Kelly's Book Review: I'll See you Again by Jackie Hance

I’ll See You Again by Jackie Hance

In July of 2009 a horrific car accident took place on the Taconic State Parkway in New York. Anyone watching the news reports would be shocked and appalled at the heartbreaking tragedy. Lost in the accident were four children, and three adults. Three of the children were sisters and they were also the author’s, Jackie Hance’s, only children. The girls, Emma, Alyson and Katie, were eight, seven and five when they lost their lives.  What was a sad and devastating news report for most of us was Jackie’s ultimate nightmare.  We learn from Jackie’s memoir how an ordinary woman lived through and reacted to what can only be unimaginable for so many of us. 

Jackie’s story is not sugarcoated, nor does it contain superhuman details on how to recover from tragedy.  It is just an honest look at what the writer went through. She questioned her faith, her marriage, and her will to live. Friends and family helped out, but at the end of the day nothing made her feel better. Happy gatherings plagued her with guilt, trips to the grocery store bombarded her with lost memories; and birthdays and holidays became cruel.

Ultimately, I kept waiting for the happy ending. I wanted so badly for Jackie to say her daughters returned.  Of course they don’t, but we get to see Jackie begin to shape a new life for herself that still keeps her daughters’ memories alive. Many will find Jackie’s story comforting in that it reminds us that we are capable of moving on from tragedy even when it seems there could never be a way

If you want to reserve this book, please call the Information Desk: (856) 794-4244 ext. 4243.

Kelly’s Book Review: Grace, Gold, and Glory: My Leap of Faith by Gabby Douglas

Gabby Douglas, the reigning Olympic All Around Gymnastics gold champion, is such an inspiring young woman. Even though gymnastics is something I have been interested in since my childhood, her story will still impact those who are not as interested in the sport.

She tells her life story in a young voice and will attract teenage readers with her text lingo (i.e. lol), and her love for current pop culture (i.e. tv show, Vampire Diaries). Her story especially will resonate with young teenage girls because her desires and difficulties closely mirror those of any average teenager.

Yes, training for the Olympics is something very few teenage girls have the opportunity or desire to do, but all of us have dreams and goals that require persistence to achieve.

If you'd like to read this book, you can call the Information Desk (856) 794-4244 ext. 4243.

Below Stairs by Margaret Powell Book Review

Are you eagerly awaiting the third season of Downton Abbey? Don't know what to do with yourself until it premieres?  How about read a book about a kitchen maid who works her way to becoming a cook? Sounds a bit like Daisy and Mrs. Patmore from Downton, doesn't it?

Margaret Powell's memoir Below Stairs was first published in 1968 and was the book that inspired the classic TV show Upstairs, Downstairs and the more recent Downton Abbey.

Born in 1907, Margaret was the daughter of working-class parents.  Margaret loved school and won a scholarship at age 13. She wanted to become a teacher.  However, when her parents learned that she wouldn't earn any money until she was 18-years-old, they decided to pull her out of school so she could work.   She worked odd jobs doing housework and laundry until it was decided that she would go into domestic services for upper class families (again think about the Granthams).  She was hired as a kitchen maid, which according to Powell, was the lowest position in the house for a servant.  However, if she ever aspired to be a cook, this was the best job for her. The book follows Margaret Powell as she works as a kitchen maid in various homes, becomes a cook and later marries a milkman named Albert.

Other books you might want to try are The World of Downton Abbey and Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle.

That's Like Me! by Jill Lauren, M.A. book review

Children with learning disabilities may think they're alone in their struggles.  That's Like Me! by Jill Lauren is a book for these children. Jill Lauren is a learning specialist who has worked with many children who have learning disabilities. She did extensive research looking for young adults and adults who had difficulty in school but worked hard and never gave up.  Each person's story is told in their own words.  Each person whether a teenager or an adult has something that they are passionate about. Whether it is race car driving, wrestling, dancing or art, these extracurricular activities are important to them.  The author also includes her webpage where readers can submit their own stories about their hardships. 

The book includes a forward by Caldecott Award winner Jerry Pinkney who had a hard time in school because of his dyslexia.

If you're looking for a book for children who are struggling in school and want to give up, this is the book for them.  The personal accounts of people just like them will encourage them to keep going and work hard.