Daily Scoldings by Beryl Barclay

Once upon a time, there was a boy who lost three coins. Distressed, he searched for his missing money. He came upon a girl who was delighted because she had found three coins. [He] told her what he had lost. The girl's joy quickly faded as she handed her coins to the boy. Seeing how sad she was, the boy could feel no happiness. He said, "I cannot say for certain these coins belong to me. Let's ask the wise owl what to do." The boy and girl explained it to the owl. The owl reached into his own pocket and produced a coin. He gave two coins to the boy and two coins to the girl. He said, "Today we each have lost a coin." The children were content. Never did they consider the peculiar, creepy implausibility of a talking owl with pocket change. Be alert.

from March 5

Daily Scoldings: A Bracing Tonic of Criticism, Rebuke, and Punitive Inspiration for Better Living by Beryl Barclay was recently mailed to this blog for review. I'm not sure how I feel about being mailed books for review--mixed feelings I guess because I do have my own list of books to read--not all of which I succeed in reading in their entirety. If a book can't hook me and keep me reading, I discard it and move to the next one. There are too many books to read to struggle to finish one when I could fly through another in a fraction of that time. However, I had recently read Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern, the hilarious chronicle of the wisdom that has come from the mouth the author's father over the years. In a way Daily Scoldings reminded me of the pearls of wisdom shared in My Dad Says.

I must say the title of Daily Scoldings pretty much sums up what the book is about. Meant to be read like a desk calendar that has a joke or anecdote of the day, each day in Daily Scoldings provides a swift kick in the butt. This might be imparted in a snarky two or three liner or in a parable. And I must say the parables are my favorite by far because these aren't your typical Biblical parables. Barclay's parables are quirky, insightful and often end with a twist and it's the twist at the end that I so enjoy. Many of the anecdotes imparted in Barclay's unique voice are humorous and make you think--hmm, she has point (especially when it comes to creepy, wise owls).

This book is coming soon to the library. I recommend you pick it up and brace yourself for some better living.

--Reviewed by Ms. Angie

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