BOOK I HOPE TO READ IN FEBRUARY/MARCH OF 2009

The books I plan to start, complete, and/or purchase in the months of February/March have been listed below. The books that I am in the process of reading, wanting to start, and plan to purchase for future reading have been rightly notated on the list below with corresponding italicized words. Additionally, I typically have four books in the hopper (in the process of reading). These four books always fall in one of the following five categories: children's literature, personal (self-helpish type books), religious, professional development, and Miss Alainius. Although this journey may be a bit tiresome, I enjoy the adventure of learning.

February/March books are:

* Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze by Elizabeth Foreman Lewis (New Berry 1933)
* Dunc Breaks the Record by Gary Paulsen
* Prince Amos by Gary Paulsen
* Dunc and the Flaming Ghost by Gary Paulsen
* Dunc's Undercover Christmas by Gary Paulsen
* Paradise Lost by John Milton (well known book also one of the three books mentioned throughout the book Frankenstein)
* The Man Who Was Thursday by G.K. Chesterton (MA)
* High-Maintenance Relationships by Les Parrott III, Ph.D. (PD & P)
* The Book of John (in progress) - R.


Books, intellectual conversations, and casual conversations all have an influence on one's thinking, actions, discussions. I look forward to the journey that lays ahead. Here's to the journey!

Ceasar's Way

Cesar's Way was written by Ceasar Millan and Melissa Jo Peltier. Melissa Jo Peltier co-writes many of his books. Cesar's Way is a book about dog psychology. It is a book that clearly identifies the difference between human psychology and dog psychology. Cesar guides the reader into the ways of a dog. He helps the reader deal with a dog from the dog's perspective.

Throughout the book, Cesar talks about the three part formula for a well-balanced dog outside as well as inside the home. Realizing that dogs who live in the wild, typically live in packs. The pack structure consists of an alpha dog who supplies the pack with rules, boundaries and limitations. The alpha is the definer as well as the enforcer. Since dogs have become domesticated, the alpha must be the human in the home. In fact, Cesar strongly encourages that ALL humans in the home (i.e. mom, dad, the children and even the baby) must be looked at by the dog or dogs as the alpha. Rules, boundaries and limitations need to be created and enforced by the alphas in the home. According to Cesar, to help a dog become balanced, the alpha must offer exercise, discipline (rules, boundaries and limitations), and affection.

Cesar dog owners to excercise their dogs with one to two healthy walks a day. The walks can range from 45-60 minutes in length and they need to be vigorous. A dog who has burned energy is more inclinded to receive discipline and follow the recommended rules. Lastly, a dog needs affection. Cesar Millan talks at great length about how here in America we, as dog owners, give our lovely pets too much affection. Rather than follow the three part formula for a balanced dog (e.g. exercise, discipline, affection), we tend to give our dogs affection, affection, affection. This causes an imbalance in our dogs and then "issues" arise. According to Mr. Millan, if you provide your dog with exercise, discipline (rules, boundaries and limitations), and affection (in that order) you WILL have a well-balanced and happy dog.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH:
No AR quiz. :(
If you own a dog or have frequent contact with dogs, this is an excellent book. It really makes sense to look at a dog as if it were a dog. It makes sense to understand a dog from the dog's perspective and deal with the dog with the mindset of a dog. Human psychology is great for humans but one should not use human psychology to work with or communicate with dogs. Cesar's insight and proven history working with dogs has inspired me to become the alpha within the relationship with our dog. I have to admit, our dog seems content and actually follows my commands. I look forward to reading his other books and applying them to my daily interactions with our new dog. I highly recommend this book to those of you who own a dog.

Brian's Winter

Brian's Winter is one of several "Brian" books written by Gary Paulsen. Brian's Winter is the alternate ending to the well-known Hatchet book. In Hatchet, Brain was rescued from the woods near the end of the summer months; however, in Brian's Winter he lives through the winter and then returns to "civilization". In Brian's Winter, Gary Paulsen takes you through those cold months in the Canadian bush. Brian learns to weather seal his shelter, make arrows from stone, create clothing for warmth and how to hunt. In the end, Brian meets a trapping family, the Smallhorns, who hunt the area in the winter for food. The Smallhorns welcome Brain into their way of life. When the supply plan flies in to drop off supplies for the family, Brian reluctantly climbs aboard and flies back to civilization.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH:
It's no secret, Gary Paulsen is one of my favorite authors. In fact, the Brian Robeson series is one of my favorite series. I felt that Brian's Winter was a much better ending to Hatchet. In Hatchet, the end came abruptly and I felt as if I was abandoned. Brian's Winter continued as if Brian did not get rescued by the plane in Hatchet.

I love the mountains, enjoy camping, and am at peace when in the outdoors. I have often fantasized about what it would be like to run off and live off the land in some wilderness far away from civilization. Although this is not practical and I probably wouldn't make it past the first week, I have been able to vicariously experience this through Brain Robeson's fictional life. Gary Paulsen has the unique ability to paint detailed pictures with the words he uses to tell his stories. The words become pictures, these vivid pictures become moving pictures in your mind, and soon you are there with Brian, the bear, the moose or even the wolf. He is an amazing writer who pulls you along in his stories. I highly recommend this series for those who love the outdoors, especially hiking and camping.

Read Hatchet before you read this book. Once you complete Brian's Winter you need to read The River, Brian's Return, and Brian's Hunt (in that order).

AR Quiz: 100%
AR Vocabulary Quiz: 100%

The Brian Robeson series

How To Train Your Siberian Husky

How To Train Your Siberian Husky was written by Liz Palika. This non-fiction was given the "seal of approval" by ASPCA. Since my son and I watch ASPCA: Animal Cops on the Animal Planet channel faithfully, I thought this would be a good book to purchase. How To Train Your Siberian Husky is filled with excellent pictures that reinforces the ideas and concepts they are talking about. This book takes the reader through the thought process of selecting the right dog. In addition, the reader is introduced to the developmental stages of huskies. Formal training, puppy training, basic and advanced training methods are covered. Lastly, this book reminds the readers that it is important, both for you and the dog, to have fun while training.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH:
A simple, yet straight forward book about training your Siberian Husky. This book was an easy read and provided step-by-step procedures on how to train your husky.

No AR quiz.

Siberian Huskies

Siberian Huskies: A Complete Pet Owner's Mannual was written by Kerry Kern and published by Barron's. This book provides the reader with a brief history, considerations before getting a husky, and multiple tips. These tips cover understanding husky behavior, basic caring, feeding, grooming, general health, and training. Lastly, the book introduces the reader about what breeders look for when they are going down the breeding trail.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH:
As a new owner of a Siberian Husky, I have purchased a number of books regarding Siberian Huskies. This book is geared for owners who have a new puppy and it does little for those of us who start dog ownership with an older (i.e. 1-4 year old) husky. For those of you considering a Siberian Husky puppy, this is a good book to review. However, if you will be getting an older dog, I would skip this book.

No AR quiz.

Dunc's Doll

Dunc's Doll is one of many titles within the Culpepper Adventures series written by Gary Paulsen. In a nutshell, the Culpepper Adventures series is about two boys, Dunc and Amos, who seek out and solve mysteries both by calculated and accidental methods. Dunc and Amos visit a traveling antique doll show learn about a doll Charles Dicken's daughter owned. The adventure begins when the doll was stolen. Dunc and Amos set out to uncover the thief and return the doll. The boys develop a plan which includes dressing up like a girl and distracting a guard dog. Dunc's Doll will guide you through their hilarious adventure of solving the crime surrounding the stolen doll formally owned by Charles Dicken's daughter.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH:
As one of my favorite authors, I eat up anything he writes and publishes. The Culpepper Adventure series has to be one of my favorite series to read. They are short adventure packed books riddled with funny and identifiable moments. Dunc and Amos, the main characters throughout the Culpepper Adventure series, lead you through many engaging and hilarious adventures. Although Dunc's Doll is a book about a collector's doll, it is a book in which boys of all ages will enjoy reading. In fact, I am confident many readers will seek out other books within the Culpepper Adventure series so they can discover what Amos and Dunc are up to.

AR Quiz: 100%

Mr. Peabody's Apples

Mr. Peabody's Apples is a story about how words have tremendous power and influence. In this children's story written by Madonna, Tommy sees Mr. Peabody take the shinniest apple for the store without paying for it. Tommy immediately assumes that Mr. Peabody is a theif and tells all who would listen. Soon the boys who usually play baseball on Saturday don't come and play because they don't want to play with a theif. Another boy, Billy, talks with Mr. Peabody and discovers that Mr. Peabody pays for the apple and milk early every Saturday morning but picks the apple up on his way home from the baseball game. Tommy is sad he spread a rumor. Tommy appologizes, yet he doesn't quite get it. Mr. Peabody has Tommy meet him at the baseball field with his feather-filled pillow. They cut open the pillow and spread the feathers. Mr. Peabody then tells Tommy that each feather represents someone in the town who heard the rumor he spread. Tommy then realized how words can spread fast and influence other people.

MY TWO CENTS:
The story or fable is simple, yet powerful. I enjoyed its simplicity. The artwork is also fantastic.

100% on the AR quiz. ")