Books read July 16

Little Bits of Karma by Laura Simmons
Wanted to read this book for a few reasons, the front cover is breathtaking and the subject interests me.
Love the very beginning where the character list is and who they represent in prior centuries. The book, to me, is like 2 novels in one.
There is the present story of Holly and her love interest, her work interest and her exercise interests. Once she gets the cards read for her and learns more about past lives she dwells into finding out more.
The past centuries are fascinating to me as they are the same present day characters but in a new light. Just when you think you know how the story will go a tragedy occurs or a medical emergence.
Quite coincidence about but magical on many counts. Great story and love all the detailed explanations of what things really mean.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Robert B. Parker's Kickback
Love the series as it's based out of Boston area towns. This one is about a teen boy who sets up a Twitter account for the high school principle and then the cops arrest him.
His mother sways Spenser to take the case and she becomes his secretary. There are said the kid also has terrorism threats, etc.
He questions the kids to help find proof that the kid shouldn't be in jail. Problem is the judge is one to think it's their parents that are to blame for not raising them right and that sending them off to jail will be the best thing for them.
Love how up to date this book is (Molly drug, etc) like how he unearths the corruption in the court system when he is just trying to find the answers to why the kids are not granted one call to a lawyer.
Alternating chapters from Dylan and his problems in juvy prison. Fast paced as clues arise and they travel to get more information.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device). 

Thanksgiving Day by Rockwell
Always enjoyed holidays books. This audio children's book is about the festivities of the holiday.
Discrepancy of where the holiday was first celebrated: Jamestown or Phymouth.  Story tells of the Indians who welcomed the Pilgrims when they arrived at Plymouth Rock.
Talk of the foods for the first celebration. Indians taught them how to hunt and grow the local crops.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device). 

In dubious Battle by John Steinbeck
1936 original about labor strikes and how the workers during the Depression years in CA. Jim Nolan, the leader as he strives to find his identity.
Includes the authors writing throughout his life. Starts out when they gather to pick the apples and there is talk of them striking. They band together and come up with white clothes to help with the birthing of a baby.
As long as they all feel like they contributed they are as one.  They strive for hope, better life, etc. The men talk to others who work in another farm and they talk of the barricades the authorities will put up as their wages go down.
Details of what is to come as they vacant a farm and things heat up. Love references to the Grapes of Wrath during this book. Love the story of how those who've gone before us have fought for their rights to make our lives easier today.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device). 

The Lobster Kings by Alesi Zentner
Wanted to read this book for the pleasure of learning about the lobster industry. Just recently there was 3 fires on commercial boats and to me it was a message that they must stop lobstering...
This boat is about an island off Maine and how a family runs the lobstering business. Royalty on the island, Loosewood Island.
Love Irish tales concerning lobster, so funny! Starts with Cordelia and she's just 3 years old and hooks her fathers lip when they are out fishing. Her younger brother is born and like the other kids they don't like being on the water, only Cordelia likes it.
Journals written of the family history attract journalists who want to come to the island to interview the family....
As years go by Scott also joins her on the boat and she sees the mistakes Scott had made ...love lessons learned when on the boat...
Tragedy occurs and years later her friends try to explain what really happened. Her father confronts her on the day of the funeral. Liked hearing of her relationship with her sisters over the years.
War comes to the rival islands as we learn what the paintings mean.  Loved hearing of the lobster co op.  Like all the references to the paintings and what they represent.
When drugs come to the island the residents band together and fight them....deaths and births life goes on...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device). 

The Bookseller by Cynthia Swansen
1960's Denver and Kitty Miller runs a bookstore. She has dreams at night that make her think her choices should've been different.
She was to meet Lauris and they talked on the phone but he never showed up and died of a heart attack.
Book starts out with Katherine and she's awoken from her husband to take care of the sick child Missy.
She is able to travel between the two lives and she strives to help others with books and reading.
Katherine tries to figure out what year she goes back in time and forward, the intervals etc as she quizzes the children.
She recalls her life with her best girlfriend and they own the book store. She is in a marriage with Lauris and 3 kids but her parents have died. She goes back and forth into her old life and can't put the pieces together.
She gets down to the exact minute her whole life changed and she talks to Freida about it all. We find out all the missing pieces of what happened as the book goes on..
Confusing at times til you realize what's going on.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Audio children's book about a tree that loves a little boy. He loves to climb and jump into the leaves and sleep in the shade.
As the boy grows older the tree gets lonely. He only wants money. but the tree has a solution.
Tree has a solution to him wanting a house and family. He then wants a boat....
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

The Panther by Nelson DeMille
600+ pages, but I have read the author's other works and know it will be worth it.
Kate Mayfield and husband John Corey have agreed to an assignment in Yemen.  They are to work with a small team to investigate The Cole bombing, they are out for the mastermind behind it all.
Liked hearing of how John accumulates the background on where he's going and what to expect with the travel and restrictions. They are not given much to go on when they arrive.
Chapters also from the panther's side of the story and what he achieves for his country.
Interesting following the story and the capture and how he can perceive danger and seek out other routes to take. They have become the hunted rather than hunting for the panther.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device)also purchased a hardbound copy.

The Duckling gets a cookie by Moe Wilis
Audio children's book about a pigeon and he's angry that the duckling gets a cookie by asking nicely.
Pigeon asks for a lot of things and he never gets them. The duckling explains how he can get a cookie himself.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Buddy and the Bunny and don't play with your food by Bob Shea
Audio children's book about Fuzzy the monster and he wants to eat the bunny. Problem is the bunny has other plans
Book tells you about other things the bunny does. Buddy realizes at the end why he shouldn't eat the bunny.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Pete the cat, too cool for school by Kimberly and James Dean
Audio children's book Pete the cat. He has many choices of what to wear to school to be the cool guy.
He asks others for their advice and they tell him their favorites. Silly tale and then after school he decides on what his favorites are...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Sophie the Daredevil by Laura Bergen
Audio children's book about Sophia who has tried to live up to her name. She needs a lot of courage
and she's sure she's found it as a daredevil is not afraid of anything. Jack offers her a drink that doesn't look so good and she accepts the dare.
Books follows other dares that kids give her.
Other books in the Sophie series are highlighted.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).