A Bookish Wonderland

First Post in the Book Blogger Love-A-Thon

2012-02-17T13:20:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! I know I'm starting just a bit late, but I'm actually on vacation right now and writing this post from a hotel room.

I do want to participate though, and can't wait to share this first post with all of you.

I'm writing this post to tell you all about my friendship with a wonderful woman named Sari. Sari lives hundreds and hundreds of miles away from me, but is one of my closest friends. We've never met face to face, but this woman knows more about me, my wants, needs, fears, and faults, than most of my 'close' friends.

We met through a Yahoo Group (if you don't know what that is, congratulations, this means you didn't spend your teenage years in front a computer) that was centered around-you guessed it Books. In the last couple of years I've not been participating in the group much, but I took away a couple of great friendships from it. Sari was a group member before I was, and we really hit it off. Eventually we would have off topic conversations through private email, and then after an absence on one of our parts (I can't remember who...) we exchanged phone numbers to catch up. Now we talk roughly once a week, sometimes much more, sometimes much less, but always, always coming back to each other.

I feel as if, from a far, I'm a part of her family. I talk to her son often via facebook and sometimes on the phone (when he's home, as now he's off at college). I sent him a graduation card, and he asks about my well being from time to time as well. My boyfriend is always concerned about how Sari is doing, and has been known to ask when I am cranky "Have you talked to Sari lately?"

Sari supports my job, relationship, school (especially school) and is always there for advice when I don't know what I'm doing. She compliments my writing, helps me through tough times, and is always the person I call when I am excited about something new in my life.

Sari also happens to run a blog. She recently switched from Blogger to Wordpress and was sad to see that not many of her followers...followed. She's an excellent writer, and writes about the most interesting topics. Everything from books, to science, history, and current events.

I want to ask all of you who are participating in the Love-A-Thon to stop by and check her out. She's worth it, I promise.

The View From Sari's World

Why I Read At Work

2012-02-04T07:19:00.000-08:00

Over the last couple of years I've realized that I get more reading done while I'm working than anywhere else. There's too much at home to distract me: the television and the endless entertainment given by Netflix, my computer and the wonderful array of blogs about books, and of course Ivan, who can simply be called The Cat Who Hated the Kindle.

At work there are no such distractions, actually there are few distractions at all. I can just open the Kindle, set it next to my desk and in minutes I'm whisked away to whatever world I want. And when the boss walks by, that nifty round button at the bottom of the Kindle quickly turns the screen black.

If you haven't noticed- I'm an exemplary employee.

More recently though I've realized the reason behind my drive to read while reading. Beyond the fact that I would just rather be reading, I also have found that my job actually makes me more than just a little nutty and while I'm there reading helps prolong the eventual (and inevitable) snap in my brain that transforms me from a mildly irritable, foul mouthed, wench to a more than slightly homicidal, disgruntled, testicle munching troll.

Now, don't get me wrong. I understand that I am not alone in my frustrations in my job, but I have an outlet to release these frustrations and I plan on taking complete advantage of it.

I work as a telemarketer. No, I am not the one that calls your house to sell you a credit card as you're sitting down to eat a lovely meal with your family (not that anyone still does that). I work for a decent sized company that publishes some information. Because I want to continue to work there after I publish this post, I will not be including the name of our company or any of our products.

I have been working there for roughly three years, which for the job is a long time I'm referred to as a 'vet' - which simply means that I am too lazy to find a job that doesn't make me want to kill anything that crosses my path, including adorable small dogs and all of my coworkers.

When I started this job I was a telemarketer in the truest sense of the word. I made cold calls to people and did my best to make them believe I had a product that the just couldn't do their job without, even though they had been for the last 15 years.

After about two years I got promoted. The new job was easier, made me more money, and meant that all-in-all I had to do less work. Less frustration right? Wrong. Now the list of people I dream of slaying as I lay my head down next to my bat-shit-crazy cat includes 98% of our customers.

See-now I call those customers who were lucky enough to have purchased our products. My job? Ask them if they want to do it again.

In my experience the longer a customer has been with us, the lower the IQ.

Here are just a few examples of what my team deals with on a day to day basis. And because I love them, and Mike is away, all of our products will be represented by sex toys.

Example 1: 2 Year Customer

ME: hi there Susan, my name is Sharyla from Sex Toys R Us
SUSAN: Yes!?!? What do youuuu want?!?
ME: Well Susan, you've been receiving our fuzzy handcuffs twice a month for the last 2 years and-
SUSAN: Oh no I have not!
ME: Uh...yes you have.
SUSAN: Most certainly not.
ME: Are you sure? They are silver with red and white fuzz all over them.
SUSAN: I'm positive I do not receive those, I swear on my dogs life!
ME: Okayyyy...well..you paid 300 dollars a year to receive our fuzzy handcuffs of awesome....soo...ummm..
SUSAN: *heavy sigh* Well...let me look.
~sounds of handcuffs rustling on her desk~
SUSAN: ALL I have are sets of these handcuff things.
ME: Are they silver?
SUSAN: Yes.
ME: Do they have fuzz?
SUSAN: Yes
ME: Is that fuzz by any chance red and white?
SUSAN: Yes.
ME: yeah...that'd be what I'm talking about. You've been getting those twice a month for 2 yea-
SUSAN: OH YEAH!! For like 2 years!!! I LOVE THESE they make my life AWESOME!!

Example 2: 4 Year Customer
ME: Hello there John, this is Sharyla from Sex Toys R Us, you've been receiving our neon green butt plug for the last 4 years....
JOHN: Yes.
ME: Okay, well we were calling to let you know your subscription is up and to ask if it's been helpful
JOHN: I don't know.
ME: You don't know? You've been receiving that neon green butt plug 2 times a month for 4 years...
JOHN: Yeah...but I haven't used the last 2 I received so I don't know.
ME: Right....uh...were the previous 90 helpful?
JOHN: OH YEAH!!! They really rocked my world!
ME: ::sigh of relief:: Oh good, I'm glad John. Do you want to renew your subscription?
JOHN: No, I don't think so...I never did use the last 2...
ME: but...but..you LOVED them. 90 of them!
JOHN: I just don't know if they are useful.....

Example 3: (this includes my coworker, who we will all call Samita) 3 Year Customer:
SAMITA: Hi Jenny, this is Samita from Sex Toys R Us. You've been receiving our Naughty girls Do Tahoe Adult DVD's for the last 3 Years...
JENNY: WELL! I was and I paid for it last year but then you just quit sending them! Since you didn't send them, I don't want to renew!
SAMITA
JENNY: Um, NO. We moved 6 months ago!
SAMITA: Did you call our customer service department and let them know of the address change?
JENNY: No.
SAMITA: Right...well that'd be why you haven't been getting your porn. Do you want to renew?
JENNY: No. You're company quit sending them to me, and even though I love them and can't live without them, I don't want to continue to do business with you because you are not psychic and didn't change the address.

But my friends, what is worse than our customers, their secretaries. Now, don't get me wrong, they're doing the job they are meant to do, but so are we. We are naturally at odds, like the lion and the wildebeest, oil and water, or Wal-Mart shoppers and clothing.
It is IMPORTANT to know, so you don't hate me, that I am SUPER nice to all administrative assistants OUTSIDE of my work. But while I'm sitting in front of that computer 6-8 hours a day, I want them all to just...die.

Here are some sweet examples of the lovely wench-faces ladies, and sometimes men on the other end of my line:

Example 1:
ME: Hi! Is Ray Jenkin's in?
SEC: No, he no longer works here
ME: Oh, I'm sorry. Who took over his position?
SEC: I'll transfer
                       As our fearless leader always says THIS WILL NEVER BE THEIR NAME

Example 2:
ME: Hi! Is Stewart Stankerpants in?
SEC: May I ask who's calling?
ME: Sharyla, from Sex Toys R Us.
SEC: Okay, please hold
                         one minute later
SEC: What was your name again?
ME: Sharyla
SEC: From?
ME: Sex Toys R Us
SEC: Okay
                       two minutes later
SEC: What company are you from?
ME: *very slowly* Sex...Toys...R...Us
SEC: Can you hold?
ME: Yes...............
                      one minute later
SEC: And how do you spell your name?
ME: S-H-A-R-Y-L-A
SEC: Okay
                     transfers to voice mail
ME: Fuck...my...life...

Example 3: 2 Year Customer
(Again with Samita, but this is MY personal favorite)
SAMITA: HI- is Mike Jones available?
SEC: Can I ask who is calling?
SAMITA: Samita, from Sex Toys R Us
SEC: He doesn't take these kinds of calls.
SAMITA: I'm calling regarding his current account ma'am
SEC: I'll transfer you to voice mail
SAMITA: Ma'am, if he is busy I can just try back. I can't leave a message because I work off a direct dial line.
SEC: Well I'll just keep transferring you to voice mail
SAMITA: Ma'am I NEED to speak with him.
SEC: Why?
SAMITA: Because he has a PAID account with us.
SEC: No he doesn't.
SAMITA: Um...yes ma'am, he does.
SEC: What for then?
SAMITA: He's received the Blow Up Sheep & Lube Kit twice a month for the last 2 years.
SEC: *laughs* Oh, well I've been throwing that away EVERYtime it comes.
SAMITA: Well...I hope not, because he's paid $300 dollars a year for it for the last two years.
SEC: Ohhhhhh he has has he??
SAMITA: Yes...yes he has.
SEC: ......oh.....well...I'll...um...I'll just have to talk with him about that.
SAMITA: Yeah...I'll just try back another time.

And this my dear readers, this is why I read at work. Sometimes it's the only thing that keeps me from screaming into the phone:

I KNOW WHERE YOU FUCKING WORK!! CONTINUE TO BE A BITCH.....I WILL FIND YOU

So I want to thank the authors out there who can take me to other worlds, where the kickass heroine can defend herself with a big shiny sharp sword, or the hero is a 6'5" monster of AWESOME full of sexual tension and just the right amount of emotional deficiencies.

I want to thank the bloggers who help me find awesome books, by posting rockin' reviews, and coming over here to our blog to tell us how awesome our reviews are.

And just so that everyone knows. I must be a sadist because I love my job.

Feature and Follow! (A Day Late & A Dollar Short)

2012-02-04T05:58:00.000-08:00

Good Saturday Morning Everyone! With the start of classes and a slight change in the work schedule, I've not been giving the blog quite the amount of attention I wanted to last week, but here I am, trying to get caught up. As most bloggers out there Parajunkee hosts the Feature & Follow blog hop every Friday. I'm just winging it and posting on a Saturday. Hope ye'all don't mind.

This week the featured blog was Progress & Procrastination. I believe the blogger is new to the world of book blogging, so extra support is always fun to give. As long as we can keep others addicted to our world, we'll never run out of books to read!

The question that Parajunkee asks this week:
Define characteristics your favorite blogs share

This is a hard question to answer since I try to read so many genres and so many authors. I guess what most of my favorite books share is great secondary characters. I love me some supporting actors. In my favorite fantasy books by David Eddings, there are many awesome things about the main characters, but the secondary ones really pull the book together. Even in the romances I read, I love that cute little kid that brings the lovers together a little more, or even the talking cat that just cracks you up. To me, a secondary character can save a book. I've read some novels where I hated the hero but just kept on plugging through because I was falling madly in love with his best friend.

Yes, secondary characters. They my friends are where it's at.

Book Blogger Love-A-Thon!

2012-01-31T10:00:00.000-08:00

This year Kate of Kate's Tales of Books and Bands has started a well.....an A-thon.

The idea of this particular A-thon is pretty great. It's about showing those blogs that you love, the love you feel!

So instead of spending 24 hours reading our hearts out, we'll be spending that time pouring them out to those blogs that have inspired us, made us laugh, and maybe even made us cry. As soon as I saw the sign up post for this I could think of at least 5 blogs off the top of my head that could use some appreciation. Some of my friends put a lot of hard work into what they spend their free time doing, and get very little in return. And some get a lot in return, and instead of thinking how awesome they are, they just want to share it with everyone else! I think these friends could use some love, and I'm ready to spend as much time as I have to give it to them!

So- feel free to click on the pretty image below, and sign up! I look forward to all of the awesomeness that will flow and hope this becomes a yearly tradition!

Retail Therapy!

2012-01-30T10:00:00.000-08:00

After an extremely frustrating and tragic week I spent an amazing Saturday with Kaylee indulging in some retail therapy. I was mostly careful to be sure that I wasn't blowing all of our bill money, and made super sure to watch out for B1G1 deals, and lots of 50% deals as well. All in all I really didn't spend much, but came home with lots of loot.

Kaylee and I discussed the fact that since we've both purchased Kindle's in the last year, we tend to stay away from buying print books. I personally try to make sure that I'm spending the least amount of money on the books I'm buying as possible, and the Kindle is just another way to do that. Sometimes, you can find the book you're looking for in print MUCH cheaper than you can in Kindle format. Ollie's, the store of bargain awesomeness, is one of the places you can get a better price. A MUCH better price. Of the books I'm listing below, none were more than 7.00, and they are ALL paperback. Not bad my friends, not bad at all.

After the Moment by Garret Freymann-Weyr

Amazon Price (hardcover): 14.74
Kindle Price: 5.39
Ollies Price (hardcover): 3.99

Inside flap description: Maia Morland is pretty, only not pretty-pretty. She's smart. She's brave. She's also a self-proclaimed train wreck.

Leigh Hunter is smart, popular, and extremely polite. he's also completely and forever in love with Maia Morland.

Their young love starts off like a romance novel--full of hope, strength, and passion. But life is not a romance novel and theirs will never become a true romance. For when maia needs him most, Leigh betrays both her trust and her love.

Told with compassion and true understanding, After the moment is about what happens when a young man discovers that sometimes love fails us, and that, quite often, we fail love.

Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Amazon Price (hardcover): 6.40 (and there are only 6 left in stock)
Kindle Price: 7.19
Ollie's Price (hardcover): 3.99

Inside flap description: With her parents lost to assassins, Princess Ben ends up under the thumb of the conniving Queen Sophia. Starved and miserable, locked in the castle's highest tower, Ben stumbles upon a mysterious enchanted room. So beings her secret eduction in the magical arts: mastering an obstinate flying broomstick, furtively emptying the castle pantries, setting her hair on fire...But Ben's private adventures are soon overwhelmed by a mortal threat to her Kingdom. Can ben save the country and herself from foul tyranny?

Wither by Lauren DeSteffano

Amazon Price (hardcover): 11.61
Kindle Price: 9.99
Ollie's Price (hardcover): 3.99

Inside Flap Description:

Thanks to modern science, every newborn has become a ticking genetic time bomb--males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and the tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape--to find her twin brother and go home.

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant she is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limited time she has left.

Stonewall Jackson: A Life Portrait by K.M. Kostyal

Amazon Price (hardcover): 29.95
Kindle Price: Not available
Ollie's price: 6.99

Inside Flap Description:

A Civil War legend and Gen. Robert E. Lee's right-hand man, Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson emerged from the wilds of western Virginia to become one of history's most memorable military commanders. Eccentric in his habits, devout in his actions, and "mangy" in appearance, Jackson's inspiration came from God rather than from the "rightness" of Southern beliefs. Stonewall Jackson: A Life Portrait, the first illustrated biography of the celebrated and complex Confederate general, follows Jackson from his childhood in the backwoods frontier to his untimely death following a "friendly fire" incident at the Battle of Chancellorsville.

Complete with a striking collection of stark black-and-white and full color images of Jackson, his family, and his fellow commanders on both sides of the battle lines, Stonewall Jackson uncovers the deeds behind the legends. Devotion to duty and an innate tactical genius propelled Stonewall into war; love and family and deep religious convictions sustained him. A brave soldier, and exacting officer, and a cunning commander on the one hand, this fascinating figure filled the roles of devoted brother, loving husband, and doting father on the other.

Author K.M. Kostyal's painstakingly researched account of the general's life delves into all facets of Stonewall's experiences, taking you through his days as a young orphan and his difficult years as a struggling cadet at West Point. There he encountered such prominent classmates as George McClellan, A.P. Hill, and George Pickett. This copiously illustrated volume also travels south to witness Jackson's exploits in the Mexican War, including his daring charge at Chapultepec, and returns stateside, where during peacetime he resigned his commission, married, and served at the Virginia Military Institute as a strict artillery instructor.

Finally, Stonewall Jackson rides into battle as the Civil War splits the country and divides family loyalties, including Jackson's own relationship with his beloved sister, Laura, a loyal Unionist. It ranges over the Shenandoah Valley as Stonewall's remarkable tactical maneuvers baffle Union commanders, chokes through the smoke and dust of the battlefields from Bull Run to Fredericksburg as he leads his men to defend the south, and mourns at Chancellorsville when Confederate soldiers accidentally open fire on him.

In addition, revealing sidebars illuminate background information from Jackson's life and times, including West Points notable class of 1846, stonewall pilgrimage sites, Confederate spy Belle Boyd, and Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. with a treasure trove of vivid images, a store of telling personal detail, and a rich overview of Jackson's military career, Stonewall Jackson: A Life Portrait brings to life one of the Civil War's most illustrious and unlikely generals.

Lincoln: Through the Lens by Martin W. Sandler

Amazon Price (hardcover): 15.59 And there are only 4 left
Kindle Price: Not Available
Ollie's Price (hardcover): 4.99

Inside Flap Description:

He was born in the backwoods of Kentucky in a humble log cabin, but Abraham Lincoln was savvy enough to embrace the new technology of his time--photography-- to help propel him all the way to the White House. This simple man with lofty goals was willing to use any means necessary, including the power of photography, to save the union and free the slaves--leaving behind an unmatched legacy of sacrifice, service, and achievement.

More than one hundred images of Lincoln's life and times provide a complete portrait of this revered president and the events that defined him. From the only confirmed existing picture of Lincoln before the historic Gettysburg Address to his second inauguration--where he is unknowingly surrounded by John Wilkes Booth and his co conspirators-- to the execution of his murderers, this eye-opening, inspiring visual journey provides a fresh take on one of the most documented and beloved figures in American history.

We Just Feel Like Having a Giveaway

2012-01-29T15:46:00.000-08:00

We've been adding more posts to the blog as of late, answering more review requests, and getting a few more comments. In appreciation for the lovely things you've all been saying, and so that we can share our thoughts with even more of you, we've decided to hold a little giveaway.

The prize: a $15 dollar gift card to either Amazon.com OR Barnes & Noble. (as we understand that some have preferences, as do we)

The Time Frame: From the 29th of January to the 6th of February, so that's about 7 days, since I'm posting this in the late evening.

There are quite a few ways to enter, so have fun! (and pass the word around :D)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins

2012-01-29T10:00:00.000-08:00

THE GOD DELUSION by Richard Dawkins
A brief rant by Shawn Witherite

With the sounds of Tom Waits echoing out of my less than spectacular laptop speakers, I had spent a bit of time just wondering what book I should review for this little spot on the internet. Lighting my fifth or possibly eighth cigarette of the hour while taking a sip from my last cup out of a pot of coffee, I realized my tragically "hip" situation has given birth to the answer! THE GOD DELUSION! It's the book that every faithless youth totes around as a sign of intellect. Well I'm sorry to say they're probably idiots.

You see I picked this book up a few years ago at a Waldens, which is book store; a concept I will probably explain to my children, just like CD's and vocal conversation. I was a young agnostic at the time, taking in all sides when coming to faith as I didn't have an answer, or rather opinion, for myself. Born into a lukewarm Methodist family, I dabbled in Buddhism because karma made some sense, and I spent a week as a Wiccan due to the fact goth chics are fuckin' hot. Needless to say, I didn't have much in the way of solid ground when it came to religion. I had recognized Dawkins name based on his coining of the term "meme", an intriguing theory that is used heavily in the video game franchise Metal Gear Solid.

Of course at the time, "meme" had a stronger meaning to me and my own personal studies to keep my mind occupied before I enrolled in college. Times change. Now when someone says "meme", I think of a rabbit with a pancake on its head. Thanks internet. Looking back on the purchase, I was honestly better off buying a shitty cat for that price then spend my days trying to catch it making a stupid face for Photoshopping. It would've been more enlightening time management than Dawkins drivel.

The man is smart, we have to give him that. And his writing and points are well written through out but he some how manages to be wrong while being right... As opposed to softcore porn model Nikki Simms, who can be right while being oh so wrong.

Every end of the spectrum has dangers, and Dawkins with his little book can represent such for the side of "logic". There are points in his arguments where he rallies for lack of respect towards his religious oppositions and this part has always stuck with me. I know a lot of folks in my generation that would take this notion as a call to arms, and it's this kind of haphazard notion that draws so many atheist into the spotlight as being dick bags. Mostly because so many of us non-believers let people like Dawkins be our voice.

His reasoning is because the religious right gives no respect to atheist/agnostics in return, and that's fuck all nonsense. Richard spends a lot of time attacking some kind of in your face mass religion I've never really encountered. You haven't either. He has a tendency through out the book to make things seem more aggressive than they really are just so he can say that it's wrong.

The brunt of the book maintains focus on creationism and its more sophisticated cousin, evolution. A subject that has torn public schools apart for decades by parents who have more opinions than they do hours at work, apparently. A biologist, Dawkins makes the same tried and tested observations we've all heard for the side against an intelligent designer. If you learn something from his time on the subject, then cool. Or you could just watch the Discovery Channel... Chances are it'll look awesome and be narrated by that guy from the Ford commercials.

I am no longer agnostic, but rather just a really understanding atheist. An atheist who knows that more often than not I will find a really understanding individual of faith. Be it Christian, Muslim, Jew or Jedi... It turns out that our belief construct seldom interfere with our day to day lives. Rather they pop up at quiet times in the bar when some fuck wants to start up late night theology over shots of Crown Royal. Dawkins points out that an atheist can be morally sound without a personal God, and he's correct. Of course he's correct. Right and wrong exist whether or not God does.

This was subsequently the last book I bought on the subject. Thanks internet. If you are sound in your beliefs then I suggest spending your time else where with your reading. The faithful will just get pissed and the faithless will just become as delusional as those the book argues against. Those in the middle? Well, once you accept neither side will give you a true answer you'll realize that it's all about what leaves you in peace when going to bed at night. Also, I never did enroll in college. I opted for taking the money I saved for use on copious amounts of drugs and somewhere along the line I came out of the haze as an atheist who manages to hate other atheists. Magical summer. Shitty book.

Reading and Pets?

2012-01-28T10:00:00.000-08:00

For two years I yearned and yearned to have a pet. We lived in an apartment that was VERY strict in it's no pets policy. As soon as we moved in to our new place out in the middle of the country where I could have as many pets as Mike would allow, I got two kittens. Sadly, they both passed, and I now have one 6 month old boy who is really the light of my day while Mike is gone working for a month and a half at a time.

Meet Ivan: (AKA: Ivanhoe, Ivan the Terrible, and most common, Mommy's Pwetty Pwetty Baby Boy)

I know this is a very Christmassy picture, but it really is my favorite. As he's gotten older the orange in his coat has become darker and at 6 months he is as large as my Mom's cats who are at least a year old. I think he may be a big boy.

Ivan has taught me many things since he's come to live with us.

1. Curtains are for climbing
2. Mommy's face is fun to pounce while she's sleeping
3. Cats do not like alarm clocks any more than humans do (I discovered this as he laid on my cell phone to make the beeping stop one morning)
4. Reading is NOT as important as the cat.
5. NOTHING is as important as the cat.
and the thing I most love that I have learned
6. Cats LIKE to be snuggled, or at least Ivan does, and that's really all that matters to me.

Part of the reason I started this post is because I wanted to write about my cat. I'm that kind of person now. The other reason is that I need to learn more about him. I didn't know that I didn't know so much stuff about what HE needs. I've picked up here and there that bad breath isn't just annoying, it actually could mean he's sick, and that I should make somewhere high up for him to chill out because it's in his nature to want to be UP. (It may also save my curtains, though I doubt it). So I need some books on Cats.

I'm reaching out to you, our readers, to tell me if YOU have ever used a book to help you learn more about taking care of the fur babies in your home? Do you just call a vet or do research on the internet? Where should I start in my questions? Is there a handy go to guide out there?

Also, Kaylee posted an adorable picture on my facebook recently that I just HAD to share with you all. She has also recently come into pet mommy-hood with her boxer, Tyson. He's great with her kids and just loves hugs! She dresses him up and has outfits planned for both Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day (poor Tyson!)

There's Tyson, and Kaylee's Kindle. Maybe dogs are more into reading than cats? I guess that's something I'll have to research further.

I hope you all have a great weekend, and please, tell us about your furbabies if you have some!

Feature and Follow!

2012-01-27T00:46:00.000-08:00

It's been a while (QUITE a while) since those of us here at A Bookish Wonderland have participated in this hop and I see there are new images and such and I'm pretty psyched. So here goes!

This is a feature that Parajunkee and Allison Can Read thankfully put together so that those of us who are in need/want of followers and need/want to find others who read and write about reading can connect. It's a wonderful service that they do for us and I'm SO glad that they do as I am not the best at pimping 'the blog'.

The question asked this week was: What genre do you avoid at all costs and why?

My answer: Science Fiction. I don't know why really, but I've never been interested in it. When I was a little girl I never dreamed of going into space and while I was always staring at the stars I found myself wondering what they looked like hundreds and even thousands of years ago, not what it would be like to be soaring among them.

Science fiction is frightening to me. I don't want to drive in a flying car, I want to stay on the ground, I want to know what it's like to have to take a horse to 'town' to get my supplies, or maybe have a feud with the clan in the next hill.

I hope you all enjoyed my Feature and Follow post and by the way, congratulations to Booked Out and Fiction Fervor for being the features on the host's blogs! You both have amazing blogs that I can't wait to read more of!

Guest Post: Five Engrossing Fantasy Series

2012-01-26T14:48:00.000-08:00

**Hey everyone, I was too busy reading to write a post this week, so the sweet Alex offered to give some words for you all.
Sharyla**

Hi, I’m Alex, and I’m a bookaholic. It started with just a few books read to me here and there when I was little, and has since spiraled into a full-blown addiction. Suffice it to say I enjoy reading books. A lot. When other people have free time, they watch TV or movies; I read at night, on the way to school, on the bus, and during my study breaks. I’m not sure what the cure is. I’m not sure if I want to know. Come join in my obsession on my book blog (Ristea’s Reads) and on Twitter (@ristea).

I love immersing myself in new worlds and discovering characters who feel so real it’s as if I’ve known them my whole life. You know that emotional reaction at the end of a book where you have to leave everything behind? That’s a chronic problem for me. Let me show you some of my favourite fantasy series that have become so much more than just a pastime or idle distraction. If you have any sort of stigma against the genre, I encourage you to try out one of these books and see what you’re missing.

A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin

Set in a kingdom where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime, A Game of Thrones is a gritty, realistic tale where the typical ‘good’ and ‘bad’ guys are replaced with characters that have their own motivations and desires, resulting in a maelstrom of corruption, betrayal, heroism, and intrigue. George R.R. Martin is such a master of bringing the medieval-like world of knights and castles to life that I’m pretty sure he has a time machine hidden away in his garage. Add plots within plots and an author that isn’t pulling any punches, and you get one of the most outstandingly written fantasy series of all time.

When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground.

The Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson

Erikson is a true genius of world-building; dare I say that he approaches Tolkien-esque levels? He drops you right into the action, without any cheesy info dumps, and you are left scrambling to figure out exactly what’s going on. A fair warning that this is not a light read, but the rewards are well worth the effort. I think I could devour this series over and over again and learn something new every time. When was the last time you were in the middle of a book and immediately knew that you wanted to re-read it right away?

The Nightrunner Series by Lynn Flewelling

Now, I enjoy my epic fantasy as much as the next guy, but every now and then I need a break from appendices of characters and large-scale maps. Nightrunner provides the perfect fix. Some have complained that the pace is too slow, but I thought that brought the characters alive. Following Seregil and Alec almost exclusively through five books, even as they do mundane tasks such as set up camp or settle in to their mansion in Rhiminee, shows how the characters are truly organic, whose actions spring from the story and are plausible. The author didn’t just think of a few key traits and blow through a massive plot-line, changing it to “work” with what she had in mind. Seregil and Alec are loosed upon the world, and actively engage with the story and other characters, resulting in slightly flawed partners that anyone can relate to in some way.

The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb

This novel is told entirely from the first-person perspective, but Hobb’s talent shines through here as you fall in love with Fitz, his life, and the other characters that interact with him. By the time I finished this trilogy, I was so feverishly engrossed in the novel, that I could hardly put it down for friends, food, or fodder. It’s simply amazing how you end up living and breathing as if you were actually Fitz, and start feeling emotions in real life to match his. This book had me giddy with delight at Fitz’s exploits, crying at his hardships, laughing with him and his friends, and finding in him a parallel to my own life. Honest and original, despite having many of the stereotypical traits of the fantasy genre, this is a true story of a boy’s travels through life and everything it entails.

The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss

Rothfuss doesn’t try to re-invent the fantasy genre wheel, he sticks with a classic form to tell the extraordinary tale of Kvothe. I don’t usually fall for the fluff written on the back cover, but this one had me hooked:

My name is Kvothe. I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.

You may have heard of me.

I do not recommend The Name of the Wind if you have any deadlines coming up, plan on getting a good night’s rest, or have any friends that would get mad if you dropped off the radar for a week or so.

--
Alex

Island of Lost Girls by Jennifer McMahon

2012-01-17T16:03:00.001-08:00

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 316 KB
Print Length: 271 pages

Island of Lost Girls by Jennifer McMahon

Since I don't usually read this genre I have to admit that when I found this book I only purchased it because, while the description sounded interesting, it was a bargain. I don't remember the exact price, but I know it was under five dollars. The cover caught my eye at first. Innocent and yet somehow haunting. The book had little innocence in the end, but has left me feeling pretty damn haunted!

The story centers around Rhonda, who is in her 20's but half of the time reminded me of a prepubescent girl and the other half of an innocent and cloistered 40 year old.

Rhonda witnesses a kidnapping with a VERY unusual suspect. Honestly, for the first few chapters I thought there was a chance Rhonda was a schizophrenic . Until everyone was on board with the weirdness and downright creepiness of the kidnapper, I was sure this was a story about Rhonda's mental illness.

As the story of Rhonda's 'involvement' in the kidnapping unfolds, the reader learns that almost everyone who could be even a little connected to the missing girl has a BIG bad skeleton DEEP within their closet.

Again, it's important that is not one of my 'usual' reads, so I was constantly surprised by the developments in the story. The lives of these characters are kept closed by the author right up until a reveal that knocks you off of your feet. I was often finding myself physically reeling backwards, completely stunned. At times I would even set the book down to absorb the new information. Although these pauses in reading were EXTREMELY brief. At one point while reading I actually forgot to put my food in the microwave because I couldn't wait to get back to the book.

There was never a moment while reading that I found myself bored, but had there been I'm sure it would have been short lived. Oftentimes one chapter was set in 2006 and the next in 1993. Occasionally there would be momentary tantalizing and outrageously creepy point of view of the perpetrator.

There was only one plot line that I guessed before the author 'told' me. This didn't hurt my reading experience, however, because I wanted to know what the characters were going to DO about it.

Once I did find out who the REAL bad guy was, I was flabbergasted!! I had NO clue the entire book.

Some may find the reason for the crime itself mundane, but in my experience, true crimes in life are usually for quite mundane reasons.

I really have no negative words for this book. I started it Sunday morning, finished it Sunday evening, and couldn't stop thinking about it Monday.

I read part of a review on Amazon that said "Jennifer McMahon did for rabbits in Island of Lost girls what Stephen Kind did for clowns in It" and I do not disagree. I hope with Easter coming up that I can avoid any men in giant bunny suits.

Irish Moon by Amber Scott

2012-01-14T21:39:00.000-08:00

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 518 KB
Print Length: 344 pages

Irish Moon by Amber Scott was an interesting take on both the Knights Templar and the practice of the Druids.

Starring Breanne and Ashlon and a fiendish cat, a charming little boy, and a clan chief, the book at times entertained me, but also bored me, and confused me.

Breanne and Ashlon are very engaging characters, and I enjoyed reading as their love bloomed and became something tangible. Breanne is almost always smart in her choices, never that "Oh my god...did she REALLY just do that" main female character.

Ashlon has a task at hand, and while he is slightly more confusing than Breanne, he's easy to enjoy and even lust after. His past is tortured given the problems the Knights Templar had recently had put upon them by King and Pope, but the details as to HOW tortured are lacking, and leave you feeling at a loss of pity for him and his struggle.

The quest he is on is even more confusing, and up until the end I wasn't convinced as to how Breanne could help him. The climax of the book did leave my heart racing and my eyes scanning faster over the words, I just wish I would have been less perplexed as I got to that point.

The secondary characters and their struggles were even more confusing, and some of the side story lines seem to just fade away and so did some of those secondary characters.

This book had a very good premise, though I think it could have been executed more crisply and had another round with a good editor.

I wouldn't turn another Amber Scott book away, but I'm not sure I'll be seeking one out any time soon.

Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

2011-12-22T14:00:00.001-08:00

Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin is a pretty popular title, obviously, as it was picked up for a tv show on HBO, and has been pretty successful there as well.

Personally, I've been reading the series from the get-go, but have a love-hate relationship with it.

Game of Thrones itself drew me in, and taught me many things about the fantasy genre, that I hadn't really run into before.

For instance - Just because you have your own point of view chapter, doesn't mean you can't die.

Fantasy is really depressing.

Small people are angry and also quite witty and easy to love.

Catching cats - just as hard in fiction as it is in real life.

Every time I read this book, I'm blown away by how easily and quickly I'm drawn into each and every character. Martin writes in a way that pulls you into the feelings of each character, and knowing from one chapter to the next their intimate feelings, gives you a sense that you know how they are going to react to each situation, like you are in their head. It's done in a way that is really unlike any other book I've read before.

As I stated above, I've had a love hate relationship with this series. The first time I read it

I ate through the first two and half books faster than any other I'd read to date. Half way through number three I lost my copy. As a teenager reading was a huge part of my life, when I had the time, and in this case, other things filled my mind quicker than thoughts of getting another copy of the book.

This series is also partly responsible for my love of historical romance. I read the first two and half books yet again, and quicker even, before I put them down, went to my local bookstore and asked the lady behind the counter for something happy dammit!

And now, I'm at it again. This time I chose to read the book on my Kindle, and about 20 pages from the last, I broke it! Months later, I got my early Christmas gift, which was a Kindle Fire, and promptly finished the book. (WOOT)

I think the key is not to read the books right in a row (this is just my theory for my

own tastes, not a recommendation).

The settings are easy to imagine, and beautiful in my head, even more so than the television show, the characters are so full and loveable/hateable, and the writing is a breeze, easy to read and get lost in.

If you haven't read the books - do so!

If you have - they are quite worth the reread!!

Holidays Rock My Socks!

2011-12-21T09:07:00.000-08:00

Other than being stuck home sick with the flu, this has been a pretty rockin' day.

My boyfriend and I really suck at not giving Christmas presents early, and I already sort of knew that he bought me a Kindle Fire, and he had an inkling that he was getting a digital camera, so last night we exchanged our 'big' gifts. I've been attached to the Kindle ever since.

I also have a regular Kindle, which I have broken twice in less than a year. I still blame the whiskey, and I have to say that I'm not entirely sure why he trusts me with a much fancier, and more expensive version. We'll just assume he's blinded by love (or whining). My life has been threatened if anything happens to this one (and he DID buy the replacement plan, as he's a smart cookie sometimes).

First I wanted to write about how psyched I am to finally finish Game of Thrones, as I've been 93% done for oh...about 4 months! Since I couldn't finish it, and we've been super busy, I've not found myself able to pick up another book since. I have HUNDREDS of books around the house, but even though I've read Game of Thrones twice, I really wanted to finish it. So I'm excited to be able to do that now, and post a review for the first time in...well...ya know, a LONG time.

I'm also excited because my friends on twitter are super savvy and some are super frugal and have already in the last 10 minutes made it to where I could get not one but TWO books that have been on my wishlist for a long time, for 1.00! I also downloaded The Christmas Carol (free of course) because I base my entire knowledge of it off of the Muppets, which is super awesome, but most likely not completely accurate.

I'm also pretty psyched to get the blog up and rolling again. Mike and I recently moved and unfortunately my contact with Ms. Kaylee hasn't been as strong as it's needed to be (for our friendship, or the blog) but I'm quite sure she's been reading lately, and post-holiday madness I may be able to get a review or two out of her.

I'm also hoping to host a giveaway soon, though many of mine have been complete failures due to lack of money and such, but now that's not such a problem and I'm thinking an Amazon gift card giveaway (in honor of shiny new Kindle) may be in order. I think I'll wait until after the holidays though, as I'm sure there are many going on as we (or I...as I swear there are no voices in my head) type.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday, whichever it may be, and I'm off to read. And nap...as I really do have the flu :(

Kindle Reading...with no Kindle?

2011-11-19T11:12:00.001-08:00

I keep blaming it on the whiskey, but I'm told that I broke my Kindle. It was a while back now that it happened...a few friends over, some cards, my Kindle in my purse and a small...biff. I guess it was more of a fall.

It took me a few days to realize what had happened and when I did it took me even longer to call Amazon. They kindly informed me that it would be $65 dollars to fix the thing. That's fine, but at the time I was without the extra cash.

They did inform me that I could download the Kindle reader for the computer. I was in the middle of A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin, which I've read a few ti

mes and wanted to reread when the whiskey broke my Kindle screen.

Recently I've come up with a brilliant idea. I can now read and crochet at the same time. It's hard to do that with a book, and even with a Kindle, unless I had a stand, which I don't. I'm making a throw for a friend for Christmas and it will be quite easy to just open the Kindle reader on my computer set it up on my lap and go to town. I'm hoping my new multitasking plan will work.

Have any of you tried this? Or something like it. I usually don't even read and do anything else at the same time, maybe listen to some music. So I'm not sure that this plan of mine will work...but I hope to get back into reading AND make sure that I get this Christmas

present done at the same time.

Back in Black?

2011-10-23T08:28:00.001-07:00

Well - HELLO everyone!

I've been receiving an awful LOT of questions from friends and family as to why we haven't been posting on the blog in the last few months. Life has been a whole hell of a lot of crazy lately, that's why! Plus....one must read a book to review it.

In the last few months I've gone through a break-up and then a reconciliation, a move, stress at the work place, a death in the family, dealing with a new job for Mr. Mike that puts him away from home for a month at a time, and again some more stress at work. Oh, and I als

o broke my Kindle for a second time!

Our recent move (to the middle of the country!) will hopefully, once everything is put in it's proper place, help to drive me back into reading. We have a wood burning stove and nothing sounds better than sitting by the fire and reading with a blanket and a kitty on my lap. That's right people, a KITTY! Our previous abode was NO PETS :( but as soon as we moved into our new place I went and got two kittens. Sadly, the black one in the picture above, Chicken, passed away after a dog attack a few nights ago. The tiger, Chill, is still here and healthy and happy. She misses her sister (they were littermates) but she is SO loving.

Kaylee, who also misses our blog, has her own stuff going on, though I know for a fact that she's been reading, and if she feels the need to share it with the public, I'll let her, but it's not r

eally my business to do so.

So, until I can get through a book and get a review of my own up, please tell me your most favorite recent review, be it on your own blog or on someone else's. I can't wait to read some awesome reviews to help push me back into the book world.

Blood That Bonds by Christopher Buecheler

2011-04-23T15:15:00.000-07:00

Blood That Bonds by Christopher Buecheler

Blood That Bonds is not my usual genre but I'm so glad that I broadened my choices. this was my first vampire book since the whole vampire phase began. Having never read any of the Twilight or other popular paranormal books I appreciated it with an open mind and ended up enjoying it greatly. I even began searching for the second book, Blood Hunt, that continues Two's quest to remain vampire...but wait, I'm getting ahead of myself.

Blood That Bonds begins with the story of Two and her heroin induced lifestyle. even though her life revolves around tricking for the next fix, it wasn't by her choice. 16, and with no real adult guidance, a pool hall scam introduced her to the wrong crowd and Two found herself waking up in a whore house heavily addicted to heroin with a new boss/pimp/drug dealer landlord. Just another client to service with the unusual interest in black clothing Two sets out to earn her keep. She has no idea the sexy man in the super fast sports car is her ticket out of the red-light district and into the darkness...

Theroen takes Two as his child/lover and sets off a chain reaction. In his vampire clan lives Abraham the eldest/father has Tereon, Melissa (Missy), and Tori as his children. When Two's arrival threatens Abrahams family he decides to make some changes of his own, only Thereon doesn't agree. A child vampire against his elder...the outlook is bleak.

I Heart My Kindle

2011-04-22T15:03:00.000-07:00

I heart my Kindle and I promote it every day. the ease of travel, page saving, length of book dottage and reading meter, percent of book read, awesome free books off of amazon...I could keep going! I absolutely LOVE it..and I was super hesitant to buy it at the beginning which makes my appreciation even stronger! All of my previous worries are no problem at all. Cost of books, the difference between paper copies and computer screen, battery life..none of have been issue for me at all.

My only negative of my Kindle is that my 3G versions internet browser hardly ever works, although I don't use it much (my Kindle is for reading) I did pay extra for it so I'd like it to work accordingly..and the preset screen savers, I would like to be able to customize them.

Free Books My Kindle has Scored Me:
-Alice at Heart
-Blood That Bonds
-Spoilt

Doomed Queens by Kris Waldherr

2011-04-10T16:47:00.000-07:00

Doomed Queens by Kris Waldherr
ISBN: 978-0-7679-2899-1
Pages: 166
Inside Flap Description:

Marie Antoinette, Anne Boleyn, and Mary, Queen of Scots. What did they have in common? Long nights in dark prison towers and a march to the scaffold where they surrendered their heads to the executioner. Throughout history, royal women have had a distressing way of meeting bad ends--dying of starvation, being burned at the stake, or expiring in childbirth while trying desperately to produce an heir. And all too often, even devious plotting, miraculous pregnancies, and selling out their sisters were not enough to keep them from forcible consignment to religious orders. From Cleopatra (suicide by asp) to princess Caroline (suspiciously poisoned on her coronation day), there's a gory downside to being blue-blooded when you lack a Y chromosome.

Doomed Queens is a chronicle of the trials and tribulations of queens across the ages, a quirky, funny, utterly macabre tribute to the dark side of female empowerment. Over the course of fifty irresistibly illustrated and all-too-brief lives, we meet well-known figures like Catherine of Aragon, whose happy marriage to Henry VIII ended prematurely when it became clear that she was a starter wife-the first of six. And we meet forgotten queens like Amalasuntha, the notoriously literate Ostrogoth princess who overreached politically and was strangled in her bath.

While their ends were bleak, those queens did not die without purpose. Their unfortunate lives were colorful cautionary tales for today's would-be power brokers--a legacy of worldly and womanly wisdom gathered one spectacular regal ruin at a time.

My Rating: B

My Review:

I picked up this book because of all that it had to offer. It starts with a very catching and interesting introduction, which is followed by a graphics key that is fun to reference throughout the reading of the book. A timeline is included and it ties into the graphics key as well.

The chapters are split up into eras, and have illustrations both by the author and from classic art. What I really enjoyed was that at the end of each chapter there are fun little 4 or 5 question quiz's, and at the end of the entire book there's a 20 question quiz to find out (like in Cosmo) if you're a doomed queen.

I enjoyed the first few chapters of this book, and was excited to learn about all of the queens I'd never heard of before. I think that the author keeps the information interesting, starting as early as possible in the life of the particular woman, and going all the way to death. When the Queen seems to deserve pity, or sympathy for her position, or hard life, you can feel the author giving that to her. I liked that, because sometimes you just want to go "Oh...you poor thing, you just never had a chance".

One thing that bothered me just a little about this book was when I was reading the sections about the wives of Henry VIII it seemed like some of the information the author gave came straight from the television show The Tudors. I worried a little that her information actually came from the show. I feel confident that this is untrue given the LONG list of books that she referenced in the back of the book.

While this book was fun, and interesting, the writing was not as witty as I thought it would be. I still enjoyed it, but I felt like it was suppose to be more...humorous. Let me mention here that I am completely ok with the fact that it wasn't, it just seemed like it was suppose to be more so.

One part that was funny, and can give you an idea of what the book offers (which is pretty awesome) is the instructions for the paper dolls that are included with the book (that's right, paper dolls!)

1. Slice off the front book flap and trim the dolls along the dotted lines. Scissors or an X-Acto knife will do the job.

2. To make the dolls stand, fold along the dashed lines on the black bases.

3. If you're not fond of defacing books, you can color photocopy the dolls onto card stock, then follow steps 1 and 2.

4. To locate additional paper dolls take a gander under the back flap.

5. Experience history in action: download background panoramas--scaffold, castle, and more--for your dolls at doomedqueens.com. Any royal heads cut off during play can be easily restored with clear tape.

These instructions came straight from the book, and explain what I meant about humor. They made me smile, but they did not make me laugh. I hope that makes sense to my readers.

All in all for those who like authors like Eleanor Herman, I recommend this book! It's a great way to get a little taste of what the poor women who were in the royal chambers had to go through to keep their positions, and how it usually went poorly for them no matter what.

Ordinary Angels by India Drummond

2011-04-09T09:39:00.000-07:00

Ordinary Angels by India Drummond
ISBN: 9781616502584
Pages: 157
Description from Goodreads.com : Most of Zoe’s friends are dead, but she doesn’t mind because they died long before she met them. Then one Tuesday night an angel takes her salsa dancing and turns her world upside down. Grim reality closes in when she discovers a body in her company’s boiler room and Higher Angels accuse her best ghost friend of murder. Knowing she’s the only one who can stand against them, Zoe resorts to lying, stealing and summoning. In the end, getting blood on her hands forces Zoe to question herself

My Rating: B+

My Review:

Ms. Drummond has come up with what I feel is an entirely interesting and new concept for romance! We've all fallen in love with the vampire, the werewolf, the fae, and even a zombie or two, but how many of us have truly fallen in love with an angel? (To be honest, there could be many..but I've only fallen in love with one).

Alexander is an amazing character. He's sweet and strong, and somehow a little boyish, and confused. I am usually the reader who enjoys secondary characters more than the main characters, I'm not sure why. this was not the case with Ordinary Angels though. I really loved both Zoe and Alexander. I loved that Zoe found in Alexander something she hadn't really found in anyone else, and I thought that the author did a great job of making that real and believable.

Towards the end of the book, when Alexander had some doubts (as happens in most romances so I hope this is not a spoiler) they were true doubts. Nothing that we couldn't get over easily, but doubts that most people would have given their situation. I was happy that at no part of this book did I feel like slapping either of the main characters for being idiots. (which also happens in a lot of romances...)

The secondary characters in this book are also pretty awesome. My favorite of all is Harry, with Thomas in a VERY close second. They have complete personalities, and while I would have liked to see more of what Thomas was all about, Ms. Drummond does a great job making them a full part of the story.

I will say that I felt a little frustrated with the idea of Alexander popping in and out all the time, I can't imagine that Zoe felt any different. The more I think about it, the feeling that this gave me was brought on by some pretty good writing. Wouldn't you be frustrated if you're new boyfriend just 'popped' into your life and out of it...talk about mixed signals!

There were some really great scenes in this book, some things felt as if they just flowed when the author was writing. In all honesty, there were some scenes that just did not flow that well. Sometimes I felt like the author was writing something only to get to the next 'good' scene. I know that this has to happen, but I don't think the reader is suppose to realize it as much.

The only other negative to this book was that there were times when Zoe had information that I wasn't sure how she got it. One scene really drew this out for me in particular or else I most likely wouldn't haven't mentioned it.

All in all the few negatives of this book really don't compare to the many many positives. This book is full of humor, sometimes laugh out loud humor, cuteness, sweetness, intrigue and love. I really recommend it to those of you who love some good old fashion, not quite our world, romance.

Follow Friday

2011-04-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

Well..it'll be Friday in less than an hour, and I'm quite busy tomorrow. I'd like to say those are the reasons that I'm posting the Follow Friday post so early, but the real reason is that I REALLY wanted to answer the question. Please tell me that's not sad.

Follow Friday, as most of us know, is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and it's pretty much the shiznit. (is that how you spell that? I must remember that slang is not my thing)

The question this week was: Do you judge a book by it's cover?

I am not quite ashamed to say...yes...yes I do. I hate to say it but in this day and age, a good cover shouldn't be that hard to come by, and for some reason, while this may not make sense to all of you, books with not so great covers remind me of books with not so great editing. It's just the way that it's worked out for me in the last year or so.

Kaylee and I just answered this question, in our Dynamic Book Duo video (which you can see here) and we both agree, the cover is more important than we're taught it is suppose to be!

The Dynamic Book Duo Returns!!

2011-04-07T15:03:00.000-07:00

Well-

HELLO everyone! We know it's been quite some time, but we're back, and happy to be here! We have quite the video for you today though I must forewarn you, there is a part toward the end that REALLY goes wonky. We're still figuring it out....but we love our new webcam.

Books mentioned in this video:

Alice at Heart by Deborah Smith
The Blood that Bonds by Christopher Buecheler
Take Me by Grace Samuels
Room by Emma Donoghue
Marks of Cain by Tom Knox
Give Me Back My Legions Harry Turtledove
Border Wedding by Amanda Scott
Reaper by Rachel Vincent
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Dead on Townline by Leslie Connor
The Captive by Joan Johnston
Doomed Queens by Kris Waldherr
Ordinary Angels by India Drummond
Model Summer by Paulina Porizkova

Links to buy Ordinary Angels by India Drummond
Buy it from US
Buy it from UK

And if you want to visit our friend Sari's blog (Trust us, you do!) Click Here.

Captive by Joan Johnston

2011-03-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

Captive by Joan Johnston
ISBN: 0-440-22200-1
Pages: 373
Back of Book Description:

Lional Morgan, earl of Denbigh, had been betrayed once at the altar and vowed that no female would ensnare him again. Then Charlotte Edgerton burst into his life. He was to be her guardian. Her protector. But Denbigh wasn't prepared for this headstrong American -- or the passions she inspired on first sight. He knew only that he had to civilize her, present her at court, and Almack's, then marry her off to the highest bidder. It wasn't until he nearly lost her that he realized the truth: She'd somehow reversed their roles and become the captor -- of his heart.

My Rating: A

My Review:

There is one lovely thing about being sick enough that you don't feel much like moving: reading an entire book in one day, one sitting even.

When I picked up this book I didn't realize it was a regency, and to be honest, I hadn't read the back of the book until just now when I typed it out for this review. I bought the last two in this series years ago, and felt like reading them, but can't read a series out of order, and so I had to start here.

When I realized it was a regency, I was a bit disappointed. I find regencies tedious most times. Everyone so prim and proper and never fighting each other like they should. This book surprised me because while it did have all of that, because of the female lead, Charlie, and her rebellion against this type of behavior, things were faced a tad more head on than what I'm use to reading in a regency.

What the back of the book doesn't tell you is that this is not ONE love story, but two. While the reader is frustrated by the lack of concession from either Lion or Charlie, one is also left in suspense about the true intentions of Braddock (Lion's enemy) towards Olvia (Lion's sister and Charlie's best friend). This second love story really kept the romance reader in me happy during what would normally be 'down times' in a romance.

I didn't exactly like how the story ended, but I think it didn't take itself too seriously, ending on a joke, instead of a tear jerker, even though it's not a particularly funny book. I look forward to the rest of this series and hopefully seeing more of all four of the characters that I read about in this one.

Dead on Town Line by Leslie Connor

2011-03-26T13:02:00.000-07:00

Dead on Town Line by Leslie Connor
ISBN: 0-14-240697-X
Pages: 131
Back of Book Description:

Of all the revelations her afterlife brings, perhaps the most startling thing Cassie Devlin discovers is that being dead isn't being done. Murdered by a classmate, Cassie finds herself stuck on the edges of the world she once knew and a realm whose tug she feels but can't quite find her way to. And...she is not alone. there's another like her, who arrived earlier and who, like Cassie, has some unfinished business.

Beautifully crafted in free verse, Dead on Town Line offers a reading experience that will linger in the mind and heart long after the last page is turned.

My Rating: A+

My Review:

Kaylee came over last Wednesday to show me all the books she had bought (quite cheap!) and i picked up this one because I really liked the cover. I opened it up and read a page in the middle and quickly turned to her and said

"I don't think I will ever truly understand poetry"

She nodded and we went on talking. At some point I opened the book back up again and read the first page and BAM! the book started making sense. So I read the second page...and the third...and the fourth...and then begged to borrow the book before she could read it. She agreed and I was a happy camper.

This may have been one of the best book decisions I've made this year! I loved this book. It's quite short, 131 pages of free verse isn't all that long, and I read the entire thing at work. I would say it would take the average reader roughly an hour to read, if that.

I couldn't keep quiet the entire time I was reading it. I kept telling my co-worker "You have to read this!" and texting Kaylee "You HAVE to come get this book as soon as I'm done, it's amazing!!"

The free verse doesn't make the story at all confusing, it's quite easy to understand what is going on. The suspense is amazing, and the characters grow through the story in a way that I didn't expect with such a short book. I was left with this haunting feeling after I finished it.

At which point, I went home from work, after shedding a tear while reading, called my mother, and read it again! At first I heard a little sigh on the phone as if to say "Really? You're going to read an ENTIRE book to me over the phone?" but after I was done she said "Oh My God! I'm so glad you read that to me sweetie, it was incredible".

Here's the only problem with the book (which I noticed on some sights people actually lowered the rating of the book because of...) it's marked at 6.99 in paperback, and I don't know what in hardback. It takes an hour to read...get it from a friend, Paperbackswap, or your library. But whatever you do, GET it. This book is everything the back of the cover says, and it is lingering with me. It might even be my top book of the year!

The Woes of A Computer Addict

2011-03-26T00:29:00.000-07:00

It's been a couple of weeks since you've heard from either of us, I know. We're in the middle of a contest and it involves video's that we haven't even recorded in 2 weeks!! We're both sorry -- mostly me, as it's my fault that nothing's been going on here at A Bookish Wonderland.

The first week was just a bad time for me. I had a VERY frustrating day. Work was driving me a little on the crazy side, and on top of that, I was having a hard time getting in touch with anyone in school. All in all it had just been one of those days. We decided to take our time together that night and just hang out and have fun. It was VERY relaxing, and I felt a LOT better.

Since then I had planned on putting up a review, and posting another video. When I opened my computer the other day, I realized what I had THOUGHT for a long time was just some glitch was really a MAJOR virus.

Commence freakout:

I was SO upset. I had finally got a hold of someone at school, after two months of calling, not speaking to anyone and hounding and calling and calling and yet MORE calling and now...now...my stupid computer won't even work. I go to the University of Phoenix (for now) so I sort of need my computer to go to school. I have been out for over six months on academic probation--and I am SO ready to show myself, the school, and Mr. Michael, that I am READY and able to start school, and do well. I've been less frustrated in my life, let me tell you.

When Mike came home from work last night, we were discussing all the options we had for 1) fixing my old computer and 2) making sure that once I'm in school, this doesn't happen and screw me over. We discussed using the library for school work until we got my computer fixed, and we discussed how that sounded like a good option, but really wasn't because of my homework habits, and the fact that our library isn't the most reliable place in the world. We discussed getting a little computer and seeing if it would work for school work and blog and nothing else, but Mike thought that would be a waste of money - "Might as well get a good one if we're going to get one". We discussed that once the old computer is fixed we could have two and he could use the old one if we had 2...and that's the idea that seemed to stick. I wasn't really expecting anything to come of it that night, but off we went to the Wal-Mart and started looking at prices, and they weren't all that bad. So he tells me "Of these three...get the one you want" and I said "Now? Tonight??" and he replied "Yes dear, now, tonight"

And so, I have a new laptop!! We set ground rules of what I'm allowed and not allowed to do on it, that way we can avoid this issue next time. We also decided that I am going to ask a good friend to give me lessons in virus software (I'm not completely sure I know how to use it correctly...) and off we went. Mr. Michael also told me to buy a web-cam for Vlog purposes, because this computer doesn't come with one built it. I can't wait to show Kaylee our new little set up! I can't wait to show you all either actually!

And so...that is the story of the last two weeks. I believe we'll be putting our current contest on hold for a little while, and starting it up again another time. Anyone who has entered so far will get an automatic full entry into the next one, with the most about of entries allowed.

I thank you all for your patience and you awesomeness! Have a wonderful day!

The Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Sierstad

2011-03-11T19:41:00.000-08:00

The Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad
ISBN: 0-316-15941-7
Pages: 288
Back of Book Description:

This mesmerizing portariat of a proud man who, through decades and successive repressive regimes, heroically braved persecution to bring books to the people of Kabul has elicited extraordinary praise throughout the world and become a phenomenal international bestseller. The Bookseller of Kabul is startling in its details--a revelation of the plight of Afghan women and a window into the surprising realities of daily life in Afghanistan.

My Rating: A

My Review:

When I picked this book up I think I expected it to be more about the books than about the family. I was quite wrong, but I'm glad I was.

The book starts out learning about Sultan a bookseller/publisher/entrepreneur/father/all around guy. As a reader you do learn about how he became what he is now, and what he did to save the precious books that represented the history of his country. Sultan seemed to have this faith that someday, if everyone was just educated on their past, the Afghan people could find peace. While I'd love to say that this was what he strived for, after a while I felt like it was more about money than the preservation of history. I started the book out liking Sultan quite a bit, but eventually I grew to feel as if he was what I as a 'stereotypical' citizen of the United States would think a 'stereotypical' male citizen of Afghanistan would be like. I ended up really resenting the man for thinking he was so progressive when by my standards he is light years behind.

Sultan isn't the only person the author writes about in this book. We meet his son, Mansur, who I also start out sort of connecting with, nonetheless, all but despising in the end. We also meet his mother Bibi Gul, his first wife Shakila and his second wife Sonya. My favorite character was Leila, though I also felt that her story was the saddest. The author writes not only of this family, but of others that branch out from this one. This shows how connected these familys still are. In my culture it is not expected or demanded that if I visit a city away from my home where my 15th cousin live I need to visit them.

I wish I could say that I found most shocking the line in which a policeman says to Monsur 'We try not to stone people anymore' and not in a sarcastic 'we try not to eat lead anymore' kind of way, but as if the culture was really having a hard time letting go of that lovely tradition. But it wasn't.

What I found hardest to cope with was the setting. If you picked up this family, as is, and moved it to America, Sutlan would be Middle Class, if not Upper Middle Class, yet they sleep on dirt floors. Imagine how the down and out have it? The terrain, and the effects that bombing and war have had on it played out in my head not like a story of Afghanistan, but like a science fiction novel. I don't think I could truly believe it unless I saw it with my own eyes, and I have to admit, I'm not sure I want to. I couldn't wrap my tiny brain around the idea that instead of a mattress these people simply longed for electricity most of the time instead of some. I was left wondering if I was taking for granted what I have or if they didn't know what they were missing out on.

All in all, this was a good, educational, and eye opening book.

Twitter and Friends

2011-03-11T13:29:00.000-08:00

Oh Dear: I'm Addicted!

Twitter has been around for a little while right? How is it that I, while considering myself a pretty savvy interwebs person am just now getting around to making it a daily part of my life? For that matter, why I am I okay with it being so? I mean, I'm really falling away from Facebook, and Myspace was dead to me long ago...so why do I feel it's okay to 'waste' hours of my day staring at my 'timeline' after not really caring for so SO so long about twitter?

Friends. That's why. Facebook seems to be a place where I add people I already know. In the years that I've had Facebook I've never used it to really connect with anyone new, and in terms of what it does for me it's really very little. Most of my Facebook friends don't care about the blog, which is fine, but that just means that Facebook isn't really helping me out. I've gotten to the point where I consider Facebook to be an evil part of my life filled with farms, citites and Tetris Battle (I am a MASTER) but it's not really a place for me to connect with people anymore. Mostly, I'm offline playing games.

Twitter on the other hand is there for me to connect in all sorts of ways. I'll admit it, I'm a twitter stalker. If you and a friend are having a funny conversation, just imagine me lurking like a creeper over your shoulder and soon following you in an even more creepy way! I'm more likely to click on a blog post link on twitter than I am on my own blog roll! It's easier, it's more fun, and I have no idea why.

These things though, are completely overshadowed by the friends that I've made so far on Twitter. People who I really enjoy talking to, hearing from, and LOVE when they say nice things about me. Me! I love me, and I love when other people love me! I'm that kind of person and I'm okay with it.

People like @bookloveblog who happens to be the biggest supporter of the weekly video's that Kaylee and I put on the blog. And of course my newest friend @JennSommersby who makes me smile, and has kick ass tattoo's (just like me!). And of course the sweet girls @booksoulmates and @isabooksoulmate who I was already creepily obsessed with anyway and now get to stalk in a new and exciting way! These people make me smile, and they are just a keyboard away.

I'm still learning a LOT about Twitter and what I can do for those on it and what it can do for me, but I'm really enjoying this time. I love making new friends, and I love the fact that it is so easy for those of us who love books, love sharing our love of books and work hard to do so to connect!

In the spirit of our Three Weeks of Friendship here at A Bookish Wonderland, I just want to say thank you, thank you to the friends I've made, and the friends I hope to make. You all rock! Seriously, my socks are off they've been rocked so hard.

(I found that awesome image here)

Dynamic Book Duo - Week 4 - Contest Starts Now

2011-03-09T19:38:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!! It's week four of the Video Series from yours truly, the Dynamic Book Duo!! We have A LOT going on this week, and we're excited to share with you all. Please push play to see what we've got in store for you!

Books Mentioned in the video:
Captive by Joan Johnston
The Fox Prince by Corniala Amiri
These is my Words by Nancy E. Turner
Chasing Perfect by Susan Mallery
Half a Life by Darin Strauss
The Mistress's Daughter by A.M. Homes
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
Bloodroot by Amy Greene
Who's Irish by Gish Jen
Dear Mr. Henshaw by ????

To see Sherrie's review of Bloodroot click here

To learn more about Books For Children visit I Eat Words!

To visit Literary Tease at Etsy.com click here

To see the seller of Kaylee's new ring at Etsy.com click here

And of course the form for the contest!
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A Litte Fun

2011-03-08T14:43:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

It's warming up outside, and I think that everyone is feeling a bit frisky! I know I'm ready to get out on the beach, lay in the sun and read read read!

I was on the evil facebook when I saw a friend had posted an awesome video. Of course I felt that I had to share, so that's mostly what this little post is all about. I also wanted to take minute to remind everyone that the start of our 3 week contest is tomorrow, and we're psyched for everyone to join in. Remember, you could win a book of your choice from The Book Depository.
We're going to have a LOT to talk about tomorrow so, I'm pretty psyched.

No more soup though...that went poorly.

Here's the video I promised I'd share!

An Awesome Blog

2011-03-06T20:08:00.001-08:00

I'm not sure how many of you have already seen these, but I was forwarded a long message full of the wonderful ladies pictures. I found her blog and checked the usage rights and I think I'm allowed to do what I'm about to do, if I'm not I will take this post down.

This women takes pictures of her daughter while she's sleeping, not the normal everyday Mommy pictures, but these...they are just too awesome for words. I wish I was this creative!

This one just makes me...calm. I like it so much, the colors are amazing.

And this one is the obviously the one that caught my eye.

I read her blog for a bit and you should too, she's a reader as well!

On My Wishlist

2011-03-05T04:58:00.001-08:00

It's finally, wonderfully, awesomely Saturday! I'm psyched about Saturday beacause I work the normal 9-5 Mon-Fri. For those of you that don't, I promise to try to keep my Saturday full of fun and happy for you all. I'll be thinking of you....Just remember, when you all have a random Wednesday off, I'll need you to be thinking of me.

I'm also excited about Saturday because it's On My Wishlist Saturday. It's a fun, and great meme hosted by Book Chick City every week. Since I have this GIANT wishlist on Paperbackswap.com I'm able to keep this all pretty fresh for you.

Last week one of the books I featured was Married with Zombies, I was number one in line to get it, and it's already on it's way!! I just wanted to share that piece of happy with you all.

On to the books!!

Await Your Reply by Dan Choan
From Paperbackswap:
The lives of three strangers interconnect in unforeseen ways--and with unexpected consequences--in acclaimed author Dan Chaon’s gripping, brilliantly written new novel. — Longing to get on with his life, Miles Cheshire nevertheless can’t stop searching for his troubled twin brother, Hayden, who has been missing for ten years. Hayden h... more »as covered his tracks skillfully, moving stealthily from place to place, managing along the way to hold down various jobs and seem, to the people he meets, entirely normal. But some version of the truth is always concealed.

A few days after graduating from high school, Lucy Lattimore sneaks away from the small town of Pompey, Ohio, with her charismatic former history teacher. They arrive in Nebraska, in the middle of nowhere, at a long-deserted motel next to a dried-up reservoir, to figure out the next move on their path to a new life. But soon Lucy begins to feel quietly uneasy.

My whole life is a lie, thinks Ryan Schuyler, who has recently learned some shocking news. In response, he walks off the Northwestern University campus, hops on a bus, and breaks loose from his existence, which suddenly seems abstract and tenuous. Presumed dead, Ryan decides to remake himself--through unconventional and precarious means.

Await Your Reply is a literary masterwork with the momentum of a thriller, an unforgettable novel in which pasts are invented and reinvented and the future is both seductively uncharted and perilously unmoored.

I added Await Your Reply to my wishlist on March 15, 2010 and am number 149 of 239 waiting for the book.

Benny and Shrimp by Katarina Mazetti
From Paperbackswap:
Why is it so impossible to get a relationship to work between two mature single people, driven by an enormous longing and loudly ticking biological clocks? Especially when they are struck by a totally unexpected passion when they first meet? — In alternate chapters Benny and "Shrimp" tell the story of a love that started by mistake in a village ... more »cemetery, a love that should not really be as complicated as it seems. She is a childless young widow with a sharp intellect and a home so tidy that even her jam jars are in alphabetical order. He is a gentle, overworked milk farmer, a reluctant loner, who fears becoming the village's old bachelor. The attraction between them is powerful. But how will she learn to accept that he falls asleep at the opera and has a house full of his mother's embroidered wall hangings, and how could he ever feel at home in her minimalist apartment, bare as a dentist's waiting room?

I added Benny and Shrimp to my wishlist on March 15, 2010 and am number 1 of 3 waiting for the book.

Deaf Sentence by David Lodge
From Paperbackswap.com

A witty, tender novel about the travails of old middle age, from a Booker finalist — Desmond Bates is a recently retired linguistics professor vexed by his encroaching deafness and at loose ends in his personal life. Without the purposeful routine of the academic year, he finds his role reduced to that of escort and house-husband while his... more » wife's late-flowering career as the owner of a home design store flourishes. The monotony of his days is relieved only by wearisome journeys to London to check on the welfare of his querulous, elderly father, an ex-dance musician.

But these discontents are nothing compared to the affliction of hearing loss, which is a constant source of domestic friction and social embarrassment. It is through his deafness that Desmond inadvertently gets involved with a young woman who seeks his support in matters academic and not so academic; and whose wayward and unpredictable behavior threatens to destabilize his life completely.

Deaf Sentence is a funny, moving account of one man's effort to come to terms with deafness and death, aging and mortality, the comedy and tragedy of human life

I added Deaf Sentence to my wishlist on March 15, 2010 and am number 7 of 12 waiting for the book!

Follow Friday

2011-03-04T14:03:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! Friday afternoon is here and we're welcoming it. Today Kaylee is taking her little cousin for some driving lessons, and Sharyla has an afternoon of reading and tanning planned (as it's March in North Western Pennsylvania, she'll be tanning in a bed of lights....not in the great outdoors)

The Follow Friday question this week was:

What embarrising thing have you done while under the influence of cold medicine?

I thought about this question...and that I can remember, the only idiotic thing that cold medicine has ever done to me is make me sleep late for work. Which is not only embarrising but dangerous for your job! I try not to take cold meds too late at night if I plan on working the next day. I learned my lesson...after the third or fourth time! LOL

It's Wednesday - And we have a CONTEST!

2011-03-02T06:13:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Bloggers and Readers!

I hope that everyone has a great Wednesday planned!

Tuesday became the new Wednesday this week, which is why we're able to bring you the Book Duo video so early in the day. We're talking about some books (of course), some soup (we have pictures!) and of course, the contest we're announcing, plus much much more!

Please click play :D

Here are the promised pictures from last night's dinner!

Tony, not so enjoying his soup, or being documented.

Kaylee, getting the steam off before she tries it!

Sharyla, a bit worried that she did all that work for it to taste bad...and it did!

Bryn, being adorable, and apparently hungry because she LOVED the soup!

And of course the soup itself. One thing that has to be said, it looks exactly like the picture in the recipe book, so YAY for that.

Here are the books we mentioned in this video:
Bloodroot by Amy Greene
Another Summer by Georgia Bockoven
Doomed Queens by Kris Walherr

Blogs Mentioned (plese take a moment to visit them, and let them know we sent you!)

Historical Fiction Obsession

Etsy Links:
Kaylee's Picture
The Bookmarks

And now: The Contest!

Prizes: 3 bookmarks like the ones in the video
1 book of your choice from The Book Depository.com

How to Win:
Watch the next 3 videos. To even enter you MUST have the clues that we mention. (5 entries)
Comment on the videos (1 entry)
Old Follower? (2 entires)
New Follower? (1 entry)
Shared on twitter - make sure you give us a link (2 entries)

The contest will officially start NEXT Wednesday, and will last three weeks. So that means it is from March 9th to March 23rd. Winners will be announced on March 26th! Feel free to ask questions between now and next week, maybe there's something we haven't thought of yet.
Have a great day!!

Another Summer by Georgia Bockoven - Spoiler!

2011-03-01T18:39:00.001-08:00

Another Summer by Georgia Bockoven
ISBN: 9780380818655
Pages: 400

I really liked this book although I got confused at the beginning with the change in months.

This story is based on/in a beach house and follows the story of the guests. I'm pretty much going to ruin it for you in my explanation so keep that in mind as you read...or choose not to.

May tells of Andrew and Cheryl, old high school lovers that broke up when Andrew left for college and gave no answers to Cheryl of what happened or why. It's been years since they saw each other. Cheryl has been married and divorced since and Andrew traveled around the world. They both attend their 20 year high school reunion in hopes of running into each other...and they do! It doesn't take long for the sparks to start flying again. But Andrew broke Cheryl's trust and depending on the past issues explanations the re found love is in a tricky situation.

June tells of Kelly, a workaholic-up and coming lawyer, and her interest in a local environmental lawyer and the effects his testimony will have in her upcoming case. Ironically Matt (the local lawyer) is a friend of Andrews and often surfs at Andrew's place, which is right next to the beach house. Kelly and Matt begin a love/hate ulterior motives relationship where Kelly reads Matts bestselling book and signs up to take a class from him to gain insight, but once their involvement begins, she might gain even more insight.

July was the hardest "chapter/segment" for me because it deals with a family's distress of losing their 9 month old daughter. (I hate to think about things like that happening) Ann & Craig's marriage has been through the ringer with self blame, guilt, and the shutting down of emotions. Jeremy is a 9 year old boy stuck in between a severely depressed mom and a dad who is tired of feeling sorry for their family. Jeremy finds a cat and meets some mysterious older neighbors that help jump start their healing process.

August jumps back to Andrew and Cheryl but adds 3 young disadvantaged girls (Maria, Deanna, and Karen) each of them has their own issues. Maria has the responsibility of helping provide for her mother and siblings and decides she can only take a vacation if she has a job. So, Andrew gives her a job in his greenhouse where she meets Paul (an upper class educated boy) who is automatically not her style and rubs her the wrong way. Karen gets the self centered role and is often on Deana's case for overeating and her current weight gain. Secrets are revealed and Cheryl and Andrew progress as well.

I'm not sure if this is a continuation of Georgia Bockoven's The Beach House, but I'm adding it to my TBR list. Although this book got neglected for awhile it was easy to jump back into and a good story line!

Kings & Queens of England & Scotland by Plantagenet Somerset Fry

2011-02-27T11:51:00.000-08:00

Kings & Queens of England and Scotland by Plantagenet Somerset Fry
ISBN: 978-1-4351-1394-7
Pages: 94
Inside Flap Description:

In a long and tangled history of the British Isles, one thread runs continuously for nearly 1200 years: in almost unbroken descent from Ecgberht, the first Saxon King of England in 829 to Charles, Prince of Wales the monarchy has been present at almost every stage, moulding events and making news.

Kings and Queens is the essential guide to the kinds and queens of England and Scotland, their families, courtiers and friends.

The parallel history of the Scottish monarchy - from Kenneth MacAlpin in 843 to James VI in 1603 - is described in detail, while events in Wales and Ireland are also featured. Chronology boxes reveal the major events of earch monarch's reign, and at-a-glance family trees show the line of succesion to the throne over the centuries.

My Rating: A

This was a fun read for those times when you don't have more than a few minutes, but want to feel your nose in a book. I often read it while at my desk at work during slow times. There were times when I would get caught up in the succesion and didn't want to put the book down.

This book is more of an outline of the monarchy. A quick reference. I love books that teach you, but also give you that craving to learn more! I started a list of questions that this book didn't answer for me, but caused:

1. What is the Treaty of Wedmore and why did it divide England into two parts, but leave Alfred as overlord of both?

2. What exactly is the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle?

3. Henry IV contracted a 'leprosy-like' illness. Do 'we' know what it is? If so, what is it???

4. I want to learn more about Henry V, I was intrigued by the book's mention of him being 'merciful to his enemies'.

5. Henry VI's wife, Margaret sounds super kick ass! This lady did some nifty stuff and I want to know if there are any non-fiction or historical fiction about her.

The book is set up with timelines, family trees and pictures, with birth dates, crown dates, death dates, wives, children, and all the bio information right there and handy.

For all of my non-fiction, or monarchy lover friends out there, I highly recommend adding this to your collection!

On My Wishlist

2011-02-26T01:50:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! It's EARLY on Saturday morning and that means that it's time for On My Wishlist, hosted by Book Chick City.

I just started participating in this meme thing-a-ma-bob last week and have completely fallen in love. One of my favorite things to do is read other blogs and then run over to Paperbackswap.com and add books to my wishlist. There's something special about being number 19394379394888 in line for a book and then checking a few weeks, or months, later and seeing that you're now number 2, or better yet, that the book is on it's way! With an ever growing list, I think I'll be able to keep it fresh for ye'all!

So, here are my 3 wish list books for this week!

Saving Max by Antoinette van Heugten

From Paperbackswap.com:
Max Parkman—autistic and whip-smart, emotionally fragile and aggressive—is perfect in his mother's eyes. Until he's accused of murder. — Attorney Danielle Parkman knows her teenage son Max's behavior has been getting worse—using drugs and lashing out. But she can't accept the diagnosis she receives at a top-notch... more » adolescent psychiatric facility that her son is deeply disturbed. Dangerous.

Until she finds Max, unconscious and bloodied, beside a patient who has been brutally stabbed to death.

Trapped in a world of doubt and fear, barred from contacting Max, Danielle clings to the belief that her son is innocent. But has she, too, lost touch with reality? Is her son really a killer?

With the justice system bearing down on them, Danielle steels herself to discover the truth, no matter what it is. She'll do whatever it takes to find the killer and to save her son from being destroyed by a system that's all too eager to convict him

Saving Max has been on my wishlist since October 23, 2010 and I'm number 3 of 131!

Married With Zombies by Jesse Petersen

From Paperbackswap.com
Meet Sarah and David. — Once upon a time they met and fell in love. But now they're on the verge of divorce and going to couples' counseling. On a routine trip to their counselor, they notice a few odd things - the lack of cars on the highway, the missing security guard, and the fact that their counselor, Dr. Kelly, is ripping out her pre... more »vious client's throat.

Meet the Zombies.

Now, Sarah and David are fighting for survival in the middle of the zombie apocalypse. But, just because there are zombies, doesn't mean your other problems go away. If the zombies don't eat their brains, they might just kill each other

Married With Zombies has been on my wishlist since November 11, 2011 and I'm in position 1 of 25!

Portisville by Steve Cushman

From Paperbackswap.com
Steve Cushman's debut novel begins when Jimmy Wills, a 34-year-old house painter living in the mountains of North Carolina, gets a telephone call from his dying father in rural north Florida. His father demands that Jimmy come home to kill him. Jimmy knows he won't do what Truman Wills has demanded, but he finds himself drawn to the place of his... more » birth by forces he isn't quite able to name. He discovers that the town is remarkably the same. One of his father's best friends is still the sheriff and the other is the keeper of the general store. But in the course of his three-day visit, Jimmy begins to uncover dark and disturbing secrets from the past, including the truth about the murder of his mother. Although Truman was charged with the killing, he was later acquitted, and the crime has remained unsolved. The murdered woman still haunts the dreams of her son, who was taken away at the age of 14 and raised by an aunt in North Carolina. Jimmy has tried since then not to think too much about his father. But when Jimmy pulls up to his father's house, the two men slowly begin to reconnect, with all of the promise and tragedy that entails

Portisville has been on my wishlist since 10/31/2010 and I'm in position number 1 of 1!

Follow Friday

2011-02-25T13:07:00.000-08:00

Hey there everyone! It's that wonderful time of the week again, Follow Friday!

This weeks question was:

What is your favorite t.v. show? Tell us a bit about it:

My favorite t.v. show is not currently on....it's Son's of Anarchy. Not only is it jammed full of action and awesomeness, it's also full of hot sweaty, probably smelly (I try to ignore that fact) motorcycle gang men! When this show is on, Tuesday nights are what we live for. Mr. Michael enjoy's the show just as much as I do (there are often porn stars invovled...) and we turn off our phones, and the lights, and relax into this alternate world. One I wouldn't at ALL want to live in, but I do wish I could just...chill with this guys from time to time.
I'm going to take Parajunkee's idea and post a clip

Oh! And I have the BIGGEST crush on Opie. ::sigh:: ::pant pant::

Since Kaylee's not around right at the moment I'm going to half answer this one for her. From everything I understand her favorite show is Teen Mom. I'm not sure why she enjoy's the show so much, but she really seems to! So here's a clip, cause I love her like that

This particular trailer thing is rather old, but still...you get the idea!

The Dynamic Book Duo Returns!

2011-02-23T19:33:00.000-08:00

This week there's even more of us!

A quick synopsis of what we are all about this week:

New books, new genres, lots of giggles, icky foods, and 16 minutes of fun!

So much for our keeping it under 10 minutes. Please remember, this is only our second video, so we're still pretty rough, but we have a blast, and we'd love for you to join us in our laughter!

Books Mentioned:
Soups and Stews - Good Housekeeping
The Book of Tomorrow by Cecelia Ahern
A Wolf at the Table by Augusten Burroughs
Who's Irish by Gish Jen
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
The Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad
The Lover's Dictinary by David Levithan

The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan

2011-02-22T19:44:00.000-08:00

The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan

ISBN: 9780374193683

Pages: 211

Review:

This was picked randomly due to the cover mostly (and then titles relevance to my life) on my visit at the library today (along with 3 others that you might hear about later...)

A quick (Ill say probably an hour and a half for me) and enjoyable read that uses dictionary words to inspire and tell the story of this budding relationship... My favorite page is 21... I could relate to many of the issues presented... Moving in together, different views on family, infidelity and the pain/disruption that it causes...

While I enjoyed this book it probably wasn't a good thing for me to read with all that is going on in my life... It quickly got my wheels turning and Ill probably have an attitude when HE gets home due to my running thoughts... Oh well, such is life... Or mine anyways...

NOW TO SWITCH TOPICS...
While at the library today I skimmed the display shelves and refused to visit my normal section of books and instead I picked up an Irish influence and a slightly paranormal mystery... Not sure if I would be able to get to all three before the pending due date I started planning my attack. ;O) But now with one out of the way so quickly I am ready to roll and should have no problem getting to all of them...

Let's Get Lost by Sara Manning

2011-02-20T06:54:00.000-08:00

Let's get Lost by Sara Manning

ISBN: 0-525-47666-0

Pages: 308

Inside flap description:

Isabel is the girl who rules the school with an iron fist and a gang of minions who do her bidding. her friends are frightened of her, her teachers can't get through to her, and that's just the way she likes it. With her razor-sharp edges and tall walls, nothing gets to Isabel-and none, but no one is ever going to discover her dark, sad secrets. But then she meets Smith, and her life starts coming apart....

From the author of Guitar Girl and Pretty Things, a compelling drama about life when nothing makes sense, when all the expectations and pressure are too much, and you just need someone to help you get lost.

My Rating: A

My Review:

I don't know how this book ended up on my TBR pile, and I don't really know what made me pick it up Thursday night, but I'm quite glad I did.

I read some YA, but it's usually of the paranormal variety. And, while 6 years isn't that long ago, I never really identified with the high school female, even when I was in high school, let alone now that I've been out for 6 years. So, this book, it really shouldn't have grabbed me like it did.

After the first 5 chapters, there was no way I was putting it down.

There are times when you hate Isabel, she's annoying, mean, snide, rude, and malicious. But...I'm hoping the author did that on purpose. I can't say I know she did, but I'm willing to bet money on it.

Actually, during this book, there's only one character you don't hate at least some of the time, if not most. Felix, Isabel's little brother, is an amazing character, and every bit a 9 year old boy. I had a brother that was 9 once, and he was just the same.

Smith is incredibly attractive as a character, but unlike Isabel, I saw flaws that most who are older than 20 would see in 20 year old boy, which makes her liking him somehow more believable. I know that probably doesn't make sense, but as I've gotten older, flaws aren't necessarily a bad thing in a partner, you don't want someone so high up on the pedestal that you can't touch them. Smith (for me) wasn't.

The reason I think I enjoyed this book SO much is that I identified with one of the MAJOR aspects of the story. I've recently endured the loss of a loved one, and while as mentioned in the book, there's no wrong way to grieve, there are unhealthy ways, and I see myself falling into them all the time. I think if I were 16 when I lost my father, I would have reacted just the same way that she did. That makes her an extremely real character to me.

Towards the end of the book, when conflict is resolved, I felt that one of the characters flipped too quickly. The book could have had a few more chapters, in my opinion, but without them, it's still a great novel.

To all of my YA lovers out there, if you haven't picked up this book, make sure to add it to your TBR!

On My Wishlist

2011-02-19T08:17:00.001-08:00

On My Wishlist is a weekly (Saturday) meme hosted by Book Chick City (click the image above). This would be my first post of this meme and I'm pretty psyched as my wishlist is pretty darn long!

I want to mention here, that I keep my 'record' of wishlist books on Paperbackswap.com. Sometimes I have to check it when I'm going book shopping with no real purchase in mind. I love the way it's set up, it works great for me. I know some who use Librarything and those who use Goodreads, but for me PBS is the sweet spot! Obviously it's helpful that PBS let's me know when my books are available for swapping....

Anywhoooooo-

Here are 3 of my wish list books:

Ash by Malinda Lo

From Paperbackswap.com:

In the wake of her father’s death, Ash is left alone to pay off his debts in the service of her own step mother. Consumed with grief, her only joy comes by the light of the dying hearth fire, re-reading the fairy tales her mother once told her. In her dreams, someday the fairies will steal her away, as they are said to do. When she meets the dark and dangerous fairy Sidhean, she begins to believe that her wish may be granted.

The day that Ash meets Kaisa, the King’s Huntress, her heart begins to change. Instead of chasing fairies, Ash learns to hunt with Kaisa. Though their friendship is as delicate as a new bloom, it reawakens Ash’s capacity for love—and her desire to live. But Sidhean has already claimed Ash for his own, and she must make a choice between fairy tale dreams and true love.

Entrancing and romantic, Ash is an empowering retelling of Cinderella about the connection between life and love, and solitude and death, where transformation can come from even the deepest grief.

I added Ash to my wishlist on March 20, 2010 and am currently in position 57 of 106.

Brendan by Morgan Llywelyn
From Amazon.com (via Publishers Weekly)

Veteran historical author Llywelyn retells the colorful life story of revered Irish monastic saint Brendan the Navigator in the form of a personal journal, written by an elderly Brendan, interspersed with third-person glimpses of the Great Voyage he undertook with 14 monks to find the fabled earthly paradise of the Western Sea, the Isles of Blest. A contemporary of Saint Patrick, Brendan is brought up by Erc, Bishop of Altraighe-Caille, and early on shows an affinity for seafaring. Restless, headstrong, and curious, the monk Brendan embarked on dangerous peregrinations, first by land and then by sea, traveling with his pet raven Préachán to establish monasteries throughout Ireland. Llywelyn's narrative, laced with fifth-century Irish history and lore, climaxes with a fantastical maritime expedition worthy of Ulysses; her prose is by turns reflective, lyrical, and stalwart, delving into the popular legend with a genuine sense of Brendan's human strengths and frailties. (Feb.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

I put Brendan on my wishlist on March 17, 2010 and am in postion 7 of 15 (almost there!!)

A Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz

From Paperbackswap.com
Meet the Deans — The fact is, the whole of Australia despises my father more than any other man, just as they adore my uncle more than any other man. I might as well set the story straight about both of them . . . — Heroes or Criminals? — Crackpots or Visionaries? — Families or Enemies? — . . . Anyway, you know how it is. Every family has a story like this one.

Most of his life, Jasper Dean couldn't decide whether to pity, hate, love, or murder his certifiably paranoid father, Martin, a man who overanalyzed anything and everything and imparted his self-garnered wisdom to his only son. But now that Martin is dead, Jasper can fully reflect on the crackpot who raised him in intellectual captivity, and what he realizes is that, for all its lunacy, theirs was a grand adventure.

As he recollects the events that led to his father's demise, Jasper recounts a boyhood of outrageous schemes and shocking discoveries?about his infamous outlaw uncle Terry, his mysteriously absent European mother, and Martin?s constant losing battle to make a lasting mark on the world he so disdains. It's a story that takes them from the Australian bush to the cafes of bohemian Paris, from the Thai jungle to strip clubs, asylums, labyrinths, and criminal lairs, and from the highs of first love to the lows of failed ambition. The result is a rollicking rollercoaster ride from obscurity to infamy, and the moving, memorable story of a father and son whose spiritual symmetry transcends all their many shortcomings.

A Fraction of the Whole is an uproarious indictment of the modern world and its mores and the epic debut of the blisteringly funny and talented Steve Toltz

I put A Fraction of a Whole on my wishlist on March 16, 2010 and am in position 7 of 26. Seven seems to be my number!

Ever read any of these? Are they on your wishlist?? Please do tell!

Follow Friday!

2011-02-18T13:29:00.000-08:00

If you are a fan of Science Fiction what is your favorite book? If you haven't read Science Fiction before...any inkling to? Anything catch your eye?

I'm not a sci-fi fan. I don't even enjoy watching science fiction television shows. The only way I really forsee sci-fi catching my interest is if it were one of my favorite authors chose to cross over into the genre...but that would even be a stretch.

Sorry for posting this WAY after I linked in...my computer is a bit of a freak, and it failed on me completely!

Flirting With Pete by Barbara Delinsky

2011-02-17T15:50:00.000-08:00

Today's book review comes not from I, Sharyla, but from Kaylee. Kaylee is an avid reader (aren't we all?) and reads a lot more than I do. If you watched the video blog you'll know that this girl carries books in all places: work, home, bathroom, car. She tends to write down half reviews in a notebook and never quite get back to them. I think they are good, and I think you'll agree. So, every once in a while I'm going to force her to throw a review at me so that I can post it for all of you! I think this forced co-blogging thing is going to work out just fine.

Flirting With Pete by Barbara Delinsky

ISBN: 978-074-324-6422

Pages: 368

A young psychologist has never met her famous psychologist father. At his funeral she finds out that his private estate (worth over 1.2 million!) has been left to her with no explanation. As her joint practice is crumbling, it seems like her fathers gift has been sent from heaven.

But, this gift from an absent father is almost too much to handle. Her mother has been in a coma for many years, and she has no one to turn to for support.

After meeting her staff and finally settling into her reluctantly received gift, and new office (which use to be her fathers) she find a piece of a manuscript that leads her on a wild goose chase.

And--

The gardener is beckoning and a love affair is started quickly.

I don't want to ruin it for anyone so I'll just say this was a really good book and in fact, I just gave it to my sister to read. I love how the book is based on a case study of a suspected client. I am a fan of Barbara Delinsky anyway, but this particular book was passed from my mother, to my grandmother and then to me. So, it's a highly recommended book to say the least!

Video Blog: Hello to the World from the Book Duo!

2011-02-16T19:54:00.000-08:00

Well everyone, it's Wednesday night, and that means: BOOK DUO!!!!

I was super pumped for tonights little get together because I had decided that we were going to post a video blog!

I'd like to point out that this is our very first so please don't judge us too harshly.

I'd also like to announce that I will be using Kaylee, under her protest, as a co-blogger for those times when I have nothing good to contribute. Since we've started this friendship of ours, I've been reading a lot more, and with more purpose. She has a LOT to offer if someone is willing to pull it out of her!

**Check the links/topics mentioned below the video to catch a quick glimpse of what we talked about**

Titles Mentioned:

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

Another Summer by Georgia Bockoven

Kings & Queens of England & Scotland by Plantagenet Somerset Fry

The Last Prince of Ireland by Morgan Llywelyn

Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning

Magazines:

RT Book Reviews

Blogs Mentioned:
Book Love Blog
COMING NEXT:

Soups and Stews!
ORANGE BOOTS!!!

Hope you enjoy, your comments are much appreciated!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-16T05:54:00.001-08:00

Book Duo Rocks!

2011-02-15T06:08:00.000-08:00

Wednesday nights are my most favorite weeknight EVER! It's only Tuesday and I'm already super psyched!!

Wednesday's are the best, because they are the day that my good friend Kaylee and I get together and have BOOK DUO!

It was suppose to be a book group, but our top number of members (if that's what you want to call them) was 3, and the one had to quit coming due to loss of vehicle, so two we are.

We use to get together at a local coffee shop, it was awesome. Every Wednesday we would sit down to awesome coffee and good company and chit chat. After a while though, economic times weren't that grand, and we decided to starting meeting at my little apartment. It's turned out a lot better than I thought. Now, when the two of us get done talking books, we just turn on the tube and watch...mostly documentaries.

Last week though, the book talk lasted longer than usual. I had recently been to Barnes and Noble and had quite the bit to tell her about. She'd started reading the Hunger Games books and was gushing about them.

I told her all the lovely that is the Fever series by Moning, and how very drool worthy Jericho Barrons is. She told me that Hunger Games was wonderful and insisted I add them to my TBR pile. I showed her the ins and outs of Bookmarks and RT Magazine, and we discussed how RT Magazine has a particular smell...and tried to figure out what other magazine we knew smelled like it (never did).

We went through the cookbook I bought and discussed almost every recipe. There were some that there's just no way I'll ever make (Mussell Soup) and some I'm psyched to try (one I can't remember that has lemon involved)

Kaylee got a present from me, it's a book of quotes about friendship that I found at The Dollar Tree for ... a dollar! (Erie, PA) and she had to tear herself away from reading it all in one sitting. And of course I showed her my lovely new bookmark that says "Shhh! I'm Trying To Read" and told her, if I'd found two, she'd have one as well.

We made plans to go to Cranberry, PA and check out the B&N there, as neither of us knew it exsisted and then...I'm sure we watched a movie.

All in all a great Book Duo night, and I'm sure tomorrow will be swell as well.

Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning

2011-02-14T16:29:00.000-08:00

Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning

ISBN: 978-0-385-34167-7

Pages: 594

Inside Flap Description:

MacKayla Lane was just a child when she and her sister, Alina, were given up for adoption and banished from Ireland forever.

Twenty years later, Alina is dead and Mac has returned to the country that expelled them to hunt her sister's murderer. But after discovering that she descends from a bloodline both gifted and cursed, Mac is plunged into a secret history: an ancient conflict between humans and immortals who have lived concealed among us for thousands of years.

What follows is a shocking chain of events with devastating consequences, and now Mac struggles to cope with grief while continuing her mission to acquire and control the Sinsar Dubh--a book of dark, forbidden magic scribed by the mythical Unseelie King, containing the power to create and destroy worlds.

In an epic battle between humans and Fae, the hunter becomes the hunted when the Sinsar Dubh turns on Mac and begins mowing a deadly path through those she loves.

Who can she turn to? Who can she trust? Who is the woman haunting her dreams? More important, who is Mac and what is the destiny she glimpses in the black and crimson designs of an ancient tarot card?

From the luxury of the Lord Master's penthouse to the sordid depths of an Unseelie night club, from the erotic bed of her lover to the terrifying bed of the Unseelie King, Mac's journey will force her to face the truth of her exile, and to make a choice that will save the world....or destroy it.

My Rating: A+

My Review:

Wow.....just....wow.

After years of waiting for this book, you couldn't have pried me away with a crowbar!
To add to the pure delight of having the book in my hands, I had the pleasure to read the book along side my mother, at one point reading 40 pages to each other. (I highly recommend this type of reading if you can!)

Mac has GOT to be one of my all time favorite female leads out there. I don't think I've ever loved a female character as much as I love her. And Barrons? Forget about it! He's so amazingly awesome and...::drool::

This book had me on my toes the entire time. I was not above randomly screaming out expletives and scaring my fiance when Moning had once again taken the last 50 pages and thrown me for yet another loop. At one point my mother and I started making a graph! We just couldn't keep up with it all--in a good way. There was no 'I had it figured from the beginning' this time around. For those that may have, bully for you, I was clueless.

I would do it all over again, the waiting, the screaming, the crying. I probably will. This book, this series, it's just too excellent. Like the Unseelie Princes, you want to look away from the beauty...you just can't.

For those who have done like I, and read a book, waited a year for the next and so on, I'm sure you've eaten this giant up already, for those who haven't, go back, start at Darkfever, and come be a part of the group of us that would love to be Mac (some days) and love to take Barrons to our bed.

Books I Found

2011-02-08T17:18:00.000-08:00

On a recent trip to Barnes and Noble (Erie, PA) I picked up my two favorite magazines, Bookmarks and Romantic Times Book Reviews. I love both of these and am quite excited because I am going to start an annual subscription to both soon. A subscription is great for me because I rarely get up to Erie, which is where the closest B&N is located.

Going through the magazines is always fun for me, it's a one stop shop - to be read piler. That's right, that's the technical term for it.

I did find, after writing down all my new wants, that many of them were books that were already released, a while ago! How could have I not known about all of these beautiful books I want to read?!?!?

Here's a nifty picture thing I made to show you all the books I want that have already been released:

(from Left to Right)

1. Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

2. Fall of Giants by Ken Follett

3. Our Tragic Universe by Scarlett Thomas

4. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

5. The Tudor Secret by C.W. Gortner

6. To Defy A King by Elizabeth Chadwick

7. Blood Song by Cat Adams

8. Chang and Eng by Darin Strauss

9. Half A Life Dain Strauss

10. Who Killed Chaucer by Terry Jones

11. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

And the following are the books I found that are being released on March 1, 2011! I'm excited for all of these, but especially for Royal Pains as it's centered around one of my favorite topics: Unruly Royals!

1. Captured by The Highlander by Julianne MacLean

2. The Raven by Jules Watson

3. Royal Pains by Leslie Carroll

4. Never Kiss A Stranger by Heather Grothous

Anyone else looking forward to the above or read them?? Any hints on where to put these on my wish and tbr lists?

Not A Great Start

2011-02-05T23:10:00.000-08:00

I've had a poor start to my reading year -

So far I've only finished one read, early last month, and read only about half of a second.

The second book of my year seems to have turned me off from reading for a while. I had started Afterlight and just could not get into it. I tried ever so hard to push on, but one day I put it down and my fiance moved it, and I couldn't seem to find it in me to look for it. I figured after that, I had no interest in ever picking it back up again.

Afterlight's plot idea was...okay, not great, but it could keep my interest. A few of the characters were interesting, but unfortunately the reader didn't get to interact with those few often.
The dialogue, in my opinion, was atrocious, and the relationships and actions between the two main characters were completely unrealistic, and not in a 'Oh, but it's fiction' sort of way...more in a WTF?? sort of way. I will not be picking up another one of Elle Jasper's book's anytime soon. I'm sorry to say, she's even turned me off of novels with heavy tattoo references. Which turns me on to my next subject:

Books I've received in my time of not reading.
From Paperbackswap I received
To Wed a Highlander by Michelle Sinclair
Taming the Highland Bride by Lyndsy Sands
and
The Missing Ink by Karen E. Olson

I'm pretty excited about all of them, but a bit...deterred from reading The Missing Ink for a while. I don't want my bad vibes from Afterlight to affect an entirely different book.

Today I had the rare pleasure of a trip to Barnes and Noble. I told Mike that I wasn't only going for the RT magazine, but ended up with three books and two magazines.
I'm a sucker for those books that are right as you walk in the first set of doors. Today I picked up a Good Housekeeping Soups & Stews cookbook in that particular section. I'm excited to try some of the soups that are in there, but some of them....not so much.

I also picked up a nifty little book in the non-fiction bargains titled Kings and Queens of England and Scotland by Plantagenet Somerset Fry. This book has full color pictures with a tiny history of the picture itself, events of the reign of each monarch, a short blurb about what stands out about them as well as a little biography. It's not a long book, covering the entire history (that I'm aware of) of English monarchs in under 100 pages. I'm excited to delve into it, as it won't take long for me to finish, but I see it being a great little interest sparker!

Last, but in no way shape or form least, I bought Shadowfever at 30% off! I couldn't find it anywhere on the shelves and pulled a employee aside and sort of asked, sort of whined the question "Are you out of them!?". He smiled and said that there was no way they were out, they had a full stock and that it was one of their top sellers. But, on the cart he took me to, there was still only one copy. Whether or not there was more in 'the back' I don't know, but I like to think I got the last one in the store.

So, now I'm all gunned up to get reading again. I'm just hoping that I can stick with it!

My Booky Wook 2 by Russell Brand

2011-01-09T17:06:00.000-08:00

My Booky Wook 2 : This Time it's Personal by Russell Brand

ISBN: 978-0-06-195807-6

Pages: 309

Inside Flap Description:

In Booky Wook 2, this award winning achievement is surpassed as Russell charts his rise from crack-house junky to Hollywood star, indulging in sexual excesses that make Caligula seem like a prudish spinster. On his quest to find true love, Russell encountered thousands of women, often three or four at a time (for efficiency), and his dizzying ambition led to chaos and controversy that could have landed him in prison and left the BC in ruins.

This is the story of what happens when insatiable desire meets limitless opportunity and when a punk from the wrong side of the tracks is given the keys to the palace. This riot of self indulgence would be rampaging still but for a tossed bottle to the head from one of the world's biggest pop stars.

Can true love conquer all? Is it a more powerful force than the raging libido of a professional madman? The answer lies inside.

My Rating: B

My Review:

First, let me state that I am a huge Russell Brand fan. I think he is funny, intelligent, and crazy and sometimes just what I need from a performer.

This book fell short for me. It took me many chapters to even get into the flow of the writing...or dialect, whichever. Russell Brand writes exactly how he talks, and if you've ever seen him on a late-night show, or even in a couple parts of his movies, he talks erratically.

Sometimes during a story he'll veer off of the subject into something unknown for a while, which is usually funny, but the mixture of the dialect, and the way he writes, on top of these tangents of fun, I found myself having a hard time really understanding what was going on.

Many of the chapters were really good. I know that's not the best way to describe it, but some are hits. Some will leave you feeling enlightened by the realizations that Brand has about himself, or the world around him, but some are not. Some leave you feeling as if you were just told a bunch of information that you can't really decipher. For instance, and this hopefully won't be a spoiler, I am not sure where his relationship stands with Morrisey or with his friend Matt.

Some of the material for the book is repetitive if you've seen him on late-night or his stand up. Some was expanded on, and some was word for word. I found this disappointing, but not surprising as the material is usually on subjects I was not only expecting, but hoping to see in the book.

One last thing bothered me, but it has nothing to do with Brand's writing, or the story. I do not know many of the media names he talks about in the first half of the book. It left me quite confused. Everything seems to be BBC something....but it all seems the same to me. Being here in the states, and not knowing a stitch of information about the media across the pond, made it hard for me to follow, or feel the importance of some of the events that he wrote about. Again, this is not to blame Russell, but my own ignorance.

Somehow, with all of these things that I didn't enjoy about the book, I still felt as if I was getting a honest look into his mind. This made me feel special and included. He does a good job of that. Even though this was not my best experience with Brand's work, it's not in any way put me off. I still recommend that any of his fans read the book, but don't get your hopes up too high. This one falls short of the first, but I'd be pleased to see a third down the road.

Last Day Of 2010

2010-12-31T11:11:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you were all quite aware that the year is over at Midnight tonight, but I felt that just in case there were a few of you in a coma, or under a rock, I should restate it.

So.

Happy New Year!!!!

I hope that everyone has planned exactly what they want, as I am aware that some people want to get out and about and party...and some would rather just stay home and read.

I will not be able to go into the new year with a fresh start reading wise. I'll still be reading Russell Brand's My Booky Wook 2 in 2011. Afterwards though, I'm looking very much forward to getting started on all of the challenges that I have joined. I think that I'll be starting a book called Afterlife when I'm done with my current read. This book will be one for the challenge that The Booksoulmates are hosting. After that I think I'll be doing one for my TBR challenge. After that, well...we'll see where the challenges take me.

What are your reading plans for the new year? Anything new to you? For instance, my big new thing this year was to join many challenges, hosted by other bloggers.

I guess I should also talk about the books that I did read during 2010. Here are my Top 5 from the year of 2010 (only 5 because most of this year was a 'slump' for me):

5. Pope Patrick by Peter De Rosa

4. Heart with Joy by Steve Cushman

3. Dance with the Devil by Sherrilyn Kenyon

2. The Crying Tree by Naseem Rakha

1. Lamb by Christopher Moore

I'm not sure what it says about my reading year when my number one read for the year was a reread. I enjoyed many of the books I read this year, but...somehow I just didn't have it in me to read more. My new years resolution is:

Have a better reading year!

The Thought Provoking Hot Archaeologist

2010-12-29T19:54:00.000-08:00

As I was talking with my extremely intelligent friend last night, the war that we're currently...having...or whatever...came up, as well as my confusion as to what exactly was happening over there, and why.

This man, my personal name for him is "Hot Archaeologist" proceeded to explain to me the events that led up to this particular conflict. As he talked many thoughts ran through my head. Some involved writing a romance novel involving him...and some involved reading more about what he was going on about.

"Where to start?" thought I? "What books on current events could I possibly be interested in?". I'm more of a medieval history gal, American Civil War is right up my alley...but sand...it sounds boring. I quickly, and rightly, mentally slapped myself for this type of thought, because as I complain about the ignorance of my fellow humans, I am quick to be the exact same. I can't be this person anymore. I must know more!

One other recent personal event added to this surge of knowledge hunger. I recently joined an organization called Soldier's Angels (http://soldiersangels.com) and in doing so realized that supporting a soldier who is fighting this war, and risking her life, is nice and all, but not being able to comprehend why she's doing it...seems...lame.

I pose a question to you, dearest reader, where do you find information on current events? Do you watch the news and leave it at that? Do you find information, and good books that can keep you enthralled instead of causing you to fall asleep? If so, what books are these? Where can I learn more about this war, and how it all happened?

If you can help me with my mission, I promise to write a romance involving the very gorgeous, and somehow even more intelligent archaeologist....

My Christmas : Disney Classics Vs. Romances

2010-12-25T17:33:00.000-08:00

My Christmas was pretty good. Not perfect by any means, but quite good. This is the second year in a row I've received nothing bookish, but I did receive two flash drives filled with Disney Movies.

Of course, the first movie we watched was Beauty and the Beast. Just about every blogger I've ever read who talks about Disney movies says that Beauty and the Beast is their favorite. It's not my favorite, but it's up on the top five. My personal favorite is Mulan (You'd think it would be Alice in Wonderland, but sadly I find Alice a tad on the boring side). I must admit though, I am always awed when it comes to the library scene (as well as the many times that Gaston ruins Belle's book..)

While watching the movie I started thinking about the idea that Disney movies are the gateway drug to romance novels for little girls. It's not a far leap. They are pretty formulated, and often have the same ways of causing conflict, such as miscommunication or the heroine being forced into a situations she would normally hate.

So my question of the week...as that happens sometimes...is:

Do you enjoy Disney movies? If so, do you enjoy romance novels? Am I pulling this idea from nowhere, or is this an already discussed idea?

Mmmm. Russell Brand & Book Talk

2010-12-23T23:58:00.000-08:00

How delicious!

I have to admit I love this man. Seriously, more than I love any man I don't know and will never meet. He's one of those people that you hope is exactly how he is. Public and private. I know that with most celebrity's I have a tendency to judge that they are most likely not who they are in public in their private lives, but there's something about Russell Brand that makes me feel like he's so much himself...all the time. If he's not, its not a dream I want busted.

I started reading My Booky Wook 2 today, it's been on my TBR list since the day it came out. I would have pre-ordered it even, had I realized he had even written it (I'm not always as consistent with my knowledge of upcoming books as I'd like to be). I read My Booky Wook as soon as it came out, and loved it. Tore right through it. It was an excellent book and I plan on reading it multiple times.

I was looking up the cover of the book on google and happened on a video on Youtube of Brand reading the parts of the book right off of his laptop. I was pretty psyched. He read a part I haven't gotten to yet, but I'm excited. I've been in quite a slump lately and reading a book like Brand's is sure to bring me back!

Here's the video I found.

Ooooh Books!

2010-12-23T18:17:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, we all know the feeling, it's the biggest tiny thrill we book addicts can get. That day when something beautifully rectangular, hopefully wrapped well, and perfect, or even a little bit used and loved, shows up in the mailbox. Be it brand new from our favorite bookseller, or the beloved Paperbackswap, or even better than both, a surprise gift from a good friend, a book in the mail is a fun day in the making!

This week, I've had 3 fun days, with 3 separate books. I've been trying very hard to only accept books that are on my wish list when it comes to Paperbackswap. I have an extremely large wish list though, so I am lucky to have books come up to receive.

This week, it was The Quincunx by Charles Palinser, Cunt: A Declarion of Indpendence by Inga Muscio, and Afterlight by Elle Jasper.

The Quincunx has been on my wish list for so long now that I couldn't even remember why I was interested in it when PBS told me that it was available. After reading the description offered by Amazon.com I felt secure in pushing the 'Yes, please send me this book button'. It's a huge book, but it looks very interesting. I'm just wondering if I'll have time to get to it this year.

Cunt (sorry if the title offends, but it is the title) has also been on my wish list for quite some time. I'm usually not one for 'woman power' type of books, but this one has a very convincing title. There's actually one line from the back of the book that seriously intrigues me: "An ancient title of respect for women, the word "cunt" long ago veered off this noble path." I've never ever heard this before. Never. So I'm interested to see where this came from...what the author has to offer, and honestly, whether or not I could believe such a thing.

Afterlife was quickly put on the wishlist in a hurry...no idea how long ago now. But when it came up on my wishlist a pretty little lightbulb went off in my head saying "Oh! You girl, you just signed up for the iChallenges, in which you'll need to read quite a few vampy novels." and so the button was pushed!

I'm pretty psyched about all three of these books, two of which will be added to my reading list pretty quick this year!

Any good pre-Christmas books show up for any of my readers this week?

(P.s, Sorry about my paragraphs all running together, I've tried to fix it a million times and it's just not working.)

It's Time To Talk Challenges

2010-12-19T13:49:00.001-08:00

How in the world would I plan my reading year without reading challenges?

I've decided to join more this year than I have before. Usually I don't sign up for challenges that are hosted by other bloggers. I have a strong tendency to starting a goal and then falling very very short. This leads to that guilty feeling that no one really enjoys. However, this year, there were way too many challenges that I was super interested in that I couldn't deny them. They called to me.

Every year I try to read at least 50 books. I have yet to do it. I try, but life, it gets in the way. I also try to complete the Alphabet challenge. I have come close a couple of times, but again, never completed it. I will this year though!

Here are the other challenges that I plan on entering:

iChallenges hosted by Book Soulmates:

In this challenge the participants are to read at least 10 fae,witch,were, or vamp type novels and post reviews.

The reasons I joined this challenge: First, I <3

The other reason that I decided to join this challenge is because I want to branch out and read more books in these genres. I stick to Karen Marie Moning when it comes to Fae and Kenyon for Vamps and Were's. If I have a goal of reading ten of these types of books, I'm going to have to find more authors. I can't wait!

I've already posted about Roof Beam Readers 2011 TBR challenge, but I feel it's worth mentioning again. I'm psyched to read the books that I've picked for this challenge because of course they are 12 books I've had on my TBR for quite some time. Some of them I just recently got my hands on, but I've been wanting to read for at least a year. I just checked the Roof Beam Readers blog and many more people have signed up for the challenge. I'm psyched to join this particular challenge and am urging my friends to also join.

The Ireland Reading Challenge caught my attention quickly. My favorite author Morgan Llywelyn writes Irish historical fiction and I love her so much it's sick. I'm going to join this particular challenge at the Luck o' the Irish level. This means that I'll be reading 4 books that are either Irish fiction, written by Irish authors or just involve Irish characters between January 1 and November 30.

I think this is a great idea, and for those of you who love historical fiction, or just a good Irish accent, this is the challenge for you!

This is the biggest challenge that I've joined this year, with 20 books being the goal. Part of the reason that I joined this particular challenge is that I will not have to buy many books, or even get many off of Paperbackswap. My love for a good Highlander and his sexy kilt is never ending. So the idea of reading not 10 but 20 books about them in the next year sounds just delightful. I recommend all my romance reader friends check out this awesome challenge.

So, if I add up all the books from the blog challenges I should have no problem completing my 50 books, or my Alpha challenge for that matter.

I'm excited about all of these challenges. I'm excited about having incentive to read when I get in a slump.

What challenges are you joining this year? What's your incentive to join these challenges?

Reading Through the Season

2010-12-18T22:37:00.000-08:00

(To see where I found this picture, a pretty cool site, click the picture)

I've found over the years that I read less during certain times of the year. For the most part the times of year that I've read less hasn't changed. Usually through Thanksgiving and Christmas I read much less, I have a hard time even picking up books. I find this odd due to the fact that as a general rule I tend to enjoy book related things as Christmas gifts....

I hate that during this season, which is suppose to be happy, I am usually slightly depressed, and a part of that is because I'm not reading. It's a vicious cycle.

I've been trying to figure this out for a while, and I blame a large portion of this cycle on the upcoming year. Right now I'm psyched about books that will be coming out soon, and about the challenges that I've decided to participate in. Another part of this whole problem would be that I'm excited about this season itself. I want to read, but I have so much other things on my mind. Working more, so that I can make enough money to deal with Christmas as well as the normal bills, looking forward to time off, but also torn between wanting to spend time with family and wanting to wrap up in my favorite blanket, Alice, and get a nice cup of hot coco and read my books.

I've noticed that we all have the same complaint, not enough time to read. This time of year is when it's most evident to me. What about my readers? Is this time of year hard for you when it comes to reading? Or are you able to find and make time to read? If you are able to do this, please give me tips!

Would You Like Me?

2010-12-17T19:59:00.000-08:00

It's sad really...how we rely of Facebook these days, but we do. I'm no different. That's why I put 'we'.

So, today I shut down my facebook page for this blog, because I was told that I could lose both my personal account as well as the blogs account. In replacement for that account, I have started a 'page'. The kind that is meant to be 'liked' by others. And here I am, asking all of you to 'like' my page. I had over 1,000 friends on my blogs facebook account, I'd like to get at least that many 'Likes'. Please, can you all help me to do this? Not only does this help me...it can help you. If you really do like to read my blog, this can be an easy way for you to stay updated with me. I'll be posting regularly on that page about things happening not only on my blog, but on my friends blog's as well. For instance...if you were to hop over there right now, you'd see a nice link to a nice contest where...get this...wait for it...you could win a FREE book. Isn't that what we're all wanting around the holidays? A free book?
So, click on the nifty thing below and like me. Be a doll.
Thanks!

Just a Quickie

2010-12-14T06:06:00.000-08:00

Last night, as my eyes were fluttering shut, I put on Craig Ferguson and the Late Late Show to see what the nice Scottish man had to say....

My eyes POPPED back open when I heard him talking about books...I spent most of the time he was talking yelling the title of the book at the t.v. screen while my finace rolled his eyes at me.

Here it is, a late show host talking about books, not movies. He's been having more authors on lately, including Salman Rushdie, Dennis Lehane, and Russell Brand (I know...he does movies, but he was promoting his new book)

Here's last nights intro, it's 12 minutes long, but the part I wanted my readers to watch is pretty quick into it. I wouldn't be surprised if you watched the whole video though, he's a funny man.

Classics into Movies

2010-12-12T07:08:00.000-08:00

It's sort of an icky day here in North Western Pennsylvania. I'm not feeling particularly good and so I'm sitting in a dark living room watching The Diary of Anne Frank on Netflix. This version is the 2009 by the BBC. I've never read the book, though I've wanted to very much to do so.

The fact that I'm watching the movie, but haven't read the book, makes me feel like a hypocrite. I am a firm believer that the world needs to quit turning ever bestseller book into a movie. I have refused to watch any of the Twilight movies, and have only watched Harry Potter under duress. I did watch Marley and Me, but only because I knew I had no interest in the book.

In highschool, any book that we read, if there was a movie, we watched it as well. It was as if the teachers, or the curriculum were giving those who had trouble reading, a way out. And while I have complete sympathy for those who struggle with the written word, I think that the whole idea of giving them a second way to learn the information instead of helping them to read is a bit...despicable and lazy.

I know that I have posted a few times about wanting to read more of the classics in the last year and in the upcoming one, but seeing myself use the movies of the great works to get the story pushes my drive to read them even more. I have listed The Jungle by Uptain Sinclair in my 2011 TBR challenge, and hope to read at least one more classic. I need to reread To Kill a Mockingbird because I didn't like it in highschool but think that I would like it much more now.

I have, on the other hand, seen many a movie that was a piece of classic literature. Such as The Lord of the Flies, which I've read. The Great Gatsby, which I've also read. Of Mice and Men, which is one of my favorite books, but I couldn't stand the movie. Much Ado About Nothing, which I should have read in highschool but was sick when we did. The Diary of Anne Frank, which I believe I tried to read once and couldn't get into when I was younger.

I guess that this rambling post is all meant to pose a question to you my readers. What is your favorite classic? What is your favorite movie based on a classic? What would you recommend to me? What classic would you recommend to a younger person, who didn't like reading all that much?

Roof Beam Reader's 2011 TBR Challenge

2010-12-11T13:26:00.000-08:00

I've decided to join Roof Beam Reader in the 2011 To Be Read Challenge. I'm excited, because as always going through my TBR piles is a little bit like an adventure and a lot like fun. I did find that I own 2 copies of Mort by Terry Pratchett....but that's not a big deal.

So here's my list of 12:

1. The Misenchanted Sword by Lawrence Watt-Evans

2. The Jungle by Upton Sinclair

3. Mort by Terry Pratchett

4. Belle by Cameron Dokey

5. The Wind From Hastings by Morgan Llywelyn

6. The Elder Gods by Daivd and Leigh Eddings

7. Reading Judas by Elaine Pagels and Karen L. King

8. The Secret Supper by Javier Sierra

9. Lewis Carroll: A Biography by Morton N. Cohen

10. Mary: Mrs A Lincoln by Janis Cooke Newman

11. The Memoirs of Christopher Columbus with Stephen Marlowe

12. Chalktown by Melinda Haynes

My Alternates (If a couple of the above listed end up in the 'Can't Finish' pile)

1. 1949 by Morgan Llywelyn

2. Graceland by Chris Abani

So there you have it. My 2011 TBR challenge list. Anyone else going to join? Anyone read the books I have listed above?

I've Been Away

2010-12-11T11:54:00.000-08:00

Hey there everyone!

I hope that all of my loyal blog readers have been doing well and are having a wonderful holiday season, I know for the most part I have been.

I've haven't posted in almost a month! I can't even believe it. I haven't been reading much either lately, with the holiday and also had the flu once, for about a week, which meant in turn more work, less sleep, reading, and blogging time available. But I'm hoping to be back. There's just one glitch: my poor laptop has some sort of virus and I've been trying to stay off of it until I can get it properly fixed. My addiction to computer time is sad, and I'm often found sitting on the couch staring into a vast nothingness....

Though, I will say, lack of computer has started another addiciton: All in the Family....but that's another story for another post.

What I have read since last posting: The Crying Tree by Naseem Rakha.

I absolutely loved this book. I think it's a big part of the reason I've not been reading much since I finished it. Naseem Rakha's story just wouldn't let me go. I still find myself thinking about it. If this is on your TBR list my friends...read it tomorrow! If it's not, put it there.

My copy went so quick on Paperbackswap.com I completely forgot to write a review of it. I'm ashamed of myself really, but I'm glad that someone else is getting a chance to be taken away by this sad story.

I'm currently reading The Fourth Queen by Debbie Taylor. It's slow going, but I'm in it. I did unfortunately spill hot coco on my copy last night...I need a more reliable nightstand....luckily I have a hardback copy and I actually left the dust jacket on, so I don't think there is too much damage.

That's pretty much it for reading. Other things I've been into lately...Twitter. Craig Ferguson talks so much about 'the twitter' that I had to go and make my account more useful (Yes, I take my lead from celebrity's it seems...) Thanks to my friend Sari over at The View From Sari's World I'm learning to use twitter even better, and I think that I may have the hang of it. I wish that I had a cell phone that I could use it from easier, but for now, I'm doing well.

Oh, and go ahead and click on that link up there. Sari has a couple of contests going on that I think you'll enjoy....

So, that's my update post. I can make no garuntee's that I'll be any more active in the upcoming weeks, with Christmas coming, and a computer virus. But I'll try. Please follow me on twitter so I can learn even better how to use it. I now know what RT means and I do it often....hopefully I'm using it the right way LOL.

Follow Up With A Winner!

2010-11-13T10:12:00.001-08:00

Good Saturday Morning To All!

I hope everyone is having the relaxing Saturday that we all surely deserve.

Today I'm posting about a winner of the $25 gift card to Amazon.com that I recently gave away. Marcie at To Read or Not to Read was nice enough to follow with me and let me know what she bought with her gift card.

She bought three books, and while I am not really interested in two of them, I'm excited to add one of them to my wish list!

The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemison

Beauty by Robin McKinely

The Season by Sarah Maclean

So as I said, I've heard of The Season, but really have very little interest in reading it. I've never heard of The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, but the cover is really pretty! I have read Robin McKinley, and while I've never heard of Beauty, now that I have I'm ready to put it on my wish list!

Thank you to Marcie for following up with me! I'm so glad that you were able to get three books.

Comfort Food? Nah...Comfort Books...

2010-11-10T20:27:00.001-08:00

Ahhh....the ever fun...ever exciting...ever horrible....time. You know which one I'm talking about girls. ::sigh::

It's never fun is it....

Anyway. During times when I'm not feeling up to snuff I long for my bed, my blankie (Alice), and a book....or maybe some pointless t.v.

What I find most comforting though, in times of stress, depression, sickness, or whatever seems to constantly be ailing me (it seems I'm a bit of a whiner), is that I am constantly surrounded by books in my home.

Tonight was my book group night. Sadly, it is still just the two of us, and since I was not feeling quite up to par, my good friend Kaylee (click her name to see her cute and awesome blog) decided to just come to me. I got to do book club in my p.j's! I felt better having company, and even better discussing the books that I'd received in the mail and the books that she'd been reading. Having my books around really does comfort me. I love them, and I love to just lay in bed when I'm feeling down and out, and look at them.

I think the idea that no matter what is going on in my life or whatever is ailing me, I can pick one up and escape into another world. One that could be vastly different than my own, one that could lift me up, or one that could make me realize that what's going on with me could be much much worse.

Books constantly remind me to be thankful for what I have. They make me happy....

Lamb: Part I & II

2010-11-08T17:18:00.001-08:00

Today's post is going to be just a little different than any other post I've ever done. This is part one of two posts, and there will be a guest!

Today, for your reading pleasure, you'll be hearing from both me and my mom!

My mom and I decided a few weeks ago that once my reading schedule was clear we'd read Lamb by Christopher Moore together. Neither of us has ever done a buddy-read, and she'd never read Lamb, though I'd been insisting for quite some time that she should have. It seemed too easy.

Luckily we've had a really good time doing it and are already planning a couple more...oddly enough the titles we've picked have all been Moore's. Curious...isn't it?

We're both into the third section of Lamb and decided that this was a good time to go back and discuss our feelings and thoughts of the first two parts. I'd like to let you know now, that unlike most of my other posts this one will have spoilers! Just thought I'd warn you. For those of you have not read Lamb I personally recommend that you stop reading my post now (though I'll be sad to see you go) and quickly buy, rent, borrow...and maybe even steal (but only from a friend) a copy of the book. It's too good to pass up!

We'll start with what Mom (Tam) had to say:

Mom Says:

The first thing that struck me was the author's blessing. Right away you know that you have something special here. Moore doesn't care how his book makes you feel as long as you feel something, which he basically says in the blessing: All books reveal perfection, by what they are or what they are not. It makes me feel as a reader like the author is writing true, not for someone.

I also get the feeling that this book is like a religious buddy movie. (Bromance...) Leonardo DiCaprio should play Joshua and Owen Wilson should play Biff...or maybe we can just get Jay and Silent Bob.

Lines that so far have stuck with me and made me giggle every time I thought of them:

Revelations II: Just when you thought you were safe!
Leprous jar of camel snot!

Line that gave me the shivers:

You think you know how this story is going to end, but you don't. Trust me, I was there. I know.

I feel that on one hand this book is about family connections. Or at least the first part of the book is. Biff loves his father though he is a hard man. Joshua loves Joseph, even though he is not his father (but a great father figure to him). Joshua wants to love God, because he is his father, but it is difficult when he can't see or touch him. Joshua has to take God on faith, just like the rest of us.

I also feel that the women in the book are striking. Two that stand out for me are obviously Maggie, and Joy as well. Both are very strong females but also must obey fathers, husbands, or masters as the time period dictates. Even though they have to obey it is shown time and again that they are smarter than the men. At the same time Mr. Moore does a great job at not letting the strong intelligent women make the men in the story look stupid. If nothing else, it compliments them. I feel like the author may have had those types of women in his life, perhaps mothers, grandmothers, or aunts. It may seem on the outside that they may be under the thumb of their male counterparts but the women are actually running the show.

It's just after they circumcise Apollo that the book turns serious with the telling of Herod and Maggie's Uncle Jeremiah being a zealot. In a lot of places the book will be funny and serious at the same time, but this scene is the first that we see it turn strictly serious.

I'll have to admit that this was quite jarring, it brought me not out of the book, but up short. But, the way that Christopher Moore writes, you're half a page on after going "Whoa" and your saying to yourself "Okay...I can deal with this" because he writes it so well.

I feel as if Moore does a good job in playing out the idea that Christianity is a mish-mash of other religions by sending Joshua on this journey to learn of other religions and theologies by visiting the Magi.

I enjoy lines in the book like when Joshua says "I'll have to remember that" when he's taught that you can not build on sand, but have to build on rock so as not to lose your structure. I think that this quite obviously foreshadows Jesus saying to Peter

You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church. 16:18

In the same way I was incredibly intrigued when Biff states that he hung Judah.

I have to admit that I think if I knew more about Judaism the book would most likely be even funnier.

Sharyla Says:

I feel that this story is deceptive (in a good way) because the reader may be thinking that the book is about Jesus. However, in all reality, it's the story of Biff. It's the story of Biff and his life, in relation to Jesus' missing years. More importantly it is the story of Biff and Joshua's undying love and devotion to each other, as best friends, in the way that most of us feel about our very best friend. Not that they are another human being, but that they are a necessary piece of ourselves. Your friend can be your soul mate without the sexual aspect. This book, and the story it tells, proves this beyond anything else it does.

We see this from Biff's point of view when he says

I never felt that sort of concern for my own brothers but from the beginning Joshua filled me with divinly inspired worry.

We see it again from Joshua's point of view when prays so hard for Biff's survival when he's thrown from the ship that the angel is brought down to save him. In many instances we see Joshua fight for the rights and lives of others...but never is an angel brought down unless Biff is in danger.

I feel as well that sometimes the love that's bestowed on Joshua is kept pure, by the fact that Biff feels it in the way that those of us that are not the Son of God are able to. This happens with Josh, Maggie, and Biff...eventually blatantly, but it also happens with many other things that Joshua would have been susceptible to if not for Biff. Biff often sins so that Josh doesn't have to.

The other great story within the book is Biff's love for Maggie...not just in the story Biff is telling, but the love that lasts until he's writing his own gospel. It reminds me more of an adult love than I think Biff is suppose to be feeling...but it does remind me of all the times I've been in love with someone who didn't love me back.

There's a huge part of me that wants Maggie to look away from from Joshua and see Biff.

I found it interesting...and it made me want to read the gospel of Mark when Biff says:

Well, at least Mark mentions me, once. And then it's totally out of context, as if I was just sitting around doing nothing and Joshua happened by me and asked me to tag along.

I was so curious that I grabbed one of my bibles and rad the part of that mentions Biff (Levi) and both Mom and I had an "AHA!" moment, and one of us should have felt a little ashamed...as she was raised in the Christian faith and very well should have picked up on it sooner (not Sharyla).

After reading this very short and very non-contextual section of the Bible, my opinion that Moore is a story-telling genius was solidified. While a friend of mine argues that I'm just as smart, I think that picking the one guy that had very little back story and giving him one...not just Jesus' was pretty darn smart. Well played, sir.

I love the idea that Moore plays on the idea that some of the rules that modern Christians live by are antiquated while Joshua and Biff are staying with Balthazar. Some of these rules just don't apply...or really have any spiritual effects...or so I see it.

Such as bacon.

One must keep in mind while reading my section of this post that I have read this book before. I realize now, on the second go round that from the beginning of the book, you're learning to love Joshua for being not only the Son of God, and eventually, if you're Christian, your savior. You're also learning to love him as a man. A human, with many of the flaws and worries that we have now. It's interesting for a non-Christian to view Jesus this way, and it leaves me wondering what thoughts this brings to the mind of a person of the Christian faith.

And so....

This concludes our thoughts on sections one and two of Lamb. We're loving it so far, as I was quite sure we would and we love sharing what we think with all of you. Look forward to thought provoking comments.

Just one that says "I've never read it...but now I have to!" would be what we're really aiming for though.

Steve Cushman Interview & Giveaway!

2010-11-07T12:36:00.000-08:00

Well, Hello to all of my readers and friends!

Today is special because I am posting my first interview with an author since I started my blog under the new name of A Bookish Wonderland.

We'll be giving away a book as well! Aren't you all so excited?

Steve Cushman (You can visit his website here) has published two novels and one collection of short stories. His novel Portisville (2004) won the 2004 Novello Literary Award.

His most recent book, Heart With Joy will most likely make my top 5 for this year of reads, (my review here) and I've been recommending it to friends as much as possible.

The description itself is engaging and once you read i

t you'll find you have no way to escape the need to read this book:

In Heart with Joy, 15-year-old Julian Hale s life is turned upside down when his mother suddenly moves from North Carolina to Venice, Florida, under the pretense of running her parents nine-room motel and finishing the novel she has been working on for years. Julian is forced to stay with his father until the end of the school year. Three weeks after his mother leaves, Julian s father decides to run a marathon. This surprises Julian because he has never seen his father exercise. But once Julian agrees to help with training, the two develop the sort of close relationship they ve never had before. Meanwhile, with the help of an elderly neighbor, Julian learns that the most important thing in life is to follow your heart. His heart leads him to a passion for cooking and a young cashier at the local grocery store. Once so eager to live with his mother, Julian must choose between staying with his father over the summer and going to live with his mother. Heart with Joy is a literary coming-of-age novel that explores how sometimes the things you need most in life have been there, right beside you, all along.

I was lucky enough to get to not only read and review the book itself, but also interview this amazing author!

Here's how our conversation went:

What inspired you to write a coming of age novel?

When I started the novel, almost 8 years ago now, I wasn't thinking about what sort of novel it would be. I was just writing about a father and son who were thrown together after the mother leaves and how they would somehow get along or learn to love each other. I don't think too far ahead when it comes to writing. I write the story and revise and over the course of revision things like 'what sort of novel' or 'what it's about' come up, but never during the actual initial writing.

Did you have anyone in particular that inspired you to write a character like Mrs. Peters?

Well Mrs. Peters is modeled after my neighbor, Barbara Hughes. Barbara is not in her nineties and has never ran over my leg or anyone else's that I know of, but she is an older woman who likes to spend her days watching birds. Barbara and I have spent a lot of time talking about birds over our shared fence.

On another level, Mrs. Peters was fun to write about because she was sort of this bizarre old lady and y
et she gets to be a surrogate mother for Julian once his mother leaves. And she gave Julian a chance to see there was more to people than we sometimes think.

What kind of research did it take for you to write about birds in the way that you did?

I joke that this was a very selfish novel for me because it allowed me to write about many things that I enjoy: cooking, bird watching, and writing. I spend a part of each day doing each of those things, so no research was needed. While I knew Julian's mother would be a writer, when I started writing the novel I didn't know it would include so much about cooking and bird watching. That stuff just came in as I revised and Julian needed something to do.

Was it easy or hard to write about cooking in a way that didn't make your writer want to fall asleep?

Again, since I enjoy cooking and watching the Food Network it was fun to write about cooking. As a writer, you just put it out there and hopefully you are able to express your enthusiasm for certain things.

Was there any part of you that wanted to make the ending of the book nice and tidy for Julian's parents? If so, what made you leave it open?

Sure, there was a part of me that wanted to wrap it all up in a little bow and send the Hale family off on their merry little way. I'm sure over the years, I wrote a draft or two with that sort of ending, but I decided not to because that's not what happens in real life. It felt pat and easy and not realistic. Also, fiction-wise for this story, it makes more sense for Julian and his father to be together without her at the end.

Some fun questions?

Opera? Love it? Hate it?

Somewhere in the middle. I don't seek it out, but I also don't hide from it if that makes sense.

Are you a good cook?

I think I'm a decent cook but not great. My training is like Julian in Heart With Joy from hours of watching the Food Network and reading cook books.

Did you spend anytime bird watching while or before writing this book?

We have feeders and bird baths in our backyard, and I try to spend a few minutes each day watching the birds out there. I'm a sucker for the small, cute birds--hummingbirds, nuthatches, chickadees, etc..

Any pet allergies?

Thankfully no as we have two cats and a dog.

Favorite dish?

To cook: that salmon dish in the novel. To eat: cheesy chicken quesadillas.

I want to thank Steve so much for participating and for letting me be one of the ones who got to read this wonderful book. And now....

~The Giveaway~

Click here to fill out a form that will get you a chance (or two) to win a copy of Heart With Joy!
Contest ends: November 14th, 2010
(if there is a problem with the form please let me know, this is my first time using them)

Follow Friday (A Day Late)

2010-11-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! Yesterday was Friday...and while I should have been putting up this post, I was instead chit chatting with an old friend that I only get to see every once in a great while. I had a wonderful night, but my poor blog was quite neglected.
I am here now, nevertheless, and completely prepared to answer the question of this week:
Who Are Your Favorite Authors?
Well, I have to say that my all time favorite author is David Eddings, who just int he last couple of years, sadly, passed away. I ate through my mom's copies of his books when I was a teen and loved them (No YA for me back then LOL).
Recently, I've been loving Gaiman, Christopher Moore, Melissa Marr, and another mainstay of mine, Morgan Llewyellen. (I can never get her last name right, but that doesn't mean I don't love her).

New Books!

2010-11-04T15:19:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, the sweetest thing for an addict...the wonderful package that comes in the mail, that holds they key to all of our desires...for the moment.

I've received 3 books this week in my mailbox.

First from Paperbackswap.com (my id is love2lovebooks) I received Her Last Death by Susanna Sonnenberg which has been on my wishlist for quite some time now. I finally had credits on PBS after not using it for a very long time (being able to print postage at home is extremely handy).

Today when I came home two lovely plain brown packages that had Air Mail and Royal Mail marked on them caused me to jump with giddiness. Booky Wook II by Russell Brand and Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr had arrived from The Book Depository (my new favorite place to shop). I was particularly excited by the swiftness that the books arrived because when the website was recommended to me I was warned that it took a bit longer for the books to arrive due to them being...well...farther away and all.

I just finished one memoir last month and now have two more to read. It seems memoirs are what I'm in the mood for lately.

Also want to let my readers know to be on the look out for at least one interview and giveaway this month, if not two. Aren't you just tingling with excitement? I know I am...or that could be the cold Pennsylvania fall..

We'll call it excitement.

Broken Birds by Jeanette Katzir

2010-11-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

Broken Birds: The Story of My Momila by Jeannette Katzir

ISBN: 978-0-615-274483-6

Pages: 374

Back of Book Description:

Channa will evade Nazi soldiers and survive WWII by the age of twelve. The consequences will be that her 5 children will fight for their own survival with---each other.

World War II has long since ended, and yet Jaclyn and her four brothers and sisters grow up learning to survive it. Having lived through the Holocaust on the principle of constant distrust, their mother, Channa, dutifully teaches her children to cling to one another while casting a suspicious eye to the outside world. When Channa dies, the unexpected contents of her will force her adult children to face years of suppressed indignation. For Jacyln and her siblings, the greatest war will not be against strangers, but against one another. Broken Birds: The Story of My Momila is Jeannette Katzir's achingly honest memoir of the enduring effects of war. From her parents' harrowing experiences during the Holocaust to her own personal battles, Katzir exposes the maladies of heart and mind that those broken by war, inevitably and unintentionally pass down to the generations that follow.

My Rating: A

My Review:

This is an amazing story.

When I first started reading it I realized that the idea of the book itself was pretty new to me. I'd never really thought about the effects of the the Holocaust or the war itself on the descendants of the victims.

Learning about Channa and Nathan was extremely interesting. The separate fights they both went through showed very much how it shaped their futures, and subsequently their children's futures.

I was surprised and aghast at the way that the original families treated each other, and while the author seems to show that the war, and the German Army's treatment of the Jews caused much of the problems, I felt that some of the blame laid of the families of Channa and Nathan. I was constantly asking myself how families who had been through so much didn't come together in the time of crisis and the time afterwards. Instead it seemed that the siblings of Channa and Nathan either didn't care or used it to their advantage.

I could completely understand where Channa's paranoia came from, even while watching the way that it shaped her children's thought processes in a negative way.

Towards the end of the book, I felt that the author could have spent more time bringing the reader back to the War, and the past, and how it had shaped this future that the family was facing, but all it took was some memory on my own part as a reader to see how it had done so. It would been nice for a little added help from Ms. Katzir, but didn't really hurt the book not to have it.

All in all I think this is a great book for people who are going through family issues of their own, or people who are interested in the long lasting effects of WWII. Really, this book is good for just about everyone.

Follow Friday

2010-10-29T14:29:00.000-07:00

It is quite happily....Friday! I'm excited to spend some quality time with my couch and my book.
Follow Friday is a great day as well, always fun learning about new and different bloggers.
The question today was:
If you have, or would have a daughter, what book would you want them to read?
As a younger girl I really loved Lurlene McDaniel's books, as well as The Babysitter's Club. I think what I read the most times was Black Beauty. Ahhh...I can still see scenes from that book in my head.
I'd want my little girl to read a well rounded amount of genres. Classics that show a girls feminineness and newer books that show the strength a woman can have. I'd also want my child, male or female, to read all the genres I could get them to, that way I would be able to open up more worlds to them, and hopefully plant the seed of joy in reading.
While I'm here I wanted to mention the new and awesome Book&Blog email discussion group. Book Bloggers Unite is a group for those who love to read, and love to blog about reading to get together, talk book, talk blog, and talk life. Feel free to check us out here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bbunite/

Psyched!

2010-10-27T21:04:00.001-07:00

Have you ever had one of those book purchasing experiences where you were just so psyched to click the 'order' button you could hardly contain it? I'm relishing in the afterglow of one of those very instances right now!

While talking books with my Mom this evening she mentioned to me that Russell Brand had released a second book, Booky Wook II: This Time It's Personal and I instantly went to Amazon.com to see what the price was. On Amazon it was 17+ and on BN.com it was 19+. I decided to make my purchase on Amazon and go ahead and order a second book Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr to make sure I got the free shipping. While I was making this purchase my fiance reminded me about The Book Depository, and their all the time world wide free shipping. So I hopped over to compare prices some more, and to my delight, Booky Wook II was only a little over 14 dollars!! Radiant Shadows was only a few cents cheaper, but I saved about 3 dollars on my entire order.

Now I have only to wait. Since I am in the U.S. and The Book Depository is based int he UK, I will have to wait a bit longer to get my books, but that's okay. Just knowing they are on their way makes me jump with glee!

To Kiss A Demon by JL Oiler

2010-10-24T08:40:00.001-07:00

To Kiss A Demon by JL Oiler

Pages: (E BOOK) 77

Book Description from Amazon.com:

Katrina Rush is a special task force officer assigned to take down on of the city’s biggest arms dealers. Unfortunately, not all her team is on board with the idea. When several of the group turn traitor and assassinate their comrades, Kat is faced the accusations that she is to blame for the treachery.

Barak if a demon from the inworld that has come to the outer plane to find a woman to be his bride. When he catches Kat’s scent, he knows he has found the right one. Now all he needs to do is save her from the bad guys, help her revenge her fallen teammates, and convince her to be his Zi-mate. The fact that the glamour hiding his true nature he borrowed from a witch might make it a bit more difficult.

Together Kat and Bark seek out and eliminate the bad guys while burning up the sheets, as the time their glamour will hide them here in the human plane draws to a close. In the end, Kat finds herself faced with a decision that could mean losing Barak.

My Rating: A

My Review:

When JL Oiler first asked me if I would review her book, I wasn't expecting quite what I got. In my mind a book with a title like that would run along the same lines as Kenyon. Until Ms. Oiler pointed out to me that it was paranormal erotica I wasn't expecting it at all. This being my first time with this particular genre, I was excited and a little nervous as to what I might find, and worried about how I would write my review.

I delved into the book and read half of it in a very short amount of time. The story flows easily and quickly, to me bordering on a bit too quick, but I didn't let it bother me because it was a new to me genre. I, personally, could have used a bit more back story, but maybe this is how this type of book is set up, I really have nothing to compare to.

Somehow, in only 77 reading pages, I found that I really enjoyed all of the characters. JL Oiler does in 77 pages what some authors can't do in 300 hundred. She wrote some awesome, eye catching, rounded characters that by the end of the book I really wanted to see more of and learn more about.

The erotica part was...fun. ::devilish grin:: I was worried that I would see a little story, a lot of sex, and then a little story. Not so! There was sex, and it was erotic, but it fit into the story pretty well, and did not overshadow it. All in all, a great way for a erotica virgin to break into the genre as a reader.

I look forward to more by this author, and will be recommending it others!

Heart With Joy by Steve Cushman

2010-10-22T22:45:00.000-07:00

Heart With Joy by Steve Cushman

ISBN: 978-0-9825396-3-7

Pages: 182

Back of Book Description:

In Heart With Joy, fifteen year old Julian Hale's life is turned upside down when his mother suddenly moves from North Carolina to Florida under the pretense of running her parents' motel and finishing the novel she has been writing for years. While Julian has always been closer to his mother and wants to go with her, she tells him he has to stay with his father until the end of the school year.

When Julian's father decides to run a marathon, Julian agrees to help him train, and the two develop the sort of close relationship they've never had before. Also, with the help of an elderly neighbor who loves to spend her days bird-watching, Julian learns that the most important thing in life is to follow your heart. And Julian's heart leads him to a passion for cooking and a young cashier at the local grocery store even as his own parents drift apart. By the end of the novel, Julian is forced to choose between staying with his father and going to live with his mother.

My Rating: A+

My Review:

Wow. This book sort of took my breath away. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this short, but extremely touching novel.

Julian is a great character, the kind of kid you can really connect with. His struggles with his parents separation are normal and easy to empathize with. Watching Julian grow into his love of cooking is interesting, when I never thought that reading about someone cooking could be. Mr. Cushman was able to take the scenes of Julian cooking and keep them completely real, while also very interesting. The reader is able to fall into the same rhythm Julian has as he chops, fries, and bakes his way through the challenges that are set in front of him.

I loved watching Julian's opinion of his parents grow and change. I remember the realization that my parents weren't the superhero's I thought they were, or the demon's either. Those days are hard for any child, no matter what age, and I think that a young adult reading this would really be able to gain a new insight with Julian's experience.

I appreciated how mature and well mannered Julian was, while at the same time his feelings that others would judge him for being so were that of a 15 year old. His relationship with Mrs. Peter's, the old lady next door, is sweet and where we learn the most about Julian. As events unfold I got choked up and even cried because the author lets us determine our own emotions about the ordeals. I loved this part of Cushman's writing.

All in all this is a wonderful read, and I highly recommend it. My copy was given to me for free in return for a fair and honest review. I will not be parting with it any time soon. Actually, I'm off to look up Steve Cushman's other works and add them to my wishlist. I suggest that you, my dear reader, do the same.

Blog Hop!!

2010-10-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

Well, happy weekend everyone! It's that time of week again, the one where we answer a question, meet a bunch of new bloggers, and fun is had by everyone!

This week the question is:

"Where is your favorite place to read?"

Well...my favorite place to read is in the bath. To me, a hot bath with some bubbles, and maybe a little Celtic music, that's the spot..

Obviously though, I can't read only in the bath. If I did, I'd be a prune. I also can be caught reading on the couch with my blankey (who has a name, Alice), and in the bed (though I find that pretty uncomfortable after about 20 minutes, in my rocking chair (which is the most comfortable, and yet the least used), or like today, at work. I really can read anywhere. I'm also a huge fan of reading in the car on a long trip. I use to get excited when we would have a doctor's appointment for my ex boyfriend because that meant the trip to and from was all reading, and of course that long wait....it never annoyed me!

I am going to capitalize on the fact that it's a hop, and re-mention to all of my new and old friends about the new Yahoogroup: Book Bloggers Unite. I got a great response from my original question of whether this was something people would actually be interested in, and decided to get it under way. Already there's been a great mixture of ideas and lots of book talk as well. We'd love to have some more members to share and learn with. Please remember that this is not a group for authors, just readers and bloggers!

Click here to learn more, or of course you could always email me. (abookishwonderland@yahoo.com) for more info.

Bad Reviews....Do They Make Good Authors?

2010-10-20T22:15:00.000-07:00

Ahhh...the ever saddening bad review.

I recently read a book that....well, let's just say didn't jive with me. I felt that it needed a lot of work. I pushed through it as I've been working harder on fulfilling commitments, even if it means it takes me almost a month to read a 200 page book.

After writing the review I realized that it may be hurtful to the authors feelings. I posted on my blog a while ago for advice on what to do about this. Whether to post the review, let the author take a look first, and then post, or just not post at all. I took the advice I was given from my amazing readers and made a decision that sat well with my mind and heart.

I chose to write the review, email it to the author, and give that person the decision of whether or not it went on my blog. As I assumed it would go, the author requested that I not post the blog, and was very nice about my not so sweet review.

My question isn't really whether or not you would choose to post the review or let it slide, it's what keeps us from posting negative reviews of less known authors than of more famous ones?

If I read a Neil Gaiman, Stephanie Myer, Stephen King, or Dan Brown book that I disliked, I'd have no qualms with posting a scathing review. But, an author that personally asked me to review their book, I feel the need to give them positive or nothing at all. Is it the fact that my lowly review is less important to the 'big time' authors? Someone had to have given them a negative review in the past. Not everyone loves these authors now, so surely they weren't loved from the start were they? Who was that mean critic that chose to tear their works of art to pieces, no matter what the author would feel like? Where would these authors be if people like me were the only ones that talked about their books? Would their works be as good as they are now. (Not for the record that I think all of the aforementioned authors are awesome).

Now I'm wondering if I did this author a disservice by not posting my review. What will this person have to work harder for? No one knows how I feel about their book....

What are your feelings dear readers? How do you feel about authors 'paying their dues'. Bad reviews...they're just part of the game aren't they. Should we be pulling punches? Is that how we get millionaire authors that aren't worth their weight?

I Did it!

2010-10-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

Well, I did it. I started a discussion group (Through Yahoogroups) that is for those of us who love to read, and love to blog about loving to read.

Book Bloggers Unite is meant for Bloggers and Readers. To join, you need to have a blog about books. It's that simple.

I wanted to make a place where we could share ideas, critique our blogs, and have some fun. I hope that you will consider joining my group.

Note for Authors: This is a pretty specific group, not meant for authors. If you want to market to our group please email me at abookishwonderland at yahoo dot com.

For everyone else: Click here to see the group's home page.

Discussion Group?

2010-10-16T17:25:00.000-07:00

I am seriously contemplating the idea of starting a Yahoo Group for readers and bloggers alike. It would be a place where we could discuss how to use various blog sites, as well as what we're reading. Maybe even a place for authors to come and find those of us that like to review new authors and do interviews and giveaways. I am wondering if this is something that anyone would be interested in actually joining and participating in?

Please let me know your ideas via comments or the new poll at the top left of my blog. Thanks so much.

The Goodness That Friday Brought!

2010-10-16T01:20:00.000-07:00

As I was running horribly late for work on Friday morning, with a boss who is terribly understanding, but also a great instigator, I was surprised to find a box of books outside my front door. The shipment from Barnes and Noble that I ordered with my $50 dollar gift card I received for my birthday was unexpectedly early. I ordered the books on the 26th of September and they were scheduled to ship on the 19th of October. In my rush to get to work on time I struggled with the idea of going back inside and ripping open the box just to see my pretty new books in person! Instead I grabbed the box and quickly shoved it into my bag and started my trek to work.

I want to mention now that I'm a bit...humbled by the idea that no one at work found it surprising that I showed up with a box of books from BN. Apparently this is completely expected behavior from the office'Thesaurus' as they call me. (I would like to note here that the word they actually mean to use is Dictionary but I don't have the heart to tell them...)

The books that I received today are pictured above. I'm excited that I finally have a place I can set up books to take pictures of when I receive them. Usually I take the picture on my bedspread, which I love, but is a bit...gaudy.

I received two books that I have previously read. Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett is my all time favorite book. I swear by it every time. I think I'm up to 3 or 4 times that I've read it completely, and there are countless numbers of times that I'll go back and reread my favorite parts to friends because they just have to hear this one scene (I need to admit that this is an act I go through really just for myself. I couldn't care less if my friends are listening.) I have a tendency to give away my copy of Good Omens to needy friends. Anytime a friend says "I'd like to read a book...something different" I grab my copy and say "Here, I'll just buy another one." I need to stock up!

I've also previously read Lamb by Christopher Moore and quickly got rid of my first copy on Paperbackswap. Two or three days later I was kicking myself because I already wanted to read it again! It's taken me about a year and half to pick up another copy, but after my Mom said she was going to read an e-book of it, I had to get a copy so that maybe we could read it at similar times. I'm looking forward to rereading both of these books soon.

I also ordered The Crying Tree by Naseem Rakha which I read about a while back in the Chicago Tribune. I'm very excited to read this book, as I saw many mixed reviews on Good Reads and think that it's right up my alley. I'm already intrigued by all the secrets that apparently come out in the end of the book!

Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder is the third in the Poison Study books. I have taken my sweet sweet time to finish this series. I loved the first one, and while the second, Magic Study fell a bit flat at the end for me, I really want to see what happens with the main character and where her next journey will take me. I love a certain character in this series very much, and have a huge huge crush on him, I think this is part of what keeps me going (with the series that is).

The last book of the Birthday Order was Doomed Queens by Kris Waldherr. I'd never heard of the book before and now I can't even remember how I clicked on it. What grabbed my attention was the quote from Eleanor Herman (one of my favorite non-fiction writer's) that says

" A fascinating journey through thousands of years of the world's most dangerous job--being a queen!"

I have enjoyed both of the books that I've read by Herman and own a third, so if she says the book is alright then I am more than willing to give it a go. Though I've only read a few paragraphs so far, I am already loving this book. There are so many extras that it's almost like a fun little activity book! The art in the book is amazing and interesting. A coworker even pointed out that there are paper dolls to be cut out (And instructions on how to NOT deface the book but still get your paper dolls). I'm looking forward to see if Kris Waldherr can give me any new information that I didn't learn from Ms. Herman herself.

Amongst the books in the picture above is one that did not come today and was not ordered through BN. That would be Broken Birds by Jeannette Katzir. This is the story of her childhood being raised by parents who were both Holocaust Survivors. If this sounds interesting to you, I'd keep an eye on my blog for a bit, because it might just end up in a giveaway!!

The only problem with the outpouring of books that have showed up on my doorstep this week? That would be that I am still reading another book that is taking me a while and I am torn between putting it down or using these new books as a reward for finishing!

Follow Friday

2010-10-15T14:47:00.000-07:00

Good Weekend Everyone! Personally I'm quite glad that it's finally here! I'm looking forward to getting my hair done with a friend, and having my niece overnight. I also am looking forward to this blog post, and the next, which will be about the books that appeared on my doorstep today!

But, before anything else, it's Follow Friday!

I hope that if any of you are here form the hop, you'll leave a comment to say hello and if your not from the hop, then you'll still leave a comment and maybe even join in the awesomeness that is this day! Thanks to Parajunkee for starting this in the first place! As always it's a great way to meet and greet :D

Book Page

2010-10-13T19:03:00.000-07:00

I don't know if any of my readers are able to get their hands on a copy of Book Page (and if not you can click on the link to see the website) but it's an awesome monthly newsletter/catalog thing that I can grab from our local bookstore, coffee house, and library. I love them. I didn't get them for a while, because, to be honest, I forgot about them. But recently at my book discussion group (which is sadly down to two members) I was reintroduced.

Octobers edition had some great looking titles in it.

First I read a really cool article about Margaret Robison and her new book

The Long Journey Home. In this book she apparently does some explaining as to what her

two sons Augusten Burroughs & John Elder Robison where talking about in their books.

Now, to be honest I have only ever heard of the book Running With Scissors, and know nothing of these people and their stories. After reading the article in Book Page though, I'm quite intrigued. I'm just wondering how many of the sons' books I'm going to have to read before I will be able to fully understand their mothers book.

There were many other great looking titles in Book Page this month. Of course, I wrote down a few. Here they are:

I have to say that the cover art on all of these books are really great! I'm intrigued by the covers alone. I'm especially looking forward to Adam & Eve which is a bit outside my comfort zone. I enjoy trying new things, but it is especially fun when it's books. Or at least it is to me.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-13T05:48:00.000-07:00

Shhhh....Click here to see where it starts

How Do You Discuss Your Books?

2010-10-10T10:18:00.000-07:00

As I find myself using the internet even more to discuss books, I was wondering what others do to discuss their book love?

Obviously many of us have blogs, which is a great way to connect with other readers, authors, publishers and editors. But there are other avenues that a bibliophile can take as well.

Personally I started on Yahoogroups, which it seems aren't used much anymore. I'm a part of a couple of groups on there. My favorite by far, as the members have become like family to me over the last few years, is MostlyBooks.

Mostly Books is a great group where there are a few people who just love to talk about books, but also realizes that books aren't the only thing happening in our lives. (While we may wish it was). I've been a member for a few years now, and as I said before the groups members are like a family to me. I love them all dearly. If you are ever looking for a place to make awesome friends and learn a lot about books and many more topics, this group is for you.

Click to join MostlyBooks

There are also websites like Goodreads, where you can discuss books, and share what you are reading. Sites like this have an awesome amount of extras (my personal favorite is that I can put in how many pages I am into a book at it calculates how much more I have to read).

Some of us may even be a part of face to face book groups. I started one recently that only has 3 people that come, but we have fun and we really enjoy our time together chatting. It's run a bit like Mostlybooks is, in that if the topic strays from books there is no one feeling like we're horribly off topic.

So, the point of this post is to ask, how do you discuss your books? Online, email, face to face?

While I'm here, I want to welcome yet another blogger into our little world. Please check out Euphoric Thoughts of a Eukaryote. She's a good friend of mine with some fun stuff to talk about!

Have a great Sunday everyone!

On a So Much More Serious Note

2010-10-05T15:28:00.000-07:00

I will be tying this post into books, just to keep myself sane, but first and foremost this post is about suicide.

One of my very good friends tried to commit suicide on Monday night. This is not a new subject for me. Personally it's something I've been dealing with for far too many years. But along the way I have learned coping mechanisms. I have learned how to deal better with my depression and loneliness. My friend has yet to learn these. To him, this is still the only choice.

There may be readers who have felt as he has and there may be some who have never thought to take their own life. I hate to say it, but these are two types of thinking that are very hard to reconcile. Even for those of us who have attempted this act, it's different for each of us I think. The experience, the reasons, and the act, are all of their own.

An attempt at suicide can be made for many reasons. Attention, release, death...but few see it this way. Most see it as a selfish act, which it is, that the individual commits with out any thought of anyone but themselves. What most people understand is that while this is true, it is also untrue. I don't know exactly how to explain it, but there are many who are thinking of their loved ones in that moment, just not the way that we think they should be. Suicide is not cut and dry.

I am going to share with you my feelings as someone who has gotten the call that no one wants to get. Luckily my friend is alive, but he will have so many more hurdles to get through now that he's done what he's done. It's hard to understand that, and my poem is to help him. I also want others to understand what their friends or loved ones go through when they attempt to take their lives. I know it may be hard, but understanding is much more effective than anger.

The tree does not know what it’s like to forget the sun.

The birds can only imagine the loss of the clear blue sky.

I know my friend what it is to feel like there is no other choice.

I know that deep abyss that makes you yearn to take your life.

Dear friend, dear soul once the act is complete,

There are hearts a plenty that will show and hear you weep.

That loneliness and anger that tore you apart

It will grow and it will fester when you realize they have no hearts.

Your feelings and your mind, they are not important to them.

The badger and the hen, they want to know the reasons and why you could be so cruel.

They do not know that you committed this act for you.

They can not understand the pain that caused you dear,

To take up a knife and render your veins a bloody mess.

But I will know, and I will hear your fears and your tears and you reasons why.

I will not judge, I will not cry

In rage

At your selfishness and your conceit

I will hold you in my mind and in my soul

I would commiserate if this were not a single path that you are to tow.

For now I will write about our experiences and our pasts.

I will listen to your words that you are not yet able to speak.

And the tree, the birds, badger and hen, they will be there to make sure that it takes as long as possible for you to get better again.

Just remember that I am here and I am able to help you make it past

The rocks and the brambles that the act has put in your path.

Here are some books that may help others understand suicide. All of the books are recommended on the website SAVE (I will let you know I have read none of these books and have no personal opinion on them)

GoodReads and Book Depository

2010-10-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

I just want to say that I am so pleased with the wonderful and supportive responses that I received from readers on my last post! I think this could become a great discussion, really.

I also wanted to post about my activity on Goodreads.com. I never found it very exciting in the past, but lately I've been excited to add books I'm reading on the site, as well as books that I've been adding to my shelves. If anyone is interested in adding me, or in me ad

ding them, my user name is Abookishwonderland.

I also wanted to talk about the Bookdepository.com. I don't think I had ever heard of this site, but was recently at a friends house when she mentioned it to me. Apparently, they are based in the UK and have FREE shipping on all orders!! For those of us in the U.S. these means longer shipping times, but also...FREE shipping!!! Free shipping is a great thing really, especially on books...with their weight and all. On my last order at BN.com the shipping itself was 7.95. That's almost a whole book! Where has this site been for the last...well..forever of my life? How many people have known about this before I did?? ::sigh:: I've always hated being late to the party.

Speaking of being late to the party. There was a book published in 1991 that looks delicious. It's title The Boomer Bible by R.F. Laird. The same friend that told me about The Book Depository told me about The Boomer Bible. I skimmed a few pages of her copy, and am looking forward to making it my next book purchase. This is not a short book, 880 pages. But it sure looks good. Very funny! And a very simple cover to make it all the more enticing.

Ethical Dilemma?

2010-10-02T09:07:00.000-07:00

I have a question for those of you who write reviews of books that the author has personally asked you to write.

In the last couple of months I've had a few authors email me and ask me to review their books. Some are first time authors, some are not. I feel extremely privileged to be asked and most usually, of course, say yes. That is the whole reason I started this blog in the first place. But now, I'm very much stuck between a rock and a very uncomfortable place (Like perhaps the back of a Volkswagen).

One of the books that I've been asked to review has a great premise, and some very lackluster editing. I'm having serious troubles reading more than three or four pages at a time. I don't know what I should do. I want desperately to read the rest of the book and do what I told the author I would, but at the same time I can not see the review being a good one. I have good points to say about the book, but they are drowned by the bad points. I also want to tell the author that they have great ideas, really, but need a lot more editing. I'm finding myself editing the book as I go, which makes the reading experience less fun, personally. What do I do in this situation? Do I just read the book, give my honest review and be done with it? Do I email the author and tell them my feelings so far?

I want to be an honest reviewer and I feel that I am. But I don't want to hurt anyones feelings. I'm feeling extremely torn and need some advice. Any you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

Hello Hello

2010-09-29T18:42:00.000-07:00

Hey there everyone!!! I've been MIA for a few weeks now, and have a ton of catching up to do. My life has been in a slight (very slight) upheaval the last few weeks since both the occupants of the Wonderland home have gotten new schedules. We were also affected by a nasty cold that has pretty much cut me off from everything but work! But with some pushing I am trying to get back into a normal routine! Trying...that's the key word here.

Tonight, after a text from a friend who reminded me about book group tonight I dragged my Aunt who is in town visiting. We had a very good time as usual. We even picked up a few books! They had a nice little set of some short story collections. Short stories are not usually my thing, but these looked interesting so I decided to give them a go. I picked up:

Monopolies of Loss by Adam Mars-Jones

and

The Facts Behind the Helsinki Roccamatios

Today I received a book in the mail as the winnings of a contest. It's an ARC copy of One Day by David Nicholls. I'm excited to read it. Very excited.

I also received a rather large shipment of books (6 boxes) that were left in Illinois when I came home to Pennsylvania almost 2 years ago. I'm excited to crack into them and see what I left behind. It's like Christmas all over again.

I recently got to spend 50 dollars at BN.com with a gift card from my parents for my birthday. I'll post about those books when they come along. I'm excited to see them! Some I've read before and some are new to me.

I also wanted to point out a new blog. The blogger is a friend of mine who is a highly intelligent awesome guy who I just don't get to see enough his blog is Attempts @ Art & Authenticity. Please check it out!

Now on to the part about what I've been reading. I'm currently reading a new author named Christine E. Schulze. The book is titled Bloodmaiden. Ms. Schulze was kind enough to send along 2 copies of her book, and I will be doing an author interview and giveaway (not the author, the books) with my review! I'm looking forward to it, it's been a while since I've been able to give away books!

So, while I was sick and adjusting to my new life, what my dear reader's have you been up to?

A long week

2010-09-12T14:06:00.000-07:00

After Labor Day we have been swamped here at the Wonderland home. Lots of work and lots of home life stuff. Hence the reason I haven't been around the last week.

I just wanted to announce that I'm excited by a couple of requests from authors to review there books. There will be at least one author interview and give away coming up on my blog, if not two! I'm really excited about these offers to review. So keep coming back for the opportunity to win win win! And of course...meet some awesome new authors!

There's also a new poll up! Check to the left, my question is...Do you find yourself lacking ambition after a holiday?? Does that day off of work just ruin you for the week? It does me, I'm just hoping I'm not the only one.

Winner!!!

2010-09-05T07:47:00.000-07:00

The winner of the Thanks for Being A Friend contest is:

Loves2Read.

I'm so grateful for those who chose to enter.

While I'm here, I wanted to remind you all that there is still a Blog Hop going on my blog. Te Blog it Forward blog hop did great the first weekend, but has steadily gone down hill since. I would love for everyone to join me in this hop.

Thanks for you're entries and have a wonderful weekend!

Blog It Forward Weekend (3)

2010-09-04T11:07:00.000-07:00

Ellz Readz has many followers, but I think that comes from the awesomeness of the blog author. Elie recently commented on a post of mine recently and when I had a question about her comment I emailed her for some follow up. She emailed me back, quickly, with a great answer and even more ideas. I appreciate bloggers that are so willing to help each other out! So, I ask you friends and readers, to take some time and visit Ellz Readz. She deserves it, and her blog is so cute and fun, you'll feel right at home there!
The Guidelines of Blog it Forward Weekend:
1. Leave a comment to let me know you were here.
2. While leaving the comment, tell me about a blog you think deserves some extra attention, and if you have good reason, of course let us know that too!
3. Enter your form in the Linky thingy below.
4. Take time to visit the other participants
5. Feel free to post about this blog hop on your blog, and if you want, showcase the blog you mentioned in your comment, as I did above with Ellz Readz.
I'm excited to get this one on the way! I look forward to meeting new people and seeing what blogs you're all excited about!

Final Reminder for the Contest

2010-09-03T17:30:00.001-07:00

Hey All!!

I just wanted to remind everyone that this is the final day of the contest! A 25 dollar gift card to the winner's choice of either Amazon or Barnes and Noble is the prize and the contest is easy as pie to enter! Just click on this sentence to read the rules and such and go ahead and enter! I'm looking forward to all the new friends!

Follow Friday

2010-09-02T19:52:00.000-07:00

The question for this weeks Follow Friday feature is what is my favorite brick and mortar bookstore.
After trying to learn what that term meant I have decided that I can answer the question. My favorite brick and mortar bookstore would be Paperback Reader in Kankakee, IL. I have known the owner for probably 15 years of my 24 year life, and it's like a second home to me. My dad and I would make a day of going there when I was little..bigger..and biggest. I call the owner Mom. Now, this may mean I'm a bit biased, but, not so. It's genuinely a great store. You can walk in and ask the owner, who is almost always manning the desk, about a book...with little detail and she'll be able to tell you the title and author.
I love that store. I miss that store. Now here, in Pennsylvania, I'd have to say that my favorite store of this kind would be Barnes and Noble. But only because I'm not a huge fan of our local used book store. I'm not a fan, because it is not traditional, or the way I like I guess. There's a selection of new books, and while it's pretty easy to tell the difference, there's nothing worse (to me) than going into a used book store with 5 dollars, seeing the book you want, new, for 10. I'd rather they didn't have a used copy and that was that. Tempting me is not nice.

Two Posts in One Day

2010-09-02T16:56:00.000-07:00

I couldn't help it. I have discovered an author I must know more about. Lane Smith, apparently, writes children's books. One is cleverly titled...It's a Book. I will be owning this. I will. I swear. The video that Lane (I believe) also put together for the book is awesome. And cute. And funny. And I want to watch it a million times.

If any of my readers know anymore about Lane Smith and her books, please let me know. And if you know nothing about her, watch this video and you'll understand why I'm so interested.

Questions on Thursday

2010-09-02T05:47:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!!

Today, I started a Good Reads account. You can find me there now under Abookishwonderland. Now, I'm not really sure what to do with it, or how to make it help my blog. Starting the account and using the site was one of the many awesome suggestions I was given during the current contest on my blog (see the contest section).

So, dearest readers, how do you make Good Reads work for you? And what do you get out if it?

I also wanted to mention that I'm starting Questions on Thursday, as of today. If you have a question, be it book related or blog related, post it in the comments and 1 to 3 questions will be picked to be featured the next Thursday to be answered. Of course your blog link will also be posted so that you too can gain a few more readers.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful Thursday!

Half Way Through!

2010-09-01T05:54:00.000-07:00

Hello Hello!! Hope everyone is having a nice calm Wednesday morning. I know I am. I just made my coffee, looks delicious in my Alice in Wonderland latte cup! And now I'm sitting down to express some thoughts to readers like you!

This morning I was thinking about another hobby of mine, and how reading touches it all the time.

I'm a huge fan of The Sims. Played every one. 3 is by far the best, in my honest opinion. But that's not the point of this little post. I find myself, often, using names from characters in books for the names of my Sims. I know that my mom does the same thing, but I was wondering if we were the only people out there weird enough to tie this two completely separate past times together.

I also have plans to name a dog after a character in a book. Someday, oh someday, we'll have a harlequin Great Dane named Hatter. My fish was named after Alice. And the fish before that, may his cute fishy but be swimming in a sea of happiness, was named Carpenter (which is a slightly less obvious Alice in Wonderland reference).

I know that good friends of mine have named their children after authors. We know a little girl named Ravyn Poe.

So I'm wondering on this serene Wednesday morning. Readers, have you named anything after books or the characters in them? If so, do tell