September 14, 2015
B.R.A.G. Medallion Award Winner: A Dog for Leo
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I just finished reading A Dog for Leo, by Kandi M. Siegel. I feel compelled to say that I found this story not only to be well-written, but also very heart-warming. It reminded me of the talks I had with my sons about being responsible and taking care of a dog. It was easy for me to identify with each of the characters in the book and become involved in the story. The parts about Leo at school and doing his homework brought me back to my school days. I felt the joy that Leo felt when he played with the puppy and also the exhaustion he felt when taking care of all those puppies. The author used words to paint a picture that I could see in my mind as I read. She brought me to Leo's world and allowed me to share his excitement, hope, frustration, sadness, and then his joy. I recommend this book highly and congratulate the author on a job well done!
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March 10, 2015
B.R.A.G. Medallion Award Winner: My Summer Triumph
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
Kandi Marsh Siegel channels the innocence, simplicity and vulnerability of teenhood in this unvarnished tale of one misfit's coming of age during a very unexpected summer. This book will have you rooting for the underdog protagonist and will have you flashing back on your own awkward years and how you survived them. A very sweet, improbable tale of how even the losers get lucky sometimes! This book is perfect for teens as a morale booster. But thoughtful parents should read this book to younger kids too. After all, everyone needs a shot of confidence... as well as a shot of compassion. Required reading for those who seek happier tomorrows.
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Grady Harp Top Contributor: Children's Books
HALL OF FAME TOP 100 REVIEWER
October 29, 2018
My Magical Kippah
Format: Kindle Edition
Florida author Kandi M. Siegel has eleven books published to date – some having won prestigious awards (MY SUMMER TRIUMPH and A DOG FOR LEO) in addition to LOOKING BACK NO REGRETS, RAINBOW OF MINE, SAMMY THE HELPER, BUBBY THE BAKER, COOKING WITH KANDI, THE FOREVER ROSE, MY HIGH SCHOOL CRUSH, OH DREIDEL I SHALL PLAY, and now MY MAGICAL KIPPAH.
For those who may not know the term, a ‘kippah’ is another term for a yarmulke – the round cloth cap worn by Jews. And presenting that little fact is indicative of the importance of this little well written book: the more we all know about each others customs and traditions and beliefs the more we can appreciate individuality as well as similarities.
Kandi begins her story with a moment of importance in the Introduction – ‘The Bar Mitzvah Day -“Baruch atah Adonoi,” Avram nervously chanted the prayer over the Torah, as he gazed over at his aging grandfather who was sitting in the front row. Avram’s grandfather, Shmuel Goldstein, was an elderly man but had all of his senses, his own teeth and a full head of hair. Actually, for a man of 75, he was doing quite well. He was all decked out in his brand-new navy blue suit, smiling from ear to ear, feeling so proud, as he sat in his usual seat, first chair, second row on the left side of the Temple, watching his grandson become a Bar Mitzvah. Standing at the bimah, with the Rabbi by his side, Avram reflected on everything that had happened over the past twelve months, and how he was so tempted to cancel his Bar Mitzvah. Tears welled up in his eyes as he readjusted the kippah on his head thinking to himself, “This really is a magical kippah.”
And so begins a story that will appeal to both youngsters through young adults and adults of all ages. This is a beautifully rendered coming of age story with the additional focus on the religious aspect – the Bar Mitzvah. ‘September 10, 2017, after six years of Hebrew school training, Avram and his parents had their long-awaited appointment with the Rabbi to pick a date for Avram’s upcoming Bar Mitzvah. As they waited in the reception area to be called in to the Rabbi’s office, Avram’s parents, Hannah and Shlomo Goldstein, were already discussing the particulars. Guest list, who will cater the party, which band to hire, etc. All very important details to the parents of the Bar Mitzvah child. The only detail that was important to the Bar Mitzvah boy was to not mess up while reciting all the prayers in front of the entire congregation. Avram, who was small in stature for a 12- year-old, fidgeted in his chair as he twirled the ends of his long brown hair that cascaded over his ears and covered the back of his neck. Avram loved his long, thick brown hair, though his dad has been insisting on cutting it short for his Bar Mitzvah.’
Kandi opens the window on the influence of Hebrew school, the combined fear and expectation of going through this coming out ceremony, and makes it into a touching tale of a family – and generations and folklore and tradition – and brings all of that into the moment of a young twelve year old lad who makes it into manhood with his gift of a magical kippah. Tender, humorous, education and entertaining, this is a story by a very fine author to be appreciated on many levels.
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August 25, 2017
Cooking With Kandi
Format: Paperback
I had the prestige honor of looking this cook book over before it went to print. I must say I was quite impressed with the variety of recipes in this book. From appetizers to desserts, this book will leave your mouth watering for more. The directions for each recipe are easiest enough to for even the amateur cook to follow. I also had the opportunity to sample several of these recipes from this home cook chef, and I can honestly say that every dish I tasted, was out of this world. Personally, my favorites were the Matzah Ball Soup, Unstuffed Cabbage, and the Strawberry Mousse. But don't take my word for it, buy a copy of this book and try out all the recipes for yourself. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!!
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A. C.
March 12, 2018
The Forever Rose
Format: Paperback
I loved this short story!! I can relate to this book very much and it made me feel so much better about my self and gave me hope and encouragement for love. Excellent book!
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M. Hudkins
July 18, 2018
My Secret Bodyguard
Format: Paperback
What an inspiring book this was!! I was bullied in school and I wish I had created my own bodyguard to help me deal with what I was going through. Two thumbs up for this awesome book. I am going to share this book with all of my friends.
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Amazon Customer
July 21, 2018
My High School Crush
Format: Paperback
I could totally relate to this book!!! I had a major crush on my history teacher and though I did do a couple mild things to get him to notice me, it was nothing compared to what Frances did to her math teacher in this book. I was laughing my butt off at some of the crazy things she came up with. BIG KUDOS to the author of this book. Funniest book I read in a very long time. Short but hysterical!!!
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