and the culture they lived in. This historical fiction version brought the story of Noah’s Ark to life for me and I really got a lot out of it. I have a new found appreciation for work and dedication that Noah’s family put into honoring God’s commands. I highly recommend this book!
View all my reviews
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | May 13, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
Emmett Till was a black 14 year old boy, raised in Chicago, that had come for a visit to his great-uncle, Moses Wright’s sharecropping farm in Mississippi. Before he left Chicago, he was told by his mother to not look white people in the eye and refer to them as sir and ma’am and to be very respectful. On Sunday August 28, 1955 Moses Wright was awakened at 2 am by two white men and at least one black man. “This is Mr. Bryant,” said another white man. “We want to talk to the boy. We’re here to talk to you about that boy from Chicago, the one that done the talking up at Money.” Milan, Chapter 2
No one is entirely clear what happened at the Bryant market in Money, Mississippi. Emmett’s cousins left him alone for only a few minutes. But Mrs. Bryant felt insecure enough to get her husband’s gun out of the car and tell her husband about it when he got home. Her husband and brother-in-law were upset enough about it to kidnap Emmett and brutalize him until he finally died and then throw his body in the Tallahatchie River, where it resurfaced on Wednesday August 31, 1955.
It would not have mattered how carefully the trial would have been handled. No one was going to find Bryant and Milan guilty for the crime of killing a black person, even though he was a child; not in Mississippi.
“[Emmett’s mother] Mamie [Bradley] was haunted by a story of a little black girl who had been playing with a white girl at the home of the white family that employed her mother. The white girl got upset with the black girl and ran to tell her father as he walked up the driveway from work. He angrily snatched up the black girl, shook her like a rag doll, then tossed her up against a tree in the front yard. ‘Now that girl’s mother had to finish her day’s work before she could even look after her daughter, who left there writhing in pain the rest of the day,’ Mamie remembered many years later. ‘Eventually, the little girl died of her injuries. This is a cautionary tale,’ she said, a tale of horror or rooted in real experience.” Chapter 4
Tyson did not only give us a picture into the murder of Emmett in this true crime history memoir but also into the culture at the time that Emmett’s biography takes place and what was happening in politics and race in Mississippi and other southern states. Only weeks before Emmett was murdered 2 black men were lynched for attempting to register black voters in the Magnolia State.
Had Mamie Bradley not immediately begun calling Chicago newspapers when she learned that her son’s body had been found, had she not insisted that his body not be buried immediately in Mississippi but be brought to Chicago and then had an open casket service, her son’s murder may have gone unnoticed. But Bradley was not going to allow her son’s death to be in vain and because of her courage and strength, her son’s death got the attention of people around the world and brought to light not only the behavior of white supremacy in the south but in the north and where complacency was probably worse than actual violent actions.
The death of Emmett Till inspired many people to work hard to gain more traction with more fair civil rights and social justice for everyone. We still have room to grow, but we have come so far. The Blood of Emmett Till by Timothy B. Tyson is an emotional and hard read at times, but it is a well written nonfiction memoir that is an important reminder of American history and the importance of loving our neighbor.
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of The Blood of Emmett Till by Timothy B. Tyson on Amazon.
Read My Review on GoodReads:
The Blood of Emmett Till by Timothy B. Tyson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you are looking for a light read, The Blood of Emmett Till by Timothy B. Tyson, is not it. But if you looking for a vital read this book does check those boxes. This nonfiction book doesn’t just explore the facts of the Emmett Till murder but also the politics and culture in the United States and especially the southern states where white supremacy was felt the loudest.
I recommend this book as an important part of any educated person’s reading list.
View all my reviews
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | May 1, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
I have always enjoyed Matthew McConaughey in movies and interviews. I have always been able to see that he is authentic and wise. Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey is a autobiography that showcases how he has gotten to be that way. He is honest with himself and with the readers. McConaughey is an inspiration in all his art.
“We all step in shit from time to time. We hit roadblocks, we fuck up, we get fucked, we get sick, we don’t get what we want, we cross thousands of ‘could have done better’s’ and ‘wish that wouldn’t have happened’s in life. Stepping in shit is inevitable, so let’s either see it as good luck, or figure out how to do it less often.” Matthew McConaughey
If I were to be critical of anything about the biography memoir, it is a creative effort to use McConaughey’s handwritten thoughts to make this nonfiction book more interesting. My only problem with it is that the writing is so small that it is very hard to read. I love the poetry throughout the book and the pictures and the layout.
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey on Amazon.
Read My Review on GoodReads:
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I needed to read this book. I bought it several months ago but it fell into my hands when I needed some inspiration and inspiration I found. Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey is a nonfiction autobiography memoir that is filled with real life. McConaughey does not sugar coat anything but he also finds the ray of light in all situations and that is how he keeps moving forward and challenges himself towards excellence.
Raised in Texas, he wanted to be a lawyer until he had studied long enough to find his true calling of being an actor. He has been writing all his life. Travel was important to him and helped him cultivate his humanitarian outlook. This biography showcases McConaughey’s true art; life. This book is a must read.
View all my reviews
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Apr 26, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
I just finished a biography about a woman scientist and I loved it. I was never good at science. But Finding the Mother Tree Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest by Suzanne Simard kept me engaged. I think it is because she loves the trees so much. She was taught to love nature by her people, her family, that love the trees. I love trees too and I can feel a connection with them when I am with them and I could feel that she knows what I feel when I am with the forest.
You don’t have to have a degree in biology to understand this book and I love that Simard explains the science part well enough that anyone could follow. She shares about her family lineage while she tells about her studies in both Canada and the United States, learning about ecology and the environment and different ways to help the trees grow stronger and healthier. Her activism and feminism comes naturally because she comes from strong and capable women and she wants to portray that to her two daughters she is raising in this nonfiction book.
In the end of the book, she has proven that we are all connected. We are connected with each other, with the animals and the plants; something the Native people, that are very prominent in Canada have been trying to teach for years. This is something that I have been learning a lot about too. I can feel this as my beloved cat is coming to the end of his path and I can feel him separating from me. What timing to finish this book. I wonder if I would have read this book a few years ago if I would have felt different.
I have really enjoyed this book. Simard has a very wonderful way of being open in her writing and it was easy to connect. I highly recommend this book.
I got this book from my sister, Jamie Holloway. You can get your own copy of Finding the Mother Tree Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest by Suzanne Simard on Amazon.
Read My Review on GoodReads:
Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest by Suzanne Simard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Finding the Mother Tree Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest by Suzanne Simard is an amazing biography by a woman that shares her family, her belief in activism, science, feminism, her love for the environment and nature and science. Simard studied biology in both Canada and the United States, but did most of her work in Canada, where she has lived most of her life. This nonfiction book teaches that ecology as well as spirituality proves that we are all connected and Simard’s life’s work has proved with science that this is so. I highly recommend this book.
View all my reviews
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Apr 22, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
Happy April! I have been enjoying working on rebuilding my children’s book collection so for the next few months we will be exploring some of my own books. I have really loved going through my favorite books and remembering reading them to the children I have loved.
Do you have any favorite books you have read your little ones? Or any books you remember someone reading to you? Please feel free to share them with me.
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Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Harold is an inquisitive child with bright eyes and a big purple crayon. While we read Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson we are taken on an adventure of art in the moonlight in this fiction storybook.
As Harold guides us along, he draws what he imagines in this endearing children’s picture book. We are taken over land and sea and even in a hot air balloon while Harold envisions his fantasy, until he gets tired and wants to go home to bed and he draws that too. Since 1955, Harold has been entertaining children, and I am positive this classic will continue for years to come.
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson on Amazon.
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Corduroy by Don Freeman
Corduroy by Don Freeman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Although Corduroy is just a teddy bear in a fantasy, he sure seems like a real creature that anyone could relate to. I guess that is why this classic, Corduroy by Don Freeman, has been a storybook enjoyed by families since 1968.
Corduroy is a sweet little bear that lives in a toy store with other animals and has the ability to find himself on adventures. In the end he gets a new friend, Lisa, a new home, and his overalls are mended. This children’s fiction picture book is a must read for any family collection.
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Corduroy by Don Freeman on Amazon.
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Curious George Gets a Medal by H.A. Rey
Curious George Gets a Medal by H.A. Rey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In the classic book, Curious George Gets a Medal by H.A. Rey we meet a very precocious monkey named George. All the schemes in this storybook start out innocently enough, but become outrageous and humorous and since he is so lovable, everyone cheers. Even though George floods the house, steels a cow and destroys an art exhibit, George also saves the day by becoming the first space monkey and receives a medal of honor and the whole town celebrates with him, including the animals!
This children’s fiction picture book is a riot and sure to keep a smile on your face while you enjoy George and his fantasy adventures. This book has been entertaining families since 1957, but I am sure George will be a family favorite for years to come.
I got this book from my own personal collection. You can get your own copy of Curious George Gets a Medal by H.A. Rey on Amazon.
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Rough Weather Ahead for Walter the Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkie, Glenn Murray and Elizabeth Gundy
Rough Weather Ahead for Walter the Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have to admit, I have heard about Walter the Farting Dog, but I am not sure I have read any of the books before. I bought this book with my great-nephews in mind and I am hooked! Rough Weather Ahead for Walter the Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkle, Glenn Murray and Elizabeth Gundy is a wonderful family storybook. Walter’s family is amazing! They love their dog even though he can clear a room and even melt the ice on butterfly wings!
The illustrations by Audry Colman really adds to the enjoyment and humor of this fiction children’s picture book! I think you really should grab a copy for yourself and have a good heart-warming laugh. Humor and animals sometimes go hand in hand and why not during story time?
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Rough Weather Ahead for Walter the Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkle, Glenn Murray and Elizabeth Gundy on Amazon.
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Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin is a very cute children’s fiction storybook. If you want to learn about Dragons and how much they love tacos and how they like to eat them, this is the book for you! The illustrations by Daniel Salmieri are colorful and really add to this picture book.
I think this book would be a great conversation starter with children about different kinds of animals, foods and colors. Who doesn’t like to dream about fantasy characters eating their favorite foods while making it humorous? What a great story time opportunity!
View all my reviews
I got this book out of my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin on Amazon.
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Thank you for enjoying my book reviews
I hope you take the time to check these books out for yourself.
Reading to children is such a treat! They are so easily amused and they are so inquisitive. It is fun to watch them get curious and laugh at the funniest things. I encourage you to read to the little ones in your life. You won’t regret it.
Be blessed.
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Apr 3, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
Hungry Ghosts by Kevin Jared Hosein is a literary fiction book that takes place in Trinidad in the 1940’s. Hosein takes the first few chapters of this novel to help you realize the vast difference between the classes of people, especially our main characters. Hans and Shweta Saroop and their son, Krishna, who live in a barrack, made of wood and tin, with several other families. The walls are thin, there is little privacy and they all share one latrine. And on what can seem like, the other end of the world, are Dalton and Marlee Changoor that own a large farm in Bell Village.
This historical fiction story is filled with mystery, spirituality and all kinds of adventure as Krishna and his friends deal with the bullies at school and growing up. Hosein successfully paints a picture of generational trauma and linked histories. He also reminds us that sometimes it is better to want what we have.
This thriller has taken me everywhere emotionally and was rich with information about a place I will probably never visit.
I got this book from my sister, Jamie Holloway. You can get your own copy of Hungry Ghosts by Kevin Jared Hosein on Amazon.
Read My Review on GoodReads:
Hungry Ghosts by Kevin Jared Hosein
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Hungry Ghosts by Kevin Jared Hosein is about people that work hard but enjoy their life. That is, until Hans, the head of the Saroop family gets the chance to work as night watchman at the Changoor farm while Dalton Changoor is away. Hans doesn’t know that Dalton is probably dead. He also doesn’t know that Marlee Changoor has been admiring him while he works on her property during the day.
Hans looks at this this opportunity as the one his family needs to get the money they need to buy land in Bell Village and get away from the barracks they have been living in and have a better life. But soon he is lured inside the big house. He enjoys the fancy food, the nice music, the beautiful furniture and most sadly, Mrs. Changoor.
This break in the Saroop family causes a domino effect in the rest of the novel based in 1940’s Trinidad.
View all my reviews
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Apr 2, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
I do know that I am at least 3 days late with this article but I do believe that wonderful things can happen in only 3 days…which is why so many people celebrate Resurrection Sunday. In reality my family was really busy in the month of March which is why I am late but the books I chose for this month were really great and worth the wait.
I am wondering, did you ever get a chance to check out any of the other books I have reviewed? Let me know!
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Just You and Me by Jennifer Ward
Just You and Me: Remarkable Relationships in the Wild by Jennifer Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Just You and Me by Jennifer Ward is a nonfiction book about symbiotic relationships in nature, on land and in the sea. These relationships have been created by what seems to be unlikely animal friends but they have learned to work together to take care of each other.
For instance a Nile crocodile can’t clean their own teeth so they allow an Egyptian plover bird to hop, safely into their mouth to eat the leftover food in their teeth and gums. The crocodile gets a clean mouth and the bird gets a full belly.
The colorful illustrations by Alexander Vidal add great interest in this picture book and help showcase the relationships of these unlikely friends. I think they also make for great conversations starters for children and grownups alike.
I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Just You and Me by Jennifer Ward on Amazon.
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Homeless by Bernard Wolf
Homeless by Bernard Wolf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Homeless by Bernard Wolf is a very touching nonfiction story told in the voice of Mikey, an 8-year-old boy. Mikey and his family are homeless and are living in a very hard and real scenario. This book was published in 1995, but there are still a lot of similar stories like Mikey’s
I don’t think this book is meant for very young children because they just won’t have the attention span, but for children 7 and older, I think this would be a powerful way to help children learn to empathize with people experiencing homelessness.
Wolf didn’t just write this biography, he also showcased the story with powerful photography that illustrated the family’s life. Both the writing and photography help to illustrate the difficulties of families that need help.
I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Homeless by Bernard Wolf on Amazon.
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Rabbit and Squirrel A Tale of War and Peas by Kara LaReau
Rabbit & Squirrel: A Tale of War and Peas by Kara LaReau
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
The illustrations by Scott Magoon are adorable. This is my favorite thing about the picture book Rabbit and Squirrel A Tale of War and Peas by Kara LaReau. I really wanted to love this book but the animal characters: Rabbit and Squirrel loved gardening but never tried to share their produce. They were quick to judge each other and when the farmer kicked them out of their garden, they continued to blame each other.
The thought of them getting sick of blaming each other and growing a garden together is not enough for me. I realize this is a fiction book but I want a better moral to the story, not just for me but for the children that would be inspired by this book. I will be choosing a different book for storytime at my house.
I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Rabbit and Squirrel A Tale of War and Peas by Kara LaReau on Amazon.
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Corduroy Takes a Bow by Viola Davis
Corduroy Takes a Bow by Viola Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I haven’t read about Corduroy for years but I have already ordered Corduroy and A Pocket for Corduroy by Don Freeman, the original creator of this fiction series, for my personal children’s book collection. These books will be in my next review. I so enjoyed Corduroy Takes a Bow by Viola Davis and it is in my shopping cart right now!
Lisa and her mother have gone to the theater for the first time. They are excited to see Mother Goose and of course Lisa has brought along her teddy bear, Corduroy. In true form, Corduroy has found a way to have an animal adventure while at the theater but still make it back into Lisa’s arms.
I love the illustrations by Jody Wheeler for this picture book. I love that both Davis and Wheeler stayed faithful to the original character of Corduroy, who is always lovable and heartwarming.
I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Corduroy Takes a Bow by Viola Davis on Amazon.
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Fred’s Big Feelings The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers by Laura Renauld
Fred’s Big Feelings: The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers by Laura Renauld
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I loved Mr. Rogers Neighborhood all my life. I would still watch reruns if I could find them. Mr. Rogers knew how to talk so I could understand my emotions and good ways to express them. Fred’s Big Feelings The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers by Laura Renauld is a very children’s-sized version of another nonfiction biography I have read and reviewed: The Good Neighbor The Life and Work of Fred Rogers by Maxwell King.
I am not sure a young child would have the attention span for this book because of the amount of history in it, but a child of 7 and up would appreciate this book. Especially the parts that talk about Mr. Rogers as a child. Parents will appreciate knowing how much time Mr. Rogers studied mental health as part of his spirituality journey so that he could project honesty and care into all of his programming. The illustrations by Brigitte Barrager add a lot to this picture book as well.
View all my reviews
I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Fred’s Big Feelings The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers by Laura Renauld on Amazon.
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I really enjoyed the books I found for March. Reading children’s books has become something I am really enjoying and collecting them for the children in my life is become a small hobby that makes me happy as well.
What are some things that bring you joy?
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Mar 22, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
I had seen previews for the movie Killers of the Flower Moon and meant to see it and then forgot about it. Then one night I saw Martin Scorsese on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and really enjoyed his interview and I was reminded that I wanted to make time to see this movie and then forgot about it again. Then one day I was at the library with my wife, Karen G Clemenson, looking for books and I found Killers of the Flower Moon in the juvenile section while picking out books for my 5 Books for February 2024 article and I decided to grab it.
When I went up to check out my books I told the librarian I was surprised to find this book in the children’s section and she pointed out that this was a book edited for children and wanted to know if I still wanted it. Since the book my wife wanted, was not available and she was going to place a hold on it for us, I asked her to do the same for the adult version of Killers of the Flower Moon The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann.
First off my impression of the book, based on what I had not really paid attention to in the previews for the movie needed to be thrown out the window. This is not a love story between a white man and an Osage woman. This is a true crime nonfiction story that really happened. This book is about how crooked White officials took advantage of Osage Natives, that had head rights to a lot of oil, in any way they could. Many times that meant murdering them and not investigating anything. Eventually a group out of Virginia, with the largest fingerprint database, and a little bit of training got wind of things and took over to finally find some justice for some of the lost people in Gray Horse, Oklahoma. This group became the FBI.
The story, itself is a little choppy. The details are a bit overwhelming. But the memories must not be lost. We must honor the victims and celebrate where we have gotten better.
I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Killers of the Flower Moon The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann on Amazon.
Read My Review on GoodReads:
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Killers of the Flower Moon The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann was an important read. It was a hard read for someone that doesn’t read true crime stories. But this nonfiction book tells an compelling story in history that is vital, not only to Native American and United States history, but the creation of a policing organization that was necessary when all others were uneducated, corrupt and unable to bring justice to families that had lost so much. You should read this book.
View all my reviews
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Feb 29, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
At 3 years old, the main character, Pik-Shuen, immigrated from China to Canada. She was with her mother and grandparents; her father stayed back in Hong Kong to keep working. They were very poor and they adults worked a lot but the short stories shared talk about closeness even the though the family does not talk about or show a lot of emotion. Throughout her life, Pik and her sister study art and live. Sometimes in China and mostly in Canada. As they become adults they spend more time with their father, because he became sick. This gives the family a chance to get to know each other and talk about how they felt about each other.
I found this book to be sad and sweet and somewhat healing. I loved the honesty and patience in the writing. The layout of the book is different and I enjoyed the short stories being each chapter with the implied space to think between each story.
I got this book from my sister, Jamie Holloway. You can get your own copy of Ghost Forest by Pik-Shuen Fung on Amazon.
Read My Review on GoodReads:
Ghost Forest by Pik-Shuen Fung
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ghost Forest by Pik-Shuen Fung was a beautiful story about a family living on different continents trying to get to know each other. In short stories we get to see in the lives of these dynamic people and their culture. It was beautiful.
View all my reviews
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Feb 28, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
I have been working through a bag of books that I am supposed to pass onto Jamie’s sister, Joy, and I am almost through them all. In fact, now that I have finished The Invasion of Heaven by Michael B. Koep, I only have one more book to go. I was really surprised that Jamie would give me a book like this to read. I do not read sci-fi books and I don’t read suspense/thrillers. But I decided that the person that knows me best, besides my wife, might know something I don’t, I should give it a shot. She was right.
The main character, Loche Newith, a psychologist, has had a quiet and controlled life until now and that is how he likes it but he can’t seem to make things line up anymore. Between the apparent suicide of one client and the constant appearance in his life of another client, the finding of a long lost brother and art that seems to change people’s lives forever, either in good or bad ways, this book has every kind of element that might keep you turning pages until you run out.
I am glad I gave this book a chance. I really enjoyed it.
I got this book from my sister, Jamie Holloway. You can get your own copy of The Invasion of The Invasion of Heaven by Michael B. Koep on Amazon.
Read My Review on GoodReads:
The Invasion of Heaven by Michael B. Koep
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As someone that does not read science fiction or thrillers I was surprised that I was caught by this book. Loche Newith, the main character, was complex and perfect for carrying this story. The fact that he was a psychologist is what kept me turning pages in the beginning but as the story matured, his stead-fastness is what endured and then the plot turned. Wow!
View all my reviews
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Feb 27, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
I was really blessed to come from a family that loved books. My mother, my aunt and mostly my nana really instilled my love for books into me. Nana could tell the best stories, whether she was telling me about my ancestors or she was reading a story from a book or she was telling me about the latest book she was reading. I know it was Nana that encouraged my love for words, quotes and writing. Who inspired you?
This month my wife and I chose different books. We didn’t pick cute stories but stores about real events that happened in the world. Hopefully these stories will inspire as well.
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Covered in Color: Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s Fabrics of Freedom by Eliza Boxer
Covered in Color: Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s Fabrics of Freedom by Elisa Boxer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cristo lived in Bulgaria as a boy during World War II. The Nazis came and burned all his colorful books that inspired him. After the war he enrolled in art school, but his communist country still controlled even his creativity and only encouraged propaganda art that made their government look good. When Cristo was 21 years old, he hid in a boxcar so he could travel to France, where he could be honest with his art.
While in France he made money painting portraits of people and practicing his art on his free time. Soon he met Jeanne-Claude with flame-colored hair and they fell in love. Then they decided to start their new life in the United States, in Manhattan, where they continued to try out new mediums.
Eventually they were able to talk some officials in Switzerland to allow them to wrap the museum Hamberger Kunsthalle in 26 thousand square feet of fabric and 2 miles of rope. They have wrapped buildings in Chicago, Berlin, the shoreline in Australia, 11 islands east of Miami, they placed 3,000 yellow and blue umbrellas in California and Japan, and 23 miles of orange flags in Central Park in New York. Their art was not the kind of art that lasts long but it made a huge impact while it was there and that is why it was so important to Cristo and Jeanne-Claude.
Covered in Color: Cristo and Jeanne-Claude’s Fabrics of Freedom by Eliza Boxer is a beautiful book to look at while it shares a real story in history. The honest writing style is easy to understand and the colorful illustrations by Susanna Chapman are engaging, yet not intimidating, even with some difficult topics. I really enjoyed this book.
I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Covered in Color: Cristo and Jeanne-Claude’s Fabrics of Freedom by Eliza Boxer on Amazon.
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Ashley Bryan’s Puppets by Ashley Bryan
Ashley Bryan’s Puppets: Making Something from Everything by Ashley Bryan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Ashley Bryan began making puppets out of things found lying around when he was only 9 years old. His puppets are not conventional but more like works of art and he uses poetry to convey their personalities which are rich in culture and vision. The artistry is outstanding and beautiful but this is not a story you would read before bed, but may be a good book you would use to have a conversation. I imagine an older child looking for inspiration would enjoy this book. The photos by Ken Hannon and edited by Rich Entel are stunning.
I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Ashley Bryan’s Puppets by Ashley Bryan on Amazon.
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The Adventure of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat
The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I am so torn. I am sitting here with a warm feeling inside and a smile on my face after reading The Adventure of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat, but I want more. I am glad that Beekle and Alice found each other. I love the illustrations that almost tell more than the story, but I feel like just as the story was getting good, it just ended.
I can tell that it must get checked out a lot because it has more wear and tear than the other books I checked out and it boasts The Caldecott Medallion on it’s cover, but I still want more. I guess I don’t always get what I want.
I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of The Adventure of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat on Amazon.
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Standing in the Need of Prayer A Modern Retelling of the Classic Spiritual by Carole Boston Weatherford
Standing in the Need of Prayer: A Modern Retelling of the Classic Spiritual by Carole Boston Weatherford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I just read an important book. I plan to add Standing in the Need of Prayer by Carole Boston Weatherford to my personal collection. Not only is it poetic and true but it honestly shares important parts of the history of the United States of America as we have chosen to more fair Civil Rights for Black Americans.
The Illustrations by Frank Morrison are beautiful and I look forward to sharing them with the children that come to my home. I also appreciate the resources in the back of the book. I highly recommend this book to families.
I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of In Standing in the Need of Prayer by Carole Boston Weatherford on Amazon.
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Zonia’s Rain Forest by Juana Martinez-Neal
Zonia’s Rain Forest by Juana Martinez-Neal
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Zonia lives in Peru, in the rain forest. Every day she visits all her friends that live in the rain forest. One day as Zonia is heading home, she sees a large area of trees that has been cut down. She runs to her mother in fear. Zonia agrees with her mother that she must answer the call of the rain forest for help!
Zonia’s Rain First by Juana Martinez-Neal is a story about a very real problem that Indigenous people and wildlife in the Peruvian Amazon are facing. This book is a good way to educate and hopefully inspire change. There are helpful resources in the back of the book. I hope you read this book.
I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Is Zonia’s Rain First by Juana Martinez-Neal on Amazon.
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I was talking with a friend about the books she read this month. She said for Black History Month she had read some pretty heavy books. She described a book about the last slave ship in South Carolina. I wasn’t surprised about what she had learned. I have been reading about Black culture for over 30 years. We had a quiet moment to acknowledge our pain of this knowledge. Then I told her that we don’t celebrate Black History Month in our house. She asked me why and I told her that Black history happens every day and we don’t need to only celebrate it one time a year; it is just our philosophy, however we do sometimes watch a movie that doesn’t make it on TV frequently. It took her a moment and then she smiled. Then I bombarded her with the list of books I bought about mainly Black folks that I hadn’t read about before that I had just ordered and added that maybe that was my way of celebrating.
I hope you have your ways of celebrating people all the time and not just one time a year because people are amazing!
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Feb 20, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro begins on August 27, 1985, when three teenagers get into a car and make choices that change all their lives and the lives of their families forever. Sarah and Theo Wilf live but their parents never really talk about what happened and it eats at all of them. Misty Zimmerman, an only child, will not survive but her memory will haunt everyone on Division Street. Jump to 2010 when Benjamin Wilf, Sarah and Theo’s father meets, 11 year old Waldo Shenkman under the same tree that his car collided with, that night so long ago, to listen to Waldo explain his love for the constellations.
Signal Fires makes many jumps and connections throughout the book as we watch these characters develop and change. In three generations so much happens in these families. I really had a hard time putting this book down and I think you might enjoy it too.
I got this book from my sister, Jamie Holloway. You can get your own copy of Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro on Amazon.
Read My Review on GoodReads:
Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a powerful book about how three families interconnect with each other over 3 generations. There is a lot of sadness in this book but also much to rejoice over. Over and over this book shows us how we are all connected. Dani Shapiro did a wonderful job developing her characters and story line. This book was hard to put down.
View all my reviews
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
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