Jinky is Reading

I Did Not Forget

2012-02-24T00:08:00.002-08:00

(source: Google image search)

I have not forgotten to announce the winner of the RAK Giveaway. I'm overwhelmed with the immense response to the extra entry question and I haven't had the proper time to go through them all. I am touched at the wonderful random acts of kindness that you have noted and it just warms my heart ..and I haven't even read them all (400+)!! It looks like that I'm going to need the weekend to go through it all properly. Please be patient. I will have a winner. :)

"Too Clever"

2012-02-23T21:29:00.000-08:00

by Julia E. Antoine, illustrated by Frankniell Concepcion, YR, 2010, 64p, rating=2
Source: won from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

Too Clever is the first in the series of the too clever kids. These are kids who are adventuresome, curious and inquisitive. They have very inquiring minds and are always looking for solutions to life’s many situations. They have their own ideas on how things should be, and will go to great lengths to prove a point, to learn a lesson or to accept the inevitable. Come meet them, and see how they go about trying to prove or disprove the obvious.(Goodreads)

This book has great potential. The stories were charming but needed more follow through. The idea of using characters that were autonomous was great but most of the adventures they went through weren't developed enough to really sustain my interest. I did enjoy Megan's Troublesome Pronouns because that was a practical lesson. Other than that, the stories in general didn't captivate me.

The presentation of the book as well needed some work. The illustrations didn't appeal to me and the binding of the book was not attractive ..it wasn't like the usual picture book binding but like a soft book handout you'd get from a seminar. I would not have picked this book up but the blurb did sound interesting. Bummer that it wasn't.

Granted this is written for young readers but I think even they might find this book confusing at times. Perhaps the author could concentrate on one story and develop it well. She's got the right beginings ..she just needs to see it through in full bloom. :)

"Total Memory Workout"

2012-02-23T13:51:00.001-08:00

by Cynthia R. Green, NF, 1999, 239p, rating=3
source: library

The fact is that everyone forgets.
It can happen at any age. What most people don't know is that you can exercise your memory just like any other part of your body. For years, Dr. Cynthia Green, director of The Memory Enhancement Program at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, has been helping people--from busy parents and CEOs to retirees--achieve maximum memory fitness.
Total memory workout--8 easy steps to maximum memory fitness
In this remarkable book, Dr. Green outlines her simple and effective program to achieve maximum memory fitness in just eight easy lessons. Each lesson focuses on one aspect of memory followed by a series of specific "memorcises" designed to build memory muscle.(Goodreads)

If you're a regular to this blog, you know that I'm queen of forgetfulness so I thought I'd do something about it. Hence, I browsed the nonfiction aisle late last month in the library and this book jumped at me. It was a quick read for a nonfiction. It was outlined quite nicely so it was easy to skim as well. But was it informative? Sure. It contained simple-practical tricks to memory building, addressed factors that decrease or enhance memory, and much more.

Did it help me? Hmm, I didn't take notes so I don't recall the exact steps therefore I can't say I'm exercising all to build memory muscle that the book outlined. BUT, I did take out something that stuck and the part of memory that concerned me most (involving daily habits; not concerned about having to memorize a poem or such). Basically, I learned to be conscious about being focused and to have a specific physical/mental place for certain things I don't want to forget. That's all, you ask? Baby steps .. reading one book will not magically cure me of forgetfulness. Yet, just from that I have noticed that I'm a little more focused or notice when I wasn't. Plus, I haven't lost my keys in awhile. :)

In short, this book is a good outline for self-help and I believe that the reader can find something useful and specific to his/her memory concerns.

Must Read Monday: No Country for Old Men

2012-02-20T18:08:00.000-08:00

Here's a meme that's quite fun and clever .. Must Read Monday by Fans of Fiction. Go HERE for details and to join the fun.

This week's topic: A character you love to hate.

My answer (part 1): I originally chose Steve from "The Gift" by Richard Paul Evans because it was fresh on my mind last week when this topic was suppose to be up ...

Steve was the female protagonist's ex-husband. A self-centered shallow man. A man with no scruples. He definitely gets my dander up! Grrr!!!

title

The Gift

(My review)

author

Evans, Richard Paul

So sad and frustrating to hear
That this type of guy roams the
Earth. He's a louse to attempt to capitalize on his dying son!
Very selfish and no scruples indeed.
Eggs, I'd like to throw eggs at him (okay, maybe something else). ;)

My answer (part 2): ...but "The Gift" wasn't really a must read yet I left it posted here because I already did the acrostic and liked it. Anyways, I then remembered Chigurh, a character from McCarthy's "No Country for Old Men" and thought it more fitting! Please see my review for details. This man definitely was disturbing!!!

title

No Country for Old Men

(My Review)

author

McCarthy, Cormac

Cunning
Horrific
Intense
Gruesome
Ugly
Repulsive
Hideous

Heads-Up: Free Read - Divergent by Veronica Roth

2012-02-20T09:42:00.000-08:00

(Go HERE for blurb and my review)

Haven't read Divergent? Well, here's your chance. Thanks to Harper Teen you can read it HERE for free! How cool is that?!

Thanks Lisa @ Lisa's Loves (Books of Course) for the heads-up. :)

Mail Giddy

2012-02-18T07:54:00.001-08:00

Look what I won from Becky @ Stories & Sweeties. Yeay, my first winning of the year!! Much thanks Becky ..and author Megan Crewe/ Big Honcho Media!

I can't believe how much stuff can fit into this 3.5in x 2in x 2in pouch (16 items!). And I didn't dig far enough! I missed pulling out the tampon and nail file that's not pictured here!

Go to the author's website HERE to find out more about the book and HERE for info and to purchase a Miniemergency Kit of your own. Wow, they've got kits for all sorts of stages of life!

TGIF: Book Blogger Pride

2012-02-17T00:30:00.000-08:00

Who's ready for the weekend?! I know I am! I'm introducing a new(ish) feature for Fridays to re-cap the week's posts & to propose a question for my followers. Feel free to get involved by linking up at the bottom. If not, I'd love to read your responses in the comments. Thanks! (Ginger @GRreads)

This Friday's question:
Book Blogger Pride: What do you take pride in when it comes to blogging?

My answer:
I spend too much time in writing my reviews (though it may not seem like it) so I take great pride in them because the words/thoughts are mine and often carefully chosen. It's a great feeling of accomplishment when a review has been posted. I take pride in the reaching even one person to be moved by a post I made. I take pride in my effort to inform, encourage, and be a positive example to this wonderful book blogging community. I take pride in the associations I've made through blogging. I take pride in the many things I've learned from this blogging experience.

Blogging is time consuming and hard work but rewarding. It's a great self-esteem booster. :)

My Week's Recap (2/10-2/16):

TGIF: Love Stories
Misc.: Librarian Button
Book Review: The Gift by Richard Paul Evans
Misc.: Valentine Treats
Author-Book Profile: Taste by Kate Evangelista
RAK Giveaway Hop

RAK Giveaway Hop

2012-02-16T13:18:00.000-08:00

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH IS RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY!

Welcome to my stop in this hop! A big thank you to our hostesses I A Reader, Not A Writer and Read For Your Future.

I'm making this stop quick and simple. I'll be giving away a book of your choice from your wish list (up to $12 value). And since this is a random acts of kindness theme, my giveaway is open to everyone and no following is necessary but certainly appreciated. You must however be 13yrs or older and book destination be in a country that The Book Depository ships to.

To enter, just fill out the form below. An extra entry to those who tells me a RAK that he/she has done or will do (other than gave/give a book away ..we all must have done that at one point). I suppose I'm fishing for ideas of how to spread some love. :)

Thank you for stopping by and may this hop inspire us to do a random act of kindness to those around us ..as simple as giving someone a smile.

*PLEASE: ONE ENTRY PER PERSON, NO MULTIPLE EMAILS FOR THE SAME PERSON.*

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Thank you for entering. Now head on over to the list below and enjoy some random acts of kindness!

Author-Book Profile: Taste by Kate Evangelista

2012-02-15T10:27:00.000-08:00

I'm for supporting author friends. A fellow Filipino is an added bonus. So please welcome to a book cover reveal for Taste by Kate Evangelista. Sure looking forward to getting my hands on this one! Maybe she'll provide me a copy for review. ;)

Find her:
Blog
Facebook
Goodreads
Official Author Website
Twitter

When Kate Evangelista was told she had a knack for writing stories, she did the next best thing: entered medical school. After realizing she wasn't going to be the next Doogie Howser, M.D., Kate wandered into the Literature department of her university and never looked back. Today, she is in possession of a piece of paper that says to the world she owns a Literature degree. To make matters worse, she took Master's courses in creative writing. In the end, she realized to be a writer, none of what she had mattered. What really mattered? Writing. Plain and simple, honest to God, sitting in front of her computer, writing. Today, she has four completed Young Adult novels. (website profile)

Here's the pretty book cover:

At Barinkoff Academy, there's only one rule: no students on campus after curfew. Phoenix McKay soon finds out why when she is left behind at sunset. A group calling themselves night students threaten to taste her flesh until she is saved by a mysterious, alluring boy. With his pale skin, dark eyes, and mesmerizing voice, Demitri is both irresistible and impenetrable. He warns her to stay away from his dangerous world of flesh eaters. Unfortunately, the gorgeous and playful Yuri has other plans.

When Phoenix is caught between her physical and her emotional attraction, she becomes the keeper of a deadly secret that will rock the foundations of an ancient civilization living beneath Barinkoff Academy. Phoenix doesn’t realize until it is too late that the closer she gets to both Demitri and Yuri the more she is plunging them all into a centuries old feud. (Goodreads)

Valentine Treats

2012-02-14T13:12:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Once in awhile I try to be creative. Here's the treats I made for each of my kids' teachers (apple-n-dip)and classmates (brownies; cupcakes--not pictured). It took some preparations but it was fun! I'll have to do this kind of stuff more often ..not too often ..I've got a pile of dishes to wash now. :)

Pinterest.com inspired

In jar: caramel-cream cheese mix topped with caramel & toffee bits

Jinky's Accidental Fudge-Strawberry Marble Brownies

It doesn't look pinkish in this picture but it has a slight hue of pink

"The Gift"

2012-02-13T07:21:00.000-08:00

by Richard Paul Evans, AF, 2007, 332p, rating=4
source: own

Nathan Hurst hated Christmas. For the rest of the world it was a day of joy and celebration; for Nathan it was simply a reminder of the event that destroyed his childhood until a snowstorm, a cancelled flight, and an unexpected meeting with a young mother and her very special son would show him that Christmas is indeed the season of miracles.
From the beloved author of the international bestseller The Christmas Box comes another timeless story of faith, hope, and healing. (book cover)

Chances are that if I'm reading a Richard Paul Evans book, I'm trying to get out of a reading slump. His books are my comfort reads. This applies in this case. I had not picked up a book in a week!  Unfortunately when I finished this one, I was back on the slump again ! Oh well.

This book did not disappoint. The characters were vivid. I distinctly knew who I like and did not. The storyline was tender. Another classic Evans tale with purpose and message.  You'll need a box of Kleenex for this one. Why? Because Collin, a 9yo boy with leukemia, has a gift of healing by touch but each healing causes him to get sicker. Collin also has the gift of characterizing people's aura. Collin is quick to heal those that are good. Collin then gets very very sick. In the process, those around him learn about the strength of love and moving on amidst the sorrows and disappointments.

Simply a feel good book.

Rating:

Librarian Button

2012-02-11T17:16:00.000-08:00

Saw this at a friend's FB page and thought of some of you. Yeay for On-line catalog but I occasionally still need librarians to physically find certain books. Thanks guys!!

P.S. I've been in a reading slump again. Ugh!! Any quick pick me up suggestions? Perhaps maintenance techniques as well? ~Thank you. :)

TGIF: Love Stories

2012-02-10T21:41:00.000-08:00

Who's ready for the weekend?! I know I am! I'm introducing a new(ish) feature for Fridays to re-cap the week's posts & to propose a question for my followers. Feel free to get involved by linking up at the bottom. If not, I'd love to read your responses in the comments. Thanks! (Ginger @GRreads)

This Friday's question:
Love Stories: What are some of your favorite fictional love stories?

My Answer:

title

The Thorn Birds

author

McCullough, Colleen

title

The Wednesday Letters

author

title

author

title

author

title

author

Draanen, Wendelin Van

title

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares

author

Cohn, Rachel

My Week's Recap (2/3-2/10):

TGIF: Book Appeal
Book Review: My Unfair Godmother by Janette Rallison
Book Review: Rumpelstiltskin by Donna Diamond
Must Read Monday: Anne of Green Gables
Leap into Books Giveaway Hop reminder sign-up
Book Review: Charlotte's Web

"Charlotte's Web"

2012-02-08T18:47:00.000-08:00

by E.B. White, YR, 2006, first pub 1952, 184p, rating=5
source: library

An affectionate, sometimes bashful pig named Wilbur befriends a spider named Charlotte, who lives in the rafters above his pen. A prancing, playful bloke, Wilbur is devastated when he learns of the destiny that befalls all those of porcine persuasion. Determined to save her friend, Charlotte spins a web that reads "Some Pig," convincing the farmer and surrounding community that Wilbur is no ordinary animal and should be saved. In this story of friendship, hardship, and the passing on into time, E.B. White reminds us to open our eyes to the wonder and miracle often found in the simplest of things. (Goodreads)

Mr. Arable's young daughter, Fern, could not bear to have a piglet be killed just because he was the runt of the litter. Mr. Arable took sympathy in his daughter and agreed to her offer to take care of the little pig she named Wilbur. Wilbur thrived and later grew enough to be sold. Luckily to Fern's uncle, where then she had visiting privileges. At the farm, Wilbur got to befriend a seen-it-all old goose, a rascal of a rat, and a dear spider named Charlotte. Also there, Wilbur discovered his fate to be Christmas dinner. Charlotte a true friend then assured Wilbur that she will save him from such demise. Clearly the heartwarming adventure that followed gave Wilbur a lesson about the circle of life.

This read was oozing in compassion. Charlotte set a great standard for children and adults alike to follow. What touching tale. A wonderful rally for true friendship, trust, love, joy, acceptance, and everything in between! This is a fantastic book!!

Rating:

Host a Giveaway Here ...

2012-02-07T08:38:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder that the Leap Into Books Giveaway Hop that I am co-hosting is coming up and the sign-up is still open to link up if you want to participate in hosting a giveaway for the hop (the link sign-up is the same in Kathy and I's blog so you need only to enter on one). Go HERE to sign-up. ~Hope to see you there!

Celebrate Leap Day by Joining in a Hop!

Leap into Books Giveaway Hop

February 29th to March 5th

Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & (Me), Jinky is Reading :)

Hop Rules:

Each participating blog will host a giveaway on their site.
The giveaway must be for something a reader, blogger or author would enjoy.
No more than 6 possible entries per person. 1 mandatory & up to 5 optional.
Offering a Gift Card or book of choice from The Book Depository is fine.
Any family friendly blog or site is welcome to join.
Your post must include the giveaway hop image, the linky or a link to the host site & must be live by 12:01 AM on February 29th.

Please mark your calendars. A reminder email will be sent out about a week before the hop starts.

To enter please add your blog to the linky with your shipping information in parenthesis after your blog name.

If you have any questions email Kathy at toobusyreading-at-gmaildotcom

Must Read Monday: Anne of Green Gables

2012-02-06T05:27:00.000-08:00

Here's a meme that's quite fun and clever .. Must Read Monday by Fans of Fiction. Go HERE to join the fun.

The goal of this meme is to find those books others are excited about to add to your To Be Read list.
Instead of answering a question, you are basically creating intrigue for other hoppers. What makes your book so swoon-worthy? What do you absolutely have to mention so they'll read it?
On your post, you'll make an acrostic puzzle (think of it as an overview/book blurb type of thing).
When you leave comments on other posts, be sure to mention whether you're adding that book to your TBR pile, and what part convinced you to do so.
It's all about powers of persuasion, people:) You might have to think a little, but channel that inner-creative goddess (or god)

This week's topic: (a little twist) A fictional character you'd want as your best friend (the acrostic can be the name, but make sure to mention the title of the book in your post).

title

Anne of Green Gables

(my review)

author

Montgomery, L.M.

Anne would be my choice for a fictional best friend.
Never a dull moment hanging out with her!
None whatsoever. Because see, Anne with an
E is adventurous,

Outgoing, imaginative, feisty, funny, and down right
Fun! Our days would be full of

Giggling and chatter. We'd be
Right in the middle of trouble, but Anne with an
E would be able to charm us out of it. How
Exceptionally cool is that!?
Nifty I say, nifty.

Green Gables is a great place to hang out too.
A definite beauty of a town.
Boys there can be mean but there's cute ones too!
Lots of spunk this my fictional best friend Anne with an
E because being an orphan didn't break her.
See, she stole my heart and she will steal yours!

P.S. I want to give a thank you shout out to Brandi @Blkosiner's Book Blog for showing me how to cut and paste a Goodreads image (and more). One initial question ended up to several but she was such a dear to promptly reply to all of them. Thanks Brandi! :)

"Rumpelstiltstkin"

2012-02-04T22:23:00.000-08:00

by Donna Diamond, retold from the Brothers Grimm, YR, 1983, 28p, rating=2
Source: library
Book image: personal scanned copy of book I read from
*SPOILER ALERT*

Locked in a room and ordered to spin straw into gold for the king, the miller's daughter gets help from a strange little man -- but only on the condition that she give him her firstborn child. The classic tale of Rumpelstiltskin is vividly brought to life in this new edition. (Goodreads, partial)

I liked the illustrations by Donna Diamond ...very pretty pencil drawings. I don't however like this edition's ending! Oh my, that was disturbing. If I read that when I was a kid I'd sure to have nightmares! Other than, this was an interesting folk tale. It gives room for moral interpretations.

What morals can you find in the tale's events?:

The miller boasted to the king that his daughter can spin straw into gold so he would look important.
The miller's daughter really couldn't spin straw into gold.
However the king believed the miller and had the miller's daughter locked in a room to do the task or she shall be killed.
Rumpelstiltskin, the fairy, comes to the rescue and spun the straws into gold in exchange for the miller's jewelry.
The king was happy and had her do it again, but in a much bigger room with much more straws.
The miller's daughter was out of jewelry so Rumpelstiltskin made a deal to spin the straw into gold for the miller's daughter's once again but this time for her first born child to be.
The miller's daughter agreed in order to save her life.
The king married the miller's daughter.
Later they have a baby so Rumpelstiltskin came to the queen to claim the child. The queen pleads to keep the child.
Rumpelstiltskin offers her a chance to keep her child if within 3 days she can guess his name.
The queen seeks help from servants to figure out the name.
Rumpelstiltskin in a stroll sings a song that tells his name.
It happens that he was overheard by the queen's servants.
The queen was then able to correctly give Rumpelstiltskin when he asked so the queen got to keep her baby.
Upset, Rumpelstiltskin drove one foot into the ground until it sank to his waist and tears himself into two when he pulled his other foot.

Perhaps:

Don't lie
Be happy with what you have
Don't be greedy
Be careful what you say
Think about consequences

How about you? What do you see?

Rating:

"My Unfair Godmother"

2012-02-04T00:03:00.000-08:00

by Janette Rallison, My Fair Godmother #2, YA, 2011, 339p, rating=4.5
Source: library
Content: clean

Tansy Miller has always felt that her divorced father has never had enough time for her. But mistakenly getting caught on the wrong side of the law wasn' exactly how she wanted to get his attention. Enter Chrysanthemum "Chrissy" Everstar, Tansy's fairy in shining, er, high heels. Chrissy is only a fair godmother, of course, so Tansy's three wishes don't exactly go according to plan. And if bringing Robin Hood to the twenty-first century isn't bad enough for Tansy, being transported back to the Middle Ages to deal with Rumpelstiltskin certainly is. She'll need the help of her blended family, her wits, and especially the cute police chief 's son to stop the gold-spinning story from spinning wildly out of control. Janette Rallison pulls out all the stops in this fresh, fun-filled follow-up to the popular My Fair Godmother. (Goodreads)

Oh man, I didn't know this was the second of the series. Now I'm out on the lookout for the first book. I'm so bummed that it's not in my library. But I really enjoyed this installment as a stand alone. In fact, I liked it more than I thought I would. It was funny and entertaining. The characters were charming and light. The adventures would be those that I could see being played out in the Disney Channel series Wizards of Waverly Place. It's just plain fun to read.

Incorporating Robinhood, The Merry Men, and Rumpelstiltskin into the story may seem odd but it worked! This was a fairy tale with a modern twist, teenage style. A bit of delinquency, time traveling, faulty magic, lesson seeking, family collaboration, and of course a romance teaser. Simply delightful.

This book got me excited about putting Robin Hood and Rumpelstiltskin on my TBR list. That in turn reminds me of the old adage, "So many books, so little time.". Thus, inviting me to choose wisely on the books I read (namely longevity books ..classics, mind building, etc). Easier said that done. I am easily distracted. But sometimes it pays off, like for this book. Shear light pleasure read. ;)

Rating:

TGIF: Book Appeal

2012-02-03T18:03:00.000-08:00

Who's ready for the weekend?! I know I am! I'm introducing a new(ish) feature for Fridays to re-cap the week's posts & to propose a question for my followers. Feel free to get involved by linking up at the bottom. If not, I'd love to read your responses in the comments. Thanks! (Ginger @GRreads)

This Friday's question:
Book Appeal: When you're browsing goodreads, the library, or another blogger's reviews, what grabs your attention to make you want to read it?

My answer:
I'm usually in stores/library with a book(s) already in mind but if I decide to browse, the thickness and book cover initially catches my eye. Then I check to see if I recognize the author and from there read the blurb and see if it jumps at me then.

When reading blogger's reviews, what usually grabs me is the enthusiasm in the writing of the reviewer. A reference of personal connection is a big plus as well. Also, I've come to connect with some bloggers that seem to align with my likes and others I've come to trust their thoughts.

Generally in the book blogosphere browsing ..if I see a good fair amount of high ratings on certain books then I go check it out for myself.

My Week's recap (1/27-2/2):

TGIF: Buy or Borrow?
Must Read Monday: Tall Story by Candy Gourlay
Book Review: Heartless by Diana Palmer
Book Review: Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
YA Giveaway Hop winner announced
2 Year Blogiversary thoughts

2 Years and Counting

2012-02-02T15:44:00.000-08:00

Yes, Jinky is Reading is two years old today! Wow, already? This means that I have another toddler in the house. Yeap, Jinky is Reading is my 4th child. She's quite demanding and high maintenance but she does make me smile from time-to-time. She's still young so she's got a lot of learning and growing to do. It's been a wonderful journey so far and I'm looking forward to seeing her blossom into something great!

I am grateful to be part of this amazing book blogging community. Thank you for your support. This journey would not be as wonderful without you. Just to name a few things: you make awesome book recommendations, your posts are helpful and informative, and you inspire me to be better.

I appreciate you my dear friends, don't forget!! :)

YA Giveaway Hop Winner!

2012-02-02T15:12:00.000-08:00

Using the services of Random.org, the winner of my Young Adult Giveaway Hop is:

DENISE Z

An email has been sent to you Denise. You will have 72hrs to claim your prize, "Forgotten" by Cat Patrick, or another winner will be chosen.

I want to thank those who entered ..204 people wanted this book! Thank you for the follow here and on my Facebook Page. I appreciate the support. :)

Be sure to come back in a couple of weeks. I will be participating in another giveaway hop and this time the prize will allow my international followers to enter as well.

"The Catcher in the Rye"

2012-02-01T19:16:00.000-08:00

by J.D. Salinger, YR, 1951, c1945, 214p, rating=3.5
Source: library
Content: profanity, portrayal of sexuality

Since his debut in 1951 as The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield has been synonymous with "cynical adolescent." Holden narrates the story of a couple of days in his sixteen-year-old life, just after he's been expelled from prep school, in a slang that sounds edgy even today and keeps this novel on banned book lists. It begins,

"If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth. In the first place, that stuff bores me, and in the second place, my parents would have about two hemorrhages apiece if I told anything pretty personal about them."

His constant wry observations about what he encounters, from teachers to phonies (the two of course are not mutually exclusive) capture the essence of the eternal teenage experience of alienation. (Goodreads)

Wow, can Holden ramble on! He sure had a lot of things on his mind that he wanted to air out and so he narrated it to us, the readers. Lovely. One long monologue. BUT, reading his thought process was the hook. You got into his head. You feel what he feels. You see what he sees. His language rings true. Yes, his thoughts were not necessarily sound but for that 2-3 days, you walked in his shoes and that's great writing!

One can pick this book apart and find many interpretations. I saw a mixed up teenager testing out his environment. He thinks he can do good in the world. Inspired from a book that moved him, he turned it into a metaphorical noble quest, to be the "catcher in the rye" ..to save children from losing their innocence. Of course, he was about to find out from his little sister that he misunderstood the book and later his former English teacher pointed out something written by a psychoanalyst that, "The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of the mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one." (pg 188). Food for thought.

Most of Holden's story was full of criticisms. Then finally, a heartwarming moment between Holden and his sister Phoebe that took Holden aback. An ending marking hope. Nice.

Rating:

"Heartless"

2012-01-31T06:01:00.000-08:00

by Diana Palmer, Long, Texan #37, AF, 2009, Playaway digital audio, 8hrs, rating=2.5
Source: library

As a teenager, Gracie worshipped her stepbrother, Jason, a strong, silent young cowboy who left home early to seek his fortune. Though Gracie hadn’t seen him in years, when her mother passed away, Jason ensured that Gracie would be cared for. Now the wealthy owner of Comanche Wells ranch, Jason has finally come back home, and discovered that the little girl he knew is all grown up.
When a moment of unbridled passion results in a kiss, Jason realizes that he’s falling for Gracie. But Gracie harbors a shameful secret that makes her deeply afraid of love. Stung by her rejection, Jason leaves, ready to put the past and the one woman he can’t have behind him once more.
Gracie thinks she’s lost Jason forever. But when danger threatens her and the ranch, she can only hope that her long, tall Texan will come blazing home to save her, despite her secrets and take control of Comanche Wells, and her heart, once and for all. (case cover)

I must admit this was an entertaining romance novel. There was some action (kidnapping, drug cartels, etc), a few funny moments (Jason's rebound woman), romance of course, and overall the characters were easy to follow. There were definitely characters you'd love(life long maid) and others you'd hate (Jason's rebound woman here again). In a nutshell, this would make for a perfectly amusing and long stretched out plot for Dallas or such late night TV soap opera. So if you're into that sort of thing, this is your book!

Of course my hang-up was this romantic relationship between half siblings, Jason and Gracie (see, classic soap opera). They grew up together as siblings and for things to develop into something erotic was disturbing. Thanks for my forgetfulness skills, I survived this read because I selectively forgot that they were related. Oh the powers of this wannabe Wonder Woman! ;)

Because of adult content, I'd only recommend this to adult readers.

Rating:

Must Read Monday: Tall Story by Candy Gourlay

2012-01-30T21:51:00.000-08:00

Here's a meme that's quite fun and clever .. Must Read Monday by Fans of Fiction. Go HERE to join the fun. ~Woohoo!! I'm last week's winner! My acrostic of "Push" by Sapphire is featured there. :)

The goal of this meme is to find those books others are excited about to add to your To Be Read list.
Instead of answering a question, you are basically creating intrigue for other hoppers. What makes your book so swoon-worthy? What do you absolutely have to mention so they'll read it?
On your post, you'll make an acrostic puzzle (think of it as an overview/book blurb type of thing).
When you leave comments on other posts, be sure to mention whether you're adding that book to your TBR pile, and what part convinced you to do so.
It's all about powers of persuasion, people:) You might have to think a little, but channel that inner-creative goddess (or god)

This week's topic: Favorite self-published book (or, if you don't have one, a book that is underpublicized that more people should know about). I chose: "Tall Story" by Candy Gourlay. It's not self published so I'm going with the alternate. Anyway, it's a young reader book that impressed me and hit home. Loved it!

(Go HERE for blurb and my review)

Thirteen year old Andi was in for
A big or shall I say, a tall surprise.
Little did she know that her half brother will be sporting a
Lengthy eight feet tall

Stature! But it's Bernardo's big innocent heart that makes this story great.
Tales of culture shock, close-knit family relationships, and faith.
Overall showcasing dichotomies .. need vs want, superstition vs science,
Real vs magic, and of course, short vs tall.
Your heart will be warmed and served a bit of Philippine culture as well.

TGIF: Buy or Borrow?

2012-01-27T15:28:00.000-08:00

Who's ready for the weekend?! I know I am! I'm introducing a new(ish) feature for Fridays to re-cap the week's posts & to propose a question for my followers. Feel free to get involved by linking up at the bottom. If not, I'd love to read your responses in the comments. Thanks! (Ginger @GRreads)

This Friday's question: Buy or Borrow: Where do your books that you read come from? The bookstore? The library? Do you prefer to own a book, or have it on loan?

My answer:
I'd say a good 90% of the books I read come from loan at my local library. I'm frugal so it's the best way to go! Luckily my library has a great selection. And because I'm frugal I usually only buy bargain books ... new or old from bookstores/online stores. Then of course, occasionally I'd win books through book blogging friends. ~I don't feel the need to own books but certainly if there's one I must have then I'd go get it .. and that's a rarity in my case. I may not have a great collection but I've obtained a few I really treasure.

My week's recap:

Book Review: The Wizard of Oz
Limelight Reviews: I Am David by Anne Holm
Pondering the Scriptures Sunday
Must Read Monday: Push by Sapphire
Young Adult Giveaway Hop

Young Adult Giveaway Hop

2012-01-26T13:32:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my stop of this giveaway hop! Grateful to I Am Reader, Not A Writer and Down The Rabbit Hole for hosting this event. If you're not familiar with hops, it's a list of participants that are offering a giveaway related to the hop title (in this case, book related giveaway in the YA genre) and thus one can hop/move through the list and enter as desired. See below for the list of participants.

Here I'll be giving away a new hardcopy of Forgotten by Cat Patrick. Sorry my international friends but U.S.A. destinations only ..but if you've got a friend in the States that you want to win this for then by all means enter!

(Go HERE for blurb & my review)

To enter:

Be a follower of this blog
Be at least 13yo
Fill out the form below
Extra entry if you "Like" my Facebook Page

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Thank you for entering, good luck, and happy hopping!!

Must Read Monday: Push by Sapphire

2012-01-23T22:10:00.000-08:00

Here's a meme that's quite fun and clever .. Must Read Monday by Fans of Fiction. Go HERE to join the fun.

The goal of this meme is to find those books others are excited about to add to your To Be Read list.
Instead of answering a question, you are basically creating intrigue for other hoppers. What makes your book so swoon-worthy? What do you absolutely have to mention so they'll read it?
On your post, you'll make an acrostic puzzle (think of it as an overview/book blurb type of thing).
When you leave comments on other posts, be sure to mention whether you're adding that book to your TBR pile, and what part convinced you to do so.
It's all about powers of persuasion, people :) You might have to think a little, but channel that inner-creative goddess (or god).

This week's topic is: An amazing controversial/banned book. I chose "Push" by Sapphire. A hard look at important issues such as abuse, self-esteem, social classes, welfare system, educational system, and parenthood. Incredibly heartbreaking. Go HERE for my review.

Precious was dealt with a very
Ugly childhood. Full of abuse at home and inconsistencies in
Society. But she is strong willed and determine to break the
Hell of a life by pushing forward and onward.

**Contains strong adult content in language and violence. I recommend this book to adults only.

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday

2012-01-22T01:17:00.000-08:00

This will not be a scripture study entry today but because this is a forum for spiritual matters and I'm having spiritual concerns, then I'll share it here.

Simply put I'm physically sluggish, my mind's in disarray, and I'm in a spiritual lull. In other words, my body, mind, and spirit are out of whack! When one component is off-kilter the rest goes that way as well. I have to get myself out of this mess! So I'm going to brainstorm a list of things to do that will help me to do that ...like the saying goes, a goal not written is just a wish. This is a wish (get myself out of this mess) that I want to come true and I need to do my part to make it happen.

Here's the list in no particular order:

Study the scriptures daily for at least 15min.
Brisk walk for 30 min. a day
Eat less portions each meal
Designate a day to clean a certain room/section of the house
Kneel to pray as often as possible
Pray in sincere supplication
Find a book that teaches how to improve memory
Read a book to my children each night
Smile and laugh more
Take time for glamour grooming ..mani/pedicure, fancy hairdo, make-up, perfume, etc
Give up sodas
Do service ...random acts of kindness, church duties, community cause, etc.
Don't get overwhelmed, clean a box/small section of a clutter each day then walk away
Plan family meals in advance
Take my blood pressure medicine daily
Take my blood pressure daily
Have regular Family Home Evenings
Designate time or how much time to spend on the computer each day
Tackle stressful thinking by doing something else relaxing
Write in my journal regularly
Take a class for learning and fun ...like: photography, computer, dance, etc.
Go to the temple regularly
In essence cut down or eliminate, if possible, any stress!

There's probably more but this is a great start. Plus, it's late and I'm tired and sleepy. ~Goodnight!

P.S. I will leave with you a random scripture verse afterall:

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

"Man in the Dark"

2012-01-21T20:49:00.000-08:00

by Paul Auster, AF, 2008, 180p, rating=4
source: library
recommend to mature reader d/t heavy descriptive violence

So begins Paul Auster’s brilliant, devastating novel about the many realities we inhabit as wars flame all around us.
Seventy-two-year-old August Brill is recovering from a car accident in his daughter’s house in Vermont. When sleep refuses to come, he lies in bed and tells himself stories, struggling to push back thoughts about things he would prefer to forget—his wife’s recent death and the horrific murder of his granddaughter’s boyfriend, Titus. The retired book critic imagines a parallel world in which America is not at war with Iraq but with itself. In this other America the twin towers did not fall and the 2000 election results led to secession, as state after state pulled away from the union and a bloody civil war ensued. As the night progresses, Brill’s story grows increasingly intense, and what he is so desperately trying to avoid insists on being told. Joined in the early hours by his granddaughter, he gradually opens up to her and recounts the story of his marriage. After she falls asleep, he at last finds the courage to revisit the trauma of Titus’s death.
Passionate and shocking, Man in the Dark is a novel of our moment, a book that forces us to confront the blackness of night even as it celebrates the existence of ordinary joys in a world capable of the most grotesque violence. (book cover)

This was like two books in one. The first two-thirds of this book depicted a dystopian story ... a parallel America in civil war instead of 9/11 and the Iraq war, then abruptly in the last third it was like a confessional biographical novella. So in the beginning, I was excited and engrossed with the action and mystery-ish of the tale. I was fascinated with the story within the story. Then poof! the direction shifted and the story got sentimental. I wasn't sure if I liked that but come to think of it, I like dystopia and of course sentimental stories ..so it was killing two birds in one stone.

This involved a pretty heavy content. Understandably since it was talking about war and war is hardly ever pretty. I repeat the blurb's last statement, "Passionate and shocking, Man in the Dark is a novel of our moment, a book that forces us to confront the blackness of night even as it celebrates the existence of ordinary joys in a world capable of the most grotesque violence." That statement foreshadows the ending of the book for me ..hopeful. Some people might see the complete opposite but the characters were taking steps to move forward and capture some ordinary joys again so that's attacking life, not being despairing.

Rating:

Limelight Reviews: I Am David

2012-01-20T10:18:00.000-08:00

Here's a wonderful new meme hosted by Louise @Between the Covers. The idea is to "garner meaningful comments on the reviews we spend hours sweating over, getting just right. And then...*crickets*". There will be one review spotlighted each week to be visited. To participate, meaningful comments are encouraged to be left on the spotlighted review and two other reviews on the linky. No following required on any of the blogs. ~Now head on over HERE to participate and get all the details, including submitting a review to be spotlighted.

My cricket review this week is "I Am David" by Anne Holm. I know I actually didn't do an in depth review of the book because I was just lost for words but I compiled quotes from the book that will speak for itself. :)

"The Wizard of Oz"

2012-01-20T00:14:00.000-08:00

by L. Frank Baum, illustrated by Michael Hague, YR, 1982, first p1900, 219p, rating=3.5
source: library

In spite of the fact that L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900) is one of the most popular stories in America, relatively few people have actually read the book. It's well worth the effort! Young readers expecting rainbows, Munchkin songs, and wicked witches with burning brooms will instead find a complex country populated with mocking Hammerhead men, dainty people made out of china, and fierce monsters with heads of tigers and bodies of bears. Through the fantastic land of Oz ramble Dorothy and her trusty companions--Toto, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Lion--each seeking his or her heart's desire. Although the premise of the book and the 1939 movie is the same, the book--as so often is the case--delivers a far more subtle and intricate plot. A child's imagination will run rampant in these pages as one extraordinary creature after another leads the motley crew into strange and magical adventures. (All ages) --Emilie Coulter

Wow, talk about different from the well known Judy Garland movie version. There was heads being chopped off in the book! What a jolt! Oh get this, Dorothy's slippers weren't ruby red! Unfathomable. So it looks like the film's take made changes on the adventurous journey for color and drama. Why was I shocked? Because, the movie was tame and sweet and I forgot that movie versions does not necessarily mean it would be the same as the book. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the book was dark and dreary. It wasn't at all. It was just different.

I'm sure glad I read this classic tale. Although the violence jarred me, I enjoyed this original imaginative adventure. It was a dose of the wonderful innocence of childhood. Plus, I delight at knowing what really happened. ;)

Rating:

Mail Giddy

2012-01-19T13:03:00.000-08:00

Woohoo, it finally arrived! I had won this Descended by Blood prize pack from Mary @The Book Swarm last October. For some reason it got returned to the sender (author, Angeline Kace) a couple months later. Ms. Kace was sweet enough to contact me and try to send it to me again. This time it reached me! Yippee!! ~Thank you thank you Ms. Kace!!

Ugh, this reminds me that I haven't gotten to the ebook of this yet. It's in my old computer waiting for me to be read. I keep forgetting! Out of sight, out of mind I suppose. I was hoping I'd be able to download it to my ereader but I haven't taken the time to figure out that gadget! By the way, can that be done? A book in pdf format download to an ereader, specifically Sharper Image's Literati? Sure would be more convenient to read from an ereader than a computer!

Bummer, I don't have a Nook for this beautiful skin. Hmm, if my Literati doesn't work out maybe I'll get one. Better yet, maybe there's a contest out there that's giving one away that I could win. :)

Oh, I'm waiting for my daughter to get off from school so we can do our nails. She reminded me this morning. She was so excited. It might be a bit bold of a color for her, we'll see. My nails for sure needs to be prettied up and this is such a lovely color. Just one more hour. I can't wait!

"Bed of Roses"

2012-01-17T10:44:00.000-08:00

by Nora Roberts, Bride Quartet #2, AF, 2009, Playaway digital audio, 9hrs, rating=3
source: library

Since she was a little girl, Emma Grant has always loved romance. So it’s really no surprise that she has found her calling as a wedding florist. She gets to play with flowers every day and work with her three best friends in the process. She couldn’t ask for a better job…
And on the surface, Emma’s love life seems to be thriving. Slim and sultry, she brings color into every room she enters, just like the arrangements she creates. Though men swarm around her, she still hasn’t found Mr. Right. And the last place she’s looking is right under her nose.
But that’s just where Jack Cooke is. He’s been best friends with Parker’s brother for years, which makes him practically family. But the architect has begun to admit to himself that his feelings for Emma have developed into much more than friendship. And when Emma returns his passion—kiss for blistering kiss—things start to get complicated at Vows.
Jack has never been big on commitment. Emma yearns for a lifelong love affair. And if the two are to find common ground, they must trust in their history—and in their hearts… (book cover)

This was Emma and Jack's story ...a romance about friends-to-lovers relationship. The dynamic of such a relationship to the couple and to those of their mutual friends. I was captivated because I can relate to Emma. I once was a dreamy girl like Emma. I had dreams of what I want Mr. Right to be; to sweep me off my feet, to be exactly in tuned with me, etc. Those dreams indirectly became expectations and I was in for a wake-up call, just like Emma! Emma's added bonus of course was that she had to deal with having to be around Jack when things got bad. Having mutual friends also put it another kink in the mix. Some friends just had to be on a standby mode. So this made for complex situations and a lot of self evaluation. In the end, Emma and Jack figured some things out and we'll know more in book #3.

Overall a decent chick-lit. I like that the bond of friendship was embraced and emotions palpable. Qualities of a read that are a big plus in my book.

By the way, I did find my Mr. Right that swept me off my feet ..and the rest we're working on together! For example, I can't always assume he knows what's on my mind and vice versa so good communication is key. Something that Emma and Jack seems to be on the path towards.

Must Read Monday: Book with a wonderful ending

2012-01-16T07:05:00.000-08:00

Here's a meme that's quite fun and clever .. Must Read Monday by Fans of Fiction. Go HERE to join the fun.

The goal of this meme is to find those books others are excited about to add to your To Be Read list.
Instead of answering a question, you are basically creating intrigue for other hoppers. What makes your book so swoon-worthy? What do you absolutely have to mention so they'll read it?
On your post, you'll make an acrostic puzzle (think of it as an overview/book blurb type of thing).
When you leave comments on other posts, be sure to mention whether you're adding that book to your TBR pile, and what part convinced you to do so.
It's all about powers of persuasion, people:) You might have to think a little, but channel that inner-creative goddess (or god).

This week's topic is book with a wonderful ending. I chose Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. An incredibly amazing book ... I feel choked up at bringing it to my attention again. Go HERE for my review.

Not many compares to this
Unbelievable tale of courage.
Many risked their lives to save others.
Banned together in meticulous planning.
Every act, unselfish. Building
Resistance for humanity's sake.

This award winning book will
Have you asking yourself, "Am I brave enough?"
Ever a similar situation comes, may my answer be yes.

Such power
This story delivers.
A genuine must read book.
Read it and you'll
See for yourself. :)

"Of Mice and Men"

2012-01-14T10:45:00.000-08:00

by John Steinbeck, AF, 1993, c1937, 107p, rating=4
source=library
*SPOILER ALERT*

They are an unlikely pair: George is" small and quick and dark of face"; Lennie, a man of tremendous size, has the mind of a young child. Yet they have formed a "family," clinging together in the face of lonelinss and alienation. Laborers in California's dusty vegetable fields, they hustle work when they can, living a hand-to-mouth existence. For George and Lennie have a plan: to own an acre of land and a shack they can call their own. When they land jobs on a ranch in the Salinas Valley, the fulfillment of their dream seems to be within their grasp. But even George cannot guard Lennie from the provocations of a flirtatious woman, nor predict the consequences of Lennie's unswerving obedience to the things George taught him. (book cover)

I can see how in literary sense this is a great work of literature. Indeed it was poignant, methaphorical, and masterfully descriptive. I just don't like the ending in practicality. I can see how it ties in with the essence of the craft of the novella but I had a hard time with the tragedy of the book. Taking another life as the solution just didn't sit well with me. I suppose that would be part of the genius of this book to move someone as such but the era was sad as it was already, why extend a conclusion of defeat? Ha, I can answer my own question. I would venture to guess that such a depressive time did call for some to vanquish hope. I just don't like that message. I would have liked a happy ending. But life is not always sunshine, lollipops and rainbows but we need to hear the contrast in order to know that there is better ...ex. the tree of life vs the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:9).

For a exceptionally well written review of this book please go to Dark Chest of Wonders. Jzhun wrote an indepth and compelling look into the literary feel.

Limelight Reviews: Number the Stars

2012-01-13T10:01:00.000-08:00

Here's a wonderful new meme hosted by Louise @Between the Covers. The idea is to "garner meaningful comments on the reviews we spend hours sweating over, getting just right. And then...*crickets*". There will be one review spotlighted each week to be visited. To participate, meaningful comments are encouraged to be left on the spotlighted review and two other reviews on the linky. No following required on any of the blogs. ~Now head on over HERE to participate and get all the details, including submitting a review to be spotlighted.

My cricket review this week is "Number the Stars" by Lois Lowry. This book touched my soul. A very inspiring story.

"Christmas Jars Reunion"

2012-01-12T10:59:00.000-08:00

by Jason F. Wright, AF, 2009, 194p, rating=4
source: library

Hope Jensen's story continues in Christmas Jars Reunion. It's been two years since Hope was reunited with her biological mother on Christmas Eve at Chuck's Chicken n Biscuits. Hope has never felt more complete. She's writing full- time for a family magazine and, with the help of her mother, Marianne, leading the Christmas Jars Ministry out of Chuck's quirky restaurant. To top it off, she's dating a marketing executive in a comfortable long- distance relationship. Her life is right where she wants it to be a state of organized chaos as another Christmas rolls around. Then her world changes forever over Thanksgiving weekend. The Maxwells hire a nephew to take over the family furniture restoration business. Someone that Hope can't stop thinking about. Then an out- of- town stranger shows up at the diner asking to help in the ministry --a stranger whose motives are yet unclear. Before the sun sets on Christmas Day, two men will try to change Hope's life forever. In the process, Hope will be reminded of the immense power of a single jar, and the healing that sometimes comes only with forgiveness. (Goodreaads)

I thought I was going to pick up Christmas Jars, the first book, but it turned out that my library didn't have it. They had this second installment instead. I was bummed but I went ahead and checked this out anyway. It didn't disappoint. It gave enough background of what I assumed happened in the first book to keep me up to date. A bit repetitive but I let it slide because the book as a whole was heartwarming and I'm a sucker for heartwarming stories! Although it wasn't awesome writing, the power of the message of the Christmas jars, making miracles, stood out and moved me.

The put your loose coins in a jar idea isn't new to me. Our family did one for our local Ronald McDonald House last year (collection over 3mos) as a service that our Primary (children organization of the LDS church) set up. I'm just sorry that we ended there. This book reminded me that we ought to take it up again and so we shall! We'll discuss as a family a time line and recipient. Yeay, I'm excited! Hence, if a book can inspire one to action then it's a pretty good book ..or the reader's a softy. ;)

Book and Movie Review: Sherlock Holmes

2012-01-11T12:59:00.000-08:00

Sherlock Holmes Investigates: Stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, selected and introduced for new readers by Michael and Mollie Hardwick, AF, 1963, 232p, rating=5
source: library

Recently for date night my husband and I saw the movie Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and I absolutely loved it! So I had to get my hands on the book. Well, I ended up with this compilation instead. What a gem of a find. According to this book, Sir Doyle wrote 4 long stories and 56 short ones. This collection gave an excerpt of one of the long ones and six short ones, indeed a wonderful introduction to new readers of Sherlock Holmes stories. I ate it all up! I think I found myself a favorite mystery author and character. I enjoyed the cleverness of the Sherlock Holmes adventures and his summations of them ... reminds me of the TV series Monk but I would put Sherlock Holmes in a class of elegance.

Just to note the stories that are included in this book:

Mr Sherlock Homes Meets Dr. Watson
The man with the Twisted Lip
The Speckled Band
The Red-headed League
The Engineers Thumb
The Reigate Squires
The Blue Carbuncle

My quote-ables:
"I have usually found that there was ethod in his madness. Some folk might say there was madness to his method." The Reigate Squires
"My name is Sherlock Homes. It is my business to know what other people don't know." The Blue Carbuncle

Now for the movie review. Well, as I mentioned I absolutely loved this movie. The acting was superb, the music was fabulous, and the special/visual effects was incredible! It was hilarious and action packed. I'm not a big fan of Robert Downey Jr. but now he's on my radar. The whole cast was great! Really, if you want to see a very entertaining movie, this is it! You'll get your money's worth. Loved it!! :)

"Smokin' Seventeen"

2012-01-10T20:36:00.000-08:00

by Janet Evanovich, AF, 2011, Playaway digital audio, 6.5hrs, rating=2
source: library

Where there's smoke there's fire, and no one knows this better than New Jersey bounty hunter, Stephanie Plum. The bail bonds office has burned to the ground, and bodies are turning up in the empty construction lot. To make matters worse, Stephanie is working out of a motor home she shares with a dancing bear, and Joe Morelli's old world grandmother has declared a vendetta against her. And just when Stephanie decides it might be time to choose between the two men in her life, Morelli and Ranger, a third man from Stephanie's past moves back to Trenton... (Goodreads)

Yikes, I missed the first sixteen of this series! That's okay, it was still an entertaining read as a stand alone. It kept me in pace during my morning walks. I especially found Lula a hoot! Wanda Sykes kind of funny. The story in general was weird ... what can I say, it had a dancing bear and a stalker. But I must say, I like the ironic ending.

Funny!!

2012-01-07T07:07:00.000-08:00

Saw this at Tracy's blog, Pen and Paper, and got a great kick out of it! I'm visiting her blog more often because her site will help me live longer. She has the medicine of laughter going on in her blog (and great book reviews to boot!)!! Really, head on over to her blog because you'll definitely find something to make you smile or laugh 'til your side hurt!

By the way, there's more to CPR than what this video shows so please be sure to check out your local hospital for detailed techniques. :)

"The Blind Side"

2012-01-07T06:15:00.000-08:00

by Michael Lewis, NF, 2006, 339p, rating=3
own this paperback copy

When we first meet him, he is one of thirteen children by a mother addicted to crack; he does not know his real name, his father, his birthday, or how to read or write. He takes up football, and school, after a rich, white, Evangelical family plucks him from the streets. Then two great forces alter Oher: the family's love and the evolution of professional football itself into a game in which the quarterback must be protected at any cost. Our protagonist becomes the priceless package of size, speed, and agility necessary to guard the quarterback's greatest vulnerability, his blind side. (book cover)

I enjoyed the movie version of this so I was excited to read the book. Duh, I didn't realize that it'd be in non-fiction format so I had a rough time reading through it. I barely know the first thing about football so much of the football jargon was incredibly confusing. But I was determined to find the heart of the story that touched me in the film. Indeed, Michael Oher is a fascinating man. He certainly can be a poster child for beating the odds. Like in the movie, Mr. Oher is lovable.

An overall well written book. I personally found the film version more entertaining ... they made it more dramatic. But if you like detail and love football then this book is right up your alley! And if that's the case then the sappy stuff might be the parts you'd like to brush through. ;)

My Review is Being Spotlighted!

2012-01-06T00:01:00.001-08:00

Woohoo!! Head on over to Between the Covers because my review of Standing for Something by Gordon B. Hinckley is being spotlighted. I feel so giddy.

By the way, Limelight Reviews (Friday meme) is a great venue to showcase your beloved book reviews so head on over to Between the Covers and link yours up!! --Leave me a comment that you did and I'll make time to visit your review.

Woohoo!! Still giddy. ;)

"Small Steps"

2012-01-05T21:54:00.000-08:00

by Louis Sachar, YA, 2006, 257p, rating=3.5

Two years after being released from Camp Green Lake, Armpit is home in Austin, Texas, trying to turn his life around. But it’s hard when you have a record, and everyone expects the worst from you. The only person who believes in him is Ginny, his 10-year old disabled neighbor. Together, they are learning to take small steps. And he seems to be on the right path, until X-Ray, a buddy from Camp Green Lake, comes up with a get-rich-quick scheme. This leads to a chance encounter with teen pop sensation, Kaira DeLeon, and suddenly his life spins out of control, with only one thing for certain. He’ll never be the same again.
In his first major novel since Holes, critically acclaimed novelist Louis Sachar uses his signature wit combined with a unique blend of adventure and deeply felt characters to explore issues of race, the nature of celebrity, the invisible connections that determine a person’s life, and what it takes to stay on course. Doing the right thing is never a wrong choice–but a small step in the right direction. (book cover)

I enjoyed Holes so I thought I'd read another from this author. I was not disappointed. This was a surprisingly gripping story. An off-shoot from a couple of the characters in Holes, Armpit and X-ray return in this novel. Armpit putting to work what his counselor had advised him to do ..take small steps, hence he set 5 goals for himself: graduate from high school, get a job, save his money, avoid situations that might turn violent, and lose the name Armpit. X-ray of course had to jiggle those goals a bit and adventures ensued. Before he knew it, he was in the realms of the possibility of going to jail, caught in the admiration of a pop star, and in the throws of a percolating violence.

What I liked most about this novel was it's heart ...relationships and choices. Armpit's heartwarming bond with Ginny, Armpit's loyalty with his friend X-ray, the endearing love affair between Armpit and Kaira, and the choices that Armpit made that built his winsome character. Overall, echoing the last comment of the blurb sums it up perfectly, "...a unique blend of adventure and deeply felt characters to explore issues of race, the nature of celebrity, the invisible connections that determine a person’s life, and what it takes to stay on course. Doing the right thing is never a wrong choice–but a small step in the right direction.".

I wasn't kidding about this being gripping. I saw all the seeds being planted for a horrible outcome for Armpit and even though I was convincing myself that it had to end positive for the sake of YA readers, you never know for sure.

I like the take small steps idea. It might be my new mantra for the new year. Just might be the answer to giving me focus. ;)

2011 Wrap Up

2012-01-05T07:36:00.000-08:00

Tidbits about my 2011 blogging experience:

(Started book blogging): February 2010
GFC followers at start of the year: 212
GFC followers at end of the year: 1585 (took advantage of blog hops!)
Awards I received: 7 Facts Award, Best Books Blog Award, Stylish Blogger Award, and The Versatile Blogger (once this year and 2 or 3 times last year)
Memes I participated in: Must Read Mondays, Know Me Better, Limelight Reviews, and Pondering the Scriptures Sunday (created by me)
Books I won: 26 books, 2 e-books, 1 gift card, 1 missed (was on hiatus)
Book I gave away in this blog: 13
Gift cards I gave away: $120 total
Books I read: 132, not counting picture books
Some favorite books read this year: A Monster Calls, After the Last PR, Anna and the French Kiss, Anne of Green Gables, Blood Red Road, Clarity, Dash & Lily's Books of Dares, Divergent, Dreams of Joy, Ender's Game, Gift of the Magi, Harry Potter 1-4, Holy Bible, I Am David, If I Stay 1-2, Lost December, Michael Vey, Number the Stars, Tall Story, The Night Circus, The Princess of Las Pulgas, The Taming of the Shrew, Thr3e
Misc.: It's been a roller coaster book blogging year. I had several episodes of losing my reading mojo and by year end, just about complete burn out. I enjoyed reading but I worried a lot about putting out reviews and I'm not quick with words so it takes me up to 3hrs for a review so that takes up a lot of my "real life" time (not to mention the many hours reading and commenting on blogs I follow), hence guilt and frustration about prioritizing my life came to play. Overall, I've learned quite a lot about blogging this year through blogger tips you post. I gave my blog a facelift that finally stuck! I'm networking more and making more friends. This is still a wonderful hobby and I appreciate this community. I love you all!

Here's a picture collage of books I reviewed in November and December 2011

Minimal in this batch because these were my off months ..many episodes of being in a reading slump so I officially just went on hiatus in December.

Several feel good books in this batch. One that stands out though would be Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. It was awesome! Oh, the Holy Bible, King James Version, was another 5 stars ..more so for spiritual purposes. :)

By the way, I actually read Haunted Castle on Hallow's Eve and All That Remains in October but didn't include them on that batch of picture collage since I had not reviewed them. I still haven't reviewed these books but gave them 3 and 2 stars respectively.

Sign-Up for Leap into Books Giveaway Hop

2012-01-02T11:34:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!! It's a leap year too so I'm excited to co-host a blog hop with Kathy at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer on the upcoming special day!! And today the sign-up is open to link up if you want to participate in hosting a giveaway for the hop (the link sign-up is the same in Kathy and I's blog so you need only to enter on one). See below for details. ~See you then!

Celebrate Leap Day by Joining in a Hop!

Leap into Books Giveaway Hop

February 29th to March 5th

Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Me, Jinky is Reading :)

Hop Rules:

•Each participating blog will host a giveaway on their site.
•The giveaway must be for something a reader, blogger or author would enjoy.
•No more than 6 possible entries per person. 1 mandatory & up to 5 optional.
•Offering a Gift Card or book of choice from The Book Depository is fine.
•Any family friendly blog or site is welcome to join.
•Your post must include the giveaway hop image, the linky or a link to the host site & must be live by 12:01 AM on February 29th.

Please mark your calendars. A reminder email will be sent out about a week before the hop starts.

To enter please add your blog to the linky with your shipping information in parenthesis after your blog name.

If you have any questions email Kathy at toobusyreading-at-gmaildotcom

"The Cross Gardener"

2011-12-30T21:10:00.000-08:00

by Jason F. Wright, AF, 2010, 293p, rating=3.5

Married and the father of a young daughter, John Bevan had finally found the traditional family he lacked as an orphaned child. But all that disappears when a fatal car accident steals away his wife-and the unborn child she carried.
Filled with sorrow, John withdraws from life and love. He erects a small cross at the scene of his wife's accident and visits daily, grieving. Then one morning he encounters a young man kneeling before the cross, touching it up with white paint. John's conversations and travels with this mysterious man-known to him only as the Cross Gardener-will forever change his world. (Goodreads)

This was a comfort read for me ..sentimental sappy, my kind of book. This one dealt with grief and finding a unusual comforter. I enjoyed the strong men relationships ... particularly the Bevan men, Wayne, John, and Scott. The father-son and brother-brother bonding were feel-good moments. I especially took a liking to Wayne, John's father. Wayne had desirable qualities. He was hardworking, kind, wise, and had integrity. My kind of father figure so I couldn't help but fall in love with the man and root for his legacy. Consequently, he raised fine boys and thus I liked the journey these boys were taking to get to manhood ..and parenthood in John's case.

Simply put, this was a sweet family love story. A light read that someone who has lost a loved one might find a moment of calmness. A good Father's Day book as well.

Now You See Her; Lost December; Finding Noel

2011-12-30T12:36:00.000-08:00

I'm getting ready for the end of the year wrap-up so here's a few brief reviews. I guess it was hard to completely go on a month's hiatus (I finished another book last night so one more is coming). The break was nice though. I sometimes stress about putting out a review and honestly, it's time consuming. I've got some thinking to do about where and how I want next year's book blogging to go ...better prioritizing kind of stuff. Anyway, thank you for sticking by me. :)

Now You See Her by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge, AF, 2011, Playaway digital audio, 7.5hrs, rating=2.5

An okay thriller ...woman fakes her death to hide from a lunatic cop husband then finds herself years later amidst his presence again (she put herself there, not very bright!). What to do, what to do because an innocent man was to be put to death and secrets to guard?

Violent with somewhat predictable twists. And of course the heroine had nine lives! --Not a big fan of nine lives ..great in real life but not in fictional stories .. go figure me!! ;)

Lost December by Richard Paul Evans, AF, 2011, 379p (large print), rating=4

Richard Paul Evans is one of my go to authors when I want to get out of a reading slump (which I am in at the moment). He has a way of telling stories that touch the heart (my kind of book), using melancholy to drive at a moral message. I often find myself emotionally involved with the characters. This book is no exception. A riches-to-rags story through a take on the well known Bible parable The Prodigal Son. Prodigal being the key word in defining the essence of the tale ..SPOILER STARTS (paraphrased from the book) misunderstanding the word thinking it means "lost" or "wayward" when it really means "wastefully extravagant", but it also means "to give abundantly". SPOILER ENDS You're likely to need a tissue. I did.

Emotionally charging and character building. A lesson in giving and being grateful. Appropriate feel good book during this Christmas season.

On a side note: I learned interesting things about being homeless.

Finding Noel by Ricard Paul Evans, AF, 2006, 304p, rating=3

Fresh from finishing Mr. Evans' current book Lost December, I found that book to be better than this one. But unlike Lost December, the signature intro letter and dedication in Finding Noel left me shedding a tear before reaching chapter one! Mr. Evans dedicated this book to his late mother. Use mother in a sentiment and I'm bawling! As in turns out though, I found this read to be a bit disjointed. Still, a wonderful story of "how people come into our lives for a reason".

What I got out of this book was that we are angels to each other if we choose to be kind. My favorite character was Joette. I loved her!!

Mid-Winters Eve Blog Hop Winner

2011-12-28T07:51:00.000-08:00

Using the services of Random.org, the winner of my Mid-Winters Eve Blog Hop is Angela (email starting at birthday...)!!

Congratulations Angela. Your prize, the book "The Christmas List" by Richard Paul Evans, is yours if you reply within 72hrs to the email I sent you or a new winner will be chosen.

Thank you to all those who entered and for the follows. :)

Hope everyone enjoyed Christmas. Here's wishing you all a fabulous New Year!!!

Mid-Winter's Eve Blog Hop

2011-12-20T21:06:00.000-08:00

I'm technically on hiatus but I had committed to this a while back so here I am. So welcome to my stop in this Mid-Winters Eve Blog Hop. Thanks to I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Oasis for YA for hosting this hop ..where participating bloggers offer a book related giveaway on their blog (see list below). It's an awesome way to be introduced to book bloggers and get chances to win a prize(s) to boot! There are over 200 contributors so that means many opportunities to win! Pretty cool. Anyway, this time around I'll be giving away a new hardcover copy of "The Christmas List" by Richard Paul Evans to one of my followers. Sorry, but only someone with a U.S.A. address may be the recipient.

(Go HERE for my review)

To enter:

Must be a follower of this blog (GFC, subscriber)
Must be at least 13 years old
Fill out the form below
U.S.A. address only (if you live outside of the U.S. but would like to win this for someone with a U.S. address, then feel free to enter)

Thank you for stopping by and be sure to check out the participating bloggers below for some awesome prizes! Have a Merry Christmas and good luck!! :)

Gift Card Giveaway Winner!

2011-12-15T17:15:00.000-08:00

Using the services of Random.org, the winner of my Gift Card Giveaway Hop is Sherry Strode!! Your prize of $10 to Amazon or The Book Depository is yours if you reply within 72hrs to the email I sent you or a new winner will be chosen.

Wow, 543 people entered the giveaway and 277 of them received an extra entry for liking my FB Fan Page. I wish I was super rich so you'd all be winners!

Thank you to all those who entered and for the follows here and on FB. You make me smile and one day I hope to make you smile too. :)

Have a Merry Christmas!!

Gift Card Giveaway Hop

2011-12-08T21:30:00.000-08:00

Thanks to our hostesses, I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Attack of the Book for this fabulous event. Just in time for the holidays! Here's a hop designed to giveaway gift cards ...see below for list of participants.

Since Amazon.com seems to be popular on this site and as I understand that it can be used internationally, then that's what I'll be giving away to one of my followers!!

$10 electronic gift card (emailed to you) to Amazon.com. And just in case you are unable to use this gift card, you may opt for an up to $10 worth of book(s) to The Book Depository (be sure they ship free to your country) ...shhh, this isn't a gift card but I want to include as much of my international followers and this seems to be a popular giveaway on this site too.

Here's how to enter:

Must be a follower of this blog (GFC, subscription)
Must be at least 13 years old
Fill out the form below
Extra entry for following my FB Page.

That's it! Thank you for entering and more importantly for the follows. Good luck!
~Have a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!!

Now start hopping from the list below and good luck!! :)

I'm nervous ...

2011-12-06T07:04:00.000-08:00

I had appointment last week for my annual womanly exam but had to reschedule since I was sick (since Thanksgiving!). Well, today's the day. I still have a bit of an itch to my throat and sniffles so I considered rescheduling again but I'm just being a chicken (oh, did I forget to tell you that I missed last year's exam?). I really don't know why. I've actually have had only good experiences on visits to my gynecologist. I suppose I'm in my 40s now and they up the ante so that's kinda scary. Anyway, to lighten my mood a bit I dug up a funny "story" that my friend emailed me years ago and here it is, "The Washcloth" ...I think you might get a kick out of it as well. ~Wish me best wishes today! Thanks. :)

"The Washcloth"
I was due for an appointment with the gynecologist later in the week. Early one morning, I received a call from the doctor's office to tell me that I had been rescheduled for that morning at 9:30 am.I had only just packed everyone off to work and school, and it was already around 8:45 am.The trip to his office took about 35 minutes, so I didn't have any time to spare.As most women do, I like to take a little extra effort over hygiene when making such visits, but this time I wasn't going to be able to make the full effort.So, I rushed upstairs, threw off my pajamas, wet the washcloth that was sitting next to the sink, and gave myself a quick wash in that area to make sure I was at least presentable.I threw the washcloth in the clothes basket, donned some clothes, hopped in the car and raced to my appointment.I was in the waiting room for only a few minutes when I was called in.Knowing the procedure, as I'm sure you do, I hopped up on the table, looked over at the other side of the room and pretended that I was in Paris or some other place a million miles away. I was a little surprised when the doctor said, "My, we have made an extra effort this morning, haven't we?"I didn't respond.After the appointment, I heaved a sigh of relief and went home. The rest of the day was normal Some shopping, cleaning, cooking.After school when my 6 year old daughter was playing, she called out from the bathroom, "Mommy, where's my washcloth?" I told her to get another one from the cupboard.She replied, "No, I need the one that was here by the sink, it had all my glitter and sparkles saved inside it." NEVER going back to that doctor ever!! (Unknown author)

On another note:
I can't seem to get my nose in a book because I just have tons on my mind lately so I'm going on a temporary holiday break from reading and blogging (hence, I missed this week's PTSS and MRM I usually do). Don't worry, still will post the giveaway hops I committed to this month so stay tuned for those.

"Beach Lane"

2011-12-02T12:33:00.000-08:00

by Sherryl Woods, AF, 2011, Playaway digital audio, 10.5hrs, rating=3

In the close-knit community of Chesapeake Shores, Maryland, Susie O'Brien and Mack Franklin's "not dating" claim befuddles everyone, especially since the two spend every spare minute together. Susie's thrilled when their friendship finally heats up. Then, just when happily-ever-after seems within reach, Mack loses the job he loves and Susie faces a devastating diagnosis.
But O'Briens always unite in a crisis. Even her cousin Jess, Susie's rival for most of their lives, becomes her staunchest supporter—especially when Mack's former lover comes to town. The stakes are higher than ever before, but Susie's definitely up to the challenge…as long as Mack's right there by her side. (Goodreads)

A nice romantic novel. Two friends on the road to being more, but then future plans were stalled because of personal troubles so the relationship goes to limbo. The secrets they kept from each other seemed such an unhealthy way to have a future together so it was hard for me to root for them. But as the story continued, I couldn't help but wish for the couple's success. I'm a sucker for love that way!

The supporting characters functioned well here. The O'Brien family was a hoot. It was also nice to read Jess's turn of character. It's always a treat to read family working things out.

My only qualm was that Mack was too perfect (except in the beginning). Once the secrets were out, Mack did a 360 and everything fell in line. Nothing rocked the boat for him from then on. He was supportive, loving, thoughtful, sexy, and just did and said everything right. Every girls dream! I guess I just couldn't believe it ... too good to be true kind of thing. No wonder men are lost. When they give us perfection, we still question (I'm not the only one, right?). Anyway, maybe Ms Woods will rattle some bones in the family trip to Ireland in the next installment?

Limelight Reviews

2011-12-02T07:30:00.000-08:00

Here's a wonderful new meme hosted by Louise @Between the Covers. The idea is to "garner meaningful comments on the reviews we spend hours sweating over, getting just right. And then...*crickets*". There will be one review spotlighted each week to be visited. To participate, meaningful comments are encouraged to be left on the spotlighted review and two other reviews on the linky. No following required on any of the blogs. ~Now head on over HERE to participate and get all the details, including submitting a review to be spotlighted.

My cricket review this week is "For One More Day" by Mitch Albom. He's one of my favorite authors because his stories always touch my heart. This particular book moved me because it gave me an opportunity to reflect on my beautiful mother. ~I love you Mom!!

"Blood Red Road"

2011-12-01T18:17:00.000-08:00

by Moira Young, YA, 2011, 459p, rating=4

Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back.
Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization. (Goodreads)

I should have reviewed this book immediately after reading it (2.5 weeks ago) but time got away from me. Yet, it was memorable and that's saying a lot coming from queen of forgetfulness, me! Anyway, this was a captivating read. The Hillbillies-kind of drawl surprisingly wasn't a nuisance and actually gave the characters a feel of being down to earth people so I felt comfortable getting invested in their story. And what a breeze it was to get through this 450+ page book because the action never let up. There were rare occasions when you had time to think all was over because in the next sentence another obstacle was to be conquered. That sounds aggravating but it was delivered in a way that made me feel part of the adventure ...got my blood pumping, as if I was the one running, jumping, swashbuckling, etc. How fun and exciting that was!

The seemingly corny romance between renegade Saba and suave Jack was adorable ...think Katnis meets Flynn Rider. Odd combination but it really worked! Yet there was another feel good design about this book. Family and camaraderie. The heart of the story. I'm a sucker for getting things done with friends for family sake. Hurray for awesome supporting characters!! --Psst, I love Emmi!

Smooth and exciting read with a lot of adventure and heart. Thanks Joyzi for the recommendation! Took me awhile but I finally got to it. :)

Know Me Better #8

2011-12-01T11:40:00.000-08:00

"Know Me Better" is a meme hosted by Kathy at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. She will answer 5 questions off her author interview list each week and invited other bloggers to do the same in an effort to get to know a little bit more about each other. Go HERE to join the fun.

Here's this week's questions and my answers:

If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
Off the top of my head, "Sweetly Confused"

If you could have a signed copy of any novel what would it be and why?
I can't think of a novel (that I have to have, any signed by an author would be great!), but a signed copy of Gordon B. Hinckley's non-fiction book, "Standing for Something" would definitely be a treasure. It's a book dear to my heart.

Horror or Romance?
Definitely romance because horror=I'm a big chicken!

If you could choose only one time period and place to live, when and where would you live and why?
I like where I am now but just for a moment perhaps the '50s in the U.S. Seems to be fun and innocently hip when portrayed in TV/film.

Do you prefer a bunch of small gifts or one big expensive one?
Depends. Example: 1) One time someone did a 12 days of Christmas.. I vacationed in Canada with relatives during the holidays so he wrapped up 12 little gifts for me to open, 1 gift each day 'til Christmas. 2) My husband bought me a car for Valentine's Day. ~Both pretty awesome. :)

Now it's your turn. I want to know some things about you. Feel free to answer one or more on the comment or post your answers and link up! ~Sure looking forward to getting to know you more too!

"One Summer"

2011-11-30T09:10:00.000-08:00

by David Baldacci, AF, 2011, Playaway digital audio, 8hrs, rating=4

It's almost Christmas, but there is no joy in the house of terminally ill Jack and his family. With only a short time left to live, he spends his last days preparing to say goodbye to his devoted wife, Lizzie, and their three children. Then, unthinkably, tragedy strikes again: Lizzie is killed in a car accident. With no one able to care for them, the children are separated from each other and sent to live with family members around the country. Just when all seems lost, Jack begins to recover in a miraculous turn of events. He rises from what should have been his deathbed, determined to bring his fractured family back together. Struggling to rebuild their lives after Lizzie's death, he reunites everyone at Lizzie's childhood home on the oceanfront in South Carolina. And there, over one unforgettable summer, Jack will begins to learn to love again, and he and his children will learn how to become a family once more. (case cover)

I have a confession. When I browse my library, I often don't read the blurbs before reading a book. I scan for key words and mainly go by author, the look of the bookcover, or thickness of the book. Maybe pretty shallow, but that's what I do. Usually more hits than misses ... here's an example of a hit. :)

Wow, what a heartwrenching story! I'm glad I didn't read the blurb because listening to it without knowing the premise gave an element of surprise and excitement to the experience. Anyway, from the start you are introduced to a devastating news. Jack Armstrong has a terminal disease and trying to hold on until Christmas. Christmas eve rolls around and Jack is ready to go ... love letters written, accepted his fate ... but BAM! his wife Lizzie ends up getting killed in a car accident on the way back from picking up Jack's medicine. You can imagine the "Oh no!" gasp going through my head when the police officers came knocking on Jack's door. Then as the story continues, Jack makes it to the funeral and soon prepares to die alone because his mother-in-law saw it fit for her grandchildren to find new homes in order to spare them of watching their father die. Little did anyone know that Jack would make a complete recovery, "Miracle Man" as he later would be coined. So the next step was for Jack to get his children back and fulfill a promise he made to his wife. There in the "Palace" the Armstrong family learns to heal and bond.

You can guess that this entailed a love story between husband and wife. But it extended beyond that. This tale involved immediate family and extended family as understandably when a tragedy hits. An array of emotions were bounced around and I found myself attached to basically all the characters. So much so that many tears were shed from my end. Because as you know, I'm a sucker for books that tug the heart. ;)

I like that this book was a lot about father-daughter relationship. It was a beautiful account! It's the ultimate, I'm a daddy's girl fuzzy feeling.

Overall, Mr. Baldacci did a great job at creating a second chance story with the right amount of fluff. I can imagine that this may give someone who has lost a loved one a bit of a good cry.

Gratitude Hop Winner

2011-11-30T07:34:00.000-08:00

Using the services of Random.org, the winner of my Gratitude Hop is mel u!! Your prize of $10 to Amazon or The Book Depository is yours if you reply within 48hrs to the email I sent you or a new winner will be chosen.

I thank those who entered the giveaway and for answering the couple extra questions to help me out for future giveaways. You are awesome!

In all, I do appreciate all of you my dear friends. I'm grateful for your loyalty. Knowing I have your support makes book blogging a fun hobby. Thank you ..mwuah!

"The Christmas Wedding"

2011-11-29T19:23:00.000-08:00

by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo, AF, 2011, audio CDs, 4hrs 42min, rating=1

The tree is decorated, the cookies are baked, and the packages are wrapped, but the biggest celebration this Christmas is Gaby Summerhill's wedding. Since her husband died five years ago, Gaby's children have drifted apart, each one preoccupied by the turbulence in their own lives. They haven't celebrated Christmas together since their father's death, but when Gaby announces that she's getting married-and that the groom will remain a secret until the wedding day—she may finally be able to bring them home for the holidays.
But the wedding isn't Gaby's only surprise—she has one more gift for her children, and it could change all their lives forever. With deeply affecting characters and the emotional twists of a James Patterson thriller, The Christmas Wedding is a fresh look at family and the magic of the season. (Goodreads)

Beautiful cover, disappointing content.

I liked Alex Cross's Trial so I was looking forward to reading another from this duo. This Christmas themed one sounded promising. But off the bat the swearing put me off. It hurt my ears and more likely the reason I didn't listen carefully. Yet from what I did grasp, there was really not enough character development. The story was too brisk. The turbulent life stories of the adult children showed promise but lacked depth. And don't get me started on Gabby! I could not connect with that woman. She didn't seem to respect marriage ...and the three potential grooms for that matter. I know, this is fiction ..but still.

I know James Patterson can write and I will continue to read his books but this one just didn't work for me. No fuzzy Christmas feeling felt from my end. :(

SSMG Winner

2011-11-29T08:53:00.000-08:00

Random.org has spoken. Congratulations Melanie McCullough!! Some mail giddiness can be yours if you claim your prize, My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult, within the next 48hrs. An email has been sent to you.

Thank you to all those who participated.

*SSMG will be taking a break and will return sometime next year.*

Must Read Monday: Made You Laugh Out Loud

2011-11-28T07:29:00.000-08:00

Here's a new meme that's quite fun and clever .. Must Read Monday by Fans of Fiction. Go HERE to join the fun.

The goal of this meme is to find those books others are excited about to add to your To Be Read list.
Instead of answering a question, you are basically creating intrigue for other hoppers. What makes your book so swoon-worthy? What do you absolutely have to mention so they'll read it?
On your post, you'll make an acrostic puzzle (think of it as an overview/book blurb type of thing).
When you leave comments on other posts, be sure to mention whether you're adding that book to your TBR pile, and what part convinced you to do so.
It's all about powers of persuasion, people:) You might have to think a little, but channel that inner-creative goddess (or god).

This week's category is a book that made you laugh out loud. I chose Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami. It was the oddly imaginative adventures that made this a funny read. So out there that you can't help but laugh out loud. That's what happened to me when I got to page 240. But please go HERE for the blurb and my review because I didn't do the book much justice on this acrostic.

Kafka Tamura
A teenage boy, who runs away
From home
Keeps us
All

On our toes.
Nakata

The aging simpleton
Has quite an
Exceptional pull toward Kafka

So together they
Have quirky adventures and
One incredibly funny moment that got me
Rolling out of my seat.
Entirely off, no kidding!!

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday: Peter and Cornelius

2011-11-27T07:23:00.000-08:00

Today's scriptures study is found in the book of Acts chapter 10. Here we learn about a centurion (officer of the Roman Army, in command of 100 men), named Cornelius. He was described as a devout man that feared God, gave alms, and prayed always. One day an angel came to him and told him to send men to fetch Peter in Joppa. In the meantime Peter praying and very hungry and about to eat, fell into a trance. He saw the heaven opened and laid before him were many animals. He was told to kill and eat. Remembering that he was never to eat anything common or unclean (see Leviticus 11), he refused. He was then told that "What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common." (Act 10:15). Still contemplating on the meaning of his vision, the three men that Cornelius sent came to Peter and told him of Cornelius's vision. Peter agreed to go with them. Meanwhile, Cornelius gathered up his family and friends in anticipation of Peter's visit and teachings. Cornelius overcame by Peter's presence fell down at his feet and worshipped Peter. Peter took him up and said that he was just a man. Peter then seeing the multitude came to understand his vision. See, up to this time the Apostles had been teaching the gospel to the Jews and most of the church members were under the impression that only the Jewish people can be taught the gospel. Cornelius was not a Jew so Peter preaching to him and to those gathered (Gentiles) was unusual. However, Peter realized that teaching the gospel is for all .."Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." (Act 10:34-35). So Peter preached to these Gentiles and the Holy Ghost fell on them ... and so they were baptized.

(courtesy of lds.org)

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." (Matthew 28:19)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T10:50:00.000-08:00

Have a safe, thankful, and fun Thanksgiving everyone!

Here's a video that my son and I had a kick watching several years ago. I looked for it on YouTube and here is it! Enjoy!!

Mail Giddy

2011-11-23T15:05:00.000-08:00

I was truly giddy when I got this in the mail this weekend! It came the same day that we were having a birthday party for my daughter so it felt like it was my birthday too ... this being my present. Pretty cool. Anyway, thank you Alison @ Alison Can Read for the wonderful treat! Oh by the way, Alison had mentioned that I was the last one to enter the giveaway and random.org chose me! How lucky was I?!!

I read the book last year and liked it a lot. When word came out that Robert Pattinson was to play the leading role, I couldn't picture it. He just didn't seem to fit the Jacob in the book that I imagined. When the trailers and promo pictures started to come out, the idea that he could pull it off warmed up to me (he was great in the movie Remember Me). He was awfully cute and it had been a long time since I've read the book so maybe?

After the party I did a quick minor clean up then relaxed and watched the movie by myself (the fam had other interests). Well, it was pretty good (3.75 stars/5). The movie brought back the lovely read and I think Christoph Waltz did an amazing job playing August. Of course, Rosie rocked!! As far as Pattinson and Witherspoon .. good but not amazing. The forbidden love affair gaze was there but lacked the passion ..I'm not talking about the raunchy kind, but something more searing. I think they played the characters a bit too subdued or something? Oh, I don't how to describe it! Nevertheless, I enjoyed the movie and this DVD will be in my prized collection.

In this case, the book was much better. However, I do appreciate the movie. It was a good tribute.

BTW, I didn't realize that Reese was petite. --Just an observation, I'm not saying I have anything against petite people ..I'm petite!

Sharing Some Mail Giddiness Giveaway: My Sister's Keeper

2011-11-23T00:50:00.000-08:00

I get all giddy when I receive a book in the mail so I thought I'd give you an opportunity to experience some giddiness too! Therefore, I'm offering you a chance to win a book from my once-read books. This will be a weekly giveaway so come back each week ..maybe one will catch your fancy!

Here's how to enter:

1.Must be a follower of this blog.
2.U.S.A. address only.
3.Leave a comment providing an email address to contact you.

That's it! Contest ends 11/28/11 11:59 PST. Winner announced next Tuesday.

Good luck!

This week's book is a paperback copy of Jodi Picoult's "My Sister's Keeper". Go HERE for blurb and my review.

SSMG Winner

2011-11-22T06:28:00.000-08:00

Random.org has spoken. Congratulations Melanie!! Some mail giddiness can be yours if you claim your prize, Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson, within the next 48hrs. An email has been sent to you.

Thank you to all those who participated.

See you tomorrow for another SSMG giveaway. *waves*

Must Read Monday: Fantasy

2011-11-21T08:31:00.000-08:00

Here's a new meme that's quite fun and clever .. Must Read Monday by Fans of Fiction. Go HERE to join the fun.

The goal of this meme is to find those books others are excited about to add to your To Be Read list.
Instead of answering a question, you are basically creating intrigue for other hoppers. What makes your book so swoon-worthy? What do you absolutely have to mention so they'll read it?
On your post, you'll make an acrostic puzzle (think of it as an overview/book blurb type of thing).
When you leave comments on other posts, be sure to mention whether you're adding that book to your TBR pile, and what part convinced you to do so.
It's all about powers of persuasion, people:) You might have to think a little, but channel that inner-creative goddess (or god).

This week's category is Fantasy or a book with fantastical elements. I chose Erin Morgenstern's debut novel, The Night Circus. Find my review HERE.

This was an enchanting book and I had a kick reminiscing while coming up with this acrostic puzzle. Enjoy!

                                A fanciful Tale indeed.
                     Open only at nigHt and everything
                                    must bE in black

                                            aNd
                                          whIte.
                                  Quickly Gone as it
                                  comes tHis circus
                                          of The night.

                              You'll find Celia's Feat of Illustrations,
     The Drawing Room, and WIdget's Anthology of Memory.
                                  Don't foRget The Hall of Mirrors, The Ice
                     Garden, nor MarCo's ship made of books.
                          And how aboUt a nibble of chocolate mice?
          Sea of Ink, Pool of TearS, Cloud of Maze, and much much more!

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday: Stephen, the Martyr

2011-11-20T08:15:00.000-08:00

Sorry I missed last week ..had one of those days. Anyway, I am going to really try to study the scriptures instead of just reading them. That was truly the point of this meme but I got lazy and was afraid to offend or sound preachy so I ended up just posting scripture passages and left it at that. Well, I'm going to make it a study again and be more descriptive.

Today's study/pondering is about Stephen, the martyr. His story is found in the book of Acts, chapters 6 and 7.

Here's a summary of Stephen's story:

After the death of Jesus Christ, the Jews thought that miracles and such would end. However, the Apostles continued the work and followers increased to the point that the Apostles needed help. Seven men were chosen, one of which was Stephen, "a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 6:5). Stephen preached the gospel and did many wonders and miracles among the people. But many Jews were angered by his preaching and accused him of blasphemy because they did not believe that Jesus was the Saviour so they brought Stephen before a court of Jewish leaders. At the trial, Stephen didn't try to defend himself but spoke of the history of Israel and told the people that they weren't obeying Gods commandments. Those words and stating his vision, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:56) angered them enough to take Stephen outside and stoned him to death ... full of the Holy Ghost, Stephen said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he said this, he fell asleep." (Acts 7:59-60).

Stephen's story is an example of a person who believes so strongly in something that he or she gives his life as a witness. Stephen had a strong testimony of the Godhead and was martyred because of it.

Also we learn about laying on of hands (Acts 6:6) ... All who receive the priesthood are ordained by the laying of hands thus the Apostles gave the the priesthood authority, which they received from Jesus Christ, to the seven men.

What can we learn from Stephen's vision about Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost?

LDS answer is found in D&C 130:22

"The Night Circus"

2011-11-18T00:03:00.000-08:00

by Erin Morgenstern, AF, 2011, 387p, rating=4

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.
But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.
True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus performers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead. (Goodreads)

This book was full of crisp and vivid display of fantasy and imagery. This special circus really did feel like "Le Cirque Des Reves", the circus of dreams. The cast of supporting characters were quirky and intriguing (what comes to mind that sorta compares are the supporting actors in the movie Knotting Hill), fitting for a circus. But it was their combined stories that made them special and together became the pawn in the game. The magical game that Celia and Marco were bound to play to the death. However, the two fell in love so neither wanted to play anymore. Unfortunately, that was not an option. So comes in Bailey, the young boy who fell in love with the circus.

At first, the read confused the heck out of me! The setting see-sawed from one year to another and I kept going back to the beginning of the chapter to orient myself. I also had to figure out who's who. I supposed reading this choppily over a week and half didn't help. But it eventually came together for me and that was nice. From there I grew to like the sweet love story between Celia and Marco and the love story for the circus in general.

A great debut novel. Original, magical, and enchanting.

Know Me Better #7

2011-11-17T19:30:00.000-08:00

"Know Me Better" is a meme hosted by Kathy at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. She will answer 5 questions off her author interview list each week and invited other bloggers to do the same in an effort to get to know a little bit more about each other. Go HERE to join the fun.

This week's questions were tough. Here's what I finally came up with:

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
That I didn't know what missionary position meant. I was 21-22yo when I heard the term used ... you can probably imagine the confusion/horror going through my mind considering "missionary(-ies)" to me back then meant those young Mormon men and women sharing the gospel. It wasn't long after that that I took sexuality class in college. :D

Beach or Pool?
For swimming, neither because I can't swim well. But for ambiance, definitely beach! More filling to the senses ..sights, sounds, smell, etc.

If you had 24 hours alone how would you spend it?
I'd start with a shopping spree at a book store then pack my loot and fly to Hawaii. There I'd read along the beach to my heart's content (on my side is an all I can eat/drink snacks/drinks). After reading and snacking I'd go to a spa and have a total body treatment. Then go back to my suite and lie down on a super soft luxurious bed and read until I fall asleep.

Coke or Pepsi?
This is a Coke home! It's my husband's water ..I kid you not! Of course it's often the coldest drink in the fridge so I can't help but sneak one here and there for myself. ;)

If a movie was made about your life, who would you want to play the lead role and why?
I honestly can't think of anybody! This is not a cop out. I tried hard to think of someone but nada! :(

Not up for joining the meme yet? Well, I would like to get to know you better so feel free to answer one or more on the comment section.

"Ender's Game"

2011-11-17T11:17:00.000-08:00

by Orson Scott Card, YA, 1985, 357p, rating=4.5

Ender Wiggin is a very bright young boy with a powerful skill. One of a group of children bred to be military geniuses and save Earth from an inevitable attack by aliens, known here as "buggers," Ender becomes unbeatable in war games and seems poised to lead Earth to triumph over the buggers. Meanwhile, his brother and sister plot to wrest power from Ender. Twists, surprises and interesting characters elevate this novel into status as a bona fide page turner. It captured the Nebula and Hugo Awards. (Goodreads)

Someone call Child Protective Services because there was a lot of violations going on in here!! Wow, Ender was one heck of a kid! I was rooting for him the entire time and he delivered. He was unbelievably beyond his years. He was pushed hard and as a reader and mother, I was pained. What horrible psychological and physical torture he had to endure. That said, it was the empathy that had me turning the pages and wanting to see if Ender turns out a complete mess at the end of this.

Awesome sci fi premise, original and thought out characters, action packed thriller, and an emotionally charging pace. I think this is the first sci fi that really stirred me. The making of a leader's psyche was scrutinized. The inner turmoil going on in Ender's mind was a testimony to the complex capability of human decision making. Really, this book was a disturbingly good read! I'm looking forward to continuing the saga.

Gratitude Giveaways Hop

2011-11-16T21:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a hop that I enjoy because it gives bloggers an opportunity to thank their followers. I'm certainly grateful to all of you who have decided to be among "mi amigos". Thank you for being loyal. You are the best! ... Welcome new followers and thank you for the follow! :)

There's more giveaways next month so my giveaway this time is simply a $10 electronic gift card to Amazon.com or up to $10 worth of book(s) to The Book Depository ... winner's choice (be sure your country qualifies). To enter you must be at least 13yo, be a follower of this blog, and fill out the form below. That's it! Good luck and again, thank you!! :)

Thank you I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and All-Consuming Books for hosting this wonderful giveaway. Now fill out the form and don't forget to head on over HERE for the list of >300 bloggers participating in giveaways.

**Winner will be notified via email and name announced on this blog within 3 days post contest. The services of Random.org will be used to select a winner.**

Sharing Some Mail Giddiness: Sundays at Tiffany's

2011-11-16T00:21:00.000-08:00

I get all giddy when I receive a book in the mail, so I thought I'd give you an opportunity to experience some giddiness too by offering a chance to win a book from my once-read books. This will be a weekly giveaway so come back each week ..maybe one will catch your fancy!

Here's how to enter:

1.Must be a follower of this blog.
2.U.S.A. address only.
3.Leave a comment providing an email address to contact you.

That's it! Contest ends 11/21/11 11:59 PST. Winner announced next Tuesday.

Good luck!

This book was just okay. I just fell too hard for the movie version and this was a rare occasion when the book wasn't better. This is a hardcover copy. :)

As a little girl, Jane has no one. Her mother Vivienne Margaux, the powerful head of a major New York theater company has no time for her. But she does have one friend--Michael--and no one can see him but her. But Michael can't stay with Jane forever, and on her eighth birthday, her imaginary friend must leave her.
When Jane is in her thirties, working for her mother's company, she is just as alone as she was as a child. Her boyfriend hardly knows she's there and is more interested in what Vivienne can do for his career. Her mother practically treats her as a slave in the office, despite the great success of Jane's first play, "Thank Heaven." Then she finds Michael--handsome, and just the same as she remembers him, only now he's not imaginary. For once in her life, Jane is happy--and has someone who loves her back. But not even Michael knows the reason behind why they've really been reunited. (Goodreads)

Go HERE for my review.

"Bridge to Terabithia"

2011-11-15T08:04:00.000-08:00

by Katherine Paterson, YR, 1972, 128p, rating=2.5
1978 Newbery Award Winner
**SPOILER ALERT**

The story starts out simply enough: Jess Aarons wants to be the fastest boy in the fifth grade--he wants it so bad he can taste it. He's been practicing all summer, running in the fields around his farmhouse until he collapses in a sweat. Then a tomboy named Leslie Burke moves into the farmhouse next door and changes his life forever. Not only does Leslie not look or act like any girls Jess knows, but she also turns out to be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. After getting over the shock and humiliation of being beaten by a girl, Jess begins to think Leslie might be okay.
Despite their superficial differences, it's clear that Jess and Leslie are soul mates. The two create a secret kingdom in the woods named Terabithia, where the only way to get into the castle is by swinging out over a gully on an enchanted rope. Here they reign as king and queen, fighting off imaginary giants and the walking dead, sharing stories and dreams, and plotting against the schoolmates who tease them. Jess and Leslie find solace in the sanctuary of Terabithia until a tragedy strikes and the two are separated forever. In a style that is both plain and powerful, Katherine Paterson's characters will stir your heart and put a lump in your throat. (Goodreads)

I had not seen the movie version nor really knew anything about this book (I know, I need to get out more). So I'm reading along and BAM! when Jesse gets back from his date (I'll get to that in a minute), he was told that Leslie died. I'm thinking, what the...! I must have read that wrong. Like Jesse I could not accept her death. I too was thinking she'd pop up and say, psyche! (ok, maybe a different term in her time). But no, she really was dead. I'm totally in shock! I couldn't get over it. Anyway, the story moved along and ended with a sweet bond between Jess and his younger sister May Belle at the secret imaginary kingdom, Terabithia, that Jesse and Leslie created.

Okay, so back to that date. Miss Edmunds, a music teacher, got bored one day so she invites Jesse to go to the Smithsonian Museum with her and they go. Whoa! Someone explain that to me. Even to have a reason for Leslie to go to Terabithia alone, I don't see why that was thrown in. A different event could have been used to lure Jesse out of that meeting with Leslie. Anyway, I just thought that date was out on left field ...inappropriate!

There was a lot of issues going on in this little book ... parents with their children, social status, sibling antics, classmate rivalry, teacher bashing, dealing with death, imagination, etc. This had the makings of a heart wrenching tale but I was too much in shock to enjoy the death lessons, playful Narnia-like adventures, and sweet ending. That date and the sudden death turned my brain and things just went on standstill for me. I know people die and even kids, but seriously this particular case put me at a stupor. I really really wanted Leslie to jump out of the bushes and yell, psyche!

SSMG: No Winner

2011-11-15T06:29:00.000-08:00

I had no takers for "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom so I have no winner to announce. :(

No worries, we'll try a different book tomorrow. How about a hardcover copy of "Sundays at Tiffanys" by James Patterson? If you're interested, come back tomorrow to enter. :)

Have a great day!

Must Read Monday: A Powerful Book

2011-11-14T07:24:00.000-08:00

Here's a new meme that's quite fun and clever .. Must Read Monday by Fans of Fiction. Go HERE to join the fun and because I'm one of the winners featured for last week's acrostics!! Woohoo!! Thank you Jenna and Ashley for the honor. ~Congratulations to Sherre as well!

The goal of this meme is to find those books others are excited about to add to your To Be Read list.
Instead of answering a question, you are basically creating intrigue for other hoppers. What makes your book so swoon-worthy? What do you absolutely have to mention so they'll read it?
On your post, you'll make an acrostic puzzle (think of it as an overview/book blurb type of thing).
When you leave comments on other posts, be sure to mention whether you're adding that book to your TBR pile, and what part convinced you to do so.
It's all about powers of persuasion, people:) You might have to think a little, but channel that inner-creative goddess (or god).

This week's category is: "A book so powerful that it changed you in some way". For me, this would be "Standing for Something" by Gordon B. Hinckley. This book is dear to my heart. Truly a powerful book that showed me how important it is to stand for something again, so I try to aline my life in that matter. Go HERE for my review.

Standing for Something
Takes a look
At 10 virtues that has been
Neglected.
Drawing on from his own life
Including from our
Nation today,
Gordon B. Hinckley

Faithfully
Outlines "
Rediscovering the values and virtues that have historically made us

Strong." (book flap)
Outlining also 2 guardians of virtue,
Marriage and the family stating that
Even in difficult
Times
Here is the path to a better world. As
Individuals, community, and as a
Nation we can
Grow to stand for something again.

"A Long Drive Home"

2011-11-12T18:36:00.000-08:00

by Will Allison, AF, 2011, 184p, rating=3.5

A riveting second novel by Will Allison, author of the acclaimed What You Have Left. A happily married suburban father makes a mistake that results in a teenager's death and sends his own life into a devastating tailspin. Written as a confessional letter, the book is a fascinating and moving cautionary tale that explores the moral ambiguities of personal responsibility as it chronicles a father’s desperate attempt to explain himself to his daughter—even though he knows that in doing so, he risks losing her forever. (Goodreads)

It sure was a long drive home for Glen Bauer! Too bad he wasn't carrying a four leaf clover or a rabbit's foot, poor man! What seemed to be any ol' day became a nightmare ... all because he gave into road rage.

After being accosted and emasculated by a stranger in front of his six year old daughter, Glen was understandably left hot under the collar and it spilled over to the rest of his drive home. Which eventually lead him to decide to teach another driver a lesson that consequently ended in fatality. Yikes! That sparked another human emotion, fear. He didn't want to go to jail so he had to lie, he had to omit details ... he had to cover up. And the twist was his wife's solution to the problem. How crazy was that?!

What's catchy about this book was that it gave the reader a shock/scare factor. The reader is left questioning himself ...like, "Goodness, that could happen to me but surely I wouldn't have gone that far in the hole, right?" or "Once I make a mistake I own up to it, right?". Scary indeed. Our decisions make us.

I've got mixed feeling about the brevity of the novel. The story did give insights to human emotions in its characters but it left me wanting more. I'm not sure I like the abrupt ending to let the reader mull over the moral lesson kind of ending. Something was amiss for me but I can't explain exactly what. Maybe I want to know what Sara ended up thinking. Perhaps there is a sequel? ;)

Overall, a small book that packs a big punch!

Happy Veterans Day

2011-11-11T15:27:00.000-08:00

Thank you veterans!! You rock!!!

"My 11 Lists" Hop

2011-11-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

Just for fun I thought I'd host a hop to commemorate this special date. So, let's make some lists of 11's.

To participate, post answers to the topics below, link yourself on the Linky Tool (direct link to your post, not your blog), include the above "My 11 Lists" image in your post, and then start hopping!

Feel free to spread the word! Thanks. :)

Here's my 11's ...

11 things I'm grateful for:

Family
Friends
Books
Internet
Chocolate
Disposable diapers
Body that still functions
Education
A warm home
Temples
Smiles

11 books I love:

Standing for Something by Gordon B. Hinckley
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
The Giver by Lois Lowry
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins
For One More Day by Mitch Albom
Dash & Lily's Books of Dares by David Levithan
The Locket by Richard Paul Evans
The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows

11 things I've accomplished so far:

Got married to the best man on earth
Gave birth to 3 kids
Dream job
Hold a current temple recommend
Visited Hawaii 3 times
I have a tried and tested yummy recipe for New York cheesecake
A decent book blog
Finally a bookworm
Participated in a 5K run
Read the entire Holy Bible
Own a house

11 things I still want to accomplish:

Meet J.K. Rowling
Read a book that has >1,000 pages (other than the Bible)
Visit relatives in the Philippines
Make a dent on my TBR list
See my kids get married and have kids of their own
Meet a book blogger friend in person
Go to a book signing
Clean out my garage
Travel around the world
Finish the Harry Potter series
Meet Mark Harmon

Know Me Better #6

2011-11-10T00:43:00.000-08:00

"Know Me Better" is a meme hosted by Kathy at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. She will answer 5 questions off her author interview list each week and invited other bloggers to do the same.

Let's get to know a little bit more about each other. Go HERE to join the fun.

Here is this week's questions and my answers:

If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 things would you want with you?
Dang, no people!! Okay, things it is (assuming I can do a Robinson Crusoe on food, water, and shelter): 1. Scriptures 2. Soap 3. First Aid kit

What is one book everyone should read?
The Book of Mormon. :)

If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
A happy touch .. any person I touch becomes happy. :) And if I can have more: I'd like to be able to fly! ..or have the ability to instantly go anywhere.

Harry Potter or Twilight?
Ooh, two great series in its own right. I haven't finished Harry Potter (only read the first four) but I already know I'd love the rest and the entire series as a whole. The Twilight series I completed and the first series I ever read ..so it was special. Hmm, I go with Harry Potter.

Gum or Breath Mints?
I don't do either but if I have to choose, I'd choose gum since breath mints often sting.

If you participate in the fun, don't forget to leave me a comment so that I can visit you and get to know you better as well. :)

"Glow"

2011-11-09T08:12:00.000-08:00

by Amy Kathleen Ryan, Sky Chasers #1, YA, 2011, 307p, rating=2.5

What if you were bound for a new world, about to pledge your life to someone you'd been promised to since birth, and one unexpected violent attack made survival—not love—the issue?
Out in the murky nebula lurks an unseen enemy: the New Horizon. On its way to populate a distant planet in the wake of Earth's collapse, the ship's crew has been unable to conceive a generation to continue its mission. They need young girls desperately, or their zealous leader's efforts will fail. On board their sister ship, the Empyrean, the unsuspecting families don't know an attack is being mounted that could claim the most important among them...
Fifteen-year-old Waverly is part of the first generation to be successfully conceived in deep space; she was born on the Empyrean, and the large farming vessel is all she knows. Her concerns are those of any teenager—until Kieran Alden proposes to her. The handsome captain-to-be has everything Waverly could ever want in a husband, and with the pressure to start having children, everyone is sure he's the best choice. Except for Waverly, who wants more from life than marriage—and is secretly intrigued by the shy, darkly brilliant Seth.
But when the Empyrean faces sudden attack by their assumed allies, they quickly find out that the enemies aren't all from the outside. (Goodreads)

This had the element of a fascinating sci fi plot. The mysterious journey even got a bit gripping. Though I didn't like the development of the main protagonists much, I thought the supporting characters were very captivating. Yet, overall this book wasn't for me. I wasn't crazy about the love triangle in this one. I wasn't crazy about the abduction sequence (drugging, violation) even when there was an explanation to its necessity. Yes, I understand that there's usually darkness before the light but this one didn't work for me. I think Ms Ryan dug too deep into the dark that the light didn't glow as brightly as I'd hope. Plus, I especially didn't care for the religious undertone of the book. It felt too preachy... haha, I should talk. I probably do this often! Anyway, these words are coming from someone that isn't into sci fi so I'm no expert.

As an aside, I read Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card after this book (also a sci fi) and found that to be incredible (review to come)! So I'm not a sci fi loather. :)

Sharing Some Mail Giddiness: Tuesdays with Morrie

2011-11-09T00:23:00.000-08:00

Good luck!

This week's book is written by one of my favorite authors, Mitch Albom. This particular book renders sweet messages of wisdom that one gets from aging. Go HERE for my post on this book. This is a hardcover copy. :)

Maybe it was a grandparent, or a teacher or a colleague. Someone older, patient and wise, who understood you when you were young and searching, and gave you sound advice to help you make your way through it. For Mitch Albom, that person was Morrie Schwartz, his college professor from nearly 20 years ago. Maybe, like Mitch, you lost track of this mentor as you made your way, and the insights faded. Wouldn't you like to see that person again, ask the bigger questions that still haunt you? Mitch Albom had that second chance. He rediscovered Morrie in the last months of the older man's life. Knowing he was dying of ALS - or motor neurone disease - Morrie visited Mitch in his study every Tuesday, just as they used to back in college. Their rekindled relationship turned into one final "class": lessons in how to live. This is a chronicle of their time together, through which Mitch shares Morrie's lasting gift with the world. (Goodreads)

SSMG Winner

2011-11-08T11:45:00.000-08:00

Random.org has spoken. Congratulations Julie @Red Handed!! Some mail giddiness can be yours if you claim your prize (The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd) within the next 48hrs (an email has been sent to you).

Thank you to all those who participated.

See you tomorrow for another SSMG giveaway. *waves*

Must Read Monday: Contemporary/Realistic Fiction

2011-11-07T08:25:00.000-08:00

Here's a new meme that's quite fun and clever .. Must Read Monday by Fans of Fiction. Go HERE to join the fun!

The goal of this meme is to find those books others are excited about to add to your To Be Read list.
Instead of answering a question, you are basically creating intrigue for other hoppers. What makes your book so swoon-worthy? What do you absolutely have to mention so they'll read it?
On your post, you'll make an acrostic puzzle (think of it as an overview/book blurb type of thing).
When you leave comments on other posts, be sure to mention whether you're adding that book to your TBR pile, and what part convinced you to do so.
It's all about powers of persuasion, people:) You might have to think a little, but channel that inner-creative goddess (or god).

This week's category is contemporary/realistic fiction. I chose A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness because it is one that is fresh on my mind and one that moved my soul. Indeed, books like this is the reason I love to read! A true must read. Go HERE for my review ..or more like attempt of a review. ;)

A moving tale involving a

Monster and a thirteen year
Old boy named Conor. Author Patrick
Ness has woven an exquisite
Story worthy
To make the late Siobhan Dowd proud
Er, it was the book that she could not finish (cancer claimed her).
Right after his mom's diagnosis of

Cancer did Conor begin to get nightmares.
And
Later get visits from a special monster
Looking for the truth.
So will he finally tell?

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday #48

2011-11-06T07:13:00.000-08:00

Today's topic is money. It's been alluding me lately and with the holidays coming, it's on my mind. But seriously, many problems stem from it and unfortunately I know too well (not me, a couple close to me). So here's a few scriptures on the subject:

Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. Proverbs 23: 4-5
A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. Psalm 37:16
Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit. Ecclesiastes 4:6
But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 8:18

Thanks Daylight Saving Time for the extra hour!! Happy sabbath everyone!!

Holy Bible Challenge Report

2011-11-05T17:02:00.000-07:00

Holy Bible: King James Version, two sources used: LDS edition; audio CDs by Topics Entertainment p1991 read by Tennessee Ernie Ford, Alexander Scourby, and James Earl Jones, both a rating =5

I had an inquiry about one of the questions on a group discussion (A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis) on the Filipino Group at Goodreads that I belong to that inspired a Goodreads friend (K.D.) and I to commit to read the Holy Bible together. He extended the challenge to the Filipino Group and set a goal to complete the book in a year, from October 2010 to October 2011. So this is the report of that Holy Bible Challenge/Reading Buddies.

I started off with zeal and I was happy. I was finally going to tackle a daily reading and studying of the scriptures, my ever fleeting goal. Sure enough, with more friends in the challenge, the reading became fun and interesting. The discussions on the Filipino Group Challenge Thread kept us motivated and accountable. Then months later I fell back to my old ways and slacked off. However, I was determined to stay on course. Fortunately, I stumbled upon the audio CDs of the Holy Bible and caught up through that. In fact, I had set a specific schedule that would put me 5 weeks ahead of the October deadline. Although I completed the Holy Bible 3 days before that early goal, I do not consider this challenge a complete success. Personally, I wanted to acquire a passion for daily reading and studying. Instead, I read to finish ... I did not read to study (except in the beginning stage). So epic fail on that account! Yet, the experience was worth it. I had many moments through the read of inspiration and comfort that there is a god who loves me. In that account, this challenge was epic success!

Now, a brief review of the King James Version editions that I used. First, the LDS (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) edition. I liked this because it gives a brief summary of each chapter. There are also footnotes for further reference/insights. Second, the audio CDs was a special treat as well. I especially enjoyed Alexander Scourby's narration (I did not hear Mr. Ford's narration since I came into this audio months into reading the Holy Bible). Mr. Scourby read with an actor's voice that gave life to the words. I was feeling the emotions. I venture to say that his voice was made to narrate the Holy Bible!! Mr. Jones wasn't bad either ... I just loved Mr. Scourby more. Anyway, I highly recommend any of the two editions. I highly recommend reading the Holy Bible King James Version, period.

Thank you Kuya Doni and Filipino Group Goodreads friends for taking this challenge with me. I love you all!

Since this challenge has been completed, I will post the original challenge details below for my reference so that I can pull out the Holy Bible Challenge on my Page section at the end of year.

THE HOLY BIBLE CHALLENGE

The Filipino Group over at Goodreads have a challenge to read the Holy Bible in a year. We are simply invited to read a book a week. This challenge starts October 2010 and ends October 2011.

I made a personal schedule that projects this challenge to end a little early, August 25th of 2011. Here is the schedule:

OLD TESTAMENT

10/1 - 10/7: Genesis
10/8 - 10/14: Exodus
10/15 - 10/21: Leviticus
10/22 - 10/28: Numbers
10/29 - 11/4: Deuteronomy
11/5 - 11/11: Joshua
11/12 - 11/18: Judges
11/29 - 11/25: Ruth
11/26 - 12/2: 1 Samuel
12/3 - 12/9: 2 Samuel
12/10 - 12/16: 1 Kings
12/17- 12/23: 2 Kings
12/24 - 12/30: 1 Chronicles
12/31 - 1/6: 2 Chronicles
1/7 - 1/13: Ezra
1/14 - 1/20: Nehemiah
1/21 - 1/27: Esther
1/28 - 2/3: Job
2/4 - 2/10: Psalms
2/11 - 2/17: Proverbs
2/18 - 2/24: Eccleisastes
2/25 - 3/3: The Song of Solomon, Isaiah
3/4 - 3/10: Jeremiah, Lamentations
3/11 - 3/17: Ezekiel, Daniel
3/18 - 3/24: Hosea, Joel
3/25 - 3/31: Amos, Obadiah
4/1 - 4/7: Johah, Micah
4/8 - 4/14: Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah
4/15 - 4/21: Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

NEW TESTATMENT

4/28 - 5/5: Matthew
5/6 - 5/12: Mark
5/13 - 5/19: Luke
5/20 - 5/26: John
5/27 - 6/2: The Acts
6/3 - 6/9: The Epistle to the Romans
6/10 - 6/16: 1 Corinthians
6/17 - 6/23: 2 Corinthians
6/24 -6/30: Galatians, Ephesians
7/1 - 7/7: Philippians, Colossians
7/8 - 7/14: 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians
7/15 - 7/21: 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy
7/22 - 7/28: Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, The Epistle of James
8/5 - 8/11: 1 Peter, 2 Peter
8/12 - 8/18: 1 John, 2 John, 3 John
8/19 - 8/25: Jude, Revelation

Know Me Better #5

2011-11-03T07:37:00.000-07:00

"Know Me Better" is a meme hosted by Kathy at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. She will answer 5 questions off her author interview list each week and invited other bloggers to do the same (link yourself or find participants HERE).

Here is this week's questions and my answers:

What's your favorite season/weather?
Winter. I love the rain and I dream of a white Christmas. :D

PC or Mac?
I have a PC. I hear Mac doesn't get viruses ..is that true?

~~When you were little, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?~~
~~Wonder Woman. Also a princess, an Olympic ice skater, a teacher, a nurse.~~

Favorite music?
Soft and some contemporary. I like Bruno Mars.

Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook. Still learning Twitter.

What TV show/movie/book do you watch/read that you'd be embarrassed to admit?
I don't watch TV or see movie that much anymore and fairly a novice reader so I'll have to go way back ... I'm embarrassed to admit I used to watch the soap "One Life to Live" in the early '90s. I didn't know then but I think it fried many of my brain cells!

If you participate in the fun, don't forget to leave me a comment so that I can visit you and get to know you better as well. :)

Sharing Some Mail Giddiness Giveaway #3

2011-11-02T08:42:00.000-07:00

I get all giddy when I receive a book in the mail!! So, I thought I'd give you an opportunity to experience some giddiness too by offering a chance to win a book from my once-read books. This will be a weekly giveaway so come back each week ..maybe one will catch your fancy!

Here's how to enter:

1.Must be a follower of this blog.
2.U.S.A. address only.
3.Leave a comment providing an email address to contact you.

That's it! Contest ends 11/07/11 11:59 PST. Winner announced next Tuesday. ~Good luck! :)

Here's this week's book (Go HERE to read my review):

Sue Monk Kidd's ravishing debut novel has stolen the hearts of reviewers and readers alike with its strong, assured voice. Set in South Carolina in 1964, The Secret Life of Bees tells the story of Lily Owens, whose life has been shaped around the blurred memory of the afternoon her mother was killed. When Lily's fierce-hearted "stand-in mother," Rosaleen, insults three of the town's fiercest racists, Lily decides they should both escape to Tiburon, South Carolina--a town that holds the secret to her mother's past. There they are taken in by an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sisters who introduce Lily to a mesmerizing world of bees, honey, and the Black Madonna who presides over their household. This is a remarkable story about divine female power and the transforming power of love--a story that women will share and pass on to their daughters for years to come. (Goodreads)

Books Reviewed in Collage

2011-11-01T23:53:00.001-07:00

Picture collage of books I reviewed in September and October 2011

My favorites in this batch:

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
I Am David by Anne Holm
The Tales of Beetle the Bard by J.K. Rowling

Books read this batch but haven't reviewed yet:

All That Remains by Patricia Cornwell
Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan
Haunted Castle on Hallow's Eve by Mary Pope Osborne
Holy Bible, King James Version (actually completed in August 2011)

Must Read Monday: Love

2011-10-31T09:08:00.000-07:00

Discovered another new meme that's quite fun and clever .. Must Read Monday by Fans of Fiction. Go HERE to join the fun.

The goal of this meme is to find those books others are excited about to add to your To Be Read list.
Instead of answering a question, you are basically creating intrigue for other hoppers. What makes your book so swoon-worthy? What do you absolutely have to mention so they'll read it?
On your post, you'll make an acrostic puzzle (think of it as an overview/book blurb type of thing).
When you leave comments on other posts, be sure to mention whether you're adding that book to your TBR pile, and what part convinced you to do so.
It's all about powers of persuasion, people:) You might have to think a little, but channel that inner-creative goddess (or god).

This week's category is love. I chose Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. A gem of a find. Go HERE for blurb and my review.

Does cat and mouse romance pique your interest?
And in a YA genre?
So then you'll enjoy this book.
Hip

& hilarious!

Lily
Is
Loving teasing Dash
Yet, Dash knows how to play along
'So he's up for the game.

Better pull out his
OED,
Oxford of English Dictionary, to
Keep things interesting.

Oh, Dash & Lily's antics sure makes this a
Fun read!

Don't wait
Any longer.
Rare is this a find.
Exciting and will put a smile to your face.
So run to the bookstore now and get this book!

SSMG Winner

2011-10-31T08:09:00.000-07:00

Random.org has spoken. Congratulations Ashley Holt!! Some mail giddiness can be yours if you claim your prize (Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, audio cassettes) within the next 48hrs (an email has been sent to you).

Thank you to all those who participated.

I change my mind again. I'll keep this giveaway on Wednesdays, so come back then for the next SSMG book giveaway. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday #47

2011-10-30T14:40:00.000-07:00

Several days ago I got to visit a 93 year old woman in a nursing home. She's quite lucid for her age (comparatively her memory is probably better than mine!). In our conversation she had mentioned that she was ready to die. She proclaimed that she's not scared to move on because she had read the scriptures and felt comfort. She stated that she felt good about the time she has spent on earth and looking forward to the next adventure.

That conversation got me thinking about death, so it is today's pondering topic...

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

Fifty years from now I hope I'm able to say the same thing that my dear friend said ... but just in case I don't have that long, I shall turn to this verse for comfort.

Happy sabbath and have a great week. :)

Know Me Better #4

2011-10-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

"Know Me Better" is a meme hosted by Kathy at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. She will pose 5 questions off her author interview list each week to answer and invited other bloggers to do the same (link yourself or find participants HERE).

Here is this week's questions and my answers:

If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose?
My paternal grandfather. He died when I was about 1yo. Sure would like to have gotten to know him.

Chocolate or Vanilla?
No contest. Chocolate of course!

What do you do in your free time?
Read or blogging. :)

What movie are you looking forward to this year?
I still haven't seen The Help ... waiting for it to go Redbox. I don't go out much. :(
**Oh, waiting on Breaking Dawn of course! :D

Spontaneity or Planning Ahead?
Spontaneous but I want to be a planner.

If you participate in the fun, don't forget to leave me a comment so that I can visit you and get to know you better as well. :)

Sharing Some Mail Giddiness Giveaway #2

2011-10-26T05:17:00.000-07:00

I get all giddy when I receive a book in the mail!! Hence, I thought I'd give you an opportunity to experience some giddiness too by offering a chance to win a book from my once-read books. This will be a weekly giveaway so come back each week ..maybe one will catch your fancy!

Here's how to enter:

Must be a follower of this blog.
U.S.A. address only.
Leave a comment providing a way to contact you (email, blog addy, Twitter, FB).

That's it! Contest ends 10/30/11 11:59 PST. Winner announced next Monday (changing SSMG to Mondays starting next week). ~Good luck! :)

Here's this week's book (actually, audio cassettes):

(go HERE for blurb and my review)

SSMG Winner

2011-10-25T07:47:00.000-07:00

Random.org has spoken. Congratulations Jessica @frellathon!! Some mail giddiness can be yours if you claim your prize (Testimony by Anita Shreve) within the next 48hrs (an email has been sent to you).

Thank you to all those who participated.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for another SSMG giveaway.

See you then! :)

"Hex, A Witch and Angel Tale"

2011-10-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

by Ramona Wray, YA, 2010, 242p, rating=4
*Won this book way back in May from Emi @Oktopusink ...finally got to reading it. Thanks again Emi!

Like most girls at Rosemound High School, seventeen-year-old Lily Crane is acutely aware of Ryder Kingscott. Hands down the cutest guy in school, Ryder is cool, mysterious, and utterly untouchable…especially for Lily. For when she touches someone, Lily instantly learns all about their lives. And while such a skill might seem nifty, in truth it is wrecking Lily’s life. So she is shocked when Ryder asks her out — and even more shocked to discover he has a rival. Lucian Bell is the gorgeous new kid who can’t take his eyes off of Lily. Being pursued by two hotties should make a girl happy, but Lily is skeptical. The boys act as if they’ve met before, hating each other with a passion that could only be rooted in a dark, dangerous past. A past full of terrible secrets. The kind of secrets that could get a girl killed. (book cover)

That ending was kick-donkey!!! It's the reason that I gave this book a 4 stars because prior to that things weren't looking so great. There was so much teasing that I found myself saying, "Tell me already 'cause you're looking at 2 stars!".

So did the ending make the tedious read worth it? Not exactly because I'm not very patient with certain things, therefore I would have liked less beating around the bush. That said, I would tell you (those impatient like me) to skim or get the gist of the story and then savor the last 50 pages ..the twist was incredible!!

What and when is your next book Ms Wray? I'll look out for it because this book made me happy and I want to be happy again!! :)

Must Read Monday #1 and #2

2011-10-24T15:38:00.000-07:00

Discovered another new meme that's quite fun and clever .. Must Read Monday by Fans of Fiction (go HERE to link yourself or find participants).

The goal of this meme is to find those books others are excited about to add to your To Be Read list.

Instead of answering a question, you are basically creating intrigue for other hoppers. What makes your book so swoon-worthy? What do you absolutely have to mention so they'll read it?

On your post, you'll make an acrostic puzzle (think of it as an overview/book blurb type of thing).

When you leave comments on other posts, be sure to mention whether you're adding that book to your TBR pile, and what part convinced you to do so.

It's all about powers of persuasion, people:) You might have to think a little, but channel that inner-creative goddess (or god).

I'm playing catch up so this post is for #1 (dystopian) and #2 (paranormal):

#1:
     WhaT would life be
like if tHere was
     no lovE, color, or

knowledGe?
           ThIs was the world
in this noVel. A society
    of samEness.
          A tRue must read!!

~by Lois Lowry

#2:
            The first of the
         TWilight series by
StephenIe Meyer.
         A Love triangle story
             Involving vampires, werewolves
            Go read
           tHis if you haven't already.
           iT's better than the movie!!

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday #46

2011-10-23T18:18:00.000-07:00

Nope, my computer isn't fixed. It's going to the computer shop tomorrow. Looks like it caught a virus and wiped out quite a chunk of my hard drive. :( ... My hubby's a dear and letting me have a moment with his computer. :)

There is this little mansion near where I live that is situated in an odd place. One would not think one was there. It is hidden among somewhat deep in the midst of ordinary houses. This got me thinking about the scripture in John that mentioned mansions...

"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." John 14:2

Pretty cool. I get to live in a mansion after all! Well, at least I'm trying to be worthy to get to heaven. :D

Let's go claim our mansion! Hope we're neighbors so we can hang out and talk about books all day long. :)

Have a FUNtastic week!!

"The Mouse and the Motorcycle"

2011-10-22T12:48:00.000-07:00

**My computer is having hard drive problems. I've lost all my document and picture files ... and probably a lot more (these two are what concerns me at the moment). Anyway, I'll freak out about it more later I'm sure, but in the meantime I am able to get into the Internet ... so I better get this review in before my computer dies completely!! ...oh by the way, I only have a back-up copy of my pictures, everything else lost will stay lost unless my dear hubby can fix my computer.**

by Beverly Cleary, YR, 1965, 158p, rating=3.5

"Pb-pb-b-b-b. Pb-pb-b-b-b." With these magic vocables, Ralph the mouse revs up a dream come true--his very own motorcycle. Living in a knothole in a hotel room, young Ralph has seen plenty of families come and go, some more generous with their crumbs than others. But when young Keith and his parents check in to the hotel, Ralph gets his first chance to check out. He has always fantasized about venturing beyond the second floor, maybe even outside. Curiosity overcomes caution, and Ralph must have a go at Keith's toy motorcycle. Soon, the headstrong mouse finds himself in a pickle, when all he wanted was to ride a motorcycle. Lucky for him, the boy understands how it is. When he discovers Ralph in his thwarted attempt to abscond with the toy bike, Keith generously encourages the rodent to ride. He even teaches him the simple trick of starting the motorcycle: "You have to make a noise... pb-pb-b-b-b." The subsequent situations Ralph motors into require quick thinking and grownup-sized courage. (Goodreads)

A charming little book about a curious mouse named Ralph, a boy named Keith, and of course a toy motorcycle. Together they have an awesome adventure of fun, danger, and friendship. A Stuart Little -kind of fantasy story. So if you like that movie, you will also enjoy this book.

I can totally see young children being on pins and needles and cheering while reading (or being read to) this book. Action packed, children style. Overall, a solid clean children's book.

"Are You There God? It's Me Margaret"

2011-10-21T06:48:00.000-07:00

by Judy Blume, YR, 2001, c1970, 149p, rating=4

Margaret Simon, almost twelve, has just moved from New York City to the suburbs, and she's anxious to fit in with her new friends. When she's asked to join a secret club she jumps at the chance. But when the girls start talking about boys, bras, and getting their first periods, Margaret starts to wonder if she's normal. There are some things about growing up that are hard for her to talk about, even with her friends. Lucky for Margaret, she's got someone else to confide in... someone who always listens. (Goodreads)

During my short reading spurt back in late grade school, Judy Blume books were the books I read most. I found the girlie stories to be relatable, adventurous, and fun. I recall learning one particular thing that I know my mother would have never discussed with me. That became my first experience in the power of books to educate. Keeping that in mind, I will discuss that thing (and other uncomfortable things) with my daughter in due time or else she may pick up a book that might teach her incorrectly.

Okay, now for this book. Well, this was certainly a girlie story. A bit of a look at what pre-teen girls think about and go through. Namely, boobs, boys, social classifying, and menstruation. Ms. Blume added a bonus by adding God into the scenario. A really lovely and innocent book that young girls would be able to relate, women would find nostalgic, and men would get a glimpse at the stories behind the maxi pads, bra shopping, and secret meetings.

By the way, the mention of God was not to favor a specific religion but served as an outlet for Margaret to voice out her wishes and concerns. Having parents from different faiths provided Margaret the conflict to wonder about the basis for an organized religion and whether she should commit to one. This then introduced the involvement of grandparents and their strong set ways. That whole three generation family relationship engagement was a subtle way of looking into the dynamics of religion. It wasn't faith bashing but rather an honest view from a young mind. Well done Ms. Blume!