A Blizzard of Polar Bears by Alice Henderson

 A Blizzard of Polar Bears by Alice Henderson--321 pages

2nd in the Alex Carter Suspense Series.  This time Alex finds herself in the far north in the Canadian Arctic tracking polar bears.  Let me just say that I LOVE polar bears so this one was hard to get through because I found my self sad and angry for what was happening to the polar bears.  So much greed and unnecessary killing..not only of these majestic animals but also people.  I enjoy this series as it takes me into the wilderness of our beautiful world.  I look forward to the next installment "A Ghost of Caribou".

 

No Journey Too Far by Carrie Turansky-351 pages

This is the sequel to No Ocean Too Wide.  We follow the four McAlister children from their adoptions into families in Canada after being sent there as part of the British Home Children Indentured program in the early 1900's.  In this sequel they are all grown except Grace who is seventeen.  She knows nothing of her family back in England until she finds her trunk in the attic that she brought with her when she was seven. So begins her quest to find her real family.

Through lots of twists and turns we finally have a happy ending.  You are pulling for this family all the way through.  I enjoyed seeing how they all endured their hardships and the way those same hardships molded them into the adults they became.  

Scott Pilgrim, Volume 6: Scott Pilgrim's Finest Hour by Bryan Lee O'Malley

 Scott Pilgrim, Volume 6: Scott Pilgrim's Finest Hour by Bryan Lee O'Malley-289 pages

Scott Pilgrim's fight against the evil exes to continue dating Ramona Flowers concludes in this sixth volume. Now, Scott must fight against Gideon. Gideon is the one who organized the seven evil exes for Scott to fight. Will Scott defeat Gideon? Will he and Ramona stay together? Overall, I like the books and the movie fairly equally. There are a few differences in how events unfold between the books and the movie, but the movie is fairly true to the books. 

Scott Pilgrim, Volume 5: Scott Pilgrim vs. the Universe by Bryan Lee O'Malley

 Scott Pilgrim, Volume 5: Scott Pilgrim vs. the Universe by Bryan Lee O'Malley-218 pages

Scott Pilgrim continues his crusade against the seven evil exes to win the right to continue dating Ramona Flowers. In this fifth volume, he has to face off against the Katayanagi twins, Ken and Kyle. Will he defeat the twins and will his relationship with Ramona last? Is Scott Pilgrim a bad person? Will Ramona go back to Gideon (who is the seventh and final evil ex Scott must face)? I am still going back and forth on whether I like the movie or the book series better. I'll know after the last volume. 

Scott Pilgrim, Volume 4: Scott Pilgrim Gets It Together by Bryan Lee O'Malley

 Scott Pilgrim, Volume 4: Scott Pilgrim Gets It Together by Bryan Lee O'Malley-205 pages

Scott Pilgrim's story continues his fight against all seven of Ramona's Evil Exes (they're now exes and not ex-boyfriends). This time Scott must fight against Roxie, who is a girl Ramona sort of dated during a "phase" where she experimented with her sexuality. Scott also figures out that he's in love with Ramona and says it aloud to her for the first time. I am going back and forth on whether I like the graphic novels/manga better or the movie better. I'm not sure at this point. 

Scott Pilgrim, Volume 3: Scott Pilgrim & The Infinite Sadness by Bryan Lee O'Malley

Scott Pilgrim, Volume 3: Scott Pilgrim & The Infinite Sadness by Bryan Lee O'Malley-192 pages

I changed my mind and plan to read volumes 3-6 of Scott Pilgrim after all. I want to see how the story ends in the graphic novels/manga and compare it to the movie. Volume 3 picks up where volume 2 left off, which is with Scott Pilgrim preparing to face off with Todd Ingram. Todd is Ramona's third evil ex-boyfriend and happens to currently be dating Scott Pilgrim's ex-girlfriend, Envy Adams. I am enjoying reading through this series, although, at this point, I think I like the movie better than the graphic novels/manga. I might change my mind pending the rest of the series, though. If you're a fan of the movie, then I would recommend reading the series. 

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (Scott Pilgrim, Vol. 2) by Brian Lee O'Malley

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (Scott Pilgrim, Vol. 2) by Brian Lee O'Malley-200 pages

 Scott Pilgrim vs. The World continues the story of Scott Pilgrim and his fight against Ramona Flowers' Seven Evil Ex-Boyfriends. The movie of the same name is based on the entire series by O'Malley. I have enjoyed reading the first 2 volumes, but I don't plan on reading the rest of the 6 total volumes at this time. If you like the movie, then you would like the manga/graphic novels and vice versa.

Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life (Scott Pilgrim, Vol. 1) by Bryan Lee O'Malley

Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life (Scott Pilgrim, Vol. 1) by Bryan Lee O'Malley-168 pages

I have seen the film "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" several times and I enjoy it. I saw these on the shelf at V-Stock at the South County Center and requested them through Evergreen instead of purchasing them. The movie is pretty true to the first book, but it also covers the second book (at least). One difference is that in the book Scott Pilgrim must face Seven Evil Ex-Boyfriends, but in the movie it's Seven Evil Exes, which include women. However, overall, the book and movie are both good and enjoyable. I plan to read Vol. 2 next (which is titled "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World"). 

Unyielding Hope by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan

Unyielding Hope by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan - 331 pages

As a young girl, Lillian Walsh lost both her parents and a younger sister. Now in her twenties, after enduring the death of her adoptive mother, Lillian must find her place in the world. Just as her adoptive father is leaving for an extended trip to his native Wales, a lawyer appears at the door to inform Lillian that she has inherited a small estate from her birth parents--and that the sister she had long believed dead is likely alive.

When she discovers that her sister, Grace, is living in a city not far away, Lillian rushes to a reunion, fearful that the years of separation will make it hard to reconnect.

When the two sisters meet, Grace is not at all what Lillian expected to find. Though her circumstances have been difficult, Grace has big dreams. Can Lillian set aside her own plans to join her sister in an adventure that will surely change them both?

The Answer is...:Reflections on My Life by Alex Trebek

The Answer is...:Reflections on My Life by Alex Trebek-304 pages

I grew up watching Jeopardy! and I still catch it when I can. I don't get the opportunity to watch it often anymore, but I still very much enjoy it when I do. I've taken the online test a few times, but I've never gotten called for an audition. When I heard that this was coming out I immediately knew I would want to read it. A few reviews on Goodreads have knocked it for Trebek's writing not being as eloquent as his speaking, but he states in the Introduction to the book that his writing is not on par with his speaking. I feel this is an unfair criticism and I have enjoyed reading this book. I have learned a few things I didn't know about Trebek before, such as that his mother spent 36 hours in labor with him and wouldn't let him forget it during her 95 years on earth, his father was an immigrant to Canada from Ukraine, Trebek's given name is George Alexander Trebek (his dad's was George Edward Trebek, so that's why he started going by Alex), and so on. Also, he spent 3 days in military college, but quit because he decided it wasn't for him. Trebek shares his thoughts on some of the more notable contestants and his thoughts on the show and it's success over the years. Finally, I enjoyed a story he shared about meeting Queen Elizabeth II in a greeting line after a show he participated in while living in Canada. On the first night, he conversed with Her Majesty the Queen for about 5 minutes because Prince Philip was lingering behind and it's customary for them to leave together. Trebek thought he had a good, short conversation and a connection with the Queen. However, he was in a different greeting line the next night and the Queen didn't remember who he was or their conversation from the previous night. Finally, I find it very cool that we both sponsor (in his case now, sponsored) a child through World Vision. He also traveled to many different countries with World Vision and donated time and money to several other charities. It seems (from this book and having watched Jeopardy! many times over the years) that Trebek was a humble, kind, caring man and it would have been cool to meet him. 

 

No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky

 No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky-354 pages

Inspired by true events, this story takes place in London in 1908.  It was a time when there were many orphans on the streets of London and they thought that the program of shipping them off to Canada, to loving homes was the answer. 

The McAlister family is living on the edge of the poorhouse after the tragic loss of their father.
When the mother falls tragically ill and is hospitalized, her younger children are forced to go to the orphanage.  When they are shipped to Canada their oldest sister knows that she must act quickly if she is to bring the family back together again.

This book brings to the fore what situations these poor children found themselves in.  Yet, the love of their true family is what strengthened them to endure.

I enjoyed this book very much.

The River by Peter Heller

The River by Peter Heller – 253 p.

A breathtaking whirlwind of a story of friendship, love and loss, and family ties. Of adventure and survival – both of the elements and humanity. Wynn and Jack set out on the canoe trip of a lifetime in the wilds of northern Canada. They are confident and well-prepared. Then, Things Happen. I wish this story had ended a bit differently, but it sure was a beautiful, wild ride while it lasted.

Boys, Bears, and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots by Abby McDonald

Boys, Bears, and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots by Abby McDonald - 304 pages

Jenna may hail from the ’burbs of New Jersey, but Green Teen activism is her life. So when her mom suggests they spend the summer at Grandma’s Florida condo, Jenna pleads instead to visit her hippie godmother, Susie, up in rural Canada. Jenna is psyched at the chance to commune with this nature she’s heard about — and the cute, plaidwearing boys she’s certain must roam there. But after a few run-ins with local wildlife (from a larger-than-life moose to Susie’s sullen Goth stepdaughter to a hot but hostile boy named Reeve), Jenna gets the idea that her long-held ideals, like vegetarianism and conservation, don’t play so well with this population of real outdoorsmen. A dusty survival guide offers Jenna amusing tips on navigating the wilderness — but can she learn to navigate the turns of her heart? 

An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield

An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield, 304 pages

Chris Hadfield is a Canadian astronaut who gained international fame in 2012 when he not only became the first Canadian astronaut to command the International Space Station, but also the first one to go viral.  I'll admit, if it wasn't for all the time I've spent on YouTube, I probably would never have even heard of Col. Hadfield.  He posted videos of him doing stuff in space without gravity...just regular everyday things.  And oh my gosh are they interesting.

But enough about his videos (which are cool, so check them out), this is about his book.  An Astronauts Guide is part biography, part life help, all awesome.  Hadfield shows insight into the intense training it takes to go to space (it's more than that giant centrifuge) both mentally and physically, and offers advice along the way, like preparation for anything by asking what could kill me next or aim to be a zero.

Anyway, I really enjoyed the book.  Chris Hadfield leads an interesting life, and if aliens had shown up within his command of the ISS, I would be honored to have him be the representative for the human race.

The Beautiful Mystery: a Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, by Louise Penny, 400 pages

The Beautiful Mystery: a Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, by Louise Penny, 400 pages

I've heard good things about Louise Penny, so I got this audiobook, not realizing it's #8 in a series.  It didn't prevent me from understanding the current action/mystery, but it might have provided some helpful background for the characters and their conflicts.

At a remote, fairly mysterious monastery in the wilds of Quebec, a cloistered monk is murdered.  Chief Inspector Gamache and Beauvoir stay until they can figure out which monk did the murdering.  The characters are wonderfully developed, as is the story, and if you have trouble pronouncing French, I highly recommend the audiobook version.

Life of Pi: A Novel by Yann Martel

Life of Pi: A Novel by Yann Martel, 319 pages

This was a great story about Pi Patel, the son of a zookeeper, whose family leaves India for Canada.  As his family sets off to sea on a Japanese ship with some zoo animals, the ship tragically sinks and leaves Pi alone at sea on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.  The story follows Pi and the tiger on their struggle to survive at sea without food and water and how Pi survives without being eaten himself.  The story makes you think.  How can Pi survive without being eaten?  Pi and Richard make it to Mexico.  Pi recounts his story to the Japanese authorities and leaves one in wonder of his story telling genius.  What really happened at sea? 

The Lady is a Vamp by Lynsay Sands

The Lady is a Vamp by Lynsay Sands, 291 pages

This is the 17th book to the Argeneau Family series. It is final the story of Jeanne Lousie and a mortal named Paul. Paul does knows that Jeanie is a vampire because he works for Argeneau Enterprises in the reasearch and development part, but only with the humans. Paul kidnapps Jeanie so she can turn his daughter, but Jeanie finds out that Paul is her lifemate. Will Jeanie decide to use her one turn to turn Paul's daughter or will the Enforcers get to them brfore the task is performed.