http://www.boutbooks.com A World of Literature Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:00:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 http://www.boutbooks.com/5-sensational-summer-crafts-books/ http://www.boutbooks.com/5-sensational-summer-crafts-books/#comments Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:00:49 +0000 R. Carnavale http://www.boutbooks.com/?p=4113
If nothing else, summertime is synonymous with leisure time. There’s nothing like finally having the time to do all of the things you love most, including working on a favorite craft project. Whether it be quilting, knitting, sewing, crocheting, decoupaging, or jewelry making, engaging your hands and artistic flair is a most rewarding way to [...]]]>
If nothing else, summertime is synonymous with leisure time. There's nothing like finally having the time to do all of the things you love most, including working on a favorite craft project. Whether it be quilting, knitting, sewing, crocheting, decoupaging, or jewelry making, engaging your hands and artistic flair is a most rewarding way to enjoy your spare time. If you have children or grandchildren, making a craft together can be entertaining and help you teach the next generation about creative pastimes. The following five books will inspire you with great ideas for making everything from summer quilts to beer cap-embellished flip-flops, to a picnic tote, to pop art-decorated t-shirts---so happy crafting away this summer! Step-by-Step Crafts for Summer Kathy Ross's Step-by-Step Crafts for Summer is a beautifully-illustrated gem that features crafts geared for children 7-9 years old. The title features 25 summer crafts, including handlebar tassels, caterpillar tablecloth weights, and Father's Day and Fourth of July projects. The crafts are simple to make but be forewarned: You'll need to stop by your local crafts store to buy supplies like glass gems, beads, and chenille strips. Summer Fun! : 60 Activities for a Kid-Perfect Summer Susan Williamson's Summer Fun! : 60 Activities for a Kid-Perfect Summer features 60 activities for children ages 7-12. The craft projects are creative and include painting with rice and sand, creating a sandscape in a jar, and making sunrise silhouettes. Mary Engelbreit's Summer Celebrated illustrator Mary Engelbreit provides readers with several summer-themed craft ideas, including a Fourth of July flag tray, a decorated tackle box, and summery throw pillows. Mary Engelbreit's Summer captures the essence of summer as do the crafts projects. Summer at the Lake Quilts: 11 New Projects from Maw Bell Designs: Quilts, Bags & More(Quiltmaker's Club: More Patterns for Less series) Pattern makers Susan Maw and Sally Bell created 11 scrap-friendly, romantic, ruffled-filled projects that include quilts, a sunhat, a backpack, a picnic tote, and some pillows. The book's easy-to-follow instructions and plentiful illustrations will help quilters succeed in creating beautiful quilted items to own, to gift, or to sell. Beer Crafts: Making the Most of Your Cans, Bottle Caps, and Labels Beer goes hand-in-hand with lazy summer days, so what could be better than making crafts from beer bottles? Beer Crafts: Making the Most of Your Cans, Bottle Caps, and Labels by Shawn Gascoyne-Bowman offers incredibly creative ideas to reuse your beer cans and bottles. From bottle top flip-flops to patio lanterns, Beer Crafts features easy-to-make apparel and home decor projects -- just tie, braid, glue and embellish.]]> http://www.boutbooks.com/5-sensational-summer-crafts-books/feed/ 0 http://www.boutbooks.com/the-beach-club/ http://www.boutbooks.com/the-beach-club/#comments Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:00:54 +0000 T Akery http://www.boutbooks.com/?p=4089
The Beach Club by Elin Hilderbrand is a story about the people who filter in and out of the Beach Club in Nantucket. The hotel has a limited number of rooms and membership in this club is very exclusive. Those who can afford to stay are tended by the hotel’s manager, Mack. The first story [...]]]>
The Beach Club by Elin Hilderbrand is a story about the people who filter in and out of the Beach Club in Nantucket. The hotel has a limited number of rooms and membership in this club is very exclusive. Those who can afford to stay are tended by the hotel's manager, Mack. The first story starts with Mack. He is the host and in charge of making sure that things are perfect for the guests. But like the others, he has his own story to tell and there are some hard decisions in his future. This is especially true since this is the start of his 12th year of service. Among the other characters is a newly hired receptionist. She is on a quest of her own. She wants a baby badly. The hotel guests are perfect for this job. Their temporary status makes them the ideal contributor. After all, relationships do tend to get a little messy. Then there is the story of the owner. Old age is rapidly catching up to him. He has received mysterious letters about selling the place. The offers are starting to become tempting as he is considering retirement. With his time measured in "months" instead of years, he is really thinking about what is left. There are more stories interspersed in this book. It would be hard to put them all in this review. But that is also, perhaps, its single biggest flaw. There are too many of them encased in the story. While they do intertwine and center on the hotel, it can be a little difficult to keep track of all of them. This somewhat hurts the story because it can't adequately wrap up things for the reader. It also doesn't allow all the characters to develop as well as they could have if the focus had just been on a few of them. I think if the author had stuck to about five of them, she would have been good. While there are certainly too many characters, it is not a fatal flaw. The story is still quite interesting. I like how she managed to transition from story to story yet still kept it about the stay at the hotel. I also liked how some of the stories ended when the guests left. While not the nice neat ending that some are expecting, it does add a little realistic twinge to the story. Overall, this is a really nice book to take the beach. Although you might want to put it down long enough to put on some sunscreen. You will certainly spend the day enjoying this one.]]> http://www.boutbooks.com/the-beach-club/feed/ 0 http://www.boutbooks.com/beach-reads-for-young-adults/ http://www.boutbooks.com/beach-reads-for-young-adults/#comments Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:00:12 +0000 Kimberly Hays http://www.boutbooks.com/?p=4086
There is nothing more relaxing than sitting on the beach with a good book. It seems that reading has gained in popularity in the past few years as well because of tablets. It makes it easier than ever to have access to your book when on the go. When you are hitting the beach this [...]]]>
There is nothing more relaxing than sitting on the beach with a good book. It seems that reading has gained in popularity in the past few years as well because of tablets. It makes it easier than ever to have access to your book when on the go. When you are hitting the beach this summer, take a couple of the following books along. They are geared toward the young adult crowd, but honestly, they are interesting enough to keep any adult's attention. Having these on hand will also keep young adults from getting antsy from boredom. The Hunger Games – This trilogy of books is so well written. They are filled with action, adventure, a love story, and political intrigue. These were written for the young adult genre, but quickly melted over into the mainstream genre. Fire – This book by Kristin Cashore is a good read if you really like to get to know the characters. The main character is a monster, which is so beautiful. Her name is Fire, and she brings out the worst in people. She inflames hate in people. The story line is of a political standpoint, and Fire must learn to overcome her past. Elsewhere – This quick read by Gabrielle Zevin is a book for those who are not a fan of action thrillers. The story line is about Elsewhere, which is the place we go when we die, and a teenager named Liz Hall, who ends up there after she dies in an accident. Though it sounds like it would be a dark, gloomy story, it actually has some funny moments. The Summer I Turned Pretty – Written by Jenny Han, this is a book about a girl growing into a woman. Her name is Belly, and she counts how her years go by the summers. This particular summer is the worst and most wonderful summer of all of them as she makes realizations about her friends and herself. Paper Towns – This book by John Green is about a boy named Quentin Jacobsen. His best friend, and the girl he has always loved, Margo, goes missing. This story spins into a mystery that has Quentin searching for clues. This book won the Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Mystery and is on the New York Times Bestseller list. This Lullaby – This is one of the earlier novels written by Sarah Dessen and it is a perfect beach read. The book is about a girl named Remy who thinks she knows a lot about love, mainly because she has watched her mother fall in and out of love and marry five times. She meets a musician whom she does not think could be the guy for her, but there is something about him that is intriguing. This is a love story about young love, and all the lessons that come with it.]]> http://www.boutbooks.com/beach-reads-for-young-adults/feed/ 0 http://www.boutbooks.com/the-beach-house/ http://www.boutbooks.com/the-beach-house/#comments Thu, 13 Jun 2013 14:00:42 +0000 T Akery http://www.boutbooks.com/?p=4052
The Beach House is written by Mary Alice Monroe. It is a great book for the beach. The story and characters will pull you in. The setting is also perfect for the sun and the sand. Caretta Rutledge is finished with life in the city. Let go from her job at an ad agency and [...]]]>
The Beach House is written by Mary Alice Monroe. It is a great book for the beach. The story and characters will pull you in. The setting is also perfect for the sun and the sand. Caretta Rutledge is finished with life in the city. Let go from her job at an ad agency and in a dead end relationship, she jumps at the opportunity to return home. She left at the age of 18 due to problems with her parents. But now, her mother is dying and she has gone back to find her family home in need of repair. She finds her cause. In taking care of the sea turtle, she learns to take care of herself. Love also holds some surprises for her. Caretta is a very rich character that is well-developed. She is easy to connect with and relate to. She is very well written and the type of female character you want to read about in a romance novel like this one. The other characters display this same richness. Even her dying mother has a certain depth, despite her being portrayed as the one who was a part of the reason why the daughter left. There is also this connection between the two that touches upon the mother and daughter relationship. Another very interesting aspect of the book is how it weaves in the plight of the sea turtles. Clearly, Monroe is passionate about their plight. It shows in this intricately woven story. She includes a lot of information without ever really taking away from the story itself. The writer is probably someone you have never heard of. But she manages to deliver a love story that has some very nice characters and a nice amount of depth to it. This book is well worth taking to the beach for a great read.]]> http://www.boutbooks.com/the-beach-house/feed/ 0 http://www.boutbooks.com/best-books-for-dads/ http://www.boutbooks.com/best-books-for-dads/#comments Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:00:40 +0000 R. Carnavale http://www.boutbooks.com/?p=4091
Being a dad is both thrilling and challenging. The job entails so much: helping to bring an unborn child into this world; providing food, clothing, and shelter for the new life; supporting your partner; sharing love and happy times; coaching your child to succeed in life; and, finally, watching your child graduate and take her [...]]]>
Being a dad is both thrilling and challenging. The job entails so much: helping to bring an unborn child into this world; providing food, clothing, and shelter for the new life; supporting your partner; sharing love and happy times; coaching your child to succeed in life; and, finally, watching your child graduate and take her or his place in the world. Being a father may be the most challenging job you'll ever have. Fortunately, there's lots of good advice out there to help you succeed, including the following five "best books for dads," which will help you be the best dad you can be: The Expectant Father: Facts, Tips and Advice for Dads-to-Be by Armin A. Brott and Jennifer Ash provides soon-to-be fathers with detailed information about preparing for the emotional, physical, and financial changes coming down the road. The book provides expert tips in everything from starting a college fund to what to expect during childbirth. The Expectant Father is in its third edition and its 352 pages of superb advice and hysterically funny illustrations are the reason why. The New Dad's Survival Guide: Man-to-Man Advice for First-Time Fathers by Scott Mactavish demystifies fatherhood and provides great advice from a man’s point of view in a humorous, practical, military-style way. Thankfully, the author, a father himself, skips the unnecessary details and gets to the heart of the job at hand, from coaching one’s partner through labor to changing diapers. All Pro Dad: Seven Essentials To Be A Hero To Your Kids by motivational speaker Mark Merrill offers dads a sport-style manual to being a great father. This guide offers great advice from the fundamentals of fatherhood to learning about the proper mind-set, motives, and methods for being a father that children will respect and admire. Why a Daughter Needs a Dad: A Hundred Reasons by Gregory E. Lang describes 100 reasons, why a daughter needs a dad. The author uses illustrations and golden nuggets of wisdom to describe what a father can do for his daughter, whether it is sharing his love with hugs and laughter or learning how to play with a girl. Finding Time for Fatherhood: The Important Considerations Men Face When They Become Parents by Bruce Linton, Ph.D. provides an engaging and philosophical perspective on being a father in that fatherhood oftentimes provides men with an opportunity to discover their nurturing qualities, which benefits their children, their partners, and themselves. With 20 essays like "What My Son Taught Me About Being a Man," the author helps men to evaluate their own fathers’ parenting styles and to consider what approach they’d like to use with their own children.]]> http://www.boutbooks.com/best-books-for-dads/feed/ 0 http://www.boutbooks.com/you-are-one-of-them-by-elliot-holt/ http://www.boutbooks.com/you-are-one-of-them-by-elliot-holt/#comments Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:04:56 +0000 Jessica B. http://www.boutbooks.com/?p=4094
Summer is practically here, and for many that means curling up with a great book on the beach. Oftentimes summer reads are considered “light” and “easy”, but you don’t have to sacrifice quality for readability! You Are One of Them is a book that pulls you in with strong characters and a captivating story. The [...]]]>
Summer is practically here, and for many that means curling up with a great book on the beach. Oftentimes summer reads are considered "light" and "easy", but you don’t have to sacrifice quality for readability! You Are One of Them is a book that pulls you in with strong characters and a captivating story. The debut novel by Elliot Holt, this book is a great summer read. Jennifer Jones and Sarah Zuckerman are best friends as little girls growing up in the U.S. in the 1980s. When they both send letters to the Soviet Union in a quest for peace, Jenny, the girl who appears to already have it all, gets a response. The girls have a falling out as Jenny and her family fly to the USSR as follow-up to the letter -- and perish in a plane crash. With college graduation fast approaching, Sarah gets news that Jenny’s death may have been a hoax and she heads off to find the truth. Despite the cold war setting, this is not a tough spy novel in disguise of "chick fic." Instead it is literary fiction with a strong storyline to capture attention while deeply delving into Russian history and the effects of a minor childhood dispute in the face of tragedy. The highlight of this book is the character development and the chance to get a really imaginative picture of the USSR and Russia. But the ending may leave many readers feeling a bit disappointed. As a debut novel, this book really made me very interested in Elliot Holt and what he may do in the future. The craftsmanship of the story really gives me high hopes for Holt’s future projects. If you are looking for a beach read that has a little more meat than your average light read, this is a great place to start. It may not be a romance novel, but it is a glimpse into the past and a cold war world that no longer exists. I give this book 3 bookmarks.]]> http://www.boutbooks.com/you-are-one-of-them-by-elliot-holt/feed/ 0 http://www.boutbooks.com/joyland-by-steven-king/ http://www.boutbooks.com/joyland-by-steven-king/#comments Fri, 07 Jun 2013 14:00:00 +0000 Kimberly Hays http://www.boutbooks.com/?p=4025
Stephen King was the master of thriller in the ’70s with novels like The Shining and The Dead Zone. He always brought more than just a story, setting an atmosphere that was of a deeper tone, and the unforeseen forces of evil were unimaginable. Though it may seem that this many years later, he would [...]]]>
Stephen King was the master of thriller in the '70s with novels like The Shining and The Dead Zone. He always brought more than just a story, setting an atmosphere that was of a deeper tone, and the unforeseen forces of evil were unimaginable. Though it may seem that this many years later, he would not be able to capture the essence of the earlier novels, he has done it again in Joyland. The only thing different is that it is written by a much older, more experienced man. The story takes place in a small amusement park where Devin Jones takes a summer job before his junior year in college. The park has a Horror House that  has a mystique about it. A young woman had been murdered there, and many say her ghost can still be seen because she haunts the Horror House. Witnesses claim that she will hold out her hands as if asking for help. The ghost does not show up for quite a while in the book, but there are other points that are covered about the main character, Devin Jones, and how his summer is unfolding. Getting to know Jones, we find out that he is an easygoing type of guy, who gets involved in the triangle of a boy, girl, boy relationship, and has to deal with college's first loves as well as first losses. These things help to shape Jones and the way he makes decisions later. He also learns to deal with the complicated emotions that come with a relationship. This may sound quite boring, and “done before”, but King being the storyteller that he is makes it exciting for us to learn. Back to the ghost – the murder is always in the forefront of Jones’ mind. Many things happen on the way through the summer  to fall, and as they progress, everything gets more serious. There is some activity that happens which causes warnings from the carnival psychics, and a new character enters the book who is gifted, as well as her young son. Her name is Annie Ross, and her son’s name is Michael. They invite Jones to move into their home, where he will stay the rest of the summer. As fall approaches, the murder mystery starts to unravel; we get answers to the Horror House crime and its ghost. The ending is satisfying, and it is one of the times that you do not see what is coming. Joyland was released on June 4, 2013. This is the book that all Stephen King fans have long been waiting for, and no one will be disappointed in this novel. Its release makes it the perfect summer read to take on vacation.]]> http://www.boutbooks.com/joyland-by-steven-king/feed/ 0 http://www.boutbooks.com/dad-is-fat/ http://www.boutbooks.com/dad-is-fat/#comments Thu, 06 Jun 2013 14:00:43 +0000 T Akery http://www.boutbooks.com/?p=4051
Dad is Fat is written by comedian Jim Gaffigan. This is one of those nonfiction books that is good to take to the beach with you. The book is fun and light. In it, Gaffigan chronicles his experiences at being a dad. The audience is a little limited on this book though. Ideally, it is [...]]]>
Dad is Fat is written by comedian Jim Gaffigan. This is one of those nonfiction books that is good to take to the beach with you. The book is fun and light. In it, Gaffigan chronicles his experiences at being a dad. The audience is a little limited on this book though. Ideally, it is geared toward parents with young kids. So, this book is not going to appeal to every fan of his. Jim Gaffigan has five children in an two bedroom apartment in New York. He is clearly outnumbered and overwhelmed by his kids. Yet, he manages to see the humor in the everyday challenge of raising five of them. One of the first things you will find in this is a letter to his children. This letter is an apologetic look at the type of dad that sees himself when his children are grown. He readily acknowledges that he isn't perfect. That little fact is one of the resounding themes of this book. This is one of the rare books that looks at parenthood from a father's perspective. While it is full of humor, it is also an insightful look, from dad's point of view, at parenthood. This is a bit different to find especially in the world of parents where fathers have been placed on the back burner by society. So, it is nice to see a book that dives into the male perspective even if it is meant only to be humorous. The book is funny. But if you are a fan of Gaffigan, you will find some of the same stuff that he talks about on stage. It isn't bad. But isn't quite as funny as hearing it said out loud. The jokes do keep coming throughout the text. Photographs of his kids and his wife are also included in the book. It is a good book to take to the beach because the book never takes itself too seriously. There are many things that parents can relate to, especially with raising five children in such a small place. But not all of it is laugh out loud humor. Some of it is a little more subtle. But nevertheless, it conveys a humorous look at the world of parenting from a dad. It is a bit pricey though. So, you may want to just borrow this one.]]> http://www.boutbooks.com/dad-is-fat/feed/ 0 http://www.boutbooks.com/5-great-graduation-books/ http://www.boutbooks.com/5-great-graduation-books/#comments Wed, 05 Jun 2013 14:00:47 +0000 R. Carnavale http://www.boutbooks.com/?p=4057
Whether you plan to buy a book for someone who’s graduating from kindergarten or college, you’ll want to get something that will inspire the recipient and be a title that he or she will want to read again and again. Here are five books that will bring smiles to the faces of readers of all [...]]]>
Whether you plan to buy a book for someone who’s graduating from kindergarten or college, you’ll want to get something that will inspire the recipient and be a title that he or she will want to read again and again. Here are five books that will bring smiles to the faces of readers of all ages and make them proud to be graduates:

1. My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina on the U.S. Supreme Court, will inspire the graduate who anticipates facing discrimination or uncertainties in the next phase of his or her educational or vocational career. Sotomayor’s autobiography describes how she grew up in a Puerto Rican community in the South Bronx, and due to the love and support she received from family and faculty, managed to enroll at Princeton, where she encountered difficulties in adapting to an environment that differed greatly from the one in which she grew up. The author also describes how she repeatedly took personal responsibility to ensure success and good health, including giving herself insulin shots to treat juvenile diabetes, which she has had since she was 7.
2. Reach for the Stars: and other Advice for Life’s Journey by illustrator Serge Bloch, is an uplifting picture book that’s perfect for any age. The cartoons and idiom-filled text will inspire any graduate to reach for the stars and shoot for the moon no matter what challenges lie ahead.
3. For the college graduate, Mary E. Ghilani’s Working in Your Major: How to Find a Job When You Graduate provides an excellent resource for competing in today’s fierce hiring environment. The author is the director of career services at a community college and she provides tips on landing a job, including strategies for searching for jobs, writing resumes, marketing via social media and networking, interviewing, and surviving the first year on the job. Working also includes sample cover letters, resumes, and LinkedIn summaries.
4. The Grad's Guide to Healthy Living: Mind, Body, Soul, Spirit by The Navigators is an excellent book for high school and college graduates. Though the book is written from a Christian perspective, the advice on applies to all graduates, whatever his or her creed. "The Grad’s Guide" provides much-needed information on taking care of one’s body (sleep, nutrition, exercise), mind (getting organized, choosing a belief system), soul (dealing with emotions and relationships), and spirit (connecting with God).
5. Pooh’s Graduation by Isabel Gaines will inspire Winnie-the-Pooh fans from kindergarten through 12th grade. When Christopher Robin graduates from the 1st grade, he shares the spirit of the event by holding a graduation ceremony for all of his friends. Pooh’s Graduation provides a lighthearted romp while touching upon inevitable changes in life, finishing old tasks and beginning new ones.

]]> http://www.boutbooks.com/5-great-graduation-books/feed/ 0 http://www.boutbooks.com/elin-hilderbrands-beach-reads/ http://www.boutbooks.com/elin-hilderbrands-beach-reads/#comments Tue, 04 Jun 2013 14:00:44 +0000 Louise http://www.boutbooks.com/?p=4050
Being on the beach is one of those times when readers can indulge in their personally defined “guilty pleasure” novels. It’s a time to completely relax and enjoy your day. For some, the book of choice may be a chilling murder mystery, while others choose a comedy that makes beach neighbors wonder why the person [...]]]>
Being on the beach is one of those times when readers can indulge in their personally defined "guilty pleasure" novels. It's a time to completely relax and enjoy your day. For some, the book of choice may be a chilling murder mystery, while others choose a comedy that makes beach neighbors wonder why the person next to them keeps laughing. However, the iconic beach read is in fact one with a subject that matches the setting, and this is the kind of beach read that Nantucket Island resident Elin Hilderbrand delivers. Hilderbrand knows Nantucket all too well, having spent summers there growing up and now living there with her husband and three children. The island has become the setting for all of her novels, which are light romances. Hilderbrand has published eleven beach read romance novels since 2000, averaging just under one book per year. The following are some of her newest titles:

• Summerland (2012) - What starts as a typical graduation night bonfire on the beach ends with a deadly car crash that changes the lives of the four passengers forever. The driver, Penny Alistair, dies in the crash and her twin brother ends up in a coma. The other two passengers, which include Penny's boyfriend, Jake, and Penney's friend, Demeter, make it out without physical injury. As the summer unravels, so do truths about the accident and its survivors. The power of community, family, and honesty are tested in Nantucket. Can new love grow in the midst of tragedy?
• Silver Girl (2011) - What happens when the person you love most turns out to be a fraud who cheated investors out of billions of dollars? Meredith Martin Delinn knows firsthand; you lose everything: friends, homes, and social standing. Meredith, broke and desperate, decides to spend the summer on Nantucket with her old friend Constance, who is facing her own troubles. Add Constance's brother, Toby, (who also happens to be Meredith's high school ex-boyfriend) to the mix, and we have ourselves a suspenseful summer romance. Is there a way that the life that Meredith was leading and the life that she could have had can coexist?
• The Island (2010) -A summer on Tuckernuck Island, which is off the coast of Nantucket, is usually a relaxing annual break for the Cousins family. However, this year the women who head to the remote island bring more than just their vacationing baggage. It has been a chaotic year for love, which included a lavish wedding cancelled and new romances formed. Though there is a lack of phones, televisions, and other similar distractions on the island, there is certainly no lack of drama.

Forthcoming this summer is Beautiful Day, which will be available on June 25. Beautiful Day is about a Nantucket wedding in which there is no apparent problem between the husband and wife to-be, but troubles rising among the two families that are joining, the Carmichaels and Grahams.]]> http://www.boutbooks.com/elin-hilderbrands-beach-reads/feed/ 0