The Evolution of Bruno Littlemore by Benjamin Hale

The Evolution of Bruno Littlemore 
by Benjamin Hale


About the book

Bruno Littlemore is unlike any other chimpanzee in the world.Precocious, self-conscious and preternaturally gifted, young Bruno, born and raised in the Lincoln Park Zoo, falls under the care of primatologist Lydia Littlemore. Lydia takes Bruno into her home to oversee his education and nurture his passion for painting. But for all of his gifts, the chimpanzee has a rough time caging his more primal urges. His untimely outbursts ultimately cost Lydia her job, and send the unlikely pair on what proves to be one of the most unforgettable journeys—and most affecting love stories—in recent literature. Like its protagonist, this novel is big, loud, abrasive, witty, perverse, earnest and amazingly accomplished. The Evolution of Bruno Littlemoregoes beyond satire by showing us not what it means, but what it feels like to be human -- to love and lose, learn, aspire, grasp, and, in the end, to fail.

Guest Review by my mom!

This book positively astounded me! It transported me into the mind of Bruno the ape who strives to be human. The story carried me from the heights of joy to the depths of anger and outrage, and questioned my moral perspective. A well-researched book that finds its roots in our mistreatment of primates the world over, and shames us for not recognizing these wonderful creatures for the extremely intelligent species that they are.  But at the same time, it is a heart-warming and tender story of two lonely beings who find in each other the love and comfort they deserve. A thoroughly captivating novel which may be read slowly as it’s message takes time to digest. Definitely an adult read.

*we were sent a free book to review*

The Protector

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Protector Avon Inspire; Original edition (June 28, 2011) by Shelley Shepard Gray



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shelley Shepard Gray is the beloved author of the Sisters of the Heart series, including Hidden, Wanted, and Forgiven. Before writing, she was a teacher in both Texas and Colorado. She now writes full time and lives in southern Ohio with her husband and two children. When not writing, Shelley volunteers at church, reads, and enjoys walking her miniature dachshund on her town's scenic bike trail.



Check out Shelley's Facebook Fan page



ABOUT THE BOOK

Everyone needs a safe place to call home



When her mother passes away, Ella's forced to auction off her family's farm. Her father died years ago, and she could never manage the fifty acres on her own. But after she moves to town, she can't deny the pain she feels watching the new owner, Loyal Weaver, repairing her family's old farmhouse—everything Ella had once dreamed of doing.



What Ella doesn't know is that Loyal secretly hopes she will occupy this house again...as his wife. He begins inviting her over, to ask her opinion on changes he wants to make. As their friendship blooms, Ella starts to wonder about Loyal's intentions, especially when her best friend, Dorothy, hints that Loyal is not who he seems. There's no way the golden boy of their close-knit Amish community could be interested in Ella, long the wallflower, hidden away caring for her ailing parents.



Should she trust the man she's always yearned for, or the friend who's always been by her side? When one of them threatens to disrupt the independence she's finally achieved, Ella is faced with a choice. She can protect her heart and keep things the way they've always been. Or she can come out of her shell, risk everything for the love she's always wanted, and finally have a place to call home.



If you would like to read an excerpt from The Protector, go HERE.

Bridge to a Distant Star

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Bridge to a Distant Star David C. Cook; New edition (June 1, 2011) by Carolyn Williford



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carolyn Williford has authored seven books, including Jordan's Bend, Devotions for Families That Can't Sit Still, and Faith Tango, as well as numerous articles. She and her husband, Craig, live in Deerfield, Illinois, where he serves as president of Trinity International University. They have two children and four grandchildren.



ABOUT THE BOOK

It All Comes Tumbling Down



As a storm rages in the night, unwary drivers venture onto Tampa Bay’s most renowned bridge. No one sees the danger ahead. No one notices the jagged gap hidden by the darkness and rain. Yet when the bridge collapses vehicles careen into the churning waters of the bay below.



In that one catastrophic moment, three powerful stories converge: a family ravaged by their child’s heartbreaking news, a marriage threatened by its own facade, and a college student burdened by self doubt. As each story unfolds, the characters move steadily closer to that fateful moment on the bridge. And while each character searches for grace, the storms in their lives loom as large as the storm that awaits them above the bay.



When these characters intersect in Carolyn Williford’s gripping and moving volume of three novellas, they also collide with the transforming truth of Christ: Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Bridge to a Distant Star, go HERE.

Pixarpedia

Pixarpedia

Book: Hardcover | 235 x 159mm | 300 pages | ISBN 9780756654320 | 25 Aug 2009 | Dorling Kindersley | 10 - AND UP years

From before Toy Story to beyond Up!, this one-of-a-kind encyclopedia captures all the films, shorts, characters, history, and information of Pixar Studios. Thousands of photographs and illustrations combine with behind-thescenes information to form the ultimate Pixarpedia.
  
MY REVIEW

Pixarpedia is great fun! All three of my kids love this book since it contains many of their all-time favourite characters. Aiden (age 9) and Owen (age 7) have especially enjoyed the in-depth look at the Toy Story characters. Olivia (age 4) got a kick out of finding all the girls from every film and pointing out the many ways they are like her. The boys went through and chose which guy they got to be for whatever imaginative game they were playing at the time. Each page is absolutely packed with interesting facts and entertaining pictures. Many times after the kids look at this book they will ask to re-watch one of the many films featured in its pages. This is a great book for any Pixar fan.


Thanks so much to DK Canada for sending me a copy of this book to review.

She Makes It Look Easy

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing She Makes It Look Easy David C. Cook (June 1, 2011) by Marybeth Whalen



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marybeth Whalen is the wife of Curt and mom of six children. The family lives outside Charlotte, NC. Marybeth is a member of the Proverbs 31 Ministries writing team and a regular contributor to their daily devotions. Her first novel,The Mailbox was released in June 2010. Her next novel, She Makes It Look Easy, will be released in June 2011. Additionally, she serves as director of She Reads, Proverbs 31 Ministries' fiction division.





ABOUT THE BOOK

Ariel Baxter has just moved into the neighborhood of her dreams. The chaos of domestic life and the loneliness of motherhood, however, moved with her. Then she meets her neighbor, Justine Miller. Justine ushers Ariel into a world of clutter-free houses, fresh-baked bread, homemade crafts, neighborhood play dates, and organization techniques designed to make marriage better and parenting manageable.



Soon Ariel realizes there is hope for peace, friendship, and clean kitchen counters. But when rumors start to circulate about Justine’s real home life, Ariel must choose whether to believe the best about the friend she admires or consider the possibility that “perfection” isn’t always what it seems to be.



If you would like to read an excerpt of She Makes It Look Easy, go HERE.