Meeting Jeff Kinney

Authors are the new rock star!  At least that's how things roll in my family.  Anyone who can get kids excited about reading deserves a cheering section.

My excitement about their excitement was overwhelming when I surprised my sons (and a friend) with tickets to meet one of their favorite authors, Jeff Kinney.  I even managed to get my little men to wear Wimpy Kid shirts without spoiling the surprise.  After picking them all up early from school, I handed out 3 Christmas wrapped books (the latest DOAWK book) and let them know it was an early Christmas gift.  Afterwards, I handed my oldest son a manilla envelope that I stamped with the Wimpy Kid (a previous handmade project) and a santa hat.  He pulled out 3 tickets to a book signing with Jeff Kinney and read them out loud.  When O realized that we were going to meet one of his favorite authors at that very moment, he responded with an energetic, "are you serious?"  He was stoked and the other two boys sat with stunned looks on their faces in amazement.  They all thought I had an appointment that day, so they couldn't believe I had pulled one over on them.

Thanks to a local book store, each of the boys got the latest book in the Wimpy Kid series autographed (along with a drawing of Greg or Manny), a magnet, and a tattoo.  Mr. Kinney spoke with the boys as he signed and shared with them that his kids were in the same grades that they are in.  The boys chose to get a group photo with the amazing author before we headed out.

Thanks Schuler Books & Mr. Kinney!

Mother Son Book Reviews: Double Dose of James Patterson

Outstanding O's Book Reviews

Middle School The Worst Years of My Life

by James Patterson & Christ Tebbetts

Illustrated by Laura Park

Rafe Khatchadorian is a normal kid in middle school with a fantastic story to tell.  In the book "Middle School," Rafe deals with Miller the Killer and problems with teachers.  He creates a game called Operation R.A.F.E. that is about breaking the rules.  My favorite part of the story is when he made a joke in his notebook about Miller the Killer Chicken.  The book is a chapter book with pictures that show a lot of expression.  I loved "Middle School" and would read it over and over again.  Rafe's story made me laugh so hard.  I recommend "Middle School" to every kid that loves James Patterson's books and Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.

Tag your it!  

Mom's review of the latest James Patterson novel for adults is next...

A CMOMProductions Book Review 

Now You See Her 

by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge

If I could only use one word to describe this book, it would be INTENSE!  I did have some difficulty throughout this story.  Putting it down!  So as not to ruin the storyline, I'll be staying away from too many details.

Nina, the main character, has secrets that she can't share with anyone.  Not even her teenage daughter.  When the story begins, we briefly see today's Nina, a successful lawyer and mom, before diving into her past.  

A heart break during a college spring break ultimately leads Jeanine to marry a handsome police officer.  While sharing a relaxed Key West lifestyle, disaster strikes, a secret is revealed, and she must leave to save herself and her unborn child.  In doing so, Jeanine also changes her identity to become Nina Bloom.

Flash forward to present day Nina.  When presented with a pro-bono case through her law firm, she discovers an innocent man has been framed for murder.  To help him, she has to travel back to Key West,  risking the life she has built for herself and daughter.  

My mind was racing during this book.  As a mystery lover since childhood, it is not often easy to surprise me, but James Patterson pulled it off.  I did not see everything coming!  If you like suspense, mystery, and unsuspected twists, you will not be disappointed!  This story is fast paced and could easily translate into a great movie.  Don't miss out on Now You See Her.

I'm a fan of James Patterson and now my oldest son is too!  Other books I've read by Mr. Patterson are the 10 books in the Women's Murder Club series and Private.  He has many more books that I have yet to discover (of course they are on my to read list).  As a parent who believes in raising readers, I'm impressed by his Read Kiddo Read website (also on Facebook).  If you have kids, I encourage you to check it out!  Evidently Mr. Patterson is more than just a great author too.  He is cool enough to be a recurring guest on ABC's Castle.  How can I get in on those poker games? 

It was O's idea to do a double Mother/Son book review for my blog!  This was a fun experience to share, even if we were reading different books.  A"one for you, one for your child" double book release was a smart move by James Patterson, or his people.  O and I will watch for more opportunities like this one.  Don't be surprised to see my fellow eager reader (or maybe both of my boys) giving more reviews in the future.  We may even read the same kid friendly book and tell you what we think from a parent's & child's perspective.  Stay tuned!