That's A Novel Idea

Check out this Instant Win Game I'm participating in...

2011-12-28T22:02:00.000-06:00

Check out this Instant Win Game I'm participating in...

Left Neglected by Lisa Genova

2011-07-28T19:57:00.003-05:00

I was a HUGE fan of Still Alice (still am). When I saw that Lisa Genova had written a new novel Left Neglected I knew it would be good and I had to have it. I would still consider Still Alice my favorite of the two, but I loved this novel as well.

Sarah Nickerson doesn't have time to slow down. She works 60-80 hours a week, is married, and raises three kids. She isn't complaining. She loves her job and her family. Her lifelong ambition has put her right where she wants to be - great husband, great kids, promising career, house in the best neighborhood, house in the mountains. Life takes a major turn, however, when she is trying to juggle a work call while driving in the rain and is in a serious car accident. This accident leaves her with a brain injury that requires her to look at the world differently. Not because she wants to, but literally because she sees it in a new way - without the left side. She has a brain injury called Left Neglect and can no longer see or process anything to her left. In her fight to heal Sarah gets a fresh look at life and what's important. She finds herself healing more than her brain as she re-thinks her fast paced life and comes to terms with her relationship with her mother.

Left Neglected was engrossing, educational, emotional, and moving. In today's fast paced world most of us can relate to Sarah. We may or may not be working 60-80 hours a week, but job and family demands still keep us over-scheduled. I wish I could say I have never messed with my phone while driving, but that would be a lie. After reading this it has been much easier to make the decision to keep the phone tucked in my purse while driving. I keep myself listening to audio books and use driving as me time. Anyway, too many of us in search of "the good life" move fast and don' t slow down enough to enjoy life and our loved ones. And, unfortunately, most of us never even realize it. Left Neglected makes you reexamine the way we live our lives. It teaches us to appreciate the moments and to look at now instead of always reaching for tomorrow.

While reading I kept thinking that Sarah moved faced and dreamed big so she could forget about the pain of her past. Her brother drowned when she was a child and she and the rest of her family never really healed. This brings us to the relationship between Sarah and her mother, Helen, or rather the lack of one. Helen shut off after her son died and Sarah never really felt she had a mother. After the Sarah's car accident Helen rushes to be with her, but Sarah can't fathom why her nonexistent mother would suddenly want to be around let alone help. The novel does a great job of exploring depression and familial relationships after a loss. The story line drew me in and made me root for healing. Sarah's changed state puts her in a place to understand and know her mother in a way she never thought possible. They struggled to deal with the past and get through the intensive therapy Sarah must endure all while knowing each other for the first time in Sarah's adult life.

Lisa Genova is an amazing writer. She creates characters that are easy to relate to and pull at your heart. Her knowledge as a PhD of neuroscience really took this novel from good to phenomenal. I found the entire Left Neglect brain injury fascinating and scary. It is just crazy the things that can happen to your body in an accident. Sarah's struggles to function as a "normal" person were painful to read. At some points it felt a little monotonous, but I really think it was done this way to show that the process was on-going and it really was monotonous. It was written in a way that put you in the therapy with Sarah. She didn't just suddenly heal like a story in a book she worked hard for every step forward. She whined and she got mad and she was in denial just like you would really experience.

I actually listened to this novel as an audio book. It was narrated by Sarah Paulson. I thought Paulson did a wonderful job with her narration. She had a nice pace and portrayed the emotions well with her reading. I will admit that she has some type of lisp that made it hard to listen as first. As the story developed and I got drawn in I no longer noticed it. I would listen to another novel narrated by Ms. Paulson, but I would be crossing my fingers that it was as engaging as Left Neglected so I could forget the lisp.

I did receive a paper copy of this book from Gallery Books (Simon & Schuster) in an exchange for my review. I received an email stating they were looking for reviews while I was actively listening to it, and I thought why not! I was enjoying the audio so much that I wanted a paper copy on my shelf next to Still Alice. Thanks Gallery Books!

The Help - Movie

2011-07-07T22:19:00.003-05:00

I consider myself so lucky tonight. I got a pass to an Advanced Screening of The Help. I brought along my Man for a date. It was so, so good. I typically find myself disappointed by movie renditions, but not tonight! It stayed so true to the book and made me want to read it over again. Now, I have to keep in mind that I read the book quite awhile back, but nothing stuck out as out of place or new to my memories of The Help.

I loved, loved, loved it! I think I cried 3 times, and laughed a few more. The Man really enjoyed it as well. In fact, I didn't hear anyone leaving make a negative comment.

Interesting fact - I found out that the screening company sent out emails to all the area churches to ask staff to attend (how many secretaries do you think passed that on to the big Pastor boss - none that I met LOL). I know that it has a spiritual side, but I don't remember being overwhelmed by it when I read the book or thinking it was a religious book. I guess if you are religious it just may not stand out to you. Anyway, I found it very interesting that they had marketed to churches (and then gave them preferential seating even though I was literally the first in line). Luckily I ran into staff from my church and they saved us some prime seats. Thanks Melissa!!

I can't recommend the movie enough. You must go see it if you enjoyed the book.

Official Movie Trailer

Book Description courtesty of The Penguin Group

Be prepared to meet three unforgettable women:

Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared and no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone.

Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeenth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after, though she knows both their hearts may be broken.

Minny, Aibileen's best friend, is short, fat, and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can cook like nobody's business, but she can't mind her tongue, so she's lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town to know her reputation. But her new boss has secrets of her own.

Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed.

In pitch-perfect voices, Kathryn Stockett creates three extraordinary women whose determination to start a movement of their own forever changes a town, and the way women—mothers, daughters, caregivers, friends—view one another. A deeply moving novel filled with poignancy, humor, and hope, The Help is a timeless and universal story about the lines we abide by, and the ones we don't.
Excerpt

Chasing Amanda by Melissa Foster

2011-06-25T00:01:00.002-05:00

Today I am hosting the blog tour for Melissa Foster's sophomore novel Chasing Amanda. Before I post my review I would like to let you get to know Melissa a little. Rather than ask her questions she has answered a million times or give her a boxed-in topic, I gave her free range of my page. (After reading two of her books I had no doubt that she would write something better than what I could try to pry out of her and I wasn't disappointed). So without further ado Melissa Foster...

The Reality of Character Development, by Melissa Foster

When Alison invited me to write a guest post, I really had to think about what I wanted to say. So many bloggers provide guidelines for guest posts, and Alison was kind enough to simply ask for whatever it was that I wanted to write. Thank you, Alison, for giving me such an open road.

I find myself staring at a blank page, and wondering what Alison’s blog readers might find interesting. I’m often asked about my characters, and if they’re based on real people. What I’m never asked about, is how real those characters become to me. Now, we’ve got a meaty topic!

As an author, I have the privilege of coming up with the setting, plots and subplot of my stories, which can be incredibly fun. The characters, however, offer a different type of fun. While I do have the role of developing each character, which is a very cool undertaking, there’s also a great responsibility that goes along with the creation of these people who I will live with for the next nine months to a year (or longer).

Typically, my characters appear with backgrounds, personalities, and even styles in place, making the physical side of development easy. The more difficult part of character development is making the characters flawed. In real life, all people have flaws and vulnerabilities. The trick in writing is to create flaws and expose vulnerabilities while continuing to develop the character’s strengths and likability.

I take the responsibility of developing three-dimensional, realistically flawed characters very seriously, going so far as to live with them for probably way too long. I think about my characters long after I’ve written the books. Their backgrounds and scenes play out in my mind like movies. Sometimes I even catch myself laughing (out loud) about what one of my characters might think about something that’s going on in real life.

The next time you run into me, if you see that I have a far-off look in my eye, you might want to sidle up and ask me which “friend” I’m thinking about. ‘-)

If you’re in a book club, or just want to chat about writing, email me: thinkhappygirl (at) yahoo (dot) com.

My Review:

Chasing Amanda is a complex novel full of characters wearing the mask of one life and living the turmoil of another.

Molly Tanner seems to have it all. Married for many years to her husband Dr. Cole Tanner, they are still in love and extremely happy. Her son Erik has gone to college, but phones regularly and remains close to his parents. However, Molly struggles with the gift (and curse) of "the Knowing". She can see and feel things that have happened or are going to occur. Nine years prior she ignored her ability and a child named Amanda lost her life. Unable to live with the guilt, Molly's family moved to the small town of Boyd's to start fresh. Now this seemingly safe community has been rocked by the abduction of a child. Molly's past comes back to torment her and her family as she begins to have visions of the missing child. She struggles to determine what she is really seeing and what is still haunting her from the past. As we follow Molly through her race to find the child we also see the development of many other residents of Boyds who harbor their own secrets.

Chasing Amanda is told from various character viewpoints, but is never difficult to follow. Each character gradually reveals a vital part of the mystery while adding another shocking detail to their life. I was initially worried that there may be "too much" happening, but it seemed to be just right. Each character was developed so fully that I felt like I knew them personally. I routed for them and feared as I read on that a character I had grown to love was going to be guilty of a heinous crime. As each of their stories grow so does your understanding of why they have made the choices that are now ruling them.

The mystery has so many twists and turns that it was impossible to figure out who was guilty of what. Heck, for awhile I wasn't even sure what they were doing to know what they could be guilty of. It all comes together beautifully in the end, but it had me guessing the entire time. As soon as I was sure that I knew what was happening another bombshell exploded. I was hooked from page 1.

Melissa Foster is a fabulous writer. I reviewed her first book Megan's Way here. It still continues to be one of my favorite reads as a blogger. On a very exciting note it is currently being adapted to film. I have very happily kept in touch with Melissa as she continues to write and I anxiously await each of her new novels. Melissa is also the founder of The Women's Nest a wonderful site for women.

Melissa did provide me with an e-copy of this novel for my review. However, I really enjoyed it and bought a copy to support her and to be able to easily read it across all of my devices.

Thanks so much Melissa for inviting me to participate in your blog tour.

Bossypants by Tina Fey

2011-06-22T12:27:00.006-05:00

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

She has seen both these dreams come true.

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

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

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

Hachette Book Group

If any book could bring me out of blogging hibernation I knew this was the one. I definitely wasn't disappointed when I started reading. If you enjoy Tina Fey's comedic style then this is the the book for you. If you don't well you have been warned. The wit and humor she is known for flows off the page. Personally, I was in HEAVEN! I think my laughter started on page 1 and never stopped. This was that book where you keep reading passages out loud to your significant other. You know while they roll their eyes, but then can't help but laugh because it really is funny.

In Bossypants Tina Fey manages to share bits of her personal and her professional life. It is part autobiographical, bust she just skims the surface of her actual life to set up her jokes. You will read about bits of her childhood, her marriage, Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock, college years, etc. It just doesn't dive deep. It isn't full of life changing secrets or advice or political positions. It won't convert you to any religion or new diet. What is will do it make you laugh. It is a book for fun and joy. I would recommend it for anyone who likes Tina Fey.

I received this book free from Hachette Book Group in exchange for a review. However, I will say that I enjoyed this book so much that I am considering purchasing the audiobook. It is read by Tina Fey and I imagine hearing her timing of the jokes would make it that much better.

Total Randomness

2011-06-08T23:22:00.005-05:00

It's like I want to blog, but every darn time I think about it I go running from the computer. It's that I stop and start. I feel like a failure. Then I realize. This blog is mine! I can come and go when I please. I may not be the "go to" blog for anyone, but I can still do it.

Life takes me in so many directions.

I got married in January. It was awesome!

I tote my kids from place to place (but a bit less now since my daughter drives). I have my kids and my stepkids here for the summer. That makes a house of 6. Besides toting them I just love spending time with them. I watch them play sports. At home we act silly and have fun. We will be going to the pool all summer.

Oh and now I have this obsession with trying to eat better. I am cutting back on meat and trying to eat more natural foods. Plant-based baby! Now, if I could just get immersed enough in it to lose weight.

I play soccer with friends every Wednesday night. I joined the Blondes v Brunettes Flag Football event for Alzheimer's again. What a great time for a great cause!

Oh and I read the crap out of some books! I usually read one on the Kindle, one paper book, and listen to one on audio at the same time.

Things I don't do:
Garden - to the dread of my neighbors spring comes and we are the only house without a pretty landscape. I would love to but...

Keep a spotless house - While I would like to walk into a spotless house who wants to spend their life cleaning??

Get up early - I hate waking up! Once I am out of bed I'm fine, but before that forget about it. I am perpetually late for work.

So maybe I'm back and for awhile. I do have some definite book reviews I want to post. Plus, now I think I will throw in other randomness. I might just post on occasion or I might get blog crazy. We'll see...

Got Books Giveaway

2010-07-23T18:22:00.001-05:00

Ahhh!!! Late to the game, but here I am! This year has been a hard one for me to fit blogging into, but I still read my books. Books make all the difference for me. If I am stressed or just need to get away I open a book and it's instant transport to another time and place. I have had very little time to sit down and tell you about the books I am reading right now, but I am holding a contest for you to win your own transportation to another time and place.

Rules for Entry:
1. This one is simple. If the books I'm giving away look good to you then comment below. Make sure you leave your email so I can notify you if you win. I will pick a winner for each book so tell me which one you like.

2. This is a short contest. My winners will be chosen Sunday, July 25th. I will send an email and you will have 3 days to respond.

Book 1: The Passage by Justin Cronin
I chose this book because it is a must read of the summer. I received it as an ARC and loved it! Here is my review. This is the first book in a trilogy and it is one I think you will find yourself very quickly drawn into. For more info on the book visit the official website. For book related fun visit this site (also an official website).

Book 2: Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider by Ellen C. Maze
Okay, I haven't read this book yet, but I am going to get to it very soon. I have read a sample of the first 100 pages and I have got to finish this book! You want to read the 184 page sample? Here it is...
Here's the other reason I am giving the book away - I won a contest by the author to help name a victim in the 2nd book of this series. LOL I used my ex-husband's name. Maybe that isn't nice, but I thought it was funny. So anyway, I want all of you to be ready read book 2! I am friend's with the author on Facebook, but I haven't told her I am giving away her book yet. I think she will be pleasantly surprised! Now my order to her will be asking for 2 rather than 1!

Book description from Amazon is here. BTW, the average rating for this book on Amazon is 5 Stars!! Or visit the book site Ellen would love to see you!

Okay, I know both of these books have a vampire type theme, but I promise they are completely different and worth the read!! What are you waiting for get your comment entered!!!

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker

2010-06-17T00:01:00.000-05:00

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County follows the life of Truly Plaice. The moment she is born into her family it is forever changed. Her mother dies during childbirth and her father never recovers. Not only that, but Truly is an oddity from the start. She is an enormous baby and continues to be large throughout her life. This would be apparent on its own, but standing beside her beautiful, dainty sister Serena Jane she sticks out even more. Life become even more different for the sisters when their father dies and they are separated into different families. Serena Jane goes to a family that dotes on her and Truly to a farm full of bad luck. Serena wears beautiful dresses and hair bows while Truly wears boys clothes or dull colored bag-like dresses. Much of Truly's life she is a giant, but mostly invisible to the entire town while Serena Jane is the object of affection to all around her. It is this beauty that leads Serena Jane into an unwanted marriage to Robert Morgan. She endures it as long as she can, but then escapes to a new life leaving behind a husband and a son. Truly comes in to pick up the pieces of the family left behind and finds herself in a way she never imagined.

I enjoyed this story. I don't have anything in common with the characters individually, but I am from a small town. I understand the views that different is odd rather than special. Truly spent most of her life as an outcast. She was either ignored or people found her gruesome. She was the "little giant"- huge in size and small in impact. As her life progresses even her actions are dictated by someone other than herself. Her sister Serena runs from the life she hates leaving a husband and a son and instructions to find Truly. It is with this note that Truly comes to run the household of her horribly cruel brother-in-law Robert "Bob Bob" Morgan. That is where she is set to spend the rest of her days, until unlocking the secret of Robert's ancestor changes her forever. Her knowledge provides her with a strength and power she didn't know she could possess. It also allows her to become more comfortable with the life and appearance she has been given. Through her few friends and her new found knowledge, Truly is able to move forward and begin to make life what she wants it to be.

I did have an issue with how shallow everyone in the town seemed to be. I stated above that a small town can frown upon differences rather than celebrating them, but that would never be an entire town. This story seemed to have only two characters who could even stand to be around Truly - Amelia and Marcus. Both of these characters also had traits that made them outcasts. I just found it a bit hard to believe that not one adult in the story showed love toward Truly. More than that they openly loathed being near her and seemed out to get her. I think this shallowness may have been over-emphasised to make Truly's differences stand out in the storyline.

I think the real focus of The Little Giant of Aberdeen County was to weave a story that confronts differences and mortality. Differences can direct our path in life to an extent, but it still within our ability and our responsibility to take a hold of our life and create what we want out of it. Truly started where her differences put her, but ended where she had longed to be. Mortality is a given in every life. Truly spent much of the novel confronting her possible impending death due to her disease, and assisting or being connected to the deaths of others. Dealing with those deaths is what taught Truly how to live. Death taught her that each person has a different impact and a different role in life and helped her see what she wanted hers to be.

I would recommend this book. I overall enjoyed the story and felt the symbolism really pulled the story together. I was only slightly bothered by the shallow townspeople, because of the depth and growth of the main characters.

I received this book from Newman Communications.

Show Me 5 Saturday 6/12/10

2010-06-12T11:15:00.003-05:00

Welcome to My Meme!

Each Saturday You will post the answer to these questions. The number indicates the number of answers you will provide.

1 Book you read and/or reviewed this week
2 Words that describe the book
3 Settings where it took place or characters you met
4 Things you liked and/or disliked about it
5 Stars or less for your rating?

1 Book: She's So Dead to Us by Kieran Scott

2 Words: Teenage Drama

3 Settings/Characters:
Ally Ryan - she's just come back to the town she grew up in after being gone for almost 2 years. Her family left during the night after her dad's investment idea lost millions of dollars for all the families in her wealthy neighborhood
Orchard Hill - a town where the "Cresties" and "Norms" are separated by money, and no one is allowed to cross over that line
Shannen - she used to be Ally's best friend, but since Ally has returned it seems as if she is out to get her.

4 Likes/Dislikes:
1. I had a difficult time with how superficial everyone in the story seemed to be - especially the parents. It was if they had no personality beyond being rich or poor (which was probably just middle class)
2. I appreciated how the author addressed the peer pressure that teenagers feel. It is common for many teenagers to feel torn between what they really believe and what their friends are encouraging them to believe. Even Ally who wanted to change felt herself falling back into her old patterns.
3. It was hard for me to connect with any of the characters. I grew up in a small school and we didn't deal with cliques like this.
4. I enjoyed the texting at the beginning of each chapter. It reflected what the students at the school were feeling. I thought the author did a good job of writing/speaking like a teenager.

5 Stars or Less: 3.5 This wasn't my kind of book, but I think any teens who enjoy the Clique Series would really enjoy it.

I received this book from Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.

You can buy it at
Simon & Schuster
Amazon

The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews

2010-06-09T22:08:00.003-05:00

This is not a new book, but one I have wanted to read for about a year. Last year I read Andy Andrew's novel The Noticer and knew he could tell a story and inspire people. I heard this one was good as well, but had forgotten to ever pick it up at the bookstore. Last week my boss brought her copy of The Traveler's Gift Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success to me after we saw that Andy Andrews will be at the Women of Faith conference this year and I mentioned loving his other book. Yay for my boss Penny! She always has the great faith-based books!

Anywho, The Traveler's Gift is about a man named David Ponder (I'm thinking that's symbolic wink,wink) who becomes depressed and desperate after losing his high level job. He attempts to find work, but loses even his minimum wage job. Added to that is stress over his daughter needing her tonsils out right away. David begins to feel as if he is failing his family and decides they would be better off if he dies. He believes his wife could find a man who is better at supporting her and his life insurance policy would ensure his daughter is given the medical care she needs. At the crossroads of his life or death experience he is transported around the world and the ages to meet famous people who have seven life lessons to share. He meets Abe Lincoln,
Anne Frank, and five others. Each principal they share with David opens his eyes to a better way to live and to a faith he has never possessed.

I enjoyed this book immensely. The principals presented seem basic, but they are perfect. It is like having an aha! moment every single time. Each idea presented is something we all should know in our heart, but we don't follow it or give it the time it deserves to teach us. One principal is "I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit". This talks of not only forgiving others but also of forgiving yourself.

I loved the presentation of the famous figures in our history. Imagine Anne Frank teaching us about happiness! I don't mark in books, but there were times I wanted to highlight a quote that touched me. This really is a book that can change your entire view of life if you let it.

This book is Christian and God is a very important part of the story. It isn't presented in a "shove it down the throat" manner, but may not be of interest if you don't believe in God. That being said, if you aren't a Christian the principals are still very applicable to your life.

I also found that this book has been written in a teen version. I am excited to purchase it for my daughter and then pass it on to my stepson. Another great companion to the book is Mastering the Seven Decisions That Determine Personal Success: An Owner's Manual to the New York Times Bestseller, The Traveler's Gift. This walks an individual through the seven principals while asking questions to direct you to make the changes to improve your life. I have yet to read either of those to be able to give a genuine review.

I hope each of you picks up this book. It is one that could change your life.

The Passage by Justin Cronin

2010-05-17T22:39:00.005-05:00

I'm back! $50 later I have a new cord and my computer loves me again. Yay!

So, I finished The Passage last week, but have had to take some time to get my thoughts together before I did a review. First of all, I previously read Trish's review at Hey Lady! and have had to re-read it to make sure I didn't accidentally plagiarize. I felt similar to her and didn't want to not realize I was taking something from her review.

Now for my review...

The Passage is a book that takes vampire to a totally new level. Most books focus on hot vampires and teenage angst. Some more graphic, some erotic, some - well you get the picture. I enjoyed almost all of those books, but was glad to take a break from them. This is vampires, but so much more. Yes, they are the basis of the entire novel, but Edward they are not. What happens is more scientific and horrific. These are man-made monsters that wipe out most of the world. They jump at astounding levels and speeds and glow in the dark. They have no idea who they are, but will attack you and rip you apart for your blood once the dark sets in and they are free to roam. This is the world after the rampage. Man against beast. Man is trying to survive in a sheltered, safe existence, and the vampires just want to be complete.

Many main characters exist in this novel. There were times I had to look back to make sure I had the right character background with my story. I think that is because I am usually able to skim parts of a book and still have full comprehension. In Mr. Cronin's novel you have to pay attention. The great thing is that you totally want to. I was thrown into a new world and I was on the edge of my seat as they fought for their lives. Not only was that happening, but there were strong relationships and beautiful histories. There was a world created that was amazing. I read this and wondered how long it took the author to create this new world. It was so deep and every piece came together and made complete sense.

Back to the specific characters, they were great. Each had a very distinct personality. Even though they were all different, you found a way to relate to almost all of them. It seems impossible, but I even felt for the vampires as they slashed people. They were victims as well. Everyone in the novel is searching for something or someone, but it isn't redundant. You don't get tired of the journey, though I did long for peace for them.

Per Justin Cronin's own daughter's words this is the story "about a girl who saves the world". (Mr Cronin asked his daughter what he should write and this is what she requested) I for one can't wait for each part of the journey to unfold so I can be a part of the world she saves. I want to see who remains, and how it all comes together in the end. I don't know when the next novel comes out, but I will be buying it as soon as I see that pre-order button!

Now that I have gushed and probably made little sense to you here is the synopsis from the books website. www.enterthepassage.com

About the Book

“It happened fast. Thirty-two minutes for one world to die,
another to be born.”

First, the unthinkable: a security breach at a secret U.S. government facility unleashes the monstrous product of a chilling military experiment. Then, the unspeakable: a night of chaos and carnage gives way to sunrise on a nation, and ultimately a world, forever altered. All that remains for the stunned survivors is the long fight ahead and a future ruled by fear—of darkness, of death, of a fate far worse.

As civilization swiftly crumbles into a primal landscape of predators and prey, two people flee in search of sanctuary. FBI agent Brad Wolgast is a good man haunted by what he’s done in the line of duty. Six-year-old orphan Amy Harper Bellafonte is a refugee from the doomed scientific project that has triggered apocalypse. He is determined to protect her from the horror set loose by her captors. But for Amy, escaping the bloody fallout is only the beginning of a much longer odyssey—spanning miles and decades—towards the time and place where she must finish what should never have begun.

With The Passage, award-winning author Justin Cronin has written both a relentlessly suspenseful adventure and an epic chronicle of human endurance in the face of unprecedented catastrophe and unimaginable danger. Its inventive storytelling, masterful prose, and depth of human insight mark it as a crucial and transcendent work of modern fiction.

This book was given to me by the publisher Random House. Thanks so much! I enjoyed every minute of it!

Technical Difficulties

2010-05-15T10:37:00.003-05:00

Hey all! My computer cord fell into pieces today. I am logged on for a brief moment on Mark's work computer. I will be going to get a new cord later today and then I will be back with my meme and a review on The Passage by Justin Cronin. It will be a glowing review...

Show Me 5 Saturday 5/8/10 (ok Sunday the 9th)

2010-05-08T13:51:00.005-05:00

Welcome to My Meme!

Each Saturday You will post the answer to these questions. The number indicates the number of answers you will provide.

1 Book you read and/or reviewed this week
2 Words that describe the book
3 Settings where it took place or characters you met
4 Things you liked and/or disliked about it
5 Stars or less for your rating?

1 Book: Little Bee by Chris Cleave

2 Words: Cruel summer

3 Settings/Characters: Sarah- she's lost her husband and is trying to figure out how to pick up her life again. Is she sad or numb or indifferent? Now she must care for her son and pick of the pieces of the past that torn them all apart. 2. Little Bee - she comes from a different world, but changed Sarah forever. She's only a child, but what she has seen and known makes her older than all of us by many years 3. Nigeria- The place that changed all of their lives.

4 Likes/Dislikes: 1. I liked that the novel addresses the atrocities that occur in 3rd world countries. It is easy living in the USA to ignore the wars and poverty that so many face. 2. I liked the voice of Little Bee. Her thoughts on the world were thought provoking. "...I ask you right here to agree with me that a scar is never ugly. That is what the scar makers want us to think. But you and I, we must make an agreement to defy them. We must see all scars as beauty. Okay? This will be our secret. Because take it from me, a scar does not form on the dying. A scar means, I survived." To me that was such a beautiful thing to read. Her ability to take these types of truths from tragedy was inspiring. 3. I can't decide how I feel about the secrecy surrounding the novel. The back cover even promotes it. I get that you don't want to ruin the story, but who wants to be told anything in any storyline before reading it? Isn't that normal? 4. I am also torn about the ending. Obviously, I won't say what happens but I can't decide if I thought it ended right or if I should throw the book at the wall.

5 Stars or Less: I say 3.75. I really liked it, but I didn't fall in love with all the characters and couldn't decide on the ending.

Show Me 5 Saturday 5/1/10

2010-05-01T00:13:00.005-05:00

Welcome to My Meme!

Each Saturday You will post the answer to these questions. The number indicates the number of answers you will provide. Since I was gone for awhile some of you were posting a Mr Linky on Jenner's Blog. I will figure that out, so we can do that here. Thanks Jenner for keeping this going while I was away!

1 Book you read and/or reviewed this week
2 Words that describe the book
3 Settings where it took place or characters you met
4 Things you liked and/or disliked about it
5 Stars or less for your rating?

1 Book: The Opposite of Me by Sarah Pekkanen

2 Words: Sisters, Insecurities

3 Settings/Characters: 1. Lindsey - the successful twin sister. Always known as the "smart" one, never popular, never time for anything but work. Once she loses her job she moves home with her parents and tries to start over, but nothing is coming together quite like she imagined 2. Alex - the beautiful twin sister. She has the looks,the easy life and the fairytale wedding, but suddenly everything is changing. 3. Maryland - Lindsey and Alex's hometown. Each of them find much more here than they are looking for once they are together again.

4 Likes/Dislikes: 1. I love the writing style of Sarah Pekkanan. She has a sense of humor that comes through in her writing, but she can also make it deep and emotional. 2. Though parts of the ending are predictable, the story to get to the end was a great read. I couldn't put this book down, and I enjoyed every minute. 3. This book was chick lit, but it also made you think. What would you do if you found out things were different than you had always believed? What would you do if your career fell apart and you had to reinvent yourself? How would you learn to love and communicate with your twin if there had always been differences too great to let you bond? Are you labeled in your family? It's all in here....family growth, personal growth, secrets, love, and Change. 4. I loved the supporting characters. They had great personalities and stories of their own.

5 Stars or Less: I give it a 5. It was a quick read and thoroughly enjoyable. It may be "chick lit", but it hooked me from page 1.

This book was sent to me by the author (and I bought a copy).

Conversations with Jerry and Other People I Thought Were Dead - Irene Kendig

2010-04-26T22:29:00.007-05:00

In this remarkable collection of interviews with seven people who've died, Irene Kendig, with the help of a gifted medium, explores what happens when we transition from physical to non-physical reality. Each of the seven dialogues begins with the same question: What did you experience when you released your last breath on earth?
This book is for anyone has has ever wondered whether there is a Heaven or a Hell, a Judgment Day, or a reunion with loved ones. It will illuminate and inspire your heart and mind whether you believe in an afterlife or not. These dialogues explore life from a spiritual perspective, which elevates consciousness and empowers you to make choices in alignment with your soul’s purpose.

The responses offered by Ms. Kendig's loved ones not only diminish fear of dying, they provide solace and strength for those who grieve, and inspire all to live courageously, joyfully, and respectfully . . . now.
sumary taken from www.irenekendig.com

When I saw the promotion asking for reviews of this book I was extremely excited. I mean who isn't curious about what someone who has died will say about the afterlife? The author, Irene Kendig, speaks with seven people from her past by using a Medium she was introduced to by her friend. Sounds pretty interesting right?

This book was interesting and I got right into reading it, but I also had some issues with it. Let me be clear and say that I think some of the issue was me having a skewed expectation. This book clearly states what it is about, and never promises to read like some fiction novel. I did know that going in, but sometimes the writing came across a bit more technical than I had imagined. For those of you who have read The Time Travelers Wife it reminded me of trying to get my mind around how he could travel and see himself and so on. Here's an example:

Irene: If the individuated mind exists both in the physical body and in every particle of light I am, then what happens to the part that belongs to my physical body when I die?
Jerry: The individuated mind doesn't belong to the physical body. A portion of the energy that you are animates the physical body, which is pure energy too, just in a denser form. When it's time to release your physical body, that energy is withdrawn and refocused to your spirited body. It's not segmented into physical energy or spiritual energy; it's all one, and an aspect of that one energy is focused on commanding the physical body.
p. 53 of ARC

Most of the book came across a bit too technical for me to get lost in the wonder of what was being said.

Also, I did have a hard time separating my religious beliefs from the ideas presented. There was much discussion of a higher power be it called God or something else. I found comfort in some of the ideas. Such as the idea that each of us, while in the Spiritual form choose how we will come back to Earth. A life is chosen to focus on what we need to learn to become a more loving, spirited being. That made me feel purposeful and gave a sense of reasoning for the negative aspects of life. Love is also a major component in this novel. I personally believe in a God that is Loving. I found those ideas were complimentary to my beliefs. However, as it progressed it felt like a "new age" type discussion and just left me a bit overwhelmed.

It was also hard for me to grasp the idea that "you can't hurt anyone who doesn't agree to be hurt". I know as adults we have a choice to leave a situation or turn something bad into something better, etc, but what about abused children? When did they agree to be hurt? I really couldn't wrap my mind around that idea. Maybe they were just referring to emotional pain, but I took it as all hurt.

Overall, this book was a difficult read for me and a very difficult review to write. I appreciated how much it made me reflect and look at life in a new way. I was happy to read about the LOVE present in the afterlife. I even enjoyed the short segments in the book where the interviewer/interviewee reflected on life and how it could be lived better. I couldn't get as deeply into the book as I liked because I found it came across too technically. I would recommend this if you are willing to do some deep thinking. I wouldn't recommend it for those days you want to get lost in a book.

This ARC was provided to me by the author.

Award

2010-04-25T00:51:00.002-05:00

Vicki from Reading At The Beach and Laurel Rain-Snowpassed this my way back in November, but because of my break I didn't see them until thisweek. Here is what I am suppose to do:

The rules of this one is to list ten honest things about me and then pass the award on to ten other book bloggers.
1. I am really bad at keeping my house clean. I try, but I really hate to clean.
2. I am a twin, but my sister was stillborn. I have always wished she was around.
3. I have 2 kids -1 boy 1 girl, 2 step-kids - 1 boy one girl, 2 dogs - 1 boy 1 girl, 2 cats - you get the idea...I only have one man though,and no girlfriend. LOL
4. I have always wanted to be a runner, but probably couldn't go further than 1/8 mi before I would be walking.
5. I'm short. 5'2". I wish I was taller.
6. If I could be anything I wanted I would want to be a famous speaker. Iwould want to speak about things that would change others' lives. My other dream is to do something involving books full time.
7. I convinced my family that we didn't sit at the dining room table, and turned the room into a library completed with a chaise. It is my favorite room in the house.
8. My kids amaze me every day. I love them so much it makes my chest hurt sometimes.
9. I love church, but rarely make it to service. I do join a women's study group to keep myself in touch.
10. I cry at commercials sometimes. I'm such a sap!

I have no idea who to pass this too! It's like I am starting over and I am lost. I will think about it for awhile before passing it on.

Show Me 5 Saturday 4/24/10

2010-04-24T05:28:00.002-05:00

Welcome to My Meme!
I've been gone awhile,but I thought I would give this a try again!
Each Saturday You will post the answer to these questions. The number indicates the number of answers you will provide.

1 Book you read and/or reviewed this week
2 Words that describe the book
3 Settings where it took place or characters you met
4 Things you liked and/or disliked about it
5 Stars or less for your rating?

1 Book: The Fiddler's Gun by A.S. Peterson

2 Words: Pirates and Fiddles

3 Settings/Characters: 1.Fin Button - main character. A girl put in an orphanage, because her father wanted a boy. She is adventurous, tortured, learning to understand herself 2.Bartimaeus - fiddle playing cook with much more in his past than anyone imagined 3. The Rattlesnake - a pirate ship that Fin learns to call home
4 Likes/Dislikes: 1.Loved the spirit of Fin! She was a strong,female character and I cared deeply about her by the end of the book 2. Liked the action and the surprises. Starting in an orphanage and ending on a pirate ship really mixes it up. 3.Liked the historical background that the author built this story around. 4.Loved how this story made me feel connected to it. I was drawn in and finished quickly. Can't wait for the next book!

5 Stars or Less: 4.5 Stars

This book is also being discussed on Kate and Amy's Book Club on Facebook. If you have read it you should join the discussion. If you haven't be forewarned their might be spoilers in the disucssion. A.S. Peterson has also joined in and answered reader questions!

Yes, I still read...in between all the other junk in my life!

2010-04-23T22:32:00.005-05:00

It has been so long since I last blogged that I am not even sure I really remember all the tricks!

I had some family things come up that took me away from the blogger's life. My daughter had ankle surgery at the end of July and was doing physical therapy. She was released the last week in October to play softball again, and injured herself in the first game - concussion, shoulder injury. We had to start therapy over and in December they decided she needed ANOTHER SURGERY! That happened at the end of December. Just today she was released from her PT for that. During all of this she also developed severe stomach pain and we spent ALOT of time at the Dr, ER, Urgent Care to find a cause. It turned out to be minor, but took a long time to find the cause.

Add other children,work, starting a new workout program, financial stress, anxiety disorder starting to return, etc and my blog fell to the side. It was like life took me to the alley and beat the crap out of me!

Most of my issues are still around, but life feels under control again. I have continued to stalk many blogs, publishers, tweets, etc. I have missed all the interaction. I have decided, however, that I am going to go about this blogging thing more lightly. I have always been hard on myself with my writing and how often I reviewed, but now I am going to be more ME. My friends who know me IRL say I am so funny in person and so serious on the blog. My new goal is to throw in some more of my personality while still reviewing books and making blogging friends.

Here is a list of what I have read since I have been gone (give or take a few). Doctor's offices really lend time to lots of reading!

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand - Helen Simonson

Knit the Season - Kate Jacobs

The Interrogative Mood: A Novel? - Padgett Powell

The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl - Ree Drummond

Raji - Ariion Kathleen Brindley

Prayer for Owen Meany - John Irving

The Help - Kathryn Sockett(didn't re-read but had a book club and discussed)

A Blue and Gray Christmas - Joan Medicott

According to Jane - Marilyn Brant

The Wives of Henry Oades - Johanna Moran

The Wrong Mother - Sophie Hannah

The Opposite of Me - Sarah Pekkanen

The Fiddler's Gun - A.S. Peterson (currently discussing on FB book club)

Conversations with Jerry and Other People I Thought Were Dead - Irene Kendig

Divorce Sucks - Mary Jo Eustace

Still Alice - Lisa Genova

Currently Reading:

The Passage by Justin Cronin

I do plan to review some, but not all of these. I have an opinion on everyone though if you want to know what I think!

See you soon...in the BLOG ZONE

Show Me 5 Saturday

2009-11-14T02:58:00.001-06:00

Welcome to my Meme!

Each Saturday You will post the answer to these questions. The number indicates the number of answers you will provide.

1 Book you read and/or reviewed this week
2 Words that describe the book
3 Settings where it took place or characters you met
4 Things you liked and/or disliked about it
5 Stars or less for your rating?

1 Book: The Secret of Joy by Melissa Senate

2 Words: Secret Sister

3 Settings/Characters: 1.Rebecca Strand - she has lost both parents and just found out she has a sister in Maine, 2.Joy Jayhawk - the "secret" sister who isn't thrilled to meet Rebecca, 3.Wiscasset Maine the town Rebecca travels to in hopes of meeting Joy

4 Likes/Dislikes: 1.I liked the plot - the idea of a secret sibling out there that I could find and connect with, though the way she came about was not positive 2.I liked that this was chick lit with some depth. Connecting with a sister and being the sister that was "thrown away"creates some emotional scenes. 3.I liked growing with Rachel as she became more comfortable with herself and what she wanted out of life 4.I liked the other characters that were woven into the storyline. I enjoyed their personalities and stories.

5 Stars or Less: 4 Stars

Thanks to Sarah at Pocket Books for providing me this book for review. I will be giving a full review on November 17th when several blogs will be participating in a book blog tour.

Megan's Way by Melissa Foster - Wattpad

2009-11-14T01:52:00.001-06:00

Megan's Way is being featured on Wattpad right now. Join the online book community and vote!

I am especially excited because the opening lines on the feature page are a quote from That's A Novel Idea! Yay me! And, yay Melissa Foster for her much deserved success with this novel. You must read it!

Click on this link to vote for Megan's Way

Megan's Way, by Melissa Foster - writingcontest - Wattpad

Winners - Breaking the Bank by Yona McDonough

2009-11-14T01:34:00.002-06:00

Pocket Books allowed me to give 2 copies of this away. The lucky winners are:

JuJu

and

Vicki

I'm emailing you now ladies!!

Winners - The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

2009-11-14T00:52:00.002-06:00

Finally I am picking the winners for The Historian! I haven't gotten to read my copy yet, but I am very excited to get to it. Here are all the winners who may get it read faster than I do. I have just emailed you.

Jonnie

Karen K

Mary Ann

Melissa F.

Bethie

Congrats to each of you!!

So You Want to Be a Teacher by Ben Gorden with a giveaway

2009-11-13T22:04:00.001-06:00

Ever wonder what teachers think? I mean what they really think.

I grew up in a small town. Many of you would consider 5,000 or even 10,000 small, but I am talking about TINY. The population sign in my town said 153. Many of us actually lived outside the "city limits" on farms. I had 18 people in my graduating class. Ok, you get the idea. It isn't often that any of the people in the town are selling a book on Amazon. I was super excited when my 5th grade teacher announced on Facebook that her husband, my middle school and high school science teacher, Ben Gorden has finally finished the book he threatened us all with over the years. Then, because she is a follower of my blog she sent me an autographed copy to read and review. Score! Here are my totally unbiased thoughts (ok, probably not unbiased).

I wouldn't call So You Wanna Be a Teacher a novel. It is more a 60 page collection of one to two page essays that tell a story and teach a lesson. I loved every minute of it! I know that I recognized at least one story as something that happened to my high school classmates and it made me laugh out loud. Honestly, though I think the story I am referring to would make anyone gasp and then laugh. Buy the book (shameless plug) and you will know exactly which story I am referring to. Mr. Gorden was always funny, but sometimes it was a dry sense of humor that you had to catch on to if you really wanted to enjoy what he was saying. His book is that way as well. You read some of the stories and think they couldn't possibly be true, but trust me they are. He tells it like he sees it.

What I really loved, though, was that he took all of these stories and turned them into some really great lessons for teachers. I, not being a teacher, even got some good information out of it. I also liked the feeling of being in my teacher's head. While teaching these lessons he never, never lost himself. He shined through in this book, and you knew that he meant every word he said.

You really don't have to be a teacher to enjoy this book. It makes a point and you find yourself shaking your head yes or going I never thought of that, but he is totally right. It makes you remember what you wanted in a teacher. I was lucky enough to have several teachers who seemed to "get it". Many of us don't give enough credit to our teachers or our children's teachers, and this book makes you think about all they go through and respect those that are getting it right even more.

Here are some Chapter titles:

Fear Factor

What's In A Name?

The Magic Answer

Rocking the Boat

Here are a couple of quotes:

"If you want kids to act like idiots, treat them like idiots."

"Too many teachers do not know themselves, understand their role in society or have a clue as to what they are trying to accomplish as an educator. Unless you understand yourself, know what you are about and know the direction you are going; it's difficult to direct students."

"As you can see there is no bigger challenge than becoming a teacher. Nothing more rewarding. Nothing more exhausting, nothing more vitally important to the students, the community, the nation and the WORLD!"

Ok, I have to forewarn you about a couple of things in the book. First, some of you might find a couple of stories to be crude. Unfortunately, sometimes occurrences in a teacher's life can be crude -you are with kids all day - and so you will read about it in the book. Sometimes, those moments help prove an important point or teach a lesson. Secondly, there is a story in So You Want to Be a Teacher about physical punishment. Many of you may adamantly disagree with this chapter. I don't think I would be wrong in suggesting that Mr. Gorden would say he is sorry you are offended, but he wrote what he believes to be true. Keep in mind that where I grew up and went to school you could be paddled in the office for your behavior. Mr. Gorden grew up there and taught in that school. I completely get his chapter on physical contact so it didn't offend me, but I didn't want any of you to be surprised if you read the book.

So, overall, my view is this... This is a great collection of short essays that takes real teacher/student or teacher/administration occurrences and reminds or educates a teacher how to be better at what they do. It reminds them of their importance and shoots straight about what being a teacher is all about.

Two lucky readers can win an autographed copy of So You Want to Be a Teacher for themselves. All you have to do is leave a comment telling me if you think any specific teacher helped shape who you are today. Like it or not they all influenced you in some way, but did any stand out to you? Are there any you still think of fondly?

I will run this contest until December 13th. It is open to residents in the U.S. and Canada only.

So...How You Doin'?

2009-11-09T23:04:00.002-06:00

So sorry all! I have had some personal things come up in the last week or two and I have fallen off the radar with my blog. Starting tomorrow I will be back up again with reviews. I have still been fitting in some reading and have several books to post reviews on this week. Come visit me again! I will be visiting your blogs this week too! I have missed everyone so much.

I will also be catching up on my giveaways and posting a couple more so look out for those!

Show Me 5 Saturday

2009-10-31T00:21:00.002-05:00

Welcome to my Meme!

Japan Took the J.A.P. Out of Me by Lisa Fineberg Cook

2009-10-30T17:53:00.002-05:00

Six days after an InStyle-worthy wedding in Los Angeles, Lisa Fineberg Cook left behind her little red Jetta, her manicurist of ten years, and her very best friend for the land of the rising sun. When her husband accepted a job teaching English in Nagoya, Japan, she imagined exotic weekend getaways, fine sushi dinners, and sake sojourns with glamorous expatriate friends. Instead, she's the only Jewish girl on public transportation, and everyone is staring. Lisa longs for regular mani/pedis, valet parking, and gimlets with her girlfriends, but for the next year, she learns to cook, clean, commute, and shop like the Japanese, all the while adjusting to another foreign concept -- marriage. Loneliness and frustration give way to new and unexpected friendships, the evolution of old ones, and a fresh understanding of what it means to feel different -- until finally a world she never thought she'd fit into begins to feel home-like, if not exactly like home.

I really enjoy reading memoirs and was excited when I signed up for this book tour. The thing I like most about a memoir is seeing someone grow or change over time. Lisa Fineberg Cook did grow a bit during her stay in Nagoya, Japan, but not quite enough for my taste. Lisa was one of those women who never really knew about wanting (without getting). The J.A.P. in the title stands for Jewish American Princess and I would say it describes her perfectly. Her first months in Japan are spent not only fighting with an ancient washing machine but fighting with herself over participating in "wifely duties". She wanted the husband, but the idea of having to cook and clean seems too domesticated.

I did get a bit confused, because Jill and her husband are teachers, but they seem to have a lot of money most of the time. I don't know if her parents were helping or if they had saved well, but they took several trips, and never seemed to have too many money concerns. I know Jill did mention at one point that her parents had supported her prior to her wedding. The other thing that confused me is that she wrote the book as if she was a spoiled rotten rich girl, but she chose teaching as a profession and married a teacher. I think maybe she played up her personality a bit for the story. For me, though, I was turned off by that personality. It isn't cute to be too good to wash the clothes or ride the bus. It was just too over the top. Maybe it is because I have never had a chance to be that carefree, but it got on my nerves.

I also found the sex references and crude talk to be a little much. I can handle sex scenes in a memoir if they are tasteful - you know discreet, but these weren't that. I didn't need to know what sexual act she was performing on her husband. It served little to no purpose in the story most of the time. Now, to be fair, this book isn't loaded with sex. I just didn't like the brash way it was thrown in to her story.

All that being said, I did laugh out loud at parts of this book. I also did see her come around a bit and realize she had to make changes and grow up. I never threw the book down in disgust or anything like that. I just like a really life altering memoir and though she may have felt deeply changed it didn't come across that way. I would recommend this for a light read and an occasional laugh. I would not suggest you read this if you are looking to learn much about Japan. The reader does learn about the cultural differences in the treatment of women to an extent, but not enough to use the book for that.

I was supposed to do this review on October 27th for a blog tour, and didn't get it posted. I started to write it and then didn't realize I had not finished the review. My apologies to Sara at Pocket Books (Simon and Schuster) for the delay. Listed below are the other blogs involved in the tour.
Thank Sara for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Life (And Lies) of an Inanimate Flying Object: http://haleymathiot.blogspot.com/
The Neverending Shelf: http://neverendingshelf.blogspot.com
Drey’s Library: http://dreyslibrary.blogspot.com/
A Sea of Books: http://aseaofbooks.blogspot.com/
Libby’s Library News: http://www.libslibrary.blogspot.com/
Bookin’ With Bingo: http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com/
Readaholic: http://bridget3420.blogspot.com/
That’s A Novel Idea: http://thatsanovelidea.blogspot.com
Starting Fresh: http://startingfresh-gaby317.blogspot.com/
Just Another New Blog: http://justanothernewblog.blogspot.com/
Blog Business World: http://www.blogbusinessworld.blogspot.com
My Friend Amy: http://www.myfriendamysblog.com
Chick With Books: http://www.chickwithbooks.blogspot.com/
Book N Around: http://booknaround.blogspot.com/
My Book Views: http://my-book-views.blogspot.com/
So Many Books, So Little Time: http://purplg8r-somanybooks.blogspot.com/
Keep on Booking: http://keeponbooking.blogspot.com
Reading at the Beach: http://ilratb.blogspot.com/
Found Not Lost: http://jmomfinds.amoores.com/
Brizmus Blogs Books: http://brizmusblogsbooks.blogspot.com/
I Read: http://sumanam.wordpress.com/

Winners - Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell

2009-10-26T20:36:00.003-05:00

And the Winners Are...

Laurel-Rain Snow
Natalie W.
Heather
DCMetroReader
Walkerd

Congrats! I am emailing you for your addresses now.

Show Me 5 Saturday

2009-10-24T01:43:00.004-05:00

Welcome to my Meme!

Winners - Permissions Slips by Sherri Sheperd

2009-10-24T01:36:00.003-05:00

Well, this hasn't happened to me in awhile, but it was easy to pick my winners. I had 5 books to give away and 5 entries. Here are the lucky winners:

Karen

Stacie

Nancye

Laura

dftrew

I'm emailing all of you now.

Over the Holidays by Sandra Harper - Blog Tour

2009-10-23T23:03:00.002-05:00

The best holiday traditions are meant to be broken.

It's only December 1, and Vanessa Clayton has been dreading Christmas since she spotted tinseled trees at her local mall in September. Thankfully, she and her husband, JT, can't afford to drag their twin boys across the country to New England for the annual celebration at her stuffy sister-in-law Patience's home. Not that Vanessa has prepared a proper Christmas for her family in years, and she has less time than ever since she agreed to consult on the script of a local play. Her older sister, Thea, is no help -- she'd rather make art and flirt with surfers than babysit her nine-year-old nephews. Then Patience drops a holiday stress bomb: Her family will come to California instead.

In between "baking" cinnamon rolls for the school potluck and overbearing Patience testing her patience, Vanessa can't stop thinking about the difficult but charming playwright at work. Meanwhile, Patience's teenage daughter, Libby, obsesses over a college boy she has met by the pool, and Thea searches desperately for the meaning of Christmas -- for her latest installation, of course. As their holiday plans go comically awry, these four women discover the true spirit of the season is hidden in every festive surprise. From Publishers Website

Holidays can be the most stressful time of the year. There's the money issue, the "how do I get it all done" issue, and, oh yeah, the "how the heck am I going to deal with the visiting family that drives me crazy" issue. Vanessa hoped to avoid dealing with her in-laws by using the money excuse, but imagine her surprise when they decide to visit her instead. Her sister-in-law Patience is so uppity and perfect with her sweater sets and perfect mom gig that Vanessa doesn't even know how to get along with her. Not only that she is already dealing with her own sister Thea who lives close by and never helps with her kids and just lives the single artist life. To top it off she is working with a new play writer and some of her thoughts certainly are not about her husband JT anymore. Should she follow these desires or stay in the arms of the husband she knows she loves? Little does Vanessa know each of these women in her life are also dealing with their own problems.

Patience has always defined herself as a mother and now her daughter Libby is going to be leaving for college. She desperately wants to spend time with her, but Libby can't seem to stand her. She spends much time dreaming about the past and longing for a future where she and Libby are close again. She doesn't want to visit California for Christmas and leave New England's white Christmas and her usual holiday transitions. Mostly, she just wants to feel needed, loved and appreciated again.

Thea is an artist in her 30's, but is having a serious block on new art ideas. She is tired of having Vanessa talk to her about not being married or wanting to spend time with kids. She thinks she is happy the way she is, but why does she keep thinking about "the one that got away" and trying to figure out if her entire life is in a rut.

Libby loves her mom but OMG can she get off her case already. She is almost going to be going to college and doesn't want to hang out with her or wear sweater sets. Give her a cute tee and a hot boy please! She is excited to visit California, and even happier when California introduces her to a boy that stirs things her seventeen year old body has never felt before. Could he be her first sexual experience? Should he be?

This book is about growing up, loving who you are, loving your family with all their faults, and most of all SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS.

I found Over the Holidays to be a quick, fun read. There is a bit of sex and foul language, but nothing completely over the top. If you are feeling like the holidays can't get here and get gone soon enough this is the book for you. It reminds you that yes it is hectic, but good can come out of it too. Really though, anyone would love the wit and the honesty presented. Most of us don't want to admit we can't stand our sister-in-law or are attracted to another man. This book puts it all out there. There is a reading guide at the end, and a short interview with the author.

Thanks to Sara at Pocket Books for providing this book for review. Listed below are the other blogs hosting this book on tour today.

Rundpinne: http://www.rundpinne.blogspot.com
Frugal Plus: http://frugalplus.com/
The Life (And Lies) of an Inanimate Flying Object: http://haleymathiot.blogspot.com/
Drey’s Library: http://dreyslibrary.blogspot.com/
Wendi’s Book Corner: http://wendisbookcorner.blogspot.com/
Opinionated? Me? : http://readingwatchingliving.blogspot.com/
Me, My Book and the Couch: http://memybookandthecouch.blogspot.com/
Libby’s Library News: http://www.libslibrary.blogspot.com/
Bookin’ With Bingo: http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com/
Books, Movies, and Chinese Food: http://books-movies-chinesefood.blogspot.com/
Psychotic State: http://www.psychoticstate.blogspot.com/
Readaholic: http://bridget3420.blogspot.com/
That’s A Novel Idea: http://thatsanovelidea.blogspot.com
All About {N}: http://www.bookwormygirl.blogspot.com/
Starting Fresh: http://startingfresh-gaby317.blogspot.com/
A Sea of Books: http://aseaofbooks.blogspot.com/
Just Another New Blog: http://justanothernewblog.blogspot.com/
Blog Business World: http://www.blogbusinessworld.blogspot.com
My Friend Amy: http://www.myfriendamysblog.com
Cheryl’s Book Nook: http://cherylsbooknook.blogspot.com/
One Person’s Journey Through A World of Books: http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/
I Read: http://sumanam.wordpress.com/
So Many Books, So Little Time: http://purplg8r-somanybooks.blogspot.com/
Keep on Booking: http://keeponbooking.blogspot.com
Reading at the Beach: http://ilratb.blogspot.com/
Found Not Lost: http://jmomfinds.amoores.com/
Brizmus Blogs Books: http://brizmusblogsbooks.blogspot.com/
Book Reviews by Buuklvr81: http://www.buuklvr81.blogspot.com/

Angels A Pop-Up Book by Chuck Fischer with Giveaway

2009-10-19T21:50:00.005-05:00

Whether you consider angels to be divine messengers, spiritual guides, or the stuff of legend, you will find something to marvel at in Chuck Fischer's beautifully illustrated Angels: A Pop-Up Book. Fischer's original art, inspired by classic images from art history, is crafted into astoundingly intricate three-dimensional pop-ups with fold-outs and movable parts. Angels brings to life the most captivating stories of these celestial beings, from the angels of the zodiac to Biblical angels to angels in the arts and popular culture. Much like its subject, Angels: A Pop-Up Book inspires awe and wonder and is a unique gift book for all ages.
www.hachettebookgroup.com

Showing the cover of this book does it absolutely no justice. This book is gorgeous. When I opened it up it fascinated a 5 yr old, a 7 yr old, a 14 yr old and me - a 21 year old with 12 years of experience. :) Seriously, the pop-ups in this book are fabulous - some even have moving parts. I have only seen one pop-up that compares to this ever (a dinosaur pop-up given to my 5 year old by a friend). In order to create beautiful full page pop-ups of angels the author was very creative with ways to share the information on angels. There are pull outs and small books attached to pages.

The book is divided into three sections: Messengers, A Hierarchy of Angels, and Secular Angels. The historical information and beautiful artwork make this an amazing book to look at and read. If you know anyone who is into angels I would consider this a must have gift for them.

The only thing that confused me about this book is what exactly Chuck Fischer did. The paper engineering is by Bruce Foster and the text is by Curtis Flowers. I think it is Chuck Fischer's artwork that is made into 3D pop-up and is complimented by art from throughout time.

Update: Anna at Hachette informed me that Chuck Fischer provided, drew and colored all of the artwork for the book. Okay, I guess that would make him the main guy.

Okay, now is your chance to win a copy of this beautiful pop-up book. I am giving away 1 copy thanks to Anna at Hachette Book Group who provided me the review copy and one to giveaway. The contest is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only (sorry) and will run until November 15th.

Here is what you have to do to enter:

Leave a comment with your name and email address. In the comment tell me whether you want this book for yourself or for a gift. Do you believe in or have you ever seen an angel?
Sign up to follow my blog for an additional entry.
Tweet for an additional entry - include me @alipet813 in the tweet
Post this giveaway on your blog for another entry

That's it! Good luck.

Oh and my answers. I am considering giving this book to one of my very best friends. Her name is Angel and she loves Angel items. She doesn't read my blog (in the country with no computer access) so I can talk about about giving her this gift. I love the book and would love to keep it, but I am leaning toward giving it away.
To answer if I have ever seen an angel...not that I know of, but I do believe they are around us. Probably helping in ways we never even know to appreciate.

Once A Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

2009-10-19T21:25:00.000-05:00

Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin's magic never showed up. Now seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him.
The search—and the stranger—will prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her true identity, unearth the sins of her family, and unleash a power so vengeful that it could destroy them all. This is a spellbinding display of storytelling that will exhilarate, enthrall, and thoroughly enchant.
www.carolynmaccullough.com

Tamsin has spent most of her life trying to get away from her family. It isn't much fun when you are the only one with no "Talent". She just feels like such a loser. When Alistair Callum confuses Tamsin for her talented sister Rowena she doesn't correct him. She knows she should, but it feels good to finally be wanted by someone. Little does Tamsin know Alistair has something sinister in mind and she has played right into his hands. Not only that she has delivered everything he wants including people she loves.

Also in this story is a budding romance between Tamsin and her childhood friend Gabriel. He had just come back into her life and will be her counterpart for the adventure to discover herself, her talent, and her family's history.

I enjoyed this YA novel. I think it ends with the definite possibility of having a sequel which I wouldn't hesitate to read. I do think the storyline was similar to other fantasy/witch books I have read before. One part (which I can't really tell you without feeling like I give part of the book away) even reminds me of Twilight even though there aren't technically vampires. If you read this and have no idea what I am talking about just ask. I think the mix of family, romance, fantasy, and adventure would appeal to many teens. Especially with all of the interest in witches, vampires, zombies right now.

You can find more information on the book at www.onceawitch.com or www.carolynmaccullough.com. This is actually Ms. MacCullough's third book and the other two look very interesting as well. If you visit her website you can read an excerpt of each of them.

Thanks to The Picnic Basket for providing me with this ARC. They do request that I provide a number rating on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest rating. I would give this book a score of 3.75. It isn't a must have it now read, but I feel more than neutral about it. It had a nice fast pace and drew you into the story very quickly.

Playing House by Fredrica Wagman

2009-10-18T23:09:00.001-05:00

When Playing House appeared in 1973, Publishers Weekly hailed it, "A probing descent into madness that will fascinate the same audience that appreciated I Never Promised You a Rose Garden." This nationally bestselling story of one woman's struggle with the lasting effects of a childhood sexual relationship with her brother shocked American readers, and is a literary work of enduring quality and value.

In his foreword Philip Roth writes, "The traumatized child; the institutionalized wife; the haunting desire; the ghastly business of getting through the day — what is striking about Wagman's treatment of these contemporary motifs is the voice of longing in which the heroine shamelessly confesses to the incestuous need that is at once her undoing and her only hope."
www.fredricawagman.com

With Mackenzie Phillips recently disclosing her incestuous relationship with her father, we have had to think about this unpleasant situation and shudder. Unfortunately, some of you may be shuddering because you know exactly what that is like. I was given Playing House to review before Mackenzie dropped the bomb, but I think now is the perfect time to post this.

This novel is narrated by a woman who spent most of her childhood in a sexual relationship with her brother. Now, as an adult, she is unable to live a productive life. Quite frankly, she is crazy. The novel flows from her mind onto the page and it can feel like you are reading a complete train wreck. The intensity of her love and hatred of her brother - and he for her- can be difficult to read. Without her brother's love and affection she ceases to function. Her brother is unable to deny himself, but also spends a great deal of time treating her horribly both physically and emotionally.

The unnamed narrator attempts to live her life. She marries "The Turtle" and has kids, but it is not enough. Her entire life is spent making comparisons to her brother. Her eventual affair is with a man who reminds her of her brother. She at times realizes that her life will never be complete without her brother. There is never a "fix" in the reader's eyes, but I think the narrator might feel differently.

I don't know exactly how I felt about this book. It was convoluted and intense. It made me feel dirty while reading it. It also made me feel overwhelmed. I kept thinking things like, "It is so obvious their mother knows" or once the narrator is an adult, "What about her children? Who cares for them? Are they neglected?" The feelings of adoration for her brother are disturbing, but are they realistic? Is this how you feel if you are molested by a brother, begin a relationship, and never move past it? Do you compare all men in your future to this level of intensity? Luckily, I have no idea.

I would only recommend this to someone who is willing to read something intense that deals with inappropriate sexual behavior. This book is a mere 160 pages, but it took me a long time to read. I had to put it aside several times and read something lighter.

Thanks to Julie at FSB Media for providing me this book to review.

Show Me 5 Saturday

2009-10-17T16:43:00.003-05:00

Sorry for the delay today. My 5 year old has had a high fever and a horrible cough since Friday morning, and I had to leave for a little while to do chili judging at our City Chili Challenge. I hope some of you have played without me!

Welcome to my Meme!

Each Saturday You will post the answer to these questions. The number indicates the number of answers you will provide.

1 Book you read and/or reviewed this week
2 Words that describe the book
3 Settings where it took place or characters you met
4 Things you liked and/or disliked about it
5 Stars or less for your rating?

After each of you complete the meme on your blog add a comment here and I will put a link on my post.

1 Book: Once A Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

2 Words: UnTalented Witch

3 Settings/Characters: Tamsin - born into a family of witches. She is supposed to have the greatest Talent but seems to have none, HELLCRATER - nickname Tamsin has given to her family's home actually a big rambling stone farmhouse in upstate New York, Alistair Callum - college professor that requests Tamsin find a clock his family lost while gambling in the 1800's. Tamsin senses that something is of with Alistair and his request, but she wants so badly to have Talent she is going to help him anyway.

4 Likes/Dislikes: I haven't completed the book but here's what I think so far. 1. I like the storyline - untalented witch on a search through time that I think is going to end up showing us what her Talent really is. 2. I like the relationships that Tamsin has with her family. There is sibling rivalry, discomfort over not fitting in, and a true sense of love and togetherness 3. Love story woven in with a best friend she knew when she was younger 4. The story line is is similar to things I have read before, so I enjoy it, but I don't know if it is very original

5 Stars or Less: Since I haven't actually finished this yet I am not going to rate it. However, so far so good.

Proverbs - Chapter 16

2009-10-16T13:11:00.000-05:00

^1. To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.

^2. All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.

^3. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

^4. The LORD works out everything for his own ends-- even the wicked for a day of disaster.

^5. The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

^6. Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.

^7. When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.

^8. Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.

^9. In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

^10. The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray justice.

^11. Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making.

^12. Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.

^13. Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth.

^14. A king's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will appease it.

^15. When a king's face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.

^16. How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!

^17. The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life.

^18. Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

^19. Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.

^20. Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

^21. The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.

^22. Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools.

^23. A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.

^24. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

^25. There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

^26. The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on.

^27. A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.

^28. A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.

^29. A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.

^30. He who winks with his eye is plotting perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil.

^31. Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.

^32. Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.

^33. The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD

The Hidden Man by David Ellis

2009-10-15T23:55:00.001-05:00

A little girl, snatched from her bed in the dead of night. They knew who killed her. They couldn’t prove it. 26 years later, her brother Sammy doesn’t care about proof. He only cares about justice. Now, only his childhood best friend, attorney Jason Kolarich, can save Sammy from a life sentence for killing a killer.

To defend Sammy, Jason must do what authorities could not, decades ago—prove the guilt of the pedophile who killed Sammy’s sister. But a mysterious benefactor, “Mr. Smith,” suddenly appears, offering money, resources, even alibis for Sammy’s defense. And he will stop at nothing—threatening the lives of Jason and his family—to control the outcome of the case. As the trial draws near, Jason races against time to save his family from Mr. Smith’s team and his friend Sammy from life in prison, while two crimes, decades apart, converge in a stunning verdict.

THE HIDDEN MAN introduces Jason Kolarich, a mid-30s attorney whose career took off after he won a headliner case—a high-profile political corruption trial—when his life suddenly turned upside-down following a personal tragedy. Tough, smart, and wise-cracking, and now recovering from his personal loss, Jason is a lawyer who sees the ends justifying the means.
www.davidellis.com

When Jason Kolarich's wife and daughter are killed in a car accident his life is turned upside down. He quits his job and barely functions. Jason guilts himself each day over what he could have done differently to save their lives.

Sammy Cutler is on trial for the murder of Griffin Perlini. Everyone knows that Griffin abducted and killed Sammy's sister when they were kids, but he was never convicted. The night Griffin was murdered Sammy was in the area, but he has not admitted to the crime. No one really wants Sammy to rot in prison for bringing justice to the case, and with four weeks until trial a "benefactor" has shown interest in getting Sammy acquitted. Smith, spokesman for the benefactor, will provide the chosen defense team with whatever is necessary to make that happen with one major stipulation - no delaying the trial. Sammy is unaware of Jason's recent tragedy and wants Jason to be his lawyer. Jason and Sammy were childhood best friends. Now they are on opposite sides of the law, but maintain a mutual respect for one another.

Jason agrees to take the case even though he knows he really isn't ready for this kind of trial in a "best case scenario", and with only four weeks to prepare this is far from best case. He must prove the Griffin killed Sammy's little sister and is a child molester. He must also bring to light other potential murders- choosing from the many families affected by Griffin's abuse of little girls. During this month he will drag himself further in over his head than any sane man, and will push the limits of those trying to keep the light off of themselves.

I enjoyed this legal mystery. The twists and turns in the plot had me guessing right up to the end. It was fast-paced and easy to read. The court room scenes were realistic to me. I have no actual idea what would happen in a courtroom, but the author David Ellis is also an attorney so I am guessing he does. I could actually seeing this book being a good movie.

Jason, was well developed as a grieving man. His grief pushed him to make decisions another person would not consider. He was repeatedly willing to put his life -or someone else's- on the line, because he just didn't care enough about living to choose differently. This is the first book in a new series featuring Jason Kolarich. My only concern is that Mr. Ellis won't be able to continue portraying Jason at this level of grief for too many books. Of course, as he grows and gets further past the loss of his wife and daughter that opens up the possibility of love interests and more advanced cases.

My only issue with the book was something I found a bit confusing. Throughout the story Jason has flashes of thought of his wife and child. I initially thought these were memories, but then his wife became pregnant in his fantasies and more children were added. I began to assume they were fantasies of what could have been, but it wasn't entirely clear. I emailed the author to ask and this was his response:

Hi, Alison. Thanks for writing. You are not the only one to ask that question. These were not memories ... in fact, none of the scenes featuring his wife (Talia) and daughter (Emily) were flashbacks so much as fantasies going forward ... nothing that really happened but the kinds of things that WOULD HAVE happened, had they lived and been together as a happy family. Jason, you'll recall, was completely consumed by a big trial during most of the three months that Emily was alive before the accident.

So long and short, you were correct, it was just his fantasy projecting forward. I wish I hadn't done it because it confused people. Thanks for writing and glad you enjoyed it.

Dave

So, I was glad to know I wasn't the only one a little confused, and it made sense when he confirmed my suspicion.

That being said, I think Mr. Ellis writes an intense legal thriller and I would definitely read the next book in this series.

Thanks to Lydia at Penguin for providing me this book to review.

Proverbs - Chapter 15

2009-10-15T22:41:00.000-05:00

^1. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

^2. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

^3. The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

^4. The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

^5. A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.

^6. The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings them trouble.

^7. The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.

^8. The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

^9. The LORD detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness.

^10. Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die.

^11. Death and Destruction lie open before the LORD-- how much more the hearts of men!

^12. A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise.

^13. A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

^14. The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

^15. All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.

^16. Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil.

^17. Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.

^18. A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.

^19. The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.

^20. A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.

^21. Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course.

^22. Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

^23. A man finds joy in giving an apt reply-- and how good is a timely word!

^24. The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to the grave.

^25. The LORD tears down the proud man's house but he keeps the widow's boundaries intact.

^26. The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him.

^27. A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live.

^28. The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

^29. The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

^30. A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.

^31. He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.

^32. He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.

^33. The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

Proverbs - Chapter 14

2009-10-14T12:12:00.000-05:00

^1. The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

^2. He whose walk is upright fears the LORD, but he whose ways are devious despises him.

^3. A fool's talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them.

^4. Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest.

^5. A truthful witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.

^6. The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

^7. Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips.

^8. The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.

^9. Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.

^10. Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.

^11. The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.

^12. There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

^13. Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief.

^14. The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good man rewarded for his.

^15. A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.

^16. A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.

^17. A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.

^18. The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

^19. Evil men will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

^20. The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.

^21. He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.

^22. Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.

^23. All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

^24. The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly.

^25. A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.

^26. He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.

^27. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

^28. A large population is a king's glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined.

^29. A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.

^30. A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

^31. He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

^32. When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge.

^33. Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.

^34. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.

^35. A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant incurs his wrath.

Proverbs - Chapter 13

2009-10-13T23:37:00.003-05:00

^1. A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.

^2. From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the unfaithful have a craving for violence.

^3. He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

^4. The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

^5. The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.

^6. Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.

^7. One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

^8. A man's riches may ransom his life, but a poor man hears no threat.

^9. The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.

^10. Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

^11. Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.

^12. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

^13. He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded.

^14. The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

^15. Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard. [1]

^16. Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly.

^17. A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.

^18. He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.

^19. A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.

^20. He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

^21. Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.

^22. A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.

^23. A poor man's field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away.

^24. He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.

^25. The righteous eat to their hearts' content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.

Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life (highlighted above). I think this verse is so beautiful. You want something so badly. You wait and wait...your hope is deferred. You ache with desire. Once you finally receive what you have waited for it is like the tree of life. I don't know how each of you read it, but I think of it on a higher level. You spend your life desiring for that deep relationship with God that deeper desire to know him. When you finally reach that level you have found the true "tree of life" -everlasting life.

Proverbs 13:24 He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him (highlighted above). Now this is a highly debated and misused verse if you ask me. How many people have you heard use this as an excuse for beating their children. My personal view is this. You must discipline your children. As stated in Proverbs 2 God disciplines those he loves and you have to respect not rebuke that discipline, so teaching your children discipline is not only good for your home, but also for their future relationship with the Lord.

Proverbs - Chapter 12

2009-10-12T12:46:00.002-05:00

^1. Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.

^2. A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a crafty man.

^3. A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted.

^4. A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.

^5. The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.

^6. The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.

^7. Wicked men are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm.

^8. A man is praised according to his wisdom, but men with warped minds are despised.

^9. Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food.

^10. A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.

^11. He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.

^12. The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.

^13. An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble.

^14. From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.

^15. The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.

^16. A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

^17. A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies.

^18. Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

^19. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

^20. There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace.

^21. No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

^22. The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.

^23. A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly.

^24. Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.

^25. An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.

^26. A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

^27. The lazy man does not roast his game, but the diligent man prizes his possessions.

^28. In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.

The Smart One and the Pretty One by Claire LaZebnik

2009-10-12T00:52:00.003-05:00

When Ava Nickerson was a child, her mother jokingly betrothed her to a friend's son, and the contract the parents made has stayed safely buried for years. Now that still-single Ava is closing in on thirty, no one even remembers she was once "engaged" to the Markowitz boy. But when their mother is diagnosed with cancer, Ava's prodigal little sister Lauren comes home to Los Angeles where she stumbles across the decades-old document.
Frustrated and embarrassed by Ava's constant lectures about financial responsibility (all because she's in a little debt. Okay, a lot of debt), Lauren decides to do some sisterly interfering of her own and tracks down her sister's childhood fiancé. When she finds him, the highly inappropriate, twice-divorced, but incredibly charming Russell Markowitz is all too happy to re-enter the Nickerson sisters' lives, and always-accountable Ava is forced to consider just how binding a contract really is . . .
www.hachettebookgroup.com

It's always crazy how two people can grow up in the same house with the same parents at the same time and turn out to be two completely different personalities. That is exactly what happened with Ava and Lauren Nickerson. Lauren loves fashion. She works in the industry and is in complete debt because she can't stop buying everything she sees. She is fun-loving and flirty and a bit flighty. Ava could care less about her clothes, her hair or makeup. She likes to be functional and comfortable. She has grown up and become a lawyer, and she takes a serious approach to life.

When Lauren decides to get Ava back for making her feel like a punished child by signing a "no spending" contract she knows how to make it count. Can she help it if that "contract" stating that Ava must marry Russell Markowitz came fluttering out of the cabinet? A contract is a contract says Ava so Lauren will make sure she doesn't let this one get broken.

The personalities of all the characters in this book jump off the page. Ms. LaZebnik does a wonderful job creating the sister relationship and personalities. She also does a great job of delving a bit into their psyche to get to the root of why they behave as they do. It was a bit enlightening to see Ava act foolish over receiving a gift of clothing and then have her thoughts of insecurity show me why the clothes hurt her feelings. As is common in the real world the sisters differences highlight the others insecurities. For example, Ava and Lauren look alike, but when Ava felt she couldn't compete with Lauren and win she became the opposite as far as how she presents herself. Lauren had never felt she could be as responsible as Ava so she quit trying.

Another character in the book that I enjoyed was Russell Markowitz. Having grown up with an embarrassment of a mother he lost all respect for women. No wonder he is twice divorced and dates gorgeous women who have little personality. He doesn't see that a woman could truly compliment his life. When he meets Ava and Lauren he knows exactly which one enamors him, but it isn't his usual choice.

Lauren's love interest for a moment is Daniel. He is distant and rude, but his mother is sick and he's a New Yorker so she decided to let it go. She meets him while they wait for their mothers to finish chemo and the bond and attraction is there immediately. She ignores his rudeness and focuses only on the attraction. I won't spoil what happens by telling you, but Lauren learns a great deal about herself by taking part in this relationship.

There is a serious side to this chick lit novel and that is cancer. Ms. LaZebnik does an honorable job while writing about this subject. The dialogue and the effect on relationships is very realistic. Cancer is treatable and terminal and both types were in this book. It reflected the awkwardness and the anger and denial beautifully. I appreciated the respect mingled with the realism.

Though the ending was predictable this was a fun read and I enjoyed watching both girls "grow up" and make self-discoveries. Many of them were things that each of us have dealt with at one time or another or as we grow as women we may eventually face. The biggest lesson of all - and one you need to learn right away if you don't know it yet - being that the truly "pretty one" is the woman that can look in the mirror and be comfortable with the woman who looks back on the outside and the inside.

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

Proverbs - Chapter 11

2009-10-12T00:35:00.000-05:00

Chapter 11

^1. The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight.

^2. When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

^3. The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

^4. Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.

^5. The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.

^6. The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.

^7. When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing.

^8. The righteous man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead.

^9. With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape.

^10. When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.

^11. Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.

^12. A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.

^13. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.

^14. For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.

^15. He who puts up security for another will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to strike hands in pledge is safe.

^16. A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth.

^17. A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.

^18. The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.

^19. The truly righteous man attains life, but he who pursues evil goes to his death.

^20. The LORD detests men of perverse heart but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.

^21. Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.

^22. Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.

^23. The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.

^24. One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

^25. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

^26. People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell.

^27. He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it.

^28. Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.

^29. He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.

^30. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.

^31. If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!

Proverbs - Chapter 9 & 10

2009-10-10T22:01:00.004-05:00

Chapter 9 further discusses wisdom.

Proverbs 9:10-12 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer."

Chapter 10 begins with the Proverbs of Solomon. There is no way I can address every single thing discussed. I am just going to start picking one or two verses and talking about them.

Proverbs 10:17 He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads other astray.
Proverbs 10:29 The way of the Lord is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the ruin of those who do evil.

Okay, of all the verses I chose more about discipline and wisdom,but that has been speaking to me lately. I don't like to be disciplined about things and right now I am seeing the consequences of that. I think this 31 days with Proverbs might drill it in to my head.

Who's Over the Top? Me...and some friends that's Who

2009-10-10T16:52:00.004-05:00

I received this award from Julie at My Own Little Corner of the World. You should check her out. She writes great reviews and is a very lovely lady to know.

Here are the rules for the Over The Top Award:

USE ONLY ONE WORD! It’s not as easy as you might think. Copy and change the answers to suit yourself and pass it on. It’s really hard to use only one-word answers so try your best.

1. Where is your cell phone? dresser

2.Your hair? Blah

3. Your mother? crochets

4. Your father? salesman

5. Your favorite food? Mexican

6. Your dream last night? silly

7. Your favorite drink? Diet.

8. Your dream/goal? wealth

9. What room are you in? Bedroom.

10. Your hobby? Reading.

11. Your fear? Spiders

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Home.

13. Where were you last night? Home.

14. Something that you aren’t? skinny

15. Muffins? yummy.

16. Wish list item? Books.

17. Where did you grow up? Missouri

18. Last thing you did? Meme

19. What are you wearing? fleece

20. Your TV? annoying

21. Your pets? Four

22. Friends? Irreplaceable

23. Your life? busy

24. Your mood? lazy

25. Missing someone? nope

26. Vehicle? Jeep

27. Something you’re not wearing? Makeup

28. Your favorite store? Costco

29. Your favorite color? Red

30. When was the last time you laughed? yesterday

31. Last time you cried? dunno

32. Your best friend? Two

33. One place that I go to over and over? WORK

34. One person who emails me regularly? Facebook

35. Favorite place to eat? Friends

I would like to bestow this award on the following:

Melissa at The Betty and Boo Chronicles - I absolutely love to read every single things she writes and she is not afraid to let her opinion be known even if you might not like it -I LOVE THAT

Christine at Book Tumbling - she is new to me but I find we have common interest in books and I have really enjoyed her blog so far

Show Me 5 Saturday

2009-10-10T16:18:00.005-05:00

Welcome to my Meme!

Other Participants

Julie

Sandra

Kaye

Brittanie

Proverbs - Chapter 8

2009-10-08T23:00:00.000-05:00

Chapter 8 is all about wisdom. In this chapter wisdom speaks directly to us as she guides us through understanding and fear of the Lord.

Proverbs 8:10-13 Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior is perverse speech."

Fearing the Lord can seem overwhelming and make us wonder if being a Christian is positive. A note in my bible states that this fear isn't about being scared, but about having "reverence and respect" for the Lord.

The main thing I have learned while reading Proverbs is that knowledge of God's word is of the utmost importance. Being able to have scripture close to you and in your heart and mind can divert you from bad decisions and pull you through difficult times. Tonight in my Bible Study this point was reiterated while discussing emotions. We discussed harnessing our emotions for a better action. (Harness as in to bring together for use not as in hold it all in). The way to get a handle on our emotions was to replace those negative emotions with Scripture. Ok, not just random verses, but those that take away the power of the anger or anxiety or frustration or whatever your emotion may be. Those verses that specifically state how to turn it to the Lord.

Example - feeling of anxiety my personal demon
verse 1 Peter 5:6-8
6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ⁸Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Proverbs 8:32-36 Now then, my sons, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doorway. For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. but whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.

Keep God's word in your heart. Use it as your wisdom. It will guide you in all you do. I continue to pray that God will etch his words on my heart that they may provide me the wisdom I need in all areas. It is much easier to make a biblically based decision if you know what it says...

Proverbs - Chapter 7

2009-10-07T22:53:00.002-05:00

Well, Chapter 7 again focuses on adultery. I think it must be very important for us to understand that we must not be led astray by the desires of the flesh. Here is an important step in keeping adultery at bay

Proverbs 7:1-5 My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and call understanding your kinsman; they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words.

Here is the verse which describes what happens to those who fall victim.

Proverbs 7:25-27 Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death.

Hmmm...anyone still on the fence about this adultery thing??

Proverbs - Chapter 6

2009-10-06T22:02:00.005-05:00

Chapter 6 is full of advice about a myriad of things. It discusses not becoming a "security" for another, laziness, characteristics of evil, and another lesson on adultery.

Discussed first in Proverbs 6:1-5 is the act of becoming a security for another person. It basically states that you should not put yourself up as a security for another person's debt or pledge. It states that you should not sleep until you have gone to the person and gotten a release from the liability of their debt.

Proverbs 6:6-12 discusses laziness or being a "sluggard". It says that that the man who is lazy and always resting will end up in poverty. It advises us to be like the ant. An ant puts his provisions aside for the future and is prepared.

Proverbs 6:12-19 discusses evil people and behaviors. An evil person has a corrupt mouth, uses deceiving body language, thingk about and desires evil, and causes discord among others.

Proverbs 6:16-19 There are six things the Lord hates; seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush to evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

That passage addresses pride, lying, murdering, wickedness, evil, false witness, and the purposeful trouble-maker.

Proverbs 6:20-35 takes reminds us to keep God's teaching in our hearts and to use them as a guide at all times. It also takes another look at adultery. It says that a man who commits adultery "lacks judgment".

Tonight Book Signing for He Who Sings Last

2009-10-06T15:48:00.004-05:00

If anyone is in the Huntington Station New York area then you should go see Lisa Laird DeRosso, author of He Who Sings Last. She will be holding a book signing at 7:30 pm at

Barnes & Noble

380 Walt Whitman Road

Huntington Station, NY 11746

631-421-9886

See my review of He Who Sings Last here. I am too far away to go the signing, but hope some of you are able to go and have a good time.

Winner - Megan's Way

2009-10-06T00:47:00.003-05:00

Congrats to

Karen!!!!!!

I am so excited for Karen to get to read this book! Of course, I am actually sending her my signed copy so my level of excitement goes way down. I promise to send it, but you may see tear stains from my crying as I put it in the package. LOL Seriously, you will really enjoy, and I will send it to you soon.

Proverbs - Chapter 5

2009-10-05T23:22:00.000-05:00

Chapter 5 seems to be pretty self-explanatory. DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY.

Proverbs 5:20-23 Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress? why embrace the bosom of another man's wife?
For a man's ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all his paths. the evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. he will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.

Ok, I really don't have a lot to say about this. We all face temptations in life, and we all have moments when our marriage may seem like it is going down the drain (and it may actually be). It doesn't matter. Adultery is a sin and any way you cut it it is the wrong decision.

Breaking The Bank by Yona Zeldis McDonough Tour & Review& Giveaway

2009-10-05T00:05:00.008-05:00

Sarah at Pocket Books has set up a Blog Tour for Breaking the Bank by Yona Zeldis McDonough for today. I was lucky enough to get a copy of the book to review AND received a guest post from Ms. McDonough...Let's get started.

First I would like to welcome Ms. McDonough to my blog. She was kind enough to provide me with a description of Breaking the Bank and how she looks at the "magic" of the story.

Magic. See, it got your attention, right? My new novel, BREAKING THE BANK, involves a bit of magic: the main character, Mia Saul, has run into a spell of bad luck. Her husband has left her for another woman, she loses her job in a big corporate take over, she's forced to move to a crummy, downscale apartment and her daughter is acting out all over the place. But when Mia encounters an ATM in her neighborhood that first gives her money it neither records nor debits, and then actually begins communicating with her, it looks like her luck is about to change. Or is it? Is the "magic" she stumbles upon a force of good or of evil? That's what Mia has to find out, and as her creator, what I had to find out as well. My other two novels, THE FOUR TEMPERAMENTS and IN DAHLIA'S WAKE, were both very rooted in the real, the tangible, the here-and-now. BREAKING THE BANK, with its slight whiff of magic, was a departure for me and I wasn't sure I could sustain it. But I was open to the possibility of magic, not in a literal sense, but magic as a metaphor--for feeling special, chosen and uplifted. Magic is what breaks the downward spiral of Mia's life, but magic may in fact be another way of describing the irrepressible faith in ourselves that we all need to just keep on putting one foot in front of the other. Magic? Maybe. Or maybe not. You decide.

My review:

I adored this story (Not that it is an "adorable" book it is a little deeper than that). What I liked is that is was completely different than what I have been reading lately. It had a nice, easy flow with a meaningful story. And, I haven't read a book with a similar premise before - an ATM handing out money to one chosen soul.

Mia is definitely down on her luck. Her husband, the love of her life, left her for a woman he met while shooting a documentary. He is sporadic with child support and visiting their daughter Eden. Yet, somehow, Mia is the one making all the mistakes. Eden can't cope with the divorce or with having an on and off dad and has begun acting out at school. Mia tries to parent, but knowing the situation doesn't press too hard. She comes across as uncaring and "hostile" to the teacher. Mia wants Eden to have a relationship with her father, but damn if she doesn't want to either kill him or roll into a ball and die every moment he actually comes around. Not to mention he tends to treat her like an failing idiot when he is the one who failed their marriage. And, lately people have been using the term "bitter" to describe her when they are upset. She only has temporary contract jobs and the money is definitely not good. Neither is the rundown apartment she has had to move to with Eden. Oh, then there is that family intervention. Yes, Mia is down on her luck.

Maybe somehow the ATM knew. When Mia requested $100 a little extra popped out with it. The receipt didn't show it and neither did her bank account balance. Well, it seems like it just might have been a lucky break until it happens repeatedly. At one point something so over the top amazing happens that Mia knows the ATM is targeting her. Maybe she should be freaked, but she isn't. Well, she is freaked about having all the extra money and getting caught, but not by the machine. Instead she feels special. She takes that feeling and wants to pass it on to others in less fortunate situations. Extra tips for a cabby, large bill drops in the bucket of the homeless guy, etc.

Mia's luck gets a lot worse before it gets better, but she meets some great people along the way. Fred, who she has always known but is just starting to notice. It seems as if Fred is lifelong partner material, but Mia just can't figure out if she is ready. He seems to adore her and she likes him but it all a bit overwhelming. Fred's mom Bev who relates to magic in a way that Mia needs at this point in her life. She knows that many would find her crazy, but Bev reads the cards and sees her heart. Patrick, her cellmate-yes I mean as in jail, is intense. He awakens desires in her, and he believes in her in ways others cannot. He shows Mia how to feel again. Each character was vital to the story in their own way. They each allowed Mia to grow and change in ways that were desperately needed.

So, the question still remains. Is the ATM magic? My opinion is that it is. To me it seemed guided by a bigger force. A force there to help Mia live her life again. And all those bad times she goes through are part of the plan to ensure she meets everyone she needs to to put her future in place. Sometimes we all just need that one moment of feeling alive or of feeling noticed to take away the hard times taking over our life. You know what I mean - that wake up call to realize it can get better or that maybe your relationship ending was for the best. Breaking the Bank chose an ATM and a few other magical moments, but really it can be anything.

Giveaway

Pocket Books is allowing me to give away 2 copies of Breaking the Bank. The contest is open to U.S. residents only.

To enter simply leave a comment telling me what you would do if the ATM gave you extra cash. Make sure you include your email address.

I will take entries until 11:59 pm Central time on November 5th. Good luck!

Check out the other sites featuring Breaking the Bank today!

Drey’s Library: http://dreyslibrary.blogspot.com/
Found Not Lost: http://jmomfinds.amoores.com/
Rundpinne: http://www.rundpinne.blogspot.com/
The Brain Lair: http://brainlair.blogspot.com/
My Own Little Corner of the World: http://molcotw.blogspot.com/
My Reading Room: http://myreadingroom-crystal.blogspot.com/
All About {n}: http://www.bookwormygirl.blogspot.com/
Bookin’ with Bingo: http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com/
Chicks with Books: www.chickwithbooks.blogspot.com
I’m Booking It: http://imbookingit.wordpress.com/
My Guilty Pleasures: http://www.mgpblog.com/
Blog Business World: http://blogbusinessworld.blogspot.com/
Crazy For Books: http://www.crazy-for-books.com
Libby’s Library News: http://www.libslibrary.blogspot.com/
Jeanne’s Ramblings: http://jeannesgifts.blogspot.com/
Just Another New Blog: http://justanothernewblog.blogspot.com/
My Book Addiction and More: http://mybookaddictionandmore.wordpress.com/
That’s A Novel Idea: http://www.thatsanovelidea.blogspot.com/
Bookfoolery and Babble: http://bookfoolery.blogspot.com/
Booksie’s Blog: http://booksiesblog.blogspot.com/
So Many Books, So Little Time: http://purplg8r-somanybooks.blogspot.com/
My Five Monkeys: http://www.tableforseven-julie.blogspot.com/
Chicks Love Lit: http://www.chickloveslit.blogspot.com/
Hers For The Reading: http://13r3asonswhy.livejournal.com/
Lit and Life: http://litandlife.blogspot.com/
Psychotic State: http://www.psychoticstate.blogspot.com/
Sharon’s Garden of Book Reviews: http://sharonsgardenofbookreviews.blogspot.com/
Book Magic: http://bookmagic418.blogspot.com/
Metroreader: http://metroreader.blogspot.com/
Starting Fresh: http://startingfresh-gaby317.blogspot.com/
Keep on Booking: http://keeponbooking.blogspot.com/
Foreign Library Circus: http://www.foreigncircuslibrary.blogspot.com/

Proverbs - Chapters 3 & 4

2009-10-04T22:05:00.000-05:00

Sorry for my delay in posting. I was out of town visiting family so I am going to put 2 days in this to catch back up.

Chapter 3. Let me start by saying that none of my Proverbs discussions will get as deep or emotional as Chapter 2. Friday I was led to share a very intense time in my life. So, now on to Chapter 3.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

This Chapter still focuses on wisdom and having knowledge of God's word, but it spends more time discussing the importance of remembering His word. It is important to take in the word and etch it into your heart. God's word can create such comfort and can provide you with direction and guidance in every situation. Just reading it is not enough you must know it and live it.

He also discusses the discipline of God.

Proverbs 3:11-12 My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.

It is so difficult for us to think of this side of the Lord. We all want to focus on his loving nature and his plan for us. But take a look at what it says. It is out of love for us that he disciplines. We are his children, and just as our children need and crave discipline so do we. Think of what an uncaring father he would be if we could run amok with no discipline. When I see children who are allowed to do what they want whenever they want I have to admit that I think to myself "Do their parents care about them at all??!!" Our God is a loving God and that is why he disciplines. Do not live your life in the teenage stage where you despise him for trying to lead you down the right path. Develop an adult relationship with God where you respect his guidance and when needed his discipline.

Chapter 4:

I read this chapter as another reiteration that you must take God's instruction and engrave it on your heart and in your mind.

Proverbs 4:4 "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live."
Proverbs 4:20-22 My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are the life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body.

I think if I were the praying sort (and if you hadn't guessed -I am) I would start praying that God open me to his Word and his Wisdom, and that he show me how to keep this in my heart for guidance and love. That is what jumped out at me in Chapter 3 and 4. I pray for so many things, but I have never prayed for God to show me how to retain his Word in my heart. When you read how important it is to have it with you at all times as a shield and a guide and food for your soul and your health how can you not pray that God etch it there permanently.

Also, if you are a Christian it is mega cool to be able to spout some verses. I know I am in awe of those who can offhandedly say things like, "In Proverbs 3:5 it states we should Trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding." I am always thinking, seriously how do they know this stuff! They are an awesome Christian. Don't you want someone thinking you are an awesome Christian? I know I do!

Winners - Simon's Cat

2009-10-03T02:44:00.004-05:00

Congrats to

Wanda

Liz

Karen K

Aliya

Book Vixen

I have sent each of you an email. My winners are chosen by random.org

Show Me 5 Saturday

2009-10-03T01:26:00.007-05:00

Welcome to my Meme!

Each Saturday You will post the answer to these questions. The number indicates the number of answers you will provide.

1 Book you read and/or reviewed this week
2 Words that describe the book
3 Settings where it took place or characters you met
4 Things you liked and/or disliked about it
5 Stars or less for your rating?

After each of you complete the meme on your blog add a comment here and I will put a link on my post.

1 Book: Breaking the Bank by Yona Zeldis McDonough

2 Words: Magic Money

3 Settings/Characters: Bank ATM, Mia Saul - the down on her luck single parent who begins getting "bonus" money from the ATM, Patrick Fitzpatrick - she met him in jail. He believes in her while others are staging interventions

4 Likes/Dislikes: I liked the originality of the story line. It was unlike anything I had read before. I liked the flow of the book. It was a quick read, but it still had depth. I disliked how everyone was over the top upset with Mia. It made me angry at them. At times I wasn't sure she had done enough from my reading to warrent such drastic measures. I liked Mia's daughter Eden. She is such a child of divorce. Her acting out and anger was so realistic to me.

5 Stars or Less: 4.5

On Monday the author will be have a guest blog post and I will be doing a full review. You should check back there might just be a giveaway...

Anybody care to join me with the Show Me 5 this week? I would love to see what you are reading.

Other participants

Sandra

Kaye

Virginie

Julie

Proverbs - Chapter 2

2009-10-02T23:08:00.004-05:00

As with chapter 1, Chapter 2 continues to teach us about the importance of gaining wisdom. It teaches us that wisdom draws us closer to God and keeps us separate from "wicked men."

Proverbs 2:1-2 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom....

Wisdom will continue to draw us closer to God and keep us on the correct path. It will protect us from the wrong path. Wisdom is the knowledge of knowing God's way and understanding his path for us. It is taking that knowledge and accepting it as a great gift from God. Proverbs 2 requests that you "call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding" (2:3) To me this is a direct request that we turn it to God in prayer.

I know that for many of us it can be quite difficult to let go of the "control" and give it to God in prayer. I can tell you from personal experience that until you do give up the control you are setting yourself up for failure.

Since becoming a single parent at the age of 18 I had pretty much mastered the art of control. I bossed my kids, I kept the house running, I went to college, I worked, heck I was queen of my domain. Unfortunately, I was so busy maintaining my crown that I forgot about God and faith altogether. Sure, I have had many setbacks along the way, but it has always been with great Pride that I could tell people that ALL BY MYSELF I did it. I made it through. I succeeded. Really?? Well, a couple of years ago I got put in my place.

It was St. Patty's day and my toddler son was ill. Nothing major just a fever and tummy ache. I gave him Tylenol and he threw it up. He was lying on the couch talking to me about Blues Clues when he went into a seizure. Never, never in my life had I seen anything like this. But it got worse. As I began screaming call 911 to Mark I took my son into my arms. And this is the moment I will never forget. He stopped convulsing, he went rigid, his eyes were open and staring, there was no breathing. I laid him on the floor and began CPR. His breath started back quickly, but he was not responsive. He was mewing like a kitten and vomiting yellow bile. At this point the ambulance crew arrived and began their work. We were rushed by ambulance to the hospital. It turned out to be a febrile seizure. Nothing really life threatening. According to the doctor my CPR wasn't even needed, because he would have begun breathing again on his own.

Let's jump forward a year and a half. It is 2 a.m. and I am still awake. It is dark in the house, but just like every other night I am layng in bed conjuring up every horrible thing that could go wrong. See, since my son's illness I have basically stopped sleeping. I am afraid to check on him while he is sleeping. I wait every day afraid he will die or that maybe my daughter will. When they don't I think maybe I will or even worse maybe I will go crazy like those mothers you see on TV and hurt them myself. I am overwhelmed with my fear, but no one knows. I haven't told a soul. I don't like to be left alone with the kids just in case I could be crazy. You get where I am going. I was out of control. Well, that night as I lay in bed I never actually fell asleep. It suddenly hit me that I was in a BAD BAD way. I needed help. I was shaking and afraid. I am pretty sure that is what would have been called a nervous breakdown several years ago. I missed over a week of work. I couldn't eat, I couldn't go in public, I couldn't handle too much noise. My friends helped, my mom visited, my man did the best he could. I sought help during this time as well. Diagnosis - Post traumatic stress disorder from the experience with my son. I went on anxiety medication and went to a lot of counseling. However, you want to know the exact moment I felt it lift and felt my life come back? God - I talked to God. I cried out to be honest. I said I couldn't hold on to it anymore, the control I had loved so much. I said HELP ME GOD. I started going to church and reading the word. I joined my first Bible study. Wanna know the scripture the leader picked to focus on for the entire study?

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ."

Be anxious about nothing and pray about everything. That moment - that wisdom - it changed my life. The wisdom of God, the letting go of control. Fear was my wicked friend. Wisdom was my strength. God was my savior. Had I not learned His word or turned to him searching for the treasures who knows where I would be today.

Please don't misunderstand me. I am not implying that God made my child ill to teach me a lesson. I am saying that He used my child's illness to teach me one, to turn me to Him, to show me His Unfailing Love.

Proverbs - A One Month Study

2009-10-01T23:28:00.001-05:00

Today on K-LOVE (national Christian Radio Station) I heard the morning show mention that they were going to do Proverbs 31 Chapters in 31 Days for the month of October. I will probably miss over half of their discussions as I only even caught this one on the tail end, but the idea stuck with me all day. So, I decided to try and do a daily post about each chapter of Proverbs. I will most often be reading from an NIV Student Study Bible. I would love to hear from any of you during my process. I am far from an expert and any thing I say is taken from my understanding of what I am reading.

Proverbs Chapter 1:

This chapter focuses on Foolishness, Wisdom, Discipline, and Enticement.

Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." It discusses the importance of gaining wisdom and in not following the paths or joining in with sinners. Important advice to follow yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Tonight in Bible Study we learned that if you want to make a change you cannot continue on the same path you have used in the past. In essence you must gain knowledge of your past actions, and make an active change to see a change. Also, if you continue to surround yourself with those whom you commit your sins then you most likely will continue the sin. Common sense, my friends, but I think sometimes we all need a reminder.

I hope to hear from some of you along the way. If you are familiar with the chapter or want to read it and add in your thoughts then I would love to read your comments. Please remember to be respectful. I know sometimes differing views in religion can be difficult to accept.

Mama Dearest by E. Lynn Harris

2009-10-01T00:08:00.002-05:00

One of E. Lynn Harris's incomparable heroines, Yancey Harrington Braxton, is working her way back to Broadway and beyond. And this diva supreme always stirs up drama in and out of the spotlight....

New York City, you've been warned: Yancey Harrington Braxton is back. The ambitious singer and actress is fired up to move past her recent professional and personal setbacks -- including an explosive romance with NFL tight end John Basil Henderson -- and prove her talents are stronger than ever. After being out on tour, Yancey realizes what she really wants is to star in her own reality TV series, and she's even found a rich and well-connected lover to make it happen. There are, however, two women fierce enough to derail Yancey's plans with ambitions of their own: Madison B., a hot new bombshell taking the music industry by storm, and Ava Middlebrooks, who happens to be Yancey's own mama dearest.

Ava is out, about, and ready to reclaim her throne. Not even a stint in prison for attempted murder has curbed Ava's competitive nature, and it doesn't faze her in the least that her #1 rival is her own daughter. Ava is willing to do whatever it takes to make Yancey pay, including using Madison B. to turn Yancey's world upside-down by forcing her to confront the past...and making her comeback dreams more exciting and dangerous than she ever imagined.

Taking readers on a wild, passion-filled tour of the entertainment world, E. Lynn Harris's Mama Dearest delivers sensual thrills and electric plot twists -- with one unforgettable woman of radiant star power, sexual magnetism, and unapologetic ambition at the heart of the action.
www.elynnharris.com

Thanks to Sarah at Karen Hunter Publishing (Simon and Schuster) for providing me with a copy of this book and allowing me to participate in a tour to honor E. Lynn Harris on9/25/09. See my previous post here.

Yancy has decided it is time to rebuild her career. She knows she is way more talented than the off-Broadway production in which she is now starring. As she is trying to figure out a way to "make it big" again S. Marcus comes into her life. Not only is he Hot-Hot-Hot, he is a fabulous lover and connected enough to ensure Yancey fulfills her dream. What better way to put her back in the spotlight, but to have her star in her own reality show about making a comeback? The only problem is that to make this reality show work Yancey will be forced to face the demons of her past.

Ava, Yancey's mother, is out of prison and ready to rock the town. She knows she is way better than Yancey and she is going to knock her down a few notches while she steps on her head to climb to the top. She schemes and lies and holds back no moves to ensure her success.

Madison B. is a sweet teenager who has just hit it big by winning American Star. She is signing on with Disney to do a show and also looking at starring in her own reality show as well. She has never known her mother - she was raised by her father and aunt - and even as she grows older it still profoundly affects her. Where does she fit in to the drama between Yancey and Ava....she is the pawn Ava plans to use to crush Yancey.

I enjoyed Mama Dearest. This definitely is not sophisticated writing, but it was a good time to read. There were moments when it was a bit difficult, because you hated everyone you were reading about. These women can be self-promoting bitches to put it bluntly. Yancey begins to come into her own, but Ava is evil from beginning to end. It seems unbelievable to read that a mother could hate and hurt her daughter as much as Ava does, but sadly there are some terrible parents out there. Madison B. is just a typical teenager. Sometimes she hate and sometimes she loves. Her actions are based on her mood. As the mother of a teen girl that seemed pretty spot on.

There are some sex scenes with explicit detail, but not so many you feel like you are reading a porn script. There is sexual tension throughout most of the book. They added to the Hollywood, have it all attitude in Mama Dearest.

I did have one issue which I cleared up with the publisher. When I reached Chapter 2o the dialogue seemed out of place. When I reached Chapter 23 it seemed like it would have been the perfect time for Chapter 20. Upon writing the publisher I was informed that this is an actual misprint in the first edition and has been corrected. I was glad to hear it, because it flowed nicely except for that.

There are a couple of surprises in the book, but mostly you can see what is going to happen. This novel does wrap up in a tidy little bow in the end. Story over, happy ending. By the time I got there though I was so ready for something positive to happen without a negative chaser. I was happy to see how life ended for Yancey, Ava, and Madison B.

Mama Dearest is a quick, easy read. It is fun and sexy and bitchy all in one. Parts of the story are jaw dropping and others are a bit obvious. Overall, it was like a quick romp on the stereotypical Hollywood bed.

Giveaway - Permission Slips by Sherri Shepherd

2009-09-29T23:41:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Anna at Hachette Book Group I have 5 copies of Permission Slips to give away.

I just received my review copy in the mail and can't wait to read it. Sherri is funny and real and has faith. I am excited to see what she has to say about "giving herself a break".

PERMISSION SLIPS
By Sherri Shepherd

Covering topics such as "It's Jesus or Jail," "Marriage, the Hard Way," "Children: The Gift You Can't Give Back," and "All the Things I Don't Know...And All the Things I Definitely Do," stand-up comedienne, actress, and ABC's The View co-host Sherri Shepherd comically chronicles her struggles to keep up with the many roles-professional, wife, mother, daughter, and friend-that women must play in today's world. Sherri urges women to pursue their most important dreams and to never give up, but also let's readers know that it's okay to give themselves "permission slips" when things don't always work out the way they want them to.

Giveaway Guidelines

Post a comment telling one time you needed to give yourself permission to forgive yourself. Make sure you leave your email address.

My story - I went through a time where I was unable to let go of my fears/anxieties that had started after my son became seriously ill and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. I didn't tell anyone and suffered immensely. I eventually had to go to the doctor to get medication -this was only because I stopped sleeping completely and could no longer work. I had to forgive myself for not being able to do it all on my own. I had to forgive myself for not fixing the issues that were beyond my control, and then for allowing myself to get in such a horrible place.

Ok, now that I have put it all out there and exposed myself it's your turn (you definitely don't have to say anything so private).

Contest ends October 20th at 11:59 p.m. Contest open to those in the U.S. and Canada only. No P.O. Boxes.

Giveaway- The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

2009-09-29T00:42:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Valerie at Hachette Book Group I have 5 copies of this book for giveaway!

Book Information:

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

Breathtakingly suspenseful and beautifully written, The Historian is the story of a young woman plunged into a labyrinth where the secrets of her family's past connect to an inconceivable evil: the dark fifteenth-century reign of Vlad the Impaler and a time-defying pact that may have kept his awful work alive through the ages. The search for the truth becomes an adventure of monumental proportions, taking us from monasteries and dusty libraries to the capitals of Eastern Europe - in a feat of storytelling so rich, so hypnotic, so exciting that it has enthralled readers around the world.

"Never was a ghost story so casually erudite, nor a historical travelogue such gripping entertainment." ---New York Magazine

"Impossible to resist. . . . Kostova blends fact and fantasy to remind us that the original Dracula legend is rooted in monstrous acts of unblinking evil." ---Miami Herald

"A richly told story about family and the dark side of human nature. . . . This cry of the heart will appeal to readers beyond those who are drawn by a fascaination with the legend of Dracula." ---Chicago Tribune

"Genuinely terrifying." ---Boston Globe

"Nearly impossible to put down once you crack the spine. . . . It won't take you long to get to the end." ---Houston Chronicle

This would make an excellent book for a book club. Here is the Reading Group Guide.

Guidelines for entering the contest:

Please leave a comment and answer the question - If you researched your past and found out you were related to someone historically famous who would you want it to be?
Make sure you leave your email address so I can contact you if you win
Only U.S. and Canada residents can enter and no P.O. boxes are allowed.

Contest ends November 1 at 11:59 p.m. Central.

Simon's Cat by Simon Tofield

2009-09-29T00:04:00.003-05:00

Okay, I totally wanted this book. I watch Simon's Cat on YouTube and it is hilarious! I show the videos to everyone. I received the book and immediately took the time to check it out. It was quite refreshing to be able to sit down and review a book so quickly.

The book cracked me up! I will say that I didn't enjoy it as much as the shorts on YouTube, but it is still funny. I handed it to my 14 y.o. daughter about a week later to show her how cute one of the pages was and she couldn't stop turning the pages and laughing. She had not yet watched the videos and had no idea what to expect.

When I read a comic book I don't laugh out loud much. I get a chuckle and read it front to back. It makes me happy and I enjoy it, but I don't laugh a lot. With Simon's Cat I caught myself letting out the occasional HA!

I would definitely recommend it for a light-hearted laugh. You will enjoy it much more if you have a cat or are familiar with the typical cat personality.

Here is the link for my fav YouTube video of Simon's Cat. I posted it on the giveaway post too, but I want to share it again. Here's a link to the official website.

My contest for this book ends tonight at 11:59. Don't forget to sign up!

Winner - Jake the Snake and the Stupid Time Out Chair

2009-09-29T00:00:00.003-05:00

Congrats to

Julie P. (BookingMama)

I hope your kids enjoy it as much as mine did!

2009-09-27T02:23:00.000-05:00

Show Me 5 Saturday

2009-09-26T00:16:00.001-05:00

Welcome to my Meme!

Each Saturday You will post the answer to these questions. The number indicates the number of answers you will provide.

1 Book you read and/or reviewed this week
2 Words that describe the book
3 Settings where it took place or characters you met
4 Things you liked and/or disliked about it
5 Stars or less for your rating?

After each of you complete the meme on your blog add a comment here and I will put a link on my post.

1 Book: Raji by Ariion Kathleen Brindley

2 Words: Homeless Girl

3 Settings/Characters: Vincent Fusilier's "Fuse" barn, Raji - a homeless girl found in Fuse's barn - she doesn't know where she is just that she is free from the terrible things that were happening to her, Fuse - a young man trying to take care of everything while his mother is helping others in Africa and his father heals from an accident

4 Likes/Dislikes: I liked the strength and intelligence of the female characters, I enjoyed Ms. Brindley's story telling ability, I liked the importance of education, I really enjoyed the relationship between Raji and Fuse and am excited to read a sequel

5 Stars or Less: 4 Stars

Bending Toward The Sun by Leslie Gilbert-Lurie with Rita Lurie

2009-09-25T23:00:00.009-05:00

A miraculous lesson in courage and recovery, Bending Toward the Sun tells the story of a unique family bond forged in the wake of brutal terror. Weaving together the voices of three generations of women, Leslie Gilbert-Lurie and her mother, Rita Lurie, provide powerful—and inspiring—evidence of the resilience of the human spirit, relevant to every culture in every corner of the world. By turns unimaginably devastating and incredibly uplifting, this firsthand account of survival and psychological healing offers a strong, poignant message of hope in our own uncertain times.

Rita Lurie was five years old when she was forced to flee her home in Poland to hide from the Nazis. From the summer of 1942 to mid-1944, she and fourteen members of her family shared a nearly silent existence in a cramped, dark attic, subsisting on scraps of raw food. Young Rita watched helplessly as first her younger brother then her mother died before her eyes. Motherless and stateless, Rita and her surviving family spent the next five years wandering throughout Europe, waiting for a country to accept them. The tragedy of the Holocaust was only the beginning of Rita's story.

Decades later, Rita is a mother herself, the matriarch of a close-knit family in California. Yet in addition to love, Rita unknowingly passes to her children feelings of fear, apprehension, and guilt. Her daughter Leslie, an accomplished lawyer, media executive, and philanthropist, began probing the traumatic events of her mother’s childhood to discover how Rita’s pain has affected not only Leslie’s life and outlook but also Leslie’s daughter’s, Mikaela’s. A decade-long collaboration between mother and daughter, Bending Toward the Sun reveals how deeply the Holocaust remains in the hearts and minds of survivors, influencing even the lives of their descendants. It also sheds light on the generational reach of any trauma, beyond the initial victim. Drawing on interviews with the other survivors and with the Polish family who hid five-year-old Rita, Leslie and Rita bring together the stories of three generations of women—mother, daughter, and granddaughter—to understand the legacy that unites, inspires, and haunts them all.

Info above provided by www.bendingtowardthesun.com - going to this link will provide additional family, author and book detail. You will also be able to read an excerpt or purchase the book.

Thanks to Julie at FSB for sending me Bending Toward the Sun to read and review.

Bending toward the sun is the act of taking your life and your emotions and your history and turning it to the positive. It is learning to live amidst all that has happened. Sometimes when the history is as intense as being a Holocaust survivor that is easier said than done.

Ruchel "Rita" Gamss Lurie was a small child when her Jewish family was forced to hide in a farmhouse attic in Poland to stay alive. For two years she endured hunger, fear, confusion, and extreme loss. That loss stayed with her and affected her entire life. This novel follows first Rita, then her daughter Leslie and then briefly discusses Rita's granddaughter (Leslie's daughter) Mikaela. It also gives occasional glimpse into the lives of other members of the family who were affected. It weaves through their lives and shows us how the fears and anxieties of one generation can be passed to the next and can affect a family for many, many years.

I was hooked on this book about two words into reading. Not only does this book open your eyes to the horrors of the Holocaust, but it delves into relationships at a very intimate level. While reading Rita's story of hiding in the attic it felt so intense. I wept at the loss of her mother and brother, and I think it will stay with me for quite a long time. She bared her soul in every way. I felt at a complete loss. It is so difficult to read this and know it is not fiction and that there is nothing that can be done to take back what happened to this child and her family. I even feel as if I am rambling a bit in my review, because I just can't put my emotions quite in order. After discussing her time in the attic Rita then takes us through her life after her freedom. Freedom from persecution yes, but freedom from the fears and anxieties she will suffer for the rest of her life - absolutely not. Rita will always cling to her husband and her children. She will always fear that one day death will come to take one of them or her away unexpectedly. She will also always wonder if she is worthy of love and a good life.

Leslie grew up knowing that her mother was a Holocaust survivor. It was still quite fresh to her mothers generation and a part of all their lives. Leslie found that she suffered from wanting to save her mother from everything. She threw herself into so many extracurricular activities to prove her worth and the worth of her family. She states,

"My birth seemed a miracle, which motivated me to make the most of it. I would strive to mend the damaged world I inhabited, to make it good and just again,not only so I could feel safer but to add meaning to Mom's survival."

She and her mother were close, but at times unhealthy in their dependency on one another. Leslie ached for independence,but would draw herself back in on her own if not done by so Rita. As an adult Leslie was successful in business and found a wonderful husband. She vowed to create more independence in her children, but still clung to the need to save and protect her own mother. Little did Leslie know that her own child would suffer from separation anxiety so intense that pushing her to independence would be futile. In completing research she found that later generations of individuals who suffered intense trauma such as the Holocaust can be born with this innate fear. The need to cling to family and feelings of severe anxiety at separation.

One of the most touching portions of this novel is an essay written by 12 year old Mikaela. She sums up her family and their history and present emotions with the intelligence of an adult - but maybe only able to be seen through the eyes of a child. She questions how the Holocaust could have happened, but also acknowledges that the "world often is stupid" and it could happen again. She discusses her fears and anxieties and those of her mother and grandmother. I was brought to tears by her words and found myself shaking my head yes in agreement to so much she had to say. I wish I could write it all out on my page for you to read, but it is much too long and is more appreciated if you have read the entire novel first.

I think this novel was written to record a family history and to provide healing to three generations of women. These are women who love one another and are proud of their Jewish heritage, but have rips in their being from the past that occurred beyond their control. They are resilient and intelligent and inspiring. I would encourage anyone and everyone to read this novel. We all know Anne Frank and I think it is time we know Rita Lurie and not only what happens in the attic, but to the life of the child and her future family when they have to try and stand tall beyond the attic.

E. Lynn Harris Day

2009-09-25T00:32:00.006-05:00

On July 24, 2009 well-known author E. Lynn Harris passed away after a "serious health setback" (Arkansas Times). Mr. Harris was known for many things including his ability to include positive, in-depth homosexual African-American relationships as well as those that were "on the down low" in his books. He penned work that showed successful Black men and women, and will continue to have a huge fan base even after death.

His latest novel Mama Dearest has now been released and Karen Hunter Publishing has put together a tribute tour of Harris' friends and family to remember E. Lynn Harris and promote it. Click here to see the schedule.

I am proud to be a part of introducing Mr. Harris' last novel to each of you.

Mama Dearest

www.elynnharris.com

Please check back this weekend when I post my review of Mama Dearest.

Tuesday Teaser

2009-09-23T00:11:00.002-05:00

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

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

My Sentences:

Something about that didn't sit right with Madison. It felt a little too fast, too complete before they even started.

pg. 177 Mama Dearest by E. Lynn Harris. I will also be participating in his Tribute by posting a review of this book on Saturday, September 25th.

Saving Ben A Father's Story of Autism by Dan E. Burns

2009-09-22T21:47:00.001-05:00

Annotation:

Each year thousands of children are diagnosed with autism, a devastating neurological disorder that profoundly affects a person’s language and social development. Saving Ben is the story of one family coping with autism, told from the viewpoint of a father struggling to understand his son’s strange behavior and rescue him from a downward spiral.

“Take him home, love him, and save your money for his institutionalization when he turns twenty-one.” That was the best advice his doctor could offer in 1990 when three-year-old Ben was diagnosed with autism. Saving Ben tells the story of Ben’s regression as an infant into the world of autism and his journey toward recovery as a young adult. His father, Dan Burns, puts the reader in the passenger’s seat as he struggles with medical service providers, the school system, extended family, and his own limitations in his efforts to pull Ben out of his darkening world.

Ben, now 21 years old, is a work in progress. The full force and fury of the autism storm have passed. Using new biomedical treatments, repair work is underway. Saving Ben is a story of Ben’s journey toward recovery, and a family’s story of loss, grief, and healing. “Keep the faith, never give up.” These are the lessons of the author’s miraculous journey, saving Ben.

“Saving Ben is a haunting tale, so powerfully told that readers will find it practically crawls under their skin as they flip the pages. The story is told through the sensibility of a father searching for clues in a public library that might help him understand the nature of his son’s strange behavior. Answers don’t come easily. It will take years for the father, distracted by grief and denial, to see his son as his darling “scarecrow,” a never-ending work in progress, but also a gift. This is no ordinary journey, with no neat and tidy resolution. It’s the story of Benjamin’s downward spiral into a world not well suited to deal with him. Only a father who grew to love his son unconditionally, a father who was willing to sacrifice all for his son’s sake, could save him.”--George Getschow, Writer-in-Residence of the Mayborn Conference, University of North Texas

“This is a significant work to help inform parents of autistic children. Dan Burns shows he is a pioneer in his struggle to recover his son.”—Dr. Constantine Kotsanis, Wellness Metabolic Institute

About Author:

DAN E. BURNS, Ph.D., graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1979 and taught English at Southern Methodist University, University of Texas at Arlington, and University of Phoenix, publishing in numerous scholarly journals. In 1990 his third child, Benjamin, was diagnosed with autism. Dan helped organize a Dallas chapter of FEAT, a support group for parents, and pioneered educational and medical interventions. In 2006, Dan and his former wife Susan joined forces to implement the new biomedical treatments coming out of the Defeat Autism Now! movement, including Applied Behavioral Analysis, sensory integration, megavitamin therapy, and detoxification. Dan and Ben live in Dallas, Texas.
University of North Texas Press

Imagine your child has an illness and every doctor/medical researcher has a different idea on what will heal him. Many will even say that there is no cure for his problem - Autism. Unfortunately, because thousands of children are diagnosed every year chances are that someone reading this may living this nightmare and not imagining it. Autism remains a highly debated neurological disorder. Children and adults with autism have a wide spectrum of functionality and different treatments seem to work differently for everyone.

Saving Ben is Dan Burn's story of fighting to cure his son Ben of autism and of a family learning to cope with the life changes it presents. When Ben was born in 1987, Dan and his wife Sue were in a great place. They were more financially sound than with their older children and hoped to be able to provide more for Ben. The birth was normal, and except for Ben's large head and constant crying everything seemed to be fine. Dan and Sue followed the path of many parents before them - they figured out what the kid liked and used it to stop the tears. At this point, Ben may not be the easiest baby, but everything is still "normal". As Ben grows older it is obvious that something somewhere has gone wrong. Speech regresses, odd behaviors occur, and a plethora of health problems ensue. When autism if finally diagnosed it seems like they are finally on the right path to healing. It didn't take long for them to realize that autism is definitely NOT easy to fix.

Dan and Sue begin the journey to heal Ben of autism together, but the overwhelming work and their own personal issues begin to seep in and they divorce. During the novel, their relationship is very unhealthy. They spend times working together on a cure for Ben and times where Sue is accusing Dan of inappropriate behavior with their son - just to give an example. Sue has at this point developed mental health issues and really can't be trusted to be the same person from day to day. Dan is not off the hook either. He has repressed his homosexuality for many years and caused his share of grief to the family with his inappropriate actions.

Over the course of Ben's childhood so many different methods of treatment are tried. Sometimes with great success and other times with glaring failure. What remained impressive to me was how hard Dan would work to help his son. He would give up everything to provide Ben with one on one training. His love is never doubted. Sue's love for Ben is also apparent, but because the story is from Dan's point of view it can be harder to see its shine through at times.

This memoir is both touching and frustrating to me. Dan's fight to "save" his son make it obvious his love for Ben and his willingness to try whatever is needed. However, it is frustrating to see that this process requires much experimentation on a child. Please don't misunderstand me I am not implying that Dan or anyone involved in Ben's care treated him inappropriately. It is quite obvious that all methods were applied out of love and a desire for Ben to have more. The frustration I felt was more at the disease and its unpredictable patterns.

Also discussed sporadically in this book is Dan's struggle with his sexuality. I felt that Dan began the novel with a bluntness about his struggle, but then didn't follow through on how he eventually dealt with it or came to terms with his feelings/desires. He lays it out as a basis for some of the family dynamic issues, but I wish he would have explained a bit more. I am not asking for a play by play of sexual encounters or even a disclosure of his relationships, but I felt after its strong reference in the beginning that is should have been more than a side note later. He presented his battle but never let the reader know if he fully accepted himself.

Sue's battle with mental illness is presented only from an outsider looking in point of view. At times, I felt I could feel the bitterness that Dan had about her issues. Overall, I thought he was supportive and presented the situation as honestly as he could.

I found this memoir to be quite intriguing. I do not have a child with autism and was shocked at how much work, research, and emotion goes into it. I commend any and all parents in this situation. I can only imagine that if they were to read this they would relate on so many levels. It was beautiful to see a father with that level of dedication. He wanted to heal Ben at any and all cost. It was touching when he came to terms with the fact that Ben would not be healed, but could be provided a life at a higher level of functioning. I think it was quite clear that Dan will fight for this for as long as it is possible.

I would love to hear from any of you that have dealt with this personally and have read the book. Did you relate? Was it like reading your life? I pray that each of you in this situation find comfort and healing for your child and peace with yourselves that you are doing the best you can.

Giveaway - Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell

2009-09-21T23:18:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Valerie at Hachette Book Group I have 5 copies of Beat the Reaper to giveaway.

This book is in the works to be on The Big Screen, so you know it's good! You should check it out and even recommend it to your book group(Reading Guide found below). Watch the book trailer below...it makes you want to pick up the book right away just to determine what could be happening!

Book Information:
Dr. Peter Brown is an intern at Manhattan's worst hospital, with a talent for medicine, a shift from hell, and a past he'd prefer to keep hidden. Whether it's a blocked circumflex artery or a plan to land a massive malpractice suit, he knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men.

Pietro "Bearclaw" Brnwna is a hitman for the mob, with a genius for violence, a well-earned fear of sharks, and an overly close relationship with the Federal Witness Relocation Program. More likely to leave a trail of dead gangsters than a molecule of evidence, he's the last person you want to see in your hospital room.

Nicholas LoBrutto, aka Eddy Squillante, is Dr. Brown's new patient, with three months to live and a very strange idea: that Peter Brown and Pietro Brnwa might-just might-be the same person ...

Now, with the mob, the government, and death itself descending on the hospital, Peter has to buy time and do whatever it takes to keep his patients, himself, and his last shot at redemption alive. To get through the next eight hours-and somehow beat the reaper.

Spattered in adrenaline-fueled action and bone-saw-sharp dialogue, BEAT THE REAPER is a debut thriller so utterly original you won't be able to guess what happens next, and so shockingly entertaining you won't be able to put it down.

Book Extras

Reading Group Guide

Visit www.beatthereaper.com for games and more.

More Media:

Download a podcast

Listen to a clip from the audio book

This contest will run until October 25th at 11:59 p.m. Central time. It is open to the U.S. and Canada only - NO P.O. Boxes.

To win this book please leave me a comment and make sure you include your email address.
For an additional entry please tweet and include me in it @alipet813
One more entry if you put it on your blog

Thanks and Good Luck!

Winners - The Smart One and the Pretty One

2009-09-20T23:15:00.002-05:00

Congrats to:

Throuthehaze

Park Avenue Princess

Beth

Bloody Bad

Aliya

Online Books, Poems, Short Stories - Read Print Library

2009-09-19T20:48:00.002-05:00

Online Books, Poems, Short Stories - Read Print Library

Shared via AddThis

Show Me 5 Saturday

2009-09-19T10:02:00.002-05:00

Welcome to my Meme!

Each Saturday You will post the answer to these questions. The number indicates the number of answers you will provide.

1 Book you read and/or reviewed this week
2 Words that describe the book
3 Settings where it took place or characters you met
4 Things you liked and/or disliked about it
5 Stars or less for your rating?

After each of you complete the meme on your blog add a comment here and I will put a link on my post.

1 Book Bending Toward the Sun by Leslie Gilbert-Lurie with Rita Lurie

2 Words Holocaust Survivor

3 Settings/Characters: Poland, an attic at a kind farmer's home, Rita Lurie - we see her from small child to older adult beginning with her life in Poland trying to survive as a Jew

4 Likes/Dislikes: Like hearing a first hand story of surviving the Holocaust, like that you see the effect on 3 generations of women, Liked the honesty and willingness to share everything, Disliked how Rita was treated by her step-mother

5 Stars or less: I am not quite finished but so far this is a 5 star book!

Hardball by Sara Paretsky

2009-09-18T09:44:00.000-05:00

Chicago politics—past, present, and future—take center stage in New York Times–bestselling author Sara Paretsky’s brilliant new V. I. Warshawski novel.

Chicago’s unique brand of ball is sixteen-inch slow pitch, played in leagues all over the city for more than a century. But in politics, in business, and in law enforcement, the game is hardball.

When V. I. Warshawski is asked to find a man who’s been missing for four decades, a search that she figured would be futile becomes lethal. Old skeletons from the city’s racially charged history, as well as haunting family secrets—her own and those of the elderly sisters who hired her—rise up to brush her back from the plate with a vengeance. A young cousin whom she’s never met arrives from Kansas City to work on a political campaign; a nun who marched with Martin Luther King Jr. dies without revealing crucial evidence; and on the city’s South Side, people spit when she shows up. Afraid to learn that her adored father might have been a bent cop, V. I. still takes the investigation all the way to its frightening end.

www.saraparetsky.com

V.I. Warshawski has never been one to skirt around an issue or a case that needs solved. When the case comes knocking on the door of her family's past, those involved begin to question her doggedness.

V.I. has taken on a pity case. The one she can't turn down because the young female pastor and the dying old lady said they needed her. She is pretty positive she will never find a young man who vanished around 4o years ago, and she is also pretty sure that she isn't going to get paid much to try. It isn't long before the past leads her to a heavy hitting African American gang called the Anaconda's and then right to her father and uncle.

Also in the the equation is her young, perky cousin Petra who seems to be asking a lot of odd questions and behaving rather strangely. Petra has come to Chicago to get out on her own and is working on the election campaign of a popular politician. Her people skills and cutesy personality move her to the front of the campaign rather quickly or is it something else that made her so interesting to the campaign manager?

Learning her family history causes V.I. to question the integrity of her cop father. Something that doesn't settle well. It also makes her question if anything is as it seems.

V.I. is taken around Chicago's past and present in some not so pleasant ways. The past hits too close to home, and the present seems out to get her personally. Her office is ransacked, her cousin is missing, and an explosion puts her on the bench momentarily.

This novel kept me going from start to finish. The only issue I had was a moment of confusion in the first of the story. I was following along with the disappearance of Petra when suddenly the story traveled backward to where the current story had really begun. The segue was so quick that I didn't even realize it had happened. I had to search that chapter of the book for a bit to figure out exactly how and where that change in timeframe occurred. Once that was clear I was good to go.

I am ashamed to admit that this is my first V.I. Warshawski novel. I would absolutely read another one. She is a female detective that does not fall into a female stereotype. She takes a case head on and digs deeply until she gets an answer. I also found the other characters to be well-developed. Each had a distinct personality that stayed true to form for all of Hardball.

Hardball does alot of delving into the past to solve the current mystery and crimes. The background story of the missing man and Anaconda gang and V.I.'s family is well presented. The historical aspect of the racial tensions in Chicago was intriguing and a type of truth that can be hard to swallow today. It was easy to take the story that Paretsky built and accept the final outcome. Sure, it is convenient that the man who disappeared 40 years ago has a link to a criminal she previously knew, a politician her cousin works for, and a case her father was a part of during his police days. Somehow it seems to work though. What I did like is that even though it was family it didn't get wrapped up in such a neat little bow that made her family perfect and innocent.

On a side note, Sara Paretsky grew up not far from where I currently live. It is always fun to read a story where the author mentions your town. V.I.'s cousin Petra is from a town I lived in for years and her general hometown in the suburbs of Kansas City is my stomping ground. I don't know about the rest of you, but everytime I read something like that it makes me smile.

Thanks to Lydia at Penguin Group for the ARC of Hardball.

BBAW Celebrate Books - Looking Forward

2009-09-18T00:01:00.003-05:00

Today's Assignment - Setting Goals!
Write in 50 words or less…what do you like best about your blog right now and where would you like your blog to be a year from now?

Current Greatness - the connections being made and my recent blog layout updates.

Future Greatness - sitting down to write a review without needing hours of processing. A blog brimming with my true personality....a little book nerdiness and ALOT of silliness .

Below are some pictures so you all can see just what a goof I usually am...

BBAW Celebrate Books - 14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy

2009-09-17T01:31:00.002-05:00

Today's BBAW post guidelines are to do a review of a book I learned about from another blogger. Natasha at MawBooks reviewed a book in August 2009 that I absolutely had to buy immediately. She has intrigued me several times, but this one wasn't something I wanted to add to the TBR it was something I wanted to own and read RIGHT THEN. I promptly purchased 14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy and wanted to post the review today. Thanks Natasha!

In June of 2002, a very unusual ceremony begins in a far-flung village in western Kenya. An American diplomat is surrounded by hundreds of Maasai people. A gift is about to be bestowed on the American men, women, and children, and he is there to accept it. The gift is as unsought and unexpected as it is extraordinary. A mere nine months have passed since the September 11 attacks, and hearts are raw. Tears flow freely from American and Maasai as these legendary warriors offer their gift to a grieving people half a world away. Word of the gift will travel news wires around the globe. Many will be profoundly touched, but for Americans, this selfless gesture will have deeper meaning still. For a heartsick nation, the gift of fourteen cows emerges from the choking dust and darkness as a soft light of hope_and friendship. Master storyteller Carmen Agra Deedy hits all the right notes in this elegant story of generosity that crosses boundaries, nations, and cultures. An afterword by Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah_the Maasai warrior at the center of the story_provides additional information about his tribe and their generous actions. Thomas Gonzalez_s stunning paintings, which are saturated with rich hues of oranges and browns, and blues and greens, capture the modest nobility of the Maasai people and the distinctive landscape of the African plain. www.amazon.com

September 11, 2001 changed our world. Americans were traumatized and it was the first time that many of us felt unsafe living in the United States. Around the world countries rushed to support America. 14 Cows for America is one such example of selfless giving.

Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah, a Maasai from Kenya, lived in New York during the attacks. The following Spring he returned to his tribe and shared his story of that time. The Maasai are a people who believe in compassion and caring. It is their belief that "to heal the pain in someone's heart...you give them something that is close to your own heart". One thing very close to the Maasai is their cattle. Cattle are cared for as well as family member and represent life to the tribe. In an effort to heal the pain of the American people the Maasai offered 14 cows.

I found this story to be truly touching. The Maasai offered "life" to the American people after a great loss of life- literally and symbolically. By symbolically I am referring to the changes that took place in us after we lost our sense of safety and indestructibility. To some 14 cows may not seem like a sacrifice, but this is a large gift. Cattle are not owned by all and must be saved for over time. Cattle represent "life" and provide food and livelihood. The cattle are hope and growth and healing.

The artwork in the book is breathtaking and the story almost lyrical. It is a picture book with great depth. This is a story that will remain on my shelf for life. This is a story of compassion that I will take off the shelf and remind my children of regularly.

In addition this book is a bit extra special in my house. My son is half African with a father from Kenya. This book shows his father's native land in a positive and beautiful light. It will be used in my house to teach him about the other culture that is deep within him. My son is not a Maasai, but he is part of a Kenyan tribe. Living in the U.S. takes that piece away from him, but this book will show him one way in which a tribe of Africa can make a difference for a Great Nation and People. The last line of this book is amazing and sums up exactly the lesson I want him to learn,

"Because there is no nation so powerful it cannot be wounded, nor a people so small they cannot offer mighty comfort."

Absolutely beautiful!

BBAW Celebrate Books - Wednesday Meme

2009-09-16T00:15:00.000-05:00

Today we are supposed to answer some meme questions created at the BBAW site. Sounded fun to me so here I go:

That's me in the middle between my 2 best friends. Tiff on the left and Ann on the right. Aren't we hotties?! LOL
Just thought I would throw this in since this post is about ME

Do you snack while you read? If so, favorite reading snack?
I try not to snack, but I do it anyway. Favorite snack....hmmm...cereal, cookies

Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of writing in books horrify you? I can't write in my books. I just can't do it. I even cringe at writing my name in the front.

How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears?
I either just remember the chapter or page. I can't dog-ear. That goes right along with writing in the book. I also can't stand it when my cover gets bent. Yikes...not good!!

Laying the book flat open?
Was this supposed to go with how I keep my page? I do this sometimes, but not often.

Fiction, Non-fiction, or both?
I prefer fiction, but like a good memoir

Hard copy or audiobooks?
Hard copy. I don't do audiobooks right now because my cd player is broken in the car. I also think they tend to cost too much. One more thing...I tend to start thinking about other things if I am just listening to them.

Are you a person who tends to read to the end of chapters, or are you able to put a book down at any point?
I read to the end of the chapter if at all possible. Sometimes when I read during my lunch break at work I have to stop early and that is very hard for me.

If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop to look it up right away?
When I am on my Kindle I absolutely look it up right away. In a regular book I see if I can figure it out in context. If not I look it up later unless I can't understand the story without knowing right away.

What are you currently reading?
Bending Toward the Sun by Leslie Gilbert-Lurie with Rita Lurie, The Interrogative Mood by Padgett Powell. I am writing this post early and right now I am also reading Middlesex for a book club meeting on Tuesday. I kind of forgot about it so I don't know that I will get it finished.

What is the last book you bought?
I just bought several off of Amazon. I bought The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, 14 Cows for America, Because I am Furniture, and the Art of Racing In the Rain
BTW, Um, MawBooks is the reason for several of these purchases so I may have to stop reading her blog before I go completely broke. LOL

Are you the type of person that only reads one book at a time or can you read more than one at a time?
I usually read one at a time

Do you have a favorite time of day and/or place to read?
anytime anywhere, but I like it to be kind of quiet. I do read every workday on my afternoon break while my co-workers play darts. Not a quiet time, but I like it anyway.

Do you prefer series books or stand alone books?
I mostly read stand alone, but I can't pass up a good series

Is there a specific book or author that you find yourself recommending over and over?
Recently, Melissa Foster's book Megan's Way. Very touching story of love, loss, and relationships.
I also recommend The Almost Human Series by Melanie Nowak. This is a great vampire series I read on my Kindle, but is now available in paper. I plan to review this series.

How do you organize your books? (By genre, title, author’s last name, etc.?)
Organize what is that??? On my old bookshelf I put an author's books together and then just put there by size. I did separate my religious books. Currently, my only way of organizing is to put my review books in order of how they were received.

BBAW Celebrate Books - Blogger Interview...Wanna Meet Drey?

2009-09-15T02:15:00.002-05:00

For my BBAW Interview I had the pleasure of meeting (via email) and interviewing Drey from Drey's Library .

Drey (on the left) pictured here with her friend Mary

I was going to give an intro and tell you all about Drey, but quite frankly isn't that what the questions are for? I will, however, say this... Drey's blog is fun to read. Her personality shines through in everything she writes and I, quite frankly, wouldn't mind being friends with her IRL.

Also, I want to say thanks to Drey, because when I found out she was my interview partner I bombarded her with some blog layout questions. She very graciously answered each one. Her tips were a great place to get started with making my blog what I wanted and my blog is looking fabulous if I do say so myself. LOL

1. Tell me a little about your life outside of blogging...significant other? kids?pets?work? You get the drift..

Hmm. I'm married, with one kid (6-yo boy), and I work full time. So, life outside blogging includes working a 40-hr week (if I'm lucky), picking up the kids (+1 'cuz I watch a friend's kid after school, since she goes to the same school as my son), snack times, homework, meals, hanging with the kid & the Mr., laundry, cleaning, and reading. Sounds like a whole chore, eh?

2. What led you to blogging and how long have you been doing it?

Well, let's see. I started blogging at drey's house back in May-ish of 2008. I was very frustrated with the state of the economy, etc. so it was pretty much a rant blog. Then I branched off into kid stuff,and into books, since I read quite a bit. Eventually, the book stuff took over my rant blog, so I started drey's library--in November '08, I believe--so that the book stuff could have its own home.

3. Do you own or would you consider owning a kindle or other e-reader?

I would LOVE a Kindle. I'm hosting the 2009 Ban on Spending challenge (J. Kaye roped me in, lol!), partly so I could not spend all my money on books, and put it towards a Kindle instead. I'm not doing so well in my own challenge though--somehow books keep making their way into my TBR pile...=(

4. Your favorite book? Favorite genre?

Ahh...This is hard. Favorite genre is fantasy. Urban fantasy, epic fantasy, you name it. Favorite BOOK is hard. I have favorite authors in the genre--C.s. Friedman, Michelle Sagara, George R.R. Martin, Patrick Rothfuss, C.E. Murphy...I also love mysteries, and have been very much in the mood for chick lit lately. Please don't make me pick a book...=)

5. How many books would you guess are in your TBR pile right now?

Hmm. A lot? Counting all the books I have for review, and the ones I've won during the year, there are about 50 books.

6. What is the craziest place yo have ever read?
In a hot tub. Trying to keep the book dry was an experience.

7. Describe your ultimate reading experience e.g. place, time, layout, music, etc.

Curled up on a comfy chair with some hot chocolate & Bailey's in a nice keep-warm mug next to me.

8. Eating while reading - good or bad?

GOOD! How else would I indulge in the occasional nibble (chocolate, of course!).

9. Favorite board game/party game?

I love board games and card games. Any kind. Or, should I say, every kind? =) We play Texas Hold 'em in the fall & winter. Board games when we have enough people. It's even carried over into the online world--we play Catan and Carcassonne on the XBOX 360 against our friends.

10. Addicted to any TV show(s)?

Not really. I love The Amazing Race, and Survivor. Loved Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, but it's dead now. Loved Battlestar Galactica, can't wait to see what Cylons will be like. Yes, I am a geek.

11. If you could be anyone (dead or alive) who would you choose and why?

Yeesh. I would love to be the Dalai Lama, and see the world change through the reincarnation cycle. (This is the kind of answer you get when I am replying at 11pm at night!) *grin*

Teaser Tuesdays

2009-09-14T22:54:00.002-05:00

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

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

My sentences:

Can you list the things you are afraid of, or is it easier to list the things you are not afraid of, or are you afraid of nothing, or are you essentially afraid of everything?
If you yourself are not a coward, do you look upon a coward with sympathy or with disgust?

p. 41 of uncorrected proof of The Interrogative Mind by Padgett Powell

This is a book made up entirely of questions and I find it very entertaining!

A Bit of Excitement for Me

2009-09-14T22:20:00.003-05:00

Okay, most of you don't know me personally so you don't know much about my kids. My dear daughter is 14 yo and has had her struggle with reading in the past. I won't go in to my personal rant about how the school failed miserably or how I think I must have failed a bit too.

Anyway, a couple of years ago when The Twilight Series came out she surprisingly decided to give it a try. At that moment she began a serious love affair with reading. Granted she is very picky and can't stand a "girly" book (but that is her general take on life), but put the right book in her hand and she can't put it down. Yesterday, she agreed to read The Hunger Games and here is the best part....if she actually likes the book well enough to read it (not thinking that will be a problem) then she will write most of the review! Wow!!! If you knew her you would know that's BIG. See, she is a very talented writer, but she doesn't like to share. She sits around and writes poems and short stories all the time, but won't let anyone touch them. She is currently in Creative Writing at school and the teachers have chosen her work a couple of times to read aloud. She won't even let them acknowledge that it is her! I can't wait to see what she says about The Hunger Games!!!

Oh, to top it off she said casually yesterday that she would like to read Pride and Prejudice. I almost fell down in shock! I think I can download it for free on my Kindle so her wish will be coming true whenever she is ready.

There is nothing like the feeling you get when you are totally proud of your kids!!

BBAW Celebrate Books- To All Those Blogging Along with No Award in Your Immediate Future

2009-09-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

Today BBAW asked that we recognize those blogs that didn't get shortlisted. No problem! I know a couple of ladies I thought I would be voting for that weren't there. I have a couple of blogs that I read almost daily and my day wouldn't be complete without them now that I know they exist.

Sheila at Book Journey

Sheila is new to the book blogging community, but if you were to click on her blog you would have NO IDEA...seriously she seems like a pro. She is very welcoming to others and does great reviews and author interviews among many other things. I read her blog every single day.

Julie at My Own Little Corner of the World

Julie - such a sweet woman. Her reviews are great. She does a great job of spotlighting others giveaways and she takes the time to comment on other blogs.

Amy at A Park Avenue Princess

Oh Amy the Princess has an amazing blog! She hosts many, many giveaways. Some of them amazingly generous. She also writes great reviews. To top it all off she has about the cutest blog layout I have ever seen.

Melissa at Betty and Boo Chronicles

Melissa is an amazing writer. I just love to read what she has to say. Her posts are typically thought provoking and inspiring. Everytime I see on my google reader that she has a new post I rush right to it.

Jenni at Falling Off the Shelf

Great blogger! Great reviews! Great commenter! Oh and I like her layout too...I think she may be changing her background soon, but I am sure it will still be awesome.

Jaimie at Book Nerd Extraordinaire

Great chick! She has great giveaways and great reviews. She is also great at commenting on other blogs.

Laurel-Rain Snow at many different blogs..I am gonna link just one Creations

Laurel has many blogs focused on her books. She is a retired social worker and her work is great! I haven't received my first book in the mail yet, but I have read several excerpts and I want to get started right away. She is always out and about in the blogging community taking the time to encourage others and I like seeing her there!

Here is my Award to You!

Show Me 5 Saturday - OOPS!!

2009-09-12T22:46:00.007-05:00

Sorry all I just realized that I didn't post my Saturday meme. I apologize. I worked a full day and I had to take time to prepare my blog tour for this morning. I am posting it now though I don't know if I will get any participants at this point.
Okay here is how it works...

Each Saturday You will post the answer to these questions. The number indicates the number of answers you will provide.

1 Book you read and/or reviewed this week
2 Words that describe the book
3 Settings where it took place or characters you met
4 Things you liked and/or disliked about it
5 Stars or less for your rating?

After each of you complete the meme on your blog add a comment here and I will put a link on my post.

Here is my better late than never post.

1 Book: 14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy in collaboration with Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah

2 Words: Healing, beautiful

3 Settings/Characters: Kenya - in a remote village where the Maasi live, Kimeli - the Maasai who has been in New York and witnessed the Sept 11th tragedy, Cows - 14 to be exact which are an offering of great proportions

4 Likes/Dislikes: I love the beautiful illustrations done by Thomas Gonzalez - he is amazing, the healing properties in the story teach so much to adults and children, I love that this is a true story it is just so touching, I loved how giving the Maasai were and the symbolic nature of their generosity

5 Stars: Oh absolutely! Everyone should get this for themselves and their children

Thanks to Natasha at MawBooks for making sure others knew about this book!

Other Participants

Trin at Bloody Bad

Brittanie

Kaye

Julie J.

The Way Home Winners

2009-09-12T22:22:00.004-05:00

Congrats to...

~~Marjorie~~ she already won it elsewhere

Laura Fabiani

Jenny

Karen K

Park Ave Princess

Carol

I am sending an email to each of you right now!!

That's A Novel Idea

Check out this Instant Win Game I'm participating in...

Left Neglected by Lisa Genova

The Help - Movie

Be prepared to meet three unforgettable women:

Chasing Amanda by Melissa Foster

Bossypants by Tina Fey

Total Randomness

Got Books Giveaway

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker

Show Me 5 Saturday 6/12/10

The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews

The Passage by Justin Cronin

About the Book

Technical Difficulties

Show Me 5 Saturday 5/8/10 (ok Sunday the 9th)

Show Me 5 Saturday 5/1/10

Conversations with Jerry and Other People I Thought Were Dead - Irene Kendig

Award

Show Me 5 Saturday 4/24/10

Yes, I still read...in between all the other junk in my life!

Show Me 5 Saturday

Megan's Way by Melissa Foster - Wattpad

Winners - Breaking the Bank by Yona McDonough

Winners - The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

So You Want to Be a Teacher by Ben Gorden with a giveaway

So...How You Doin'?

Show Me 5 Saturday

Japan Took the J.A.P. Out of Me by Lisa Fineberg Cook

Winners - Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell

Show Me 5 Saturday

Winners - Permissions Slips by Sherri Sheperd

Over the Holidays by Sandra Harper - Blog Tour

Angels A Pop-Up Book by Chuck Fischer with Giveaway

Once A Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

Playing House by Fredrica Wagman

Show Me 5 Saturday

Proverbs - Chapter 16

The Hidden Man by David Ellis

Proverbs - Chapter 15

Proverbs - Chapter 14

Proverbs - Chapter 13

Proverbs - Chapter 12

The Smart One and the Pretty One by Claire LaZebnik

Book Extras

New Feature Box - Main site, blank 65359

Proverbs - Chapter 11

Proverbs - Chapter 9 & 10

Who's Over the Top? Me...and some friends that's Who

Show Me 5 Saturday

Proverbs - Chapter 8

Proverbs - Chapter 7

Proverbs - Chapter 6

Tonight Book Signing for He Who Sings Last

Winner - Megan's Way

Proverbs - Chapter 5

Breaking The Bank by Yona Zeldis McDonough Tour & Review& Giveaway

Proverbs - Chapters 3 & 4

Winners - Simon's Cat

Show Me 5 Saturday

Proverbs - Chapter 2

Proverbs - A One Month Study

Mama Dearest by E. Lynn Harris

Giveaway - Permission Slips by Sherri Shepherd

Giveaway- The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

Simon's Cat by Simon Tofield

Winner - Jake the Snake and the Stupid Time Out Chair

Show Me 5 Saturday

Bending Toward The Sun by Leslie Gilbert-Lurie with Rita Lurie

E. Lynn Harris Day

Tuesday Teaser

Saving Ben A Father's Story of Autism by Dan E. Burns

Giveaway - Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell

Book Extras

New Feature Box - Main site, blank 65359

Winners - The Smart One and the Pretty One

Online Books, Poems, Short Stories - Read Print Library

Show Me 5 Saturday

Hardball by Sara Paretsky

BBAW Celebrate Books - Looking Forward