Books Ahoy!

Winner Announced: The Black Garden

2009-08-01T16:00:00.002-06:00

The winner has been selected for the autographed copy of The Black Garden by Joe Bright. Using random.org's random number generator, the number 202 was chosen, which was assigned to Kathy.

Congratulations to Kathy. I will be contacting her by email. If she does not respond within 48 hours, another winner will be chosen.

Thank you to all who participated in this giveaway. Check back soon for more fun giveaways and reviews.

Last Chance to win The Black Garden

2009-07-31T08:26:00.005-06:00

I just wanted to remind everyone that today is the last day to enter to win your own autographed copy of The Black Garden (click the book title or link on the sidebar to enter) by Joe Bright. Contest ends at midnight mountain time. Winners will be announced tomorrow, so check back.

Also make sure you check out the author's website and read a tantalizing excerpt from this incredible novel: http://www.joebrightbooks.com/

If you aren't the luck winner, or just can't wait to read the book, find it from your favorite retailer:

Powell's Books (recommended if you want to support an independent bookstore).

Barnes and Noble

Book Review: The Black Garden

2009-07-21T20:07:00.014-06:00

Author: Joe Bright
Publisher: BeWrite Books
Rating: 5/5
Grade: 14 and up (mild language, themes involving murder and rape)

First of all, let me just say that mystery is not my favorite genre, especially murder mysteries: I tend to find them dark, depressing, or gory. The Black Garden, however, is none of these things. Author, Joe Bright, has done an expert job of weaving a realistic story with heavy themes and rife with tragedy, yet which still leaves you with a light feeling, and the hope that there is true goodness in mankind.

In The Black Garden university student and aspiring writer, Mitchell Sanders, accepts a job in a small Vermont town. His plan is to spend his days doing the work he was hired for—cleaning years of junk from an old Victorian house—and use his free time to finish his masterpiece of a novel. Leaving behind an ex-fiancé, and the drama he left to escape, he looks forward to the peace and uncomplicated friendliness of small town life.

However, this dream doesn’t last long. As he gets to know his employer, the ornery George O’Brien, and George’s granddaughter, the beautiful but reclusive, Candice; he finds himself pulled into the mystery which surrounds their lives. Why does the whole town seem to despise them? Why do they never leave the house or have any interaction with other people?

Mitch’s lifelong resolve to stay uninvolved and avoid conflict is compromised as he learns more about the O’Brien’s, and is able to see beyond George’s crusty exterior, and Candice’s aloof façade. As he begins to let them into his heart, he finds himself desiring to change their lives for the better. Yet this is harder than he had anticipated, since George has done such a good job of alienating everyone, so:

“I did what any unethical, good-intentioned man would have done: I lied.”

His efforts begin to pay off, but as his work on the house continues, events from the past are stirred up, and Mitchell finds the indirect effects of his actions threatening the happiness of the very people he is trying to help.

Joe Bright has managed to perfectly blend a large variety of elements to produce a very satisfying read: The dialog is witty and crisp, flowing effortlessly. The prose is beautiful and descriptive, and yet non-effusive; each word obviously carefully chosen. The characters are well developed, and lovable, even with their glaring faults. Humor is a major player in the novel: from joking between characters, to laugh-out-loud hilarious events.

“He didn’t do anything but laugh, but George adored him. I think if George could have traded me for Quinn, he’d have done it without a second thought. They say imitation is the truest compliment. Well, I think laughing at someone’s odd sense of humor ranks right up there with it. I’d never seen George smirk so much or look so pleased with himself.”

Another strong element is the author’s insight into human nature and the psychological motivations behind actions. Along with ethical dilemmas which challenge the characters' views of right and wrong, good and bad, and true justice.

The setting is very strong. I felt myself transported to the late 50’s as I read - among the poodle skirts, corner diners, and red thunderbirds. It is obvious that research has gone into producing this accuracy, but beyond this the author has managed to capture the feel of the time period.

And, of course, we can’t forget the tender blossoming of young love:

“We: the word hung in the air like a note composed by Mozart, a note so perfect that it brought the whole world into harmony.”

I would recommend this book to mystery lovers and skeptics alike. It truly has something for everyone, universal appeal. I will definitely be watching for more of Joe Bright.

Read an excerpt of the book at the author's website: www.joebrightbooks.com ,but be careful, it will leave you wanting more.

If you haven't already, make sure that you enter to win your own copy of The Black Garden .

Book Giveaway: The Black Garden

2009-07-19T14:16:00.009-06:00

Thanks to the generosity of the author, Joe Bright, I have an autogrpahed copy of his new novel The Black Garden (read my review) to give to one of my lucky readers. I recently read this delightful mystery, and will be posting a review and author interview within the next couple of days. For now just let me assure you that you do not want to miss out on your chance to win this book.

Book Description:
A young university student from Boston takes on the summer job, in a small rural town, of clearing the accumulated rubbish from the house and garden of an elderly man, George O'Brien, and his granddaughter, Candice. The task is not as straightforward as he at first thought and Mitchell finds himself drawn into the mystery surrounding the Black Garden and the lives of his employers. Can he solve the secret behind the animosity of the townspeople? Can he do so without endangering George's freedom and leaving Candice even more isolated?

To Enter:
For one entry: leave a comment telling me that you would like to win this book.(Please make sure that I have a way to contact you if you are the winner.)
For five extra entries:
Visit the author's website: http://www.joebrightbooks.com/pages/excerpt_black_garden.html, read the excerpt from The Black Garden, then come back and answer the five questions Joe has devised:

1. How long did it take Carolyn to walk to Grant Baxter's home?

2. What make of revolver did George O'Brien buy to protect his family?

3. In which newspaper did Mitchell Sanders read about the job in Winter Haven?

4. What was the granddaughter's name?

5. What was Mitchell studying at Boston University?

Winners will be randomly chosen from all comments and correctly answered questions. (Email entries will also be accepted. Send them to: bookloverlisa@gmail.com)

For an extra entry: become a follower of my blog; blog about this giveaway on your own blog; subscribe to my blog; or follow me on twitter. (If you already do any of these let me know.)

Contest ends July 31, 2009. Make sure your entry is in by midnight mountain time.

Virtual Book Tour--Mary Stanton--Guest Post

2009-06-03T09:04:00.009-06:00

I am happy to be a part of the virtual book tour for Mary Stanton's new mystery novel Angel's Advocate , which was released for publication yesterday, June 2, 2009. This book is the second in the Beaufort and Company Mystery series, the first book being Defending Angels . To see other stops on the tour, and to enter to win a free copy of Angel's Advocate, visit http://mary-stanton.omnimystery.com/. (The pin # to enter the giveaway is: 2685)

Book Description from the publisher:

In Angel's Advocate (Berkley Prime Crime, ISBN: 978-0425228753, $7.99) Bree is back to business unusual at Beaufort & Company. With her most peculiar (a.k.a. 'dead') clientele and her anything-but-angelic staff, Bree finds that money's a bit tight at Beaufort & Company. After all, while the dead certainly need Bree's help in appealing to a higher court, they're not exactly paying clients.

Bree finally lands a case to help pay the bills when she is hired to represent Lindsey Chandler, a spoiled teenager accused of stealing a Girl Scout's cookie money. But this isn't exactly a case of petty theft, since Lindsey allegedly tried to run over said Girl Scout with her Hummer. And if that weren't bad enough, Lindsey is anything but remorseful, making this case -and Bree, by association - the talk of Savannah.

To her dismay, Bree soon finds that Lindsay's deceased father, millionaire Probert Chandler, also needs her help to prove that his death was no accident.

Caught between defending the living and the dead, Bree finds herself in extraordinary circumstances. But this time, Bree finds some extraordinary danger along the way.

Will Bree finally learn how to make a living off the living? Or will the cases of this unsavory father/daughter duo lead Bree - and Beaufort & Company - to a dead end?

Set in Savannah, Georgia, the world's most haunted city, Angel's Advocate is a charming, inventive and wildly entertaining tale.

In a starred review, Publishers Weekly calls Defending Angels, book one of the Beaufort & Company mystery series, 'Engaging and charismatic. A breath of fresh air for fans of paranormal cozy mysteries.'

Guest Post by the Author, Mary Stanton:

SO MARY, WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR IDEAS?

"Every writer I know is asked this question. (And every writer I know has a totally inadequate answer—including me!) I wish I had a short, pithy response that told the truth. First, because people who don’t write really want to know. And second, if I did know where I go to get my ideas, I’d go there more often.

In a general way, the ideas for novels and short stories come in the continuous barrage of daily living. You overhear a really weird conversation in a restaurant. Or you’re witness to outrageous behavior in a store or on the highway. Or somebody has a striking turn of phrase or accent during day to day conversation, or you see a passer-by who has a unique look. Writers store all this stuff up. Writers are observers first, and analyzers second, I think. My very first novel came about because I sat and watched my seven horses in their pasture day after day. They had very interesting behaviors and I stored all that up and used it as background for my first novel, THE HEAVENLY HORSE FROM THE OUTERMOST WEST.

In a more specific way, ideas come when an emotion strikes hard and stays with you. The beginning of ANGEL’S ADVOCATE came from a newspaper story about somebody who robbed a Girl Scout of her cookie money. My first reaction to that story was a shriek of dismay: “Who’d rob a Girl Scout!” Then I found myself making up a whole bunch of answers to that question—and the character of Lindsey Chandler was born. The deeper the emotion, the more urgent it is to tell the story. I had to write my first novel because my much-loved mare had died in a terrible way, and I had to write a story to expunge the grief. Strong emotions are perhaps the best source of ideas a writer has.

So, for me, at least, my ideas for stories are born of observation plus emotion. But that’s just the start of the idea: the next, most terrifying step is to turn the beginning of the idea into an idea for a novel. And that’s a whole different set of problems. An idea for a novel or a short story is built on a set of basic principles: stories need a beginning, a middle, and an end. Something has to happen, a conflict has to occur, and a resolution is necessary. And if you write genre fiction, as I and most of my friends do, the idea has to incorporate the conventions of the genre. In the case of mysteries, you need a crime, a victim, and a perpetrator. On top of that, you have to bring a theme and a dramatic premise to the story.

On my darker days wish I were a journalist—so I could just report facts and not have to add all the bells and whistles. (Once in a while, when I’m stuck on a plot point, I’ll add up how many corpses I’ve created in my career—with twenty mystery novels and an average of 2.5 bodies per book, that’s fifty murders, and I try like heck not to repeat the M.O.) On my sunnier days, like this one, where I’m anticipating the publication of my newest Beaufort & Company novels, I am very very thankful to be able to turn my ideas into novels for a living. On days like this, it’s all worthwhile."

Review: The Nonesuch

2009-05-15T18:36:00.005-06:00

Rating: 4/5

Grade: C - 14 and up

Author: Georgette Heyer

Proving the theory of the rich getting richer, Sir Waldo Hawkridge is left the rather run-down estate of a childless relative. This because he was the only relative 'who paid as little notice of me as I did of him'. This causes some discussion and upset among the other relatives. Why should Sir Waldo, who already has so much and certainly has no need of another estate, be the one to inherit? Of course, Sir Waldo has no desire of the crumbling estate in Yorkshire, and soon makes plans to turn it into an orphanage. He only hopes that once he has pored some of his own money into it, eventually it will be able to pay for itself.

Intending to set the estate in order, Sir Waldo journeys into the country with his young cousin, Lord Lindeth, and the two set the countryside into commotion. Sir Waldo's reputation is well known, and the young men of the area are thrilled to have 'the nonesuch' to entertain and socialize with. Though some serious accidents are barely avoided as they try to impress and emulate him. An equal amount of stir is roused among the young ladies, who are dazzled by Lord Lindeth's handsome manners and boyish good looks.

Two of the women involved in the story are the stunningly beautiful, impetuous and willful Tiffany Wield, and her well-bred intelligent governess/companion opposite, Ancilla Trent. Selfish disasters are averted left and right by Miss Trent, who knows how to handle her charge as no one else in her life is able. Soon Miss Trent finds an unlikely ally in her scheme to keep Tiffani from ruining her own or anybody elses' life, in the figure of the nonesuch, who ends up being surprisingly kind, level-headed, and down to earth.

This was an enjoyable and entertaining read. Much in the style of Jane Austen. Georgette Heyer's historical accuracy is superb, and her writing style very subtle. This book was full of witty humor, and slow and deliberate romance. Though the characters tend to seem a bit one sided, it left me with a satisfying and hopeful glow.

Daphne du Maurier Birthday Celebration Giveaway

2009-05-13T12:33:00.004-06:00

Today, in honor of Daphne du Maurier's birthday--May 13, 1907-- I am hosting a giveaway of a couple of her books. Sourcebooks has offered one copy each of My Cousin Rachel, and Frenchman's Creek (read my review)to one of my lucky readers. These are lovely editions reprinted by Sourcebooks earlier this year.

I adored both of these books, and have given them both 5 star ratings. Daphne du Maurier was a genius of suspense. She knew how to write a very satisfying story. To learn more about her writings and life visit: http://www.dumaurier.org/

Rules:
The first person to leave a comment with the correct name of the mansion in Cornwall where Daphne du Maurier spent her married life, will be the winner of these two books.

Review: The Ten Year Nap

2009-04-16T16:17:00.003-06:00

Rating: 3.5/5
Grade: C - 14 and up (mild language and sexual reference)

Meg Wolitzer takes a realistic look at the lives and thoughts of stay at home mothers in The Ten Year Nap . The title to this book I found slightly offensive at first. I have been home with my children for ten years, and I would think 'Ten years without a nap' would be a more accurate title for the story of my life. Because of this, I was unsure that I would agree with the conclusions drawn in the book. But as there are no conclusions drawn, this was not so much of an issue.

The story follows the lives of four women who have opted to stay home and be full time mother's to their children. At this point in their lives, their children are in school for most of the day, and have become much more independent. This leaves the mothers feeling rather out of sorts and out of place. Guiltly. Trying to find a purpose and figure out how and when and why to get back into the work force or find something meaningful to do. The book was also interspersed with clips into the lives of the mothers of these women, and their fight for feminism.

I don't know if it was the intent of the author, but what I took away from it was the mixed blessing the feminist movement was. Yes, women have more freedom and more respect in the man's world, but now they are expected to do it all, and invariably a ball will be dropped. Someone or something will suffer: the children; the marriage; the job. But if you decide not to try and have it all, and to stay home with your children full time, then you are looked down upon, taught to think less of what you are doing.

To me Wolitzer's answer seems to be the next generation, the up and coming mothers. She seems to think that the feminist mindset has finally reached the men. She points out men who take equal responsibility in the raising of the children and the household tasks, or even decide to stay at home, and let the mothers work. Well, maybe in New York this is true, but I don't think it has reached Wyoming yet.

There was not much of a plot to this book, it felt more like just watching these woman's lives. The writing was very detailed and academic. Overall a book to make you think, but not one which draws conclusions, or really raises a definite point.

Winners Announced: Beauty Books

2009-04-16T09:15:00.003-06:00

Three winners have been chosen to receive one of each of these books: How Not To Look Old and Living Beauty. Thanks to all who participated.

Congratulations to: Roblynn and Rebekah, Lady Roxi, and Jake! I hope you enjoy the books!

(Winners will be contacted by email, and if they do not respond within 48 hours, new winners will be chosen)

Mailbox Monday

2009-04-13T08:55:00.005-06:00

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page . Head on over to see what everyone recieved.

Books which came to my mailbox this past week:

The Lake that Stole Children by Douglas Glenn Clark

The Midwife: A memoir of Birth, Joy, and Hard Times by Jennifer Worth

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe

The Blue Sweater by Jacqueline Novogratz

Reclaiming Our Children by Robby G. Dixon

The Wish Maker by Ali Sethi

Follow Me by Joanna Scott

Spiced by Dalia Jurgenson

Booking Through Thursday Question of the week

2009-04-09T08:27:00.002-06:00

Here’s the question:(to participate or read other answers visit BTT )
Some people read one book at a time. Some people have a number of them on the go at any given time, perhaps a reading in bed book, a breakfast table book, a bathroom book, and so on, which leads me to…
1. Are you currently reading more than one book?
2. If so, how many books are you currently reading?
3. Is this normal for you?
4. Where do you keep your current reads?

1. Yes, I am currently reading more than one book.

2. Umm. I don't really know how many books I am reading, let me think about that.Hmm, I am curretnly reading:
Girls in Trucks by Kate Crouch
Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys by Stephen James and David Thomas
Kitty and the Midnight Hour by Carrie Vaughn
The Quintessential Gentleman by Henrly Russell, Elegent Englishman
Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat
The Towering World of Jimmy Choo by Lauren Goldstein Crowe and Sagra Maceira de Rosen
This is your brain on Joy by Dr. Earl Henslin
Follow Me by Joanna Scott
--So I guess that makes eight books.

3. Yes, I have always kept a number of books going at the same time. Sometimes I will race through one book if it is very involving, and leave the others, but there are always 2-7 books that I am in the middle of.

4. I keep books that I am currently reading, or will soon be reading, on the top shelf of the bookcase in my hallway. They are also scattered through-out the house--abondoned wherever I last happened to be reading them.

Teaser Tuesdays

2009-04-07T07:52:00.003-06:00

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:
Grab your current read.
Let the book fall open to a random page.
Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from - that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

My teaser this week comes from Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh (page 46):

In Buddhism, knowledge is regarded as an obstacle to understanding, like a block of ice that obstructs water from flowing. It is said that if we take one thing to be the truth and cling to it, even if the truth itself comes in person and knocks on our door, we won't open it. For things to reveal themselves to us, we need to be ready to abandon our views about them.

2009-04-06T18:52:00.005-06:00

*This review is a guest review written by my nine year old daughter, Sarah, all thoughts and opinions are her own.* Rating: 4.5/5
Grade: B - 8 and up - (scary parts, a few bad words)

This book is about this boy who's parents die by this very powerful wizard. He is given to his most hated relatives. One day there are all these letters that his uncle keeps destroying, and then his uncle says, "that's it, we are going very far away." Once they leave this wizard named Hagrid finds them and gives Harry a birthday cake. Hagrid tells him that he has been asked to go to the school of witchcraft and wizardry. Harry gets all of his school supplies in London, then he gets on the train and meets Ron Weasley. They have lots of fun talking. Then this girl named Hermione introduces herself. These two become Harry's friends, and they have lots of adventures together.

I like this book because I like reading books about magic and wizards, I find it very interesting. I like when Harry gets assigned on the Grifindor Quiditch team, because he learns all about Quiditch and how to play the game, and how to catch the snitch. I like how many adventures the characters have in this book. I like that there is always something that Harry gets himself into--for example when he gets detention. And how Neville is always the one who gets in trouble in classes like when the defense against the dark arts teacher lets out the pixies, and he gets hanged by the chandelier. He is funny.

If you like wizards and magic, you will like this book, it is very exciting and fun.

Mailbox Mondays

2009-04-06T07:37:00.003-06:00

Mailbox Mondays is hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page

I only recieved two books this week:

1. Stone's Fall by Iain Pears

2. Outcasts United by Warren St. John

Giveaway: Beauty Books

2009-04-02T09:34:00.002-06:00

Anna with Hatchette Book Group is providing me with three of each of these books: How Not To Look Old, and Living Beauty. Three winners will be chosen to receive one copy of each book.

Bobbi Brown began the trend toward natural-looking cosmetics with a simple philosophy: Women want to look and feel like themselves, only prettier and more confident. Today, top editors at elite fashion magazines--including In Style, Vogue, Allure, and Harpers Bazaar--revere her, and celebrities and millions of regular women throughout the world swear by her beauty advice. Now Bobbi Brown has written THE book redefining beauty for women over 40, BOBBI BROWN LIVING BEAUTY. In this refreshing look at beauty and aging, Bobbi offers specific makeup tricks for a stunning face--showing how makeup can solve most of the flaws that many women go under the knife to fix. In fact, the right makeup can create an even skin tone, lift the cheeks, plump a smile...even take years off any woman's face. The key is to use makeup to enhance each woman's best features and showcase her natural beauty. With step-by-step makeup instructions and quotes from beautiful women like Marcia Gay Harden, Vera Wang, Susan Sarandon, and Lorraine Bracco, Bobbi Browns natural, celebratory approach to aging will enlighten and inspire women everywhere.

How Not to Look Old the 15-week New York Times bestseller is now in paperback updated with over 150 new Brilliant Buys!Charla Krupp knows that aging sucks! So she's here to help. It's every woman's dream: looking hip, sexy, fresh, and pretty--whether you're in your 30's, 40's, 50's, or 60's. Now it's every woman's necessity: looking younger will help you hold onto your job and your partner--particularly when everyone around you seems half your age. It's about making the ultimate "to-do" list of LITTLE beauty and fashion changes that pay off BIG TIME.Charla Krupp, beauty editor and expert, known for her real woman's approach to looking fabulous, offers brutally frank and foolproof advice on how not to look old.

TO ENTER:
1. Leave a comment telling me that you would like to win this book.
2. For extra entries: become a follower of my blog (if you already do that counts, just be sure to remind me); subscribe to my blog (be sure to let me know if you already do; blog about this contest and leave me a link.
3. Contest open only to U.S. and Canadian mailing addresses. No PO Boxes, please.
4. Contest ends April 15, 2009

Good Luck!

Wondrous Words Wednesday

2009-04-01T12:56:00.004-06:00

Wondrous Words Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Bermuda Onion where participants share new (to us) words we encounter in our reading.

This is my first time participating, I always forget to write down the words.

These come from The Nonesuch by Georgette Heyer:

animadversions - 1. Strong criticism. 2. A critical or censorious remark.

fustian (which word I have read a number of times but never bothered to find out what it meant) - 1. a stout fabric of cotton and flax.
2. a fabric of stout twilled cotton or of cotton and low
quality wool, with a short nap or pile.
3. inflated or turgid language in writing or speaking.

Teaser Tuesdays

2009-03-31T08:19:00.003-06:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser from My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier, page 120:

'No,' she said. 'I would have welcomed a pedestal, after my rough life. A halo can be a lovely thing provided you can take it off, now and again, and become human'

Mailbox Monday

2009-03-30T08:45:00.004-06:00

Mailbox Monday is hosted by The Printed Page .

In my mailbox/hanging from a waterproof bag on my doorstep this week:

When Skateboards will be free by Said Sayrafiezadeh The Nonesuch by Georgette Heyer

The Convenient Marriage by Georgette Heyer
Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead
My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier

Sunday Salon

2009-03-29T08:42:00.005-06:00

The dratted snow and cold weather has made it a week of comfort reads for me. You know the kind that you can cozy up with when a March snow storm is whirling around outside. Yes, I needed something to dull the longing for spring, to distract me from the seemingly endless days of snow in the forecast when all I want is to sit in the sun. Early this past week I read Frenchman's creek (read my review). Also had to catch up on some books for review: Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet; and Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook (read my review). Yesterday I finished Georgette Heyer's The Nonesuch, and also started Heyer's The Convenient Marriage .

Today I plan on finishing The Convenient Marriage, I am half-way through, so should manage to finish with no problem. Then we will see, I will either start Confessions by Augustine, or read the other du Maurier on my shelf My Cousin Rachel, but it only got here a couple of days ago, and I have other books which need to be read first.

I thought when I was approached with the Heyer books to review that I had somehow managed to miss out on ever reading one of her books, but as I am reading The Convenient Marriage I find that I have read it before. I think that my grandmother must have lent it to me when I was a teenager. I remember finding it quite racy. Yes, I was extremely sheltered.

The Friday 56

2009-03-27T12:39:00.004-06:00

Rules:

* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.

* Turn to page 56.

* Find the fifth sentence.

* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of Storytime with Tonya and Friends.

*Post a link along with your post back to Storytime with Tonya and Friends.

* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Well, the closest book to me is Aristotle's Biological Treatises: History of Animals.

"And from the gut downward extend black and rough formations, in close connexion, something like the formations in the tortoise, only not so black. Marine snails, also, have these formations, and the white ones, only that the formations are smaller in the smaller species."

Right, well, there is something that I did not know.

Review: Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet & Cookbook

2009-03-27T09:25:00.003-06:00

Rating: 4/5
Author: Dr. Peter H. Gott, MD

There are so many diets out there. Some are so detailed and restrictive that they are almost impossible to follow because it takes so much time and planning just to figure out what you are able to eat. Some diets entirely cut out whole categories of food, leaving you with an unhealthy, unbalanced eating plan. Dr. Gott's diet does neither of these things. It is very simple, all you have to remember is four words, "No, flour, No, sugar". The only things that are cut out are flour and sugar, both of which only provide you with empty calories, no nutritional benefits.

Dr. Gott claims that just by cutting out flours and sugars you will be able to loose the recommended 1 to 2 pounds a week. True, on some fad or crash diets, you may loose more quickly that this, but most of the time this is done by a method that cannot be sustained, and then the pounds are gained back when you eventually cave. While meat and dairy products are allowed, Dr. Gott suggests, for optimal health, staying with low-fat varieties.

I found a good deal of useful information in the book on diet and health in general, such as: the correct balance of protein, carbs, and fats, and a simple way of counter-secting your dinner plate to make sure you have the correct balance; weight loss methods which should be avoided; how the use of the diet may affect you if you suffer from specific medical conditions; how to calculate your BMI, and estimate a good goal weight; and how to read food labels.

The last half of the book is full of recipes, and a meal plan to help you get started on this diet. The recipes look tasty and fairly simple. Dr. Gott is obviously a very knowledgeable and experienced man, and I felt he was able to impart this knowledge in an accessible way. The one thing I don't agree with him on is the use of artificial sweeteners, but I know that there are millions of people who regularly use these, and have no problem with it. Overall I think that this would be a simple and fairly healthy diet to follow. I personally cut out sugar in November, and with regular exercise, and a healthier diet, have managed to lose 35 lbs, so I know this can work.

Rating: 4/5

Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook contains on overview of his diet, and general, useful information on healthy eating. The rest of the book us full of recipes of all sorts without any flours or sugars. For a sugar substitute in this book he regularly uses Splenda (which I prefer not to use, but know many people swear by). Some tasty sounding alternatives of favorites that usually use flour include the Chicken Pot Pie with hash browns as a crust. With these recipes I can see how you would not even miss the flour or sugar.

Giveaway: Girls in Trucks

2009-03-27T08:55:00.004-06:00

Thanks to Valerie with Hatchette Book Group , I have five copies of Girls in Trucks by Katie Crouch available for giveaway.

Book Description:
Sarah Walters, the narrator of GIRLS IN TRUCKS, is a reluctant Camellia Society debutante. She has always felt ill-fitted to the rococo ways of Southern womanhood and family, and is anxious to shake the bonds of her youth. Still, she follows the traditional path laid out for her. This is Charleston, and in this beautiful, dark, segregated town, established rules and manners mean everything.

But as Sarah grows older, she finds that her Camellia lessons fail her, particularly as she goes to college, moves North, and navigates love and life in New York. There, Sarah and her group of displaced deb sisters try to define themselves within the realities of modern life. Heartbreak, addiction, disappointing jobs and death fail to live up to the hazy, happy future promised to them by their Camellia mothers and sisters.

When some unexpected bumps in the road--an unplanned birth, a family death--lead Sarah back home, she's forced to take another long look at the fading empire of her youth. It takes a strange turn of events to finally ground Sarah enough to make some serious choices. And only then does she realize that as much as she tried to deny it, where she comes from will always affect where she ends up. The motto of her girlhood cotillion society, "Once a Camellia, always a Camellia," may turn out to have more wisdom and pull to it than she ever could have guessed.

To Enter:
1. Leave a comment telling me that you would like to win this book (please make sure that I have a way to contact you, or your entry will be deleted).
2. For extra entries: become a follower of my blog (if you already are that counts, just let me know); Subscirbe to my blog (if you already do that counts, just let me know); or blog about this contest, and leave me the link.
3. Please only US and Canadian addresses. No PO Boxes.
4. Contest ends April 7, 2009.

Review: Frenchman's Creek

2009-03-25T16:42:00.009-06:00

Author: Daphne Du Maurier
Rating: 5/5
Grade: C - 14 and up (mild language and sexual suggestion)

Thank you to Danielle with Sourcebooks for sending me this newly reprinted edition of Du Maurier's novel originally published in 1941. I read and loved Rebecca as a teenager, and am unsure why I never sought out any of the other novels by the author, but after reading this book I will be sure to do so. I am so glad that Sourcebooks is reprinting this, and hope that it can find its way to many other people who have missed it, as I have.

On the rare occasion I have the experience where book and mood meet perfectly. This happened with Frenchman's Creek, a book I am sure that I would have very much enjoyed no matter my mood, but which was exactly the book I was seeking at the time I read it. The wild, windy March days--with looming storm, and gathering clouds, the brief hours of sunshine tempered by drops of ice cold rain, and mud-causing snow--have left me restless and wild myself, longing for escape.

And so enter Dona St. Columb, the beautiful but restless Lady, tired of London high society, longing for escape from the falsity and uselessness of her life. After a foolish escapade, and stupid flirtation, she sets off, with her two young children and their nurse, to her husband's country estate surrounded by forest river and ocean. All she wants is to find some solitude and peace--far away from the stench of the stifling London summer, and a husband who can not understand her.

Forget the children's tears, forget Prue's grievance, forget the pursed up mouth of the coachman, forget Harry and his troubled distressed blue eyes when she announced her decision. "But damn, Dona, what have I done, what have I said, don't you know that I adore you?" Forget all these things, because this was freedom, to stand here for one minute with her face to the sun and the wind, this was living, to smile and to be alone.

The descriptions of the nature and life teeming around the estate--the birds and butterflies, wildflowers and trees, creeks and ocean--bringing joy and peace to Dona and her children, are so well done that I feel as if I were there, in the Cornish countryside. I am transported away from the cold wind, the six inches of March snow I shoveled off of the walks this morning, the snow which keeps coming and will necessitate another shoveling in a few short hours. Instead I drowse lazily, being baked by the sun; I tramp through the thick woods; I stand above the ocean, the salty breeze enlivening me.

The birds were astir again, after their noonday silence, and the silent butterflies danced and fluttered, while drowsy bumblebees hummed in the warm air, winging their way to the topmost branches of the trees...
and there, suddenly before her for the first time was the creek, still and soundless, shrouded by the trees, hidden from the eyes of men. She stared at it in wonder, for she had had no knowledge of its existence, this stealthy branch of the parent river creeping into her own property, so sheltered, so concealed by the woods themselves. The tide was ebbing, the water was oozing away from the mudflats, and here, where she stood, was the head of the creek itself, for the stream ended in a trickle, and the trickle in a spring. The creek twisted around a belt of trees, and she began to walk along the bank, happy, fascinated, forgetting her mission, for this discovery was a pleasure quite unexpected, this creek was a source of enchantment, a new escape, better than Navron itself, a place to drowse and sleep, a lotus-land.

Her stodgy neighbor had warned her about pirates who have been robbing from the estates up and down the coast, and reportedly having their way with the womenfolk. Their leader a dangerous frenchman, so stealthy and with a ship so fast that he has not been aprehended. Dona had listened to the reports with some amusement, but really paid them no mind until she caught sight of the ship in the creek on her land, and at the same time found herself covered with a coat, and forced onto the pirate ship.What she finds there astounds her, there is no sign of the steriotypical pirate, but an educated, tidy, considerate artist. And beyond the peace which she had sought and found, Dona finds the adventure and passion her spirit had been seeking, and someone who understands.

...she had known then that this was to happen, nothing could prevent it; she was part of his body, and part of his mind, they belonged to eachother, both wanderers, both fugitives, cast in the same mould.

Danger, excitement, love, a meeting of souls, Lady St. Columb has found it all. Unfortunately she can not keep it all, something must be given up: her children and husband and very way of life, or the new love and adventure which she so craved. Yet events transpire that make it not even such a cut and dried choice as this.

Anyone who has ever felt the need to escape from the cage of daily life will identify with and love this book. It has found its way into my heart, and will be added to the stack of favorites I pull out when I feel in the right restless mood, and need a satisfying read.

To learn more about the author visit: http://www.dumaurier.org/

Teaser Tuesdays

2009-03-24T08:35:00.006-06:00

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:
Grab your current read.Let the book fall open to a random page. Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12. You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given! Please avoid spoilers!

My Teaser from Frenchman's Creek by Daphne DuMaurier:

The guest stood a moment, looking about him at the blaze of candles, at the bright silver, at the shining plates with the rose border, and then he turned to the hostess, with that same slow mocking smile she had grown to expect: 'Is it wise of you, do you think, to put all of this temptation before a pirate?'

Lisa in her natural habitat.

2009-03-19T10:57:00.003-06:00

I thought that I would post a picture of myself as I usually am while reading--not made-up, hair freshly dried from the shower, in my comfort clothing of choice (jeans).

*So, it seems that people want to know what book I am reading in this picture. It is Galway Bay by Mary Pat Kelly, which I recently reviewed and gave a 5 star rating to.

Booking Through Thursday Question of the week

2009-03-19T09:02:00.003-06:00

This Weeks BTT :

“What’s the worst ‘best’ book you’ve ever read — the one everyone says is so great, but you can’t figure out why?”

I try not to remember really horrible books. Actually, I try not to read them in the first place. I have been reading enough books for enough years that I am generally able to tell if I will like a book before I read it--partly by what I hear about the book, partly by the synopsis, partly by the book cover, partly by the publisher--you begin to get a feeling for these things. There are still those books which baffle me with their mediocrity, or even if well written, just really should not have been.

Unfortunately I have a poor memory, which is why I started this blog, so that I could recall the books I have read and what I thought of them. Only one book would fall into this category that I have read since blogging, and I don't know that it would be considered a 'best' book. However, one of the 'best' awarded and lauded books which I really did not like, and could not finish even though I tried a number of times was The Sound and The Fury. Yes, I am sure that this is a brilliantly written novel, groundbreaking, an important work. Maybe I would feel differently if I finished it, but as it stands, I hated it.

Review: The Silent Man

2009-03-17T10:15:00.004-06:00

Alex Berenson's CIA agent, John Wells, returns in The Silent Man. As strong, powerful and determined as ever, but troubled from some of the things he has experienced. As the revenge of one of his enemies nearly kills he and his girlfriend--fellow agent, Jennifer Exley--Wells becomes a man possessed. The CIA is unable to make headway into the investigation because of the precarious Russian/American politics, so Wells sets out to find justice on his own, even while Exley begs him not to.

The Silent Man is everything that a spy novel should be. The book moves quickly through the world, following it's characters from Russia to Iraq, Germany to D.C., the Baltic Sea to the calm New England countryside. It is filled with action and excitement: nuclear bombs stolen from Russia; Wells' violent mission to hurt those who hurt Exley; the anger and cold plotting of terrorists; a race against time, searching for the tiniest piece of information that may save the world from nuclear destruction.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a crisp exciting read by a fairly new and fresh author in the spy thriller world.

Teaser Tuesday

2009-03-17T09:54:00.004-06:00

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:
Grab your current read.Let the book fall open to a random page.Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!Please avoid spoilers!

My teaser from The Ten Year Nap :

He was sometimes so ardent and tender, but increasingly she glimpsed bits of what she considered a kind of male remove, as Penny had mentioned. Maybe this was the thing to make it possible for him to go out into the world eventually.

Review and Blog Tour: Galway Bay

2009-03-17T07:07:00.003-06:00

In Celebration of St. Patrick's Day, Miriam Parker, with Hatchette Book Group , has set up a blog tour for Mary Pat Kelly's novel Galway Bay. I am pleased to be a part of this tour.

Rating: 5/5
Grade: D - 18 and up (sexual reference, mature themes involving starvation and death)

Book Description from the publisher:

"Here at last is one Irish family's epic journey, capturing the tragedy and triumph of the Irish-American experience. In a rousing tale that echoes the myths and legends of Ireland herself, young Honora Keeley and Michael Kelly wed and start a family, inhabiting a hidden Ireland where fishermen and tenant farmers find solace in their ancient faith, songs, stories, and communal celebrations. Selling both their catch--and their crops--to survive, these people subsist on the potato crop--their only staple food. But when blight destroys the potatoes three times in four years, a callous government and uncaring landlords turn a natural disaster into The Great Starvation that will kill one million. Honora and Michael vow their children will live. The family joins two million other Irish refugees in one of the greatest rescues in human history: the Irish Emigration to America. Danger and hardship await them there. Honora and her unconventional sister Maire watch their seven sons as they transform Chicago from a frontier town to the "City of the Century", fight the Civil War, and enlist in the cause of Ireland's freedom. The Kelly clan is victorious. This heroic story sheds brilliant light on the ancestors of today's 44 million Irish Americans.

In the author's colorful and eclectic life, she has written and directed award-winning documentaries on Irish subjects, as well as the dramatic feature Proud. She's been an associate producer on Good Morning America and Saturday Night Live, written books on Martin Scorsese, World War II, and Bosnia, and a novel based on her experiences as a former nun - Special Intentions. She is a frequent contributor to Irish America Magazine and has a PhD in English and Irish literature."

My Thoughts:

This book was amazingly written, I am so impressed with Mary Pat Kelly's ability to take the history of her own family and bring it to life. The characters in the book are so strong and so vivid. They come to life and you are so swept up in their story and their struggles and triumphs. Suddenly all of my complaints about life disappeared, and I found myself to be so grateful that my children and I are safe. That we have an overabundance of food to eat, and a cozy and warm house to live in through the winter. At night, when I finally had to pull myself away from the pages of this book, and back into the 21st century, I tiptoed into my children's rooms, and softly touched the rosy full cheeks, and chubby baby legs--so grateful.

The lushly beautiful scenery and culture of Ireland were also painted very skillfully in this novel. I felt that I was there, in the green, listening to the haunting and jaunty melodies played by Michael Kelly's pipes. Sometimes historical fiction can feel as if you were reading a history text book--the dates flung at you in such a way that they will never be remembered, the facts dry and uninteresting. This is not the case in Galway Bay. The history is woven so beautifully into the story that instead of feeling that a bunch of facts are being shoved down your throat, you feel that you are living in the past, experiencing it for yourself. I feel that I have been enlightened, and my knowledge of history and the world expanded through reading this book. More importantly I was able to enjoy it as this happened.

Essay by the Author:

It was an honor to write Galway Bay because through the process I met my great-great-grandmother, who kept her children alive in the most horrific circumstances and got them to America. How did she do it?

Her family faced the Great Starvation in Ireland of 1845-1849. One million died. Yes, a natural calamity destroyed the potato, the people’s food, but it was the policies of the British government that allowed the famine to happen.

The more I learned, the more impossible it seemed that anyone from the devastated West of Ireland had survived. But they did. They escaped to America in one of the greatest rescues in human history. The victims saved each other. I was alive because of the courage of this woman, yet I had no notion of the story until I started to read Irish literature in the 1970s. And even then, the famine was a kind of black hole - not spoken about.

Certainly, growing up in Chicago, I had never realized that my ancestors had suffered. I was Irish and delighted to be, but I didn’t connect that with the actual country of Ireland, nor did most Irish-Americans. We’d created an identity and prospered but I don’t think we understood how much they had to leave behind - a language spoken for two thousand years, stories that informed their lives and shaped their consciousness and because of that surely had some influence on who we were - all gone or diminished.

I only started to touch the truth in conversations with my father’s cousin, a nun who lived to be a hundred and seven and who knew my great-great-grandmother Honora in the 1880s. For twenty-five years I’ve been researching here and in Ireland and trying to imagine this young couple, Honora and Michael Kelly – married at eighteen and nineteen years old - with three little children when the blight struck. I knew Honora had a sister and I know how sisters support each other. I learned Michael Kelly was a piper, evicted from his land. I saw that in spite of all the persecution, injustice and suffering, the Irish spirit was not broken.

“We wouldn’t die, and that annoyed them.” Yes, the English had been trying to rid Ireland of the Irish for centuries, but inexplicably they held on, nourished by songs and stories and a faith much deeper than the institutional Church. Only the Great Famine defeated them, and even then they escaped and triumphed - they built America, fought the civil war and survived.

Discovering the details of the Irish story brought me closer to every immigrant’s story, and all the strong women who have somehow survived and kept their children alive.

I’m grateful for this sense of connection.

-Mary Pat Kelly

Visit Mary Pat Kelly's website
And Blog

Also, don't miss hearing the author on Blog Talk Radio today at 11am EST: Blogtalkradio

See what others on the tour have to say about this book:
http://2kidsandtiredbooks.blogspot.com/
http://athomewithbooks.blogspot.com/
http://book-thirty.blogspot.com/
http://readersrespite.blogspot.com/
http://www.myfriendamysblog.com/
http://bermudaonion.wordpress.com/
http://www.acircleofbooks.blogspot.com/
http://www.corinnesbookreviews.blogspot.com/
http://lorisbookden.blogspot.com/
http://www.bookthoughtsbylisa.blogspot.com/
http://teddyrose.blogspot.com/
http://libraryqueue.blogspot.com/
http://allisonsatticblog.blogspot.com/
http://cherylsbooknook.blogspot.com/
http://luanne-abookwormsworld.blogspot.com/
http://bookingmama.blogspot.com/
http://enroutetolife.blogspot.com/
http://thetometraveller.blogspot.com/
http://www.marjoleinbookblog.blogspot.com/
http://peekingbetweenthepages.blogspot.com/
http://cafeofdreams.blogspot.com/
http://jennsbookshelf.blogspot.com/
http://thebookczar.blogspot.com/
http://www.writeforareader.blogspot.com/
http://linussblanket.com/
http://booksbytjbaff.blogspot.com/
http://www.caribousmom.com/
http://hiddenplace.wordpress.com/
http://www.chikune.com/blog
http://librarygirlreads.blogspot.com/
http://diaryofaneccentric.blogspot.com/
http://savvyverseandwit.blogspot.com/
http://www.kayespenguinposts.blogspot.com/
http://writebyfaith.blogspot.com/
http://www.frommipov.blogspot.com/
http://booksiesblog.blogspot.com/
http://www.bookbargainsandpreviews.com/reviews/history/galwaybay.htm
http://wendisbookcorner.blogspot.com/
http://www.thisbookforfree.com/
http://abookbloggersdiary.blogspot.com/

Blog talk radio interview with author, Mary Pat Kelly

2009-03-16T20:46:00.005-06:00

Tomorrow, in honor of Saint Patrick's day, there will be a blog tour for Mary Pat Kelly's novel, Galway Bay. I will have a review of this book up tomorrow, but just wanted to let anyone who is interested know that the author will be on blogtalkradio tomorrow. Details below:

Time: March 17, 2009 from 11am to 12pm
Location: (646) 378-0039 and http://www.blogtalkradio.com/stations/HachetteBookGroup/grandcentralpub/2009/03/17/Live-St-Patricks-Day-Interview-with-Mary-Pat-Kelly-author-of-GALWAY-BAY
Organized By: Miriam Parker

Event Description:
Join us on St. Patrick's Day and Blog Tour Day to chat with GALWAY BAY author Mary Pat Kelly. She is the author of a novel Special Intentions, and nonfiction on subjects as varied as Martin Scorcese and the rescue of Scott O'Grady from Bosnia. In her life, she has been everything from a nun to a documentary filmmaker to a producer of short films for "Saturday Night Live". She lives in New York, NY. GALWAY BAY is a novel based on her own family's immigration story from Ireland to the US.

Musing Mondays

2009-03-16T08:40:00.005-06:00

Musing Mondays is hosted by Just One More Page

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about talking to strangers…

We were all warned as children to 'never talk to strangers', but how do you feel about book-talk with random people? When you see people reading, do you ask what it is? Do you talk to people in the book store or the library? Why or why not? What do you do if people talk to you? (question courtesy of Dena)

I am generally a rather shy person, I usually try not to bother people. People with books somehow seem a bit different, though. I would not interrupt someone who was intently reading a book--eyes darting from line to line, perched on the edge of their seat. I might, however, talk with someone who was reading something that I had read, or that I had heard about, or which looked interesting, if the person seemed to be taking a slight break from the book. Or if they had returned eye contact and seemed open to conversation. The same would be true with someone in a bookstore or library. I have a deep seeded, generational fear of inconveniencing or disturbing people, so I would have to be sure conversation was welcome.

As for myself, I am always happy to talk books, and all the better if it is with strangers. Fresh opinions and ideas possible. As long as they don't seem too creepy, or start following me.

Giveaway: The Engine 2 Diet

2009-03-09T17:14:00.002-06:00

Thanks to Anna with Hatchette Book Group I have Five copies of The Engine 2 Diet to give away. Read my review

Book Description from the publisher:

"Professional athlete-turned-firefighter Rip Esselstyn is used to responding to emergencies. So, when he learned that some of his fellow Engine 2 firefighters in Austin, TX, were in dire physical condition-several had dangerously high cholesterol levels (the highest was 344!)-he sprang into action and created a life-saving plan for the firehouse. By following Rip's program, everyone lost weight (some more than 20 lbs.), lowered their cholesterol (Mr. 344's dropped to 196), and improved their overall health. Now, Rip outlines his proven plan in this book. With Rip as your expert coach and motivator, you'll transform your body and lifestyle in a month. His plant-powered eating plan is based on a diet of whole foods, including whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds. This invaluable guide features: **Dozens of easy, mouthwatering recipes-from pancakes to pizza, Tex-Mex favorites to knockout chocolate desserts-that will keep you looking forward to every bite **Pantry-stocking tips will take the panic out of inevitable cravings and on-the-fly meals **Guidelines on menu choices that will allow you to eat out, wherever and whenever you want **Rip's simple, firefighter-inspired exercise program that will boost your metabolism and melt your fat away.Medically approved, easy-to-follow, and amazingly effective, this diet is designed for anyone who wants to make heroic strides in his or her health, weight, and well-being-all without heroic effort. "

To Enter:
1.Leave a comment telling me why you would like to win this book.
2. For extra entries: become a follower of my blog (if you are that counts, just tell me); subcribe (if you already do that counts, just let me know); or blog about this contest (let me know where).
3. Only U.S and Canadian addresses, please. No PO Boxes.
4. Contest ends March 22, 2009.

Review: The Engine 2 Diet

2009-03-09T16:45:00.009-06:00

Thank you to Anna with Hatchette Book Group for providing this book for my review. Author: Rip Esselstyn
Rating: 4.5/5
Grade: A - All ages

The Engine 2 Diet, written by the firefighter and professional athlete, Rip Esselstyn, is a twenty-eight day plan which "lowers cholesterol and burns away the pounds". This is quite the claim, and in general I would be skeptical, but since Rip promotes a plant-based diet, phasing out or getting rid of meat and dairy products, and even oils, I've no doubt this program would work. Rip explains how our American diet is making us fat, and killing us with illness' such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, and why eating a plant based diet can change our health so drastically. He combats many of the myths that we have about protein requirements, and weak vegetarians, with himself--as the ultimate example of a professionally competitive athlete and strong firefighter--as a shining example.

Also included: an exercise program with simple exercises anyone can do with no equipment, just a bunch of reps and sweat; directions for taking your stats before starting the program; information on how to correctly read labels; and food and equipment to stock your kitchen with to make a success of the program.

The last half of the book is full of delicious recipes, and an easy weekly meal planner. I have done a plant based diet for over two years at one point in my life, and am able to recognize good recipes when I see them. These are very healthy, and not boring--many versions of favorites such as pizza and sloppy joes.

This book is clearly written, and easy to understand, it is full of useful information and is a program I would recommend for anyone wanting to have a healthier life and not just bounce around on another fad diet.

*Edited to add: Visit the Engine 2 website to find out more: http://www.theengine2diet.com/

Winners Announced: Dear John

2009-03-09T16:32:00.005-06:00

Thanks to all of you who stopped by with the book giveaway carnival. It was great fun, and I will definitely participate again. The winner has been selected for Dear John...

Congratulations to Nickolay. I hope you enjoy the book.

Winners Announced: Castle In The Mist: Planet of the Dogs Volume 2

2009-03-05T09:32:00.004-07:00

Thanks to the author, Robert J. McCarty, for providing this book for the giveaway.

Congratulations to Annie, winner of Castle in the Mist. Hope you enjoy the book.

Winners Announced: The Terror

2009-03-05T09:24:00.004-07:00

The winners have been drawn for Dan Simmons' The Terror, hosted by Hatchette Book Group.
And the winners are:

Lenore, bridget3420, nuttbutts, Stacie, Kristi

Congratulations, the winners will be contacted by email. If they do not respond within 48 hours, new winners shall be drawn.

Book Giveaway Carnival

2009-03-05T08:52:00.008-07:00

Bookroomreviews is hosting another book giveaway carnival. Visit http://www.bookroomreviews.com/ to see all of the great giveaways!

I am a little late getting in on the fun, but wanted to join in. So...

I have one gently used hardcover copy of Nicholas Sparks' Dear John for giveaway.
Book Description:
"An angry rebel, John dropped out of school and enlisted in the Army, not knowing what else to do with his life--until he meets the girl of his dreams, Savannah. Their mutual attraction quickly grows into the kind of love that leaves Savannah waiting for John to finish his tour of duty, and John wanting to settle down with the woman who captured his heart. But 9/11 changes everything. John feels it is his duty to re-enlist. And sadly, the long separation finds Savannah falling in love with someone else. "Dear John," the letter read...and with those two words, a heart was broken and two lives were changed forever. Returning home, John must come to grips with the fact that Savannah, now married, is still his true love--and face the hardest decision of his life. "

TO ENTER:

1. Leave a comment telling me that you would like to win this book. (Please make sure you leave a way for me to contact you.)

2. Contest is open worldwide.

3. For extra entries: follow my blog, and tell me about it; subscribe, and tell me about it; blog about this, and tell me about it.

4. Contest ends 3/8/2009

Good Luck

Winners Announced: My Little Red Book

2009-03-04T14:38:00.003-07:00

We have winners for My Little Red Book:

liane66, olympianlady, Valorie, Ann Diana Dinh, and Debdesk.

Congratulations, I hope you enjoy the book! Winners will be contacted by e-mail. If they do not respond within 48 hours, new winners shall be chosen.

Review: A Child's Journey Out Of Autism: One Family's Story of Living in Hope and Finding a Cure

2009-03-03T09:03:00.002-07:00

Author: Leeann Whiffen
Rating: 5/5
Grade: A - All ages
Publication: March 1, 2009 by Sourcebooks,Inc.

A Child's Journey Out of Autism is the true story of a young boy, Clay Whiffen, who was diagnosed with autism when he was a year and a half. Written by his mother, Leeann, the book starts at his birth, showing him as a normal, happy baby with some colic and digestion difficulties. The book follows along with him as he hits the developmental milestones, walking and saying a few words by his first birthday. Then we see his gradual and terrifying regression at a year and a half. His mother's refusal, at first, to accept autism as a diagnosis for her son. Then her fierce and determined effort to do whatever it takes to reclaim her son. Years of struggle is what it takes. Financial struggle to pay for the treatments; emotional struggle as the family pours so much energy and time into every aspect of their sons life, even to the extent of a special diet; health struggles as both parents face burn out. Yet in the end, their sacrifices are worth it. Just before time to start kindergarten, Clay is tested and taken off of the autism spectrum. What does that mean? A cure.

This is a truly important and brave book. I hope that it helps to give the autism epidemic in this country some further attention. Through her own family's story, Leeann is able to give hope that autism can be overcome. She explores some of the possible causes, siting her research, and even the opposing studies; and she also explores in detail the methods which helped to cure her son. I was impressed with her openness in the book. How can we help to inspire and encourage others if we are not honest with our own emotions: the positive and negative. Whiffen does not appear to try and whitewash herself, which is why I think this book is so powerful. Those suffering with similar issues know that they are not alone in their feelings. Those of us you have no experience with autism are able to clearly see the struggles inherent. I laughed and cried while reading this book, and can't imagine anyone making it through with a dry eye.

I would recommend this book to anyone who cares about the health and future of the children in our country; whether you have children with autism, or no children at all. This is an important issue that effects 1/165 children born after 2000. It needs more attention so that more funding can go into the research, and more children can be saved.

Visit the Whiffens: http://www.leeannwhiffen.com/, or the family blog: http://www.whiffenfamily.blogspot.com/.

Review and Blog Tour: The Kingmaking

2009-03-01T07:34:00.007-07:00

I am happy to be a part of the blog tour for The Kingmaking set up by Paul Samuelson with Sourcebooks . To read the reviews of other participants please see the bottom of this post.

Author: Helen Hollick
Rating: 4.5/5
Grade: D - 18 and up (graphic violence and sex, mature themes)

The Kingmaking is the first book in the Pendragon's Banner Trilogy, written by Helen Hollick. The book purports to show the Arthur of reality instead of legend. The mythical elements--such as Merlin and magic--are taken away from the story, as are the well known legends of Arthur many of us have become familiar with. Instead the author has spent ten years delving into the history of Wales, and archaeological discoveries, to come up with as historically accurate a novel of the times as is possible with the limited information available. The research put into the writing of this book is very evident, and I felt myself transported to a time long, long ago. A time of violence, war, and chaos.

The book opens in 450 A.D., not long after the Romans have left Britain to its own defenses. The Saex (Saxons) are beginning to make their way into the country, and there is not a united kingdom. Uthr, who is viewed--by himself and his people, at least--as the rightful king of the British, has been banished to the isles. After years away he has finally decided it is time for him to fight the present King, Vortigern, and win back his kingdom. He comes to seek the aid of Cunneda, King of Gwyneth. Together the face Vortigern, but are defeated, and Uthr is killed in the battle.

At this time the boy, Arthur, known as the bastard child of one of Uthr's servants, is revealed to be the actual son of Uthr and his wife. His identity hidden in order to protect him from Vortigern. And so begins the long and political battle of Arthur to work every possible advantage, to do whatever it takes, including joining the army of the hated Vortigern, in order to eventually gain what rightfully belongs to him. Arthur is painted as a very strong, passionate, charismatic, and easily angered man. A man of his time. This passion goes beyond battle to drink and women. A much different picture than the sainted Arthur of legend, but probably more closely in line with history.

And what of Guinevere? Yes, she is there, in her Welsh name of Gwenhwyfar. The daughter of the Pendragon's ally, Cunneda. A strong, daring and passionate girl and woman. Full of fire and defiance, she is not about to take the roll of women and let her life be decided by others. Early on she pledges herself and her love to Arthur, and she holds on to this promise and love through much adversity and many setbacks.

Overall, a very well written and researched book. Of course a 500+ page novel written at a time with few historical records has to be largely speculation, but Hollick's view of the story is very entrancing, and feels very realistic (At times, for me personally, a bit too realistic, as some very horrible war related atrocities were related). This book was both educational and entertaining.

Visit the author at her website: http://www.helenhollick.net/

Blog tour participants:
http://harrietdevine.typepad.com/harriet_devines_blog/2009/02/the-kingmaking.html 2/20
http://lazyhabits.wordpress.com/2009/02/20/the-kingmaking/ 2/21 and interview 2/27
http://carpelibrisreviews.com/the-kingmaking-by-helen-hollick-book-tour-giveaway/ 2/23
http://www.historicalnovels.info/Kingmaking.html 2/23
http://www.historicalnovels.info/historical-novels-blog.html
http://www.bibliophilemusings.com/2009/02/review-interview-kingmaking-by-helen.html 2/23
http://lilly-readingextravaganza.blogspot.com/2009/02/kingmaking-by-helen-hollick.html 2/23 and guest blog 2/25
http://chikune.com/blog/?p=484
http://chikune.com/blog/?p=488 2/24
http://booksaremyonlyfriends.blogspot.com/ 2/25
http://peekingbetweenthepages.blogspot.com/ 2/26 and guest blog 2/27
http://webereading.blogspot.com/ 2/26
http://www.caramellunacy.blogspot.com/ 2/26
http://bookthoughtsbylisa.blogspot.com/ 3/1
http://www.skrishnasbooks.com/ 3/1
http://jennifersrandommusings.wordpress.com/ 3/1
http://rhireading.blogspot.com/ 3/1
http://passagestothepast.blogspot.com/ 3/2
http://thetometraveller.blogspot.com/ 3/2
http://steventill.com/ 3/2
http://savvyverseandwit.blogspot.com/ 3/2 and interview 3/3
http://www.carlanayland.blogspot.com/
http://readersrespite.blogspot.com/ 3/3 and interview on 3/5
http://libraryqueue.blogspot.com/ 3/4
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/ 3/4
http://www.myfriendamysblog.com/ 3/5
http://samsbookblog.blogspot.com/ 3/5
http://goodbooksbrightside.blogspot.com/ 3/5

Review and Blog Tour: Drood

2009-02-27T07:32:00.005-07:00

I am pleased to be able to participate in this blog tour organized by Miriam Parker with Hatchette Book Group . For a complete list of participants please see the bottom of this post.

Author: Dan Simmons
Rating: 4.5/5
Grade: D - 18 and up (drug use, violence, disturbing images, language)

Description from the publisher:
"On June 9, 1865, while traveling by train to London with his secret mistress, 53-year-old Charles Dickens--at the height of his powers and popularity, the most famous and successful novelist in the world and perhaps in the history of the world--hurtled into a disaster that changed his life forever. Did Dickens begin living a dark double life after the accident? Were his nightly forays into the worst slums of London and his deepening obsession with corpses, crypts, murder, opium dens, the use of lime pits to dissolve bodies, and a hidden subterranean London mere research . . . or something more terrifying?Just as he did in The Terror, Dan Simmons draws impeccably from history to create a gloriously engaging and terrifying narrative. Based on the historical details of Charles Dickens's life and narrated by Wilkie Collins (Dickens's friend, frequent collaborator, and Salieri-style secret rival), DROOD explores the still-unsolved mysteries of the famous author's last years and may provide the key to Dickens's final, unfinished work: The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Chilling, haunting, and utterly original, DROOD is Dan Simmons at his powerful best."

My Thoughts:
Having long been a fan of Charles Dickens, I found this book to be extremely fascinating. Even during the first half of the book--hundreds of pages--before the action begins, which some people found to be a bit long with no real action, I was so interested and delighted to see this almost living portrait of Dickens. From what I have heard of Dickens, the pompous, energetic man Simmons paints is accurate. Though I have never read a biography of Dickens, this book has inspired me to do so. Simmons also manages some great critiques of Dickens' works, through the eyes of fellow writer Wilkie Collins. Which inspired me to read a couple of the books of Dickens which I have missed.

As far as the narrator of the book, Wilkie Collins, I am completely unfamiliar with his work, and so I cannot vouch for the authenticity of his voice as written by Dan Simmons. I am able to say, however, that I felt totally transported in time while reading this book. Simmons is very well able to pull of the phraseology and writing style of the mid-1800's, and I could easily believe that I was reading a book written at this time.

I love long books, but I have to admit when I was sent this book and saw that it could be used as a doorstop, and looked at the stack of books that are waiting for my review, I gave a little sigh. But, after beginning the book, I found myself pulled into the story very quickly, and the time and pages flew by. The book was at once thrilling, entertaining, and educational. I could very easily believe the most fantastical elements of the plot, and was not even disappointed in the rather fizzling ending. I was very impressed with Dan Simmons' writing ability, and plan to read more of his works.

Video of author on tour in Seattle:

Visit the author at his website: http://www.dansimmons.com/

See More reviews by visiting the other blog tour participants:
http://hiddenplace.wordpress.com/
/http://book-thirty.blogspot.com/
/http://bermudaonion.wordpress.com/
http://www.writeforareader.blogspot.com/
http://thebookczar.blogspot.com/
http://www.acircleofbooks.blogspot.com/
http://luanne-abookwormsworld.blogspot.com/
http://www.thetometraveller.blogspot.com/
http://www.bookthoughtsbylisa.blogspot.com/
http://allisonsatticblog.blogspot.com/
http://linussblanket.com/
http://www.chikune.com/blogspot.com
http://cafeofdreams.blogspot.com/
http://readingtoolate.net/
http://www.myfriendamysblog.com/
http://jennsbookshelf.blogspot.com/
http://ablogofbooks.blogspot.com/
http://cherylsbooknook.blogspot.com/
http://shootingstarsmag.blogspot.com/
http://www.savvyverseandwit.blogspot.com/
http://bestbookihavenotread.wordpress.com/
http://www.bookishruth.com/
http://www.bookingmama.blogspot.com/
http://martasmeanderings.blogspot.com/
http://dreyslibrary.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/darbyscloset

Review: Heart and Soul

2009-02-26T12:47:00.005-07:00

Author: Maeve Binchy
Rating: 5/5
Grade: C - 14 and up (mild language and sexual reference)

Plot synopsis? I'm afraid that I find it quite impossible to sum up any of Maeve Binchy's novels in a few short sentences. What is the book about? The more appropriate question would be what the book is not about. Binchy's ability to artfully weave together many separate and diverse stories with one common thread is really astounding. In Heart and Soul the connector and unifier is a heart clinic in Dublin set up to help people with heart disease manage their disease, and to learn how to live as healthily and long as possible. All of the serpentine stories in the book revolve around this clinic.

One of the things I love about Maeve Binchy's novels is how she brings people from her previous novels back into existence as minor characters. I always want to know what happens to characters I come to know and love once the book is over. And she has the ability to show them through a different perspective where they somehow appear the same, and yet other aspects of their character are explored. The only time I find this a bit distracting is when I have not read the book which first introduced the characters, and people are talked about who do not really appear in this story, and have no real meaning to me.

Another aspect of Binchy's writing which I find quite remarkable is her ability to show just what should be shown. In a few short commonplace words, even mundane task, she is able to perfectly paint a picture of character and setting. Her grasp and understanding of human nature is incredible. This through what she shows of people, and how well she knows her readers. Life. That is what her novels are. Life with all of it's heartache, humor and joy. And always she leaves you with a feeling of hope and joy.

Booking Through Thursday Question of the week

2009-02-26T07:48:00.004-07:00

See this weeks BTT .

Hardcover? Or paperback?
Illustrations? Or just text?
First editions? Or you don’t care?
Signed by the author? Or not?

In general I definitely prefer hardcover books. They are more durable, and this is an issue to me because I keep all but the most unworthy books. It is hard to read paperback books without bending or creasing the cover in some way, and I like my books to stay looking nice, and unread. There are occasions when paperbacks are preferable, such as on the beach, while travelling, or while nursing a baby; when there is a danger of the book getting destroyed, or when I only have one hand available, ore when I have limited space.

I love illustrated books. It is really to bad that, other than children's pictures books, so few books have any illustrations anymore. I have some books of Charles Dickens' with illustrations, and find the reading that much more enjoyable.

As for first editions, really not an issue for me at this point. I don't collect books as collectors items. Though I do like to have nice books, for me they are about functionality. At some point in the future if I have the kind of money to be able to spend it on books that I will not read, it is a possibility I could begin to collect.

To have a book personalized by the author would always be a plus. I currently only have a couple of signed books, but would welcome more.

Teaser Tuesday

2009-02-24T07:58:00.003-07:00

My teaser:

The kid scrambled and ran. Nasiji walked out of the alley, his head pounding, heart beating so quickly that even an hour later it hadn't returned to normal.

~The Silent Man by Alex Berenson (page 130)~

BBC Book Meme

2009-02-23T09:07:00.004-07:00

The BBC allegedly believes most people will have only read 6 of the 100 books here:How do your reading habits stack up? [bold those books you've read in their entirety, italicize the ones you started but didn't finish]
*( I have no idea where this list came from, I thought that it was the BBC's The Big Read - Top 100, but it is not, oh, well, still fun.)*

1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling
5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
6 The Bible
7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
8 Nineteen Eigthy four - George Orwell
9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott
12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14 Complete Works of Shakespeare
15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulk
18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
19 The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
20 Middlemarch - George Eliot
21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell
22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy\
32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis
34 Emma - Jane Austen35 Persuasion - Jane Austen
36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis
37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne
41 Animal Farm - George Orwell
42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44 A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving
45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery
47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48 The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood
49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding
50 Atonement - Ian McEwan
51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel
52 Dune - Frank Herbert
53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68 Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding
69 Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie
70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville
71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
72 Dracula - Bram Stoker
73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75 Ulysses - James Joyce
76 The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78 Germinal - Emile Zola
79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
80 Possession - AS Byatt
81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker
84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
87 Charlotte’s Web - EB White
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle LOVE
90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery en francais
93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94 Watership Down - Richard Adams
95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
98 Hamlet - William Shakespeare
99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo

I have read 40/100, and started but not finished 16/100. Most of the book I have read seem to be classics, or children's stories. I'm afraid I have large gaps in my contemperory fiction reading.

Mailbox Mondays

2009-02-23T08:39:00.005-07:00

Mailbox Mondays is hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page My mailbox was comparatively inactive this past week. Only two books came to me, but I am looking forward to reading both of them. When I can finally get to them. It makes it difficult when I receive a book that I am really looking forward to reading, because it has to wait until I get my stack of TBR books whittled down.

This Is Your Brain On Joy by Dr. Earl Henslin.

The Ten Year Nap by Meg Wolitzer.

Giveaway: Castle in the Mist: Planet of the Dogs Volume 2

2009-02-22T13:28:00.002-07:00

Thanks to the author, Robert J. McCarty, I have a copy of Castle in the Mist to give to one of my lucky readers. Read my Review.

Book Description:
"After a year of peace Bik, the warrior-chief of Stone City, is preparing for war. His children have been kidnapped by Prince Ukko, the leader of the Black Hawk tribes, and held prisoner in the Castle In The Mist. This is the story of how the dogs came down from their planet, to the land of the Forest People, to free the children and prevent war.
The Black Hawk soldiers had never seen dogs before. They had no knowledge of their courage, cleverness and endurance. And they had no idea that the dogs, through their extraordinary sense of smell, could see in the darkness and foggy mist that enveloped the Castle and the great forest.
When the winter snow falls, and the land is covered in white, it is the working dogs who challenge King Ukko and his warriors — and bring peace to the land of the Forest people."

To Enter:

1. Leave a comment letting me know that you would like to win this book

2. For additional entries: become a follower of this blog (if you already are that counts, just make sure to remind me); subscribe to me blog (if you already do that counts, just let me know); twitter this giveaway; or blog about this giveaway.

3. Contest is open worldwide.

4. Ends March, 3 2009.

Good Luck

Review: Castle in the Mist: Planet of The Dogs, Volume 2

2009-02-22T12:28:00.007-07:00

Author: Robert J. McCarty

Illustrated by: Stella Mustanoja McCarty

Rating: 4.5/5

Grade: A - All Ages

Castle in the Mist is the second installment of the Planet of the Dogs Series. While it is enjoyable to read it after having read Planet of the Dogs, the first book in the series, it can also stand on its own. In Planet of the Dogs the dogs come to the earth for the first time, in order to save the people of Green Valley from invaders from Stone City. The dogs were successful, and the Stone City Warriors have been living peacefully for over a year, with dogs of their own, when Castle in the Mist begins.

The dogs are once more alerted to trouble on earth. Nik and Nikki, the children of the Stone City Warrior leader, Bif, have been kidnapped. Prince Ukko, leader of the Black Hawk Tribe, who has invaded and taken residence in the Castle of the forest people, is unhappy that the Stone City Warriors have turned to peace. He is afraid that the peace will spread, and the lifestyle of himself and his army will be in danger. When Bif refuses his request for one hundred horses and two dogs, he has Bifs children kidnapped and held for ransom.

Having so recently brought peace to the earth, the dogs are afraid that it will now be taken away. Bifs anger and desire for revenge is great, and he will stop at nothing to recover his children. Can the dogs resolve the situation before war brakes out? Can Prince Ukko's hard, black heart be softened?

Castle in the Mist is full of the same elements I enjoyed in Planet of the Dogs and Snow Valley Heroes: beautiful, detailed, soft, mood setting drawings; the fun and antics of the dogs, and the people who are discovering them for the first time; encroaching danger and suspense; the lovely fantasy of a planet of dogs who are so concerned with the people of earth; and the forgiveness, unconditional love and loyalty that the dogs are able to subtly impart.

Read my reviews of Planet of the Dogs and Snow Valley Heroes .

To find out more visit the website Planet of the Dogs and the blog Barking Planet Children's Books

The Sunday Salon

2009-02-22T12:10:00.004-07:00

Today I have finished Castle in the Mist: Planet of the Dogs, Volume 2 by Robert J. McCarty. I also hope to finish The Silent Man by Alex Berenson. If I have time there is a stack of ten or more books that I need to read, I may begin one of them. It depends on how long my baby--who has a double ear infection--sleeps, and how much attention the other four require today. I am taking today as a catch-up on reading day, and then will have to take next week as a catch-up on housework day. I have to say that I find the reading catch-up day enjoyable, and the housework catch-up...not so much.

Friday Fill-ins

2009-02-20T08:50:00.002-07:00

(For more visit Friday Fill-ins )

1. Give me a good book and I'll forget about the dishes in the sink, and the pile of laundry stacked to the sky.

2. Whenever I smell grease (as in motor oil) I think of my father.

3. I wish that there was a foolproof cure to cancer with a 100% success rate.

4. Homemade almond butter was the last thing I ate that was utterly delicious.

5. To live in this world one must be able to laugh through the pain.

6. Other than this one, Crazy Book Slut is the last blog I commented on.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to starting to read Galway Bay, tomorrow my plans include finding some clothes to fit my shrinking body (35 lbs lost since November 1st) and Sunday, I want to survive the two hours of my sunday school class of 4-6 year olds!

Booking Through Thursday Question of the week

2009-02-19T07:37:00.004-07:00

(To read other responses and see the question visit Booking Through Thurday )

I recently got new bookshelves for my room, and I’m just loving them. Spent the afternoon putting up my books and sharing it on my blog . One of my friends asked a question and I thought it would be a great BTT question. So from Tina & myself, we’d like to know “How do you arrange your books on your shelves? Is it by author, by genre, or you just put it where it falls on?”

Well, my books originally had some organization, but the books that have been added in the last year and a half have been randomly placed on two new bookshelves as they have come into our home.

Our books are organized by genre, and then by height on each shelf. I can't stand having messy looking bookshelves. The taller books are placed on the outside, on both sides, and 'v' into the shorter books in the middle. The exception is if there is a series or author I am trying to keep together in order. I don't find further organization necessary, even with over 2,000 books, I almost always know just where the book I am looking for is.

This picture is a good example. The top three shelves are fantasy/sci-fi/Stephen King, and the bottom two shelves are random non-fiction. On the very top shelf I am trying to keep a series together (Stephen R. Donaldson's Thomas Covenant series)which I have part in paperback, and part in hardcover. Other than that the books go by height.

Giveaway: The Terror

2009-02-16T08:36:00.003-07:00

Thanks to Valerie with Hachette Book Group I have five copies of The Terror by Dan Simmons for giveaway.

Book Description:
"The men on board HMS Terror have every expectation of finding the Northwest Passage. When the expedition's leader, Sir John Franklin, meets a terrible death, Captain Francis Crozier takes command and leads his surviving crewmen on a last, desperate attempt to flee south across the ice. But as another winter approaches, as scurvy and starvation grow more terrible, and as the Terror on the ice stalks them southward, Crozier and his men begin to fear there is no escape. A haunting, gripping story based on actual historical events, The Terror is a novel that will chill you to your core."

I am currently reading Dan Simmons newest novel Drood, and have to say that I have been extremely impressed with his writing.

To Enter:
1. Leave a comment telling me that you would like to win this book. Please leave a way for me to contact you.
2. For extra entries: become a follower (if you already are that counts, so make sure you tell me); subscribe to my blog (if you already do that counts, so make sure you tell me); or post about this giveaway (please leave me the link).
3. Books ship from the publisher, so only U.S and Canandian mailing addresses. No P.O. Boxes please.
4. Contest ends March 2, 2009

Good Luck

Mailbox Mondays

2009-02-16T08:01:00.007-07:00

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page. To see what others have recieved in their mailbox this week head on over and check out Mailbox Monday

In my mailbox/doorstep:

Valentine's Day Ball

2009-02-15T09:21:00.004-07:00

Though not book related, since I told about the ball we were going to, I decided to post the picture also. I am the one in the black dress, in case you can't figure it out from my profile picture. We had a nice time.

Happy Valentines Day!

2009-02-14T08:07:00.005-07:00

Wishing you all a wonderful Valentine's Day. May you be able to be with the ones you love and care for. My husband and I are going to a ball (Wyoming style, so don't think too fancy), which will be the first time we have gone to any dance or anything of the sort since our first date over ten years ago.

If you are lacking someone to celebrate this holiday with, may I suggest buying a large box of delicious chocolates and cuddling up with an even more delicious book. (Personally I have never thought much of the holiday. I don't need someone to tell me when I should be effusive and show my love, I prefer to do it on my own time. And how sincere can manifestations of love be when forced by a commercial holiday. In college I told everyone that I would refuse any proposal of marriage given on Valentines Day, even if it was to the love of my life. I guess I am just not that sentimental or romantic.)

Review: What's Age Got To Do With It?

2009-02-12T09:05:00.003-07:00

Author: Robin McGraw
Rating: 3.5/5
Grade: A - All ages

In What’s Age Got TO Do With It? Robin McGraw, wife to Dr. Phil, shares what she has learned and uses to stay looking and feeling young. Chapters include topics such as fitness, nutrition, skin care, hormones, hair, makeup and fashion. The book is largely about her and what she does, but there is a good deal of helpful—though basic and non-groundbreaking—information. In her chapter on fitness she provides ideas on how to stay fit without the personal trainer who she now has access to, and how she did it at home with little to no equipment when she had little kids and little money. In the chapter on nutrition she includes a twelve day sample menu of a healthy diet. I found the skin care chapter especially useful because it is something that I know little about, and as I approach my 30th birthday in the fall, and am seeing those fine lines start to appear, I appreciate the basic information, including recipes for simple food based scrubs and products, and exercises to firm the neck and jaw.

Though there is not really any new information in the book, and the subjects are not studied in depth, I found this book to be a good base on taking care of your body, and also found it interesting to read about the life of Robin. I appreciate her encouragement of women to take care of themselves, and stop thinking of everyone else first.

Teaser Tuesday

2009-02-10T15:05:00.003-07:00

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:
Grab your current read.
Let the book fall open to a random page.
Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
Please avoid spoilers!

His voice was hushed, as if Hatchery or Miss Darby or the boy Billy could be the Egyptian criminal in disguise. "I guarantee that your friend Dickens is--consciously or unconsciously, deliberately or as an instrument of Drood--carrying out that Devil's purposes on this tour."

~Page 234 of Drood by Dan Simmons

Winners Announced: Planet of the Dogs

2009-02-10T09:01:00.003-07:00

I am finally announcing the winner for the Planet of the Dogs giveaway. My apologies for the delay.

Congratulations to: Roblynn and Rebekah. I hope that you enjoy the book!

For the rest of you please check back soon for a giveaway of the second book Castle in the Mist.

Giveaway: My Little Red Book

2009-02-02T09:06:00.005-07:00

Thanks to Anna with Hatchette Book Group , I have five copies of My Little Red Book by Rachel Kauder Nalebuff available for giveaway.

Book Description:
"MY LITTLE RED BOOK is an anthology of stories about first periods, collected from women of all ages from around the world. The accounts range from light-hearted (the editor got hers while water skiing in a yellow bathing suit) to heart-stopping (a first period discovered just as one girl was about to be strip-searched by the Nazis). The contributors include well-known women writers (Meg Cabot, Erica Jong, Gloria Steinem, Cecily von Ziegesar), alongside today's teens. And while the authors differ in race, faith, or cultural background, their stories share a common bond: they are all accessible, deeply honest, and highly informative. Whatever a girl experiences or expects, she'll find stories that speak to her thoughts and feelings.Ultimately, MY LITTLE RED BOOK is more than a collection of stories. It is a call for a change in attitude, for a new way of seeing periods. In a time when the taboo around menstruation seems to be one of the few left standing, it makes a difficult subject easier to talk about, and helps girls feel proud instead of embarrassed or ashamed. By revealing what it feels like to undergo this experience first hand, and giving women the chance to explain their feelings in their own words, it aims to provide support, entertainment, and a starting point for discussion for mothers and daughters everywhere. It is a book every girl should have. Period."

Read my review .

Find out more: http://www.mylittleredbook.net/

To Enter:

1. Leave a comment telling me you would like to win this book. Please make sure to leave a way for me to get ahold of you.

2. For extra entries: become a follower of my blog, subscribe to my blog, or blog about this contest (if you already are or do that counts, too, just tell me). Please leave this information in a separate comment.

3. Publication date for the book is February 26th, so contest will end the 25th.

4. As this book mails from the publisher, only U.S and Canadian addresses will be considered. No PO Boxes please.

Good Luck

Winner Announced: The Survivors Club

2009-01-31T08:36:00.004-07:00

I finally have the winners for The Survivors Club, my apologies for the delay. Using Random.org's random integer generator, the winners are:

Alyce, Lissa, malleycc, Jessica, and m@t.

Thanks to all who participated!

*Edited to add: Alyce has already won an audio version of this book, so a new winner has been chosen: literary feline.

Teaser Tuesday

2009-01-27T09:09:00.007-07:00

(Hosted by MizB at Should be Reading .)
TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

Grab your current read.
Let the book fall open to a random page.
Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
Please avoid spoilers!

My Teaser: From the uncorrected advance copy of The Kingmaking by Helen Hollick (coming in March 2009), page 128.

Cunedda crumpled to his knees. slammed his fist into the surf and raged at the bird.
'By all the power I hold, and all the gods that ever were or will be, I shall see to it that the claws of the dragon rake deep for this, Vortigern!'

Review: My Little Red Book

2009-01-25T09:54:00.006-07:00

Author/Editor: Rachel Kauder Nalebuff
Genre: non-fiction, menstruation
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: February 26, 2009

My Little Red Book is an exceptional book for a number of reasons. First, of course, is the subject matter: the book is made up, entirely, of stories of women (girls) getting their first period. Which is something that, even in our rather open and liberated society, is usually hushed up and considered embarrassing. The author's purpose in writing the book is to end the awkwardness usually associated with menstruation, and to help women and girls embrace this part of who they are, "if Napoleon Dynamite can be cool, so can periods."

Second, is the editor herself, Rachel Kauder Nalebuff, who is only eighteen years old. Having an extremely embarrassing first period story, she began talking to others, and compiling their stories, starting at age thirteen. For her, at such a young age, to realize the importance of these stories being told and shared is really quite amazing.

Third, are the stories themselves, written by such a diverse sampling of women. Ranging in decades from the 1910's to the 2000's, and crossing the barriers of country and culture, some are written by well known writers such as Meg Cabot, others by unassuming grandmothers, but they all ring true.

Fourth, the advance and all proceeds of this book are being donated, by the author, to women's health charities. Which are involved in causes such as providing sanitary supplies to those unable to afford them in places such as Africa, so the girls do not have to miss school during their period.

To learn more, or to contribute your own story, visit: http://www.mylittleredbook.net/.

Also check back soon for a giveaway of this book!

Review: Sundays at Tiffany's

2009-01-25T08:58:00.006-07:00

Rating: 2.5/5
Grade: C = 14 and up (sexual content)

One of the most difficult things about reviewing every book I read is the fact that sometimes I really don't care for a book, and I am dedicated to giving honest reviews. The story of Sundays at Tiffany's had some great potential, I was hoping to really enjoy the book. Unfortunately I don't feel that the potential was realized. The writing seemed rushed and rough, also very cliched. But even more cliched than the writing was the story line--every sentimental New York minute from film and novel of the last seventy-five years seems to have been woven into this book. Character development was very shallow, as was the depth of exploration of relationships.

This is actually the first of Patterson's books that I have read, and I will not judge his writing based on this one novel, especially as it is really outside his normal genre. If he were not an extremely successful and famous writer, I might also have been a bit more open to poor writing, but I guess I was expecting more.

Author Interview: Robert J. McCarty

2009-01-24T08:46:00.009-07:00

(Pictured: Robert J. McCarty, and wife Stella Mustanoja McCarty)

I have recently had the pleasure of interviewing Robert J. McCarty, author of the Planet of the Dogs Series. The series includes:

Planet of the Dogs (read my review)

Castle in the Mist ; (review coming soon)

and Snow Valley Heroes: A Christmas Tale (read my review ).

These delightful children's chapter books tell the story of the world before dogs, how they first came to the earth from the planet of the dogs, and how they save humankind and teach them many important things such as love and loyalty. The books are beautifully illustrated by Robert's wife, Stella, who graduated from the art academy in Helsinki, and currently teaches painting and drawing at the Vantaa, Finland, Art School.

Interview:

Lisa: Hello Robert, Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions for my readers.

I understand that the Planet of the Dogs series was inspired by stories that you made up to tell your children and grandchildren. About how long ago do you think you told the first story that involved the Planet of the Dogs?

Robert:My children are adults, many of them with children, I started making up stories and songs a generation ago.

Lisa: Was there something in particular that inspired these stories: an event, desire to teach something to your children, or a certain beloved canine friend?

Robert: There was one dog in particular, who inspired the stories. She was a rescued toy poodle, who had struggled for many years to survive in a cramped house with 12 other poodles -- most of them bigger. We named her Miss Merrie. There were so many problems and so much cruelty in the world that people had created. We thought that people could learn a lot from Miss Merrie, who was so loving, loyal and courageous -- and the world would be a better place.

Lisa: When you sat down to write the books did you already have most of the material ready from your oral story-telling, or where they more vague ideas that you had to flesh out for the books?

Robert: Certain ideas were clear: dogs and children could communicate, the dogs would find non-violent solutions to problems, the dogs would be examples of unconditional loyalty and love, and the dogs would help people to heal. Most of the stories had to be worked out.

Lisa: Did you have encouragement from your children to write down the stories that they knew and make them into a book for others to enjoy?

Robert: I was encouraged to tell their children stories, but not to write them down.

Lisa: The dogs in your series have very distinct personalities. Are the dog characters in your books taken from dogs you have known or owned in real life?

Robert: In most cases, they are based on dogs we have had, or dogs of family and friends. In addition to Miss Merrie, Lucy is based on a specific dog who came into our lives after Miss Merrie passed on. Buddy is based on Dafi, our current family dog.

Lisa: The setting for the villages and forests in the books are beautiful, both the descriptions of them, and the drawings by Stella, they sound like somewhere I would like to live. Is there a particular place that has inspired the scenery, or do you have a certain place in mind when you are writing?

Robert: Much of the background world comes from books relating to the history of early peoples, and the settlement and development of Europe. Much of Castle In The Mist takes place in a setting much like early Finland, a country of forests and lakes. The setting for Snow Valley Heroes, A Christmas Tale, has many similarities with Lapland, in northern Finland. Stella is a Finn and teaches drawing and oil painting in a Finnish art school. We are currently living in Helsinki during the school year.

Lisa: Why do you feel that this is such an important message for children to hear today--the love, peace, and loyalty which dogs can teach us?

Robert: Wherever there is literacy in the world, there are TV, film, computer games and the Internet. These media are filled with dramatic violence. The world has always had a great deal of violence, but now the scale and repetition of violence is far out of balance. Hopefully, the Planet of the Dogs series will reach many children at an impressionable age, offering non-violent solutions to fearful situations. It is our hope that the books will one day serve as a basis for an animated film, like the Lion King, and reach children throughout the world.

Lisa: I know that you are working with dog therapy reading programs, how can people who are interested learn more about this?

Robert: Libraries in many locations around the country have these programs. The Internet will take you to programs. And there are organizations like www.therapyanimals.org/read (the R.E.A.D. program); http://www.readingwithrover.org/, and Therapy Dogs International, www.TDI-dog.org/childrenreadingtodogs.html.I use Google Alerts to learn more daily about ongoing therapy dog reading activities.

Lisa: Before you began writing, what did your professional life entail?

Robert: I produced, wrote and directed film and video -- primarily documentary, training and education, and marketing. A short film, Rooftops Of New York, was nominated for an Academy Award.

Lisa: And, finally, are there any more Planet of the Dogs books in the works?

Robert: Yes. As you know, dogs are always ready for adventure and they love children.

Lisa: Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions. I appreciate the opportunity for readers to learn more about you and your books.

Robert: Thank you, Lisa. We appreciate your interest and your warm and insightful reviews.

(Illustration from Snow Valley Heroes: A Christmas Tale)
(Illustration from Planet of the Dogs)

To find out more visit:

www.barkingplanet.net and

http://barkingplanet.typepad.com/barking_planet_childrens_/

Booking Through Thursday Question of the week

2009-01-22T07:53:00.004-07:00

Since “Inspiration” is (or should) the theme this week … what is your reading inspired by?

I think that this question could be interpreted a number of different ways, but I will answer a couple of the ways I take it.

What inspires me to read: Seeking truth is what inspires me to read. Truth which can be found in reading non-fiction and learning new things and new ways to think about old known things; truth which can be found in fiction, learning the reality of the human soul and condition; and truth which can be found in the feelings the things that I read bring up in my own life and being.

What do I read that inspires me: I am inspired first and foremost by beautiful writing. For me reading is not necessarily about the story, it is about the way it is presented. Skillful writers inspire me with the way they know, almost instinctively, how to marry the right words together. Out of the millions of possible words, that it is possible to string a few together and make me feel amazed and awed--that is inspiring.

Winners Announced: Sundays at Tiffany's

2009-01-20T11:52:00.003-07:00

Winners have been picked for 5 copies of Sundays at Tiffany's using Random.org. And the winners are:

Becky,

Roblynn and Rebekah,

divaqueenie,

a_true_goddess@hotmail.com, and

Dixie.

Congratulations!

Mailbox Monday

2009-01-19T11:59:00.002-07:00

Mailbox Mondays is hosted by The Printed Page

(Sorry I am not going to do anything fancy like add links or pictures or italics, as I am holding a sleeping baby and typing with one hand)

Books I recieved in the mail this past week:

The Silent Man by Alex Berenson
A Child's Journey out of Autism by Leeann Whiffen
The Survivor's Club by Ben Sherwood
Little Skinks Tail by Janet Halfmann
Wild Things: The Art of Nuurturing Boys by Steven James and David Thomas
Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson

Review: Little Skink's Tail

2009-01-18T09:22:00.008-07:00

Author: Janet Halfmann

Illustrated by: Laurie Allen Klein

Genre: Children's Picture Book; Nature

Rating: 5/5

Grade: A = All ages

Thank you to the author, Janet Halfmann, for contacting me and requesting this book for me to review. And also to Sara Dobie with Sylvan Dell Publishing for sending me the book.

Little Skink is sunning herself on a rock when she is suddenly attacked by a large crow. She gets away with her life, but loses her tail. As she looks at all of the animals around her, she imagines what it would be like to have tails like theirs. But none of the other tails seem to fit. One is, "so short and stubby", another, "Too stickly-prickly" a third, "Too pointy". How will Skink fix her problem, and find the perfect tail?

The text in this book is really wonderful. Short and to the point, great for young readers and listeners, but also containing well chosen descriptive words. The story is very fun--engaging the imagination, educating, and entertaining.

The watercolor illustrations have a textured and natural look. The animals are realistically drawn, but with humanising touches in facial expression and eyes. Wonderful little details can be found throughout the book. The first time I read the book, I didn't even notice some of them: such as the little caterpillar which grows a cocoon, emerges from it, and can be seen as a beautiful butterfly by the end of the book; also, the animal which will have it's tail tried on next can be seen hiding somewhere on the page before it's turn.

This book not only teaches about animals, and their physiology, but has a great lesson to be learned about being happy and comfortable with who you are. Further extending the fun learning opportunities is the 'For Creative Minds' section in the back of the book, where there is a footprint map, and a tail matching activity. Both which were thoroughly enjoyed by my three year old.

Sylvan Dell Publishing describes its books as "science and math through literature". A worthy goal, which they have managed to accomplish very well. The Sylvan Dell website has some great information and further activities and resources to go along with each book, such as quizzes and teaching activities. I will definitely keep my eyes out for more books by this publisher.

The Sunday Salon

2009-01-18T08:29:00.003-07:00

What is the Sunday Salon? Imagine some university library's vast reading room. It's filled with people--students and faculty and strangers who've wandered in. They're seated at great oaken desks, books piled all around them, and they're all feverishly reading and jotting notes in their leather-bound journals as they go. Later they'll mill around the open dictionaries and compare their thoughts on the afternoon's literary intake.... That's what happens at the Sunday Salon, except it's all virtual. Every Sunday the bloggers participating in that week's Salon get together--at their separate desks, in their own particular time zones--and read. And blog about their reading. And comment on one another's blogs. Think of it as an informal, weekly, mini read-a-thon, an excuse to put aside one's earthly responsibilities and fall into a good book.

I have not accomplished much reading this week as I have had strep throat, and four kids with strep, and three with ear infections. Giving out medicine to five kids has pretty much taken up my free time. As for today, I have not decided what I shall read. I have nine books waiting to be read and reviewed, but as I will be home from church, and am feeling lazy and self indulgent, I think I want to read something comforting. Something familiar. Maybe...an Austen, a Bronte, L.M. Montegomery. What I would really like is something by a beloved author which I have not read yet, but I don't know if I have anything of the sort on my shelves. This much I know, today's book will not be ambitious, nor will it be meaningless. I need something that says, "life is beautiful, and this is why." Any suggestions?

Giveaway: Planet of the Dogs

2009-01-17T10:18:00.004-07:00

Thanks to the author, Robert J. McCarty, I have an extra copy of this book to give to one of my readers. Read my review .

Book Description:
Far out in the sky, on the other side of the sun, is the Planet of the Dogs. Dogs have always lived there in peace and happiness.
There are country dogs and city dogs. They live in places like Shepherd Hills, Poodletown, Muttville, Biscuit Town, and Shaggy Corners.
The most special thing about dogs is their ability to love. They do this better than any other creature.
One day, many years ago, the council of the elder dogs learned that there were problems on Earth, the Planet of the People. Many people had forgotten how to love. They had become cruel and greedy.
This is the story of the first time that dogs came down to Planet Earth to teach people about love and to bring peace to Green Valley.

To Enter:
1. Leave a comment telling me about your favorite dog. (Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you) If you have trouble leaving a comment, e-mail me your entry.
2. For an extra entry become a follower or this blog, subscribe, or blog about this comment.
3. Since I am the one mailing this I am opening this up worldwide.
4. Contest ends 1/31/2009

Good Luck

Review: Planet of The Dogs

2009-01-17T09:44:00.004-07:00

Thank you to the author, Robert J. McCarty, for sending this book for my review.
Author: Robert J. McCarty
Illustrator: Stella Mustanoja McCarty
Genre: Children's Chapter Book; Fantasy
Rating: 4.5/5
Grade: A = All ages

Planet of the Dogs is the first book in the Planet of the Dogs series. Castle in the Mist is the second installment (my review soon to come), and Snow Valley Heroes: A Christmas Tale is the third. (Read my review )

In Planet of the Dogs we are introduced to the world long, long, ago, before there were dogs on earth. The dogs have their own planet, where they live in a healthy and helpful society which is presided over by the dog council. When they find out that the people in the peaceful villages of the earth are under threat of attack from the warriors of Stone City, the dogs all agree it is time to act. They have observed enough about the planet earth to know that the adults will not accept them very readily; but the children, who are more open, and can even understand the language of the dogs, should be approached first. Can the dogs win over the people of earth so that they will trust them and let them help, or will the dogs fail in their mission, and the fierce warriors overcome the village?

This is a great story, full of adventure, fun, and fantasy. What child could help but be delighted and enthralled by the thought of dog biscuit trees, and fields of flowers which unbelievably transport you to another world, a world inhabited only by dogs. There is a perfect amount of conflict in the book to keep the story moving along, and yet the kindness and love of the dogs is always there to counteract the encroaching danger.

The book also contains very detailed and stunning drawings, which add to the overall atmosphere of the book.

I would reccomend this book for children from ages four to twelve, and all dog lovers.

To learn more about these books, visit the website: Planet of the Dogs . Also see the Barking Planet Children's Books blog.

Review and Blog Tour: Love and Other Natural Disasters

2009-01-15T08:19:00.010-07:00

I am privileged to be a part of the blog tour for Holly Shumas' book Love and Other Natural Disasters, which is being hosted by Miriam with Hatchette Book Group

Author: Holly Shumas
Genre: Women's fiction; relationships
Rating: 4.5/5
Grade: D = 18 and up (some sexual content and language)

Book Description:
Eve is eight months pregnant and in the middle of a Thanksgiving celebration when she discovers that her husband Jonathan has developed an intimate relationship with a woman over the past year. Jonathon asserts his innocence (an affair involves physical intimacy, and he didn't have any), while Eve feels deeply betrayed by the emotional connection he shared with someone else. What Jon has done seems so terrifyingly out of character that Eve finds herself questioning her entire reality. Did she ever really know Jon at all? Was their happiness together a lie? Is emotional intimacy more forgivable than sexual intimacy? And can their marriage survive

My thoughts:
Holly Shumas has managed to delve deeply and fairly into the confusing and difficult relationship of marriage in her book Love and other natural disasters. I have to admit that for the first part of the book I was slightly annoyed. The reaction of the wife to finding out that her husband had been involved in an intimate, though not physical, relationship with another women, though warranted, seemed very harsh and over reactive to me. She seemed to be placing all of the blame on him without looking at her own involvement in possible problems in their marriage, she wouldn't even listen to his side of the story. I thought that I was in for another man bashing novel, sure sometimes men deserve to be bashed, but let's at least hear their side of the story before beating them down.

Later in the book, however, I was pleased to see many aspects of the marriage and dynamics between the spouses explored. The husband's point of view was put forth well enough that I could understand and sympathize with him, maybe not condoning what he had done, but seeing the personality and motivators which had led him to where he was. It was great to see him be able to work through things, keep the blame which was his, and yet explore the issues in their relationship which effected him. Also, the wife was able to look more objectively at her own actions, and see that she was not spotless herself. Though I did have some issues with her actions toward the end of the book. She does something, that to me, would definitely need to be discussed, but doesn't even seem to be brought up with her husband. And I am not sure that this as a catalyst would bring a lasting commitment.

Without spoiling too much of the plot, let me just say that I was left with hope for marriage in general. Yes, it is the hardest relationship work you will ever do. Yes, we do horrible things which hurt each other deeply. Yes, there is often just cause for ending things. But if we take responsibility for our actions and honestly discuss our feelings, nearly any marriage can be great. It is a choice.

About the Author:

About Me
My first novel, Five Things I Can’t Live Without, was a lighthearted look at the neurotic art of self-sabotage. The central premise was that my character, Nora, was looking for problems where there really weren’t any; she was thinking herself right out of happiness. For my second book, Love and Other Natural Disasters, I decided the main character might still have a whiff of the neurotic but I’d really give her something to worry about.
When I first sat down for the as-yet untitled Book #2, I didn’t know what Eve would find out (I didn’t actually know her name was Eve), but I knew it would happen on Thanksgiving. An affair seemed obvious (too obvious) until I realized it was an emotional affair rather than a physical one. The reason I’m using language like “find out” and “realized” is because for me, the process of writing novels is like that. There’s nothing better than that moment when your character surprises you.
As a practicing marriage and family therapist, the issues of emotional intimacy and fidelity are close to my heart. I’m convinced that one of the toughest things in the world is remaining emotionally connected to another person for the long haul, and it’s a subject that I love exploring in my writing, in my practice, and in my life. It’s a subject I’ll be exploring on this site, too, in both the “FAQ” and “Musings” sections.
If you’d like me to attend your book club, please contact me directly here. For press materials, review copies, and any other publicity-related requests, please contact my publicist at Grand Central Publishing, Elly Weisenberg, at Elly.Weisenberg@hgbusa.com. Thanks so much for visiting.'
Visit Holly at her website: http://www.hollyshumas.com/

Read my review of Holly Shumas' other novel Five Things I Can't Live Without

Visit other participants of the blog tour:

http://www.writeforareader.edublogs.org/

http://www.bermudaonion.wordpress.com/

http://booksamyreads.blogspot.com/

http://cafeofdreams.blogspot.com/

http://ablogofbooks.blogspot.com/

http://www.acircleofbooks.blogspot.com/

http://athomewithbooks.blogspot.com/http://

http://www.myfriendamysblog.com/

http://thetometraveller.blogspot.com/

http://bookingmama.blogspot.com/

http://2kidsandtiredbooks.blogspot.com/http://

http://www.skrishnasbooks.com/

http://enroutetolife.blogspot.com/

http://www.anovelmenagerie.com/http://printedpage.us/

http://cindysloveofbooks.blogspot.com/

http://luanne-abookwormsworld.blogspot.com/

http://bookopolis.blogspot.com/http://

http://www.bookthoughtsbylisa.blogspot.com/

http://exlibrisbb.blogspot.com/

http://jennsbookshelf.blogspot.com/

http://www.marjoleinbookblog.blogspot.com/

http://linussblanket.com/

Review: The Book of Night Women

2009-01-14T10:37:00.006-07:00

I received this ARC from Christopher Nelson with Penguin Group .

Publication date: February 19, 2009 by Putnam

Author: Marlon James

Rating: I did not complete this book, and so cannot give it a rating.

Grade: D = 18 and up (excessive vulgarity and profanity, violence, rape, and generally inhuman acts involved in slavery)

This book is a very bold, no punches held back, no mincing of words, look into slavery and all of the horrors and indignities that go with it. It has been called a very daring book, and I have to agree. Not only for the startlingly, unprettied look into life and human nature, but for the very writing style itself. Told in the slave narrative, it lacks proper grammar and quotation marks, there is no omniscient story teller with prim and proper English. The language only distracted me for the first page, and then I was pulled in and couldn't imagine the story being told in any other way. Simply stunning.

Why did I not finish the book? It was too much for me. To much profanity, too descriptive scenes of violence and rape, too much pain. I guess I prefer to look at truly horrible things through shades, something to block out the blinding monstrosities.

Book Description from the publisher:

The Book of Night Women is a sweeping, startling novel—a true tour de force of both voice and storytelling—that tells the story of a young slave woman on a sugar plantation in Jamaica at the turn of the nineteenth century, revealing a world and a culture that is both familiar and entirely new. Lilith is born into slavery, and even at her birth, the slave women around her recognize a dark power that they—and she— will come to both revere and fear. The Night Women, as they call themselves, have long been conspiring to stage a slave revolt, and as Lilith comes of age they see her as the key to and—as she reveals the extent of her power and begins to understand her own desires and feelings—potentially the weak link in their plans.Lilith’s story overflows with high drama and heartbreak, and life on the plantation is rife with dangerous secrets, unspoken jealousies, inhuman violence, and very human emotion— between slave and master, between slave and overseer, and among the slaves themselves. Lilith finds herself at the heart of it all. And all of it told in one of the boldest literary voices to recently grace the page—and the secret of that voice is one of the book’s most suspenseful, satisfying mysteries.The real revelation of the book—the secret to the stirring imagery and insistent prose—is Marlon James himself, a young writer at once wholly in command of his craft and breathtakingly daring, spinning his magical web of humanity, race, and love, fully inhabiting the incredibly rich nineteenth-century Jamaican patois that rings with a distinctly contemporary energy.

Passing it along:

If you would like to have my ARC copy of this book (the baby got a hold of it, so the back cover is a bit bent, and one page has the corner torn off but no words missing) please leave a comment. I will send it to the first person who leaves a comment telling me that they want it.

Review: The Little Giant of Aberdeen County

2009-01-13T16:51:00.006-07:00

Thanks to Miriam with Hatchette Book Group for providing me with this book to review.

Author: Tiffany Baker
Rating: 4.5/5
Grade: D - 18 and up (brief sexual themes, very slight language, weighty death themes)

A small town in New York, an old family legend, prejudice, cruelty, hope, an unnaturally large women, her unnaturally beautiful sister, a nearly mute friend, herbs, and love. All of these things can be found in Tiffany Baker's debut novel The Little Giant of Aberdeen County. Truly, the "giant", has guilt laid on her from the day she is born, when here huge and abnormal size costs her a mother. Her growth never does even out, and she passes up her petite and beautiful sister, two years her senior, when she is practically still an infant. Their distant and broken father dies when they are still quite young, and Truly has brought home to her the fact that she has been fighting from birth: the worth which others place on you is largely due to how you look. Serena Jane, Truly's sister, is taken in by the preacher and his wife, and given a petted life of ease. Truly, however, is only accepted by a poor and dishonest horse racer with a strange and speech reticent child. She is put to work helping out on the farm where her size and manlike form are put to good use in taking care of the horses.

Soon, however, Truly sees that great beauty does not necessarily guarantee a happy and carefree life, as her sister's dreams are snatched away in one night by the villain of the piece, Bob-bob, who is really just a weak and insecure boy, and turns into a weak and insecure man. But sometimes those are the people you have to watch out for, they have something to prove, and something to lose, and hold on as tight as they can to whatever they can grasp. Truly finds this out first hand, when she is forced into a daily relationship with her brother-in-law in order to take care of her nephew.

Will she ever be free of living with a man she detests? Can she let go of what life has taught her about her value, or lack thereof, and accept love and friendship into her life? Is there really truth to the legend of Bob-Bob's great-great-grandmother being a witch, and a missing book of spells?

This book truly amazed me with it's powerful and beautiful writing. I kept a highlighter near at all times while reading, and found myself having to restrain myself from marking too many phrases. Tiffany Baker has the ability to string words together in a way which stuns. The story is unusual, and stirring, as is the writing.

Some quotations from the book:

"his pale fingers worrying the corners of the covers like light-drunk moths."

"all anyone ever saw about me, I thought, were the parts that were
missing..."

"He put his hand on my head, wishing he were better at
stories, wishing he could make up one now where the giant wasn't' bad, just
misunderstood, where the princess was huge--the bigger the better--where beauty
on the outside always matched beauty on the inside, wicked queens looked like
the hags they were, and uppity schoolteachers were locked in towers for
perpetuity."

"A life passed amid gangsters, horse thieves, smugglers and
gamblers had granted Amelia an unerring nose for greed, vanity, and other
assorted venal characteristics, and in Miss Sparrow, she smelled rancid pride
combined with the bitter char of unrequited love. She smelled the lemon tang of
loneliness mingling with despair. Just under Priscilla Sparrow's skin, Amelia could tell, a
rosemary blast of judiciousness rippled followed by the musty decay of jealousy
and a lingering note of envy--in short...the odors of
a lifelong spinster."

"She shut the door behind her as if she were
locking a reptile in a cage."

Giveaway: The Survivors Club

2009-01-13T08:37:00.002-07:00

Thanks to Anna with Hatchette Book Group I have 5 copies of The Survivors Club up for giveaway.

Book Description:

Which is the safest seat on an airplane? Where is the best place to have a heart attack? Why does religious observance add years to your life? How can birthdays be hazardous to your health?

THE SURVIVORS CLUB
Each second of the day, someone in America faces a crisis, whether it's a car accident, violent crime, serious illness, or financial trouble. Given the inevitability of adversity, we all wonder: Who beats the odds and who surrenders? Why do some people bound back and others give up? How can I become the kind of person who survives and thrives?

The fascinating, hopeful answers to these questions are found in THE SURVIVORS CLUB. In the tradition of Freakonomics and The Tipping Point, this book reveals the hidden side of survival by combining astonishing true stories, gripping scientific research, and the author's adventures inside the U.S. military's elite survival schools and the government's airplane crash evacuation course.

With THE SURVIVORS CLUB, you can also discover your own Survivor IQ through a powerful Internet-based test called the Survivor Profiler. Developed exclusively for this book, the test analyzes your personality and generates a customized report on your top survivor strengths.There is no escaping life's inevitable struggles. But THE SURVIVORS CLUB can give you an edge when adversity strikes.

Enter to Win:
1. Leave a comment letting me know that you would like to win a copy of this book
2. For an extra entry become a follower of my blog, or subscribe to my blog (if you already are or do that counts) or blog about this contest on your own blog.
3. Contest open only to U.S and Canadian mailing addresses. No P.O. Boxes.
4. Contest ends Friday 1/23/09

Good Luck

Review: Word of Promise New Testament Dramatic Audio Bible

2009-01-10T19:30:00.004-07:00

Reviewing a dramatic audio version of the bible is a bit outside my usual book review range, but I received this from the Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers program. At the time I requested it they were not offering any other book that I was interested in reading. As I do not have much experience with audio books, I have foregone rating this product.

This is a dramatic audio version of the New Testament on three MP3 CD's. Also included is a behind the scenes DVD. The cast consists of over 100 actors, including Sean Austin as the narrator, Max and Jenna Lucado, Corbin Bleu and many well known others. The text comes from the complete International Children's Bible and takes up over twenty three hours, and though I personally prefer the King James version, this text was very clear and accessible. The acting was very well done, some of the actors better than others, I especially enjoyed Sean Austin as the narrator. Though I have to say that I was not entirely pleased with the voice of Jesus, but I guess that is a difficult role to live up to. Along with voice acting, are sound affects and pleasant music which are very understated and tastefully done. I would recommend this for young adults and children, it was very easy to understand and follow, and the draw of the popular actors may help those reluctant listeners. This could also be a good product for those who may be looking for a gentle introduction to the New Testament.

Fun Quiz

2009-01-08T16:42:00.001-07:00

What Kind of Reader Are You? Your Result: Dedicated Reader You are always trying to find the time to get back to your book. You are convinced that the world would be a much better place if only everyone read more.
Obsessive-Compulsive Bookworm
Literate Good Citizen
Book Snob
Non-Reader
Fad Reader
What Kind of Reader Are You? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Booking Through Thursday Question of the week

2009-01-08T08:19:00.005-07:00

This weeks Booking Through Thursday question:

It’s a week or two later than you’d expect, and it may be almost a trite question, but … what were your favorite books from 2008?

I have always had a hard time picking favorites, even when I was a little child playing with my stuffed animals. By chosing a favorite you are automatically leaving someone else out, and I have never wanted to make others feel bad. I used to sleep with about fifty toys at night because I didn't want to leave anyone out. But there are a few stand out books that I read in 2008. And I am thankful for the question, as I have been meaning to post about this topic, but the days just slip by.

I am listing a couple of exceptional reads, not that there weren't others, but these are the ones that come to mind without looking back over the year and refreshing my memory. I read many really great books in 2008, and hardly any duds. Two books that I really enjoyed:

Fiction:

Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley. Read my review .

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Marry Ann Shafer and Annie Barrows. Read my review .

Non-fiction:

These are not new books, but up to this point my non-fiction reading has been minimal, so these are some great reads I just found this year.

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer. Read my review .

Review: Thank You Power

2009-01-07T15:57:00.006-07:00

Author: Deborah Norville
Genre: Self-help
Rating: 3/5
Grade: B - 8 and up (pretty graphic animal attack stories)

In Thank You Power Deborah Norville, of television fame, looks at the science behind the craze of gratitude power. Does saying thank you and being grateful really improve our lives, or is it just hype? According to Deborah's research into the studies being performed on this very subject, the science backs up what many self-help guru's have been claiming. Saying thank you and looking for the good in life can dramatically increase the quality of our life in many ways. Deborah takes us into the new field called positive psychology, and explores how having a positive and grateful outlook on life can affect our lives in a positive way.

I found the scientific studies in this book to be very interesting. The exercises in saying thank you were also well done, clear and easy to understand, and easy to believe they could have a positive effect. Much of the book was taken up with stories of people overcoming tragedy, and not letting their lives be ruled by the bad things that happen to them. The stories were well written, but I didn't find that they really fit in well with the point she was making in the chapters the were included with. The book started out well, but after the first quarter, it felt like filler.

Visit the author's website: www.dnorville.com

Review: Paradise Fields

2009-01-07T15:12:00.006-07:00

Author: Katie Fforde
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4/5
Grade: D - 18 and up (sexual content)

Katie Fford is one of the few 'romance' writers I read, though I actually think of her books as more of romantic-comedy. Her characters are funny, down-to-earth, flawed, marvelous and sweet. They generally have an average life, but a huge amount of heart and spirit.

In Paradise Fields, Nel is over forty, over weight, and over-involved in saving everyone around her. Her life has been given to her three children: two sons, who are now in college, and one daughter in her last year of high school. Widowed ten years before, Nel has never had the time nor the inclination to date. Besides, she never wanted a man telling her children what to do, it was hard enough when it was their father.

Six months into a very calm and quiet relationship with a slightly irritating real estate agent, Nel's life is turned upside down by a man who kisses her as she is selling mistletoe. She finds the passion that has been buried in so many years of taking care of the world and ignoring herself. Unfortunately the man is the solicitor for the couple who have put her job and life's work at the Hospice in danger. Should life be found again after forty, or will Nel stay with the safe and familiar?

Paradise Fields continues on in the same light-hearted yet realistic style Fforde's other novels have endeared themselves with.

Visit the author's Website: www.katiefforde.com

Giveaway: Sundays at Tiffany's

2009-01-07T11:02:00.005-07:00

Great news, thanks to Valerie at Hatchette, I have five copies of James Patterson's bestseller Sundays at Tiffany's available for giveaway! This is the recently released paperback edition.

Book Description:
As a little girl, Jane has no one. Her mother, the powerful head of a Broadway theater company, has no time for her. She does have one friend-a handsome, comforting, funny man named Michael-but only she can see him. Years later, Jane is in her thirties and just as alone as ever. Then she meets Michael again-as handsome, smart and perfect as she remembers him to be. But not even Michael knows the reason they've really been reunited.SUNDAYS AT TIFFANY'S is a love story with an irresistible twist, a novel about the child inside all of us-and the boundary-crossing power of love.

My review to appear soon.

TO ENTER:
1. Leave a comment letting me know that you would like to win a copy of this book (make sure you leave an email address or URL so that I can contact you if you win).
2. For a second entry, become a follower of my blog (if you already are that counts), or blog about this giveaway.
3. Contest is only open to the U.S. and Canada. No P.O. Boxes Please.
4. Contest will end Saturday, January, 17, 2009.

Good Luck

Review: five things i can't live without

2009-01-06T16:04:00.008-07:00

Author: Holly Shumas
Genre: Women's Fiction
Rating: 4/5
Grade: D - 18 and up (sexual content and some language)

Description from the publisher:

"On paper, Nora's life looks perfect. She's moving in with her boyfriend Dan, she has a stable job and a great group of friends. But she's stuck in what she refers to as "meta-life," the plight of over thinking and second guessing to the point of self-sabotage. One day at work, Nora decides to thwart her meta-life by following her instincts. In what feels like a moment of revelation, she quits her job. Immediately, her meta-life goes into overdrive: What on earth was she thinking--and what is she going to do now? Fortunately, when a friend asks Nora to rewrite her Internet dating profile, she realizes that not only is she good at it, but she really enjoys it. Billing herself as a Cyrano de Bergerac for the lovelorn, Nora finally begins to find professional success. But soon, Nora's meta-life has latched onto the question she's asked so many clients: What are the five things she can't live without? Is her flourishing business one of them? Is Dan? With each new client and each step she takes in her own relationship, she must confront her biggest demon--her self-sabotaging "meta-life." But will she be able to slay it forever?"

My Thoughts:

Just as with the other books I have read published by 5-Spot, this book was a great blend of a fun, girly read, and serious and relevant insight into being a woman. Holly Shumas really delves into relationships in her books, and in a very two-sided manner. The slight neurosis of Nora was not unpleasant to read, I actually found it encouraging. Don't we all have our own special variety of slightly crazy? Even when I wanted to hit Nora over the head with a brick to get her to stop over analyzing everything and making stupid decisions, I couldn't dislike her. Some interesting conclusions were drawn in this book, especially as the writer, Holly Shumas, is a therapist. Basically, don't rely on other people to fix you, and live life in the moment.

Vistit the author's website: http://www.hollyshumas.com/

Review: The Mightly Queens of Freeville: A Mother, A Daughter, and the People Who Raised Them

2009-01-06T15:33:00.009-07:00

Author: Amy Dickinson
Genre: Memoir
Rating: 4/5
Grade: C - 14 and up (mild language)

The Mighty Queens of Freeville is the memoir of Amy Dickinson, who writes the syndicated advise column, "Ask Amy", which appears in more than 150 newspapers nationwide. She was chosen as a replacement to Ann Landers' advice column. Any followers of "Ask Amy" will surely enjoy this look into the life of the woman behind the column, and why her motto is "I make the mistakes so you don't have to".

In this memoir Amy tells about her marriage, divorce, and years of being a single parent. She focuses on her continual returns to her hometown of Freeville, New York, and how the clan of women relatives there have been her backbone and support through tough times.

This book seemed to lack a real cohesiveness, instead it flows more like a collection of slightly related essays. There are some really great points in the book. Especially touching are the chapters at the end of the book about her daughter leaving home. Less exceptional, at least to me, was the very long and detailed chapter about the finding and eventual death of their beloved cat, Pumpkin. But I am not really a cat lover, so maybe I lack understanding there.

Great title, great concept, the book was well written and interesting -- but I didn't feel that there was enough shown of those mighty women who are her inspiration and support.

Reading Challenge

2009-01-05T11:09:00.006-07:00

I am only participating in one reading challenge this year. There are so many really great and exciting challenges out there hosted by so many great and exciting people, but there is only one area that I really feel I need to work on as far as reading goes, and that is consistently reviewing the books that I read. I intended to work on this last year, but I guess having a baby sort of kicked me out of any routine. I really only consistently reviewed for four months of the year. I read plenty of books, so I am not looking to join in a numbers challenge. At my last count this morning, of the books I can recall and recorded having read, I read 104 books in 2008. This includes 5 cookbooks and 1 audio book, I figure I spent hours on them, so they should count. It does not, however, include 20+ old (think 60's and chaste) Harlequin Romances which I read the month before my baby was born, when I couldn't read anything that made me think, or I would be up all night with my mind spinning in circles. I could stand to diversify a bit, but am not displeased with the variety of books I read last year.

So, my challenge for this year is the ' 2009 Read and Review Challenge' hosted by MizB. Visit the site for this challenge here .

I am already behind on this challenge, as I have read three books so far this year, and not written a review for any of them yet. I also have two books which I finished after Christmas that I need to review. See, this will be a challenge for me.

Mailbox Monday

2009-01-05T10:49:00.003-07:00

Mailbox Mondays is hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page so drop by and see what everyone else got in their box last week!

Marica has changed the question for a bit to include book related things and books recieved for christmas. I only got one book or book related item for Christmas.

From my mom: Thank You Power by Deborah Norville

Other books I have recently recieved in the mail:

From the publicist: The Kingmaking by Helen Hollick

From Miriam at Hatchette: The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker
From the author: Castle in the Mist: Planet of the Dogs Volume II by Robert McCarty
From the author: Planet of the Dogs by Rober McCarty

Musing Mondays

2009-01-05T10:20:00.005-07:00

Here's today's Musing Mondays hosted by Rebecca at Just One More Page. Visit her blog to Read the meme and see responses

Do you have a system for borrowing out books from the library? Do you know what you're going to borrow before you get there? How often do you borrow out books?

A system? Anyone who knows me well knows that I don't have a system for anything. Which explains why my life is pretty much utter chaos. I really do like systems, but I am not naturally an organized person, and the five kids haven't helped matters.

But, back to the library...Sometimes I have something in mind before I go to the library, if this is the case I usually check online first to see if it is there and if it is available. It is so discouraging to go to the library really wanting to read something and come away empty handed.

Since I live in a town of about 11,000, our library is relatively small, so I usually end up doing inter library loans if there is something I really want to read. I do hate waiting for them to come in, and then some libraries have an unrealistically short loan time. Once, because of when they checked the book out to me, how long it took to get there, how long it took for them to call and for me to pick up the book, I had a book that was due the day after I got it. And there was no renew option.

Much of the time I just wander the shelves looking for something to catch my eye.

As far as frequency of borrowing books from the library, it really varies. The children and I go to the library at least every other week for story time, and they always check out books. But it depends on how close I am to losing my mind, after hauling a baby and two toddlers around the library with their gigantic picture books, if I look for books or not. I generally sneak into the library on my husbands day off, childless. Sometimes I sit in the peace and quite and just breathe the anomaly in. But at that point the books are really a secondary concern.

Books Read in 2009

2009-01-04T12:40:00.037-07:00

1. Five Things I can't live Without by Holly Shumas. Completed 1/03/2009. Read my review .

2. Paradise Fields by Katie Fford. Completed 1/04/2009. Read my review .

3. Thank You Power by Deborah Norville. Completed 1/05/2009. Read my review .

4. The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker (completed 1/10/2009) Read my review .
5. Planet of the Dogs by Robert J. McCarty. Completed 1/12/2008.

6. Little Skink's Tail by Janet Halfmann. Completed 1/13/2008. (I am not going to list every picture book I read, that would be much too long of a list. Only the picture books which I receive for review will be added.)Read my review .
7. Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson. Completed 1/18, 2009. Read my review .

8. My Little Red Book by Rachel Kauder Nalebuff. Completed 1/24/2009.Read my review .

9. The Kingmaking by Helen Hollick. Completed 2/3/2009. Read my review .

10. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo. Completed 1/20/2009.
11. What's Age Got to Do with it? by Robin McGraw. Completed 2/11/2009. Read my review . 12. Drood by Dan Simmons. Completed 2/17/2009. Read my review .
13. A Child's Journey Out Of Autism by Leeann Whiffen. Completed 2/20/2009. Read my review .

14. Castle in the Mist by Robert J. McCarty. Completed 2/22/2009. Read my review .

15. Heart and Soul by Maeve Binchy. Completed February 25, 2009. Read my review .

16. The Silent Man by Alex Berenson. Completed February 27, 2009. Read my review.
17. The Engine 2 Diet by Rip Esselstyn. Complete 2/29/2009. Read my review . 18. Galway Bay . By Mary Pat Kelly. Completed 3/6/2009. Read my review .

19. The Ten Year Nap By Meg Wolitzer. Completed 3/12/2009.Read my review.

20. Doctor Gott's No Sugar, No Flour Diet by Peter H. Gott. Read my review.

21. Doctor Gott's No Sugar, No Flour Cook Book by Peter H. Gott

22. Spirits Rebellious by Khalil Gibran. Completed 3/19/2009.
23. The Propeht by Khalil Gibran 24. Frenchman's Creek by Daphne du Maurier. Read my review.

25. The Nonesuch by Georgetter Heyer. Read my review.

26. My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier

27. The Convenient Marriage by Georgette Heyer

28. Follow Me by Joanna Scott

29. Spiced by Dalia Jurgensen

30. The Lake That Stole Children by Douglas Glenn Clark.

Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting by Lynn Grabhorn.

My Rating System

2009-01-04T12:15:00.006-07:00

My book rating system is pretty easy to understand. 5 out of 5 possible points interpreted to mean the following:

Rating:

5/5 = This book was outstanding. I will definitely re-read it. I will find the best possible copy for my home library

4/5 = This was a very good book. I will re-read if in the mood. I would like to have a copy of this for my home library.

3/5 = This was a pretty good book. I would re-read it if I had nothing else to read. If I come across it for a good price - at a thrift store, used book store, or garage sale - I wouldn't mind having a copy for my home library.

2/5 = I didn't really care for this book. I wouldn't re-read it. I will not keep a copy of this for my home library.

1/5 = This was not a good book. I may not have finished it, and if I did I certainly will not re-read it. Not only would I not have this in my library, I wouldn't inflict it on anyone else either by giving it away.

My Book Grading System

As a child I was a ravenous devourer of books. I roamed the library unguided, and often come away with things I was not mature enough for. I don't believe in censoring what other people read, but I always wished there was some sort of guideline for books like there is a for movies. I have thought about changing my system, just because my A-F system, which is reminiscent of the school grading system, seems to imply that 'A' is the best, and 'D' is pretty bad. This is not true as far as the quality and enjoyment of the book goes, only as far as child appropriate content goes. I already have this system in place, so have decided to keep using it.

Grade:

A = All clear - this book is appropriate for children of all ages.
B = Be alert - this book is best for ages 8 and up. There may be some heavier themes or extremely mild language
C = Caution - this book is better for older children, 14 and up. May have some weighty themes, some sexual reference, and some profanity.
D = Danger - this book is not recommended for children, I would recommend 18 and up. May contain very heavy themes, sexual reference or descriptive sex, and more and stronger profanity.
F = Fire - This book is extremely offensive, and I would not recommend it for anyone.

The Sunday Salon

2009-01-04T11:43:00.002-07:00

Today I have decided to read a book that my mother got me for Christmas, Thank You Power by Deborah Norville. Since I am home from church with a sick baby and sick self, I thought something uplifting and inspirational would be good. Also it seems like a good book to help kick off a postitive New Year. So far I am liking that the theory of the power of saying thank you and being grateful is backed up by scientific studies. Today I am also appreciating that it is a short book which I should be able to kick through today.

Review: The Change Your Life Challenge

2009-01-02T09:49:00.003-07:00

Author: Brook Noel

Rating: 4/5

Looking for a book to help you achieve those unattainable New Year's resolutions. Brooke Noel's book The Change Your Life Challenge is a great book to help you do this. Brook had used every self-help book out there, and still could not seem to get her life in order. So she decided to look at where the programs and systems she had tried for so many years had failed, and came up with a system of her own.

The book has three parts: the before 'snapshot' which helps you to identify the priorities in your life, and the areas that need the most help, and to help you create an action plan to fit your needs; then there are fifteen simple steps to help you change every area of your life; and last, a series of mini-makeovers with five steps in areas such as health, family, friends, and housework.

The book has some great ideas for implementing solutions to problems women face. Such as what to do with all of the paper that comes into our lives; how meeting three most important goals of the day can keep overload at bay; and how and why to say no to commitments, and when to say yes.

Once you go through the book you should understand the vocabulary that is used, but that was the one thing I found a bit distracting, having a journey number, and life number, and what these were supposed to mean. But after having done the chart, it became clear. I guess what I am trying to say is that this is a book to use and do, not just to sit down and read and try to be motivated by.

Free printables, forums and other helps can be found at http://www.brooknoel.com/

Relevant Links

2009-01-01T08:58:00.003-07:00

(A work in progress. Yes, I know it is pathetic, but I will work on it when I get a chance.)

LibraryThing
NYT Best-Seller List
Indie Bestseller Lists
Powell's Books

Review: Mistress Shakespeare

2008-12-27T22:40:00.004-07:00

Author: Karen Harper
Rating: 4/5
Grade: C = Caution - 14 and up (sexual themes and mild language)
Publication Date: February 5, 2009
(Thank you to Christopher Nelson with G.P. Putman's Sons, and the Shelf Awareness program for the opportunity to recieve an Advance Review Copy of this book)

There are two different records filed within days of each other showing William Shakespeare's marriage. One of the records lists a marriage to an Anne Whateley, and the other to an Anne Hathaway. Anne Hathaway is known to be Shakespeare's wife, and the mother of his children, but the reason for the other record remains a mystery. Is it a misspelling, a misprint, or some other mistake? In Mistress Shakespeare Karen Harper puts forth a very convincing theory that Shakespeare actually had another woman, Anne Whateley, whom he married first, and then, upon finding Anne Hathaway pregnant, the first marriage was kept a secret.

Mistress Shakespeare is told through the eyes of the first, and unrecognized, Anne. From her meeting of Will near their homes as young teens, through his rise to fame and fortune, Anne is there. A very strong woman character, limited but not daunted by the restrictions put on women in her time, Anne pushes her way through life with incredible passion and compassion. William Shakespeare is her love and life, and much of the book covers his life, but Anne herself is not eclipsed by him, and feels just as real as does her non-fictional husband.

This book was very well written and researched. Especially enjoyable were the refrences to Shakespeare's sonnets and lines from his plays, and how they fit into that time in Shakespeare's life. So many things came to life for me while reading this book: the English countryside; London in all of its darkness and brilliance; the hardships of the times including sickening infant mortality rates, early old age, religious persecution, and the black plague. I very much appreciate historical fiction which does not idealize the past, or figures from history. Karen Harper manages a compelling novel, full of easily digestible and realistic history.

Visit Karen Harper's Webiste to learn more about this book, and to find places to pre-order.

Review: A Greener Christmas

2008-12-22T17:13:00.006-07:00

Edited by: Sheherazade Goldsmith
Rating: 4.5/5
Grade: A - All ages

I was lucky enough to receive this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.

This is a nice thick, colorful book full of wonderful and easy ideas on how to simplify Christmas. It has many great ways to get away from the consumerism and wasteful habits usually shown at Christmas-time. And in case you aren't convinced of the necessity of this, from the introduction:

Somehow this day that should be full of creativity, good will, and thoughtfulness has lost its way and has ended up as a symbol of our throw-away society, in which we buy products that have no real use, are not designed to last and, despite their huge, long-lasting polluting production costs, provide only a brief thrill. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are now widely recognized as the two most polluting days of the year: the equivalent of three weeks of carbon dioxide emissions and three billion tons of extra garbage are generated worldwide over this short period. Much of the extra trash collected contains discarded gifts, most of which will end up in landfill sites.

To combat this, the book is full of projects and ideas to make, grow, and recycle gifts for Christmas. Included are: recipes for homemade traditional holiday goodies; homemade lip balm; natural cards made from recycled paper and objects such as seeds and leaves; themes for decorating your tree with directions on how to have a - natural Christmas tree with dried fruit and other foraged materials, or a Fabric and paper Christmas tree made from eco-friendly material such as vintage fabric and discarded paper, or an Edible Christmas tree filled with homemade sweets. And the list could go on and on.

All of the projects in this book are accompanied by bright close-up pictures of the finished product, along with photo's of each step in the process. Great for someone, like myself, who has a hard time visualizing things and figuring out what something is supposed to look like. The projects are categorized into five different categories: Welcome - the front door decorations; Christmas Tree; Giving; Table; and finally, food. The back of the book has templates for many of the projects for those of us who cannot free-hand.

To sum up: love the look of the book, the lovely glossy pictures; love the layout of the book, well organized; love the creative and little house on the prairie-ish ideas = loved the book

Mailbox Monday

2008-12-22T16:32:00.005-07:00

Here are the books I recieved in the mail this past week.Mailbox Monday hosted by The Printed Page

Paradise Fields by Katie Fforde (from paperbackswap)

Old Men at Midnight by Chaim Potok (paperbackswap)

A Greener Christmas edited by Sheherazade Goldsmith (LibraryThing Early Reviewers)

Love and Other Natural Disasters by Holly Shemas (from Miriam at Hatchette for blog tour)

Five things I can't live without by Holly Shumas (also from Miriam)

Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Dog by Barbara Gail Techel (from the author)

Review: Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Dog

2008-12-20T08:46:00.006-07:00

Author: Barbara Gail Techel

Illustrator: Victoria Kay Lieffring

Rating: 5/5

Grade: A - All ages

(Thank you to Barbara Techel for sending me a copy of this delightful book for review.)

Frankie, The Walk 'n Roll Dog is the true story a miniature dachshund who has an accident and is unable to use or feel her back legs. This is the inspiring story of her and her owners' courageous battle to overcome this challenge, and lead a normal, happy life.

The book is written in first person by Frankie. She tells the story of her life in delightful, descriptive language: from first meeting and going home with her 'mom'; to trips to the farmers market in the basket of mom's bicycle; through her recovery and fitting in a dog wheel-chair. Even though sad and scary things happen in the book and emotions are expressed, the overall feel of the book is one of hope and healing and fun.

The illustrations are bright and colorful. The textured cartoonish look takes up the whole page, and makes you feel that you are right there with Frankie and her family.

My seven and nine year old daughters read this book as soon as we got it in the mail. I have to admit that I had to intervene, because they were fighting over who got to read it first. They both very much enjoyed the book, as did my two year old and four year old. I think children of all ages, and adults also, will enjoy and feel inspired by reading Frankie's story.

More information about Frankie and the author Barbara Gail Techel:

National Best Book 2008 Awarded by USA Book News!

Nominated by Dog Writer's of America for Merial Human-Animal Bond Award!

Frankie nominated for Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame!

Watch Frankie's Inspirational Video here, http://www.joyfulpaws.com/

See Frankie's TV appearances & listen to radio interviews! http://www.joyfulpaws.com/media.htm

Blog: http://www.joyfulpaws.typepad.com/

Frankie's Blog for kids: http://www.frankiethewalknrolldog.blogspot.com/

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Winners Announced: Flirting With Forty

2008-12-20T08:17:00.006-07:00

Thanks to all who participated in the Flirting With Forty giveaway. The winners, as chosen by random.org, are as follows: tetewa, Theresa N, and Carmen.

Congratulations! You will be contacted by e-mail.

Edited to add: A new winner has been chosen as Carmen is lucky enough to have already won the book on another blog. Jo-Jo is the new third winner.

Edited to add: Theresa N. already won the book, too. So, Anita Yancey has been chosen.

Winners Announced: Snow Valley Heroes, A Christmas Tale

2008-12-18T12:08:00.003-07:00

The winners have been selected for Snow Valley Heroes, A Christmas Tale. I used random.org's random number generator, the numbers selected belonged to: shelburns and darbyscloset.

Congratulations! I will be contacting the winners by e-mail.

Winners Announced: The Flavor Bible

2008-12-18T11:52:00.002-07:00

Sorry for the delay, but I am finally getting around to posting the winners for The Flavor Bible. Using Random.org's integer generator, the numbers drawn belonged to: nuttbutts, Elenadc, bookoholic, Jaclyn, , Renee G.

Congratulations!

Review: Snow Valley Heroes, A Christmas Tale

2008-12-17T08:34:00.008-07:00

Author: Robert J. McCarty
Illustrator: Stella Mustanoja McCarty
Rating: 4/5
Grade: A - All ages (I would recommend for ages 5-12)

First of all I would like to thank the author, Robert McCarty, for sending me a copy of this delightful book. To find out more about the author and books visit the Planet of the Dogs website.For more information also visit their blog: Barking Planet Children's Books.

Snow Valley Heroes is the third volume of the Planet of The Dogs books. I have not read the first two books, but this book is able to stand on its own. The beginning of the book explains what the books are about:

"Long, Long ago there were no dogs on planet earth. In those days dogs lived on their own planet in peace and happiness.

The Planet of the Dogs series of books tells the stories of how dogs first came to our planet. They came to teach people about loyalty and love, and to help them find peace. "

In Snow Valley Heroes the dogs have a great and important challenge.
The King of the North, full of revenge and hatred for having been banished
to the ice castle, has stolen two of Santa's reindeer. His goal: ruin
Christmas for everyone. The dogs, on their own planet, are alerted to this near tragedy, and send down a group of dogs from their own Snow Valley, who are used to the snow and the cold, to deal with the situation.

This was a great story. It has much going for it: Christmas that needs saving; dog heroes working with humans to achieve a peaceful resolution to conflict; great names and customs of the northern tribe of people who live near Santa's village; an icy and cruel heart which is melted by the kindness, love, and companionship of dogs; wonderful soft drawings, capturing the spirit of the dogs and the landscape perfectly; and even a map in the beginning to help visualization of this land.

I very much enjoyed the adventure and spirit of this book, and plan on adding it to our list of Christmas books read each year to help us get in the spirit of the holidays. While this book had many great lessons to teach, they were so buried in the plot and excitement of the story, that they did not come out preachy or off putting. I recommend this book to children and dog lovers alike

Mailbox Mondays

2008-12-15T09:54:00.006-07:00

Mailbox Mondays is a meme hosted by The Printed Page . Participants share what came to their mailbox during the past week.

This is my first time participating in this meme. Last week these books came to my mailbox/doorstep:

Audrey Wait by Robin Benway (won from a giveaway on Presenting Lenore
Mistress Shakespeare by Karen Harper (Shelf Awareness)
The Change Your Life Challenge by Brook Noel (from Danielle Jackson with Sourcebooks)
Snow Valley Heroes, A Christmas Story by Robert J. McCarty (from the author)
The Book of Night Women by Marlon James (Shelf Awareness)
The Mighty Queens of Freeville by Amy Dickinson (Shelf Awareness)
I'm Sorry You Feel That Way by Diana Joseph (Shelf Awareness)