I recently watched The Intouchables, a French film (based on a true story) about an unlikely friendship that forms between a quadriplegic millionaire and a street-smart ex-con who becomes his caretaker. The movie reminded me of a novel I read in middle school called Freak the Mighty.
Freak the Mighty, a young adult novel written by Rodman Philbrick, was published in 1993. It's a story about two young boys who also form an unlikely duo. Maxwell is the narrator of the story. He is big and slow, but kind-hearted. However, at a young age, Maxwell witnessed his father, Kenny "Killer" Kane, murder his
Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo
by Angela Yorke August 30th, 2012 | Book Review, New Releases
I have a bias against most diets as they tend to advocate eating habits or food items that are beyond the ability or spending power of non-celebrities. Between superfoods, foods for your blood group, and the best times to eat for weight loss, I wonder when the concept of nourishing yourself became such a fraught venture.
On the face of it, the Paleo diet sounds like one of those ultra-macho pursuits in the vein of CrossFit that defines that modern urban warrior. Yet, like the CrossFit regimen, the diet aims to return the body to its original ability to function.
On the face of it, the Paleo diet sounds like one of those ultra-macho pursuits in the vein of CrossFit that defines that modern urban warrior. Yet, like the CrossFit regimen, the diet aims to return the body to its original ability to function.
Rome 1960: The Olympics that Changed the World
by T Akery August 29th, 2012 | Book Review, Nonfiction, Topic of the Month
Rome 1960: The Olympics that Changed the World is written by David Maraniss. The 1960s were a pretty turbulent time in the world. Italy was still in recovery from World War II. Germany was split into two countries competing against each other. China and Taiwan were at odds.
America was finally breaking ground in equality. For the first time, a black American athlete carried the flag.
It was also the year that Russia beat the U.S. in the medal count and twelve years before the 1972 Olympics in which the Israeli athletes were killed.
Contained in the book are the stories of
America was finally breaking ground in equality. For the first time, a black American athlete carried the flag.
It was also the year that Russia beat the U.S. in the medal count and twelve years before the 1972 Olympics in which the Israeli athletes were killed.
Contained in the book are the stories of
You Can’t Make Me [But I Can Be Persuaded]
by R. Carnavale August 28th, 2012 | Book Review, Nonfiction
The revised and updated edition of You Can’t Make Me [But I can be Persuaded] is geared for the parents of strong-willed children (SWC). The book begins with a short assessment to determine just how strong willed readers and their children are. (According to the quiz, my will is so strong that I “don’t leave home without it—and it’s almost impossible not to use it.”) Author Cynthia Ulrich Tobias encourages parents to view their child’s strong will as an opportunity with great potential, rather than a character fault.
You Can’t Make Me [But I can be Persuaded] argues SWC need to have authority
You Can’t Make Me [But I can be Persuaded] argues SWC need to have authority
The Mysteries of Edgar Allen Poe
by Mackenzie M. August 24th, 2012 | Book Review, Classics
Edgar Allen Poe may not be everyone’s idea of a guilty pleasure read, but his mysteries have a certain draw that cannot be ignored. They are dark, terrifying, and relatively tedious, but are certainly works of classic literary merit. Although no one of Edgar Allen Poe’s many short stories stands out, many of his mysteries have been collected into a variety of short books that can be picked up in discount book bins and at Amazon.com for pennies. To get in the mood for the coming Halloween and autumn seasons, read any of Edgar Allen Poe’s mysteries. Below I
