Some Writer!: The Story of E. B. White

Title: Some Writer!: The Story of E. B. White

Author: Melissa Sweet

Genre: nonfiction, biography, young readers

Summary: From Goodreads:

“SOME PIG,” Charlotte the spider’s praise for Wilbur, is just one fondly remembered snippet from E. B. White’s Charlotte’s Web. In Some Writer!, the two-time Caldecott Honor winner Melissa Sweet mixes White’s personal letters, photos, and family ephemera with her own exquisite artwork to tell his story, from his birth in 1899 to his death in 1985. Budding young writers will be fascinated and inspired by the journalist, New Yorker contributor, and children’s book author who loved words his whole life. This authorized tribute is the first fully illustrated biography of E. B. White and includes an afterword by Martha White, E. B. White's granddaughter.

Rating: Excellent!

Why I Like It: This book is at the house where Rich & I are vacationing, So, I picked it up & read it. Such a delightful & easy read! Loved the illustrations & how it was all put together. Learned a lot about E.B. White & I want to read more of his writings.

Other: Actually read the book (wasn’t audio). Best this way since it has so many illustrations & photos.

Reviewer: Patsy

Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him

Title: Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him

Author: Luis Carlos Montalván, Bret Witter (Writer)

Genre: nonfiction, memoirs, dogs

Summary: From Goodreads:

A heartwarming dog story like no other: Tuesday, a lovable golden retriever, changes a former soldier's life forever.
A highly decorated captain in the U.S. Army, Luis Montalván never backed down from a challenge during his two tours of duty in Iraq. After returning home from combat, however, his physical wounds and crippling post-traumatic stress disorder began to take their toll. He wondered if he would ever recover.
Then Luis met Tuesday, a sensitive golden retriever trained to assist the disabled. Tuesday had lived among prisoners and at a home for troubled boys, and he found it difficult to trust in or connect with a human being--until Luis.
Until Tuesday is the story of how two wounded warriors, who had given so much and suffered the consequences, found salvation in each other. It is a story about war and peace, injury and recovery, psychological wounds and spiritual restoration. But more than that, it is a story about the love between a man and dog, and how, together, they healed each other's souls. (less)

Rating: Very Good!

Why I Like It: I didn’t know much about service dogs & post-traumatic stress disorder. So amazing & interesting!

Other: Audio - Luis Carlos Montalván, author

Reviewer: Patsy

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK

Title: ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK

Author: Piper Kerman
Genre: nonfiction                

Summary:  “With a career, a boyfriend, and a loving family, Piper Kerman barely resembles the reckless young woman who delivered a suitcase of drug money ten years before.  But that past has caught up with her.  Convicted and sentenced to 15 months at an infamous federal correctional facility the well-heeled Smith College alumna is now an inmate.  From her lst strip search to her final release, Kerman learns to navigate this strange world with its strictly enforced codes of behavior & arbitrary rules.  She meets women from all walks of life. 

Rating: Very good

Why I Like It:  Although author is writing from her personal experience the book is more about the other people she encounters and the whole prison experience.  She shows respect for other prisoners and learns from both bad and good events.  Interesting look at the prison system.  Realistic, not stereotypes you see on TV shows.

Reviewer: Kathy