Telling Herstories: The Broad View

The Review Team Has Outdone Themselves!

Oh my, do we have a lot to share! Scroll on down!

I know you’re going to find one or many books you wish to read. Further insight can be gleaned from the fabulous reviews by clicking on the highlighted titles. Have fun!

Follow us on Twitter to keep up with the latest reviews. Purchase through SCN and help support SCN’s many programs and women’s life-writing work.

TRIO, by Eve LaSalle Caram, explores the lives of three members of a Texas/Louisiana family. (Reviewed by Judith Helburn) 

THE WRITING WARRIOR by Laraine Herring, portrays a way of thinking as much or more than a way of writing. (Reviewed by Sharon Lippincott)

GROWING UP LAUGHING by Marlo Thomas, is a memoir and love story, and a thank-you to family. (Reviewed by Laura S. Hulka) 

HARD GRASS, by Mary Zeiss Stange, is about life in the immense expanses of arid grasslands of the western Great Plains. (Reviewed by Susan J. Tweit)

BREAST CANCER: NO ONE CHOSE THIS JOURNEY, by Fran Padgett, resounds with love, hope and sharing. (Reviewed by Trilla Pando)

WHEN THE SNOW FLIES, by Laurie Alice Eakes is a story about the determined Audrey Sinclair Vanderleyden, a woman physician, who was born before the time women were doctors. (Reviewed by Lee Ambrose)

Understand history and the development of artificial sweeteners in EMPTY PLEASURES, by Carolyn de la Peña. (Reviewed by Susan Wittig Albert)

Amazing recipes, accompanied by color photos, fill THE AMISH COOKS' ANNIVERSARY BOOK, by Lovina Eichel. (Reviewed by Judy Alter)

TALES OF A TITMOUSE, by Pamela Barrett, is an inspiring "depths-of-despair-to-redemption" story. (Reviewed by Jennifer Melville)

J: THE WOMAN WHO WROTE THE BIBLE, by Mary F. Burns, is thought-provoking and mesmerizing. An original. (Reviewed by Jennifer Melville)

FINDING THE DEEP RIVER WITHIN, by Abby Seixas, shares solid, concrete ways to recover balance and meaning. (Reviewed by Laura Strathman Hulka)

THE CREATIVE LIFE, by Julia Cameron, dismantles “the mythology that tells us art is made by loners and made with heroic ease.” (Reviewed by Becky Lane)

AND THEN THERE WERE THREE, by Supriya Bhatnagar, portrays the enduring complexities of India. (Reviewed by Carol Smallwood)

Lisa Shannon’s memoir, A THOUSAND SISTERS, makes the stories of the brutal atrocities against women in the Congo compelling. She invites us all to help, to make a difference. (Reviewed by Lynn Goodwin)

The very moving THE SPIRIT OF A WOMAN, edited by Terry Laszlo-Gopadze, is an anthology of authentic stories of courage, compassion and discovery. (Reviewed by Mary Ann Moore)

Debra Monroe’s ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF NORMAL chronicles how she and her daughter, a white mother and black daughter,”grew and learned together.” (Reviewed by Judy Alter)

Reviewer Sherry Wachter says that I WANT TO BE LEFT BEHIND, by Brenda Peterson, is “a reminder that the earth and its inhabitants are a joy as well as a responsibility.”

AS A FARM WOMAN THINKS, by Nellie Witt Spikes, edited by Geoff Cunfer, is a history, as ordinary rural folk lived it. (Reviewed by Susan Wittig Albert)

Hunting for Treasure

 Since the choice of what we curl up with is often crucial for our solace and sanity, we need to learn how to nurture the talent of selection. Book browsing is a meditative art...Books are as essential as breathing. —Sarah Ban Breathnach

I mentioned in a previous post that we editors at SCBR do what we call “book sleuthing”—locating and requesting the best in new women’s literature for our team of reviewers. We have different resources we use—internet searches, publisher and publicist contacts, blogs, newsletters, social media contacts like Facebook and Twitter, and so forth. Each of us, I’m sure, has our own favorite way of sleuthing. I love it. It’s a bit like a treasure hunt, with the prize being a great new book!

How do YOU find your next read?

One of my favorite ways to find a new book for my personal pleasure?--the advice of a good friend. I value the opinion of another avid reader like myself. I love discussing books and authors—and a friend’s opinion of the same.

Here are a few more "clues" for your personal treasure hunting:

• The New York Times has a weekly book section on Sundays and sends out an email newsletter on Fridays—find this at NYTimes.com if you’re interested.
• If you do a lot of business with Amazon, they will begin to send you emails with predictions on new items that might match your interests. If, like me, you use their advanced search options often, they send out emails on new and upcoming books in the genres of interest. Other booksellers may do the same—I just happen to have been a loyal Amazon shopper almost since they first began selling online. Now there is the added incentive that our purchases from Amazon benefit SCN.
• On Thursdays, USA Today will send you a book newsletter via email, or you could follow them on Facebook.
• GoodReads newsletters contain info on many new releases.
• Oprah, who garners a lot of attention for her book club picks, sends out email book newsletters each week—current and upcoming books are featured.
• Libraries and bookstores often set up displays of new arrivals and often staff recommendations.

There are even sites online that might help you find new authors similar to those you’ve already read. One is what should I read next? . Plug in the title, author or ISBN number of something you’ve read, and you’ll be given a list of suggestions to consider. Some might seem obvious, some not, but it’s fun to see what comes up. You’ll have to judge how accurate they are.

In this day and age, there are so many ways to find books. The resources are unlimited. I know I could spend hours just looking and looking—if I had hours to spend. Alas, I don’t and I suspect the same is true for you.

Which brings me to this… When you’re looking for something new to read, we hope you’ll take advantage of the many (1000+) reviews at SCBR. You’ll find enough suggestions to suit any mood or any genre preference. (We don’t feature blockbusters from authors who already have mass followings, or a lot of cozies, romances or what is known as chick lit. These certainly have their place, but they don’t need more press, so we concentrate on what does.) In addition to some bestsellers in fiction and nonfiction, we’ll always feature some new and perhaps lesser known women authors who may publish with smaller presses--we want you to know they’re out there, and to support their efforts.

The next time you need a book idea for yourself or for a gift, give us a try. After all, what’s better than the recommendation of a friend?

 

Reflections on Reading and Reviewing

You know, reading a book is fun. We are entertained and challenged. We connect emotionally, and sometimes viscerally, with others—the writers and characters. We travel and learn. And we grow, beyond the learning. We can’t read and not grow. Reading expands the mind.

Being able to read is rewarding and a privilege. There are literally hundreds of thousands of people that can’t read or don’t have books available to read. We are fortunate.

Reviewing for SCBR is fun, rewarding, and a privilege. The editors send a note to the contact we have for the reviewed book, letting them know the book has been reviewed. Sometimes we get a note back because our reviewers do such an amazing job. The reviews are deeply appreciated. Here is a recent example:

Dear Susan,

I deeply thank you for the incredible review. Mary Ann Moore was professional in her approach and did a review that every author dreams of.  She really took the book to heart and gave her wonderful insights through words that honored and blessed our words.

All of us connected with The Spirit of a Woman: Stories to Empower and Inspire thank you for your contributions to sharing stories that are important to all of us.

It is a great privilege to link to you and be connected with you.

With great respect, appreciation and gratitude.

Terru

Terry Laszlo-Gopadze
The Spirit of a Woman: Stories to Empower and Inspire
Publication Date: June, 2010

So when reading a book, consider what went in to it and how it was been crafted. And if you are one of SCN’s reviewers, thank you. And if you’re not, we’d love to have you on as a part of the team.

Here’s a synopsis of reviews since September 14^th.  Follow us on Twitter to keep up with the latest reviews. **Remember: purchasing through SCN helps support SCN’s many programs and women’s life-writing work.

THE GENTLEMAN POET by Kathryn Johnson, pays homage to Shakespeare and The Tempest. A delightful read. (Reviewed by Laura S Hulka)

BURNING HORSES by Agatha Hoff, is a fascinating and harrowing German occupation survival story. (Reviewed by Judith Helburn)

Reviewer Jennifer Melville says A MAZE OF GRACE, by Trish Ryan, is a breath of spiritual fresh air and full of inspiring and striking humor.

LET’S TAKE THE LONG WAY HOME by Gail Caldwell, is an honest narrative of friendship, loyalty, loss, and grief. (Reviewed by Susan Ideus)

Reviewer Trilla Pando could relate to all of the protagonists as they found the going “rough” in pursuit of their individual quests in Terry McMillan’s GETTING TO HAPPY.

AT HOME IN JAPAN by Rebecca Otowa is a journey of discovery—learning to live Japanese. (Reviewed by Susan M Andrus)

FURY by Koren Zailckas, is a superb example of bibliotherapy: amusing, insightful. (Reviewed by Susan M. Andrus)

 

A Tribute to the Team

There’s been so much happening at Story Circle Book Reviews lately, and it's all good! You may have seen that we recently posted our 1000^th review. What a great milestone! We’re so pleased and proud to be the largest website on the Internet devoted to books by, for and about women. We’re absolutely passionate about our goal of bringing attention to the best that’s out there in women’s literature.

Today I’d like to pay tribute to the women who make Story Circle Book Reviews a reality—our wonderful team of reviewers. These ladies volunteer their time and efforts to insure that the reviews continue. It takes time to read a book. It takes commitment to follow through and write a review. It takes talent to produce the quality work we are proud to post on the site. Ladies, we couldn’t do it without you! Thank you for giving so unselfishly of yourselves for SCBR.

Please look at the website if you haven‘t been there recently. There are reviewers who have dozens of reviews posted, and we’ve added a new “Star Recognition” system to honor them. Why, we even have a couple of reviewers nearing the 100 mark--that’s dedication! These are true book lovers, and we count ourselves fortunate that they share their passion with us.

 

I couldn’t say a proper thank-you without mentioning that there is also a fine team of editors at SCBR, headed up by Susan Wittig Albert, and including Linda Hoye, Judy Miller, Laura Hulka and Susan Andrus (plus yours truly). Editing reviews is only part of the job. We find the books for review—we call it “book sleuthing”. (Imagine a job where one is required to spend time looking for good books—sigh, a purely pleasurable duty for this editor, to be sure.) Linda receives all of the books, maintains the book selection blog, lets the team know what’s available and mails the books out to reviewers. Judy is the contact for the review team and posts here on HerStories about the new reviews. A special thanks to Peggy Moody for all of her support and behind-the-scenes work. A lovely bunch to work with!

Why don’t you give some thought to joining our team? We have new books weekly awaiting reviews, and we send them out, free of charge, to our reviewers—who then have a brand new book to add to their personal bookshelves or to share with another avid reader. Choices include memoir, writing tips, contemporary and historical fiction, self-help, young adult and more. We work with publishers and publicists to obtain the newest and the best books. If you’re interested, check out the Reviewing for SCBR page on our website.

On a personal note, I’m thrilled to be working with SCBR again and to be able to return to HerStories and to my Book Learning posts. I’ve missed being here! I’ll share musings about books and reading and SCBR here every other Thursday, and Judy Miller will still be updating you on the new reviews on the site. See you in two weeks!

Autumn is Knocking at the Door…

And it’s time to find some more books to curl up with. We have some recommendations for you.  

 

Follow us on Twitter to keep up with the latest reviews. Purchase through SCN and help support SCN’s many programs and women’s life-writing work.

 

Mother Jones: Raising Cain & Consciousness, by Simon Cordery, is a story of fiery labor activist, Mary Harris. (Reviewed by Susan Schoch)

 

Profound mother-daughter dialogues fill BECOMING FLAME: UNCOMMON MOTHER-DAUGHTER WISDOM, by Isabel Anders. (Reviewed by Judy Miller)

 

CRAFT HOPE: HANDMADE GIFTS FOR A CAUSE, by Jade Sims, inspires the reader to spread hope, one stitch at a time. (Reviewed by Laura S Hulka)

 

A SPECIAL MOTHER, by Anne Ford, is an encouraging must-read for any parent with learning disabled child. (Reviewed by Judy Miller)

 

Susan J. Tweit’s interview of Ann Vileisis, author of KITCHEN LITERACY, is one you don’t want to miss. Find out more about foods on supermarket shelves.

 

THE SOUND OF A WILD SNAIL EATING, by Elisabeth Tova Bailey. A tiny companion makes all the difference. Fascinating. (Reviewed by Susan Ideus)

Recent Reviews

Does the end of summer free you up for more time to read or just to dream about reading? Regardless, check out our newest reviews. There will be at least one title sure to interest you.

 

Follow us on Twitter to keep up with the latest reviews. Purchase through SCN and help support SCN’s many programs and women’s life-writing work.

 

RUSSIAN WINTER, by Daphne Kalotay, is a stunning portrayal of love, loss, betrayals, enduring human spirit. (Reviewed by Susan Ideus)

Susan Ideus’ wonderful interview of author Daphne Kalotay about her debut novel, RUSSIAN WINTER is fascinating, an enchantingly complex and multi-faceted story.

 

Reviewer Penny Leisch recommends THE KITCHEN SHRINK, Dora C Wang; as required reading for anyone who cares what happens to her health.

 

CONFESSIONS OF A TEA LEAF READER, by Tanya Lester, is a confessional about intuition and tea leaves creating "a mystical experience." Sure to inspire you. (Reviewed by Mary Ann Moore)

 

In WOMEN, FOOD AND GOD, author Geneen Roth, says "...our relationship to food is an exact microcosm of our relationship to life itself." It is better to feel our unhappy feelings than to avoid them by eating. (Reviewed by Duffie Bart)

 

SALT IN OUR BLOOD, by Michelle L Eder, is a compelling enlightening read about families in commercial fishing. (Reviewed by Janet Caplan)

 

IN THE GREEN KITCHEN, by Alice Waters; Approachable course in cooking (green) by heart, with love. (Reviewed by Susan J. Tweit.)

 

WHY WE RIDE, edited by Verna Dreisbach, is an collection of essays by women writers depicting relationships and  unique communication between women and their equine companions. (Reviewed by Martha Meacham)

 

A VERY MODEST COTTAGE, by Thereasa Surratt, chronicles the rehab of 1920s-era motor court cottage with four earlier lives. Inspirational. Wonderful photos. (Reviewed by Susan Andrus)

 

Celebrate With Us!! We've Hit a Milestone!!

We’ve hit 1000!! Book reviews, that is. Can you believe it? What wonderful work we do. And we enjoy doing it!

Follow us on Twitter for news of reviews, as they happen!

**And, don’t forget to purchase books through our book review site. By doing so you’re supporting SCN’s many programs and women’s life-writing work.  

 

BRIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD: A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY THROUGH BREAST CANCER, by Anne Bennett, is our 1000th review! Reviewer Sharon Lippincott found the story provided strong encouragement for anyone with any form of cancer. “Faith, hope and light glimmers…”

 

THE TAPESTRY OF GRACE, by Lorraine Miller. (Reviewed by Penny Leisch) Explored many paths when searching for physical healing.

IN CHEAP WE TRUST, by Lauren Weber. (Reviewed by Susan Albert) The best way to save the planet? Stop buying stuff. Cheap is the new green.

 

SQUEEZED, by Alissa Hamilton, chronicles the darkly absorbing history of the Floridaorange juice industry. (Reviewed by Susan J. Tweit)

 

THE MAQUINNA LINE, by Norma MacMillan. (Reviewed by Diana Nolan) A saga of the strong spirits of generations, set in Vancouver Island, BC.

FEARLESS FEMALE JOURNALISTS, by Joy Crysdale, is “…jam packed with interesting stories…” about women who challenged stereotypes overcame great odds. (Reviewed by Jennifer Melville)

 

I'LL BE THERE TO WRITE THE STORY, by Maria Weber (Reviewed by Sharon Lippincott) Fascinating mother-daughter reconciliation through the dimensional veil.

THE PARTICULAR SADNESS OF LEMON CAKE, by AImee Bender. (Reviewed by Barbara L. Heller). Quirky, ambiguous, & entertaining; magical realism. “…tasty…”

REAL LIFE JOURNALS, by Gwen Diehn (reviewed by Susan Albert) A unique marriage: art of handcrafted books & art of journaling.

So Many to Choose From... Where Do You Begin?

 

Why, with reviews of course! And we reviewers have been oh so very busy reading wonderful books. We love it!

Scroll down a bit.

 

 

 

Yep, keep going.

 

 

 

Get to the end yet?

 

 

Instead of waiting for these biweekly posts, you can follow us on Twitter for news of reviews, as they happen!

Don’t forget to purchase books through our book review site. By doing so you’re supporting SCN’s many programs and women’s life-writing work.  

 

 

CLICK, edited by Courtney E. Martin and J. Courtney Sullivan. (Reviewed by B. Lynn Goodwin.) What was the moment that made you a feminist? No going back.

THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE CUCUMBER TREE, by Susan Wittig Albert. (Reviewed by Laura Hulka.) A new series. Charming and whimsical.

DOG HOUSE: A LOVE STORY, by Carol Prisant. (Reviewed by Laura Strathman Hulka.) One love, ten dogs and a forty-two-year marriage.

LOOKING LIKE THE ENEMY, by Mary Matsuda Gruenewald. (Reviewed by Sherry Wachter.) Experience as a Nisei interned in US during World War ll.

GRAVITY PULLS YOU IN, edited by Kyra Anderson and Vicki Forman. (Reviewed by Judy Miller.) Essays about how the diagnosis of autism redefined their worlds and parenting roles.

FOLLOWING BODY WISDOM, by Atherton Drenth. (Reviewed by Mary Ann Moore.) Insightful and understandable approach to energy wisdom.

THE PULL OH THE MOON, by Elizabeth Berg. (Reviewed by Susan Ideus.) Honest look at a woman “of a certain age”—rite of discovery.

EDIBLE, by Tracey Ryder and Carole Topalian. (Reviewed Susan Andrus.) Deep satisfaction of food well grown and prepared; recipes.

IF A TREE FALLS, by Jennifer Rosner. (Reviewed by Jennifer Melville.) Mother's journey to help her daughters hear; potent writing.

JOURNEY TO LA SALLE'S SETTLEMENT, by Melodie Cuate. (Reviewed by Penny Leisch.) History and facts skillfully blend into YA story.

MEMORIES OF THE BEACH, by Lorraine O'Donnell Williams. (Reviewed by Susan Andrus.) Reawakens our own memories of times gone by.

KITCHEN LITERACY, by Ann Vileisis. (Reviewed by Susan Tweit.) Losing contact with stories of our food—tragedy for us and our planet.

A FIERCE RADIANCE, by Lauren Belfer. (Reviewed by Penny Leisch.) High drama, murder, mystery, emotion, and fast-paced action in World War ll.

SEAWORTHY, by Linda Greenlaw. (Reviewed by Martha Meacham.) Intriguing story of a forty-seven year-old old female sword boat captain and four-man crew.

A DOG NAMED SLUGGER, by Leigh Brill. (Reviewed by Martha Meacham.) Young woman finds confidence and happiness with her service dog.

 

LOVE IN CONDITION YELLOW, by Sophia Reday. (Reviewed by Susan Wittig Albert.) A remarkable marriage memoir; unusual pair; brave book.

MANAGING THE MOMMY YEARS, by Judy Myers. (Reviewed by Jennifer Melville.) This isn't like every other parenting book. Helpful and unique.

BOTHERED BY MY GREEN CONSCIENCE, by Franke James. (Reviewed by Judy Alter.) Delightfully charming and frightening; will change attitudes.

AN ALTAR IN THE WORLD, by Barbara Brown Taylor. (Reviewed by Susan Ideus.) A small book with a big impact, the message—each of us is Earth's best hope.

TENDER GRACES, by Kathryn Magendie. (Reviewed by Jennifer Melville.) Wonderful characters, deep and unforgettable; talented word smith.

WOMEN, WISDOM AND DREAMS, by Anne Scott. (Reviewed by Sharon Lippincott.) Appreciation for the power of dreams; poetically dreamy.

THRILLED TO DEATH, by L.J. Sellers. (Reviewed by Susan Ideus.) An unrivaled plot, and enough twists to keep the reader hooked.

LILY'S ODYSSEY, by Carol Smallwood. (Reviewed by Mary Jo Doig.) Exquisite psychological detective novel; a haunting grace.

ABROAD AT HOME, edited by Nandini Pandya. (Reviewed by Susan Andrus.) Essays by Indian émigrés. Eclectic, humorous, sensitive, and engaging.

SHE LOOKS JUST LIKE YOU, by Amie K. Miller. (Reviewed by Susan Andrus.) Universal truths apply; nontraditional lesbian motherhood.

 

 

Midsummer Books

Check out the latest reviews. Intriguing. Moving. Inspiring.

 

Follow us on Twitter to keep up with the latest reviews.

 

Purchase through SCN and help support SCN’s many programs and women’s life-writing work.

 

Enjoy!

 

Anna Lappe, author of DIET FOR A HOT PLANET feels people can help reduce global warming by changing food choices. Reviewer Susan W. Albert says this book, “is crammed with facts. It's cleverer, though, and funnier: you're likely to smile and want to cry at the same time.”

 

14 STEPS TO AWAKEN THE SACRED FEMININE, by Joan Norton and Margaret Starbird, is an inspiring guide for women's spiritual groups. (Reviewed by Laura Hulka.)

 

Carefully crafted WHITER THAN SNOW, by Sandra Dallas, is a moving story, set in 1920s Colorado. (Reviewed by Mary Jo Doig.)

 

Reviewer Judith Helburn wondered what was real and what lay beyond her view in SYMPHONY IN WHITE, by Adriana Lisboa. She found the answers in a lyrical and moving tale of sisters growing up in rural Brazil.

 

TRAVELING BLIND, by Susan Krieger, is a moving account of a visually disabled woman and her guide dog. (Reviewed by Martha Meacham.)

 

 

 

How’s Your Summer Going?

Do you need some other ideas for great books to read? We have plenty to choose from. We’ve added a new review category as well: Young Readers. Many of us have young children or grandchildren that we read to, or like to purchase children’s books to give as gifts.

 

Please purchase books through our book review site. By doing so you’re supporting SCN’s many programs and women’s life writing work.

 

Follow us on Twitter to keep up with the latest reviews.

 

THE WONDER BOOK, by Amy Rosenthal and illustrated by Paul Schmid, is a treasure on every page. Reviewed by Judy Miller. Preschool-3rd grade.

 

Vimala Rodgers explains how your handwriting tells your story in TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE THROUGH HANDWRITING. Reviewed by Mary Ann Moore.

 

The bilingual ¡MUU, MOO! RIMAS DE ANIMALES, ANIMAL NURSERY RHYMES, selected by Alma Flor Ada & F. Isabel Campoy, English versions by Rosalma Zubizarreta, and illustrated by Viví Escrivá is a collection of adapted and original Latin poems and animal stories. Culturally rich. Reviewed by Judy Miller. Ages 2-7.

 

Reviewer Jennifer Melville says NO WILL BUT HIS, by Sara Hoyt, is an intriguing historical novel of Kathryn Howard, 6th wife of Henry 8^th.

 

Author Danielle Ofri shares her compassion of others in her beautiful memoir, MEDICINE IN TRANSLATION. Reviewed by Susan Schoch.

 

Reviewer Susan Schoch found TO KILL A TIGER, by Jid Lee, to be “a story to inspire and support all of us as we work to become more fully ourselves.”

 

ALEX & THE AMAZING DR. FRANKENSLIME, by Margaret Desannoy, is good book with an important message, delivered with humor, compassion and insight. A read for parents as well. Reviewed by Judy Miller. Ages 9-12

 

LOVE IN A TIME OF HOMESCHOOLING, by Laura Brodie, is a memoir of a mom homeschooler that might change your perspective on homeschooling. Reviewed by Jennifer Melville

 

THINKING WRITE, by Kelly Stone, offers ideas to help you focus on and improve your writing. Includes a CD. Reviewed by Doris Roop-Benner.

 

Holly Hughes’ BEYOND FORGETTING, is a collection of poetry and prose about Alzheimer’s by caregivers, relatives. Transforming. Reviewed by Lynn Goodwin.

 

Carolyn Scarborough discusses cultivating wisdom and joy in everyday life in BACKYARD PEARLS. Reviewed by Lisa Shirah-Hiers. (Check out Lisa’s interview of Carolyn too!)

 

SPEAKING OF DIALOGUE, by Sammie L. Justesen, is a how-to for fiction writers. Reviewed by Sharon Lippincott.

 

INFLUENCE, by Dychtwald & Larson, is about how women's economic power will change our world for the better. Reviewed by Patricia Pando.

 

Dominique Browning’s SLOW LOVE, is a memoir about losing a job, gaining a life. Reviewed by Mary Ann Moore