Category: Book Shelf

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Book Shelf – Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

Ever read a sentence in a book (or any writing) that reaches into your heart, gently opening a place where longing and sadness stay in hiding, something you’ve forgotten is even there (or pretend isn’t there), until you read just the right words, in just the right moment?

This sentence did that to me (for me?) yesterday. “I bet you could sometimes find all of the mysteries of the universe in someone’s hand.” Reading this sentence caused my eyes to sweat.

I absolutely loved this book, devoured it even. I’d had it on my list for over 2 years, as part of a list of books to read before suggesting them to Thomas and Lillian. I read it in two days, finding it hard to set aside. Beautiful, powerful book. – Camilla

U.S. Amazon: https://amzn.to/2BuBl3a

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Here are a few suggestions on how to further support this author:

  • Comment on the interview
  • Share the interview using the social media buttons
  • Click through to learn more about the author and their book(s)
  • If interested, buy the book and leave a review

To support this website and the author’s interviewed, visit Support MTA for suggestions. Thank you! – Camilla

(The above is an amazon affiliate link.)

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Book Shelf: Born Survivors by Wendy Holden

Born Survivors – Three Young Mothers and Their Extraordinary Story of Courage, Defiance, and Hope by Wendy Holden

Another true story written by Wendy Holden, who was interviewed on MTA in May 2019. The story of three young mothers who were pregnant when imprisoned by the Nazis. An unbelievable fight for survival by three strong and brave women. A must read! – Camilla

Follow this link to read a recent guest post/interview with Wendy on our Friday with Friends series …

Friday with Friends: Timeless Stories of Remarkable Women

US Amazon: https://amzn.to/2TCs9zH

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Here are a few suggestions on how to further support this author:

  • Comment on the interview
  • Share the interview using the social media buttons
  • Click through to learn more about the author and their book(s)
  • If interested, buy the book and leave a review

To support this website and the author’s interviewed, visit Support MTA for suggestions. Thank you! – Camilla

(The above is an amazon affiliate link.)

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Book Shelf: The Painted Fan by Marilyn Singer

The Painted Fan by Marilyn Singer

**Throwback to 2016** – From the time Thomas and Lillian were born I read to them nightly before going to bed; leading to some time in 2017 when we all decided to discontinue doing so. Their tastes in what interested each of them had solidified by this point. We all continue to be heavy readers, reading daily.

Beautifully illustrated story about a time of prophecy, magic and bravery. Great illustrations too. We really enjoyed this one! – Camilla

US Amazon: https://amzn.to/3d0qADq

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To support this website and the author’s interviewed, visit Support MTA for suggestions. Thank you! – Camilla

(The above are amazon affiliate links.)

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Book Shelf: Mr. Sagittarius: Poetry and Prose

Mr. Sagittarius: Poetry and Prose by M J Mallon

I absolutely adore this book and will be sharing it with my 18 year old daughter. I enjoyed the different styles of poetry and prose mixed together with photography. It flowed beautifully. An uplifting, magical, sweet gem of a book. – Camilla

I interviewed the author of this book in March 2020. Follow the link to read more about M J Mallon.

Meet the Author: Mr. Sagittarius by M J Mallon

US Amazon: https://amzn.to/3btc6dR

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To support this website and the author’s interviewed, visit Support MTA for suggestions. Thank you! – Camilla

(The above is an amazon affiliate link.)

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Book Shelf: tapestry of fortunes

tapestry of fortunes by Elizabeth Berg

Stepped out of my usual genre with this one … again. I was pulled in by the cover. It’s an incredibly beautiful cover. Truly enjoyed this tale of 4 women confronting life. It felt as if I were on the journey with them. Loved it. – Camilla

US Amazon: https://amzn.to/2VFXxPi

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To support this website and the author’s interviewed, visit Support MTA for suggestions. Thank you! – Camilla

(The above are amazon affiliate links.)

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Book Shelf: The Full Monty

The Full Monty by Wendy Holden

Absolutely not my typical genre of choice. Yet, I interviewed the author, Wendy Holden, and have been making my way through books she’s written.

I very much enjoyed the story and am looking forward to seeing the movie now. I had a wonderful time getting to know the characters and being a part of the transformation for each of them. Loved it! –Camilla

US Amazon: https://amzn.to/2JMT8n7

Go here if you’d like to read Wendy’s interview …

Meet the Author: One Hundred Miracles by Wendy Holden

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To support this website and the author’s interviewed, visit Support MTA for suggestions. Thank you! – Camilla

(The above are amazon affiliate links.)

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Book Shelf: The Ink Garden of Brother Theophane

“The Ink Garden of Brother Theophane” by C.M. Millen

**Throwback to 2016** – From the time Thomas and Lillian were born I read to them nightly before going to bed; leading to some time in 2017 when we all decided to discontinue doing so. Their tastes in what interested each of them had solidified by this point. We all continue to be heavy readers, reading daily.

Another book we really enjoyed. A wonderful fiction based on the monks of the Middle Ages from Ireland who established monasteries throughout much of Europe and parts of the Middle East. The monasteries were the place where books were made. The monks carefully translated and copied the great written works of antiquity. – Camilla

US Amazon – https://amzn.to/2wna0he

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To support this website and the author’s interviewed, visit Support MTA for suggestions. Thank you! – Camilla

(The above are amazon affiliate links.)

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Book Shelf: Turtles All the Way Down

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

A while ago my 14-year-old son asked me to help him find some juvenile and young adult fiction books having to do with mental health issues. This is one of them. I decided that instead of just giving him a list, that I’d read the books too.

It’s about a 16 year old girl who has a hell of a time with her spiraling thoughts. I really enjoyed the story and loved reading and getting absorbed in it.

However, I had something odd happen that is unique for me as something in the story triggered some issues from my own childhood and teenage years. This caused me to not like the ending of the story (but had to do with my own triggers). Seriously, it was pretty wild. I was angry and irritated for two days after finishing the book. Had to walk into the issue in my morning journal writing so I could connect with some issues, feel the discomfort of it all. Once I looked at it, embraced it and stopped rejecting it, I was able to move past it.

Again, totally unique to my situation as it triggered some deep hurt and pain within me from my past. Yet, that’s the beauty of life … We never know when or what is going to invite us to release past issues buried within.

Having said all of that, I did enjoy the book and I’ll be adding his other book, The Fault of Our Stars, to my list.

US Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Iozahu

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To support this website and the author’s interviewed, visit Support MTA for suggestions. Thank you! – Camilla

(The above are amazon affiliate links.)

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Book Shelf: Many Waters

Many Waters by Madeleine L’Engle

The fourth in the time quintet series, I enjoyed this one. Much more so than the last one, A Swiftly Tilting Planet. It was great getting to know the twin boys more and having an adventure with just the two of them. I didn’t really like how quickly the story ended, I suppose I would have liked a different ending. Yet, I’m prepared to go ahead and read the last book in the time quintet.

US Amazon: https://amzn.to/2wf67uh

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To support this website and the author’s interviewed, visit Support MTA for suggestions. Thank you! – Camilla

(The above are amazon affiliate links.)

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Book Shelf: The Places That Scare You by Pema Chodron

The Places That Scare You by Pema Chodron

**Throwback to March 2016** – Have yet to read one of Pema Chodron’s books that I don’t find meaningful. So raw and real! Love, love, love!!

“We are being encouraged to remain open to the present groundless moment, to a direct, unarmored participation with our experience. We are certainly not being asked to trust that everything is going to be all right. Moving in the direction of nothing to hold on to is daring. We will not initially experience it as a thrilling, alive, wonderful way to be. How many of us feel ready to interrupt our habitual patterns, our almost instinctual ways of getting comfortable?”

US Amazon: https://amzn.to/2wyGTal

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To support this website and the author’s interviewed, visit Support MTA for suggestions. Thank you! – Camilla

(The above are amazon affiliate links.)