REVIEW: "Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay and a Mother's Will to Survive" by Stephanie Land

Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive by Stephanie Land
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A story of resilience and perseverance, Stephanie Land was a homeless, single mother who was living paycheck to paycheck and on government assistance just trying to provide the best life for her young daughter, but still had big dreams that she wanted to pursue. This story not only addresses her life as a maid cleaning other people's houses, but also the faults in government programs and societal prejudices on those with low income. This audiobook promoted empathy, encouraged a change in perspective and ultimately, made me want to clean my house after hearing some of her cleaning horror stories.

For fans of inspirational memoirs, societal impact stories and even "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed.

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"Better Nate Than Ever" Book Review

Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was adorable and definitely fits into the "follow your dreams" theme while still standing out for its own merit. Nate is a thirteen year old who is a self proclaimed theater kid, obsessed with musicals, stage dancing, and even costume planning, all of which are sufficient reasons for his constant bullying at school and negligence at home. So, what does a tween oppressed by his surroundings do to pursue his goal of starring in a Broadway musical?? Run away to New York of course!

Read by the author, this audiobook was witty, entertaining and touching all at the same time, "Better Nate Than Ever" comes at a good time in which LGBT themes are slowly becoming popular and needed to be read more. I can't wait to share this with students who can relate to Nate, especially the ones who sing, dance, and just enjoy being themselves.

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"Lookaway, Lookaway" Audiobook Review

Lookaway, Lookaway by Wilton Barnhardt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

To satisfy the Southern stereotype that is projected consistently by narrator Scott Shepard, "Lookaway, Lookaway" is a cool mint julep that soothes the reader's soul but leaves them woozy with family drama that rivals mobster movies and reality television shows.

Jerene Jarvis Johnston is a classic Southern belle who will do anything to maintain the class and integrity of her retired politician husband, and their four children, Beau, Annie, Josh and Jerelynn, despite decades of scandal and mishaps that targets the honorable Johnston name. Not only is this drama an entertaining read due to the engaging plot, but the presentation of the story from different characters perspectives just add even more to the story-- every family member has something to contribute to the family name, regardless if they want to or not. And get ready- actions have consequences, and this audiobook has the reader screaming at the characters ready to realize something pivotal...before it's too late.



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"The Maze Runner" Audiobook Rant

The Maze Runner by James Dashner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

If you're looking to get your Hunger Games fix, then you've found your match! "The Maze Runner" is another one of those dystopian society books focused on teenage protagonists; kids will love it because it is a story of survival and beating the system. However, it was not my cup of tea.

Disclaimer! I listened to the audiobook, which I've found that that can often influence your perception on the book. I would have rather created the images of the characters, such as Thomas, Newt, and Chuck in my head, rather than hear them through my speakers on the way to work. It was a struggle I must say...

If you plan of diving into the mystery of "The Maze Runner", don't do it via audiobook.

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