Sunday, July 11, 2010

A Hot Dog Stand in the Himalayas by Deb Martin-Webster

Reviewed for Review the Book
Publisher:  Authorhouse

A fabulous book for young and old, as we find ourselves back in our childhood right away. What wonderful memories this book will bring to those fortunate to have known a grandmother like Grandmom. The story really belongs to a three year old girl named Raelyn but her Grandmom always calls her Sammie because that's what she thinks is more to her personality.  Sammie narrates the story with a beautiful innocence and brings back all the magic we adult and even many teenagers have left behind us.  I am so pleased to have the opportunity to read the book.  With a title like "A Hot Dog Stand in the Himalayas", what else could I do, I knew I just had to read it. I think it was calling out to me personally.

Deb Martin-Webster must have somehow retained the magic of early youth, she is so on the mark! If I had a hat I would tip it!  She has a remarkable sense of turning imagination into reality. She has tapped into our souls and the child within, either what we were or what we wish we had been. Reading much like a diary, the story flows as conversations, shared secrets and jokes, wonderful camaraderie between the young Sammie and her grandparents Grandmom and Pop-pop. This is a story  for all ages: children will enjoy the thoughts and interactions of Sammie and her Grandmom, older readers will enjoy the storyline, the opportunities around them and ahead of them, and the mystery of "Falling Rock". Adults will remember an earlier, more innocent time, relationships, and recognize the value of imagination as quoted by Grandmom to Sammie, "It is if you believe it is."

Though short (this version is 96 pages), it is packed with life and covers four generations and 6 characters. In other words, this takes us from Sammie at 3 years to Sammie married, with a daughter of her own.  And so, the adventure continues with everything Sammie has learned from her mother and grandparents, and her daughter Krista's own relationship with Great Grandmom and Great "Pee-pop", her own first words for her great grandparents. I won't leave you wondering about Sammie's mother Nina, she is in the book, but this is Sammie's relationship with her grandparents and Nina is rarely mentioned except that the reader can guess that she has also that she shares this same imagination and belief in what she can do.  Where does the title come in?  Read the book, you'll be glad you did.  This is a great example of learning what textbooks can't tell you; learning about using your imagination to create a future for yourself, never say never. You learn while you don't even realize it. Perfect for kids to learn! I loved this book, and this author who obviously has a wonderful outlook.  I definitely want to read more of her books.  Deb Martin-Webster is a very special person, a force of loving and giving.  Highly recommended at any age.

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