The Child Thief

The Child Thief

By: Bella Forrest

Published: June 11, 2018 

Bella Forrest is one of my favorite author’s.  She has written and continues to write many series.  Some of the series I have read by the author are: A Shade of Vampire, Hotbloods, The Gender Game, and Shade of Kiev.  Since I have enjoyed her books I felt believed I would delve into “The Child Thief” series.  The book’s focused is on what could happen in America when the government takes over, thinking they know what is best for children.  Take children from poor families and give them a better life in a wealthy one.  That world though causes many problems, and much trauma to those who lose a new baby or young child.  

The main character Robin was not only one such child, raised by a wealthy family with many other children, but due to an unplanned pregnancy, loses her own.  Robin later with a group of other’s attempt to make things right by stealing from the rich (taken children) and given back to their biological parents.  Yes, it’s a twist from the childhood story of “Robinhood.”  

Ms. Forrest is an excellent writer, but this novel which is the first of the series seemed to drag on.  The writer spent almost 90% of the book building up to some actual drama and developing the supporting characters like Jace.  The last 10% of the book grabs the reader’s attention, and leaves one with a major cliffhanger.  Yes, cliffhangers are meant to keep one wanting more.  For me I felt drained and frustrated that it took so long for something to really happen.  Will I pushed forward to book #2?  I’m not sure.  Check back in a few months.

Rating: 3/5

The Advanced Day Planner User's Guide

The Advanced Day Planner User’s Guide

By: Hyrum W. Smith

Published: 1987

I am a Franklin Covey system fan since the early 90’s when I noticed at work a dental assistant at the office I worked at walk in with a beautiful binder.  My curiosity caused me to ask her what it was and then my life was forever changed.  At that time the company brand name was Franklin Quest, with stores found in the local mall to touch, and sift through all the offerings the company had in their planner system.  In my opinion the Franklin system is the godfather of bullet journaling.  Fast forward to 2019, no longer are the stores available in the mall.  Instead their online store, Amazon, and various resellers abound through the internet.  

Let’s get to this book I read “The Advanced Day Planner User’s Guide” by Hyrum W. Smith who became the face of the company.  This is an old book, with no real chapters, instead sections with illustrations.  Yes the book is old but it has so many “nuggets” that many users of the system today may be missing.  Take a look at section #23 “Go, Call, Do.”  This section demonstrates how an everyday person figured out a system to determining things like items outside the office, tasks, and calls.  When the reader looks at this, you see what?  Yes!  Bullet journal symbols!  Also as stated, the idea is not from the writer, but a planner user with illustration sample of how the idea looks on the daily pages.  So much of the book is usable today, and is an easy and enjoyable read.

Rating 5/5