MMGM with the #Cybils & #Readathon

Greetings fellow MMGM-ers. I swear December is a flying by, but in a good way. Lots of wonderful reading this last while. Before I get to the Monday MMGM #Cybils read, here is the winner of my mini-challenge from the #readathon as chosen using Random.Org :

Joli from Actin' Up With Books! Congrats Joli, I will be contacting you via email to find out what book you would like. Thanks to everyone who stopped by over the weekend and a HUGE other thanks to Liza @ The WhoRU Blog. Already looking forward to next year!





Speaking of a book, on with today's MMGM! One of the books I read this weekend was Buddy by M.H. Herlong.

Check out this trailer:

 From the publisher: 

 Tyrone "Li'l T" Roberts meets Buddy when his family's car accidentally hits the stray dog on their way to church. Buddy turns out to be the dog Li'l T's always wished for--until Hurricane Katrina comes to New Orleans and he must leave Buddy behind. After the storm, Li'l T and his father return home to find a community struggling to rebuild their lives--and Buddy gone. But Li'l T refuses to give up his quest to find his best friend. From the author of the BBYA Top Ten selection The Great Wide Sea comes a powerful story of hope, courage, and knowing when to let go.

From me:

This took me to a place I've never been and a world I've never experienced. I was drawn in immediately and wanted to know what happened and how the aftermath of Katrina would affect not only Buddy, but the family that took him in (under some protest from Mama I will say) and the boy that cared for him. And yes, found it mighty hard to not read the end to find out what happened to Buddy. I can only say this. The author drew it to the right and best conclusion and not one I saw coming, which I love. Along the way we see a boy trying to find himself and his way in a tough world, learning the meaning of sacrifice and doing the right thing even when it hurts. It's one I recommend highly and one I found myself writing the book talk for even as read. One of those books you can't wait to get out there and talk about. Funny, gritty, doesn't shy away from the rougher truths of living in a neighbourhood where kids can turn to drugs and crime just to survive, this is a book well worth the read (and read again).

More about the author:

Website
Blog

Want more MMGM marvelousness? Head over to Shannon Messenger's site and that is just what you will find.

Enjoy your Monday all!