Sunday Salon (It's My Birthday!!!) & Give-a-Way

No joke!!! It is my birthday. I admit it, I'm shallow and "it's all about me." No, not really, but I will be alone today. However, I know Sunday Salon will make me smile and I will spend some time with you and a great book. Not to mention my greyts and felines. So if you want to just say hi and Happy Birthday don't hesitate.

This week was a slow reading week for me. It seems that I may have mono or some tick disease that is making me fall asleep. I can't tell you how disturbing this is for avid readers like us. Just picture you had a full nights rest.

As I woke up all I could think about was, coffee, relaxation, reading and relaxing. So I settle into my favorite comfy chair arranging cushions till they're just right. Nestling in I crack open the Host, by Stephenie Meyer, dying to read this I am just so psyched. I'm thinking as I'm reading, I'm so glad she is writing for adults also. I hope it is as good as her Twilight Series. ...........I open my eyes and realize I have been sleeping. I'm in the same position, my head still upright, the book pages flipped over my fingers.

Now, if this had been one isolated reading session, I wouldn't care, however, this has been happening for about two weeks. So, now on the weekend, I read a little, sleep a little, read a little, sleep a little and so on.....

For the record I've been reading, Home Girl (Early Reviewer LT), Caesar's Column, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, and the Host. That should keep me busy till the end of summer at the current reading/sleep pattern. LOL

I hope someday to finish a book again. Thanks for sharing my "25th+ a few" birthday with me. (NOT!!!)
Have a great week!!!

This is NIGHT NIGHT... he came off the track from Florida last week. He is almost 3 years old and ready to spend his life with a loving family as a pet. He's looking for a cushy job now, less running, definitely retirement on a cushy couch or extra padded pet bed. I spent yesterday at a Meet and Greet with him and he was quite a little sweetie. Very cute and taking it all in. He is up for adoption with Greyhound Rescue and Rehabilitation.

"My Shallow For the Greyhounds Birthday Give-A-Way"
If donate $3.00 or more for greyhound rescue for my birthday, you will make my day. You need to donate at the linked website . You will see the racing greyhound that says "Make a donation" This takes you to a Pay Pal page. If you don't have an account, you can sign up. In the comments just write " Sunday Salon Mystery's Mom". Remember, this is a tax deductible contribution. Then, tell me you made a donation and want to be entered in the drawing. "MY Birthday GIVE-A-WAY" for a Hardcover Copy of Ines of My Soul by Isabel Allende. (Never Read-Mint) .

Thanks in advance for the Greyhounds. It's all about them. The deadline to enter will be June 6th. I will notify the winner within a few days after that.

Sunday Salon at Cape Cod

I am packing to leave this glorious special spa by the sea so this is just a short Sunday Salon snippet. I didn't want to miss the fun, and I promise Monday or Tuesday, I will be visiting some of your blogs. As for why I missed my post this week...my very special niece (God daughter) got married. It was a weekend of fun, joy, party time and laughter.

During the day of the wedding, my cousin and I went looking for independent bookstores. He and I have shared our love of books since we were kids. When we were old enough and had gained independence, we would go to NYC and browse all day. What fun!!!

This time, while on the Cape, we stumbled upon a used paperback store called "The Book Rack". This was a relatively small shop, but well marked and the books they had were in very good to near perfect condition. All books were half off the retail price. I picked up 6 new books. Barely worn and not a mark inside. What a treasure. Look at the bottom of this post for a photo of the stack. Yikes!!!! I better stop buying.
My cousin was worse than me. Tee Hee {The Book Nook, 1053 Route 28, S. Yarmouth, MA o2664} So, if you are on the Cape this summer, check it out.



Another place we didn't get to, but looked awesome was in Brewter, a little further down the Cape. It is called The Brewster Book Store. Here is a link to the event page. http://www.brewsterbookstore.com/events.shtml as it is so far.
The main page is http://www.brewsterbookstore.com

Sunday Salon..Meeting Barbara Walters

I thought the book signing was Sunday. Oh ______ So being the Gemini Twin, I morphed into panic mode. When I called the bookstore in Madison, they wouldn't hold a copy of the book even when I said I would pay for it with a credit card.(Customer Service, 21st Century Style) My GPS didn't work and sent me in circles. I thought, "Was there a magnetic phenomenon that screwed up the satellite belt above Earth?" I hadn't eaten anything so I would save time, I was queasy and vertigo had set in. I darted in and out of the Saturday Mother's Day shopping traffic. Do drivers know that when they slam on their breaks, it triggers their break lights to come on? Seriously, stop..go..stop..slow..stop..stop.. Tires squealed and screeched. I was stupid to not even consider radar, police,a speed trap. I liked to drive like a Dewey Decimal Demon. Besides, I had visions of the salesperson saying, "Sorry, we just sold the last copy." Aghhhhh!! I must be the queen of anxiety. Fret, sweat, and fret some more.

I finally made it to Madison. Happily, there was a special book at the register for me. They had not run out...yet. There was one for me and I wouldn't leave empty handed.

Feeling like Willie Wonka, I went out to wait in the long line of "lucky purple ticket holders." I started to read. My mind blocked out the cacophony of downtown distractions. A loud party of four disturbed my thoughts. I looked up and noticed they had little interest in the book. Their books remained closed. While I stood there, I looked up and down the line and opened my ears to the conversations around me. I sensed many (certainly not all,and not the majority)people were not there to get the book to READ but to see Barbara Walters. Yes, they grinned as they left the store with their book, her signature and a dust collector show to their friends.

Can you my friends even imagine that your book would stay closed for a second? Can you imagine not even one peak at that book if it were you who stood on the sidewalk? You waited for the author's signature,who you would soon meet, but dared not read a word of her book?

From her candid expressive writing I enjoyed what I read. I inched closer to the front door. I was surprised I was able to concentrate in that long noisy line on the Boston Post. I inched a little closer, a salesperson came around to make sure our purple tickets were ready, and our books were "flapped" to the title page. She mentioned as an afterthought Ms. Walters would only sign her name no personalization. I preferred that anyway. I continued to read, bothered by the intrusion.I got my book, but did not get my photo with Barbara Walters. Why? The batteries had failed! Another Madison mishap. Miss Tekey also forgot her camera phone in the car.

No picture and it was my turn to meet her. She shook my hand and we talked. I could easily see what made her so successful as an interviewer. Her focus was only on me for those few minutes we talked. I had read the prologue while I stood in line. I thought to myself how fabulous she looked, and how approachable she was. We talked about the prologue and her sister. She impressed me, she was real, charming, tireless and a beautiful person who kept a smile on for everyone.


Hey, I got my book after a bit of a battle. My mom is still looking out for me. Thanks MOM and Happy Mother's Day. I still miss you and will love you always.

Sunday Salon-Cognition vs "No Child Left Behind"

I read this article from Friday's New York Times, and this link is a blog from School Library Media (online). I was so surprised and thrilled when this topic came up on my RSS feed. I had similar thoughts with this blogger. I take issue with this portion of the article in particular:

"But the most important part of information’s journey is the last few inches — the space between a person’s eyes or ears and the various regions of the brain. Does the individual have the capacity to understand the information?"

ALA (American Library Association) is always one step ahead. (see ALA Homepage) However, I also have to put in my plug for the teachers I work with. I read this article from Friday's New York Times, and thought, this is not a new concept!!

Classrooms are filled with curious minds clamoring to ask cognitive questions. Educators know this. From my perspective as a media specialist, in an elementary school with 18 classroom teachers, they are engaging students in meta-cognition methods of learning each day.

The problem excluding overcrowding, budget deficiencies, lack of materials, lack of support staff, to name a few, is mainly over testing too much and lack of time to teach. It is not what or how students are learning, but how much time they have engaged in this process. Ask any teacher you know and they will sadly tell you that most of their time, at least at the elementary level is giving assessments.

Teachers need the time to teach, where the emphasis is on learning not testing. Students have learned how to pass the CMT'S , because their day is spent perparing for the CMT. This is not a choice, it is Federal Law. School districts must achieve "No Child Left Behind" standards or face strict and severe sanctions and penalties.
Let our teachers do their job....Let them TEACH!!! Ok...I'll get off my box now.

Sunday Salon-Franklin and Lucy

This week I finished the ARC of Franklin and Lucy, President Roosevelt, Mrs. Rutherfurd, and the Other Remarkable Women in His Life by Joseph E. Persico.

This is a 5 [***** ] star history book that reads like a novel. Persico is a master of interweaving quotations from other sources as he unravels Roosevelt's deceptive drama as president. Mrs. Paul Johnson was a frequent visitor at the White House, her real name was Lucy Rutherfurd. Lucy was FDR's forever love and Persico reveals the details of the strength and depth of the relationship in his book. Mrs. Roosevelt uncovered the affair when FDR was gravely ill and diagnosed with polio. He would never walk again. Eleanor discovered his packet of love letters and once he was able, she confronted him. Her terms were an immediate termination of the affair, no further contact with Lucy Rutherfurd and she would no longer share the same bed with him. Eleanor was devastated, but carried on by helping others, starting social programs and traveling the world as an embassador for positive change. They saw each other occasionally, but were for the most part married on paper, both living very prominent public positions, but separately.

Persico depicts Franklin as a larger than life ladies man. Yet, he was bound to a wheelchair for life. Refusing to allow the world to think less of him, that he was weak,(his thoughts, not the authors) he contrived braces, and a system of movement to hide his disability from the world. The excruciating persistent pain he carried on always with a smile. There are only two photographs that are know to be in existence of FDR in his wheelchair.

He had to be the center of attention when he was with women. His mother Sara controlled FDR his entire life. Although he had a lifetime affair with Lucy, she was not the only women of significance in his life. I won't spoil your fun reading this wonderful book. This bookworm has said enough...I need to nibble on another page. See ya next week....

The release date is April 29th. I highly recommend it.

PS: I still love and admire ER for her power, strength and social reform work. However, after reading Persico's book, I have a different opinion about Eleanor the woman. Tell me your opinion after you read Persico's book. Thanks. Happy Sunday!!

Sunday Salon..I just love Eleanor Roosevelt!!!

Good Morning Saloners!!
I've been reading the soon to be released book, "Franklin and Lucy" by Joseph Persico. I was reading early this morning about 2:30AM when I finally crashed. Sleeping "in" was not to be on my last day of vacation; thanks to my four feisty fur kids. My rescued greyhounds. Their clock is set on coach potato time and not my time. Which means they sleep whenever their big heart desires. But who cares, they deserve this second life out of a crate and off the track chasing that buzzing bunny. (OK..had to get that little plug in for Greyhound Adoption see below)

Now, I'm awake and they're sleeping again. So, hi to everyone! It is great to be a part of Sunday Salon surrounded by bloggers who share their love of books with each other. I have been reading many of your posts already and finally decided to be brave.

Back to Franklin and Lucy, subtitle President Roosevelt, Mrs. Rutherfurd, and the Other Remarkable Women in His Life is an irresistible book about FDR and the women who surrounded him. I enjoy reading about strong women, and have always admired Eleanor. After reading the first half of this book, I have a greater understanding of how she became one of the most prominent leaders for social change in her day. I empathize and have compassion for her position and respect her decision to support FDR despite his continuous infidelity.

The parallels between Eleanor and Hillary are out of the twilight zone. No doubt they would have made great friends with so much in common. The book reveals the love affair Franklin had with Lucy Rutherfurd and his later relationships with his secretary "Missy" and others. You will have to wait until next week to for any further revelations. As I bookmark my page, FDR has just been diagnosed with polio, a disease which will alter his mobility and lifestyle forever.

The picture I have included is a monument called "Grief" that Eleanor frequently visited after she discovered the affair her husband was having with Lucy. The betrayal was just devastating to her and she would go to this place and sit for hours. I can only imagine her thoughts, reflections and possibly the peace she may have reached as she sat in solitude. The artist was Augustus Saint-Gaudens, who was hired by Henry Adams to honor his wife, Marian "Clover"Adams upon her death. She had committed suicide by swallowing photographic acid upon discovering his affair with another woman.

I felt compelled to find a picture of the sculpture, since it appears it wasn't important enough to be included in the book. I think as a feminist, and therefore I was disappointed it was not a visual in the book. (However, the author has not included any photos in this advanced copy.) "Grief" as a piece of stone, a memorial, another betrayal, a different conclusion, a wife's death, was so essential in understanding Eleanor. The picture is from the article in the (Washington Post) .

Have a great week everyone. I am on to more reading, but not Franklin. This time some required reading for an American History grad course I'm taking called Liberty and Justice. It's actually an awesome course with all books required paid for...how can you beat that? Don't forget about the greyhounds!!!!
Greyhound Rescue and Rehabilitation

...and everyone wore a hat...

Dream Lucky, by Roxanne Orgill
in stores April 22nd.

Roxanne Orgill breathes life into the lines of a historian’s notes. I can see the influence from her children’s historical picture books, but this helps to enhance her book. Dream Lucky is a wonderfully imaginative way to convey the culture, the community, and most importantly, the color barrier that had yet to be broken during this period of history prior to WWII.
This book reminded me of sitting at the dinner table with my parents, sharing stories of their life growing up, “in the olden days.” They always laughed when my siblings or I would call it that. But looking back and reading this book, I’m so glad to have gleaned those memories. Dream Lucky presents snapshots in time of the way it was, the way people who lived it, saw it. Anyone, who is a baby boomer, even a late boomer like myself can relate to the short vignettes in the book and recall what they were told as a child. If you lived during that time, Orgill will make you sway to the sounds of swing. Count Basie, Bennie, Billie, Ella and all the marvelous musicians of that era will echo in your ears as you read. The author periodically placed black and white photos throughout the book, which enhances your presence in that moment in time. You also hear the radio and see the family huddled around the box. Even though they can’t see anything, they stare listening silently so no sentence is missed. There was something for the whole family, Roosevelt’s Fireside Chats, The Lone Ranger, Burns and Allen, Orson Wells, and more.
What Orgill understands, from any teacher’s perspective, is that history doesn’t have to be an outdated, inaccurate textbook with facts, dates and dry content. That is assuming the schools have enough money to purchase textbooks for every student. We are alive when we are making history. Her approach to history is enjoyable, believable and readable, as it can and should be. You gain the knowledge from the point of view of a ubiquitous insider, who is witness to the events as they unfold during 1936-1938. You stand with Count Basie, Joe Louis, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Jacob Lawrence and so many other African American people who worked where they couldn’t eat, shopped, where they couldn’t work and who had to put up with the laws of Jim Crow, who was alive and active in the south. The social reform movement for racial equality was just beginning to emerge under the leadership of Reverend Adam Clayton Powell Jr. No matter who you were during this period of history, there was tension and turmoil worldwide, and no one stateside including FDR wanted another World War. What everyone had at that time was their dreams and so they hoped they would “Dream Lucky.”
Roxanne Orgill is unique in her approach to historical writing and understands how to make it real. I highly recommend this exceptionally entertaining history and I know as you read it you will believe you are there.

If I Only Had a Horn (story about Louis Armstrong) I have read this book to my students in elementary school. They have also taken it out of the library to read independently. They really like it. It is enjoyed by all ages, but primarily grades 2-5.

A bookworm's dinner "Give-a-way Winners!!!!"

Congratulations to the Winners!!!

jessleigh is the winner of The Princes of Ireland
Melissa V-D is the winner of Peace Like a River

Thank you all for participating
jessleigh and Melissa, please send your address or email to

tekey girl @ gmail dot com (note: tekey girl has no space)

A bookworm's dinner give-a-way

My little bookworm friend has two books to give away to a new friend. Peace Like a River by Leif Enger and The Princes of Ireland, by Edward Rutherfurd. You have until April 11th, 5:ooPM (EST) to post a comment. If you leave a comment on the review for "Shades of Gray" by Jessica James, I will enter your name twice. Sorry, but this is open to US locations only. Good luck. Donna Thyme

A Must Read....Shades of Gray by Jessica James

I feel I must start off my new blog with one of the best books I have read in years!! Shades of Gray, by Jessica James takes place during the Civil War, an historical novel of difficult choices. The Civil War pitted brothers, sisters and whole families against their own relatives. Passion was intense on the battlefield we know, but Jessica James creates a series of smoldering skirmishes and competitive contests of wit between the two main characters, Andrea and Alex Hunter.
Andrea, a southerner disguised as a man (Sinclair) is an expert equestrian who spies behind Confederate pickets. The battles from her past drive her over enemy lines to fight against her southern homeland. Hunter, a true southern Confederate from well-healed Virginia bloodlines, would rather die than surrender. When circumstances force Andrea and Alex to live at his southern plantation, the true battles of this book begin.
Ms. James has such an incredible flowing style of writing, that her dialogue between the Andrea and Alex was so entertaining, I felt I was there, in the next room. I felt like I was the spy lurking in the living room, like I shouldn't be listening. I actually found myself belly-laughing, giggling, sobbing to the point I had to keep tissues next to me. I'm not kidding!!! Listen to this quote from her book,

"Is that what you call the midnight mischief created by your mob of marauding miscreants? Lord have mercy on the Confederacy if you serve her through the unchristian and atrocious acts that are plotted and perpetrated by your band of highway-robbing heathens and hell-deserving henchmen." (p.195)

I have to admit I have red stickies all over this book where I wanted to go back and read portions of the text again. This book is much more than a book about the Civil War. The war is just the setting. If you want to read a book you will never forget and will think about for months after reading it. Read Shades of Gray. I challenge anyone not to cry, even the toughest among us. This book took my breath away. Jessica James is a master of storytelling and suspense. Honestly, you will not sleep.