The Legacy of Librarian Ruth Rappaport

A Well-Read Woman: The Life, Loves, and Legacy of Ruth Rappaport

Author: Kate Stewart

Publisher: Little A

Publication Date: May 1, 2019

Length: 397 Pages

A featured selection in the Amazon First Reads program.





About The Author
Kate Stewart is a third-generation librarian, born and raised in the Midwest. She has worked as a librarian and archivist for ProQuest, the Library of Congress, and the US Senate in Washington, DC. She is currently an archivist at the Arizona Historical Society in Tucson, Arizona.

Overcoming Adversity and Never Giving Up
Ruth Rappaport (1923 - 2010) spent her early years in Leipzig, Germany. She was the daughter of Jewish parents and was sent to Switerzland in the late 1930s. She traveled to Seattle to live with relatives during WWII. Her father died in Buchenwald and her mother died at Ravensbrueck during the war.

Kate Stewart tells the fascinating story about how Ruth survived and thrived after she was forced to leave her family in Germany. She was a voracious reader and books helped fill the void left by her tragic early life. Ruth had visited libraries as a child and always dreamed of someday working as a librarian. She eventually earned a MLS degree and set up libraries in Vietnam for soldiers during the Vietnam War. She came back to the U.S. to work as a cataloguer in the Library of Congress for many years.

My Thoughts
When I was in elementary school, I always chose biographies to read when I visited the library. I was especially interested in the stories of famous women...Jane Addams, Clara Barton, Helen Keller, Florence Nightengale, etc.
I was immediately drawn to this book when I realized it was a biography of a librarian.

Ruth Rappaport was not famous but she lived an extremely courageous and distinguished life. Ms. Stewart used diary entries, letters, and archives to describe Ruth's "life, loves, and legacy." She visited many of the locations where Ruth lived to give the reader a clear understanding of the world as Ruth saw it.

I was especially interested in the years that Ruth spent in Vietnam setting up libraries for the soldiers and sending out packets of books/magazines to the front lines. She traveled in helicopters to oversee the branch libraries that were operating in remote areas. While in Vietnam, she was romantically involved with a U.S. serviceman for several years before learning that he had a wife and five children back in the States. Alas, Ruth was not lucky in love and never married.

The only thing I disliked about this book was the rather long history of the Library of Congress that didn't really have much to do with Ruth's story. The author provided too much (in my opinion) information about the politics, hiring discrimination and other random facts about the Library of Congress during the years that Ruth worked there. 

I believe this book will find a wide audience with librarians and history buffs who are interested in World War II, Jewish history and the Holocaust. 

MY RATING: 4 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book from the Amazon First Reads program

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A Baby Blue Dragon Named Sapphire

The Baby Blue Dragon

Author: Nell Kent

Publisher: CreateSpace 

Publication Date: August 15, 2017

Length: 28 pages

Recommended Ages: 4 - 8








About the Author
Nell Kent graduated from Southeastern State University in Durant Oklahoma in 1973 with a degree in Fine Arts. The Baby Blue Dragon was her first book and she has published a second book named Sapphire's Adventure.

A Rescue Farm for Dragons
Cassie and Emma, two sisters who live in the city, are visiting their Aunt Dragon. The girls have never visited their aunt's farm before. They soon discover that this is no ordinary farm. Aunt Dragon runs a rescue farm for dragons!

One stormy evening, the girls saw a strange blue creature land on Aunt Dragon's porch. When Aunt Dragon goes out to investigate, she discovers it is a baby blue dragon.

Aunt Dragon takes the dragon to her barn and names her Sapphire. In a few days she has grown to be eighteen feet tall and thirty feet long. Dragons grow very fast.

The girls want to know why Sapphire showed up on Aunt Dragon's porch. Did she get lost during the storm? How could they help Sapphire?

My Thoughts
Ms. Kent wrote this story, drew the illustrations and self-published the book on CreateSpace. This is an excellent example of how a talented writer/artist can make their book-writing dreams come true.

What child doesn't like to read a story about a friendly dragon? The author developed the plot in a way that will keep the reader anxious to find out what happens next. Children will like the idea that the rescue farm is a place where homeless dragons are taken care of in a safe environment. This could lead to a discussion about rescue organizations for dogs, cats and other homeless animals.

Ms. Kent used art markers and colored pencils to draw the illustrations in a pseudo-naïve style that children will find very attractive. I love the way the cover of the book shows an egg in a nest and the first illustration shows a newly hatched baby blue dragon. Children will be able to see how Sapphire was born and what she looked like before she arrived at the dragon rescue farm.

There is a glossary in the back of the book that defines a "dragon" as a mythical creature that has wings and a long tail. It defines "mythical" as a made-up or make-believe animal. Parents should review each word in the glossary with their child. This is an excellent way to test for comprehension and confirm that the child understands that this is a fantasy story.

There are two blank pages at the end of the book for the child to "draw your own dragon" and "write a story about your dragon".

Kudos to Ms. Kent for providing a creative and imaginative experience for children.

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I purchased a paperback copy of this book with my own funds.

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Los Angeles Central Library Fire 1986

The Library Book

Author: Susan Orlean

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Publication Date: October 16, 2018

Length: 336 Pages










About the Author
Susan Orlean has been a staff writer at The New Yorker since 1992. She is the author of seven books, including Rin Tin Tin, Saturday Night, and The Orchid Thief, which was made into the Academy Award–winning film Adaptation.

Fascinating History of the LA Public Library
This true story begins on April 29, 1986...the day of a devastating fire at the Los Angeles Central Library. Susan Orlean investigates a mystery that has never been solved: Did someone purposefully set fire to the library...and if so, who?

Ms. Orlean shares extensive research in this riveting book about the history of the library, the library architecture, the library employees, library patrons, the library culture and the accused arsonist, Harry Peak.

My Thoughts
I worked as a school librarian for many years, so the title of this book piqued my curiosity. The author tells of her childhood love of reading and her frequent visits to a public library in her neighborhood. She wrote this book as a tribute to libraries and the important role they play in our society.

They say that truth is stranger than fiction, and that is certainly the case with this book. In her quest to investigate the library fire, Ms. Orlean traces the history of the library back to 1926. She explores the library culture and the personalities of the people who held leadership positions at the library and the librarians who spent their days performing the duties required to serve the library patrons. She investigates the challenges the library has faced in recent years and shares her thoughts about the future of the library.

The author can't understand why anyone would intentionally start a fire in the library. She is not convinced that this was actually a case of arson. However, she admits that this is probably a mystery that will never be solved. Harry Peak, the main suspect in the arson case, was arrested but released because of lack of evidence. He later died of AIDS.

I found this book extremely informative, enlightening and even entertaining. The author did an amazing job mixing the intrigue of the fire mystery and the more unremarkable history of the library.

I believe this book will be on the shelves of many libraries and all library enthusiasts will devour the pages and be hungry for more. Highly recommended!

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

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Compass for an Extraordinary Life

Extraordinary: Living in the Direction of You

Author: Michael Dauphinee

Publisher: Broadstreet Publishing Group LLC

Publication Date: September 4, 2018

Length: 160 Pages

About the Author
Michael Dauphinee is a speaker, writer, and leadership consultant. For more than a decade he has devoted his life to helping people around the world understand their identity and its direct impact on leadership, employee engagement, and life.


"To live an extraordinary life is to live outside the normal course of events."
Michael Dauphinee provides guidelines for navigating an extraordinary life. This navigation process includes the following four points;

• Where are we? (Identity)
• Where are we going? (Permission)
• How do we get there? (Courage)
• How do we keep from getting lost? (Generosity)

The author begins by defining the terms and then explains how these concepts can be applied to your life. He shares experiences from his own life and also provides case studies from some of his client's experiences.

My Thoughts

WOW! I can't remember the last time I used the highlight feature on my Kindle e-reader as frequently as I did while reading this book. The pages became a colorful rainbow of quotations, definitions and strategies that I want to go back and review. It is difficult to digest this information in just one reading. I plan to go back and reread each chapter and think about how I can apply the strategies and techniques to my life.

Mr. Dauphinee dedicates a portion of each chapter to defining the terms. This is an informative and enlightening addition that adds great value. I have read many self-help books and very few take time to define the terms before they give instructions for applying the concepts and strategies.

"The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their right name."

The author is a Clifton Strengthsfinder coach but he has not made this this book into an advertisement for this service. He does encourage readers to take a strengths assessment (Clifton Strengths, MyersBriggs, DISC, Enneagram, etc.) to realize your talents and stop discarding your most valuable parts. 

"Every day we make choices that will choose for us later."

When I read this quotation, I reflected on many of the decisions I had made in the past. The choices that are made today will mold our futures for years to come. Decisions move us toward or away from our identity. The author believes we tend to disconnect the choices of today from the impact of tomorrow. We live like slaves to the immediate. 

Mr. Dauphinee expresses his personality with both humor and poignant stories. He is a Christian and enthusiastically shares his faith in Jesus Christ. However, I would not call this a "religious" book. 

Excellent. Impactful. Motivating. Memorable. This book is all of this and more. Highly Recommended!

FIVE STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book for NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
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Male Molestation Victim Pens Emotional Memoir

Songs from an Imperfect Life

Author: J. Ronald M. York

Publisher: St. Broadway Press

Publication Date: March 18, 2018

Length: 228 Pages










About the Author
J. Ronald M. York graduated from Belmont University with studies in voice and piano. He spent the next two decades in the field of interior design before opening his first art gallery. When not in the gallery, Mr. York can be found in his studio painting, at his piano composing, or assisting numerous nonprofit agencies with fundraising. He is the author of "Kept in the Dark."

“Secrets. We all have them, and we all hope they will never be revealed. My parents, relatives and a handful of close friends took our family secret to their graves. And yet, my parents held on to a box of incriminating evidence, through five moves in three different cities, to be left for me to find long after everyone was gone.”

Revealing is Healing

This is a story of family secrets and the effects these secrets had on the author's life.

The author's father was arrested, pled guilty and served jail time for molesting boys in his Boy Scout Troop in the 1950s. 

Mr. York was first molested at the First Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee when he was seven years old. The male predator was a respected, upstanding member of the church. 

The sexual abuse continued at church, in movie theaters, in public restrooms and department stores until the author graduated from high school.

As an adult, Mr. York pursued a homosexual lifestyle and participated in many risky sexual acts and dysfunctional relationships.

The author is now in his sixties and has written this book about his life with insight, understanding and compassion. It is time for healing and forgiveness.

My Thoughts

Mr. York's family appeared to be a normal church-going, white middle class family. No one would have guessed the secrets that were never discussed. However, keeping secrets came at a high price. The author never told his parents about the inappropriate touching at church or any of the other sexual encounters he had as a child. Yet, you have to wonder if there weren't many warning signs that were intentionally ignored.

Mr. York provides many examples of how his childhood abuse changed the way he perceived himself and those around him...and not in a good way. This story of abuse is very disturbing, but the author does not consider himself a victim. 

This is an account of resilience and determination to overcome the past and walk confidently into the future. This is a gripping memoir that is worthy of your time. Highly recommended!

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

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Children's Book Review: Ima and The Great Texas Ostrich Race by Margaret McManis

Ima & the Great Texas Ostrich Race

Author: Margaret McManis
Illustrator: Bruce Dupree

Publisher: Eakin Press

Date: September 1, 2003





About The Author
Margaret McManis is a retired school librarian and a children's book author. She loves interesting characters in history and hopes to introduce kids to fascinating people like Miss Ima Hogg.

"Girl, You've Got Mettle!"
This is a fictionalized account of the life of young Ima Hogg, the daughter of Governor James Hogg of Texas.

The story is told from a first-person perspective and tells about a crazy race between Ima and her two brothers. Ima is riding her ostrich named Ossy and her brothers are riding their fastest quarter horses.

Ima's father encourages Ima by saying, "Girl, you've got mettle!" She remembers these words as she climbs on Ossy's back and confidently begins her attempt to show her brothers that she indeed has "mettle."

My Thoughts
Ima Hogg was a real person and became widely known for supporting the arts, historical preservation and mental health programs. Ima was eight years old when her father was elected governor of Texas in 1890. Their home was filled with famous people and exotic animals, including two ostriches named Jack and Jill.

The author exhibits her marvelous imagination by taking these facts and creating a picture book that children will find fascinating and hilarious. This book will wet children's curiosity about this period in Texas history and the captivating world of ostriches.

I especially like the way Ima's father encourages her and uses the word "mettle"
to describe her. The word "mettle" means courage, valor, vigor and ardor. These are wonderful words for young women to treasure and live by.

The color illustrations add a great deal to the humor in this book. Mr. Dupree did an excellent job capturing the heart of the story.

This book was published over ten years ago but I honestly believe it should have a permanent place in your children's book collection. I hope the author will make this book available in digital format so a new generation of techie children can enjoy Ima and her antics!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out of 5

FYI ~ I checked out a print copy of this book from my local public library.

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Book Review: Life Code by Dr. Phil McGraw

Life Code: The New Rules for Winning in the Real World

Author: Dr. Phil McGraw

Publisher: Bird Street Books

Date: November 13, 2012



About the Author
“Dr. Phil” (Phillip C. McGraw, Ph.D.) is the host of America’s number-one daytime talk show and is perhaps the most well-known expert in the field of psychology and human functioning in the world today.

BAITERS - The Bad Guys
Do you give other people the "benefit of the doubt"? Dr. Phil believes you can get in trouble just by being in the wrong place at the wrong time and not listening to your basic instincts. This is why the "benefit of the doubt" is not advised in the new "life code".

Dr. Phil McGraw states that some people "win" just because they play the game of life according to a different set of rules or no rules at all. In the real world,  the cheaters sometimes win, the early bird doesn't always get the worm, and doing unto others as you wish they would do unto you doesn't always get you what you want, need or deserve.

BAITERS (Backstabbers/Abusers/Impostors/Takers/Exploiters/Reckless) are those who exploit, cheat and abuse other people. They win at any cost, especially if it is at the expense of others. Dr. Phil explains the tactics, strategies, techniques and behaviors that BAITERS use to hurt you.

New Rules For Wining in the Real World
The second part of this book explains how to be a winner in life. In order to be successful, you have to play smarter and harder in every part of your life. That means changing what you are doing and how you think. Dr. Phil created a "Sweet 16" list of strategies, mindsets and behaviors that he believes are necessary to change your life for the better.

The final part of the book deals with the importance of knowing how to negotiate what you want and need. Almost everything in your life is based on negotiation.

Dr. Phil writes a special chapter to parents at the end of the book. He believes that people who want to harm your children have more access to them than ever before. Parents must teach their children the new rules for dealing with people in their world.

My Thoughts
The world has drastically changed in the past 50 years. I believe Dr. Phil delivers some sound and sensible advice on how to live in modern times.

I wish I had read a book like this many years ago. I have been exposed to many BAITERS in my life. Unfortunately, I have also used some of the tactics that BAITERS use to further my own agendas and causes.

This book should motivate you to take a good look at how you are living your life. It is never too late to make positive changes in your choices, behaviors and relationships.

I read the digital edition of this book on my Kindle Fire. The formatting is a bit rough around the edges, but the content is really outstanding. I think this is the best book that Dr. Phil has written. It is time to "get real" with a new life code!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I purchased the digital edition of this book with my own funds.

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Kindle Books for Kids: Shoes...Are You My Mate?

Shoes...Are You My Mate?

Authors: Camille Brown and Jennifer Moran
Illustrator: Nurbanu Asena

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Date: December 22, 2012



The Right Mate
Most people need a PAIR of shoes...one for the left foot and one for the right foot.

What if your shoes did not like each other? What if they were always bickering and fighting with each other?

This is the story of two soccer shoes that do not get along. Lefty is a very daring player on the soccer field and he loves to win. Dex is a team player and likes to see tie games because no one loses. They are complete opposites.

One night, Lefty decides to run away to look for a new mate. He meets many different shoes but none of them want to be his mate because they are not soccer shoes. They have no interest in soccer or playing games.

Lefty hears about a shoe down at the practice field who might be looking for a new mate.  Viper is a green snaky-looking shoe who believes winning is the ONLY thing and he will do ANYTHING to win.

Lefty finds himself in a very dangerous situation and is very surprised to see his old mate Dex coming to his rescue!

My Thoughts
This is a very entertaining story that will teach children lessons about friendship, sportsmanship and loyalty.

The dynamic color illustrations are perfect for this story and add real value to the text. Children will love the expressions on the faces of the characters in this story.

There is just enough adventure and suspense in this book to keep children's attention to the very end. Highly recommended as a read-aloud or for silent reading. An excellent selection for children of all ages!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review from the authors.

Special Note From The Authors ~ We've scheduled a free promotion on Kindle Jan 19-21, 2013.

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