OVER THE MOON: THE BROADWAY LULLABY PROJECT

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I received a copy of this book and CD from the publisher for review.

If my life had turned out differently, I would have loved to pursue a career in musical theater.  Unfortunately, I discovered that need TALENT in order to succeed in that career. Still, I love musical theater in general and Broadway shows in particular.  Be careful when bringing up the name "Stephen Sondheim" or I will immediately launch into a number from "Into the Woods."  Add to all of this my love of children's book and children's book illustrators and you have a winning combination in OVER THE MOON.

OVER THE MOON: THE BROADWAY LULLABY PROJECT is a multimedia project that brings together a 2 CD music collection, a beautifully illustrated book, an e-book and a documentary film and web series.  Some of Broadway's greatest performers and composers come together in these lovely lullabies and the book offers gorgeous illustrations to accompany the songs. The illustrations are created by a wonderful group of theatrical designers and children's book illustrators.  All of these magic comes together for one very important purpose---to raise money for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Young Survival Coalition.

The 2 CD music album contains 26 songs that deliver wonderful lullabies in a variety of styles.  There really is something for everyone.  The book includes a CD with a selection of 17 songs from the album.  Noodlebug and I enjoyed looking through the book while we listened to the accompanying CD.  My personal favorite was Donna Murphy singing "Lucky" from Stephen Schwartz's opera  Séance on a Wet Afternoon. So beautiful!!!  Noodlebug liked Marva Hicks singing "Little Sleep Eyes" and a really fun song called "The Man Who Invented Ice Cream."

I loved the fact that these collections have so much variety.  Not every song is a classic lullaby.  Each singer and composer and illustrator brought something special to their piece.  Everyone will find something to like here. 

BOTTOM LINE: Recommended!  This would make a lovely gift for a new parent or any young child.  Especially when paired with the CD set.  Families can listen to the music together while knowing that this wonderful collection is helping with some important breast cancer charities.  Win win!!!

GONE GIRL by Gillian Flynn

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

I love a good mystery but I have found myself disappointed by this genre in recent years.  There doesn't seem to be anything new to say in the mystery world.  Everything felt like rehashing old material.  That is why I was pleasantly surprised when I finally got the opportunity to read GONE GIRL by Gillian Flynn.

On the day of their fifth wedding anniversary, Nick's wife Amy disappears.  It looks as if there has been a struggle in their house but there is no body.  Nick quickly becomes the prime suspect in the case. The book moves back and forth between telling the events from Nick's perspective and then relating details from Amy's diary.  Just when you think you have an idea about what is really going on, everything changes.   Where is Amy?  Did Nick do something to her? If not, what happened to her?  As details unfold, we learn that this seemingly perfect marriage is not so perfect behind closed doors.  Flynn slowly reveals details about the couple that keep changing the reader's mind about what really happened and who the bad guys are. 

I loved the fact that this story wasn't a cut and dry mystery with good guys and bad guys.  Some will find the ending bothersome but I liked the fact that things don't always end up the way we expect them to.  One of the characters in the book is truly chilling. When this book is made into a movie (the rights have already been bought), I predict this character will become a legendary scary movie villain.

BOTTOM LINE: Highly recommended. An unusual mystery that will keep you guessing. Perfect for a vacation read.

Temporarily Closed for Training

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Hello Friends!
I will be gone for the next few weeks.  My work has given me the opportunity to go through some intense Archives training.  I'm both excited and nervous about it.

I have a master's degree in Anthropology and started out working in museums.  I LOVED working in museums.  I could never manage to secure a permanent position, though. So....

I took my skills in collection development and maintenance and combined that with my passion for books and headed into the public library system. I have now worked in libraries for over ten years.

Archives training would give me the opportunity to bridge my museum skills with my library skills.  I'm taking advantage of this opportunity to improve my skills.

I have never been apart from Noodlebug for more than one night before. This is going to be tough!

I'll be checking in over the next few weeks but posts will be few and far between.

See you soon!!!

2012 Reading Goal Update

Each year, my goal is to read 52 books.  I figure that's a pretty good goal.  Right now, I have completed 33 books for 2012.   I'm seven books head of schedule!  Wahoo!!!
I'm currently working on CITY OF WOMEN by David Gillham and BILL LYNN'S LONG HALFTIME WALK by Ben Fountain.  I'm hoping to pick up Karen Thompson Walker's AGE OF MIRACLES at the library today.

So many great books to read!!!!

I hope you are doing lots of Summer reading!