about the book:

The Generosity of Strangers: When War Came to Fornelli is written in first person, free verse, and consists of a series of vignettes chronicling the real life experiences of a young girl and her family in war-torn Italy in the 1940s. The story is set in the town of Fornelli–a tiny hilltop community in Italy’s mountainous heart.

For Lucia and her family, life in Fornelli is anything but boring. Life is difficult, yet tranquil. But soon the war comes, and life in Fornelli is tranquil no more.

The Generosity of Strangers: When War Came to Fornelli is a true accounting from the eyes of Lucia, about faith, hope, and courage in the midst of war and its aftermath. It poetically conveys how even in desperate times people can open their hearts and rise above adversity.

MY THOUGHTS

Definitely a must read.  The war (WWII) seen through the eyes of a young girl, Lucia, from a small town in Italy.  The book is small snapshots of Lucia's life before, during and after the war.  Lucia speaks with the innocent of a child.  We see her joys and sorrows.  We see her grow and change with each turn of the page.  

A wonderful book full of charming believable characters.  Thomas Antonaccio lovingly brings his mother (Lucia) and her family alive for us.  We see their love for each other, their faith and their ability to get through anything as long as they are together.  

The book has a "PG" rating but I found nothing a child couldn't read.  I read portions of it to my 12 year old son, "What, no Nintendo? No indoor toilets? "   There is one scene where Mamma chases the German soldier out of her house with a broom.  Not only does she chase him out but she runs after him hitting him over the head with her broom.  We both laughed out loud with this! My 12 year old's response "Way to go Mamma!  Keep reading to me- I like this family"  And you will, too.  

Mr. Antonaccio hints about a sequel, I look forward to reading more about Lucia and her family.

Connect with Thomas on facebook

Genre – Children’s NonFiction / History – Europe

Rating – PG


I was so enchanted by the town of Fornelli, I've decided to upload some pictures I found.

brought to you by

Hailey's Halloween

Lisa Bullard

Lerner Publishing Group

Pub Date: Oct 1 2012  

Do you have a very young child who would like to learn more about Halloween?  If so, I highly recommend this book

HAILEY'S HALLOWEEN.

 It is a delightful story for very young children about the origins and Americanization of the Halloween holiday.

The pictures are colorful and will be enjoyed by the children.

5/5 stars

The Mapmakers Union

EVE HALLOWS AND THE BOOK OF SHADOWS

NIGHTMARE BOOK 2

by

Robert Gray

Ever since encountering The Source and its minions on Halloween, Eve Hallows has found life surprisingly quiet … not to mention adorably boring! So when Dad receives a Ouija message that she must return to Gravesville, Eve couldn't be happier—at least until she discovers the Director of URNS, also known as the Grim Reaper, has a special job for Eve … one that will lead her to New York City and to the true identity of The Source.

With The Book of Shrieks offering zero help and a new URNS agent driving the school boys—and Eve!—crazy, Eve's beginning to realize this whole saving-the-world nonsense isn't what it's cracked up to be.

All this and she still has to find The Book of Shadows

My review

Even better than the first book!!!!!!

If one lives in our world, as I do, this book is fabulous.  If one lives in Gravesville, it was horrible- horrible and ten more horribles!

I love the characters in this story.  Eve reminds me of human Marilyn living amoung the Munsters.  She's different but pays no attention to the differences.  Mom is a snake headed, petrifying gorgon.  Dad is a shapeshifter and brother Sam is a ghoul....The family is a tight unit.  You can palpate the love they feel for each other.

Due to recent events, Eve is made to feel 'unwelcome' in her hometown of Gravesville.  Why?  Well, she's human and not a monster.  Humans are scary, they are trying to kill the monsters.  Strange things are happening in Gravesville and Eve must fix them, along with her 'human' friends.  We meet a few new characters, including a succubus.

We also learn more about how Eve came to live in Gravesville. 

This is a perfect combination of YA, Horror, Paranormal and Fun! 

I give it 5/5 stars (or 5 teacups) and eagerly look forward to the next book in the series.

That's a hint Mr. Gray...please keep me in mind when looking for reviewers for the next book!!

The River

by Michael Neale

received copy from Booksneeze for review

about the book

“The River is a story that will transform how you see yourself and the world.” —Andy Andrews, New York Times best-selling author of The Noticer, The Traveler’s Gift, and How Do You Kill 11 Million People?

“You were made for The River . . .”

Gabriel Clarke is mysteriously drawn to The River, a ribbon of frothy white water carving its way through steep canyons high in the Colorado Rockies. The rushing waters beckon him to experience freedom and adventure.

But something holds him back—the memory of the terrible event he witnessed on The River when he was just five years old—something no child should ever see.

Chains of fear and resentment imprison Gabriel, keeping him from discovering the treasures of The River. He remains trapped, afraid to take hold of the life awaiting him.

When he returns to The River after years away, his heart knows he is finally home. His destiny is within reach. Claiming that destiny will be the hardest—and bravest—thing he has ever done.

My Review

The River is a heartwarming, gut wrenching novel that will touch your emotions in every way possible.

Gabriel is a 5 year old boy who witnesses his father drowning in the River.  Dad was attempting to save the life of another person and loses his struggle.  This event emotionally scars Gabriel in ways one can only imagine.  Events occur and the adult Gabriel is drawn to that same river.  He learns the truth about his fathers' love and respect for the river.

A wonderful story that uses the river as a metaphor for our lives and fears.  Face your fear and grow as a person.  There are religious tones in this novel that enhance this fantastic, inspirational story.