Charlie Bear at Taylor's Tips

Awhile ago i found an awesome blog at bjtaylorblog@wordpress.com and as i have been following the little rescue dog Charlie Bear from the time he was found until now, i have had many great insights to my life as well as a dog's life. It is written as if the puppy (for he is still a puppy) is talking with the humans in his life coming in as "female peep" and "male peep". Life is not at all good for a puppy on the run, and he has bad habits to over come. Will the puppy always want to run on his own and be his own boss, will he make canine friends as well as human friends or is the vagabond too deeply ingrained so that CB never settles down? i loved this story, and am sorry to see it come to an end. But Charlie Bear says his mom is going to write a book about his escapades, and so somethings must end so others can begin! i should have blogged about this site earlier, but the blog will still be up and running (i hope) with links to the archives! Check back with me or on her blog to find out when BJ will have the book available. i'll keep you posted!

Unsinkable - by Abby Sunderland and Lynn Vincent

The Unsinkable is an incredible story of 16-year old Abby Sunderland’s journey by boat from California. It is almost inconceivable to think that a 16 year old in today’s world would have the dream, stamina and courage to try to sail around the world by herself! Though her critics were numerous, and her supporters few she forged ahead.  The years she spent growing up with her family on a boat cruising the Mexican coast was definitely the training ground for the adventure.

I appreciated the way the book is written...from Abby’s point of view, a narrator and the rescuers.  The use of three different icons to show the change in speaker or location is a great way to keep track of whose viewpoint it is, and this is noted in the author’s note at the beginning of the story. I am not accustomed or acquainted with boats or sailors or the ocean, but the way the story unfolded was realistic and easy to follow. Not only does this show the courage of Abby, but of her parents, brother and those involved in the journey.

Unsinkable seems to be a good title, and both ‘Wild Eyes’ (the boat) and Abby appear to be unsinkable.

I think this book will interest the teenage reader as well as adults. I highly recommend this book to all my friends and family!

I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Booksneeze for the sole purpose of writing a review. This review was not required to be positive. The opinions stated are my own.

This book is available at

A Dog Named Slugger

Finished the book tonight! Aww...i wish it went on. Though it tied up all the loose ends, and i am not exactly sure where a sequel would take me. This is not only a great book about a service dog, but also about living with a handicap. I would definitely give 5 stars (the best) Although i picked it up because of the title, i enjoyed it because of the interaction between the dog and Liegh. it is a well written true story. Go for it. And thanks Liegh Brill for sharing this awesome story with us.