Review: The Mother-Daughter Book Club by HEather Vogel Frederick

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Even if Megan would rather be at the mall, Cassidy is late for hockey practice, Emma's already read every book in existence, and Jess is missing her mother too much to care, the new book club is scheduled to meet every month. But what begins as a mom-imposed ritual of reading Little Women soon helps four unlikely friends navigate the drama of middle school.

I bought this book from a sale because 

1. Book club 

2. The club was to read Little Women

and finally, after eight months the book Gods smiled on me and made me read it this weekend. And what a delight it was to spend the afternoon reading this book without a break. It's more of a Middle-Grade level book which is apt for all ages over 10 years. 

I enjoyed the story of four girls who are not really friends with each other but are forced to be a part of the book club because of their mothers. Every one of them has a unique personality and dreams and ways to deal with the drama that happens in the life of every school-going kid. From having different financial status, parental issues, liking boys, and fighting for their dreams, the four girls will learn from each other and from the story of MArch sisters in a way that resonates with their mothers too. all other characters in the book are described in good details and there is something for everyone in this story. Together these ladies and our lovely March sisters gave me so many smiles and warm feelings. This book also had so many fun facts about life of Louisa M Alcott that I was not aware of. What an inspiration, truly. I totally adored this sweet fun read. 

I noticed that there are more books in this series, each dealing with a different book as the yearly read for the book club. I have added the books in this series and all the books that the club will be discussing to my TBR already. 

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#BookReview : The Colossus of Roads by Christina Uss

Eleven-year-old Rick Rusek is determined to improve the traffic conditions in Los Angeles- his parent's failing delivery catering service, Smotch, depends on it. 

 "Traffic is a puzzle with one correct solution. And I've got to solve it!"

Rick has been studying maps and traffic patterns for years and devises solutions to improve Los Angeles' notoriously terrible traffic that he calls his Snarl Solutions. He has big ideas, but not enough resources-- until his artistic friend, Mila brings him to a Girl Scout meeting.

The scouts paint recycled traffic signs with their own designs. The signs will be hung all over Los Angeles to beautify the city with art. But Rick, The Colossus of Roads, has ulterior motives ..

 

Review: Once in a  while it is so refreshing to look at the world from the eyes of children who not only have amazing ideas but also the conviction to act on them, no matter how tough the task looks. 

Rick's passion to study traffic patterns, maps, and to plot solutions to make traffic system better for everyone is infectious and impressive. You feel as passionate about something that you never paid attention to before perhaps. And suddenly you look at this as a puzzle and want to figure out it along with Rick. It also made me appreciate the fact that different people have a different way to look at things and it does not have to do anything with one's age. Every person needs to be respected and heard for the good that they can bring to this world.

Though initially, it felt like Rick is too obsessed with improving the traffic that he does not look at others around him. But, he turns out to be a really good friend and a boy with a real golden heart. He is shy and troubled by a stomach that can not survive long car rides but it also acts as his voice of reason, motivation, and caution combined. It was too hilarious to read those conversations and to imagine Rick's plight every time he thought of a car ride. 

the painting project by the Girls scout was interesting for me and appealed to me more because I like art & craft as a hobby at times. It was an important part of Rick's plan but it was also good to see him have fun in his own way there. 

The book also showcases the whole community as an entity and how people come together in times of crisis even though their individual interests might have put them on opposite sides earlier. And such cute groups that too. 

I so loved reading the Middle-Grade book and it was the perfect read to brighten my weekend. I would recommend it for both kids and adults alike. 

Book Links : GR | Amazon | Google books | iTunes  | Kobo

About the author: Christina Uss has ridden her bicycle across the United States both lengthwise and widthwise, and has worked as an adventure tour guide in fifteen states, leading cyclists of all ages through various mountains’ majesty and all kinds of fruited plains. Even more than pedaling across state lines, Christina loves books, especially ones that remind us all that the world is wonderful, weird place. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her family and will always wave hello if she sees you out riding.