Anomaly by Krista McGee Book Review (Litfuse)

I read Anomaly by Krista McGee, in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. This post contains Amazon affiliate links and images. I received a e-galley from NetGalley.com to review.

About the book: (from Litfuse's website)

Thalli has 15 minutes and 23 seconds left to live. A toxic gas is running through her blood stream. 

Decades before Thalli was born, the world ended in a nuclear war, but life continued underground, thank to a group of scientists called The Ten. The Ten genetically engineered people to lack emotion to prevent the war from threatening them again. 

Thalli was the anomaly. She was born with emotions, sprinkled with a dash of curiousity, but her secret was found out. Thalli was scheduled to die. Thalli's friend, Berk, helps get her death delayed and to use Thalli as a study subject. Thalli eventually hears rumors of The Designer, who is more powerful than The Ten. Her Anomaly could help others after all.

About the author: (from Litfuse's website)

Krista McGee lives in Tampa, Florida. She is a mom, wife, teacher, and coffee snob. McGee is the author of Anomaly, First Date, Starring me, and Right where I belong. 

Author WebsiteLitfuse Author Page (download the first 5 chapters for free here)

My review:

The book starts out strong. Thalli has 15 minutes and 23 seconds to live. The visible clock is counting down her life span. The Ten is using gas to complete the deed. 

The book then progresses to Thalli, 9 years old, reminiscing about her friend being taken away because she was also an anomaly. The book is detailed. The world seems like utopia. People was genetically-engineered, in addition to live according to strict routines, such as diet, exercise, and skills learned. The Ten want peace and no emotions among the people. The Ten was the only survivors of the nuclear war, which destroyed the previous world and pushed current inhabitants underground. Utopia did not want any conflicts, even emotional ones, which may cause another war. The scientists appointed monitors, who have enhanced sight and hearing, to watch over the children. 

The book was a good read. Very different from most books I read. 

There were Dinosaurs everywhere

I read There were Dinosaurs Everywhere, In exchange for review from Netgalley. The book was written by Howard Temperley and illustrated by Michael Kline. The book was published by KWS Publishers.

The book discusses the history of dinosaurs. The book also rhymes, which makes for easy learning.The illustrations are amazing. Each rhyme is filled with educational facts and a little bit of humor. Each illustration also is colorful and shows a little humor. Each illustration also gives the dinosaurs character.

The book was a quick read, interesting, and taught me more about dinosaurs--from naming them to evolving from amphibians--to eating habits.

Netgalley Wellness Challenge Week 4

So, I am part of the NetGalley Wellness Challenge. I been using Netgalley for over a year now. Love their selection of books. One thing I learned early was to read the publisher requirements. Nothing like wanting a book, but being denied because you don't meet the requirements.  Netgalley sent some helpful information in the mail box today. I got the badge on my blog yay. But Do I need to improve my Netgalley Profile?

So, First, I logged in Netgalley and went to my profile. Then, logged into Google Analytics so I can update my ranking information.

Ok, after that, I pulled up this checklist from the NG Blog. The first section includes:

1. Do your account include your full name? Yes
2. Is your country listed? Yes
3. Email address (and visible to publishers)? Yes
4. Profile Picture? Yes
5. Company name? Perfect Chaos. Yes
6. Blog site and URL? Yes
7. Twitter and Linkedin user names? yes
8. professional associations and favorite categories? Yes
9. ALA number for librarians? Does not apply. 

Next section: The Bio

1. My role at the company. Yes. I am an author, poet, and blogger. I do book and product reviews :-)
2. How I influence book purchases? This is a good question. I post reviews to my blog. 
3. Blog stats. Yes, but need to update them. 
4. Links to where you post reviews. Yes

Finally, the checklist asks about NG activity

1. Downloading all my approved titles? Yes. even though the first few months of signing up, I missed a few. 
2. Sharing feedback with publishers. Yes. I am behind on a few though
3. Including links in the feedback I submit. Yes. 
4. Receiving NG newsletters. Yes
5. Receiving a widget or being auto-approved. Yes
6. Having a netgalley Goal: have no idea what this is. My goal is to read and review books. I wish NG was a little bit like Edelweiss. In the past, When NG archives a book, you can not leave feedback on the book. I can still leave reviews on Amazon, my blog, Goodreads, Shelfari, and Librarything, but not on the website. With Edelweiss, you can still leave reviews even after the books are archived. So, I went to the NG FAQ's. It said you can still leave feedback, if you go to your activity, click on older, archived items, and then add the book to your shelf. then start feedback. YAY. I have a lot of reviews for NG items on Amazon that have no feedback on NG

Defiant Brides

I read Defiant Brides, in exchange for review from Edelweiss. The book was written by Nancy Rubin Stuart. The book was also published by Beacon Press. The book discussed women, who married some interesting men like Benedict Arnold and Henry Knox. Arnold was in the military and then betrayed his country, while Knox was a book seller and patriot. Lucy was married to Knox and Peggy was married to Arnold. Lucy and Peggy are the central characters in the book. Both wives were also dedicated (and supported) their husband's causes.

I have heard of Benedict Arnold before, but I barely recall Henry Knox. I do love how the book focuses on the women, the wives, instead of the men. Most of history, I read, focuses on the men's accomplishments during military wars but don't really focus on how the women were affected. Peggy had to put up with insults, taunts, and isolation because of her husband's actions. Lucy faced the death of 10 of her kids (which I am sympathetic towards). Lucy also wanted an equal say in the household, despite Knox's command in the army. Peggy showed more restraint towards her husband--she also referred to him as "The General"



This book was an interesting read. Stuart wanted to show the more human side of Lucy Knox and Peggy Arnold versus their former labels of patriot and traitor. The book shows how women will support and love their husbands, no matter how stupid, dumb, or idiotic they act.

Meaty Main Dishes

I reviewed Meaty Main Dishes, In exchange for review from netgalley.com. The book was a quick read. The book was written by Jennifer S. Lawson and Photographed by Brie Cohen. The book was published by Lerner Publishing Group.


The book provided a few recipes such as chicken drums
sticks, fish, taco meatballs, chicken kabobs, and deli roll-ups (this is not all the recipes but ones I was interested in the most). The book also provided a definition of cooking terms and safety tips. The most important terms for each recipe are highlighted in blue. The recipes are simple and easy to make. The book also has little illustrations to demonstrate certain techniques.


The photography in the book was colorful, bright, and made me hungry.

Freedom from Worry

I read Freedom from Worry, in exchange for review from Netgalley.com. The book was written by Patricia Wilson and published by Upper Room Ministries. 

I started the book a few weeks ago. Read the first section. Then, realized I needed a bible. I have the bible on Kindle and on the Kindle Cloud. Kindle had issues and so did the cloud. Did not occur to me to pull up a bible online (dummy).

I chose the book because I do worry a lot. I worry about the kids. I worry about school. I worry for the sake of worrying.

The book is a 28-day bible study on worry. Will be great for small-group bible study or Sunday school. Definitely thinking of getting the paperback or kindle edition.

The book is simple to read and easy to understand. Each chapter is also two pages. The book teaches us about giving our worries to God. This brings peace and freedom versus bondage and slavery.

The book has a good introduction. The first section hit me on the head: Are you already worrying you won't make it through the book? Each section has a reading section, reflection, prayer, and mediation. If you have the paperback, you have a place to write your prayer.

I also downloaded another ARC (advanced reader copy) from Netgalley. I been skimming through the book and  I like it, but it is time to put like to action. I need to give a lot of my worries to God.

My mother's wars by Lilian Faderman

I read My Mother's Wars in exchange for review on Netgalley.com. The book was written by Lillian Faderman and published by Beacon Press.

The book provides an account of Mary, who moved from Latvia to New York for better opportunities. Mary experienced life through relationships and abortions. She finally fell in love with Faderman's father

Faderman and her mother had an excellent relationship. Her mother shared her experiences with her.

Faderman's mother got kicked out of home at 17 years old by her half-sister and brother-in-law. Her mother had training to be a seamstress but Mereleh wanted more. She wanted to dance in America. She came to the U.S. at a young age, doing chores to help out, but didn't feel completely comfortable around her half sis and her husband. She continued to learn English, while working at a factory (and that's a summary of the preface and first 14 or so pages lol (not sure of the actual page numbers). Mary finally made friends with Goldie and experienced America as more than home and work. Mary wanted to live. I have felt like Mary at times. Sometimes if you want to  have growth, you have to leave the comforts and security of home. The experience may not always be good but it teaches you valuable life lessons.  This was a good book to skim through. I liked it very much.

10 questions kids ask about sex

I read 10 questions, kids ask about sex, in exchange for review from Netgalley. The book was written by Bill and Pam Farrel. The Book was also published by Harvest House Publishers.

The book provides guidance on how to answer sex-related questions. Topics include sex, gender, and babies. The book is written from a biblical perspective, with bible verses given for each topic. The book encourages honest, positive, comprehensive communication.

The book also discusses how parents do not want to talk to kids about sensitive topics. Parents want to be liked and be cool. Parents need to pray, listen, and talk in a calm manner when having difficult conversations. Conversations should also be held in a mutual place.

The book is a good book, but the first part lost me at times. It discusses God and parenting, but I got a little confused. For example, it talked about Jesus being a hero and how parents should be Christ-centered, which is true, but I didn't see how it correlated to sex. I read the first pages a few times to gain understanding. The book also provided the definition of love and marriage. Overall, the book had good information, but some sections lacked flow.

The book also discussed sex statistics for students (abortions, rapes, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancies).

Parents are responsible for teaching kids sex education and teach them God's purpose for sex:

1. (procreation (reproduction)
2. recreation (emotionally, physically, spiritually)
3. marriage
4. rejuvenation (emotional and physical wellness). 
5. proclamation (love and commitment). 

My Crocodile does not bite

I read my crocodile does not bite by Joe Kulka, in exchange for a honest review by Netgalley.com. The book was published by Learner and Carolrhoda Books. The book talked about a boy named Ernest and his pet Croc, Gustave. Ernies rival is a girl named Cindy Lou, who has a pet doggie named Fifi. The school is having a pet fair and all the kids are bringing their pets to school. Cindy Lou thinks her pet is superior. Cindy Lou does not like Ernest or his croc. She does not want the Croc to go to school. It also does not help the croc knows more tricks than Fifi. The book is a good read, with a surprise ending. My kids enjoyed reading this book.

Women's guide to reading the bible in a year by Diane Storz

I read A woman's guide to reading the bible in a year by Diane Stortz, in exchange for honest review from Netgalley. The book was published by Bethany House Publishing.  I wish I skimmed this book sooner because I truly enjoyed reading it this weekend. Definitely am thinking about buying either the Kindle or paperback version of the book.

Second, The book starts out with inspirational stories, starting with a ladies group, who desired to read the bible in a year, focusing on three chapters per day. The group eventually broke off into multiple groups, including a men's group. The stories also included a Jehovah's witness, who desired more, in addition to a missionary, who realized she lacked familiarity with the bible, even though she taught it.

Why I chose the book: I never read the entire bible. I read the verses outlined in Church, plus a few chapters on my own. Read the book of Revelation a few times, but I never thought of reading the entire bible in a year. Definitely need to work on reading the bible more, plus memorization. Never memorized a bible verse, let alone a chapter,  a day in my life, I think, except like the last verse: AMEN or JESUS WEPT. Of Course, there is In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 

Third, The book was very inspirational. Stortz (2013) discusses how we can find truth and love within the bible. We also can find encouragement, forgiveness,  hope, understanding, accountability, appreciation, direction,healing, release,  and peace. Next, Diane told her story of being born with one, fully formed, hip socket, instead of two. She was placed in full body casts around the age of one, in addition to staying in the hospital in traction. She eventually wore braces and then learned to walk. God is good. Very inspirational since my youngest son can not walk yet. He is in Early Childhood and Physical therapy. Tomorrow, he is getting a gait walker, which is to help his balance and muscular structure. God is truly blessing him with great therapists and he has made great progress since last year.

Fourth, the book provided tips for reading the book. For example, you can start anytime. The pages are not dated. You can use the guide with any bible version. You will read about three chapters per day, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes. It is also ok if you fall behind or get confused. You can catch up or re-read anytime. Stortz definitely focuses on using the bible to develop a closer relationship with God, which affects other relationships, such as family. Diane also encourages using the book to record your thoughts as you read the book. The book also provides guidelines for group reading.

Fifth, Stortz provided a brief history of the bible (from God speaking directly to men to traditional publishing), in addition to the books of the bible. Everything I mentioned so far, is found in the first 30 or so pages of her book.

Finally, the book provides an outline for reading the bible in a year. Each section has a selected theme, bible verses, in addition to checkpoints. The author discusses each theme first, before getting into verses and questions. Each section also has questions such as name something you learned or write down a bible verse you like to remember. The sections are very short. The bible verses given for each section also has a check box, to check your progress, I assume.

Words can change your brain

I read Words can change your brain, in exchange for review from NetGalley. The book was written by Andrew B. Newberg and Mark Robert Walman.

The book discusses how communication can build trust, resolve conflict, and increase intimacy. People need to chose their words carefully, listen, and observe non verbal body cues.

The right words (or wrong ones) can affect stress levels (physical and emotional), behavior, meaning, tangible benefits, and intangible beneifts.

The book also discusses the 12 strategies of compassionate communication: 10 of which includes:

1. relax
2. stay present
3. cultivate inner silence
4. increase positivity
5. reflect on deepest values
6. observe non verbal cues
7. appreciation
8. speak warmly
9. speak slowly
10. speak briefly

Lost on a familiar road by Kimberly Sowell

I read Lost on a Familiar Road, in exchange for review from Netgalley.com. The book was written by Kimberly Sowell and published by New Hope Publishing.

The book discusses familiarity. Familiarity requires less thought and more routine. Sometimes, we veer off path and not sure which direction to move in. WE also can overload the brain and forget the important things we need to do. We need to prioritize, delegate, and declutter to clear the mind. We also need to ask for perspective on what is cluttering our minds. Next, we need to replace negativity with positive, uplifting thoughts and obedience to Christ. Finally, we need to pray.

The book also provides exercises to assess your faith, you thinking, and your focus on God. I copied a few to OneNote, so I can answer them later. I need to change my perspective on a lot of things in order to achieve balance. The book also provided examples of biblical people, who lost perspective. Martha focused on serving others, instead of God. People thought Noah was crazy for building an Ark. Peter thought Jesus was losing focus because he focused on the carnal, instead of the Kingdom of Christ.

Another highlight: We need to believe beyond our immediate circumstances. The book gave the example of Jay. Jay wanted chocolate milk, but his father brought home white mil. Jay was upset until his daddy poured Chocolate Syrup into the milk (Viola Chocolate Milk).

I love this book and added it to my wish list on Amazon. Will pre-order the book as soon as I get paid next. Love a paperback and I do not order too many paperbacks.

The Joy of Sexus by Vicki Leon

 I reviewed the Joy of Sexus by Vicki Leon, in exchange for review from Netgalley. The book was published by Walker and Company. The book discussed the history of sex throughout the ages. I enjoyed reading about the different aphrodisiacs and anti-potency remedies. Some of the aphrodisiacs included mandrake roots, satyrion, red coral, and wormwood. People also used herbal potions and plants; amulets and rubs; and also inserted hair, excretions, and nail clippings to improve potency. 

On the other hand, sometimes people wanted to lower their mate's sex drive by using hippo forehead; mouse dung; wine, in which a mullet has drowned in; or male urine in which a lizard was killed. 

The book was an interesting read. I loved reading it. Definitely am thinking about buying a print edition. 

The Tragedy Paper

I read the Tragedy Paper, in exchange for review from Netgalley. The book was written by Elizabeth Laban. The book was also published by Random House Children's Books. The book is geared towards young adults.

Synopsis of the description from Amazon: 

The book's main character is Tim, who starts attending a fancy school. Tim does not want to be noticed, let alone make friends. He starts dating one of the popular girls in secret, which could ruin her reputation. The students also have to write a dissertation/thesis during their senior year, called the tragedy paper. Amazon also has an amazing interview with LaBan shortly after the pricing and general information about the book. Amazon also provides a map of the school.

My opinion of the book:

First and foremost, I love the cover. I used to attend graphic design school and this cover is simply amazing. The use of light and dark.

I also liked the concept of the tragedy paper. The kids had to define a tragedy, in the literary sense. I also feel the students' frustration in writing the paper. I am in the process of completing a masters project. I also have a dissertation during the doctorate portion of this program.

The book started out with Duncan, a senior, who is entering the dorms, waiting his surprise, from the last senior, who occupied his room. Tad is Duncan's friend. Duncan's gift was very interesting and made me want to read more. You definitely have to buy the book to determine his gift.

Chapter two starts the story of Tim. Tim is an Albino, starting his senior year of high school at Irving. Tim has already graduated and Duncan stays in Tim's old room. The gift really comes into play here and for the next few chapters. I had read about 50 pages at this point. Tim provides backs story of how his father died and information about his mother and step-father. Tim is an outcast and never really fit in. Going to the high school was supposed to help Tim fit in and find his self.

Enter Vanessa: The Popular Girl, the It girl. Vanessa and Tim met at an airport, during a flight delay (snow storm) Thanks to Tim's mother's travel agency connections, Tim was able to secure a room at a hotel quickly before they sold out. Tim invites Vanessa back to the hotel. Tim did not know at this point that Vanessa attended his high school. He had an inkling after seeing her in a shirt, with the school's mascot but couldn't id if it was for his school or another school. Vanessa also has a boyfriend.

The book was a very interesting read. Boy meets Girl. Boy invites Girl back to hotel. Boy likes Girl. Girl has boyfriend. Boy and Girl start a secret relationship.

The book is 9.99 on Amazon (kindle). It is also available in hardback and audio book.

Bob's Booger

I read Bob's Booger in exchange for review from Netgalley. The book was written by Scott Black  and published by Broccoli Press. The book was a quick read on the Kindle. The story was about Bob, who had a booger in his nose. He wasn't feeling well and had to go to school. The problem was no one would tell him about the booger. That's where the book gets interesting. Will his teachers and classmates tell Bob about the little green man?

CrosScan Puzzles

I reviewed CrosScan Puzzles, in exchange for  an honest review from Netgalley.com. It was written by Bill Cobb and Susan T. Brown. The book was also published by YouDoPr.Com Consultants.

I enjoyed the concept of the book, which is why I chose it, but the book did not work well on my Kindle Keyboard. I may have to order it in paperback form to truly enjoy the experience. I did solve some of the clues though. Definitely a mental challenge, which I love.

A disability history of the United States by Kim E. Nielson

I read A disability history of the United States by Kim E. Nielsen, in exchange for review from Netgalley. The book was published by Beacon Press. I chose this book because I have special needs children. I would not consider them disabled but delayed. (My oldest has Autism and ADHD; My youngest has developmental delays. He is not walking or talking yet. He also has fine motor delays. )

Nielsen starts out by discussing how Native Americans viewed disability. Native Americans do not have a word for disability. If you was able to contribute to society, then you were accepted. There was no stigma. For example, the book mentioned if the town needed water and a disabled man provided a well--he is valuable to the community. He shared his gift with everyone and the others will share their gifts with him (reciprocity.)

The book discusses the history of disabilities--from the definition to stereotypes--to laws--to even discussing the infamous R word (retarded) and other derogatory words.  The book also discusses temporary and permanent disabilities. Finally, the book mentions how we should embrace disabled individuals. Everyone has a gift, no matter the age or disorder or disease or disability. Everyone has a light to shine. The author has a daughter with a disability.

People with disabilities desire the same things, everyone else does--social interaction, relationships, acknowledgement, and thanks. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to know more about disabilities.

Egermeier's Bible Storybook for beginners

I read Egermeier's Bible Storybook for Beginners, in exchange for review from Netgalley. The book was written by Elsie Egermeier and published by Warner Press. I chose this book for the kids. I needed a simple bible--with easy-to read words and pictures--to grab the kids attention. As a Mama and  Christian, I do worry about the kids knowing God and obtaining salvation. I probably worry more than most since I have special needs kids. Both of them can not say God, but that does not mean they do not feel the presence of God. I read them the first story and Brad and Kalen paid attention. I highly recommend the book to parents (and anyone else, who wants to share the Love and goodness of God to children)

Bah Humbug

I read Bah Humbug, in exchange for review from netgalley.com. The book was written by Lorna Balian and Lecia Balian and published by Starbright books. The book is about Margie and her brother Arthur. Arthur believes Santa is a big, fat humbug and develops a plan to trap him. Margie goes along with the plan because Arthur threatened her (just like any big brother or sister). Arthur is very creative, kind of like Kevin in Home Alone. The graphics are colorful and the font is black, italic, kind of child-like. The book was a quick, easy read and the kids loved it. The book also has an interesting middle and end lol.

Old MacDonald had her farm

I read OldMacDonald had her farm, in exchange for review from netgalley.com. The book was written by JonArno Lawson and published by Annick Press. The art was done by Tina Holdcroft. The book taught the kids the vowels ( A E I O U and Y). The graphics were colorful. The book was a quick and silly read. The farmer worked on a farm and when she saw one of the vowels, she would do interesting things. Each interesting thing used the highlighted vowel in each action performed. The book had rhythm.