"Undaunted: Five True Stories from World War II" by J. Pepper Bryars

I am a little conflicted about this book. It was a very interesting look at several people's journeys during World War II. However, I felt the the writing was a little juvenile and overall it was far too short.

From the title, you can get the overall set-up of Undaunted: Five True Stories from World War II. Each chapter follows a different person at a different location during the war. While I like the overall concept of this book, upon finishing it, I was left with a desire for more. At times, it reminded me of a school assignment where the writer had done some research, but not quite enough and was rushing to get the final paper finished in time to turn in. This really is a shame as Bryars had a great concept for this book. I'm guessing some of my struggle with this book is not being sure who it's target audience is. Length-wise I could see it being great for kids, but as some of the topics are a little graphics, I would suggest it for more mature readers.

As a book delving into the lives of people who were in the middle of World War II, I would have to say that this an okay read. I would love it is Bryars took this book and expanded it into something more either with more details pertaining to each person or more stories from other people. I'm not sure if I would recommend this book. Perhaps as a quick resource guide to find out more about World War II, but I would definitely recommend branching out into other books as well.

Happy Reading
-Melly

"Double Take" by Kevin Michael Connolly

I'm not quite sure how I feel about this book.  The concept for Double Take is great, but the writing and the actual story left something to be desired.  Though he was born without legs, Kevin Michael Connolly wasn't raised to be different from anyone else.  He is your average guy, he just happens to be a little shorter than most.  While on a trip overseas, he took a photo of a man that was staring at him.  This picture sparked a project that would last over several countries and that would lead to his future opportunities and success.  It seems like his life would make for a rather engaging memoir.  Sadly, it felt that Connolly desperately needed a ghost writer or a stronger editor to help give the book some real meat.  I read this book rather quickly, the font felt a little big and the margins a little small.  The early chapters that described his childhood and his father's MacGyver-like inventions were interesting, the rest of the novel felt flat.  The only thing that really made up for it was attending an event and hearing Connolly speak.  In person he is quirky, charming, and very captivating.  If you have the opportunity to listen to him speak, go!  But you won't miss a lot if you skip reading his book...

Happy Reading!
-Melly

"Dick Van Dyke: My Lucky Life in and Out of Show Business" by Dick Van Dyke

I guess you could say I have a guilty pleasure when it come to reading and that pleasure would be memoirs.  I just love them.  I recently came across Dick Van Dyke's My Lucky Life in and Out of Show Business and immediately checked it out for my kindle- and just couldn't put it down.  Admittedly I knew little of Van Dyke's acting outside of The Dick Van Dyke Show and Mary Poppins and knew nothing of his life outside of the spotlight.  His life in fascinating.  His stardom really was due to a lot of luck and being in the right places at the right time.  He rose from radio host to starring in his own show (though at the time he was still a little known actor).  But through his stardom he was still a dedicated father and husband (well, mostly).  It's always nice to come across the memoirs of someone that has really lived an interesting life that is worth documentation.  This book is not one of those that was written just to be another piece of merchandise for fans to buy.  It was written with real heart!

I kinda figure that this book is marketed more towards an older crowd (no offense).  It's no secret that I LOVE older television shows such as I Love Lucy, Petticoat Junction, and other black and white classics.  Sometimes I feel like I was born in the very wrong decade.  I don't see this book appealing to most younger readers, but I personally loved it and recommend it highly!



Happy Reading!
-Melly

"I Beat The Odds" by Michael Oher with Don Yeger

Why yes, I am a fan of The Blind Side.  So yes, I read Michael Oher's I Beat the Odds: From Homelessness to The Blind Side and Beyond (written with Don Yaeger).  This book tells the whole story of Oher's childhood, both the good and the bad.  Of course you cannot compile 20 some years of a person's life into a decent two hour movie and without it being confusing and possibly boring.  So movie makers only use the really good bits with some Hollywood flair thrown in.  So as much as I love the movie, it was nice to get the read the whole story.

Oher, born in the middle of eleven other siblings, started off at home with his mother but later in life bounced from one foster family to another and later from one friends house to another before being taken in permanently by the Tuohy family.

I found this book very inspiring.  It is clear that Oher has not forgotten about his rough past.  He talks about reasons for not owning multiple million dollar houses and cars and devotes an entire chapter with ways that the reader can give back to their community.  It was nice to read a book by a "celebrity" that made it clear that it took a lot of hard work to gain their success.  Oher describes the hours of dedication it took to complete his high school and college careers as well as the support had from others that helped to make his dreams a reality.  It is very clear that Oher wrote this book from the heart to share his story and to inspire others to realize that they can make a difference, both in their lives and the lives of others around them, no matter what their circumstances.

If you need an uplifting read, this just may be it (and no, you needn't be a spots fan to enjoy it)!

Happy Reading!
-Melly