Neelam's Book Blog

 Shaggy's Cheeseburgers Author: Ron Ladner When you think of a cheeseburger, you probably think of comfort food, not a life story. But this book flips that idea upside down. It uses the cheeseburger as a symbol to explain deeper truths about happiness, loss, and resilience. It’s a surprising but effective approach, one that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. The mix of Katrina survival stories, community rebuilding, and personal memories makes the book feel layered. It’s emotional without being overwhelming, funny without being shallow, and inspiring without being cliché. It leaves you with a sense that even ordinary things—like food—can carry extraordinary meaning when tied to human experiences. Rating: 5🌟

Every Ornament has its place Author: Vincent Verrico It starts with a missing ornament and turns into a heartwarming family adventure. Every Ornament Has Its Place tells the story of little Matthew, who realizes his favorite Christmas ornament—a mouse in a rocket ship—is missing just as the family starts decorating the tree. What follows is a sweet, slightly chaotic, and very relatable search through attics, basements, and old boxes, as everyone joins in to find it. The story might be simple on the surface, but it beautifully captures that feeling of nostalgia and how much emotional weight tiny traditions can hold—especially through a child’s eyes. What really stands out is the message: that even the smallest things can hold deep meaning and bring people together. As a parent, I found it touching to see how the family didn’t just brush off Matthew’s worry—they made it important, which is a beautiful lesson in empathy. The illustrations are lively and engaging, and my kids were totally ...

 Legacy of the Golden Bird Author: Lainey Miles This book has the kind of magical vibe that pulls you in from the very first scene. A warrior finding a golden bird in a spiderweb deep in the forest? That instantly got my attention. It’s mysterious, kind of emotional, and makes you curious to know what’s going to happen next. The writing feels smooth and easy to follow, which I liked a lot. You don’t need to be a hardcore fantasy fan to enjoy this story. It has that classic "hidden power" and "unexpected hero" feel to it, but with a nice fresh twist involving a bird instead of a person or a sword. What stood out most for me was how that tiny moment—just a bird opening its eyes—completely changes the direction of the story. You just know something big is coming. It’s the kind of fantasy that makes you wonder what else is hiding in the forest and how one small creature could change everything. I’d definitely keep reading. Rating: 5🌟

 Miles and Simon are preparing to travel back to 1999 with one goal: to alter their grandfather’s career path and, in doing so, prevent the trauma that continues to haunt their mother in the present. For the mission to succeed—and for everyone's safety—it was crucial that Miles keep their plans a secret. But everything is jeopardized when Miles confides in his girlfriend, Maisie. Hoping to protect her from Omni, he invites her to join them. Things take a dangerous turn when Maisie is captured by a spikey-haired woman—someone who may be after Simon’s time machine. This story reminds us how a single mistake can change everything. Through its twists and turns, it explores relationships, trust, and the powerful role family plays in protecting one another. With its emotional depth and thrilling plot, this time travel story would make an incredible movie.

 Miles in Time Author: Lee Mathew & Goldberg Whenever I come across a YA time-travel mystery, I jump at the chance to read it — and Miles in Time by Lee Matthew Goldberg was no exception. The first book in the Miles in Time series shares its title with the series itself, and it immediately pulled me in. Matthew’s storytelling is sharp and focused. From the very first chapter, I connected with Miles Hardy. Despite having little support from his family or classmates, Miles remains determined to follow his dream of becoming a detective — and I found myself rooting for him throughout. When his older brother Simon is tragically murdered, Miles sees a chance not only to solve his first real case, but also to use time travel to save his brother. But with so many layers of mystery and danger, Miles must navigate whom he can trust — all while keeping everything a secret and stopping the killers in the past. The plot is gripping and full of tension. YA mystery stories like this one help ...

This memoir tells the heartfelt story of Mary Ann Manning—a beautiful woman, devoted wife, and loving mother. It begins with how Stephen met Mary Ann on a bus ride to his new job in Chicago, instantly feeling she was out of his league. Yet, fate brought them together, and he eventually married the woman of his dreams. The author shares their journey—highlighting both the joys and the challenges they faced as a couple. Together, they navigated life, built a family, and created lasting memories. Despite early medical hurdles, Mary Ann went on to have children and embraced motherhood with warmth and care. This touching memoir is a page-turner. I found myself completely engrossed and moved by many emotional moments. If you enjoy stories that celebrate love, marriage, family, and the deep bond between a mother and her children, this is a must-read.