Brooklyn Pierce has a few decisions to make but based on her latest ones, she's not so keen on making them anytime soon. That's okay, since she's decided on a more hands off approach. That's right. YOU get to make the decisions for her no matter the situation...and she has to follow the results through regardless of what she wants. To me, especially right about now (oye...life....she is a formidable foe... -dons battle armor-), this book presented an interesting and let's face it, appealing idea. What would readers (as in YOU) decide if given the chance to make MY choices in any given situation? I mean some of you "know" me to some degree or another so the trust factor is there, but for those of use that are merely acquaintances or down-right strangers....the outcome of such a choice is a bit more unknown and on the scary side. Would you take the time to get to "know" me based on what I revealed in my blog posts and decide from there? Or would you just click on the decision that you thought was best come heck or high water?

I don't know. As much as making decisions can make your (or my) head spin, I'm not certain I could allow others to make those choices for me FOREVER...but every now and again, yeah...most definitely. Maybe its the adult in me talking but at some point responsibility kicks in and simply blaming the outcome on someone else (or even having that option available to you) seems like a cop out. Am I entirely happy with every aspect of my life right now? No. But be honest. Are you? If you are, fantabulous....please tell me your secret. But if not, you are among a myriad of company...and I'd say that's a great place to start when trying to accomplish your dreams in life no matter how big or small.


Moving from messages to.....the story. I liked the mix of big decisions and small quandaries as well as the love interest angle worked in. None of them overwhelmed the story thus allowing you a more well rounded view of her life. The time she spent with Mrs. Moody was heart warming even if it was a trial of sorts for a young girl (let's just say the lady did not simply get her name from her parents) and showed how spending time with those of the generation before (or before that or before that) us can bring everyone a little more happiness in the end. Her "best friend" Shayne....oye did I want to just slap that girl....why? Oh, trust me...read it and you'll see. I was a bit worried about Brooklyn for a while there though especially when Shayne's influence was gaining control once again....it was one of those times you just want to take the main character and be like "look, you KNOW better....what the heck are you doing?"....know what I mean?

In the end, a fun book with a great concept that would certainly lead to daydreams of trying it out for yourself (in small, non-lethal doses), but luckily the messages gleaned from Brooklyn's experiences are loud and clear....make your decisions to the best of your ability and live with the consequences. You won't be alone whether the outcome is good or bad but it is the only way to gain control of your own life and have a say in the dream you eventually achieve. Recommended reading for teens through adults...there's a little something for everyone in this quick and breezy read. From love to friends, higher education to simply what to wear, the choices are varied, the outcomes uncertain but one thing is certain....you'll have a grand time seeing her adventure through. ( )

I have a soft spot for String Instruments and when Frederico, the Mouse Violinistcame out introducing kids to the wonder and beauty of the violin I had to ask my good friend Mayra if I could share it with my readers.

Anyway, when I received Mayra's new Children's book I was really excited - but that excitement grew as I read the book. Frederico is a darling little mouse who lives in Stradivari's workshop and watches him carve beautiful violins.

Mayra has very skillfully interwoven terms and definitions throughout the story and children will learn about the instrument as the story is read.

He turned a peg or two to tune the violin and make sure the sound came out right. Your children will learn that by tightening or loosening the strings the pitch of the violin will become higher or lower. He walked on a string.... he slid down the fingerboard... and your children will continue to learn about the basic design of the instrument and the purpose of it.

They will also learn who Antonio Stradavari is, what a luthier is and where the sound comes from. Important words are in bold print and there is a glossary of terms and simple puzzles at the end of the book to reinforce what your child has learned in the story.

I very highly recommend this book for ALL children 4+. I'd personally like to see a series created showing the various types of instruments - there are the Woodwind, Percussion, BRASS, and of course the Strings instruments. You can order on Amazon for $10.95 paperback and $17.85 hardback (both are largeprints).

Mayra has written several children's books and a book called "The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing" which has been nominated for an Global Ebook Award. You can find out more about Mayra Calvani HERE on her blog