Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
In one week, Rhoda Janzen experiences two tragedies – her husband of 15 years leaves her for a man he met on the Internet, and she is involved in a car accident that leaves her bruised, broken and in need of rehabilitation. She decides to recuperate at her Mennonite parents’ home, which launches a series of reminiscences of her childhood growing up in a Mennonite community. With humor and a dash of sadness, Janzen mends both physically and mentally and gains a new perspective spiritually.
I loved reading this memoir; there were times I laughed so hard I’m sure I disturbed everyone around me! Janzen’s narrative flows quickly and very smoothly. She draws the reader into her personal story in such an inviting way, willing to share her deepest marital turmoil and poke fun at herself from time to time. Plus, for those interested in learning more about the Mennonite faith, Janzen provides an appendix at the end, detailing aspects of the religion and the community with some humor.
A remarkable read!
Reviewed by Jessica
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Enslaved by Ducks by Bob Tarte
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
If you have ever been owned by a pet you will be able to appreciate the inadequacy felt by Bob Tarte. Having never been an animal person, Bob holds up fairly well as first his wife and later anyone and everyone deposits bunny after duck after parrot into his life. Though at times painful, he evolves into a do-it-yourself zookeeper and fence builder, and ultimately an animal lover. Bob Tarte invites us to laugh with him and even at him as he stumbles along the minefield of pet care.
Bob Tarte is a laugh-out-loud writer with a gift for drawing the reader into the circus of his life. His wit and word play made this a refreshing and enjoyable read. He neither omits the inevitable loss that comes with the joy of pets nor sink into the fluffy saccharine sweetness that so often fills books about animals. With sarcasm and irony you will be drawn into the lives of 2 humans and the 5 rabbits, 3 parrots, 2 doves, 2 canaries, 4 parakeets, 1 starling, 2 cats, 14 ducks, 2 geese and 4 turkeys that control them along the way.
Reviewed by Lisa
Format: Book
If you have ever been owned by a pet you will be able to appreciate the inadequacy felt by Bob Tarte. Having never been an animal person, Bob holds up fairly well as first his wife and later anyone and everyone deposits bunny after duck after parrot into his life. Though at times painful, he evolves into a do-it-yourself zookeeper and fence builder, and ultimately an animal lover. Bob Tarte invites us to laugh with him and even at him as he stumbles along the minefield of pet care.
Bob Tarte is a laugh-out-loud writer with a gift for drawing the reader into the circus of his life. His wit and word play made this a refreshing and enjoyable read. He neither omits the inevitable loss that comes with the joy of pets nor sink into the fluffy saccharine sweetness that so often fills books about animals. With sarcasm and irony you will be drawn into the lives of 2 humans and the 5 rabbits, 3 parrots, 2 doves, 2 canaries, 4 parakeets, 1 starling, 2 cats, 14 ducks, 2 geese and 4 turkeys that control them along the way.
Reviewed by Lisa
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