Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Roberto Aliaga
Illustrator: Mar Blanco
Publisher: Cuento de Luz
Genre: Children
ISBN: 9788415619819
Pages: 28
Price: $16.95

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It’s hard to have a friend who’s not like everyone else. Dorothy is very big and has bad manners, and the others don’t like her. But even though she’s different, Dorothy is this little girl’s best friend. Taunts and meanness don’t deter her from spending time with Dorothy, and nothing they can say makes her see her best friend as anything but wonderful.

It’s refreshing to see a child so sure of herself that she sees only the good in her friend, and doesn’t let the others sway her opinion. We could all use more supportive people like her in our lives! Dorothy: A Different Kind of Friend sets a great example of devoted friendship and unconditional acceptance. I highly recommend it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

mystery

Dying for the Past

January 18, 2015January 22, 2015 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: TJ O’Connor
Publisher: Midnight Ink
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: 978-0-7387-4206-9
Pages: 408
Price: $14.99

Author’s website
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Detective Oliver “Tuck” Tucker is no longer among the living. Being a ghost has certain advantages, though, like being able to instantly transport from place to place, and even back in time. When a man is murdered at his wife’s charity ball, Tuck is back on the case along with his police partners.

As Tuck digs deeper into the mystery, he discovers that he and his family play a part in the drama. Other ghosts assist him in his search for “the book,” which someone is desperate to find, even if it means killing those who stand in the way. Fans of ghost hunting TV shows will enjoy references to paranormal equipment which picks up Tuck’s presence, to the astonishment of those operating it. And Tuck’s ability to communicate with the living continues to grow. But one can’t help feeling his sadness in knowing he will never be able to hold his wife in his arms again.

Dying for the Past is the second book in the Gumshoe Ghost Mystery series. Like the first book, Dying to Know, this is a fast-paced read that pulls the reader in and doesn’t let up. Tuck is a great character, and one can really relate to his plight. I’m really enjoying this series.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, Christian

This Little Prayer of Mine

January 15, 2015January 15, 2015 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Anthony DeStefano
Illustrator: Mark Elliott
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Genre: Children / Christian
ISBN: 978-0736958615
Pages: 32
Price: 14.99

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Little ones find it easy to talk to God, but they might not always know what to say. This Little Prayer of Mine gives them some ideas in rhyming verse. This simple children’s prayer asks God for help when they feel scared, a smile when sad, wisdom and direction in making decisions, forgiveness for bad behavior, and comfort when feeling lonely. They also thank God for the good things in life and ask for the desire to share their good fortune with others.

While it’s good to learn formal prayers, children can also simply pray from the heart, turning to God as a father and a source of never-ending love. This sweet prayer book would be nice to read at bedtime.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, literary

Alphabetics: An Aesthetically Awesome Alliterated Alphabet Anthology

January 6, 2015 Bergers Book Reviews

Authors: Patrick & Traci Concepción
Illustrator: Dawid Ryski
Publisher: Die Gestalten Verlag
Genre: Children / Literary
ISBN: 978-3-89955-728-2
Pages: 64
Price: $16.95

Buy it at Amazon

A is for apple, B is for BORING… Ho-hum. This is NOT that book. In fact, I’m not really sure this is a children’s book at all. Featuring characters like Atticus the altriuisic astronaut and Zooey the zonked zombie, this book has fun with alliterations. Retro-modern illustrations accompany these unusual descriptions.

A glossary is included for those who may need a little assistance in following along, since not all of us know that Zig-Zag is a French based brand of rolling papers and a Contaflex was a camera popular from the 1930s to the 1960s. Literary parents will find this book a pleasure to read to their children, and may even “borrow” it permanently. Alphabetics is a unique and enjoyable alphabet book that both parents and kids will love.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Christian, tween

Catie Conrad: Faith, Friendship and Fashion Disasters (Desperate Diva Diaries Series)

January 4, 2015January 4, 2015 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Angie Spady
Illustrator: Channing Everidge
Publisher: B&H Kids
Genre: Middle-grade girls / Christian
ISBN: 978-1-4336-8460-9
Pages: 304
Price: $12.99

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Catie Conrad’s father, a journalist, has given her blank diaries to record her thoughts. Catie would rather have sketch pads for drawing her fashion designs, but she decides to give the diaries a try. Sixth grade has brought its share of challenges, and she discovers it helps to write about them.

Her brother Jeremy, aka the Germ, and his pet skunk are driving her crazy. The school dance has been announced, and both she and her nemesis, the ultra popular Miranda Maroni, seek the attention of the same boy. And the art contest has her stressed and determined to enter her very best fashion design. Her father has the worst timing in deciding to take the family on a mission trip to an Indian reservation just before the dance and the contest deadline. Catie will need a lot of prayer to get through the year!

Catie Conrad: Faith, Friendship and Fashion Disasters is printed as if handwritten in a notebook, with lots of sketches throughout. Middle-grade girls will relate to the drama of Catie’s life, and will be inspired by the way she tackles her problems, as friends, family and faith strengthen her. Although this is a Christian book, it doesn’t come across preachy, and girls will find Catie very real in her thoughts and struggles. I highly recommend this series.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

The Best Part of the Day

December 28, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Sarah Ban Breathnach
Illustrator: Wendy Edelson
Publisher: Regnery Kids
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-62157-252-7
Pages: 40
Price: $16.99

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Twenty years ago, Simple Abundance reminded women that if they wanted to be truly happy, they needed to be grateful for all the good things in their lives. Now, in this children’s version, kids are asked to do the same thing.

Winter, spring, summer and fall – all the seasons of the year share their bounty with us. Was the best part of the day picking pumpkins, building a snowman, tending a garden, or jumping in the pool? At the end of the day, it’s nice to review the joys experienced and be grateful for them all.

In this rhyming book with watercolor illustrations of a happy family, Sarah Ban Breathnach shares the principles of Simple Abundance with kids. Rather than writing down five good things in a gratitude journal, they can simply share their blessings with their parents before bed and go to sleep with a smile. The Best Part of the Day provides a beautiful way to end the day.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

My Kiss Won’t Miss

December 23, 2014December 23, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Lesley Dahlseng
Illustrator: Mirela Tufan
Publisher: WhetWord Press
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-615-98704-0
Pages: 32
Price: $17.99

Author’s website
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Bedtime draws near, but the child is not ready for sleep. Although he may be hiding, his mother searches high and low. And if she can’t find him, she’ll blow a kiss that won’t miss.

In rhyming verse, children are shown hiding in a myriad of places in nature. They are boys and girls of all races, allowing for all kids to see themselves in this book. In every scene, their mother keeps looking for them, intending to catch them for a goodnight kiss. And when the child is finally tucked into bed, she promises a kiss from God, and His kiss certainly won’t miss!

A mother’s love is so special, as is the love of God. In My Kiss Won’t Miss, kids are reminded of this love that never ends. This book would be a perfect bedtime read, accompanied by snuggles and a kiss goodnight.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

audio book, mystery

The Moonstone

December 18, 2014December 18, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Wilkie Collins
Publisher: Naxos Audiobooks
Genre: Mystery / Audiobook
ISBN: 978-184-379-797-5
Running time: 22:27:34 (17 CDs)
Price: $98.98

Naxos Audio
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Rachel Verinder inherits the Moonstone – a beautiful yellow diamond – on her eighteenth birthday. But before she can begin to enjoy it, it disappears. Did the three Indians hovering about the property have anything to do with it? Did the servants take it? Or was it one of the guests at the birthday party?

Sergeant Cuff is brought in from Scotland Yard to investigate, but the mystery remains. Finally, the people associated with the disappearance are asked to write a summary of the events as they saw them, in the hope that something will come of their collective remembrance. Their stories are what make up the text of this narrative.

While The Moonstone is considered the first English detective story, there is so much more to this tale than solving the crime. The narrators share their own opinions and thoughts on the theft, as well as their personal philosophies of life. This audio version is more like listening to them sharing their story over a cup of tea, and the cast has done a magnificent job of bringing the novel to life. This is no stuffy old classic, and I laughed out loud on several occasions at the humorous commentary. I highly recommend this audio book for all who love a great story.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

computers

Build Your Own Website: A Comic Guide to HTML, CSS, and WordPress

December 17, 2014April 11, 2015 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Nate Cooper
Illustrator: Kim Gee
Publisher: No Starch Press
Genre: Computers / Internet
ISBN: 978-1-59327-522-8
Pages: 264
Price: $19.95

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Building your own website doesn’t have to be intimidating! With Nate Cooper’s help (along with the Web Guru, Glinda the Good Witch of CSS, and Wendy the WordPress Maven), Kim and her dog Tofu show beginners exactly how it’s done.

Rather than overwhelming the reader all at once, each of these helpful guides show the essentials of the tool he or she is demonstrating in a fun and friendly comic strip environment. Hands-on learning opportunities are provided, letting the reader learn each step by actually building a website along with Kim. Once the basics of each tool have been well covered, additional code is provided for the reader to play with and make their own.

One of the unfortunate drawbacks of technology is the fact it changes so quickly. Some of the screen shots at WordPress have changed since the book was published, but these minor changes shouldn’t affect the user’s ability to follow along.

If you’ve ever thought about setting up your own website, there is no time like the present to go for it. With Build Your Own Website at your side, you can’t go wrong.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

mystery, teen

Death Spiral

December 16, 2014December 16, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Janie Chodosh
Publisher: Poisoned Pencil
Genre: YA Mystery
ISBN: 978-1-9293-4500-7
Pages: 312
Price: $10.95

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When Faith Flores finds her mother dead from what appears to be a heroine overdose, she can’t believe it. Her mom had been clean for weeks, and Faith insists that something else must have happened. A stranger had visited them the same day she died – a man who appeared to be threatening her mother – and Faith suspects foul play.

Once settled in at her Aunt T’s place, she never expects to hear from one of her mother’s junkie friends. But when Melinda tells her about the clinical trial she and Faith’s mom had participated in, Faith has to look into it. And what she finds out will ultimately lead her to the truth.

Growing up as the daughter of a heroin addict living in a run-down section of Philadelphia, Faith has few friends. As her investigation develops, she’s forced to let her best friend and love interest in on it, allowing them to see the parts of herself she normally keeps hidden.

Death Spiral is a wild ride from start to finish and I couldn’t put it down. Faith is fearless in facing dangerous situations head-on, giving little thought to personal safety as she attempts to clear her mother’s name. I’m looking forward to seeing more of this Faith Flores Science Mystery series.

Reviewer: Alice Berger