The Paperbag Princess by Robert N. Munsch

I can not go very far into making a list of our favorite family books without mentioning "The Paperbag Princess" by Robert N. Munsch.

It starts out being one of your typical, cute, fairytale kind of books. But.... oh, boy... it's got a great zinger at the end. I can't really tell you more without giving it away. But, if you have a daughter, then this is a MUST read-aloud.

Latino USA - A Cartoon History

Last night, I went to a Town Meeting held by my Congressman in the San Fernando Valley of Southern California. The HOT topic? Immigration - illegal, legal, problems, solutions.

I was born and raised in New England. When I went to school and studied American History, I got the idea from my text books and teachers that, there was NO ONE living in California until the Gold Rush. Then,.... it was like a miracle and the people living on the East Coast discovered this huge and fabulous UNPOPULATED area.

Flash forward .... now I live in Southern California and WOW, there is a lot of controversy about immigration. Southern California kind of seems a bit like living in Mexico. There are animosities. What am I missing?

I am missing the Latino USA History. Oh dear! How am I ever going to wrap my wits around this huge subject? There is so much to know. Where to start?

I suggest that you start with "Latino USA - A Cartoon History" by Ilan Stavans and illustrated by Lalo Alcaraz.

Reading this book has altered my point of view and broadened my understanding. It has helped me to understand previously confusing encounters in my life.

This books is sometimes confusing and incomplete. BUT.... it does give me someplace to start. It lets me look at history from the Latino point of view.... something I have never done.

I highly suggest that anyone that lives in Southern California or New York or Florida read this book. I just gently suggest it to the rest of you.

It's a quick read... it's cartoons, for goodness sakes.

The Time Traveler's Wife

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

I am currently reading this book and I tell you that I can not put it down. I haven't found a book that so engrossed me for a long, long time. Of course, I just LOVE time travel books anyway, but this one is written in a fashion that makes it impossible to put down.

This is a book about a man who travels throughout various times in his own life. Unfortunately, he is not in control of when and where he travels. Includes a great romantic story line! Quick, fun read. Would be a great travel or beach book.

Cartoon History of the United States

Would you like to give your teenager an overview of the History of the United States? Would you like to give them a book to read about this subject that they might actually READ and understand? I suggest you invest in the delightful "Cartoon History of the United States" by Larry Gonick.

Actually, I recommend any of the Cartoon History books by Larry Gonick.

I might not agree with absolutely every tiny viewpoint of Mr. Gonick, but I certainly agree with his tactics for communicating the generally agreed upon version of history in a way that it can be digested and remembered.

These are humorous cartoons (sometimes a tiny bit R rated - breasts and blood) that are delightful and understandable.

Why a blog on books?

I LOVE BOOKS!!!

What a glorious invention... books! What could be better than an afternoon spent strolling the aisles of your local Barnes & Nobles, Borders or your local library?

When my kids were little we used to go to the library and make an afternoon of it. We would leave with bags and bags of books. As soon as we got home, we would dump all the books on the bed and I would spend the next few hours reading them out loud. Glorious well spent hours.

I have my favorite books (from all catagories) and I want to share them with you. You can go to the links and buy them from Amazon.com which will help keep me financially afloat, or use your local library system to find them.

I can't say that my reviews will be the best, but there are others who spend their days writing reviews so that you can find out what the book is about.

My goal here is just to point you to the books that I think are the best and tell you why I think they are the best. Of course, I'll let you know which books my kids think are the best also.

I hope this will help you to locate some fun and fine books to read.

Bobbi