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Positions of Trust
Robert Kerins 318 pages Published Dec. 2012 ISBN # 10: 9781481140935 ISBN # 13: 9781481140935 Available at Amazon Walmart Waterstones An absorbing thriller with true grit and an insider's perspective Positions of Trust is a compelling crime novel that commands attention from cover to cover. Meeting Robert Kerins in real life and having him sign my copy revealed a kind, deeply intelligent man who has clearly witnessed a great deal through his career. That real-world experience

Christina Francine
5 days ago1 min read


LeGuin’s Message to Young People in Her Book, A Wizard of Earthsea
by: Ursula K. Le Guin Genre: Magical Fantasy Publisher: Clarion Books Publication Date: 1968 272 or 294 pages (depends) ISBN-10: 0547722028 ISBN-13: 978-0547722023 Available at most bookstores and libraries A deep dive into LeGuin's Earthsea, an analysis by Christina Francine LeGuin implies maturity means more than achieving power. Maturity also means being conscious of decision choices and then being responsible for them. LeGuin shows this through her young character Sp

Christina Francine
Aug 1710 min read


The People Could Fly. American Black Folktales.
When selecting appropriate multicultural books for classrooms, teachers need to keep more than the books' messages in mind. They also need to investigate who the authors are. When teachers are sensitive to and aware of the author and the message they convey, they provide a fairer representation of various cultures and countries to their students

Christina Francine
Aug 45 min read


Nettle & Bone
by T. Kingfisher Tor Trade - Publisher Feb. 28, 2023 272 pages ISBN# 10-1250244005 ISBN# 13-978-1250244000 Book Review by Christina Francine A Refreshingly Twisted Fairytale T. Kingfisher’s Nettle & Bone is a delightful, macabre subversion of the traditional fairy tale that hooks from the very first page. It is a rare pleasure to encounter a fantasy novel that manages to feel both comfortingly familiar in its archetypes and startlingly original in its execution. What strike

Christina Francine
Jul 182 min read


Commonalities & Conscience in Two of Joyce’s Dubliners Stories
A Collection of Short Stories by James Joyce Penguin Publishing Group First Published: June 15, 1914 368 pages ISBN # 9780140186475 Reading Guide Available at most bookstores and most likely, your nearest library Amazon Barnes & Noble Bookshop.com by Christina Francine Figure # 1. Dubliner Book Cover. Source: Penguin Publishers James Joyce transcends the ages with a message from his anthology, Dubliners, that people today need to hear. T

Christina Francine
Jul 68 min read


Fellowship of the Ring
J. R. R. Tolkien https://www.tolkienestate.com/ 423 pages NOTE: Fellowship of the Ring was first published by the British publishing house George Allen & Unwin on July 29, 1954 (which was run by Sir Stanley Unwin, who famously paid his 10-year-old son Rayner a shilling to review the manuscript of The Hobbit years earlier). Fig. 3. Cover art for the audiobook edition of J.R.R.

Christina Francine
Jun 185 min read


Crown Hill
Crown Hill is a labor of love that feels deeply personal, likely because it was inspired by the author’s own experience renovating a hilltop farmhouse over the course of two decades. It is a thoughtful exploration of how our environment reflects and influences our personal growth. For readers who enjoy stories that blend history with a touch of the ethereal, and if they’re interested in how physical spaces can hold the resonance of the lives lived within them, this novel offe

Christina Francine
Jun 92 min read


Chivares and the Toothy Surprise!
Chivares and the Toothy Surprise, Khadidja M’hamdioua delivers a heartwarming and visually engaging story that turns a common childhood milestone into a magical adventure. Perfectly paced for the 3–6 age range, this book is an essential tool for parents and educators looking to navigate the 'surprises' of growing up with comfort and joy. A must-read for anyone with a little one about to lose their first tooth or a mature family member about to get false teeth!

Christina Francine
May 282 min read


A Few Books Christina Read in 2025
It's not many, and not all are pictured or mentioned on Goodreads. Below is the first book for 2026. Why reading is good for us, says Healthline. Reading's Impact on the Brain: Cognitive Benefits and Neurological Changes, says NeuroLauch (Grey Matter Matters) Upcoming First for 2026 J.R.R. Tolkien's Fellowship of the Ring I've put off reading this series because each is quite a commitment, especially when working a full-time job while also being an author.

Christina Francine
Dec 29, 20251 min read


Lord of the Dark Sun
For readers who enjoy finding and experiencing a blend of science fiction and romance done well, Lord of the Dark Sun is one to pick up. I found mine in a used bookstore. Though published a while ago (Dec. 2002), an excellent story never expires.

Christina Francine
Jun 2, 20252 min read

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