book review - Dad of Divas

Book Review – Return of the Jedi Beware the Power of the Dark Side!

January 17, 2016 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Tom Angleberger delivers a captivating retelling of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi like you've never experienced before.

About the Book

Acclaimed, New York Times best-selling author Tom Angleberger delivers a captivating retelling of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi like you’ve never experienced before, infusing the iconic, classic tale of good versus evil with a unique perspective and narrative style that will speak directly to today’s young readers while enhancing the Star Wars experience for core fans of the saga.

My Take on the Book

This is a great retelling of Return of the Jedi. My youngest daughter, who is a big Star Wars fan has been reading these books and has been loving them. As a part of her reading them, she has been reading them to me too, and I have to say that as a fan the author did a great job capturing the essence of the movie, but beyond that, he also goes beyond that and allows the reader to gain better perspective about the characters and the situations that occur in this timeline.

This is a great book and one that goes beyond the cannon and opens the eyes of young readers to the wonders and the world of Star Wars and as a fan and as a father I am so glad that this and the other books in the series have been available.

Want to read my thoughts on the other books in the series?

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Book Review – Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back So You Want to Be a Jedi?

January 17, 2016 by dadofdivas 1 Comment

Adam Gidwitz delivers a captivating retelling of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back like you've never experienced before.

About the Book

Acclaimed, New York Times best-selling author Adam Gidwitz delivers a captivating retelling of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back like you’ve never experienced before, infusing the iconic, classic tale of good versus evil with a unique perspective and narrative style that will speak directly to today’s young readers while enhancing the Star Wars experience for core fans of the saga.
 
My Take on the Book

My seven year old has had an interest in Star Wars since we watched all of the films together. As a fan myself I have always loved to share this love with my girls and I am just pleased that she too has loved the films as much as I have. Recently though, ever since we saw Star Wars: The Force Awakens, she has had an interest in reading more books about Star Wars too.

This book was a new ree-telling of the Empire Strikes Back. Though I say this, I will say that even though I say it is a re-telling, it is not the same as the movie. The author goes deeper than the movie and you get to see the characters and the situations through new eyes and ou get to experience what happened in the movie again with new life.

My seven (almost 8) year old is a strong reader and when she said she wanted to read this I was a bit reluctant because from the outside the book looks long, however, the text is large and the chapters short which makes the book move along quickly, even for younger readers.

I found that my daughter soared through these books and she simply loved the characters, the action and more.

This book really was a fun read for her and she kept saying to me how much she liked the book. She even read me chapters saying, “Dad, you have to read this!”

This book was a ton of fun, for the Star Wars fan!

Want to read my thoughts on the other books in the series?

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Book Review – Star Wars: A New Hope: The Princess, the Scoundrel, and the Farm Boy

January 16, 2016 by dadofdivas 2 Comments

About the Book

The galaxy is at war.

Although the Rebel Alliance has won a few battles against the Empire, hope is fading. The Empire is about to finish building the greatest weapon the galaxy has ever seen-the Death Star. The rebels’ only chance to defeat it now lies in the unlikely hands of a princess, a scoundrel, and a farm boy. . . .

Acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Bracken delivers a captivating retelling ofStar Wars: A New Hope like you’ve never experienced before. Since the premier of the original film, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Luke Skywalker have become iconic, larger-than-life characters. The Princess, the Scoundrel, and the Farm Boy takes a deeper look at these three heroes as they join forces to defeat the evil that threatens their entire galaxy.
 
My Take on the Book

This is a very true re-telling of the Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope movie! The book is geared toward grades 3-7 and gives you large words, shorter paragraphs which allows even young readers to get through the book in no time.

The book has something for everyone. You get to meet the characters that you know and love and even get to seem and know them on a bit deeper level than you do in the movie itself. The book has tons of action, drama and more and you will be reading chapter upon chapter as you try and read this all of the way through (or at least my kids did) !
The author is true to the cannon of the Star Wars world and does not take too many liberties. The book is so much fun to read as a family, but you can also read this individually too and still be entranced from beginning to end.

This is a great book that makes me want to go and watch the movie yet again!

Want to read my thoughts on the other books in the series?

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Book Review – Star Wars: Lost Stars

January 16, 2016 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

This thrilling Young Adult novel gives readers a macro view of some of the most important events in the Star Wars universe, from the rise of the Rebellion to the fall of the Empire. Readers will experience these major moments through the eyes of two childhood friends--Ciena Ree and Thane Kyrell-

About the Book
This thrilling Young Adult novel gives readers a macro view of some of the most important events in the Star Wars universe, from the rise of the Rebellion to the fall of the Empire. Readers will experience these major moments through the eyes of two childhood friends–Ciena Ree and Thane Kyrell–who have grown up to become an Imperial officer and a Rebel pilot. Now on opposite sides of the war, will these two star-crossed lovers reunite, or will duty tear them–and the galaxy–apart? Star Wars: Lost Stars also includes all-new post-Star Wars: Return of the Jedi content, as well as hints and clues about the upcoming film Star Wars: The Force Awakens, making this a must-read for all Star Wars fans.

My Take on the Book

In this new Star Wars book, the author does a great job at creating a world and a whole new story that fits well into the Star Wars cannon. We loved the new characters and the cultural environment that is created in the story. On top of this there is a great mix of action, drama and more that propels you through the book. You are brought through the life of the characters and you see how their lives intertwine over the years. If you loved The Force Awakens, this book goes deeper into the world when the when Alderaan was destroyed and how difficult it can be to balance duty with what is right.

There are new characters that are introduced and even some characters that you have come to love over the years too. We see the relationship between Thane Kyrell and Ciena Ree grow and evolve which makes the book fun too.

We have loved reading this book together and as Star Wars fans, this was a book that held true to what I would expect and gave me even more too. This is definitely a must read for any Star Wars fan!

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Book Review – Magic Tree House: Balto of the Blue Dawn

January 3, 2016 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Pack your snowshoes! The magic tree house is taking Jack and Annie to Alaska in this NEW adventure in the New York Times bestselling Magic Tree House series!

About the Book
Pack your snowshoes! The magic tree house is taking Jack and Annie to Alaska in this NEW adventure in the New York Times bestselling Magic Tree House series!

The magic tree house has returned and it’s taking Jack and Annie back in time to Alaska, 1925. There they meet Balto, a jet-black Siberian husky destined to save victims of the diphtheria epidemic. But the trail isn’t easy, and Balto is going to need Jack and Annie’s help!

Have more fun with Jack and Annie on the Magic Tree House® website at MagicTreeHouse.com

My Take on the Book

My daughter read this book this weekend and below is her thoughts!

I like this book because they really made it sound realistic and the pictures look like the historic past. I love how in every “Magic tree house book it teaches you something about a specific topic. In this case, the book is about dog sledding. All in all I really think that this was another great addition to the “Magic Tree House” series and i cant wait to see what other books the author publishes in the Magic tree house series.

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Audiobook Review – Heroes Reborn- Book 1:Brave New World

October 18, 2015 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

About the Book

As Heroes Reborn approaches its third week, more and more questions regarding both new and old characters are piling up. One way to learn more about the beloved characters is through by prolific science fiction author and former Judge Dredd Magazine editor David Bishop.

The first of six thrillers, Brave New World addresses many previously unanswered questions, offers new information about characters and treats readers to a deeper examination of the Heroes universe.

Based on original drafts from the first episode of Heroes Reborn, the novella is set one year after the events of the Odessa Summit and reveals a Heroes universe radically different from the world fans of the original series once knew. The evolved humans—or ‘Evos’—are held responsible for the events at the Summit and forced to either go into hiding, or fight back.

The Heroes Reborn eBooks and audiobooks are the first books officially connected to the hit NBC show. Penned by different bestselling authors—including New York Times-bestselling author Timothy Zahn and multi-million bestselling novelist Kevin J. Anderson—the stories extend and expand the Heroes universe for both longtime and new fans alike.

My Tawhat I coiuld do ke on the Book

I am a huge fan of the show Heroes so when I heard about the new series this season I wanted to see what I could do to explore the orld I am such a big fan of the show and now this…even better…cant wait for the other 5. The first one is nice and very close to the pilot i watched yesterday and its a real Heroes book!! – so I can’t wait for book 2-6 that will bring some more light into the open space of heroes and more background stories and and and….I am so excited !!!

What is great about this audiobook and book is that the book itself includes some great information not seen in the TV episodes. You also get some great commentary that helps to bring context to the new series too.

If you are a fan of the original Herors series or the one this fall, this is a great add-on that will draw you in and will support your fan passion too! Check it out!

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I’m Part Of The Dr. Seuss Classic Celebratory Tour!

July 28, 2015 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

I was excited to be able to be a part of this exciting tour reading a new Dr. Seuss book with my kids as we prepare for the new release of the newly found Dr. Seuss book, What Pet Should I get?. I received You’re Only Old Once!: A Book for Obsolete Children – a book I had never read before. For those of you that do not know, the book is about the following:

About the Book

With his unmistakable rhymes and signature illustration style, Dr. Seuss creates a classic picture-book ode to aging in You’re Only Old Once! On a visit to “the Golden Years Clinic on Century Square for Spleen Readjustment and Muffler Repair,” readers will laugh with familiar horror at the poking and prodding and testing and ogling that go hand in hand with the dreaded appellation of “senior citizen.” Though Dr. Seuss is known for his peerless work in books for children, this comical look at what it’s like to get older is ideal for Seuss fans of advanced years. In his own words, this is “a book for obsolete children.” A perfect gift for retirement, birthdays, and holidays!

Me Reading the Book

My Take on the Book

While this book is not a book that all young kids will understand, it is a great book that anyone that is getting older will appreciate and understand. Dr. Seuss is at his best here and makes getting older fun and allows readers to poke fun at their own ages too. The book was a blast to read and was a ton of fun to read to the kids (my wife enjoyed it too!). This was a great book for all ages that really gives you a unique perspective on getting older!

ABOUT DR. SEUSS

Theodor “Seuss” Geisel is one of the most beloved children’s book authors of all time. His long list of awards includes Caldecott Honors for , , and , the Pulitzer Prize, and eight honorary doctorates. Works based on his original stories have won three Oscars, three Emmys, three Grammys and a Peabody. Geisel wrote and illustrated 45 books during his lifetime, and his books have sold more than 650 million copies worldwide. Though Theodor Geisel died on September 24, 1991, Dr. Seuss lives on, inspiring generations of children of all ages to explore the joys of reading. For more information about Dr. Seuss and his works, visit Seussville.com.

AUTHOR PHOTO

ABOUT WHAT PET SHOULD I GET?

In the Fall of 2013, an original manuscript with accompanying sketches by Dr. Seuss, aka Ted Geisel, was discovered in the La Jolla, California home of the late beloved children’s author. That complete manuscript was for the picture book, ?, and will be published by Random House Children’s Books on July 28, 2015. It is the first original new Dr. Seuss book since the publication of the last book of Dr. Seuss’s career, in 1990. captures the excitement of a classic childhood moment—choosing a pet—and features the brother and sister characters that Dr. Seuss drew in One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish.

I am not the only one celebrating Dr. Seuss! Below is a list of others reviewing the books and sharing them with you this week!

Dr. Seuss 44 Classic Book Celebratory Tour

, 1937 – The Young Folks.com
, 1938 – Bookish Antics
, 1939 – The Eater of Books
, 1939 – On Starships and Dragonwings
, 1940 – The Book Cellar
, 1947 – Media Mikes
, 1948 –Mommie of 2
, 1949 – Nonperfect Parenting
, 1950 – Live to Read
, 1953 – Word Spelunking
, 1954 – Bookiemoji
, 1955 – Jessabella Reads
, 1956 – Book Hounds
, 1957 – The Bookbag
, 1957 – Nightly Reading
, 1958 – Winter Haven Books
, 1958 – Alice Marvels
, 1959 – Chapter by Chapter
, 1960 – Poland Bananas
, 1960 – Once Upon a Twilight
, 1961 – The Mod Podge Bookshelf
, 1962 – Good Books and Good Wine
, 1963 – The Irish Banana
, 1963 – Mundie Moms
, 1965 – Page Turners
, 1965 – Book Rock Betty
, 1967 – Giveaway Train
, 1968 – I Am A Reader
, 1969 – Cuddlebuggery
, 1970 – The Children’s Book Review
, 1971 – Elizziebooks
, 1972 – Reading with ABC
1973 – Me, Myshelf, and I

, 1973 – Paperback Princess

1974 – Presenting Lenore

1975 – YA Books Central

, 1976 – Lille Punkin’

1978 – Confessions Of A Vi3tbabe

1979 – Ex Libris

, 1982 – No BS Book Reviews

, 1984 – Novel Novice

1986 – Dad of Divas

1990 – Jesse the Reader

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My 10 Favorite Greek Gods – Beyond The Lightning Thief!

June 22, 2015 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

I have always been a fan of history and mythology. That being said I read when it first came out ten years ago. Rick Riordan did an amazing job at bringing together mythology and present day together with characters that all readers could relate to. All of the books that came to follow were action-packed thrill rides that not only were entertaining, but they were also educational.

To celebrate the 10 years of The Lightning Thief I wanted to share my Top Ten Favorite Greek Gods (In no Certain Order)!

Zeus – King of the gods, the ruler of Mount Olympus and the god of the Sky, Weather, Thunder, Law, Order and Fate.

Poseidon – God of the Sea, Rivers, Floods, Droughts, Storms, Earthquakes and Horses.

Hermes – Hermes was the god of Travel, Messengers, Trade, Thievery, Cunning Wiles, Language, Writing, Diplomacy, Athletics, and Animal Husbandry

Hephaestus – Hephaestus was the god of Fire, Metalworking, Stonemasonry, Sculpture and Volcanism.

Hades – Hades was the King of the Underworld and the god of Death, the Dead, and the Hidden Wealth of the Earth

Athena – Athena was the goddess of Wisdom, Warfare, Strategy, Heroic Endeavor, Handicrafts and Reason

Apollo – God of Music, Healing, Plague, Prophecies, Poetry, and Archery, Apollo is most notably known as the Sun god.

Aphrodite – God of Love and Beauty

Dionysus – God of Wine, Parties and Festivals, Madness, Civilization, Drunkenness and Pleasure.

Ares – Ares is most famously known as the god of War, Bloodlust, Violence, Manly Courage, and Civil Order

MAGNUS CHASE SNEAK PEEK ON RICKRIORDAN.COM

Catch a sneak peek of available online at ReadRiordan.com!

BARNES & NOBLE COLLECTOR’S EDITION

The perfect gift for new and faithful Percy fans: Barnes & Noble offers customers an exclusive Collector’s Edition of The Lightning Thief to celebrate the 10th anniversary. This version includes extra content from both author and illustrator as well as a specially designed jacket and endpapers. Purchase here.

10^TH ANNIVERSARY ACTIVITY KIT

Available starting June 12^th, visit ReadRiordan.com to download a special 10th anniversary Percy Pack Activity Kit.

ABOUT THE SERIES

Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can’t seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse–Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. When Percy’s mom finds out, she knows it’s time that he knew the truth about where he came from, and that he go to the one place he’ll be safe. She sends Percy to Camp Half Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friends–one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena–Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.

CELEBRATE PERCY’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY with The Lightning Thief, the book that started the internationally best-selling Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.

THE LIGHTNING THIEF has sold millions of copies worldwide, appears on school reading lists nationwide, and inspired a major motion picture. Accolades include:

Included in Time Magazine’s 2014 List of 100 best Young-Adult Books of All Times

A New York Times Notable Book of 20015

A Child Magazine Best Book of the Year

A School Library Journal Best Book of 2005

More than 6 year on the New York Times Best Sellers List (and counting!)

RICK RIORDAN ONLINE

Visit the Official Website

Follow Rick Riordan on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Giveaway

How would you like to win the above book set for yourself or for your family? All you need to do is fill out the below form to be entered. The contest will run until July 31, 2015.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians box set!

Winner must be a resident of the U.S.

Winners are chosen at random, if you want all your chances counted, make sure you leave individual comments, not all of them in one!

Winner has 48 hours to contact me or another name will be chosen.

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Jim Joseph’s New Book – Out & About Dad

May 24, 2015 by dadofdivas 1 Comment

About the Book

“A book about being a father?” “Good, maybe it’ll help someone.” “Are you going to tell stories about us?” “Yes, a few.” “Well, we have a lot of them!” That was my children’s reaction when I first told them I was writing another book, but this one was going to be about fatherhood. I guess they’ve gotten used to me writing marketing books and daily blog posts and all of the comments that come along with them. But this time it’s personal. This one hits close to home – our home.

About the Author

Entrepreneur of the Year, Agency of the Year, Consumer Launch Campaign of the Year, Most Creative Agency, Best Place to Work, Social Media Icon, Hall of Fame these are the accolades that Jim Joseph has amassed through his long career in marketing. But none are more important than the badge he wears with the most pride – Dad. Jim Joseph is the proud father of two children. He has spent the last twenty-plus years raising them, looking after their physical and emotional well-being, and building their confidence to tackle their own lives. While he has written a trilogy of marketing books and is a regular contributor to Entrepreneur and Huffington Post, it’s his newest book and corresponding blog posts that represent what’s most important to him: being an Out and About Dad.

 

My Take on the Book

In Jim Joseph’s new book, Out and About Dad: My Journey as a Father with all its Twists, Turns, and a Few Twirls, he delves deep into his own experience in being a father. He shares raw insights into his steps in being a dad, but beyond that a single gay father and what he and his child went through during this time in his life. He talks about dating and finding positive, meaningful relationships that changed his life and so much more. The book is filled with stories that will make you laugh, but others that will make you choke up with emotion. Jim Joseph is a powerful writer and does an amazing job at sharing passion and a positive outlook on life throughout the book. Even through some of the tougher stories, Jim Joseph does a great job at sharing a message that will uplift and inspire. As I was reading this I could empathize with what he was sharing. I truly appreciated how honest and open Jim Joseph was with sharing his own experience, but also in the fact that through this re-telling, we as readers are really getting a glimpse into a modern life family story, which is more and more common. This was a great book that any parent will love!

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Star Wars Epic Yarns Brings The Movies To Life!

May 13, 2015 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Star Wars® Epic Yarns is a new board book series for kids of all ages, that tells the story of each of the first three Star Wars movies in just 12 words and 12 iconic scenes depicted in incredibly detailed – and adorable – needle felt.

Created by twins Holman and Jack Wang, the team behind the hit Cozy Classics series, Star Wars Epic Yarns will delight Star Wars fans, geek-y crafters and fans of the cute! The Wang brothers painstakingly re-create each scene in incredible detail at a 1:7 scale, building elaborate sets and staging elaborate on-location photo shoots.

Watch the Behind the Scenes video here:

Jack and Holman grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia, where Holman still lives. As well as being the creators of the Cozy Classics board books, Jack is a professor of writing at Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York, and Holman, a former attorney and middle school teacher, is an artist and author.

 

My Take on the Book

My daughter and I are HUGE Star Wars fans! I have watched all of the Star Wars movies with them and now they are asking about reading novels that have Star Wars in it too. Recently, I was asked to review the books above. When I received these I was definitely intrigued. The books were simple but thorough. On the small number of pages that were in these books, you will be shown the high points of the first three Star Wars movies all made out of felt. TYou can tell that the creators of these books are as big of Star Wars fans as I know that my girls and I are. The scenes are painstakingly created and they have chosen words that young readers can both read and understand! They were well written, and visually stunning and if you too are a Star Wars fan, you will definitely get a kick out of the books!

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