Lil' Rae of Sunshine

Book Review: Storm Front

2012-01-19T18:25:00.001-05:00

Storm Front (Dresden Files #1) (*****)
by Jim Butcher

Storm Front is a sort of who-dun-it, private-eye novel...except Harry Dresden is a wizard and the cases he's drawn into are of an other-worldly nature. In this book, the first novel in a long-running series, Harry finds himself dealing with two cases. The first comes from his private detective business - a woman hires Harry to find her missing husband. She doesn't think the cops can help her, and the husband had some interest in magic. At the same time, Harry was called in by the cops to consult on a police case - two bodies have been found with their hearts ripped out of their chests and no sign of how that was accomplished. Harry takes both cases and finds himself in more danger than he ever could have imagined.

Harry, rather than being all rough-and-tumble, drunk grump, and/or gritty tough guy, is actually emotionally accessible. As he finds himself up against the cops, a Chicago crime lord, an insane and powerful magician, and members of the White Council (a sort of magical police force and governing council), Harry is alternately righteously angry, scared out of his wits, exhausted, and determined. The story is a mix of mystery, humor, and excitement. Storm Front is a page turner and an exciting read, and I plan to check out the rest of the series.

Book Review: The Black Hawk

2012-01-19T18:01:00.000-05:00

The Black Hawk (*****)
(The Spymaster's Lady #4 or #5 - there's some confusion in the numbering system)
by Joanna Bourne

The Black Hawk is one book in a series that takes place during the French Revolution and Napoleonic War. The series features characters who are spies for both the British and the French. There are a few characters that carry throughout the series, but for the most part, you can read these as stand alones. This book features Adrian, master spy, one-time thief, and now head of the British Service. When he was a boy (though old beyond his years), he meets Justine (code name Owl, also old beyond her years), who is a girl of about his age and a spy for France. Though enemies, they create a bond then that carries through the years. When the The Black Hawk opens, Justine is in grave danger and goes to Adrian, the only person she can trust. The book then flashes back through the years to times when Justine and Adrian interacted, filling in life events while providing clues the current cause of danger.

Ok, so a few things about this book. Seriously, don't judge it by it's cover. Never does Adrian stand open-shirted in front of an English manor, nor does he wear a cape. The typical romance-y cover makes you think that this is a typical romance-y book, not that there's anything wrong with that. The thing is, Joanna Bourne's books are so much more. The stories in this series are a deep look into a historical period, with political intrigue, gritty spy drama, and a side of romance. The focus is more on the complex relationship between spies of opposing sides who care about each other, and the problems that creates. It's an incredibly well written and engaging read, with smart and savvy characters and a glimpse into an era of history that doesn't get as much focus in romance novels. I highly recommend this series. And if you're turned off by the cover, well, that's what e-readers are for!

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Scarlet

2012-01-18T14:25:00.000-05:00

Scarlet
By: A.C. Gaughen
Publication Date: February 14th, 2012

From Goodreads:
Many readers know the tale of Robin Hood, but they will be swept away by this new version full of action, secrets, and romance.

Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in. It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for.

New Gig, New Nickname: They call me Savvy and I like it

2012-01-18T12:32:00.001-05:00

I may not be an explorer, or an adventurer, or a treasure-seeker, or a gunfighter, Mr. O'Connell, but I am proud of what I am... I am a librarian.

I've got the biggest of big news, folks! I am the new Teen Librarian for Mooresville Public Library! The excitement I have inside of me is bursting out in sparkles and rainbows! So for my friends and followers, read on as I tell you a bit about my new job. For visitors stopping by after reading this super-awesome introduction on the MPL blog, welcome! I will introduce myself even more below :)

The deets:
On Monday, January 23, I will be starting my first official library job with Mooresville Public Library as their Teen Librarian. I'll be working 22 hours a week. Come visit me on Mondays from 9-5, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12-5, and Wednesdays from 4-8. Most of that time you can find me here:

MPL Teen Area - Isn't it glorious?

My new desk! I have a desk!

I'll be doing loads of book talks, programs, reader's advisory, and oh so much more! It's so exciting! I can't wait to get in there and get my hands dirty (figuratively, of course, though I guess that could also be literal - we have a crafts program once a week...)!

About Me:

MPL christened me with the name Savvy and I don't think they know how perfect that is. You see, I adore a certain man who uses the word "savvy" quite often. Maybe you've seen him before...

"Son, I'm Captain Jack Sparrow. Savvy?"

Sigh...Johnny. Oh, sorry, where was I? Ah, yes, about me. Things you should know. Or maybe not should, but I'll tell you anyway...

1) YA books are awesome. I'm particularly fond of ones that have some kind of magical or paranormal element or ones where girls kick butt. Ally Carter is a favorite.

2) I drink a lot of tea. Hot tea, that is. The way some people can't function without coffee, I can't function without a cuppa.

3) I don't share Girl Scout cookies. I'll share other cookies, but I'll protect my Girl Scout cookies like Gollum protected his precious. Only better. No Bilbo or Frodo will get his furry hands on my Thin Mints.

4) If the phrases "bow ties are cool," "allons-y Alonso," or "come along, Pond" mean nothing to you, we need to have a chat. You are clearly missing out on the magic and wonder that is Doctor Who.

5) I like big books and I cannot lie.

I totally can't wait until Monday! New adventure, here I come!

Waiting on Wednesday: Out of Sight, Out of Time

2012-01-04T17:59:00.001-05:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Out of Sight, Out of Time (Gallagher Girls #5)
by Ally Carter
Publication date: March 13, 2012

From Goodreads:
The last thing Cammie Morgan remembers is leaving the Gallagher Academy to protect her friends and family from the Circle of Cavan--an ancient terrorist organization that has been hunting her for over a year. But when Cammie wakes up in an alpine convent and discovers months have passed, she must face the fact that her memory is now a black hole. The only traces left of Cammie’s summer vacation are the bruises on her body and the dirt under her nails, and all she wants is to go home.

Once she returns to school, however, Cammie realizes that even the Gallagher Academy now holds more questions than answers. Cammie, her friends, and mysterious spy-guy Zach must face their most difficult challenge yet as they travel to the other side of the world, hoping to piece together the clues that Cammie left behind. It’s a race against time. The Circle is hot on their trail and willing stop at nothing to prevent Cammie from remembering what she did last summer.

From Me:
I love books that have strong female characters, especially when they're doing something not generally considered feminine. Here, the girls at the Gallagher Academy are all spies-in-training. They're tough and they face danger without losing their femininity. They can break into the Tower of London or zip-line down a building and still get all squiggly about a boy. And I can't wait to read the next in the series!

Faves of 2011: The Characters

2011-12-21T20:52:00.001-05:00

Faves of TwentyEleven is hosted by Inkcrush.
Day One: The Books
Day Two: The Characters

1. favourite female main character

Lady Alexia Maccon nee Tarabotti: She knows the importance of a good cuppa tea and wields a parasol with great purpose and dexterity. Even whilst being 8 months pregnant. From Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series. The latest title: Heartless.

2. favourite male main character

Vampire Richard (aka "Dick") Cheney. He's a supporting character in Molly Harper's Jane Jameson series. Lives in an trailer (which was blown up in Nice Girl's Don't Have Fangs), wears rock band t-shirts, makes a living from "fallen off the truck" deals, and has a delightfully snarky sense of humor.

3. best couple

Sookie and Eric in Charlaine Harris' Dead to the World, aka Book Four. Amnesia Eric = yummmmy.

4. who i so want to be best friends with

Lord Akeldama, another of Gail Carriger's wonderful characters. Fantastically flamboyant, deliciously decadent, notoriously naughty. Won't you be my friend?

5. who i fell completely in love with (new literary crush)

Vampire Eric is still my favorite literary crush, but that's in no way new.

6. worst (best and baddest) villian

Brenda Fortunato Dupres from Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer's Agnes and the Hitman. One time mob-wife turned Southern Bell bent on destroying her granddaughter's wedding to get her greedy hands on mob-money, and she doesn't care who she has to destroy, kill, or "bless her heart" to do it. She's on par with Professor Umbridge for hate-ability.

7. best character twist (who you loved then hated or vice versa)

In Brian Selznick's Hugo, the toy maker and notebook "burner" is actually George Melies, one of the original film makers, and the man behind the famous Man in the Moon film.

8. best kick-arse female

Agnes Crandall, or Cranky Agnes, in Agnes and the Hitman. She is one with whom you ought not mess. Cheat on her and you'll get a frying pan to the noggin. Try to steal her home and she'll cook you into submission. Mobsters and hitmen dine at her table and all of them fear her. And she cooks with butter - my kind of woman.

9. best kick-arse male

Curran Lennart, aka The Beast Lord, in Ilona Andrew's Kate Daniel's series (the latest entry is Magic Slays). When the Beast Lord roars, you'd best pay attention, or he may eat you for your disrespect.

10. broke your heart the most

11. favourite pet/animal character award
Rhett, Agnes' lump of a hound dog, who slobbered his way into my heart.

12. best YA parents award
It would appear that all the YA books I've read have dead or inept parents. Maybe Carter and Sadie Kane's parents in The Throne of Fire, by Rick Riordan. They may be dead, but they're still watching out for Carter and Sadie.

13. favourite sibling relationship
Speaking of Carter and Sadie Kane, they're definitely my favorite siblings. Sadie just turned 13 in Throne of Fire, and Carter isn't much older, so they're both firmly entrenched in the I-love-you-but-think-you're-terribly-annoying age. Still, they manage to save the world together and learn to better appreciate each other in the process.

14. favourite best friends/friendship award
Cecelia and Kate in Patricia Wrede's Sorcery and Cecelia Or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot. They may be cousins, but they're also best friends. The entire story hinges on this friendship since it's told in the letters between the two. They completely trust one another and are delightful to read.

15. best/worst character names
This award goes to Eloise "Weezie" Foley and her ex-husband Talmadge Evans III in Mary Kay Andrews' Savannah Blues. Runner-up: Weezie's friend Bebe.

Bonus: best love triangle

Private Kaylin Neya, Corporal Severn Handred, and Lord Nightshade in Michelle Sagara's Chronicles of Elantra series. The newest entry is Cast in Ruin.

Faves of TwentyEleven: Books

2011-12-19T19:29:00.001-05:00

Faves of TwentyEleven is hosted by Inkcrush.

The Rules:
Your answers come from books you read this year
(They don't have to be limited to books that came out in 2011, obviously)

The Other Rules:
Do what you want
Skip a category, rearrange a category, smish some categories together. Create sub-categories and shout-outs...work it for you :)
Nominate multiple books for one category (when you are torn) or limit yourself to one
Challenge yourself to not use the same book more than once, or sprinkle the same books throughout half the categories...
Join in some days and forget the rest...
Whatever works for you. Have fun :)

Day One: The Books

1. favorite book read in 2011 Agnes and the Hitman (always), Cast in Ruin, Heartless

2. most powerful book n/a

3. brilliantly funny Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake

4. best ache-y, heart-breaking, tear-jerker read n/a

5. most beautiful story The Peach Keeper

6. delicious rainy day comfort read Sorcery and Cecelia: Or the Enchanted Chocolate Pot

7. adrenalin-fuelled, unputdownable award Magic Slays

8. the beautiful prose award Chime

9. most atmospheric and vivid setting Cast in Ruin

10. i-so-want-to-go-there award Heartless, The Peach Keeper

11. most original and imaginative The Invention of Hugo Cabret

12. best under-appreciated, hidden gem book Cast in Ruin

13. i-had-no-idea-i-would-love this-so award The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake

14. most haunting story Chime

15. outside my comfort zone but gosh how i loved it n/a

16. series that i’m loving Cast in Ruin, Heartless, Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake, Magic Slays, Pack of Lies

17. always recommending this book award Agnes and the Hitman

18. completely awesome premise award Pack of Lies, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Uncommon Criminals

19. would make the best movie Agnes and the Hitman, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, The Invention of Hugo Cabret (and it was sooo good!)

20. want to re-read already Cast in Ruin, The Peach Keeper

I know I reused a lot of the titles here (I did read more than this), but these were the standouts. A fantastic year of reading!

WWW Wednesdays

2011-12-14T20:04:00.000-05:00

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…
• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

What are you currently reading?
I'm still listening to the audio book version of Jeanne DuPrau's City of Ember. I just finished a couple of books, and haven't picked up another new one yet, but give me an hour or so and that will all change!

What did you recently finish reading?
I recently finished two novels, both of which were in a series: Michelle Sagara West's Cast in Ruin (Chronicles of Elantra #7) and Jayne Castle's Canyon's of Night (Harmony #8). You can find my full reviews in the blog posts below.

What do you think you'll read next?
I have a few options for this, and it'll all depend on my mood. I've recently picked up quite a few books from the library, and I can't wait to read them. A few of the titles are:
The Grand Tour, or The purloined coronation regalia : being a revelation of matters of high confidentiality and greatest importance, including extracts from the intimate diary of a noblewoman and the sworn testimony of a lady of quality by Patricia Wrede. It's fabulous for it's title alone, but the first book in the series, Sorcery and Cecelia, or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot, was fantastic.
The Black Hawk, by Joanna Bourne. Despite it's clinchy cover, Bourne's romance novels are so in depth, the world so realized, and the story so...full...that even non-romance-fans could delve into these books.
Tricks of the Trade, by Laura Anne Gilman. I love this author and this series (plus the series that came before it - this one is a spin-off).
Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier. This youth novel just looks so cute.

Book Review: Cast in Ruin

2011-12-14T19:11:00.002-05:00

Cast in Ruin (Chronicles of Elantra #7) (*****)
by Michelle Sagara West

I've posted on several of the books in the Chronicles of Elantra series, and it still rates as one of my favorites. Cast in Ruin is the most recent publication, and unlike some series, each new title is as fantastic as the last.

Elantra is a fantasy world filled with strange people groups, including people with wings, people who resemble lions, elf-type people with a superiority complex, and dragons who can make themselves look like people. And there are some humans, too. In the last book, a new race entered Elantra through some kind of portal after losing their home to the same shadowy menace that plagues the outer fiefs of Elantra.

Private Kaylin Neya works as a sort of police officer/detective upholding the Dragon Emperor's laws, and when she's not walking her beat and investigating crimes, she tends to save the world a lot. Mysterious tattoos cover her body and allow her do work magic that no one understands and no one is able to duplicate. This magic generally means she's the first, last, and best line of defense against the aforementioned shadowy menace.

These books read, to me, like a procedural drama. You follow along as Kaylin goes from one place to the next, investigating the current mayhem and acting instinctively against the threats to Elantra (which is a good thing, since she knows just as little about the markings and her gifts as anyone else - and possibly less than some). And while it's not incredibly fast pace, it does have a consistent pace, and I had a hard time putting it down.

In Cast in Ruin, Kaylin is sent to investigate 7 identical dead bodies, and not identical as in twins, but identical as in everything about the corpses is exactly the same. And with the shadows encroaching on the fief, Kaylin doesn't have a lot of time to figure it out.

I would totally recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy novels or is looking to test the fantasy waters. They are awesome!

Book Review: Canyons of Night

2011-12-12T19:03:00.002-05:00

Canyons of Night (*****)
by Jayne Castle

I hate to say anything negative about a book, I really do. Even if I couldn't stand it or couldn't finish it (or both), I just don't like to say anything bad about it, at least in print. The way I see it, this author plus all the people who got this book ready for the market put in a lot of time, effort, and hard work. And yet...and yet...

I've been reading Jayne Castle's (aka Jayne Ann Krentz, aka Amanda Quick) Harmony series for years and years. I think reading any new editions has just become habit. So here's the gist: some time in our (us real people) future and a few centuries in the character's past, some kind of cosmic door opened between Earth and another planet and we earthlings, being intrepid adventurers that we are, went through it. All was fine, until said cosmic door closed, and suddenly everything the earth-folk brought with them (computers, electronics, and such) stopped working. They created a primitive type society, working to stabilize the population, all next to a green (and long empty) alien city. The city couldn't be inhabited because...well...weird alien stuff. Jump to the character's present, and former-earthlings have since developed various psychic abilities enabling them to cope in their new environment, they're back up to speed with technology, and at least one protagonist will have a "pet" dust bunny - a dust bunny that has four eyes and likes to viciously attack anyone who threatens their humans.

So, I could tell you about this novel, but as so often happens with long-running series, it's exactly like every other book in the series. Ugh. The main differences here are that instead of taking place in one of the main cities, this story takes place on an island, and instead of the hero and heroine going underground into the strange, green, alien city, there's some kind of wonky nature preserve that people go in, but never return. Oh, and as the series goes on, each hero and heroine has bigger, badder powers and faces bigger, badder dangers. But everything else? Exactly the same.

Once upon a time, I really liked these books. The first few times. It was new and interesting; now it's old and stale. It also ties in to Krentz's Arcane novels. I've never read any of those, so I don't know how they stack up, but I probably will never attempt to find out. And yet I keep reading this series as new titles are published. Maybe I'm a masochist. I don't know.

I'd suggest one of the first few titles in this series if you like a bit of sci-fi mixed in with your romance, or romance mixed in with your sci-fi, but stop there. Because after that: they're all the same.

Waiting on Wednesday: Nice Girls Don't Bite Their Neighbors

2011-12-07T14:30:00.001-05:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Nice Girls Don't Bite Their Neighbors (Jane Jameson #4)
By Molly Harper
Publication date: February 28, 2012

From Goodreads:
Just as Jane Jameson’s unlife seems to be stabilizing, fate sinks its fangs firmly into her butt. Despite her near-phobia of all things marital, her no-frills nighttime nuptials to her sexy boyfriend Gabriel are coming along smoothly. But the road to wedded bliss gets bumpy when a teenage acquaintance is fatally wounded in front of Jane’s shop and she turns him to save his life. The Council pronounces Jane responsible for the newborn vamp until he can control his thirst.

Jane’s kitchen at River Oaks barely holds enough Faux Type O to satiate the cute teen’s appetite and maintain Gabriel’s jealous streak at a slow simmer. As if keeping her hyperactive childe from sucking the blood out of the entire neighborhood isn’t enough to deal with, the persnickety ghost of Jane’s newly deceased Grandma Ruthie has declared a war on the fanged residents of River Oaks. Suddenly,
choosing monogrammed cocktail napkins and a cake that she can’t eat seems downright relaxing in comparison.

Tensions inside the house are growing…and outside, a sinister force is aiming a stake straight for the center of Gabriel’s heart. Most brides just have to worry about choosing the right dress, but Jane fears that at this rate, she’ll never make it down the aisle for the wedding all nice girls dream of…

It's Monday: What are you reading? (20)

2011-12-05T19:44:00.001-05:00

It's Monday: What are you reading? is a weekly meme from Book Journey.

I recently finished listening to two audio books, Chime and The Throne of Fire. See the posts below for my full review.

Currently Reading:
Cast in Ruin, by Michelle Sagara West
City of Ember (audio book), by Jeanne DuPrau

To Read:
Oh, who knows... :)

Coming Soon: Books into Film

2011-12-05T16:50:00.001-05:00

Hollywood is looking to books for many of their upcoming movies; everything from Shakespeare to Dr. Seuss and fairy tales to memoirs, all types of print are meeting celluloid. Below is a list of books and their corresponding movies you can find at the theater in the next several months!

Book to Movie

Now Playing:
The Invention of Hugo Cabret, by Brian Selznick - Hugo (in theaters now)

December:
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, by John le Carré - Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (opening 12/9/11)
The Complete Sherlock Holmes, by Arthur Conan Doyle - Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (12/16)
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larsson - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (12/21)
The Adventures of Tintin, Volume 1, by Hergé - The Adventures of Tintin (12/21)
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, by Jonathan Safran Foer - Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (12/25)
We Bought a Zoo: The Amazing True Story of a Young Family, a Broken Down Zoo, and the 200 Wild Animals That Changed Their Lives Forever, by Benjamin Mee - We Bought a Zoo (12/25)

January 2012:
Coriolanus, by William Shakespeare - Coriolanus (opening 1/20)
One for the Money, by Janet Evanovich - One for the Money (1/27)
We Need to Talk About Kevin, by Lionel Shriver - We Need to Talk About Kevin (1/27)

February:
The Woman in Black, by Susan Hill - The Woman in Black (opening 2/3)
The Mysterious Island, by Jules Verne - Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2/10)

March:
The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss - Dr. Seuss' The Lorax (opening 3/2)
The Complete Grimm's Fairy Tales: Hänsel and Gretel, by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm - Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters (3/2)
A Princess of Mars, by Edgar Rice Burroughs - John Carter (3/9)
The Raven and Other Poems, by Edgar Allan Poe - The Raven (3/9)
The Complete Grimm's Fairy Tales: Snow-White, by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm - Mirror, Mirror (3/16)
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins - The Hunger Games (3/23)

May:
Marvel Masterworks: The Avengers (Volume 1), by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby - The Avengers (opening 5/4)

June:
The Complete Grimm's Fairy Tales: Snow-White, by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm - Snow White and the Huntsman (opening 6/1)
The Classic Fairy Tales: Jack the Giant Killer, by Iona and Peter Opie - Jack the Giant Killer (6/15)
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, by Seth Grahame-Smith - Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (6/22)

July:
Marvel Masterworks: Amazing Spider-Man: Vol. 1, by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko - The Amazing Spider-Man (opening 7/6)
Batman Chronicles: Volume 1, by Bill Finger and Bob Kane - The Dark Knight Rises (7/20)

Audio Book Review: Chime

2011-12-01T22:15:00.001-05:00

Chime (*****)
Author: Franny Billingsley
Narration: Susan Duerden

From Goodreads:
Briony has a secret. She believes her secret killed her stepmother, destroyed her twin sister’s mind, and threatens all the children in the Swampsea. She yearns to be rid of her terrible secret, but risks being hanged if she tells a soul. That’s what happens to witches: They’re hanged by the neck until dead.

Then Eldric arrives—Eldric with his golden mane and lion eyes and electric energy—and he refuses to believe anything dark about Briony. But he wonders what’s been buried beneath her self-hatred, hidden in Rose’s mangled thoughts, and whispered about by the Old Ones. And Briony wonders how Eldric can make her want to cry. Especially when everyone knows that witches can’t cry.

A wild, haunting mystery and romance that is as beautifully written as it is captivating.

From Me:
Please pardon the tone of this review; I'm still in the moody mental state this story created.

This book sucked me in, but I'm not entirely sure why. It wasn't necessarily action packed or fraught with danger or suspense, romance or excitement. I think it may have been the mood of the story. I listened to the audio book, and it felt like listening to a folktale by firelight. It was a puzzle I tried to put together as I listened. I managed to match up a few of the pieces on my own, but it wasn't until the end that everything clicked; Franny Billingsley gave just enough clues that when all was revealed, the reader wasn't left wondering at how everything fit.

The audio reader had an elegant voice that made listening a pleasure. I wonder how I would have liked it if I read the story from the page rather than listening to it, how that would have changed my response. I'm honestly not sure.

One last thought: I'm not certain the cover of the book matched the style of the story. I think the cover art is lovely, but it gives the expectation of something edgier. If I'd had my druthers, I would have gone for a moodier, more whimsical cover art, something with flowing hair or mysterious landscape.

Audio Book Review: The Throne of Fire

2011-12-01T22:08:00.001-05:00

The Throne of Fire (Kane Chronicles #2) (*****)
Author: Rick Riordan
Narration: Kevin Free, Katherine Kellgren

From Goodreads:
Ever since the gods of Ancient Egypt were unleashed in the modern world, Carter Kane and his sister Sadie have been in trouble. As descendants of the House of Life, the Kanes have some powers at their command, but the devious gods haven’t given them much time to master their skills at Brooklyn House, which has become a training ground for young magicians. And now their most threatening enemy yet—the chaos snake Apophis—is rising. If they don’t prevent him from breaking free in a few days’ time, the world will come to an end. In other words, it’s a typical week for the Kane family. To have any chance of battling the Forces of Chaos, the Kanes must revive the sun god Ra. But that would be a feat more powerful than any magician has ever accomplished. First they have to search the world for the three sections of the Book of Ra, then they have to learn how to chant its spells. Oh, and did we mention that no one knows where Ra is exactly? Narrated in two different wisecracking voices, featuring a large cast of new and unforgettable characters, and with adventures spanning the globe, this second installment in the Kane Chronicles is nothing short of a thrill ride.

From Me:
This is such a great series! I completely love the adventure story Riordan has created. It's like Indiana Jones for kids. The Kane siblings are on another quest to save the world, this time from Chaos (aka Apophis). Again, the story alternates between Sadie and Carter's narration. The book is is supposed to be a transcript of a recording, which is why the audio version is so great. Plus the readers are fantastic! (A good reader makes all the difference.)

Fun story, fun series. I highly recommend it!

Top Ten Tuesday

2011-11-08T16:01:00.001-05:00

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted @ Broke and Bookish

Favorite Fictional Couples in Books

1. Amy and Rory (Doctor Who - I'm counting this because they make books based on the series, and I heart them)

2. Agnes and Shane, Agnes and the Hitman

3. Alexia Tarabotti and Lord Conall Maccon, Soulless

4. Wesley and Buttercup, Princess Bride

5. Ron and Hermione, Harry Potter

6. Eowyn and Faramir, Lord of the Rings

7. Alice and Jasper, Twilight

8. Viola and Count Orsino, Twelfth Night

9. Sookie and Eric, Dead to the World

10. Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth, Persuasion

Runner Up: Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe, Anne of Green Gables

Teaser Tuesday: The Throne of Fire

2011-11-08T15:34:00.001-05:00

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

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

"Our camels plodded along. Katrina tried to kiss, or possibly spit on Hindenburg, and Hindenburg farted in response. I found this a depressing commentary on boy-girl relationships.” Throne of Fire, Rick Riordan

SpyOps: Secret Agent Training Library Program

2011-11-07T14:32:00.001-05:00

Date: November 2, 2011
Time: 1900 hours

Your Mission, if you choose to accept it: create a secret agent program for the teens at a small Indiana public library.

Objective: create an event that will intrigue and entertain the teens for two hours.

Report:

On Wednesday, November 2, 2011, I presented a library program to 10 teen Recruits between the ages of 13 and 18. The program involved three tasks: code breaking, marksmanship, and agility. The recruits were asked to crack two ciphers (a Caesar Cipher, or Shift Cipher, and a Book Cipher), attempt to hit the bullseye with one of six shots, and complete a laser maze. If all three tasks were completed, the Recruits would receive Special Agent status.

Code Breaking:

Recruits diligently attempting to crack the codes. Recruit, Code Name Halo, works on Book Cipher.

The first cipher, once cracked, would lead the recruits to a book title. That book would then be used in solving the second cipher. The revealed passphrase would allow the recruit to move on to the second task.

Marksmanship:

Recruit, Code Name Valiant, proving her skills in marksmanship.

Recruits utilize a 6-shooter NERF gun with suction cup ammo to hit the bullseye of a small target approximately 5-6 feet distant. Recruits required to get task checked off by Agent-In-Charge before moving on to Agility Training.

Agility:

Laser Maze

Recruits awaiting their turn at the maze.

Recruit, Code Name Hawkeye, attempts to complete the maze.

The laser maze is used to test the Recruits' agility. The maze is made up of yarn with bells tied to each end. If a Recruit touches one of the "lasers" the bell will sound, alerting the Agent-In-Charge. The Recruit was then required to start the task over. To complete the task, the Recruit must cross the maze and return again without touching the lasers. Once this third task was completed, the Recruits would have the Agent-In-Charge sign off on their promotion to Special Agent.

Once the Recruits had completed their Mission and received their promotions, they were permitted to improve their skills by repeating the challenges. Several of the Recruits chose to do this, some three or four times. Also, once all Recruits had completed their tasks, some Recruits chose to test their skills against each other, participating in several challenges designed by the Recruits, particularly in regards to the laser maze (see below).

End Result:

Mission: Accomplished

Musing Monday: Audio books, Yae or Nae?

2011-10-24T18:36:00.002-04:00

Musing Monday is a weekly meme by Should Be Reading. This week’s musing asks…

Do you listen to audiobooks? Why, or why not?

I do listen to audio books, though not religiously. I still prefer reading print where I can flip back to certain passages, reread a section with ease, and read at my own pace. Plus, I sometimes have a hard time concentrating on the audio; I get distracted easily, and suddenly I have no idea what's going on with the story nor how long I wasn't paying attention.

That being said, I do enjoy a well-read audio book. I'm currently listening to The Throne of Fire, the second book in the Kane Chronicles, by Rick Riordan. It is awesome! I listened to the first book in the series several months ago, and knew that I would have to listen to the second book, too. I also loved listening to the Harry Potter books read by Jim Dale (though I really want to hear the Stephen Fry versions!) and The Eyre Affair was also excellently read. These are great for while I'm working or for long car rides; I prefer print for every other occasion.

But for every winning reading, there's a reading that can turn you off the medium. I listened to some of the Sookie Stackhouse audio books, and while the reader was fantastic as Sookie, her rendition of Eric cracked me up (and not in a good way). It brought me out of the story to marvel at the horrendousness of the strange generic-European deep voice she took on to portray the character.

When it comes to audio books, the reader can make or break the story.

It's Monday: What are you reading? (19)

2011-10-24T18:18:00.002-04:00

It's Monday: What are you reading? is a weekly meme from Book Journey.

It's apparently YA week for me! I love reading YA and that's all I've been focusing on recently.

I Read:

I just finished a great old-school YA novel titled Sorcery and Cecelia: Or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot. It was a great read and a lot of fun. See my full review in the post below.

I'm Reading (or rather, listening):
The Throne of Fire (Kane Chronicles #2), by Rick Riordan
I listened to the first audio book in this series a few months ago and absolutely loved the story and the readers. At the beginning of the book the narrator tells us that the paper copy of the book was based off of audio transcripts from our two main characters, so if you're listening to the audio book it's as though you're listening to the "real" recordings. The readers are awesome and the chapters switch between the male and female lead. I loved the first audio book, and I'm loving the 2nd, though I'm only on disc 4 of 11 or 12.

To Read:
Next on the reading list is Hunger Games. I know, as a YA reader and a librarian who would love to work with teens, I should have read this long ago. However, I'm not a fan of dystopian novels. Everyone I know who has read it has loved it, so I'm going to give it a try. I feel it's my responsibility to do so.

Review: Sorcery and Cecelia: Or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot

2011-10-24T17:26:00.002-04:00

Book: Sorcery and Cecelia: Or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot (*****)
By Patricia Wrede and Caroline Stevermer

From Goodreads:
A great deal is happening in London and the country this season.

For starters, there's the witch who tried to poison Kate at the Royal College of Wizards. There's also the man who seems to be spying on Cecelia. (Though he's not doing a very good job of it--so just what are his intentions?) And then there's Oliver. Ever since he was turned into a tree, he hasn't bothered to tell anyone where he is.

Clearly, magic is a deadly and dangerous business. And the girls might be in fear for their lives . . . if only they weren't having so much fun!

From Me:
I admit, I picked up this book strictly for the title, and I'm glad I did. Sorcery and Cecelia is totes adorbs (yes, I just said that). The story follows two young women in 1800s London where magic is common and the Season is in full swing. The book is written as correspondence between two cousins, Kate and Cecelia. Kate is in London for the Season and Cecelia is stuck at home, and yet the two wind up having adventures that are strangely tied together. Though the story is told through letters (and by two authors), it feels very cohesive and natural; the letters didn't feel like they were overdoing it with exposition and the story itself remained fluid.

While this book was originally written in 1988, it still holds up, and I would recommend it to any teen (or teen-reading adult) who is in the mood for a light and fun read. I'm definitely going to read the next in the series, The Grand Tour.

Review: Heartless

2011-10-05T10:48:00.000-04:00

Heartless (Parasol Protectorate #4) (*****)
by Gail Carriger

From Goodreads:
Lady Alexia Maccon, soulless, is at it again, only this time the trouble is not her fault. When a mad ghost threatens the queen, Alexia is on the case, following a trail that leads her deep into her husband's past. Top that off with a sister who has joined the suffragette movement (shocking!), Madame Lefoux's latest mechanical invention, and a plague of zombie porcupines and Alexia barely has time to remember she happens to be eight months pregnant.

Will Alexia manage to determine who is trying to kill Queen Victoria before it is too late? Is it the vampires again or is there a traitor lurking about in wolf's clothing? And what, exactly, has taken up residence in Lord Akeldama's second best closet?

From Me:
I can't tell you how much I adore Gail Carriger's books. I love her pragmatic heroine, her flamboyant supporting characters, her sense of humor, and the paranormal world she created.

In this installment, Alexia is attempting to solve a mystery and put the Empire to rights, again, but this time she's 8 months pregnant, which makes things a touch more difficult.

This is such a fun read, and I can't wait until the next installment is released in 2012. That, and a new series was just announced centered on a character introduced at the end of Heartless. So excited!

Waiting on Wednesday: Timeless

2011-10-05T09:57:00.001-04:00

Timeless
by Gail Carriger
From Goodreads:
Alexia Tarabotti, Lady Maccon, has settled into domestic bliss. Of course, being Alexia, such bliss involves integrating werewolves into London High society, living in a vampire's second best closet, and coping with a precocious toddler who is prone to turning supernatural willy-nilly. Even Ivy Tunstell's acting troupe's latest play, disastrous to say the least, cannot put a damper on Alexia's enjoyment of her new London lifestyle.

Until, that is, she receives a summons from Alexandria that cannot be ignored. With husband, child, and Tunstells in tow, Alexia boards a steamer to cross the Mediterranean. But Egypt may hold more mysteries than even the indomitable Lady Maccon can handle. What does the vampire Queen of the Alexandria Hive really want from her? Why is the God-Breaker Plague suddenly expanding? And how has Ivy Tunstell suddenly become the most popular actress in all the British Empire?

From Me:
I just finished Heartless, the fourth book in the Parasol Protectorate series, and I can't wait for the next installment! Love these books! And Carriger is also planning a YA series and a spin-off series. I love discovering an awesome author when they're just starting out, but at the same time I kinda wish I came in late to her writing because I HATE having to wait for the next book! Le sigh.

Teaser Tuesdays: Heartless

2011-10-04T20:06:00.003-04:00

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

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

"'Now, Alexia, my dearest, be reasonable.' Her husband was trying to wheedle. He wasn't very good at it--wheedling looked odd on a man of his proportions and monthly inclinations."

"'Reasonable? Go boil your head in reasonable!'"
Heartless by Gail Carriger

Library Blog Post!

2011-10-04T19:44:00.002-04:00

Hussey Mayfield Memorial Public Library

Check me out - I wrote a blog post for the library I volunteer at! Hussey Mayfield Memorial Public Library is an awesome library in Zionsville, Indiana. It's a gorgeous building in the most adorable "village." I love driving through the neighborhood to get to the library, and I swear my librarian heart sings a little chorus when I walk into that building. (P.S. My heart sings much better than I do.)

Anyway, check out my post and HMMPL's blog!
http://hmmplyouthservices.blogspot.com/2011/10/steampunk.html

Downtown in the Village of Zionsville

2011-09-19T19:46:00.000-04:00

If I had a Magic Lamp is a meme hosted by Ya-Aholic and asks the question, if I had a magic lamp, what would I wish for? I'm going to go for the traditional three-wishes, because otherwise this post could go on FOREVER.

Wish #1:

I wish I could be the Next Big Thing in books. Like Suzanne Collins or Stephenie Meyer. But really, I'm aiming for J K Rowling. I heard she's richer than the queen. I've never been rich, but I know I would be good at it. I think I could even make a go at being queen.

I could totally do this gig!

Wish #2:

I wish I had the motivation to sit down and write the book that would make me the Next Big Thing. I have an idea, I have some notes and an outline, I even have the opening paragraphs written, but that's it. And I did all that like a year ago.

Wish #3:

This one isn't really related to books or reading or writing, but it's one that I've thought about for a while. I wish I could instantly speak a foreign language. Actually, many foreign languages. And did I mention instantly? Cuz that would be so much better.

It's Monday: What are you reading (18)

2011-09-19T18:48:00.002-04:00

It's Monday: What are you reading? is a weekly meme from BookJourney.

I haven't been reading as much as I usually do. I go through these phases where I'm reading four books at a time and as soon as I finish one I'm right back into a new one and I'm insatiable. Then at other times, generally after one of these phases, I just can't be bothered to read a line. Don't know why. Just happens. So it's been a while since I did any hard-core reading, but I managed to do a bit recently!

What I Read:
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick (*****)
Lovely book with lovelier illustrations. See my full review in the previous post.

Currently Reading:

The Map of Time by Félix J. Palma
This book looks fascinating and I can't wait to dig into it! It almost sounds a little Eyre Affair-y and I am in love with that series.

From Goodreads: Set in Victorian London with characters real and imagined, The Map of Time is a page-turner that boasts a triple play of intertwined plots in which a skeptical H.G. Wells is called upon to investigage purported incidents of time travel and to save lives and literary classics, including Dracula and The Time Machine, from being wiped from existence. What happens if we change history?

To Read:

Honestly, who knows. My intentions generally go out the window depending on what's due back at the library first, what becomes newly available from the library, and what I've splurged on at the bookstore. I'm thinking The Devil's Cub by Georgette Heyer or Working Stiff by Rachel Caine may be next. Though I just got Withering Tights by Louise Rennison at the Border's going-out-of-business sale, and I do adore her Georgia Nicholson series...this one may cut in line!

Review: The Invention of Hugo Cabret

2011-09-19T18:32:00.003-04:00

The Invention of Hugo Cabret (*****)
by Brian Selznick

The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a lovely book, both in story and illustration. It follows the adventures of two children as they try to understand the mystery of a wonderful mechanical man that Hugo's father was trying to fix. I loved the description of the early 20th century magicians, how they often began as clock makers or worked with machines, clockworks, and gears in some other form, which lead them to a career as magicians - their inventions were so wonderful and miraculous that an audience could believe it was magic. The story also delves into the early days of cinema and offers the reader a glimpse into a time when movies, by their very nature, had the ability to inspire wonder.

Hugo is an excellent novel and, despite its size, a quick read. I would recommend this to elementary-aged children or anyone who is young-at-heart. I also think this would be a great novel for parents and children to share. I look forward to seeing the movie adaptation this Thanksgiving and checking out Selznick's newest novel Wonderstruck; I noticed it recently in a bookstore and it's illustrations are just as wonderful as they are in Hugo.

Book & Media List: Dragons

2011-09-10T21:03:00.000-04:00

A friend and fellow SLIS student recently asked me to create a book list with a focus on dragons. So Cassie, this one's for you! Please add any thoughts and additions in the Comments section!

Movies and TVs
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Dungeons and Dragons: Animated Series
Eragon (2006)
Dragonheart (1996)
Pete’s Dragon (1977)

Children/Tween/Young Adult
Eragon (Inheritance Series),Christopher Paolini
Dragonflight (Pern: Dragonridersof Pern), Anne McCaffrey
Dealing with Dragons (EnchantedForest Chronicles #1), Patricia Wrede
Dragon Rider,Cornelia Funke
Dragon Slippers (Dragon Slippers#1), Jessica Day George
The Blue Sword (Damar #1),Robin McKinley
Dragon’s Blood (The Pit DragonChronicles #1), Jane Yolen
The Fire Within (The Last DragonChronicles #1), Chris d’Lacey
Magyk (Septimus Heap #1),Angie Sage
How to Train Your Dragon (HiccupHorrendus Haddock III #1), Cressida Cowell
Firelight (Firelight #1), Sophie Jordan
DragonSpell (Dragon Keeper Chronicles#1), Donita Paul
Dragon’s Keep,Janet Lee Carey
Wild Magic (Immortals #1),Tamora Pierce
Fablehaven (Fablehaven #1),Brandon Mull
Voices of Dragons,Carrie Vaughn

Illustrated Books
Dragonology: The Complete Book ofDragons (Ologies #1), Dugald Steer, et al
Saint George and the Dragon,Margaret Hodges and Trina Schart Hyman (Ill.)

Classics
The Hobbit,JRR Tolkien
Farmer Giles of Ham,JRR Tolkien
The Forgotten Beasts of Eld,Patricia McKillip

Fantasy
His Majesty’s Dragon (Temeraire#1), Naomi Novik
The Elvenbane (HalfbloodChronicles #1), Andre Norton and Mercedes Lackey
Joust (Dragon Jousters #1),Mercedes Lackey
Song in the Silence (The Tale ofLanen Kaelar #1), Elizabeth Kerner
Dragonsbane (Winterlands #1),Barbara Hambly
A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice& Fire #1), George R. R. Martin
The Eyes of the Dragon,Stephen King
Cast in Shadow (Chronicles ofElantra #1), Michelle Sagara West
The Last Dragonslayer (The LastDragonslayer #1), Jasper Fforde

Romantic Fantasy
The Smoke Thief (Drakon #1),Shana Abé

One Good Knight (Five Hundred Kingdoms#2), Mercedes Lackey

You Slay Me (Aisling Grey: Guardian#1), Katie MacAlister

Playing with Fire (Silver Dragons #1), KatieMacAlister

Heart of the Dragon (Atlantis #1), GenaShowalter

Love in the Time of Dragons (LightDragons #1), Katie MacAlister

Date Me, Baby, One More Time(Immortally Sexy #1), Stephanie Rowe

It's Monday: What are you reading? (17)

2011-08-22T19:50:00.001-04:00

It's Monday: What are you reading? is a weekly meme from BookJourney.

I read two YA books:

Uncommon Criminals (Heist Society #2), Ally Carter (*****) See my review in the post below.
Delirium, Lauren Oliver (*****)
I only give this two stars because I don't like dystopian stories. I haven't since I was forced to read Brave New World and 1984. It's for this reason that I haven't read The Hunger Games. So read and enjoy; I just couldn't.
[Side Note for my Librarian Readers: despite the fact that I didn't enjoy this book, I do think it lends itself to a great book talk.]

I am reading:
Devil's Cub, Georgette Heyer
The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Brian Selznick

I will be reading:

My Optimistic Book Club is reading Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper. This is such a fun/funny series. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a good laugh and a light read. And as soon as I pick them up from the library, I'll be reading Sorcery and Cecelia or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot by Patricia Wrede (which I decided I must read totally based on the title alone) and Working Stiff by Rachel Caine (I loved her Weather Warden series, so I'm looking forward to giving this one a shot).

Book Review: Uncommon Criminals

2011-08-17T22:30:00.002-04:00

Uncommon Criminals (Heist Society #2), Ally Carter (*****)

Ally Carter does a great job of writing teenage girls who are above-average-awesome and capable of anything. In her Gallagher Girl series, her girls are spies-in-training at an exclusive all-girls spy boarding school. In the Heist Society series, the heroine is a born and bred uber-thief. Kat has been on the grift since she was 3 years old, and now at the age of 15, she and her teenage crew have already accomplished one impossible heist (see Heist Society, book #1), and now are planning another; both are heists that the older, more experienced generation claim are impossible. But Kat isn't stealing for the money or glory, she's returning stolen treasures to their rightful owners. This book opens on Kat stealing back Nazi loot for this purpose when she's called to another mission of mercy; one that goes very, very wrong.

The Heist Society series is a light, fun read. While Carter may be writing an Ocean's 11-style heist, it doesn't read like an intensive glimpse into the life of master thieves. It's more of a romp with a little added teenage angst. Kat may be a master thief, but she's still a teenage girl. I think Carter gets a bit deeper with the Gallagher Girl series, and I like that one a smidge better, but I think these are both great series and I highly recommend them.

Book Review: Just Like Heaven

2011-08-17T22:25:00.002-04:00

Just Like Heaven (Smythe-Smith Quartet #1), Julia Quinn (*****)

I love Julia Quinn. I love light, funny books with a bit of romance, and that's what she gives every time. In this series, we get a glimpse into the lives of the Smythe-Smith musicians, first introduced in the Bridgerton series. Honoria and Marcus have known each other since they were children and come to see each other differently as adults.

This was a lovely story, but I could have done without the grody medical emergency bit. It was both awkward and...well, grody. Still, it was a fun read and I'm sure I'll be picking up the next book in the series.

It's Monday! What are you Reading (16)

2011-08-08T19:45:00.000-04:00

It's Monday: What are you reading? is a weekly meme from BookJourney.

I read:
I've finished a few books since I last posted here, most recently:
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, by Ransom Riggs
Magic Slays, by Ilona Andrews
The Girl in the Steel Corset, by Kady Cross
(click on the links for my full reviews!)

But what I've really been working on are book and media lists! Check 'em out in the posts below and let me know what you think in the comments section - and tell me if I'm missing anything, too!

I'm reading:
Uncommon Criminals (Heist Society #2), by Ally Carter
Delirium, by Lauren Oliver

I'm reading Delirium for a book group and Uncommon Criminals because I love Ally Carter!

To be read:

My "to be read" pile is always the longest. I am sad to say that I didn't read one of my book club books because it didn't arrive from the library on time (oh the shame!), so I'm still planning on reading The Devil's Cub, by Georgette Heyer, plus another of her titles, The Black Moth.

I recently saw a preview for the new movie, Hugo, which looks amazing. Turns out it was based on a book, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, by Brian Selznick, which also looks amazing.

Book Review: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

2011-08-08T19:10:00.000-04:00

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, by Ransom Riggs (DNF)

I'm afraid I'm going to have to mark this one as DNF - Did Not Finish. I wanted to love this book. I expected to love this book. And I think that my expectations were so high that when it just turned out to be "good" instead of "fan-freakin-tastic" I lost interest. Then the book was due back at the library, and I just gave up all pretense of reading it and returned it.

One thing I did love about this book was the awesome photos. The author took crazy old photos he had collected and created characters from them. I love that. Seriously. It was such a cool idea and I loved looking at the photos whilst reading (and skipping ahead to just look at them); they were creepy and eerie, sometimes wackadoo, and just plain wonderful. If you come across this at the book store or library, at least give it a skim for the photographs, but don't let the fact that I couldn't finish it deter you; it was a good book, I was just expecting something else.

Book & Media List: Cons & Heists

2011-08-07T17:49:00.002-04:00

Cons & Heists:

One of my favorite shows on TV right now is Leverage, a story of a thief, a hitter, a hacker, a grifter and a mastermind who con and steal from the bad guys and give back to the mistreated everyman (watch it - it's awesome!). It made me wonder, what books are like it?

Movies and TVs
Ocean’s Eleven (1960), Ocean’s 11 (2001), Ocean’s 12 (2004), Ocean’s 13 (2007)
Italian Job (1969 & 2003)
The Sting (1973)
The Thomas Crown Affair (1968 & 1999)
The Usual Suspects (1995) - thanks to Mike for the recommendation!
Catch Me If You Can (2002)
The Brothers Bloom (2008) - thanks to Mike for the recommendation; I can't believe I didn't think of this one, since I loved it so much!
Leverage (TV show 2008-present)
White Collar (TV show 2009-present)

Children, Tween, and Young Adult
Heist Society, Ally Carter (book 1 in Heist Society series, 2 books published)
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks, E. Lockhart
The Thief (The Queens Thief #1), Megan Whalen Turner
Artemis Fowl (Artemis Fowl #1), Eoin Colfer
The Outlaws of Sherwood, Robin McKinley
Montmorency: Thief, Liar, Gentleman? (Montmorency #1), Eleanor Updale
Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes, Jonathan Auxier
The Good Thief, Hannah Tinti

Classics
The Gambler, Fyodor Dostoyevsky
The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Sting, Robert Weverka
The Pickwick Papers, Charles Dickens
Robin Hood, Alexandre Dumas
Arsène Lupin, Gentleman-Thief (Arsène Lupin #1), Maurice Leblanc

Fiction
The Grifters, Jim Thompson
The Talented Mr. Ripley, Patricia Highsmith (book 1 in 5 book series)
Fingersmith, Sarah Waters
Lies of Locke Lamora, Scott Lynch (book 1 of The Gentleman Bastard, 2 books published, at least 3 more expected)
The Grift, Debra Ginsberg
City of Thieves, David Benioff
White Cat (Curse Workers #1), Holly Black
Baudolino, Umberto Eco

Non Fiction/True Crime

Catch Me If You Can, Frank Abagnale
The Big Con: The Story of the Confidence Man, David Maurer
Charlatan: America’s Most Dangerous Huckster, the Man Who Pursued Him, and the Age of Flimflam, Pope Brock
A Pickpocket’s Tale: The Underworld of Nineteenth-Century New York, Timothy Gilfoyle
A Treasury of Deception: Liars, Misleaders, Hoodwinkers, and the Extraordinary True Stories of History's Greatest Hoaxes, Fakes and Frauds, Michael Farquhar
The Forger's Spell: A True Story of Vermeer, Nazis, and the Greatest Art Hoax of the Twentieth Century, Edward Dolnick
Ballad of the Whiskey Robber: A True Story of Bank Heists, Ice Hockey, Transylvanian Pelt Smuggling, Moonlighting Detectives, and Broken Hearts, Julian Rubinstein

Book List: Steampunk

2011-08-02T22:52:00.008-04:00

Book List: Steampunk
I'm still new to the Steampunk sub-genre, but I am so intrigued by it. I love the aesthetic of Victorian England mixed with technology that wasn't. Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series got me hooked on the genre, and one day I hope to do a library program around Steampunk. But until that day, here's a book and media list regarding this awesome genre!

Anthologies and Non Fiction
The Steampunk Bible: An Illustrated Guide to the World of Imaginary Airships, Corsets and Goggles, Mad Scientists, and Strange Literature, Jeff VanderMeer - ***If you really want to know about Steampunk, not just read or watch something Steampunky, then this is the book you need!***
Steampunk, Ann VanderMeer, Jeff VanderMeer
Steampunk II: Steampunk Reloaded, Ann VanderMeer, Jeff VanderMeer, et al
Steampunk-Style Jewelry: A Maker's Collection of Victorian, Fantasy, and Mechanical Designs, Jean Campbell
Steampunk Prime: A Vintage Steampunk Reader, Mike Ashley
Corsets & Clockwork: 13 Steampunk Romances, Anthology
Extraordinary Engines: The Definitive Steampunk Anthology
The Art of Steampunk: Extraordinary Devices and Ingenious Contraptions from the Leading Artists of the Steampunk Movement, Art Donovan
Steampunk!: An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories, Young Adult Anthology

Movies and TVs
Wild Wild West (1999)
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)
Steamboy (2004) – animated movie
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004)
Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Hellboy (2004)
Van Helsing (2004)
The Prestige (2006)
The Golden Compass (2007)
Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
9 (2009) - animated movie
The Three Musketeers (coming 10/21/2011)
Hugo (coming 11/23/2011)
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (coming 12/16/2011)
Sanctuary (2008-present) – television show on SYFY
Warehouse 13 (2009-present) – television show on SYFY

Children/Tween/Young Adult
The Girl in the Steel Corset (The Steampunk Chronicles #1), Kady Cross
The City of Ember (Books of Ember #1), Jeanne DuPrau
Leviathan (Leviathan #1), Scott Westerfeld
The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Brian Selznick
Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1), Cassandra Clare
The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials #1), Philip Pullman
Howl’s Moving Castle (Castle #1), Dianna Wynne Jones
Airman, Eoin Colfer
Incarceron (Incarceron #1), Catherine Fisher

Classics
The Time Machine, H. G. Wells
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, Jules Verne
Frankenstein, Mary Shelley
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Robert Louis Stevenson

Fiction
Boneshaker (The Clockwork Century #1), Cherie Priest
Soulless (The Parasol Protectorate #1), Gail Carriger
The Affinity Bridge (Newbury and Hobbes #1), George Mann
The Iron Duke (Iron Seas #1), Meljean Brook
The Steampunk Trilogy, Paul Di Filippo
The Windup Girl, Paolo Bacigalupi
Whitechapel Gods (Whitechapel #1), S. M. Peters
Steamed (Steampunk Romance #1), Katie MacAlister
The Native Star (Native Star #1), M. K. Hobson

Anime/Graphic Novels/Comics
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Vol. 1, Alan Moore
Girl Genius Vol. 1: Agatha Heterodyne & the Beetleburg Clank (Girl Genius #1), Phil Foglio, Kaja Foglio, Brian Snoddy
Rapunzel's Revenge (Rapunzel's Revenge #1), by Shannon Hale, Nathan Hale, and Dean Hale (Thanks to christy27204 for the recommendation!)
Last Exlie, animated Japanese television series (Thanks to Doug for the recommendation!)

For More:
http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/618.Best_Steampunk_Books?format=html&page=1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_steampunk_works

Book List: Magical Realism

2011-08-02T22:28:00.001-04:00

http://wizardinglife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Magic-Garden.jpg

Magical Realism
Wikipedia describes magical realism as "an aesthetic style or genre of fiction in which magical elements blend with the real world. The story explains these magical elements as real occurrences, presented in a straightforward manner that places the "real" and the "fantastic" in the same stream of thought." I'm a big fan of this genre (Sarah Addison Allen is my favorite) and I wanted to find more books (and movies) in this style. Many of these authors wrote more in this style than the book listed, but the titles below are a good starting place.

Books:
Sarah Addison Allen – Garden Spells
Alice Hoffman – Practical Magic
Isabel Allende – The House of Spirits
Jonathan Safran Foer – Everything is Illuminated
Laura Esquivel – Like Water for Chocolate
Gabriel Garcia Marquez – One Hundred Years of Solitude
Carlos Ruiz Zafon – The Shadow of the Wind
Italo Calvino – Invisible Cities
Kathryn Davis – Labrador
Melissa Senate – The Love Goddess Cooking School
Lauren Groff – The Monsters of Templeton
Karen Russell – Swamplandia!
Peter Grandbois – The Gravedigger
Paulo Coelho – The Alchemist
Tabitha King and Michael McDowell – Candles Burning
Toni Morrison – Beloved
Steven King – The Green Mile
Franz Kafka – The Metamorposis

Movies and TV Shows:
Death Takes a Holiday (1934) / Meet Joe Black (1998)
Big (1988)
Like Water for Chocolate (1992)
Groundhog Day (1993)
Lawn Dogs (1997)
Pleasantville (1998)
Practical Magic (1998)
Donnie Darko (2001)
Whale Rider (2002)
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
The Lake House (2006)
Pushing Daisies (2007-2009) TV show - Thanks to Steven Gravatte for the recommendation!

For More Information:

http://www.fantasy-magazine.com/non-fiction/top-ten-magical-realism-films/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magical_realism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Magic_realism_novels
http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/143.Favorite_Magical_Realism_Novels

Book List: Fairy Tales, Retellings, and Reimaginings

2011-08-02T22:08:00.001-04:00

Fairy Tales, Retellings and, Reimaginings

We all know that vampires and werewolves were (and still are) majorly popular. Then there were fairies and angels and distopian futures (Hunger Games anyone?). What appears to be a new big trend, at least according to the TV networks and movie makers, is reimagining and retelling the stories of fairy tales. I love this: fairy tales have meat to them, moral codes in a let-me-put-the-fear-of-God-into-you-so-you-don't-do-this-stuff style, and they can be tailored to be light and happy (see Tangled) or dark and moody (see Beastly). You know it's a growing area when they have not one, but two Snow White movies coming out in the next year, both with all-star casts (Julia Roberts plays the evil queen in one of them! Gasp!).
Below is a list of movies, TV shows, and books for anyone intrigued by this sub-genre (oh, and I tossed in some Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland retellings, too). If you have any thoughts or additional items to add, please do so in the comments section!

Movies and TV Shows
Beastly (2011)
Red Riding Hood (2011)
Tangled (2010)
The Brothers Grimm (2005)
Hoodwinked! (2005)

The 10^th Kingdom (2000)

Ever After (1998)
Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters (coming 3/2/2012)

Snow White and the Huntsman (coming 6/1/2012)

The Brothers Grimm: Snow White (coming 2012)
Grimm (coming this fall to NBC)
Once Upon a Time (coming this fall to ABC)

Tween/Young Adult
Beastly, Alex Flinn
Cloaked, Alex Flinn
Briar Rose, Jane Ylen
Impossible, Nancy Werlin
Sisters Red, Jackson Pearce
Red Riding Hood, Sarah Blakley-Cartwright and Catherine Hardwicke (movie tie-in)
Crazy Beautiful, Lauren Baratz-Logsted
A Tale Dark and Grimm, Adam Gidwitz
The Grimm Legacy, Polly Shulman
The Looking Glass Wars, Frank Beddor

Classics
The Complete Hans Christian Anderson Fairy Tales, Hans Christian Anderson
Aesop’s Fables, Aesop
The Complete Grimm’s Fairy Tales, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
The Arabian Nights: Tales from a Thousand and One Nights, Anonymous

Fiction
The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories, Angela Carter (short stories, horror)
The Fairy Godmother, Mercedes Lackey (fantasy/romance)
Mirror Mirror, Gregory Maguire (historical fiction)
Neverwhere, Neil Gaiman (fantasy)
The Child Thief, Brom (fantasy/horror)
King Rat, China Mieville (fantasy/horror)
The Djinn in the Nightingale’s Eye, A.S. Byatt (short stories, fantasy)
The Robber Bride, Margaret Atwood (literary fiction)
The Stolen Child, Keith Donohue (fantasy)
Stardust, Neil Gaiman (fantasy)

Anime/Graphic Novels/Comics

Fables: Legends in Exile, Bill Willingham, et al
Peter and Max: A Fables Novel, Bill Willingham, et al

Teaser Tuesday: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

2011-08-02T19:45:00.001-04:00

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

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

"I used to dream about escaping my ordinary life, but my life was never ordinary. I had simply failed to notice how extraordinary it was."
— Ransom Riggs (Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children)

Review: Magic Slays

2011-08-02T19:34:00.000-04:00

Magic Slays (Kate Daniels, #5), by Ilona Andrews (*****)

Magic Slays is the 5th title of an action packed, ofttimes gory, urban fantasy series. The story is set in a near-future Atlanta where magic and technology battle for supremacy. Kate is a woman possessed of a great deal of magic and mad sword skills, plus a mysterious past that causes her to keep everyone at bay. Through the course of the books, though, she has allowed herself to make personal connections, including a best friend, an adopted daughter, and a love interest. Only in this series, tall, dark and handsome is more likely to end up furry, fangy, and dangerous. Kate's beau is the Beast Lord, a guy who turns into a lion and rules the furry roost in Atlanta. In Magic Slays, Kate and Curran (said Beast Lord) have to figure out why a vampire has lost control and eventually save Atlanta...again.

My only issue with this book series is that the books come out too far apart! By the time a new one comes along, I've forgotten a lot of what happened in the previous books. I guess it's just time I started over and refreshed my memory - and this series is worth a second read.

Review: The Girl in the Steel Corset

2011-08-02T19:30:00.001-04:00

The Girl in the Steel Corset (Steampunk Chronicles, #1), by Kady Cross (*****)

From Goodreads:
In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one except the "thing" inside her.

When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch...

Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits. Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret.

Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help-and finally be a part of something, finally fit in.

But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on, even if it seems no one believes her.

From Me:
I REALLY wanted to like this book. I loved the cover art and I was intrigued by the book description - I love a good tough-chick story. I even really enjoyed the characters and the world Cross created. I just couldn't get into the story. It felt like the author was trying to shove all the cool stuff she thought of into this one book rather than saving some of it for the next one (this is the first in a series). It wasn't that what was in the story was bad, there was just too much of it.

That being said, I'll still read the follow-up novel. I loved the Steampunk world and I want to see how the characters develop, particularly Finley Jayne (the girl in the steel corset). I would recommend this book for someone looking to test the waters of Steampunk, but who may not be ready to go into the full blown, hardcore Steampunk world. Though I would suggest Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate first, unless they really just wanted a YA read.

Question for those who have read the book: what in the world is "ropey hair"?

Teaser Tuesday: Garden Spells

2011-07-12T12:45:00.000-04:00

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

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

"She was so Southern that she cried tears that came straight from the Mississippi, and she always smelled faintly of cottonwood and peaches." Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Authors I'd DIE To Meet

2011-07-12T12:35:00.001-04:00

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This week's Top Ten asks, "Who are the Top Ten authors you'd DIE to meet?"

10. Stephenie Meyer - The Twilight series is so polarizing; either you love it or you hate it - there's practically no middle ground. I happen to be on the Love It side of that equation; the books (and even the movies) are my guilty pleasure. However, I'd love a chance to sit down with Ms. Meyer and ask her what in the name of naming was she thinking when she selected Renesme for the vampirelette?

9. Sarah Addison Allen - Ms. Allen writes truly lovely books. They make me feel like there really is a little magic in the world, I just have to find it. Someone who can create such beautiful stories is someone I'd love to have 'round to tea.

8. Sarah MacLean - I read Ms. MacLean's Nine, Ten, and Eleven books in quick succession and I want a chance to ask, beg, plead for a new book asfastasshecan!

7. JK Rowling - The first of the initialled authors on my list (and the only one still living...). Not only am I a major fan of the Harry Potter books (I'm still sad I never got my own Hogwarts letter), as a girl who'd someday like to write books and is looking for a job in a library, I find JK to be an inspiration. First, she got a whole generation of kids excited to read, and that's amazing in and of itself, but she was also incredibly successful in the process. I want to be JK when I grow up...

6. CS Lewis - My favorite books as a kid were the Chronicles of Narnia. I would read them over and over, and if I could, I'd shake the hand of the man who made reading such a delight.

5. JRR Tolkien - I want to live in Middle Earth. Tolkien's intricate descriptions, with everything thought out in minute detail, makes it feel like I could close my eyes and enter that world. Reading his books is a truly magical experience.

4. Jasper Fforde - Mr. Fforde's alternate reality/book world Thursday Next series is beyond amazing. He's a brilliant author, but I truly appreciate how clever a wordsmith he is. Utterly fantastic.

3. Dawn French - Whilst she's an actress and comedienne first, Ms. French is also an author. She's the kind of woman you wish you could invite out to drinks and just listen to stories about her life. Did you know she snogged Johnny Depp?

2. Charlaine Harris - I'm hooked on the Sookie Stackhouse series, particularly any scene involving Eric (book 4 is my favorite). If I met Ms. Harris, maybe she could introduce me to Alexander Skarsgard...

1. Gail Carriger - I adore her Parasol Protectorate books and I'm excited to say that she follows me on Twitter and actually responded to me a couple of times! It made my bookish heart go all aflutter! It's a major step to really meeting someone on this list. Maybe one day we can talk Steampunk over a cuppa.

WWW Wednesdays (July 6)

2011-07-06T10:16:00.000-04:00

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

What are you currently reading?

Girl in the Steel Corset (Steampunk Chronicles #1) by Kady Cross
I just started this book last night, so I haven't gotten very far yet, but I am digging the Steampunk and this YA title looks like it's going to be a winner.

What did you recently finish reading?
Magic Slays (Kate Daniels #5) by Ilona Andrews
This is such a cool, intense urban fantasy series. I'll have a full review up soon...

What do you think you’ll read next?
I'm not sure, I just brought in a major haul from a massive book sale, plus my library stack is as tall as a toddler. I do have a couple of books I need to read for book groups: Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen (love her!) and Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen. Then there's Julia Quinn's Just Like Heaven, which I won't be able to wait too long to read (and hoping it's as good as her Bridgerton series). Then there's Spoiled by the fabulous Go Fug Yourself girls (love that site).

Quot libros, quom breve tempus.

Waiting on Wednesday: Miss Peregrin's Home for Peculiar Children

2011-07-06T09:41:00.000-04:00

Title: Miss Peregrin's Home for Peculiar Children
Author: Ransom Riggs
Publication Date: available now

From Goodreads:
A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. And a strange collection of very curious photographs. It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children who once lived here—one of whom was his own grandfather—were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a desolate island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.

Ok, yes, this book is technically available now, rather than a pre-publication title, but I'm waiting on a copy from the library, so it's not available to me yet. So I'm going to count it :) If you're not convinced that this is a must read, just check out this AWESOME book trailer:

Teaser Tuesday: The Girl in the Steel Corset

2011-07-05T20:23:00.000-04:00

"Finley didn't court trouble, but part of her--that part that was going to keep her safe, yet get her fired--hoped he'd try something. It was horribly delighted as the prospect of the violence to come."

The Girl in the Steel Corset (The Steampunk Chronicles), by Kady Cross

I am growing to love Steampunk. I'm still new to it; most of what I know is from Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series, but it's so cool! And it has such a wonderful aesthetic. I can't wait to dig in to this book!

Review: The Trouble with Harry

2011-06-29T14:38:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago I read and wrote a not-so-glowing review of a Katie MacAlister novel. I didn't hate it, but there was enough to annoy me that I had a hard time enjoying the story. I say this here because I'm now reviewing another of her books, The Trouble with Harry. Why would I read another of her books if I wasn't fond of the last one? Well, I had to - I guess that's what happens when you're in a book group :)

Ok, confession time. I like romances. Not for the dirty, but because they're so much more fun than literary fiction, even other genres. So I go for the romance, whether it's the inspirational titles I devoured in my teens; historicals, contemporaries, or paranormals; or the YA that I've taken up a few years after I left that target audience. My favorite authors write with a sense of humor, their characters are loveable, and the plots are entertaining. When I watch TV, movies, or read a book, I'm looking to be entertained; I have no desire to read or watch anything that's going to bum me out. So yeah, I read romances.

Back to the book. I liked this one a lot better than MacAlister's A Girl's Guide to Vampires. Here you have a 45-year-old man with five little hellions in need of a mother and a 40-year-old woman who really wants a family, but has been kept from having one due to a scandal in her youth. I liked the fact that MacAlister broke away from the norm - a 40-year-old heroine in a Regency? So much better than a 17-year-old. Seriously. This book really could have stood alone on the hero's (Harry) and heroine's (Plum) time getting to know each other and Plum's attempt to get to know and love the little "diablitos," but we end up with two other conflicts - one for each of them. For Harry, his baddy-plot carried throughout the story, but the reader never even meets the baddy until the end of the story, followed quickly by a resolution. Plum's baddy-plot had a bit more umph, and I enjoyed Plum's reaction to and solution to said plot. Her solutions were a little ridiculous, but funny, so I can get on board with that. I also appreciated Plum's mother-bear reactions - no one was going to threaten her family; she wasn't going to sit by and wimper to her man to fix the problem whilst she clutched her hankerchief in fear.

There was one other main part of the plot that I didn't care for. As I mentioned earlier, I don't read these books for the dirty, and frankly, this one had a bit too much. Part of Plum's problem (and this isn't a spoiler, it's revealed in the first few pages) is that she wrote a book that sounds a lot like the Kama Sutra. And a LOT of time was spent describing how Harry and Plum enacted certain scenes from her book. Serious overkill on the part of the author. I don't know if this is her M.O., since I've only read two of her books. Maybe she was trying to show that a hero and heroine in their 40s could make a hot couple (to which I say, duh) and overcompensated. Or maybe none of the above. I don't know; all I know is that she passed the squirmy, uncomfortable line by a couple of feet.

MacAlister hasn't made it onto my list of favorite authors, but I still found this book to be enjoyable, and a big improvement over the last book of her's that I read. (*****)

Teaser Tuesday: City of Bones

2011-06-21T20:13:00.001-04:00

•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"Don't touch any of my weapons without my permission."
"Well, there goes my plan for selling them all on eBay," Clary muttered.
"Selling them on what?"
Clary smiled blandly at him. "A mythical place of great magical power."

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

It's Monday: What are you reading? (15)

2011-06-20T10:06:00.000-04:00

It's Monday: What are you reading? is a weekly meme from BookJourney.

Finished this week:

A Girl's Guide to Vampires by Katie MacAlister (*****)
I just couldn't like this book, though I tried. See my full review here.

Currently Reading:

Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase
I'm only a quarter of the way through this book, but I already love it. Plucky heroine faces off against brooding hero. Humor ensues. I do love a plucky heroine...

Dear Fatty by Dawn French
This lovely book is a memoire written in the form of letters to brilliant comedienne Dawn French's loved ones. Fatty, in this instance, refers to the other half of French's British comedy duo, French and Saunders' Jennifer Saunders (you may know her best from AbFab). As for Ms. French, I adored her in the comedy show The Vicar of Dibley. You want to laugh? Check out that DVD; you can find it at Netflix (disc only, not streaming) or possibly at your local library (that's where I found it).

To be read:
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
I've read this a few times already and love it; I'll be reading it again for a book group.

The Trouble with Harry by Katie MacAlister
Another book group pick (a different one this time - I'm a member of three). Hopefully I'll like this one better than the above Vampires.

Review: A Girl's Guide to Vampires

2011-06-16T19:06:00.000-04:00

Title: A Girl's Guide to Vampires
Author: Katie MacAlister

From Goodreads:
"On a visit to the Czech Republic, Joy Randall (a skeptic of all things paranormal), is suddenly thrown into the dark, dangerous world where vampires known as Dark Ones stalk the night. Armed with nothing more than a wicked sense of humor and a bag of rune stones, Joy does her best to untangle the threads involving a serial killer, vampires (both real and pretend), and the handsome, mysterious man who may or may not be what he appears."

From me: (*****)
I picked up this book with high expectations. My friends who recommended it told me how much they loved it and how they laughed out loud throughout. I don't know why, but the book just didn't do it for me. If it wasn't for the fact that my friends recommended it so highly, I probably wouldn't have finished it. That, and once I got far enough in, I really did want to know how the story ended - I'd gotten that far, I had to know what happened, dang it.

There certainly were some funny moments (something I've been looking for in my books lately), but I got so frustrated with Joy, who bordered on a heroine who's "Too Stupid To Live" (I have an issue with non-sleuthy characters trying to be sleuthy), that the humor couldn't save the story for me.

Teaser Tuesday: Dear Fatty

2011-06-14T18:44:00.001-04:00

"I do clearly remember when we decided to do a little double-act turn for a talent contest at our school. Was Mr Kitching the headmaster of the school, and was it next to a graveyard which meant I had to hold my breath ALL DAY so that bad spirits couldn't get in me, which meant that sports activities outside were a potentially fatal pastime, since one usually needs to breathe during sports, I find, especially if you're a bit fat, when you need to breathe a lot."

--Dear Fatty by Dawn French (the brilliant British comedienne)

My first library program, graduation from grad school, plus a book review!

2011-06-14T17:01:00.001-04:00

Me (as Amy Pond) in the TARDIS

Oh, my poor blog. I've neglected you - again. I promise, I have a good excuse. I just graduated with my Masters in Library Science! The final push in the semester and all the grad events has kept me away from my blog. I have been reading, though, and I'll share my latest review in just a moment, but first let me take the opportunity to gush about the awesomeness of library school and libraries in general.

I have never enjoyed school as much as I have loved the last two years of grad school. It was amazing to spend time with classmates and professors who are all passionate about the things that I'm passionate about. I have no idea why it took me so long to discover this career path, but I feel like I've finally found my niche. I've also discovered a few things about myself: when it comes to librarianship, I am truly excited about programming.

Teens making TARDIS keys, eating fish custard, and discoving their Time Lord names

My dear friend, Lauren (a former classmate and current teen librarian), and I had the opportunity to put on a Doctor Who program for the teens at a local library. It was awesome! We had over 20 teens and tweens (from 4th grade to seniors in high school) participate and we had nothing but glowing responses to the program.

Doctor Who Cubees

Captain Jack Harkness Intergalactic NERF Training

We had a library-wide scavenger hunt, several crafts, Nerf target practice, and food all related to the awesomeness of Doctor Who (if you don't know about the Doctor, it's time to learn - you won't be sorry!). Lauren and I even built our own TARDIS. This was one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had in a work-type environment. From that point, I was hooked on programming. I've volunteered at several other library programs, but I'm really looking forward to designing my own.

Teens create their own Journal of Impossible Things

Ok, so back to book my book review. I recently read Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews for one of my book groups. Savannah Blues has it's good points and bad. Andrews does a great job of describing Savannah and it's surrounding areas; I felt like I got to really experience Weezie's Southern home. Unfortunately, I didn't feel like I got to know the characters as much as I would have liked. I got to know Weezie best through her profession as a picker. I found the picker world fascinating, but I couldn't get attached to the characters.

Another issue I had with the story was the quick resolution of conflicts (particularly the last one - nothing really seemed resolved there) and the vast number of conflicts. I'd list them, but I don't want include spoilers here - just know that there are many and they are diverse.

All in all, Savannah Blues is a decent summer/beach read, but don't choose this book if you really want to dig in to something. (*****)

Thanks for sticking with me! Hopefully I won't neglect you anymore :) Oh, and support your libraries!!!

Musing Mondays (3)

2011-03-14T09:28:00.001-04:00

Musing Mondays is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading. This week’s musing asks…

Do you have a favorite children’s book? Either one that you loved as a child, or one that you discovered later, and still enjoy? Tell us about it!
When I was little, my momma read to me ALL the time; I had a lot of books and we also went to the library all the time. I remember going to library and leaving with a stack of books in my arms that was half as tall as I was.

I remember a few books that I made my mom read to me over and over. First was Whiskers and Rhymes by Arnold Lobel (of Frog and Toad fame). And the evil in me made her read the poem that she wanted to avoid because it got stuck in her head (bwahaha). This book is still awesome, with sweet, moving, and funny poems - if you can find it, you should read it :)

The other book, which I find strangely ironic, was titled Cranky. Alas, the interwebs have failed me and I couldn't find a link to this book. But it was about a little monster? creature? thing who was bummed that he had to go to bed at this bedtime. Then an evil witch came along and gave him a magic lantern so he could stay up late and play. But then THEN he was so tired the next day that he became a crankypants. Moral of the story: go to bed when your parents tell you to. I wonder why my mom loved to read this one to me...

Books to the ceiling, books to the sky, my pile of books is a mile high. How I love them! How I need them! I'll have a long beard by the time I read them. ~Arnold Lobel

It's Monday: What are you reading (15)?

2011-03-14T08:50:00.000-04:00

It's Monday: What are you reading? is a weekly meme from BookJourney.

Oh so many books have been read since last I posted way back in January. I am happy to announce that I actually managed to finish Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell in time for my book group discussion. It was a most excellent book, but it is a beast - pick it up only if you have time to devote to it. I've also completed another book club book, Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins. This book wasn't my cup of tea; I enjoyed the prose (Mr. Robbins has a way with words), but I couldn't get into the story (a princess in name only falls for a bomber in the last quarter of the 20th century). Annnddd, I also read all 10 of the Sookie Stackhouse books. The ice-pocalypse kept me from the library for a bit, so I took the opportunity to revisit one of my favorite book series and it was just as good the 2nd time around!

Currently Reading:
Pack of Lies by Laura Anne Gilman, the 2nd book in the Paranormal Scene Investigation series. Gilman also authored the Retrievers series, an awesome urban fantasy series from which the PSI series is a continuation.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. This is our current book group selection and the response to this selection has been overwhelmingly positive. I've been meaning to read this book for a while now and I'm excited to read it for our book group.

To be read:
The books currently sitting on my shelf, waiting to be read include:
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor
Insatiable by Meg Cabot
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

Waiting on Wednesday:

2011-02-16T19:21:00.001-05:00

Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse #11)
by Charlaine Harris
publication date: May 3, 2011

From Goodreads:
"With her knack for being in trouble's way, Sookie witnesses the firebombing of Merlotte's, the bar where she works. Since Sam Merlotte is now known to be two-natured, suspicion falls immediately on the anti-shifters in the area. But Sookie suspects otherwise and she and Sam work together to uncover the culprit - and the twisted motive for the attack. But her attention is divided. Though she can't 'read' vampires, Sookie knows her lover Eric Northman and his 'child' Pam well - and she realises that they are plotting to kill the vampire who is now their master. Gradually, she is drawn into the plot -which is much more complicated than she knows. Caught up in the politics of the vampire world, Sookie will learn that she is as much of a pawn as any ordinary human - and that there is a new Queen on the board . . . "

From Me:
I have been rereading this series after the recent ice storm kept me from the library. I love the books, but I was slightly lost while reading the last few entries when they came out because it had been so long since I read the earlier installments. So now I'm almost all caught up (8 out of 10 newly read) and I'm ready for the new book!

2011-02-15T14:52:00.000-05:00

"When I'd stormed out, I hadn't been thinking about what would happen next. It's the ruin of a good exit when you have to go back and look in the phone book for a cab company." page 109

-From Dead to Worse, Sookie Stackhouse #8
Charlaine Harris

Blogging updates

2011-02-09T14:26:00.000-05:00

Oh, blogosphere, I have gotten lazy again and haven't posted in a while. My apologies. I finally finished Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, something that felt like it took forever. It was a great book, but it's a beast! (For full review, see today's review post.) Since then, I've been catching up on my pleasure reading - the last several months I've been reading books for school (particularly for my Materials for Youth class) or book group, most of which have been great. It's funny how satisfying it is to select the books you're reading when it's been a while since you had the luxury.

Anyhoodle, I first picked up a Jennifer Crusie book, Maybe This Time (see below for full review). And then, due to the Ice Storm of Death, or the Snowpocalypse, I wasn't able to get to the library to pick up my newest haul. So I started to reread the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris (if you're unfamiliar with this series, it inspired to uber-popular HBO show, True Blood). I loved this series, but I've only read it once through, and I often reread books I love. It's been a long time coming, and I have really enjoyed the process. I'm on Book 5, Dead as a Doornail, but will soon be turning to the afore mentioned library haul...that and our latest book club book, Still Life with Woodpecker.

To Read:
Still Life with Woodpecker, by Tom Robbins
The Looking Glass Wars (Looking Glass Wars #1), by Frank Beddor
Inkheart (Inkheart #1), by Cornelia Funke
Insatiable, by Meg Cabot

Maybe This Time

2011-02-09T14:03:00.000-05:00

Maybe This Time
by Jennifer Crusie
(*****)

From Goodreads:
Andie Miller is ready to move on in life. She wants to marry her fiance and leave behind everything in her past, especially her ex-husband, North Archer. But when Andie tries to gain closure with him, he asks one final favor of her before they go their separate ways forever. A very distant cousin of his has died and left North as the guardian of two orphans who have driven out three nannies already, and things are getting worse. He needs a very special person to take care of the situation and he knows Andie can handle anything…

When Andie meets the two children she quickly realizes things are much worse than she feared. The place is a mess, the children, Carter and Alice, aren’t your average delinquents, and the creepy old house where they live is being run by the worst housekeeper since Mrs. Danvers. What’s worse, Andie’s fiance thinks this is all a plan by North to get Andie back, and he may be right. Andie’s dreams have been haunted by North since she arrived at the old house. And that’s not the only haunting…

Then her ex-brother-in-law arrives with a duplicitous journalist and a self-doubting parapsychologist, closely followed by an annoyed medium, Andie’s tarot card–reading mother, her avenging ex-mother-in-law, and her jealous fiancé. Just when Andie’s sure things couldn’t get more complicated, North arrives to make her wonder if maybe this time things could just turn out differently….

It may seem strange to categorize this story as "Historical Fiction," but as you learn before the story starts, it takes place in 1992. "Because." In other words, no cell phones, no instant internet access - it's practically foreign territory nowadays! While this may be a ghost story, the true story is that of a woman trying to take care of, and then loving, two orphaned children. So maybe the fact that these kids are haunted by some disturbing ghosts mixes up this plot a bit, but it was the children that I found most compelling. And then there's the basic romantic element as our heroine Andie (short for Andromeda - her mom was either a hippie or just hippie like, I don't recall the particulars) has to contend with her fiance and the ex-husband she still has feelings for.

I often pick up Crusie titles, looking for a repeat of Agnes and the Hitman - one of my favorite books. This book contains Crusie's trade-mark humor, but it does seem to have a touch more seriousness than some of her other titles (and isn't quite as fantastic as Agnes). That may just be because children are involved in the dramatic bits, which makes it seem more serious; I don't know. But I loved it, all the same! Recommended.

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell

2011-02-09T13:52:00.000-05:00

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell
by Susanna Clarke
(*****)

From Goodreads:
Centuries ago, when magic still existed in England, the greatest magician of them all was the Raven King. A human child brought up by fairies, the Raven King blended fairy wisdom and human reason to create English magic. Now, at the beginning of the nineteenth century, he is barely more than a legend, and England, with its mad King and its dashing poets, no longer believes in practical magic.

Then the reclusive Mr Norrell of Hurtfew Abbey appears and causes the statues of York Cathedral to speak and move. News spreads of the return of magic to England and, persuaded that he must help the government in the war against Napoleon, Mr Norrell goes to London. There he meets a brilliant young magician and takes him as a pupil. Jonathan Strange is charming, rich and arrogant. Together, they dazzle the country with their feats.

But the partnership soon turns to rivalry. Mr Norrell has never conquered his lifelong habits of secrecy, while Strange will always be attracted to the wildest, most perilous magic. He becomes fascinated by the shadowy figure of the Raven King, and his heedless pursuit of long-forgotten magic threatens, not only his partnership with Norrell, but everything that he holds dear.

I finished it! I feel like I accomplished something major when I turned that last page. This book was excellent, but it was loooonnnggg. Do not read this book if you don't have time to devote to it - it's not one you can put down and pick up later. By the time I was half way through it I was having trouble remembering every character and every reference made, and I was reading it straight through. There's a lot of information here, but that gives this story it's depth.

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell reads like Austen and it's the complexities of the characters and not the magic (which felt very commonplace, like it was the most natural thing in the world) that moves the story. I read this book for a book group, which I would only recommend if you have a long time between group meetings; it's just too bulky to read quickly. On the other hand, there is plenty to talk about, so a great discussion book. Highly recommended.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Peach Keeper

2011-01-26T20:47:00.001-05:00

The Peach Keeper
by Sarah Addison Allen
publication date: March 22, 2011

From Goodreads:
The New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Who Chased the Moon welcomes you to her newest locale: Walls of Water, North Carolina, where the secrets are thicker than the fog from the town’s famous waterfalls, and the stuff of superstition is just as real as you want it to be.

It’s the dubious distinction of thirty-year-old Willa Jackson to hail from a fine old Southern family of means that met with financial ruin generations ago. The Blue Ridge Madam—built by Willa’s great-great-grandfather during Walls of Water’s heyday, and once the town’s grandest home—has stood for years as a lonely monument to misfortune and scandal. And Willa herself has long strived to build a life beyond the brooding Jackson family shadow. No easy task in a town shaped by years of tradition and the well-marked boundaries of the haves and have-nots.

But Willa has lately learned that an old classmate—socialite do-gooder Paxton Osgood—of the very prominent Osgood family, has restored the Blue Ridge Madam to her former glory, with plans to open a top-flight inn. Maybe, at last, the troubled past can be laid to rest while something new and wonderful rises from its ashes. But what rises instead is a skeleton, found buried beneath the property’s lone peach tree, and certain to drag up dire consequences along with it.

For the bones—those of charismatic traveling salesman Tucker Devlin, who worked his dark charms on Walls of Water seventy-five years ago—are not all that lay hidden out of sight and mind. Long-kept secrets surrounding the troubling remains have also come to light, seemingly heralded by a spate of sudden strange occurrences throughout the town.

Now, thrust together in an unlikely friendship, united by a full-blooded mystery, Willa and Paxton must confront the dangerous passions and tragic betrayals that once bound their families—and uncover truths of the long-dead that have transcended time and defied the grave to touch the hearts and souls of the living.

Resonant with insight into the deep and lasting power of friendship, love, and tradition, The Peach Keeper is a portrait of the unshakable bonds that—in good times and bad, from one generation to the next—endure forever.

Sarah Addison Allen creates stories rich with heart and magic. The world she creates is so real and wonderful, I want to pick up and move to her fictional small towns. Her first three books have become some of my favorites and I can't wait to get my hands on her latest novel!

Book Through Thursday: Periodically

2011-01-20T16:17:00.002-05:00

Booking Through Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading.

This week’s Booking Through Thursday question asks:

Even I read things other than books from time to time…like, Magazines! What magazines/journals do you read?

Oh, I read a lot of magazines, but I'm cheap, so I love finding low-priced subscriptions to magazines. Really, you can get a full year's worth of magazines for the price of two issues!

My current subscriptions include Better Homes and Gardens, which besides being an awesome magazine full of recipes, decorating tips, and crafty things, also has an addictive website.

I also get Marie Claire, which has the expected fashion and love advice common to many women's mags, but it also provides current information about women's issues around the world.

Other magazines that I've subscribed to in the past or buy sporadically include Entertainment Weekly, Country Living, Self, Bon Appetit, and the occasional People double issue.

As for journals, I get the American Library Association's (ALA) American Libraries magazine and I read plenty of journal articles related to libraries and library science.

Waiting on Wednesday: Bossypants

2011-01-19T11:55:00.001-05:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Bossypants
by Tina Fey

I've always been more of a novel reader, but I do love humorous books and that includes memoires. I enjoyed reading Kristin Chenowith, Chelsea Handler, and Amy Sedaris, and I have no doubt that Tina Fey's book will be hilarious. Shoot, even the Goodread's description is funny! And that cover!

I judge a book by it's cover,
and I judge that this cover
is awesome.

Goodreads says:
Before Liz Lemon, before "Weekend Update," before "Sarah Palin" Tina Fey was just a young girl with a dream: a recurring stress dream that she was being chased through a local airport by her middle-school gym teacher. She also had a dream that one day she would be a comedian on TV.

She has seen both these dreams come true.

At last, Tina Fey's story can be told. From her youthful days as a vicious nerd to her tour of duty on Saturday Night Live; from her passionately half-hearted pursuit of physical beauty to her life as a mother eating things off the floor; from her one-sided college romance to her nearly fatal honeymoon from the beginning of this paragraph to this final sentence.

Tina Fey reveals all, and proves what we've all suspected: you're no one until someone calls you bossy.

(Includes Special, Never-Before-Solicited Opinions on Breastfeeding, Princesses, Photoshop, the Electoral Process, and Italian Rum Cake!)

Once in a generation a woman comes along who changes everything. TINA FEY is not that woman, but she met that woman once and acted weird around her.

PRAISE FOR TINA FEY

You'd be pretty if you lost weight. --COLLEGE BOYFRIEND, 1990

Tina Fey is an ugly, pear-shaped, overrated troll. --THE INTERNET

Mommy, where are my pretzels. --TRACY MORGAN

ADVANCE PRAISE FOR BOSSYPANTS

I hope that's not really the cover. That's really going to hurt sales. --DON FEY, FATHER OF TINA FEY

Absolutely delicious! --A GUY WHO EATS BOOKS

Totally worth it. --TREES

Do not print this glowing recommendation of Tina Fey's book until I've been dead a hundred years. --MARK TWAIN

Hilarious and insightful. Laugh-out-loud funny oh no, a full moon! No! Arrgh! Get away from me! Save yourself! --A GUY TURNING INTO A WEREWOLF

Musing Mondays (2)

2011-01-17T09:13:00.001-05:00

Musing Mondays is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading. This week’s musing asks…

Do you prefer deep, intellectual, “meaty” books… or light, “fluffy” books? Why? Give us an example of your preferred type of book.

I like books that entertain me, and "deep, intellectual" books rarely do that. I want something fun, something that draws me and makes me laugh or, occassionally, provides a good mope (that's where the Twilight series fits in for me, specifically New Moon - it's great for a good wallow). I particularly like books with a sense of humor, like Jennifer Crusie's Agnes and the Hitman or Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series. A book doesn't have to be "fluffy" to be fun - and I look for fun in my entertainment.

It's Monday, What are you Reading? (14)

2011-01-17T08:45:00.001-05:00

It's Monday: What are you Reading? is a weekly meme from BookJourney.

That noise - that banging sound you may hear? That would be my head against the wall. I cannot get this book finished! It has nothing to do with the style or content - it's an excellent book and I've really enjoyed reading it. But it's sooooo loooonnnngggggg!!!! I have to have it finished by Friday, and I'm not sure I can do it. Which is really bad, since I'm leading the book group that's reading it...

So, I'm still reading Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke. If you'd like more information about it, please see my last two It's Monday posts, as well as my last two Teaser Tuesday posts. Maybe someday I'll be able to post about a different book.

Bang. Bang. Bang.

Waiting on Wednesday: Jane Goes Batty (Jane Bites #2)

2011-01-12T19:19:00.001-05:00

Jane Goes Batty (Jane Bites #2)
by Michael Thomas Ford
expected publication: February 1, 2011

Jane Austen is a vampire and trying to make it as a writer in the 21st century (and having more trouble than you may think) - she found success with her book in Jane Bites Back, and now she's dealing with the ramifications. I can't read the synopsis below without getting excited and a bit giggly!

From Goodreads:
After two hundred years undead, Jane Austen still has bite. But will her most recent literary success be her last?

Life was a lot easier for Jane when she was just an unknown, undead bookstore owner in a sleepy hamlet in upstate New York. But now the world embraces her as Jane Fairfax, author of the bestselling novel Constance—and she’s having a killer time trying to keep her true identity as the Jane Austen a secret. Even the ongoing lessons in How to Be a Vampire, taught by her former lover Lord Byron, don’t seem to be helping much. Jane can barely focus on her boyfriend, Walter, while keeping him in the dark about her more sanguine tastes.

To make matters worse, Walter announces that his mother is coming for a visit—and she’s expecting Jane to be Jewish. Add in a demanding new editor, a convention of romance readers in period costume, a Hollywood camera crew following Jane’s every move, and the constant threat of a certain bloodsucking Brontë sister coming back to finish her off, and it’s enough to make even the most well-mannered heroine go batty!

2011-01-11T09:29:00.001-05:00

•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"Horace Tott spent an uneventful life in Cheshire always intending to write a large book on English magic, but never quite beginning. And so he died at seventy-four, still imagining he might begin next week, or perhaps the week after that."

- Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke

My 100th post! Celebrate with a Giveaway!

2011-01-10T11:00:00.001-05:00

Yay, this is my 100th post! I can't believe I managed it. And in honor of that major milestone, I'm going to link you to a truly awesome giveaway! Bookalicious is offering several cool secondary book giveaways and a main prize of a NookColor! How awesome is that! Just check out the info here to find out how to enter, and good luck!

I'm a NookColor!

Thanks for sticking with me through my first 100 posts and here's looking forward to the next 100!

It's Monday: What are you reading? (13)

2011-01-10T10:14:00.000-05:00

It's Monday: What are you reading? is a weekly meme from BookJourney.

I am still reading Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke. Alas, I'm supposed to have this finished in about a week and a half and I'm having the worst time getting it finished, not because it's bad (on the contrary, I'm quite enjoying it), but because I've been too busy. And now classes are starting back up and I'll have even less time. I'm thinking I'll have to set aside a power-read session and see if I can put a dent in the remaining 700 pages (yeah, and I've already read 300).

For more info on this book, please see my post from last week.

Musing Mondays (1)

2011-01-10T09:25:00.000-05:00

Musing Mondays is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading. Today's musing asks:

Where is your favorite place to find new books to read? Blogs? The library? Newspapers? Magazines? In the backs of other books? Suggestions from friends/family? Online bookstores? On the shelves of the local bookstores? (I don’t necessarily mean, ‘where do you find books to buy’ — I mean, ‘where do you discover new titles that you add to your to-be-read lists’?).

I rely on my friends' and fellow librarian classmates' and professors' suggestions, websites like Goodreads or Amazon, lots of fabulous book bloggers, and browsing stores like Half Priced Books and Books A Million or the stacks at my library (or their website).

I'm an equal opportunity book browser!

In My Mailbox

2011-01-09T21:08:00.001-05:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a time for everyone to share what books they acquired over the course of the week. I'll share what I received in the mail, bought at bookstores, downloaded, or picked up from the library.

I adore Half Priced Books, particularly their clearance section. I made out pretty well this week:

Ghouls Just Want To Have Fun, by Kathleen Bacus

The Spellman Files, by Lisa Lutz

No Lifeguard on Duty: The accidental life of the world's first supermodel, by Janice Dickenson (my super-role model)

And two cookbooks (yay!):
The Pillsbury Healthy Baking Book: Fresh Approaches to More Than 200 Favorite Recipes, by Pillsbury
Williams-Sonoma Entertaining: Easy Entertaining, by George Dolese
Plus two more books from Books A Million:
Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen
Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte
I heart books!

2011-01-04T10:06:00.001-05:00

"Poor Mr. Norrell! He had not heard Drawlight's story of how the fairies had washed the people's clothes and it came as a great shock to him. He assured Sir Walter that he had never in his life washed linen - not by magic nor by any other means." - Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke, page 86

It's Monday, what are you reading? (12)

2011-01-03T22:10:00.001-05:00

It's Monday: What are you reading? is a weekly meme from BookJourney.

I have been reading and will be reading for some time to come:

Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell
by Susanna Clarke

From Goodreads:
"It's 1808 and that Corsican upstart Napoleon is battering the English army and navy. Enter Mr. Norrell, a fusty but ambitious scholar from the Yorkshire countryside and the first practical magician in hundreds of years. What better way to demonstrate his revival of British magic than to change the course of the Napoleonic wars? Susanna Clarke's ingenious first novel, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, has the cleverness and lightness of touch of the Harry Potter series, but is less a fairy tale of good versus evil than a fantastic comedy of manners, complete with elaborate false footnotes, occasional period spellings, and a dense, lively mythology teeming beneath the narrative. Mr. Norrell moves to London to establish his influence in government circles, devising such powerful illusions as an 11-day blockade of French ports by English ships fabricated from rainwater. But however skillful his magic, his vanity provides an Achilles heel, and the differing ambitions of his more glamorous apprentice, Jonathan Strange, threaten to topple all that Mr. Norrell has achieved. A sparkling debut from Susanna Clarke--and it's not all fairy dust. --Regina Marler"

I'm reading this book for my super-awesome book group. And it's big, a real beast of a book, one I have to have read by January 21st. Here's hopin'! But so far, so good...

New for 2011

2011-01-03T21:56:00.000-05:00

My poor, poor blog, neglected all these busy school months. For the new year, I resolve to post more often and get back into the swing of being a blogger. To start off on the right foot, I've just added a ton of new posts for many of the books I've read since August. Most of my reading has been class and book group related; sadly I've had little time to read for my own edification. Luckily, though, the majority of the books I've been forced to read have been winners.

Please enjoy the new blogs and new look as we head into a brand spankin' new year!

Rae

Never Let Me Go

2011-01-03T21:42:00.000-05:00

Never Let Me Go
by Kazuo Ishiguro
(*****)

Never Let Me Go follows three students from a school that isn't what it seems with a future that's bleaker than what it first appears.

This book wasn't to my taste, but it was a good book. Heartbreaking and a dark look at what our future may hold, but good. It's a great choice for a book group - it offers many topics for discussion.

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks

2011-01-03T21:34:00.000-05:00

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks
by E. Lockhart
(*****)

I loved this book! It was clever and fun, and the characters, though few could relate to their wealth and boarding school experiences, were relatable. Most of the story centered around the awkwardness of growing up, young love, and wanting to fit in, allowing the reader to say "this story is about a girl [or boy] like me."

I think Frankie, despite her poor choices in boyfriends, is someone to look up to. She saw everyone following the status quo and she didn't like it, so she did something about it. I can see Frankie breaking all kinds of glass ceilings in her future.

I also loved the descriptions of the panopticon and the neglected positives. I love words and word play, so I really enjoyed the neglected positive sections, and I'd never heard of the panopticon idea, but it makes complete sense and feels very 1984/Big Brother.

Frindle

2011-01-03T21:29:00.000-05:00

Frindle
by Andrew Clements
illustrations by Brian Selznick
(*****)

** Spoiler Alert **

I love bengoes and bengo-play. And the idea that a young boy, no matter his intentions, created a brand new bengo and that it became so popular that it was eventually added to the dictionary is fantastic. Nick may have come up with the idea to change the bengo for "pen" in an effort to make another move in the chess game he and Mrs. Granger were playing, but I think he really understood the lesson that she was teaching him. He may have decided to waste the class time by making a super-...moreI love bengoes and bengo-play. And the idea that a young boy, no matter his intentions, created a brand new bengo and that it became so popular that it was eventually added to the dictionary is fantastic. Nick may have come up with the idea to change the bengo for "pen" in an effort to make another move in the chess game he and Mrs. Granger were playing, but I think he really understood the lesson that she was teaching him. He may have decided to waste the class time by making a super-long report, but the report was full of good information and he did learn a lot in the process. In the same way, when he created his new bengo, he was taking to heart Mrs. Granger's answer to his question about who creates bengoes: "You do, Nicholas. You and me and everyone in this class and this school and this town and this state and this country...We decide what goes in [the dictionary]" (29-31). Mrs. Granger was passionate about bengoes, and in her creative way, she got her students to be passionate about them too, particularly Nick.

Children can identify with Nick and his issues with school and teachers: not wanting to do homework and being concerned about a tough new teacher. They could also be drawn in by the humor of Nick's clever pranks. But once in, the story provides pretty cool lesson about the power of bengoes and that someone as young as Nick can make a difference, even one as big as creating a brand new bengo. This book is a fun, humorous book that will draw in a reader by a normal, relatable kid and the amazing, but not too impossible, thing he did.

Bengo = Word. Pass it on!

Leviathan

2011-01-03T21:24:00.000-05:00

Leviathan
by Scott Westerfeld
illustrations by Keith Thompson
(*****)

While Leviathan may be hard to categorize, it's a great example of a different type of science fiction - one that doesn't meet anyone's definition. Westerfeld's creation is strange and wondrous while being filled with war and danger. Deryn, the middy hiding her gender, doesn't let her deception hinder her (or her storyline); she takes risks with her get-it-done attitude, but she does so intelligently, making her one of the best crewmen on the Leviathan. Alek is a prince who has been looked down on most of his life, makes many blunders, and has little confidence, and yet he proves to be both skilled and able with a heart for people. These outside-the-box characters fit excellently with an outside-the-box story.

The Red Pyramid (Kane Chronicles #1)

2011-01-03T21:10:00.000-05:00

The Red Pyramid (Kane Chronicles #1)
by Rick Riordan

audio CD, unabridged, read by Kevin R. Free and Katherine Kellgren
(*****)

Riordan did an excellent job of creating a world that was exciting and fun. It really lends itself to the audio format, as the main characters switch back and forth with the narration as though they're making a recording for future listeners (that, and Kevin R. Price and Katherine Kellgren did an amazing job voicing the narration). The reader/listener is drawn in by the adventure and mystery, but the story is also kept light by the teasing asides between Sadie and Carter as they're narrating. I like how Riordan kept this good-versus-evil, save-the-world tale more fun than scary. The reader also gets drawn into the story as though they may be one of children with the "blood of the pharaohs."

A great read for the prescribed age-group of grades 4-9, but I got a real kick out of it, too!

Cheri

2011-01-03T20:58:00.000-05:00

Cheri
by Colette
(*****)

Cheri follows the end of an affair between an older courtesan with a much younger man, something that turns out to be much harder than either of them could have imagined. This story is both moving and still relevant to today, though it takes place in pre-World War I France.

This book was read for a book group and created great topics of discussion.

Twilight: The Graphic Novel

2011-01-03T20:51:00.000-05:00

Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Volume 1
by Stephenie Meyer
illustrated by Young Kim
(*****)

One problem with creating a movie based on a book with extraordinarily beautiful and occasionally sparkly vampires (not to mention the uber-tall and muscled wolf-people) is that you have to cast those parts with real people. While the actors and actresses in the Twilight movie are very attractive, they don’t quite cut it. I think the graphic novel does much better with this. To me, like the combination of imagination and the written word, the artistry of this graphic novel created the author’s world better than the movie. Young Kim also made choices that enhanced the story, like the use of color or photographic elements (the La Push beach or the wolf in Bella’s dream).

I only had two issues with the graphic novel. Despite the fact that I really loved the artistry in this book – I thought Young Kim’s illustrations were beautiful – I thought some of the characters looked a little too similar to one another; sometimes it was hard to tell them apart. The other issue is that, while I think the graphic novel did an excellent job of making sure that all of the major scenes were included, without the meat of the text, what was left behind felt a little light or weak. And to stay with the food analogy, without that meat, sometimes it felt like all that was left was cheese. That’s why I think this graphic novel does much better as an “enhancement” to the original book, rather than a stand-alone graphic novel.

Looking for Alaska

2011-01-03T20:42:00.000-05:00

Looking for Alaska
by John Green
(*****)

While this book wasn't to my taste, I do believe it has quality and literary merit. The writing quality was strong, including the occasional sentence that made me pause to appreciate the words. The characters were well developed, the countdown kept the reader intrigued and pushing through to see what happened on The Day, and the overall plot was poignant and meaningful.

I wasn't particularly fond of the first half of this book. Reading about how these teens were living their lives, or rather, wasting them, bothered me. Yes, they were bonding, and perhaps they were acting as many teens do (I couldn't relate myself, but maybe that's true for others), but it felt so wasteful. And the adult in me, though only a decade or so removed from high school, did think that the smoking, drinking, etc., was inappropriate. That being said, I'm well aware that none of this material would shock the majority of today's teens, let alone influence their behavior.

After finishing the book and ruminating on the plot, I think it may have been intentional on John Green's part to make the Before section aimless - it made the second half and the teens' search for meaning that much more powerful. I think Pudge's statement at the end of the book, in his final paper, really sums up the first and second parts of the book:

"When adults say, 'Teenagers think they are invincible' with that sly, stupid smile on their faces, they don't know how right they are. We need never be hopeless, because we can never be irreparably broken. We think that we are invincible because we are...They forget that when they get old. They get scared of losing and failing. But that part of us greater than the sum of our parts cannot begin and cannot end, and so it cannot fail."

**Spoiler Alert - quit reading here if you don't want vague references to what happens in this story!**

The first half of the story, our main characters live like they're invincible, but in the end they get a taste of their own mortality. And for any teenager who has dealt with the loss of one of their friends or acquaintances, this book could potentially help them. So despite my personal feelings about this book, I think Alaska deserves to have a place in the library.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

2011-01-03T20:34:00.000-05:00

The Graveyard Book
by Neil Gaiman
(*****)

Even though the book started out dark and creepy, I felt like the story was more fantastic and adventuresome, rather than dark or scary. Throughout the book, Bod was constantly not afraid of the things that most of us would be. Ghosts are his family, a graveyard is his home - that being true, a school bully is nothing to fear. To me, I found the overall theme to be fearlessness and the importance of really living your life, which is something I need to embrace a little more often. A great read for both children and adults.

Teaser Tuesday (4)

2010-08-24T19:49:00.000-04:00

"Lucky knew Lincoln had a hard time talking on the phone because he needed both hands for tying knots on a string or a cord. When he was about seven, Lincoln's brain had begun squeezing out a powerful knot-tying secretion that went through his capillaries and made his hands want to tie knots."

~The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron with illustrations by Matt Phelan (pg. 17)

It's Monday! What are you reading? (11)

2010-08-23T08:09:00.000-04:00

It's Monday: What are you reading? is a weekly meme from BookJourney.

Long time, no blog! I took a little time off from reading and blogging during and after vacation, mainly to give my brain some time off since school starts this week. My trip was awesome, and if I have time, what with all the homework, I'll try to post some pictures.

Until then, here's what I've been reading:

I finished:
Cast in Chaos (Chronicles of Elantra, #6), by Michelle Sagara West
I love this series and this book doesn't disappoint. I love the characters and the way the Elantran world shifts and expands with each new book. Sagara-West has created an amazing world, and Kaylin is one of my favorite characters.

I'm reading:
Nothing! But give me a day or two for this change.

To be read:
For the next several months, I'll be blogging on mostly children's and YA books for my Materials for Youth class (can you say, "awesome"?!?).

Search for Steampunk recommendations

2010-07-28T21:49:00.001-04:00

I've recently become aware of the popular steampunk genre and I'm hoping those in the blogosphere would be able to help me find some titles to help me get my feet wet.

I've read and adored the Parasol Protectorate series, but I don't know how steampunky that book is compared to full blown steampunk. As with Sci Fi, I may not be ready to go all-in yet; I may need something a little more entry level.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Teaser Tuesdays (3)

2010-07-27T08:53:00.000-04:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
•Grab your current read
•Open to a random page
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"Really, Alexia, this is no time for levity! I am all aquiver, facing a ghastly emotional crisis, and you issue forth nothing more than scads of unwanted jocularity!"

Changeless by Gail Carriger, page 157