The Garden of Words by Makoto Shinkai

The Garden of Words by Makoto Shinkai - 196 pages

Akizuki plays hooky every first period of a rainy school day.  He goes to the park and draws possible designs for shoes.  That is how he meets the mysterious woman who also plays hooky from work on rainy days to drink beer and chocolate in the park.  A connection is made between the two when she quotes a poem to him as she leaves the first day.  Will Akuzuki figure out the meaning before it's too late?

I picked this up as I was looking for something to read on my lunch break.  I didn't realize I would actually finish it on break.  It's a very quick read with sparse text and conversation between the characters.  It was an interesting story. I kind of wish there was a sequel to see how their meetings changed their lives in the future rather than just ending once they figure out who each other is.

Runny Babbit by Shel Silverstein

Runny Babbit by Shel Silverstein, 96 pages

This was one of the silliest and funniest books.  This is the creative genius of Shel Silverstein.  With characters, such as Toe Jurtle, Skertie Gunk, Rirty Dat and Dungry Hog, kids will love this fun book.  It is interesting to note that this book was published in 2005 after his death in 1999 and was said to be a work in progress for twenty years.

The Missing Piece Meets The Big O by Shel Silverstein

The Missing Piece Meets the Big O by Shel Silverstein, 104 pages

I read this book before I realized it was the second book written as a companion book to The Missing Piece.  This book and the previous book were so simply written and illustrated that I had to google it to see how the underlying message is so truly inspirational.

A Place Like This by Steven Herrick

A Place Like This by Steven Herrick, 136 pages

A Place Like This is a companion to Love, Ghosts, & Facial Hair.  In Australia, Jack and Annabel decide to leave school for a cross country adventure.  When they run of out gas and money, they stumble onto George and his apple farm.  Fate falls to all of them as George needs someone to pick the apples off his tree.  George's daughter, Emma, is pregnant, son Craig and daughter Beck are too young.  Jack and Annabel develop a special bond with George and his children, especially Emma.  Emma envies Jack and Annabel as they embark on a journey of their lifetime.

Love, Ghosts, & Facial Hair by Steven Herrick

Love, Ghosts, & Facial Hair by Steven Herrick, 115 pages

Sixteen year old Jack could be your typical teenager except his mom died seven years ago.  Jack has a special relationship with his Mom's ghost. Things change when Jack falls in love with Annabel.  Jack has to learn to let go of his Mom's ghost and the past.

I love the title of this book!  Love, Ghosts, & Facial hair is a sweet story of a young man trying to find himself in Australia.

On The Pulse Of Morning by Maya Angelou

On The Pulse Of Morning by Maya Angelou, 20 pages

On The Pulse Of Morning was read by Angelou at President Bill Clinton's Inauguration on January 20, 1993.  It speaks of new beginnings for our country.  She uses the river, rock and tree as symbols.  For all, the poem symbolizes hope for our country and coming together as one nation.  Bill Clinton's Inauguration was a new beginning for our country.

A Brave And Startling Truth by Maya Angelou

A Brave And Startling Truth by Maya Angelou, 20 pages

Maya Angelou wrote this inspiring poem to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. The poem was read on June 26, 1995 in San Francisco. Dedicated to the hope for peace, this poem is very inspirational.  The message is simple: a hope for peace around the world, so every man and woman can freely live without fear.  Beautifully and simply written.

I Don't Want To Be Crazy by Samantha Schutz

I Don't Want To Be Crazy by Samantha Schutz, 280 pages

Samantha writes in poem form with great detail about her personal experience with panic attacks and anxiety disorders she suffered when she left home for college.  I Don't Want To Be Crazy is a touching book for anyone experiencing panic attacks or for anyone who knows someone experiencing them.  This book is written for both teens and adults struggling to understand panic attacks and anxiety disorders.  Samantha writes with great honesty about  the medication she is prescribed and her journey to mental well being. All this she experiences while getting her college degree and dealing with becoming an adult. This was a great read!

MSCHMITT--- The Night before Christmas, Clement C Moore 32

MSCHMITT--- The Night before Christmas, Clement C Moore 32

The classic poem about Christmas and the magic that it brings.