Macky's Christmas Music

Macky learned several Christmas songs this month.  He got to play some for us with his piano teacher.  I thought you all might like to see and hear his progress... 

Book Review of The Poison Apples

The Poison Apples By Lily Archer 288 pages. Feiwel & Friends, c2007. $12.71

I got this book for my cousin for her 16th birthday.  I decided I had better read it before she did - just in case.

It's about three girls who come together in boarding school.  On the surface they seem to have very little in common.  They realize, however, that they all have "evil" stepmothers.  They form a group and plot their revenge.

Overall, I liked the book.  I think it sends a positive message to teenagers - you are not your parents and you are not predestined to suffer their fate.  The characters and the story start out very strong.  It really peters out at the end.  It's like the author ran out of time and had to hurry up and finish.The ideal reader will be a teenage girl, especially one with divorced parents.  Oh, and don't be surprised to see a sequel...

Yo! Rudolph!

This is Maddie at her dance studio practicing for the Winter Preview.  I hope you like her hip-hop moves!

Book Review of Before the Dawn

Before the Dawn By Dean Hughes 293 pages. Deseret Book, c2007. $22.95

The book opens with the good Bishop Bowen interrupting widow Leah Sorenson's plowing. He came to call her to be the new Relief Society president. Leah thought she was the worst woman for the job as she was rough around the edges. But as the times were tough in Utah in 1932, Leah was just the woman for the job.I enjoyed reading this book. It wasn't a page turner, but it was entertaining. If you have liked other Dean Hughes books (Children of the Promise, Saboteur), you will probably like this one. It was interesting to read what the Church was probably like during the Great Depression in a small town in Utah. The greater message of the book, however, is the need for Relief Society in any time, and the great purpose we sisters have to support eachother and contribute to our communities.