One of THOSE Books!

I had actually planned another review today, but this book embedded itself so deeply into my heart and brain that I couldn't put it aside and concentrate on anything else, so it jumped to the top of my list.

I first noticed this book on the YA shelf at my local library.  I was helping my eleven year old look for a book one day, running different descriptions by her to see if anything sounded interesting.  The cover caught my eye, and I picked it up to check out the blurb.  I thought "That looks interesting.  I'll have to remember it."  I put it back on the shelf that day and several more times, knowing that I had a huge stack of holds and a pretty full calendar to boot!

Thankfully, I have an amazing librarian who understands the siren call of a book and has seen me jump a book to the top of my hold pile more than once. 

Hero by Mike Lupica is one of those books that I would add extra stars to Goodreads for...I was incredibly drawn in, from the moment the book opened, with an impending fight in the middle of a snowstorm.  By the end of the second chapter I felt like I knew Zach Harriman, like I was Zach Harriman, I knew his thoughts, I knew his feelings, and I was part of the story.  I found myself wondering who to trust, trying to read between the lines so I could reach into the story and tell Zach who the real bad guy was!

My favorite line from the entire book had to be "The best liars always know how to use the truth to make their lies seem more real." In the classic battle of good and evil, sometimes the sides are clear and defined, and it is easy to know the truth, but sometimes it's hard to discern where the danger really lies.

This story was an incredible journey of a boy becoming a man, growing in knowledge, growing in strength, in character, and learning who to trust.  The story of his journey to become a Hero. 

 When I finished the book, I just sat there holding it to my chest for a moment, liked I'd run a marathon.  I had to savor my last moments before reality intruded, at which point I turned to my children and said "This is a YA book, it is totally age appropriate for any of you, and I highly recommend it."  But who knows, if they don't pick it up on their own, this could very well end up on our read-aloud list!

Have fun with your literary travels, and if you're up for action, adventure, and a really great read, check out Hero by Mike Lupica!  It's probably at your local library, but if you're in a hurry, here are links for Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Samson "Bubba" Brow

My dad said it very clearly the other day..."It doesn't matter if an animal has been part of your family for 19 years, like Frank (my brother's cat who we lost recently), or a week.  You love that animal and he's become part of your life, and it hurts when he's gone."

So today I take a moment to step back from the humor, the recipes, the book reviews, and anything else that is going on, and just say goodbye to a really wonderful young man who was part of our family for a little over a year.

Samson "Sammy" "Bubba" Brow was born July 12, 2012, to Lancelot and Guinevere.  His father was killed a little over a month before he was born, but there was no doubt in looks or personality that he was Lancelot's baby boy.

Sammy was nicknamed "Some Big Head" as a kitten because he had a huge, fuzzy head that seemed so much bigger than his body!  As he matured, he grew into that head, and his whole body began to look long and lean, like a lion with his flowing mane.

Bubba was definitely a Mama's Boy, cuddling in bed with Paul and I, and snuggling in my chair to "help" me write or type.  I often wore him across my shoulders like a scarf, or carried him draped over one arm like the tiny dogs you see on television.

He,  like Tab, the feline friend of my teen years, turned up his nose at a communal water bowl, and would drink from the tap, my cup, or his own personal cup.  Sammy endured endless teasing about his pretty pink teacup! 

He loved to be petted and cuddled and was almost as patient as his dad when it came to girl cooties and dress up clothes.  He was a purring machine, and was happiest when he was with his family, whom he loved. 

We loved him very much, and his passing leaves a hole in our hearts.  We thank God for his life, and for those furry and fuzzy family members who still bring joy to our lives with their presence. 



When they first arrived...Guinevere and babies, July 13, 2012
(The girls and I were at camp when the kittens were born on the 12th!)

Sammy's parents, Guinevere and Lancelot.  Lancelot was killed just a month or so before the babies were born.

I'm sure you can see why he was called "Some Big Head"!

 

 Sammy and Bogey were always a good brother team, though they had their moments of rivalry!

 There's a lion in that tree!

Every library needs at least one cat!

First snow of the season!

 

Checking out Nana's Rocking Chair!

"Helping" Mommy with her posts.

That's Mama's Boy!

Investigating the camera

We miss you Bubba.

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Samson

Our family is heartbroken today.  I very much want to rant and rage, though I know he shouldn't have been there.  As I watch my girls' tears fall and as I tucked his pretty pink teacup at his side, all I felt was loss and sadness.  Please, please pay attention when you're driving.  Please, please obey the speed limit.  There are people who don't think that speed limits in small towns are important or that you should slow down for that bump in the highway, but what if it was a child?  Would you care then?

Sunday, October 6, 2013 (playlist)

Sunday, October 6, 2013 (playlist)

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