Rules of the Road by Joan Bauer

Okay, this may be one of the greatest books about growing up that I have ever read.

Jenna Boller is a salesperson at Gladstone's Shoes, a chain of shoe stores known for quality and fair pricing. She likes to sell shoes, and she's good at selling shoes. However, her father struggles with alcohol addiction, and when he comes around to the store one day, Jenna is mortified beyond her sixteen years.
So when Madeline Gladstone, the president of Gladstone's, asks Jenna to be her driver for the summer, Jenna leaps at the chance. They take an unforgettable journey from Chicago to Dallas, and Jenna learns a lot more about driving, selling shoes, and life than she ever expected to know.

I highly suggest this book for anyone who can read chapter books. My mother read it to my sisters and I when I was in fourth grade, and I read it over again right after she finished it. It's a tale of growing up and growing strong. Jenna's voice is highly unique and funny. There is no swearing, inappropriate behavior or references to any. There is some mild emotional turmoil, as Jenna struggles with her father's addiction, her beloved grandmother's Alzheimer's, and the death of a father figure. But don't let that stop you from reading this book. I would give it six stars, but I only have 5 to spare. It's a great family read-aloud, or a book to read in your free time.

"I wrote "never punch a man who's chewing tobacco." I think that at the very least this should be a bumper sticker, but I'm not sure what any of this has to do with selling shoes."

""I still feel like he's with me, in every store Floyd and I opened. When I was a child, I'd wonder why in the world did I have a father so all-fired fixated on shoes?" She [Mrs. Gladstone] opened her hands,  grinning. "Sure made me think about selling them a little different."
I looked down. I always wondered why I had a father who was a drunk.
I haven't figured that one out yet."

-Rules of the Road, by Joan Bauer (words in brackets are mine)


Love,

AJ

A Word from Annabelle.....Literally

I think that the pun in the title is appropriate. I digress.


zhoosh |ˈZHo͝oSHʒʊʃ| (also zhush, zhuzh |ˈZHo͝oZH| ) verb [ with obj. ] informal make more exciting, lively, or attractive: the bag is a cool but economical way to zhoosh upmany an outfit.


................ <-- That would be my silence. It is a silence which is comprised of amusement, surprise, and pure gaping mouth. It is owing to the fact that I never thought that 'zhoosh' was a word. I guess I was ... wrong, and I shall attempt to use this word in the future (though I can't imagine how).

AJ 

Quote, Unquote

“In the moment when I truly understand my enemy, understand him well enough to defeat him, then in that very moment I also love him. I think it’s impossible to really understand somebody, what they want, what they believe, and not love them the way they love themselves. And then, in that very moment when I love them.... I destroy them.” 

~ Ender, Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game.

Annabelle Says...

I honestly cannot think of a monthly quote. I'm having major writers block. Oh, wait a minute. I just checked Goodreads (an awesome book site. I highly recommend it) and found a good quote. Okay, here it is.


     "A friend is someone who knows all about you, and still loves you."
                     
                           --> Elbert Hubbard

And that was a very short quote, so I'm going to look for another one.

      "I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living."

                          --> Dr. Seuss


Okay, I admit it. I'm a teenage girl who still loves Dr. Seuss. Admit it!!! There are Dr. Seuss fans in my audience!! *crickets chirping in aforementioned audience*. Never mind.



AJ

Quote, Unquote

"Let others rise, to take our place, until the earth is free!"
~ Enjolras, Les Misérables (The Musical)

Sorry that this quote isn't from a book... but... oh my goodness that moment. - dies -

Vive l'France, sweeties!
~ Amber Shipp

The Phantom of the Opera

The Phantom of the Opera

Gaston Leroux

Gothic Horror/Romance/Suspense? ???

8.5/10

The Phantom of the Opera... a myth? A mystery? A prank cooked up in the raucous Backstage of the Opera? The opinion varies over which of these might be true. But the elusive Opera Ghost is none of these. He is a living, breathing, hurting, misunderstood man. And when he finally finds something... or more accurately, someone... to love, he expresses himself in all the wrong ways.

I enjoyed this book very much. It has flaws, like any book, but when it all came together in a wonderful crescendo (haha music terms haha), I began to really appreciate it. I recommend it for a lazy afternoon... and even if you don't like it, well, at least you read it!

I would excersise caution on the part of small children with this story... there are low, subtle sexual undertones throughout... especially with the Phantom's obsession with Christine... but, since this book was written quite a while ago, it is buttoned up sufficiently to allow readers of twelve and above to enjoy without feeling uncomfortable. Other negative content: a few people... get choked to death... Raoul and the Persian are put in a "Torture Chamber", which is a device makes them hallucinate and want to die... I think that's it...

On that note, I would also recommend the musical! It portrays the book fairly accurately, and is very enjoyable.

God give me courage to show you that the nerds are not alone!
~ Amber Shipp

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL READERS OF HOBBLEDEHOYS

Ladies, gentlemen, boys, girls, cats and dogs. I, (Annabelle) and Amber have an important announcement to make. As you may know, February 1st we introduced GiGi Babineaux the Second as an intern. Her internship has ended as of March 14th, and Amber and I have decided whether or not she shall remain a permanent member of our team.

Through an entire half hours worth of deliberations, Amber and I have made the joint decision that she will not. However, you haven't heard the last of GiGi Babineaux. GiGi will become a guest reviewer through Amber, posting the occasional review, quote, new word, etc. We hope that you will enjoy the new "Words From GiGi" section from Amber and will read them as often as they are posted.

We have appreciated the time that GiGi has had with us, and understand her difficulties with availability to write. The act of putting words down can be consuming. If you have any questions, comments or concerns. We hope that you will leave them in the comment area below, and either Amber or I will answer your query as soon as possible.

Love,

Annabelle J.

Amber Shipp