A HAIR-RAISING TALE… HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

5 Stars

Fantasy

A HAIR-RAISING TALE… HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

The Secrets of Hawthorne House is a hairraising tale perfect for young readers and lighthearted adults looking for an enjoyable and easy read. Fifteen-year-old Matt Mitchell is having one of the worst summers of his life. His torment starts when his mother dies in a tragic car accident. Matt's grief-stricken father cannot remain in the family's seaside cottage, so he moves Matt and his twin sister as far away as possible––far from the place they all loved. But their relocation to the small town of Hawthorne only makes life more challenging for Matt. There are bullies at his new school who are going out of their way to make Matt's life unbearable. Making matters worse, rumors have crossed his ears that an evil, murdering witch inhabits the run-down Victorian mansion next door. There is a lyrical, almost playful quality to the author's voice. Most of the time, I would say this is a problem; however, in this case, it not only works; it's a real joy to read. I must confess, the copy of the book that we reviewed did have a few typographical errors. However, in good conscience, I cannot rob this fantastic book of the rating that it deserves. Now we wait for book two! Please, Mr. Firesmith, do hurry!

~Keith Katsikas, TopShelf Reviews

5 Stars

History

CAN’T REMEMBER A BOOK THAT MOVED ME SO MUCH!

I cannot remember reading a book that moved me so much, evoking so many emotions, from anger to disbelief, which made me stop and think about my own approach to life. To read about the experiences the black community was going through in the 1950s from someone's perspective, living through the bullying, intimidation, and fearing for their lives, put's one's life in view. The segregation was unbelievable, and the visceral hatred and violence and injustice incredible. Yet despite the many injustices the black students faced, they continued to hold their heads up high and with dignity. This book is written from the voices of the authors, just before the reforms initiated by the protests of Rosa Parks in 1955 and Martin Luther King's "I have a dream', speech in 1963. Thank you, Mrs. Eckford and Ms. Stanley, for such a great read. I admire your reserve and dedication in having to relive the horrors and showing that your beliefs can overcome the adversities you came across is a true testament to your character and legacy.

~Michael Rowland, TopShelf Review

Satire

UPBEAT, ENTERTAINING… THROUGHLY ENJOYABLE!

A really upbeat, entertaining book that is throughly enjoyable! Hippie has always been carefree. Wherever life leads him, he goes. George Cramwell lived a normal New York City life, and he hardly ever left the city - until one fateful night. Freckles is one cool Rottweiler. And he always loved a good chase. Though they travel different routes, their paths will align… And it will all be Ridicula! Ridicula is truly an entertaining read! With several unique and fun stories, seemingly separate, that end up coming together in a crazy and wild ride!

~Jenn Taylor, TopShelf Review