Book Review: I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced

I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced by Nujood Ali.

Rating: Five Stars

Nujood is a simple village girl, who loves school and playing with children her own age. But her life is suddenly turned upside down when she is forced to marry a older man. This is Nujood's story.

At 10 she was forced by her father to marry a man that was 30 and he promised not to touch her until she reached puberty.
Nujood is quickly married and then goes to live with her husband and his family. She meets her mother-in-law, who turns out not to be a very kind woman, and her life begins as a wife. But Nujood's husband doesn't keep his promise. On her first night living there, he comes into her bedroom and rapes her. This continues each night and then he starts to beat her for refusing him.
Two months later, Nujood is staying with her parents after begging her husband to let her. And it's there she gets up the courage to go to court.
After waiting for a half a day to meet a judge, when a judge finally shows up he asks her what she wants.
"I want a divorce," Nujood said.

I read this book because someone on a blog recommended it and I am glad that I did read this. Nujood's story is truly inspiring. She was a brave girl, fighting for a divorce and her freedom from a abusive man.
I think one day Nujood will make a great lawyer and help a lot of women/young girls that might be in the same situation she was in. I know it took a lot for her to go court and for her to share her story, but in doing so, other young girls have begun speaking up and divorcing their husbands they were forced to marry. What she went through was horrible, but the courage she had to speak up, it seems has inspired others to speak up, too, and do something about their situation. I'm glad she shared her story and I hope it continues to inspire people to speak up when they are in a situation like hers.

The book was well-written and inspiring. It's definitely one I'd recommend to people.

Book Review: Coyote Christmas: A Lakota Story

Coyote Christmas: A Lakota Story by S.D. Nelson

Rating: Five Stars


Times may have changed, but Coyote has not. He is up to his old tricks again and on Christmas Eve, Coyote finds himself hungry. Coyote decides to dress up as Santa Claus and trick a family into giving him a free meal. But in the end, Coyote's trick turns into a gift for the family who fed him.

Coyote is the infamous trickster of Native American tales. He is often selfish, greedy, needy and can be naughty, but in a funny way. Tales of Coyote are used to teach children what they aren't supposed to do.
This was a wonderfully told story. Coyote is the same as always and the story is just good. And of course, in the end Coyote makes a bit of a fool of himself.
It was a delightful book. I really enjoyed it.

Book Review: The Reindeer Keeper

The Reindeer Keeper by Barbara Briggs Ward

Rating: Five Stars


Abbey and her husband Steve move into the farmhouse that was given to her father after he passes away.
There is a barn full of animals and a little man named Thomas who takes care of them all, including the Reindeer. Abbey and Steve are looking forward to Christmas with their children, who are coming home for the holiday. It turns out, Christmas is the most wonderful it has ever been and Abbey learns a lot from living in the farmhouse and the reindeer keeper Thomas.

I won this book in a giveaway from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. It is the story of a family coming together, forgiveness and magic.
There is so, so much I want to say about this book. The characters were likeable, flawed, but generally tried their best to do good. They were easy to relate to. This book brought tears to my eyes more than once and I felt everything the characters felt: love, sadness, joy and pain.
It was beautifully written, wonderful in every way and truly makes you believe in Santa Claus, wonder and magic. Believing in those things aren't just for children, it's okay for adults to believe too, and that is what the characters in the book learn. Believe in magic, in the wonder of it all. Life is precious, cherish every moment and love.

I love this book. Although sad, it was beautiful and I just wonder why this wasn't a bestseller? It is wonderful! More people should know about this book and read it. I highly recommend this book. It definitely great to read at Christmas time.

Book Review: ClockWork or All Wound Up

Clockwork or All Wound Up
By Philip Pullman

Karl is an apprentice clockmaker and soon the day is coming where his apprenticeship comes to an end. Karl is to make a figure to put in the clock for all to see. All clockmakers have done so before him, but the problem is he has failed and doesn't have a figure to put in the clock. One night while at the Inn, Karl and the other people from town are there to listen to the local writer, Fritz. The towns people love listening to the stories Fritz writes. This night something happens, something no one would think would happen. A character from Fritz' story is real! And apparently is there to help Karl.

This book is not exactly scary, but it is a bit creepy and strange so I think this is perfect for halloween. It is a small book, only a little over 100 pages long. Definitely a good story, a little strange and quite interesting. I know I was a little surprised at parts. If your looking for a quick read this is a good book.