Dear readers,
I couldn’t agree more. 😀
humour
Do Not Wash Hands In Plates by Barb Taub
My rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Plot
(by Goodreads)
Once upon the Land Before Time (or at least before mobile phones), my two best friends and I decided to leave the US from separate locations and meet up in Europe. To everyone’s shock, Janine, Jaya and I pulled it off—mostly because we went to Luxembourg, a country so small the odds in favor of chance street encounters were almost 100%, but also because Jaya was carrying the BS, a blue suitcase so enormous it took up approximately a third of the country’s square footage and was visible on satellite images. We couldn’t possibly miss.
It took over thirty-five years before—in a combination of optimism and failing memories— we recklessly decided to repeat this feat. Hey, we reasoned, now we’ve got smartphones, better credit ratings, wheeled suitcases, medical insurance, and the ability to drink legally. Just to make it more interesting, this time we chose to meet in India, where the odds against the three of us actually linking up were approximately a bazillion to bupkis.
This is the story of three women eating our way across India in search of adventure, elephants, temples, palaces, western toilets, monkeys, the perfect paratha…and the kindness of Indian strangers.
| Genre(s): | Non-fiction, Travel, Humour & Entertainment |
| Series: | n.a. |
| Length: | 83 pages |
| Release date: | 2016-01-01 |
Teaser
No Janine. No Jaya. And, apparently, no way to get back into the airport. After several failed attempts at international texts, I realized I could (at heart-stopping expense) send email to Jaya, who soon confirmed that she was on her way and that it was 3:00 AM so I should get back inside. Except there were signs everywhere saying you couldn’t go back in.
“No problem.” Jaya explained that rules in India are more like guidelines. “People in India are very kind. Just ask.”
My Opinion
This humorous travelogue takes you on an unforgettable journey.
With Do Not Wash Hands In Plates: Elephant frenzy, parathas, temples, palaces, monkeys…and the kindness of Indian strangers, Barb Taub has created an unforgettable travelogue. It is a highly enjoyable and hilarious read, engaging the readers from the first to the last pages. Barb Taub did not just write this story, she drew me in so that I became an invisible co-traveller. The situations are often pretty funny, had me chuckling and even laughing out loud while reading. I had a great time reading Do Not Wash Hands In Plates: Elephant frenzy, parathas, temples, palaces, monkeys…and the kindness of Indian strangers. Readers beware: The continuous mention of delicious Indian food may trigger your appetite. 😉
This is a book for you if you like humorous travelogues.
Highly recommended!
In brief:
| Cover | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ |
| Writing | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ |
| Plot | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ |
| Characters | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ |
| Mood | Humorous |
| Pace | Steady |
| POV | First person – past tense |
| Language |  |
| Violence | |
| Sexual content | |
About the author
Connect with the author:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/barbtaub
Website: https://barbtaub.com/
Amazon: Barb Taub
Amazon UK: Buy link
Amazon US: Buy link
Please take a look at my statement on reading in My train of thoughts on …reading. Now I am asking you. 🙂
My questions for you bibliophiles:
What about you? What did you think about Do Not Wash Hands In Plates: Elephant frenzy, parathas, temples, palaces, monkeys…and the kindness of Indian strangers? Or – if you did not yet read Do Not Wash Hands In Plates: Elephant frenzy, parathas, temples, palaces, monkeys…and the kindness of Indian strangers – are you now interested in reading it yourself?
I am looking forward to reading your comments. 🙂
Hokey Pokey Pirates by Peyton King
The editor sent me a copy (pdf format) in exchange for an honest review.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Plot
(by Goodreads)
Available as an e-book download now, and soon to be released in paperback, Hokey Pokey Pirates is a children’s picture book written by a child. She was inspired to write this story based on her relationship with her brothers.
Charlie and Lexie go outside to play on the trampoline while their mom cooks supper and end up on an exciting high seas adventure in which they learn that not all treasure is made of gold.
Genre(s): Children’s (1-10), Humour
Series: –
Length: 26 pages
Release Date: 2015-07-03
Teaser
“You do the Hokey Pokey and turn yourself around,” sang Lexie at the top of her voice. She was so loud that Charlie thought for sure she could be heard all across the world.
My Opinion
This book introduces you to Lexie and Charlie and – the Hokey Pokey!
With Hokey Pokey Pirates, Peyton King has created a funny story for children aged 1-10. The story and the lovely illustrations will appeal to all children. The characters are adorable – lovingly presented. The story has a very pleasant flow and – the Hokey Pokey is infectious. Hokey Pokey Pirates is a very enjoyable read – not only for children.
This is an enjoyable and fun adventure story for children aged 1-10.
Highly recommended.
In brief:
| Writing | Great |
| Plot | Some twists |
| Mood | Funny |
| Pace | Steady |
| Characters | n.a. |
| Violence | No violence |
| Sexual content | No sexual content |
| POV | Third person |
About the author
Peyton is currently a freshmen in high school, age 15. Peyton writes what she sees around her.
Peyton writes poetry and song lyric. She is currently writing and composing her newest song.
On Amazon:
Amazon (US): buy link
Please take a look at my statement on reading in My train of thoughts on …reading. Now I am asking you. 🙂
My questions for you bibliophiles:
What about you? What did you think about Hokey Pokey Pirates? Or – if you did not yet read Hokey Pokey Pirates – are you now interested in reading it yourself?
My question for you cinephiles:
If Hokey Pokey Pirates was filmed or to be put on stage – who should direct it, who could you imagine as actors?
I am looking forward to reading your comments. 🙂
A Cat Taught Me That (Life Lessons Learned from Felines) by Charlotte Gerber
![A_Cat_Taught_Me_That_Cover[1]](https://mytrainofthoughtson.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/a_cat_taught_me_that_cover1.jpg)
This review is part of the (Fire & Ice Book Tours) Humor Book Tour.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Plot
(by Goodreads)
Catnap often. Don’t be a stalker unless food is involved. Despite the rumor, it is okay to be curious! A Cat Taught Me That is filled with humorous advice and the wisdom of elder cats that includes information on how to get more out of life, and how to avoid common pitfalls along the way. Cat lovers will enjoy the adorable photographs and cute illustrations throughout.
Celebrity cat ‘Awesome Louie’ provides insight with his sage advice in his “Mewsings” column. Short essays from the cat-lady author will bring smiles to the faces of readers who may have already learned “Not All That Glitters is Gold” and “To Be Kissed By a Cat” can have unintended consequences.
Genre(s): Humour, Cats
Series: n.a.
Length: 42 pages
Teaser
I’m Louie and I’ve been told I have a problem with cat treats. Of course, a problem is in the eye of the beholder. In my eyes, loving cat treats isn’t a problem unless I run out of them.
My Opinion
This story introduces you to Awesome Louie, a charming rescue cat. He is witty, adorable and – he provides some insights in a cat’s mind. I cannot tell you more about the story as it would spoil the fun of reading it yourself.
With A Cat Taught Me That, Charlotte Gerber presents us with a humorous titbits from a tomcat’s point of view as well as some anecdotes from Charlotte. This little book is funny, has a pleasant flow, comprises Louie’s mewsings as well as some photos and drawings. Charlotte Gerber and Awesome Louie excellently combined humour and facts on feline behaviour. I had a great time reading A Cat Taught Me that. It is a fast and entertaining read. Moreover, you support a good cause by buying this ‘pawsome’ little gem.
Highly recommended!
About the author
Charlotte lives in upstate New York with her husband Gregg and two teenage children, as well as numerous rescued pets. She is a disability advocate and a supporter of animal rescue missions and shelters.
A Cat Taught Me That was released in October, 2014. The book tour is currently running until November 24, 2014 with Fire and Ice Book Tours. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be given to the Hornell Area Humane Society, a no-kill shelter in upstate New York.
Several more cat-themed books are in the works, one of which will feature @Awesome_Louie the celebrity Twitter cat. Louie was featured in A Cat Taught Me That with his ‘Mewsings’ advice column.
Connect with the Author:
Website: http://www.charlottegerber.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gerberink
Amazon: Charlotte Gerber
Buy Link:
Please take a look at my statement on reading in My train of thoughts on …reading. Now I am asking you. 🙂
My questions for you bibliophiles:
What about you? What did you think about A Cat Taught Me That? Or – if you did not yet read A Cat Taught Me That – are you now interested in reading it yourself?
My question for you cinephiles:
If A Cat Taught Me That was filmed – who should direct it, who could you imagine as actors?
I am looking forward to reading your comments. 🙂
My train of thoughts on... 