Attack of the Kraken - Kevin Sherry - The Yeti Files #3

Attack of the Kraken
The Yeti Files #3
Kevin Sherry
Samantha Smith
Scholastic
ISBN 9780545857819
ASIN B015QMBXZM



My children love these books, especially the younger two. But by far my son is the biggest fan. And any book that my children want to read over and over again is a winner in my opinion. These books are not traditional readers, but they are not graphic novels either.  They do not fit normal categorization. 

When I asked my son to pick one word to describe this book his answer was 'AMAZING!" and you can not give much higher praise than that. My son's favourite part of the books was that the Kraken was misunderstood, that the Kraken was really just trying to protect its babies. In fact my son loves these books so much he bought book 2 and 3 himself so he could have copies even after we had read the eBooks. 

This book as the third adventure in the Yeti files, and this time Blitz and the gang head to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis. The Cryptozoologist need to find a solution to the escalating conflict between the mermen mermaids and the Kraken, before the whole region is destroyed. This story has a lot of adventure and obstacles for Blitz and the team to overcome, giant crabs, man eating sharks, magic crystals. But the team is always up to going the extra mile to protect their friends and other cryptids.  

It is interesting to watch the battle between nature and growing and expanding technology in this book. The message is there even if children do not pick up on it right away. 

My son and I have read this book and the whole series through three times now. And has been a while since we read this the first time, but still end every time we pull one out to read my son asks when there will be more books. So here is to another great book in a really fun series. Well done Kevin! And hopefully there will be more Yeti Files soon.

The Yeti Files:
Meet the Big Feet
Monsters on the Run
Attack of the Kraken

Finding True Happiness - Fulton J. Sheen

Finding True Happiness
Fulton J. Sheen
Trent Beattie (Editor)
Beacon Publishing a ministry of
Dynamic Catholic
ISBN 9781937509378
eISBN 9781929266814
ASIN B01N3Y58KW 


This book is a very important collection in this day and age. And thought it was not written as a specific book by Fulton Sheen, for it is a compilation taken four separate books by Sheen. It is drawn from Walk With God, Way to Happiness, Way to Inner Peace, and You. Now I have known the name Fulton Sheen for many years, but for some reason or another, other than excerpts in anthologies it was only this year that I started reading his books.  It really is a deep regret that I did not try reading his books earlier, for at the moment I have about 5 of them in my to be read pile. In the introduction Trent Beattie, writes about the power that Sheen's writings had on his life and the reasons he made this compilation. Beattie states: "The first was to let go of the idea that happiness is to be found in things outside oneself. Happiness does not depend on accumulating more things, but on the mindset we have concerning the things we already do possess. Happiness does not consist in having more, but in appreciating more. As Sheen wrote, "It is not so much what happens in your life that matters; it is rather how you react to it."" And the rest of the book expands upon those ideas. 

I had a discussion about this book with a friend. He wanted me to summarize the book. I started that true happiness is found if being content with what you have, but working towards become the best version of yourself. Not comparing ourselves to others, not comparing our possessions, bank accounts … but comparing ourselves to who we were yesterday and the day before and the day before that. The book helps us really look at where we put our hope and our joy the book helps us learn to focus on personal growth. The focus in not on the external but on the internal. 

The chapters in this book are:
Introduction
1. Finding Perfect Happiness
2. Philosophy of Pleasure
3. Silence
4. Repose
5. Self-Inflation
6. Egotism: The Enemy of Inner Peace
7. Desire
8. Sadness
9. Moods
10. Mental Cases are Increasing
11. Loneliness
12. Truth: Forgotten Ideal
13. Patience
14. Contentment
15. Joy
16. The Will: The Secret of Sanctity

There are a few factors that make this an amazing book. First it is so accessible. It is not a massive theological treatise, it is written in language that is easy to comprehend and it is written in a very engaging and personable manner.  Also at the end of each chapter is an offer, most are a book that will go deeper into the theme of that chapter. One of the offers is for 6 copies of this book for just $18 plus shipping and handling, so you can pass it on to others. Of the books recommended I have read half and had 2 of the others already in my to be read list. And of course this book has motivated me to read even more Sheen and sooner rather than later.

This book is an amazing read. And with the length I know I will be going back and reading it again. The message is so important, and to be honest in this day and age needed even more than ever before. How many people in this day and age look for fulfillment, and happiness, in things, possessions, in other people? When in reality as Sheen shows us throughout this book, I happiness needs to come from our relationship with God, our personal growth and how we respond to things and situations, not in the things and situations themselves.


I know a dozen people without even giving it a thought that could greatly benefit from reading this book based on their current life situation. It is an excellent read that I highly recommend.

Books by Fulton J. Sheen:

God and Intelligence in Modern Philosophy

The Seven Last Words

Philosophy of Science

The Eternal Galilean

Calvary and the Mass

The Cross and the Beatitudes

Seven Words of Jesus and Mary
Seven Words of Jesus and Mary: Lessons on Cana and Calvary

Communism and the Conscience of the West

Peace of Soul

Three to Get Married

Life Is Worth Living Series 1-5

Way to Happiness

Way to Inner Peace 

Life of Christ

Missions and the World Crisis

The Power of Love

Footprints in a Darkened Forest

Lenten and Easter Inspirations

You
Treasure in Clay: The Autobiography of Fulton J. Sheen

Finding True Happiness

Fulton Sheen's Wartime Prayer Book

Advent Meditations with Fulton J. Sheen

Lenten Meditations with Fulton J. Sheen

God's World and Our Place In It

The World's First Love

The Cries of Jesus from the Cross

Your Life Is Worth Living

The Way of the Cross for our Enemies – 1938

The Way of the Cross – 1932

The Way of the Cross – 1933

…

Contributed to:

Beautiful Eucharist

...

Books About Fulton J. Sheen:

The Archbishop and I

Fulton Sheen - Louise Merrie - CTS Biographies

...

A Prayer of the Day Prayer Fulton Sheen Canonization Prayer

...

(Note: this books is part of a series: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)

Alexander's Army - Chris d'Lacey - The Unicorne Files Book 2

Alexander's Army
Unicorne Files Book 2
UFiles #2
Chris d’Lacey
Scholastic
ISBN 9780545608800
eISBN 9780545608817
ASIN B00OU4Y8BY


I have read over 20 books by Chris d'Lacey in the last 13 months. To say I am a fan would be an understatement, I have been working on tracking down all books he wrote and contributed to so I can have reviews of his whole canon. Almost three quarters of those are rated at 5/5 stars. And only 1 falls below 4 stars. The amazing diversity in d'Lacey's writing surprises me with each new book I read. And this book, the second in a trilogy is another amazing offering. This series, the Unicorne Files or UFiles trilogy is very different from anything else I have read by d'lacey. It is a little darker, and a little grittier, and more on the speculative fiction side. In some ways it reminds me of Frank Herbert's non-Dune books, like The Eyes of Heisenberg or The Green Brain. It has that feel of some classic science fiction like Herbert or Alfred Bester. But with the Young adult focus could have a wider audience. 

This book continues with themes of the multiverse, and Michael's ability to shift through realities by making changes. The theme of death as just another reality has some new and very dark twists. But this book has a much more sinister feel to it. Michael is up against an unknown enemy. An enemy who has abilities that are different than Michael's but they might be much more powerful. And Soon Michael and his foe are locked in a battle. 

Michael is still questing for answers to what happened to his father. Michael begins to have greater conflict with the Unirorne Corporation, to the point that his trust in them is at an all-time low. And the mystery of the crows and their link to Freya's spirit. Michael seems to be growing further and further from his Mother as he has so many secrets to keep, and to tory and not worry her. 

This book races forward. Once you start reading it you will just not want to put it down. And to be honest you better have volume three on hand because you will really want to know where things go next. 

This was another wonderful read from Chris d'Lacey. I highly recommend this book, the series and to be honest anything written by d'Lacey!

(Note: My apologies for the short review but I want to get reading the final book in the trilogy!) 

  

Books by Chris d'Lacey:
Dragons of Wayward Crescent
1 Gruffen (2009)
2 Gauge (2008)
3 Glade (2009)
4 Grabber (2010)

The Erth Dragons
1 The Wearle (2015)
2. Dark Wyng (2016)
3. The New Age (2018)

The Last Dragon Chronicles with David Rain
1 The Fire Within (2001)
2 Icefire (2003)
3 Fire Star (2005)
4 The Fire Eternal (2007)
5 Dark Fire (2009)
6 Fire World (2011)
7 The Fire Ascending (2012)
Rain and Fire: A Guide to the Last Dragon Chronicles (2010)

The Unicorne Files
1 A Dark Inheritance (2014)
2 Alexander's Army (2015)
3 A Crown of Dragons (2016)

Fly, Cherokee Fly Series
Fly, Cherokee Fly
Pawnee Warrior

Other Books
Henry Spaloosh! 
Horace
Shrinking Ralph Perfect
The Snail Patrol
The Table Football League
Riverside United
Lofty
From E to You
Scupper Hargreaves, Football Genie
The Salt Pirates of Skegness
Falling for Mandy
The Prompter

Picture Books:
A Hole at the Pole
Juggling with Jeremy
A Break in the Chain
Read With Bubble and Float
Dexter's Journey
Frankin's Bear

Contributed to:
On Me ‘ead, Santa
Nice One, Santa
The Usborne Book of Christmas Stories
Heroes and Villains
In the Frame
Midnight Feast

Author Profile and Interview with Chris d'Lacey.

Product Review - Black and Decker BDCDDBT120C Smartech Single Speed Drill

BLACK + DECKER
BDCDDBT120C SMARTECH
20V MAX Lithium
Single Speed Drill/Driver
Black & Decker
ASIN B01FF3SNY6



This is great for small home projects. I have been using this tool around the house for a month now.  I have a bigger more powerful drill, but the size and design of this one is excellent to pick up for quick jobs. The weight and balance of this drill makes it really convenient, especially when working in tight places. But some of the features just do not make sense to me, specifically have a portable USB charge function, but only once you take the batter off the drill. Maybe if it came with 2 batteries I could see using this but not otherwise.  Some smart features are really nice, with young children in the home, the lock function through the app is nice to have. The ability to locate the drill, or check battery status from the app could also come in handy.

The key features are:
• SMARTECH; iOS and Android compatible app enables Bluetooth controls
• Remote battery locking/unlocking
• Remote battery locate
• Remote status of charge
• Battery includes built in USB port for charging phones, tablets, mp3 players and more
• 11-position clutch to prevent stripping of screws
• LED work light to illuminate work surface

If all you do is small jobs around the house this might be the perfect tool for you. If however you occasionally tackle bigger projects you will either want more power or have two drills in your tool collection.

Overall good for the price point.

Note: I received a free copy of this product through The Amazon Vine program for an honest review.

Bleeding Blue: Giving My All for the Game - Wendel Clark and Jim Lang

Bleeding Blue: Giving My All for the Game
Wendel Clark and Jim Lang
Simon and Schuster Canada
ISBN 9781501135989
eISBN 9781501146510
ASIN B01CO4B030



To be honest I have never been a Toronto Maple Leaf’s Fan! That being said I have always appreciated the play and leadership of Wendel Clark. I always enjoyed watching him play. And to be honest I think the biggest mistake Toronto has made in my lifetime was trading Clark the first time to give Gilmour the ‘C’! But that is jumping ahead a bit. In many ways this book is like Clark’s NHL Career, it is tightly written and written from the heart. I remember hearing rumour about an addendum to NHL rule 56 that is the hands were taped and you fought you got an extra game misconduct. When I was a kid we were told this was the Clark rule. I can remember him dropping the gloves and having his hands taped like a boxer.

I have always respected Wendel Clark, not just for his play but also his leadership and from all I had heard he was a good guy who loved what he was doing. As a man who served three different stints in Toronto, starting with being drafted by Toronto to his third time in the blue and white and retiring form the game. Clark entered the league with a bang, in the 1985-86 season he has 45 points and 227 penalty minutes in 66 games. In his final season he played 33 games and had a total 6 points and 34 penalty minutes. But I remember this older more mature Clark providing leadership on and off the ice. Clark played with 6 teams during his time in the NHL but the vast majority of that was with the Leaf’s and as such the majority of this book focuses on that time.

The chapters in this book are:
Introduction
Chapter 1: Growing Up in Kelvington
Chapter 2: Hitting the Road
Chapter 3: 1985 World Juniors
Chapter 4: Welcome to the NHL
Chapter 5: International Play
Chapter 6: Captain Crunch
Chapter 7: Breaking Down
Chapter 8: Leaving Home
Chapter 9: Journeyman Years
Chapter 10: Making an Exit
Chapter 11: Life After Hockey
Conclusion
A Tribute to My Dad

The story follows a farm boy from Kelvington to playing in the world juniors to a long career in the NHL. Clark was not a fighter growing up; it was something that just ended up coming to him until he was a junior. Before reading this I was unaware that Clark started and played on defense until he played in the world juniors. And as he states that is one of the things that gave him an advantage, he often knew what an opponent defensive player would do in ways that someone who always played forward would not. The book has lots of great stories, mostly from on the ice.

Clark is pretty open and honest with us; about his successes and his mistakes. He also shares about what the years of abuse did to his body. What it took to play so long, with the style of play he lived and with all the fights. But Clark was determined, determined to keep playing, determined to heal his body. I believe few people get to pursue their dreams the way Clark did. For him hockey appears to always have been fun. And that enjoyment of time on the ice, and after hockey come through in this great read. This is the biography of a gifted man, and a good man. It was well worth the time to read it. Even if you are not a Leaf’s fan.

The Perfect Blindside - Leslea Wahl

The Perfect Blindside
Leslea Wahl
Pauline Books and Media
ISBN 9780819860132
eISBN 9780819860149
ASIN B012P92DJ4


This book was my introduction to Leslea Wahl's writings. It was a good read. I enjoyed it so much that as I was approaching the end I purchased Wahl's other novel to added it to my to be read pile. This is a good clean Christian young adult novel. This book has a little bit for all readers of the genre, a young man who has become an Olympic star and instant celebrity, a shy girl from a small town, committed to school and to her church. And we have a lot of action.

The book is told in alternating point of views. Sophie, a dedicated student, amateur reporter, amazing photographer and devoted Catholic. Jake on the other hand, has just instantly become famous, from someone who was unlikely to make the team to Olympic Silver Medal in Snowboarding. He has new wheels, and his parents have moved to a small town to try and slow his rise to fame a bit. Silver Springs is not where he wants to be. So he is putting in as little effort as possible in school, just waiting until he is old enough to get out of town. But his fame has followed him to town and is interrupting everything Sophie holds dear. She might be the only girl in town not smitten with Jake.

The book opens with this thought from Jake: "I have a theory. Every person I've ever met in the past year fits into one of three categories. They're either Walkers, Talkers, or Stalkers. Walkers are those who stare from a distance, completely lacking the guts to approach me, then slowly walk away pretending they don't care.
Talkers include my parents, coach, and advisors. They have this obsessive need to always tell me what to do. Stalkers are the most common, and they all want something" but for some strange reason Sophie and Jake seem to connect. But soon things start taking a turn for the worse, first all 4 tires on Jake's jeep are slashed, and then he is found with a joint, which he swears is not his. But by now Sophie has seen another side to Jake and she wants to come to his defence.

Reading teen or young adult fiction often reminds me of what I have been through, and what I hope to help my children avoid. In this book the two main characters are very real; both have flaws, and both make mistakes. But both are also challenged by the events in the story and have the opportunity for growth. Leslea Wahl does a great job or exploring the hearts, minds and emotions of teens. She captures both someone in church who is a little judgemental, and Jake the Olympic star that is too big for this small town.

The book has great characters and really good character development. The action constantly builds as the story progresses. And the mystery adds a nice twist. The book is really well written. I had figured it out before the big reveal, but I did have a different suspect for a while. It is a great read. One of my key judgements for books is would I read it with my kids or want them to read it when they are older. And it is a big yes, I think this would be a great read for both my son and daughter in a few years.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from Wahl in the future.


Books by Leslea Wahl:

Where You Lead
Christmas Angel 

To Serve and Protect

A Summer to Treasure 

…

Finding Faith Series:

Into the Spotlight

Charting the Course

In Plain Sight

…

An Unexpected Role – Republished as Into The Spotlight

…

Blind Side Series:

The Perfect Blindside

eXtreme Blindside

Ultimate Blindside

…

All For One:

One Blessing at a Time – Episode 1

More Precious Than Gold - Episode 2

Unlikely Witnesses - Episode 3

The Master Plan - Episode 4

…

Unlikely Witness (Original Edition)

…

Contributed to:

Secrets: Visible & Invisible 7 Amazing Stories - Catholic Teen Books
Gifts Visible & Invisible 8 Christmas Stories for Teens
Treasures: Visible & Invisible 8 Stories for Teens

The Christmas Lights

Ashes Visible & Invisible 10 Stories for Teens

A Foul Christmas

A Saint Nicholas Eve Carol

The Gift of the Angel Tree  

Shadows Visible & Invisible 7 Stories for Teens

A Lack of Christmas Spirits

...

(Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)

Holy Water and its Significance for Catholics - Henry Theiler

Holy Water and its Significance for Catholics
Henry (Henrich) Theiler
John Francis Lang (Translator)
Sophia Institute Press
ISBN 9781622823390
ASIN B01GP2ZIEY



This book is a reprint of a book that was translated into English in 1909. I did not know that when I first picked it up. And to be honest I might have been less likely to pick it up if I had known that. But the book caught my attention and I am very thankful that I did make the choice to not only get the book but to read it. In part I picked up this book because my son started having problems going to sleep alone. A friend suggested we bless him before bed. The next day this book crossed my path and once I started reading I could barely put the book down.

The sections in the book are:
1. Water's Significance in Nature and Grace
2. Holy Water Is a Sacramental
3. Blessing the Water
4. The Effects of Holy Water
5. The Use of Holy Water by the Church
6. The Use of Holy Water by the Faithful
Conclusion
Appendices
A. Questions and Answers
B. Eight Ways to Use Holy Water in Your Everyday Life
C. Prayers for Blessing Yourself with Holy Water

And is there ever a lot of information packed into the 50 pages of this book. From the first chapter of the book we are told: "Holy water has been used in the Church as it is now, through the centuries, back to the Apostles' days. It is spoken of in the Apostolic Constitutions. Pope Alexander, who died in the year 130, in his pontifical decree confirming this apostolic tradition says: "We bless salt and water for the people, that all who may be sprinkled therewith may be cleansed and sanctified."" and also "The martyr St. Justin, who died in the year 163, tells us that the faithful in his time were sprinkled in their assemblies with Holy Water every Sunday. So too we find Holy Water mentioned in St. Cyprian's writings in the third century, in the works of St. Basil in the fourth, in the writings of St. Jerome in the fifth, and by St. Gregory the Great in the sixth century." So many great saints of old wrote about the importance of this Sacramental.

But what is a sacramental, Theiler defines it for us as: "Holy water is one of the sacramentals, which are things made sacred by rites of the Church in the manner of Christ. In the Catholic Church we have sacrament and sacramentals. These latter differ from the sacraments. Christ our Lord gave us the sacraments. The Church, exercising the authority He gave her, instituted the sacramentals." He also states "They differ also in this: the sacraments of themselves, upon worthy reception, confer the particular grace that Christ attached to each of them; the sacramentals do not confer but obtain grace, as does, for instance, prayer.". Prior to reading this book I was unaware of how holy water was prepared. First salt is blessed and the blessed salt is added to water and with prayers the water is blessed. This book includes the prayers of blessing for the water and reading through them was very moving and stirring. It helped me realize why in university I carried a small bottle of Holy Water with me, and why I have tried to install a seriousness of the practice of blessing themselves in my three children.

Again Theiler speaking about the effects of Holy water says "For the effects of holy water we are indebted principally to our divine Savior. He merited for us the graces we obtain through its usage by His bitter Passion and death. Holy Church, however, who is the custodian of these precious and infinite treasures of grace merited by our Lord, has, in view of these merits, attached these effects to holy water. The power for doing this she has from Christ Himself; hence we owe the effects of holy water primarily to Christ, and secondarily to the will and the prayers of the Church." Of the effects of Holy water quoting Saint Teresa of Avila declares "I have myself felt an extraordinary consolation when I have used holy water. It is certain that I have felt a great joy and inner peace which I cannot describe, a joy with which my soul was quite refreshed. This is not merely an effect of the imagination, nor a rare occurrence. I have experienced it frequently and paid special attention to it. On these occasions I feel like one who, suffering intense thirst, takes a glass of water and is quite refreshed."

We are told by Theiler that "We have briefly shown the significance of holy water, which it possesses in the sanctifying order. The believing Christian knows well that it is not sufficient merely to take or use holy water to make secure of its effects, but that it is necessary to avoid sin, and the occasions of sin, to keep God's commands, to make use of the means of grace, and to lead a pious Christian life." And in the last few weeks I have seen these effects in my life and in all three of my children. One of the things we have started doing Is I bless my children before bed with Holy Water and have them bless me. Also when they are getting angry, frustrated or just feeling off they will often now go and grab the bottle of Holy water and bless themselves. This action slows them down, calms them and helps them make better choices.

Because of reading this book we now have bottles of Holy water on every level of our house and use if often. This book was a wonderful little read and I highly recommend it.

(Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)

For a list of all books that are part of Father Mark Goring's Saint Mark’s School of Reading click here.