Munchkin Monday: Crankenstein

Crankenstein by Samantha Berger is one of my kids’ favorite books lately. It’s a short book about “Crankenstein,” a green-faced kid who says “MEHR” when he doesn’t like something: bedtime; long, long lines; cold Halloweens. They say “MEHHRRR” every time Crankenstein does, but I think their favorite part is when Crankenstein meets another Crankenstein: he laughs! And so do they: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

The kids love the book, and so do I. It’s right on target about when kids get cranky, and it’s fun. We have lots of visits from Crankensteins in my house (but they don’t like it when I point it out…).

Book Review: Written on the Apple Tree

“Psychological suspense” is a fitting description of Written On The Apple Tree: A Mystery Psychological Suspense (Tales of the Unexpected Series Book 4) by Ann Girdharry. The story drew me in, held my interest until the very end, and then ended almost suddenly. I was left confused, a bit melancholy, and feeling overwhelmingly sorry for the central characters, Kim and Oliver. For about a week I was convinced that I didn’t like the story at all. I don’t often read short stories, and I don’t like when stories end without being neatly tied up; I’m still not sure what the author intended to convey. Ultimately I decided the lack of clarity may be part of the story’s genius. It can be interpreted any number of ways: the story could be about reincarnation, or love and loss, or even mental illness. I still don’t really like that it’s unclear, but it is a good and engaging piece of writing regardless of my personal taste. As I read, I truly felt like I understood Kim despite the story’s brevity, and I could almost feel her evolving emotions. The story is at it is described: if you like psychological suspense, you will surely like Written on the Apple Tree.

Three stars.

Many thanks to author Ann Girdharry for providing a free copy of the story in exchange for an honest review.

Thought of the Day

“It’s now way too late for anyone to back out. Not in the literal sense-any one of them could still take off running out the door-but people don’t work like that. More or less, they do what others expect them to.”

— The Perfect Storm (Kindle location 686, emphasis added)

Maybe we all need to do a little more of what makes us happy. What do you all think? What would you do differently if you didn’t feel bound by social expectations? Share in the comments!