Fire & Ice

True Mom Confessions:Real Moms get real by Romi Lassally

2012-01-22T00:31:00.000-06:00

Mothers' hilarious, outrageous, heartfelt admissions

"Sometimes I lock myself in the bathroom."

"I put an educational DVD on so I could have sex. It wasn't with my husband."

Romi Lassally provides a judgment-free zone where women can reveal their mommy misdemeanors. From not feeling like cleaning up vomit in the middle of the night, to barking something completely inappropriate to the children, to wanting to be pawed by hands that aren't covered in jelly, the confessions pour in daily.

Heartfelt and hilarious, naughty and nasty, frank and outrageous, the confessions culled together for this book represent the best-or the worst?-of those humbling hidden secrets of motherhood in all its glorious messiness as improvisation and triage. They dare to suggest that it's okay for moms to make mistakes, to have unkind thoughts, to publicly or privately embarrass themselves-and above all to be human.

This was a fast read for me and being only a step mom I was not fully sure I would relate,but it seemed like fun. So I went for it. Well I am glad I did because it was a great book, it made me laugh and it made me cry and really no matter what kind of Mom you are you can relate.

If you are a Step Mom, Mom Mom, Fur Mom or any kind of Mom at all I reccomend reading this one. It will help you and make you see indeed your not alone in the little things and bigger things either. True Mom Confessions is just that!

Happy New Year

2011-12-30T02:21:00.000-06:00

I finished my goal of 50 books this year not to shabby since I started so behind the ball. I did not get all the reviews written mostly because the books I finished the year out with for the challenge were ones I have already read and I just could only type so many Reviews. Bad of me I know.

But the new year commeth and I shall set my goal for a reasonable 50 again and start the reviews once more.

Happy new year fellow book Lovers.

Book Review: A Fatal Waltz by Tasha Alexander

2011-12-18T02:00:00.002-06:00

At her friend Ivy's behest, Lady Emily Ashton reluctantly agrees to attend a party at the sprawling English country estate of a man she finds odious. But the despised Lord Fortescue is not to be her greatest problem. Kristiana von Lange, an Austrian countess once linked romantically with Emily's fiancÉ, the debonair Colin Hargreaves, is a guest also. And a tedious evening turns deadly when their host is found murdered, and his protÉgÉ, Robert Brandon—Ivy's husband—is arrested for the crime.

Determined to right a terrible wrong, Emily embarks on a quest that will lead her from London's glittering ballrooms to Vienna's sordid backstreets—and into a game of wits with a notorious anarchist. But putting Colin in deadly peril may be the price for exonerating Robert—forcing the intrepid Emily to bargain with her nemesis, the Countess von Lange, for the life of her fiancÉ.

This is the third book in the series about Lady Emily Ashton, and while I have thoroughly enjoyed each one, I believe that this one is my favorite so far. I have enjoyed watching Emily's character grow and mature in each book. This time, she sets out to prove the innocence of Robert Brandon, her friend Ivy's husband, after he has been arrested for murder. The novel moves at a fast pace, and many of Emily's friends from the previous books appear as new ones are also introduced. At the end of the previous book, Lady Emily became engaged to Colin Hargreaves, and he plays a major role in this story as he did in the others. This time, Lady Emily experiences a few qualms over a past romantic relationship of Colin's. Political intrigues put Colin's life in danger, and Emily does her best to ensure his safety. Colin is as wonderful in this book as he was in the other two. I find him to be an unusually delightful hero. He is so supportive of Emily and willing to let her test her abilities and intelligence. I eagerly await reading the next book in the series :)

Book Review: Letters for Emily by Camron Wright

2011-10-18T00:23:00.002-05:00

You are so young. You may wonder what an old man like me could teach? I wonder as well. I certainly don't claim to know all the answers. I'm barely figuring out the questions....Life has a strange way of repeating itself and I want my experience to help you. I want to make a difference. My hope is that you'll consider my words and remember my heart.

Harry Whitney is dying. And in the process, he's losing his mind. Afflicted with Alzheimer's disease, he knows his "good" time is dwindling. Wishing to be remembered as more than an ailing old man, Harry realizes the greatest gift he can pass on is the wisdom of his years, the jumbled mix of experiences and emotions that add up to a life. And so he compiles a book of his poems for his favorite granddaughter, Emily, in the hope that his words might somehow heal the tenuous relationships in a family that is falling apart.

But Harry's poems contain much more than meets the eye....As Emily and her family discover, intricate messages are hidden in them, clues and riddles that lead to an extraordinary cache of letters, and even a promise of hidden gold. Are they the ramblings of a man losing touch with reality? Or has Harry given them a gift more valuable than any of them could have guessed? As Harry's secrets are uncovered one by one, his family learns about romance, compassion, and hope -- and together they set out to search for something priceless, a shining prize to treasure forever. They may grow closer in spirit or be torn apart by greed...but their lives will be undeniably altered by Harry's words in his letters for Emily.

The letters are written by a Grandfather with Alzheimers (ostensibly) to his granddaughter. Grandpa Harry wants to leave letters and poems behind so that people can know him for the man he was in life, and not the man he was as his mind and conduct were claimed by disease.

There are additional story lines relating to his relationships with his wife, his children, and between his children and their families, but I was most struck by two things: his desperation to be remembered with fondness, and not as the crazy crank he anticipated becoming; and the fact that his disease process was exacerbated by a lifelong battle with depression.

I was touched by the story, even when I felt that the ending was perhaps a little idealized for a society that exalts the easy divorce.

Book Review: The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice

2011-10-17T00:22:00.003-05:00

Once an aristocrat in the heady days of pre-revolutionary France, now Lestat is a rockstar in the demonic, shimmering 1980s. He rushes through the centuries in search of others like him, seeking answers to the mystery of his terrifying exsitence. His story, the second volume in Anne Rice's best-selling Vampire Chronicles, is mesmerizing, passionate, and thrilling.

I'm going to just put this out there: Lestat is among the most fascinating minds I've ever been inside in literature. He just is. I understand that this is an erotic horror novel but that doesn't diminish the truth of that statement. This book holds up to the test of time. I re-read it , and found out that I had not had a silly teenage fancy about it.

Lestat is just one of those... well the main review says Faustian, and I'm going to have to agree. His journey through sensuality, spirtuality, violence and meaning is one of the most fascinating I've ever read. It comes to a culmination in "Memnoch the Devil," I feel, but this is where it begins. Lestat is a thoroughgoing bastard with lines like "I can't help that I'm a gorgeous fiend. It's just a card a drew," and "I don't like myself, you know. I love myself, and I'm committed to myself to my dying day, but I don't like myself." You can't help but want to know more about him. Mythical, poetic, grand, larger than life. He just sucks you up into his story. I defy anyone to read this and not end up caring for this mind deeply. It's just so beautiful. I think his journey through the chronicles is very much Odysseus-like. Except that he does not know where his home is, and he rejects the very idea of it. But that's what he's searching for all the same.

Perhaps I got attached to these at a young age, so I have a different perspective. But I think you can appreciate his passion, and the beauty with which it is expressed until a far older age than that.

Book Review: Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice

2011-10-16T00:19:00.001-05:00

The time is now.

We are in a small room with the vampire, face to face, as he speaks, as he pours out the hypnotic, shocking, moving, and erotically charged confessions of his first two hundred years as one of the living dead. . .

He speaks quietly, plainly, even gently . . . carrying us back to the night when he departed human existence as heir--young, romantic, cultivated--to a great Louisiana plantation, and was inducted by the radiant and sinister Lestat into the other, the "endless," life . . . learning first to sustain himself on the blood of cocks and rats caught in the raffish streets of New Orleans, then on the blood of human beings . . . to the years when, moving away from his final human ties under the tutelage of the hated yet necessary Lestat, he gradually embraces the habits, hungers, feelings of vampirism: the detachment, the hardened will, the "superior" sensual pleasures.

He carries us back to the crucial moment in a dark New Orleans street when he finds the exquisite lost young child Claudia, wanting not to hurt but to comfort her, struggling against the last residue of human feeling within him . . .

We see how Claudia in turn is made a vampire--all her passion and intelligence trapped forever in the body of a small child--and how they arrive at their passionate and dangerous alliance, their French Quarter life of opulence: delicate Grecian statues, Chinese vases, crystal chandeliers, a butler, a maid, a stone nymph in the hidden garden court . . . night curving into night with their vampire senses heightened to the beauty of the world, thirsting for the beauty of death--a constant stream of vulnerable strangers awaiting them below . . .

We see them joined against the envious, dangerous Lestat, embarking on a perilous search across Europe for others like themselves, desperate to discover the world they belong to, the ways of survival, to know what they are and why, where they came from, what their future can be . . .

We follow them across Austria and Transylvania, encountering their kind in forms beyond their wildest imagining . . . to Paris, where footsteps behind them, in exact rhythm with their own, steer them to the doors of the Théâtre des Vampires--the beautiful, lewd, and febrile mime theatre whose posters of penny-dreadful vampires at once mask and reveal the horror within . . . to their meeting with the eerily magnetic Armand, who brings them, at last, into intimacy with a whole brilliant and decadent society of vampires, an intimacy that becomes sudden terror when they are compelled to confront what they have feared and fled . . .

Interview with the Vampire" is a truly remarkable book and this is by far not the first time I have read it, but the first time I review it. Without claiming to be a fantasy know-it-all, I'd like to say that the characters in this book are probably some of the most well-developed fantasy creatures out there. Each one has their own doubts, fears, hopes, and a whole system of values. They might not always act as expected from them, but then again, do they have to be perfect, all-knowing, wise and so very distant from humans every single time? What Anne Rice has created is not only a work of fiction, but also a study of psychology.

I have never read a book which goes so deeply into vampire nature, telling us a whole new story of insecurity, where dark thoughts battle with the constant fascination by the world; where the need to be together with somebody of your own kind overcomes all obstacles, even your own hatred; where the struggle for knowledge fights for its existence with the fear that there might be nothing to know; where cold comfort meets change. And all this is so stylish, so dark and dangerous, that nobody dares to think these vampires are funny or stupid.

Isn't it paradoxical that the book's approach to fantastic creatures is so logical, yet so rarely used in modern-day fantasy literature? After all, some of them have been humans before their transformation, right? Why does no one pay attention to their struggle after becoming vampires for example? Where does the presumption that they suddenly become encyclopedias come from?! I'm not saying the human psychological approach towards them doesn't exist, such a thing I cannot claim, but it still is an uncommon concept. Perhaps it's harder to think before writing, to analyze the options and get to know your own characters, to predict their every move. All too often, modern-day authors just find in fantasy an easy way to escape all logic and write whatever comes out from under their fingers. That is why, I fear, literature teachers will always retain their negative attitude towards fantasy. Which is a shame.

Yikes

2011-10-09T19:17:00.002-05:00

Yikes I have gotten behind on my reviews again. I have been reading just not doing my reviews. Bad book girl. I will make an effort to catch up on those soon! Life has just been busy busy busy.

Book Review: Lover Awakened by JR Ward

2011-08-29T02:52:00.001-05:00

A former blood slave, the vampire Zsadist still bears the scars from a past filled with suffering and humiliation. Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike. Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion—until he rescues a beautiful aristocrat from the evil Lessening Society.

Bella is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses. But even as their desire for one another begins to overtake them both, Zsadist’s thirst for vengeance against Bella’s tormentors drives him to the brink of madness. Now, Bella must help her lover overcome the wounds of his tortured past, and find a future with her

I can admit based on the first two books Z was my least favorite of the brotherhood, although occasionally I found myself wondering if he was not just acting so nasty because everyone expected him to especially in book 2 but I just could not connect with him. I think that is however what was intended we were not supposed to like him, until his book.

Lover Awakened is a great book, it is well written and it truly gives you understanding on why Z is the way he is, we get his full story the abuses he took were well beyond the realm of only being a blood slave. I cried for him, and I cried for other things as well but I will not put them in my review because they are spoilers. Z pushes so hard for Bella to prefer the “un-broken” brother his brother Phury, but she refuses. There is angst as always, but in the end the right thing happens at the right time. Z truly comes to be whole to take his place among the Brotherhood and be more than a killer, he truly becomes a warrior.

By the end of this book I had fully changed my my mind on Z, while he won't replace my favorite just yet of Rhage he is now loved by me. Well done it is not often I go from absolutely not liking a character to making me love them.

I still do not like the lessers I get why they are there but they bore me. John Matthew is going to be great once we get into his full story and bless Butch for his pinning, though I wonder what V did to him, I bet you do now too.

Book Review: Trading up by Candace Bushnell

2011-08-23T01:50:00.000-05:00

Janey Wilcox is an M.A.W. (that's Model/Actress/Whatever to the uninitiated). The problem with Janey, the protagonist of Candace Bushnell's first novel, Trading Up, is not the M or the A part. It's the W. Here is a rare alphabetical anomaly: In Janey's case, W stands for "prostitute." Oh, Janey never crosses the line into actual hookerdom, but she does sleep with extremely wealthy men in the hopes they'll improve her status, her financial situation, or her lifestyle. When we first met Janey in Bushnell's novella collection 4 Blondes, she was up to her usual tricks (so to speak)--scamming a guy for a Hamptons vacation rental. At the opening of Trading Up, her fortunes have improved. She's now the star of a Victoria's Secret ad campaign, and as such she's found access to undreamed-of echelons of New York society. She makes friends with Mimi Kilroy, a senator's daughter "at the very top of the social heap in New York." She gets invited to all the best parties. And she finally finds a wealthy man who will actually marry her: Seldon Rose, a powerful entertainment industry executive. Of course, Janey's social ambitions are not stoppered by her marriage to Seldon, and the clash between her expectations (more parties!) and his (normal life) send Janey into a tailspin that leads to heartbreak. Bushnell is clearly trying to channel Edith Wharton (The Custom of the Country is even invoked by Janey as a screenplay idea), but ends up sounding a lot more like a cross between Tama Janowitz and Judith Krantz. This is a novel about shopping and sex, and while it's fizzy enough, it's not Cristal. --Claire Dederer

This is a pretty mediocre book. Its worst flaw is that every one of the characters is so downright despicable that you end up not caring a jot what happens to any of them. You find yourself hoping that Janey will get her come-uppance, but unfortunately when she does, it's short-lived. The writing is barely okay, certainly nothing outstanding, and the plot development is sluggish.

On the positive side, Candace Bushnell obviously knows the Manhattan social scene well and at times you feel that the descriptions are depressingly accurate. I say depressing because it comes across as being such a shallow and superficial world that I am happy to be well removed from it. It's kind of fun to guess at the inspiration behind some of the characters - Gwyneth Paltrow, Rupert Everett, Anna Wintour, Aerin Lauder...

I continued with this book hoping it would get better. It didn't. It's not the worst book that I've read, but I still wouldn't recommend it.

Book Review: Lover Eternal by JR Ward

2011-08-07T02:29:00.001-05:00

Within the brotherhood, Rhage is the vampire with the strongest appetites. He's the best fighter, the quickest to act on his impulses, and the most voracious lover-for inside him burns ferocious curse cast by the Scribe Virgin. Owned by this dark side, Rhage fears the time when his inner dragon is unleashed, making him a danger to everyone around him.

Mary Luce, a survivor of many hardships is unwittingly thrown into the vampire world and reliant to Rhage's protection. With a life-threatening curse of her own, Mary is not looking for love. She lost her faith in miracles years ago. But when Rhage's intense animal attraction turns into something more emotional, he knows that he must make Mary his alone. And while their enemies close in, Mary fights desperately to gain life eternal with the one she loves.

The second book in the series of the Black Dagger Brotherhood and I have to say the series is getting better. While I really get bored with the chapters are partial chapters on the lessers and the omega I think it may be just because I get so into the stories that the Brothers are having and do not want to be interrupted with that stuff.

Rhage was my favorite from the first book, I was eager and curious to know more about him and how he got his curse. The book did not disappoint in teaching us what happened, and how he handled his monster. That on first look Rhage is not what he appears to be. The love story of Rhage and Mary is sweet, touching and truly a joy to read. Two people with a lot of baggage learning that they do not have to carry it alone.

Book Review: The Memoir of Marilyn Monroe by Sandi Gelles-Cole

2011-08-01T12:14:00.004-05:00

Sandi Gelles-Cole imagines the life the screen legend and enduring cultural icon might have led -- from the opening scene (below) to her 85th birthday on June 1, 2011. DRAMA QUEEN June 1, 2011 They say only the good die young and I guess it s true because I m still here. Today is my eighty fifth birthday. During these years I have lived three lives: Before Marilyn, Being Marilyn and After. I created Marilyn Monroe and then men molded her: studios, agents, and husbands. Ever since the night I did not die, I have tried to leave her behind, but wherever I went, the creature followed. I tried to run. I tried changing my name, my country of residence, my hair color, body type, career and sexual preference. I went to college for coursework in Humanities and studied Russian Literature. But there was no escaping her. The character I created became my own personal monster and devoured me in the 50s, and even after she died I could no more be someone else than I could grow a penis, change my skin color, or stop being a movie star. My so-called death scene is always described the same: My housekeeper, Eunice Murray, finds my wasted, naked body tangled in a sheet, wet from secretions better left unexplained. I am face down with one hand hanging over the telephone. This detail is discussed often; am I answering a call or making one and if I am calling, then whom? But it did not happen that way. I cheated death. . .

I am a huge Marilyn Monroe fan, I always have bee and found what happened to her to be tragic, as so many early deaths can be. This book is an interesting and diffrent look into the what might have happened.

It is of course fictionilized as alternative history but if you have always wondered well what if, maybe they didn't this is a great read it takes a look at the what if's behind one of hollywoods most famous deaths. I reccomend it, a quik and fun read.

Book Review: The wars of the roses by Alison Weir

2011-07-21T04:11:00.000-05:00

Lancaster and York. For much of the 15th century, these two families were locked in battle for control of the British throne. The war between the Houses of Lancaster and York profoundly altered the course of the monarchy. In this book, one of the foremost authorities on the British royal family brilliantly brings to life the war itself and the historic figures who fought it on the great stage of England.

The Wars of the Roses are one of the most confusing periods of English history. From the origins in the rivalries between Edward III's children to the final resolution with the founding of the Tudor dynasty by Henry VII, there are eight kings, including some of the best and worst England has had; and literally scores of major figures and families: the Nevilles, the Percys, the Woodvilles, the Beauforts, the Cliffords, the Bourchiers -- the list is endless.
Making this all comprehensible the first time through is simply impossible. Weir almost manages it, though; her style is very readable and friendly, and exciting without being sensational. Weir begins with a short section describing what England was like in the fifteenth century; then she starts the story proper with Edward III, whose five sons and their families are the central players in the history.

She ends her story in 1471, with the defeat of the Lancastrians and the subsequent murder of Henry VI. She only gives a page or two to the remainder of Edward IV's reign, and to the story of Richard III and the princes in the tower, and Henry VII's ultimate accession in 1485. This is almost certainly because she has covered this ground in another book, "The Princes In The Tower". The omission is understandable but still rather a mistake -- the conflict doesn't end till the Tudors are on the throne (and not even then, really -- there were pretenders for years).

The only other criticism I have is that the genealogy tables at the back are too small to read easily. I tried using a magnifying glass but the reproduction is poor enough that some letters are blurred into unreadability. Even when it's readable, it's more work than it should be; this is a real problem for a book about the Wars of the Roses, where understanding the genealogy is crucial to keeping your bearings.

Overall I can recommend this strongly, just because it'll give you the overall narrative clearly and excitingly, but you'll need another source to cover the period from 1471 to 1485.

Book Review: When we were Gods by Colin Falconer

2011-07-13T00:26:00.001-05:00

"The most complete woman ever to have existed, the most womanly woman and the most queenly queen, a person to be wondered at . . . whom dreamers find always at the end of their dreams."
-- Theophile Gautier, 1845

Arrestingly beautiful and fiercely intelligent, Cleopatra VII of Egypt was barely more than a teenager when she inherited the richest empire in the world--one that stretched from the scorching deserts of lower Egypt to the shining Mediterranean metropolis of Alexandria, with its famed libraries, storehouses, and treasuries. Imperiled at every turn by court conspiracies and Roman treachery, the young queen was forced to flee Alexandria and live in exile while a foreign army overran her city and her own siblings plotted her downfall. With nothing to lose, Cleopatra brazenly sought a partnership with the only man who could secure Egypt's safety: Julius Caesar, a wily politician and battle-hardened general with a weakness for women. The result was a passionate love affair that scandalized Rome and thrust Cleopatra into the glittering but deadly world of imperial intrigue and warfare-- a world that she would mesmerize and manipulate even after Caesar was gone.

At the height of her power and fame, Cleopatra fell in love with Caesar's protégé and successor, Marc Antony, a handsome general known as much for his drunken hedonism as for his victories in battle. Brash, irresistible, and fatally unreliable, Antony's once-strong hold on the Roman Empire was slipping fast, and with it slipped Cleopatra's fortunes. When the tide had finally, irrevocably turned against her, the proud queen plotted a last, spectacular maneuver that was to save her children, her empire, and her place in the pantheon of gods.

Colin Falconer's bold, sensuous prose takes the reader inside the walls of Alexandria's great palaces and into Cleopatra's very heart, creating a vivid portrait of an unforgettable woman who thrived and triumphed in a world ruled by men. This is the story of a legendary woman's most glorious time, a story that blazes through thousands of years of history to capture the imagination of readers today.

If you know me you know how much I love Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra. This book is by far one of the best books of this time in history I have read. Some of the way Caesar was portrayed seemed a bit to crass to me, but overall the characters were spot on. You can certainly tell Colin Falconer did his research on the topic, I felt like I could have been walking along side these characters in the ancient world. No book is going to be perfect because when it comes down to it we really do not know exactly what happened or how they were done, but this book is very close I think.

There is license taken of course this is a work of historical fiction, but if you want to read a book that will make you feel like you have stepped back in time to see the fantastic story of the greatest queen of the ancient world and her well known love affair and love story read this book, the title is perfect for these players of the ancient world truly were gods.

Book Review: Dark Lover by J.R. Ward

2011-07-07T02:13:00.000-05:00

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the leader of The Black Dagger Brotherhood.

The only purebred vampire left on earth, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But, when one of his most trusted fighters is killed-leaving his half-breed daughter unaware of his existence or her fate-Wrath must usher her into the world of the undead-a world of sensuality beyond her wildest dreams.

I have mainly stuck to the young adult vampire novels since Anne Rice, what can I say I tend to get stuck on things. So when my friend from back home on good reads recommended this book I arched a brow. In all honesty I thought I would not like it, but she is a good friend and she liked it so I decided to give it a fair shot at least. I am glad I did, I loved this book.

Dark lover is everything a Vampire novel should be, sexy and mysterious with some twists and a heap if mystery as well. The bad guys are really bad and the good guys well they are almost as bad as the bad guys but they have a code and morals and they follow them, mostly. There is an undercurrent of a love story of course but it fits I so well with the rest of the story I would not call it a romance novel, this is a Vampire novel with romance thrown in. frankly the hardest thing you’re going to have to do with this book is sort out your favorite character, the big bad Wrath, the handsome dangerous Thorment or perhaps Phury is more your style the good side of the twins..I am very much looking forward to the next book I this series my mail man is officially on stalk watch, I do not want to give any spoilers away but if you have not read this book and started this series and you like vampires it’s time to start I am a fan of the Brotherhood.

Book Review: At Her Majesty's Request An African Princess in Victorian England by Walter dean Meyers

2011-07-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

Sarah Forbes Bonetta was an African princess whose parents were murdered by enemy warriors. A British naval officer rescued her and brought her to England, where she became the protege of Queen Victoria herself.

This is a good story about the relationships of a culture. It is a childrens book and small but it is informative and enjoyable to read. As an adult it was a fast read but I did enjoy it very much and it is a good look at some history that is not commonly known and talked about. I would put this on your fast read pile.

My Library.

2011-07-04T06:40:00.002-05:00

I posted this over on my other blog Birth of a Notion and than I sat and wondered how on earth I could have forgotten to post it here on my book blog it is my Library after all, my new one in my brand new house. Really how could I have forgotten such a thing? Well no matter here it is now, the shelves are not finnished but here is the progress so far.

Book Review: Angry Housewives eating bon bons by Lorna Landvik

2011-06-29T17:57:00.002-05:00

The women of Freesia Court are convinced that there is nothing good coffee, delectable desserts, and a strong shoulder can’t fix. Laughter is the glue that holds them together—the foundation of a book group they call AHEB (Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons), an unofficial “club” that becomes much more. It becomes a lifeline. Holding on through forty eventful years, there’s Faith, a lonely mother of twins who harbors a terrible secret that has condemned her to living a lie; big, beautiful Audrey, the resident sex queen who knows that with good posture and an attitude you can get away with anything; Merit, the shy doctor’s wife with the face of an angel and the private hell of an abusive husband; Kari, a wise woman with a wonderful laugh who knows the greatest gifts appear after life’s fiercest storms; and finally, Slip, a tiny spitfire of a woman who isn’t afraid to look trouble straight in the eye.

This stalwart group of friends depicts a special slice of American life, of stay-at-home days and new careers, of children and grandchildren, of bold beginnings and second chances, in which the power of forgiveness, understanding, and the perfectly timed giggle fit is the CPR that mends broken hearts and shattered dreams.

The first thing I have to say about Angry Housewives eating Bon Bon’s is that it made me homesick, but in a good way. This book is based in Minnesota and I knew the places they talked about. When a street was mentioned, or a building many of them I knew even though the book was started out before I was born it still felt like home. This is a good read and it kept me entertained this group of friends is the kind of friends I want around for me as I get older.
That is not say there are not some slow parts of this book, there are a few of the chapters are not really needed and dragged on a bit, but for the most part it was a good read and set up in a unique way. The chapters revolved around the book clubs choices in books and what happened during the time when they were set for that book, what a great approach! If you want just a good read to cuddle up with and have a laugh with some characters that are not perfect but real and human this is a great book to settle in with.

Book Review: A Little bit Wicked by Victoria Alexander

2011-06-26T04:17:00.000-05:00

Who will be the last unmarried man standing?

No man in his right mind would want to get married, but every duke, earl, and viscount knows that a fellow must do his duty in the end. So four of London's most desirable gentlemen make a wager—the prize going to the one who remains unwed the longest.

Gideon Pearsall, Viscount Warton, thinks he has a fair shot at winning. After all, he's managed to enjoy the favors of many a lady while resisting the parson's noose. Even when he's stopped dead in his tracks by the most scandalous woman in all of London—Judith, Lady Chester—he vows to have her bedded but never wedded.

Beautiful, and more than a little bit naughty, Judith has always kept herself within the bounds of respectability, even while playing by her own rules. And the experience has taught her to avoid marriage. She has no desire to resist Warton's hot kisses, and his tempting touch is impossible to ignore.

But soon both Judith and Gideon can't help but wonder . . . is it possible to be a little bit wicked and still follow your heart?

Well I was so hopeful as it had been a while since I read a historical romance, and sadly this book let me down. I really cannot think of too much to say for a review because the book is just not that memorable. The banter between the two main players is lack luster and not that entertaining. It is not witty and over all the book just fell flat, I had hope but alas it’s painfully obvious not much fun.

Book Review: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

2011-06-22T03:14:00.004-05:00

In her early thirties, Elizabeth Gilbert had everything a modern American woman was supposed to want--husband, country home, successful career--but instead of feeling happy and fulfilled, she felt consumed by panic and confusion. This wise and rapturous book is the story of how she left behind all these outward marks of success, and of what she found in their place. Following a divorce and a crushing depression, Gilbert set out to examine three different aspects of her nature, set against the backdrop of three different cultures: pleasure in Italy, devotion in India, and on the Indonesian island of Bali, a balance between worldly enjoyment and divine transcendence

I wanted to like this book so much I really did, sadly it just fell flat. The chapter or "book" of Italy was the only part I really found myself enjoying. It was fun and witty and had some great jokes, but as I got into more of the book I had to say it was because it was Italy and not the writer.

Over all this is not a book I enjoyed, of course others have and will, but for me I just found the writer to be a nit wit and I found myself wanting to say GET OVER IT at some points and GROW UP at others. Mean of me perhaps, but well if you put it down for all the world to see your asking for their thoughts.

Book Review: Death Piled Hard by W. Patrick Lang

2011-06-22T03:08:00.003-05:00

When Claude Devereux's brother, Patrick, is killed at the Battle of Gettysburg, he's devastated.But there is little time for grief. Devereux, a Confederate spy, has worked his way behind enemy lines in the North to become a prominent adviser to Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. If General Robert Lee and his comrades in the South have any chance of succeeding in beating the Union, Devereux knows that he must keep his cover at all costs. So he steers clear of danger even when he doesn?t want to do so.One of Devereux?s main tasks is to find out more about General Ulysses Grant, who has come to Washington to assume command of the Union army. The general is about to lead his troops on the Overland Campaign, a series of battles through the heart of Virginia.Devereux must do all that he can to stop Grant in his tracks and help the South win its independence in Death Piled Hard.

In this second of a trilogy (which I honestly did not know when I started) we gain insight into the powerful internal and external forces that threaten to tear Claude Devereux asunder. As a Confederate spy he is well and truly lodged in the heart of the Northern war machine, but he wishes fervently to return to the command of his beloved 17th Virginia Infantry regiment. Claude is a newly named Colonel of US Volunteers, a gray man in a blue uniform, and his heart is full of hate. As he goes to join Grant's Headquarters before the Battle of the Wilderness, the pressures are intense.

This author knows the Civil War, but more important, he knows WAR. The battle scenes are violent, and nearly poetic in their terribleness. A modern reader looks back through the window of foreknowledge and marvels at the inevitability of Grant's arrival as General-in-Chief. The battle of attrition is on, but the elegant Bobby Lee has moves left.

These books are as close to a time machine as we now can achieve. I will be getting the FIRST one and The Third ASAP.

Book Review: Mr. Maybe by Jane Green

2011-06-16T12:04:00.003-05:00

To Libby Mason, Mr. Right has always meant Mr. Rich. A twenty-seven-year-old publicist, she’s barely able to afford her fashionable and fabulous lifestyle, and often has to foot the bill for dates with Struggling Writer Nick, a sexy but perpetually strapped-for-cash guy she’s dating (no commitments–really). So when Ed, Britain’s wealthiest but stodgiest bachelor, enters the picture, her idea of the fairy-tale romance is turned on its head. Libby soon finds herself weighing the advantages of Nick’s sexual prowess and tender heart against Ed’s luxurious lifestyle and unlimited retail therapy. But when the diamond shopping commences, Libby is forced to realize that the time for “maybe” is up

It is no secret that I like Jane Green, she is one of the authors that after reading the first book of hers I promptly picked up as many of the others as I could get my hands on to try to complete the collection. Mr. Maybe for me was not her best work. It was not a bad book but it just did not seem to have the usual flair that I have come to expect when reading a Jane Green.

There are several points in the book where it just seems to drag on and there are things that just do not seem to be needed. Libby Mason as a character, well I felt I could not connect with her much. She is very superficial, and a bit over dramatic and there are most assuredly times where I want to swat her upside the head. I even found myself wishing her best friend in the book Jules would do just that.

Now with the negative parts said, I did still enjoy the book overall. It was not a waste of my reading time and it did have some great parts. Nick was by far my favorite character, at first I was not sure I would like him as he was being played up as a kind of wastrel but overall he was the brightest spot in the list of characters in this book, he is witty, funny and not a wastrel but a creative mind who may not have taken the best route to what he wants but he got it in the end.

Book Review: Duchess A novel of Sarah Churchill by Susan Holloway Scott

2011-06-06T18:33:00.000-05:00

A historical novel based on the life of the lady-in-waiting who helped bring James II to the throne of England.

Brimming with the intrigue and sensuality of one of history's most decadent courts, Duchess brings to vivid life the story of an unforgettable woman who determines her own destiny-outspoken, outrageous, but most of all true to herself and her heart.

In 1673, as a penniless twelve-year-old, Sarah Jennings arrived at the bawdy Restoration Court of Charles II. Armed with a potent combination of charm, beauty, and intelligence, she prospered. Not only did Sarah win the trust of the future Queen Anne, but she managed to protect her virtue and reputation, marrying the one man as ambitious as she was: the dashing young soldier John Churchill. Over the next forty years, Sarah would amass an immense personal fortune, help make her husband a national hero, and help bring a new king to the throne.

My first thought in this review is once again this book did not take me so long to complete because I didn’t like it but purely I started reading it while starting a new job, and working on a move. Bad timing to read any book to be sure.

Duchess is a good account and tail of Sarah Churchill; many may ask well who is Sarah Churchill? Well that is a fantastic question; Sarah Churchill was a relatively commonly born girl who went into the service of the Duchess Mary Beatrice, whose husband was Duke James who became the deposed King James. For a more modern who’s who Sarah Churchill is the great great etc. Grandmother of Sir Winston Churchill.

This book is full of the things you would expect to find at court, intrigue, back biting, gossip rumors love and war. It is a fantastic following of this family rises and falls through their time in trying to better their circumstances by playing the courtly games and working hard. Susan Holloway Scott once again delivers a fantastic novel of historical play. Is it 100% accurate no, but then no work of fiction is. It is however as accurate as it is going to get and a good read. This one goes on my must read list.

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K Rowling

2011-05-16T01:27:00.000-05:00

Readers beware. The brilliant, breathtaking conclusion to J.K. Rowling's spellbinding series is not for the faint of heart--such revelations, battles, and betrayals await in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows that no fan will make it to the end unscathed. Luckily, Rowling has prepped loyal readers for the end of her series by doling out increa... more »singly dark and dangerous tales of magic and mystery, shot through with lessons about honor and contempt, love and loss, and right and wrong. Fear not, you will find no spoilers in our review--to tell the plot would ruin the journey, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is an odyssey the likes of which Rowling's fans have not yet seen, and are not likely to forget. But we would be remiss if we did not offer one small suggestion before you embark on your final adventure with Harry--bring plenty of tissues.

The heart of Book 7 is a hero's mission--not just in Harry's quest for the Horcruxes, but in his journey from boy to man--and Harry faces more danger than that found in all six books combined, from the direct threat of the Death Eaters and you-know-who, to the subtle perils of losing faith in himself. Attentive readers would do well to remember Dumbledore's warning about making the choice between "what is right and what is easy," and know that Rowling applies the same difficult principle to the conclusion of her series. While fans will find the answers to hotly speculated questions about Dumbledore, Snape, and you-know-who, it is a testament to Rowling's skill as a storyteller that even the most astute and careful reader will be taken by surprise.

A spectacular finish to a phenomenal series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is a bittersweet read for fans. The journey is hard, filled with events both tragic and triumphant, the battlefield littered with the bodies of the dearest and despised, but the final chapter is as brilliant and blinding as a phoenix's flame, and fans and skeptics alike will emerge from the confines of the story with full but heavy hearts, giddy and grateful for the experience

What is there to say about the Deathly Hallows it was a good story, a fitting ending in all honesty. Anyone who knows me knows I have not been wildly fanatic about Harry Potter but I was looking forward to this book and in all honesty I was not disappointed. The start of the book was a bit slow, but it did pick up.
We once again follow Harry and his Gang through twists and turns and all leading up to the battle against Voldermort. Certain chapters fell flat as if perhaps the writer had run out of something on that topic to say, but others were gripping and held you riveted. I won’t spoil the ending in case there are others like me who are behind on the Harry Potter train, but regardless of what some say I do not think it fell flat, I believe the ending was just right. The tension was so epic through a great deal of the book and the large battle even more so especially as you tally up the loses, and they were many. The ending was like a release of the tension and keeping the character intact. Well done and a good ending.

Book Review: The Vanishing act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell

2011-05-08T03:39:00.001-05:00

In the middle of tending to the everyday business at her vintage clothing shop and sidestepping her married boyfriend's attempts at commitment, Iris Lockhart receives a stunning phone call: Her great-aunt Esme, whom she never knew existed, is being released from Cauldstone Hospital, where she has been locked away for over sixty years. Iris' grandmother Kitty always claimed to be an only child. But Esme's papers prove she is Kitty's sister, and Iris can see the shadow of her dead father in Esme' face. Esme has been labeled harmless; sane enough to coexist with the rest of the world. But Esme is still basically a stranger, a family member never mentioned by the family, and one who is sure to bring life-altering secrets with her when she leaves the ward. If Iris takes her in, what dangerous truths might she inherit? Maggie O'Farrell's intricate tale of family secrets, lost lives, and the freedom brought by truth will haunt readers long past its final page

Iris Lockhart is going about life, minding her own business and trying not to think about the fact that she is in love with her step-brother when *bam*: she finds out she has a great-aunt that she's never heard of who's been locked up in an asylum for the last sixty years. Iris feels compelled to take Aunt Esme under her wing and the novel goes on to reveal the events that led to Esme's lockup while Iris tries to sort out her own life.

Wasn't too crazy about this one. The book vacillates between Iris's life and what happened to Esme that led her to lockup in the nuthouse. It took a while to figure out that the random stream-of-consciousness passages were coming from an addle-pated grandmother and that added to the bit of confusion over the rapidly changing points of view in the novel.

Nor was the (adopted, step, whatever) brother/sister-being-in-love-thing working for us. Yes, we understand they weren't blood related. It was still creepy in a V.C. Andrews kind of way.

O'Farrell did a nice job of conveying the terrible conditions that existed (and still do, to some extent) asylums during the early 20th-century, but she didn't play enough to this strength. It was one of those novels that could have been great, but fell flat, although we admit the ending was pretty sharp. Ultimately, it needed more One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest quality to really work.

Kinda meh on this one. Don't rush out today to buy it...perhaps a library checkout would be better because it does have a pretty snappy ending.

Book Review: Mine Til Midnight by Lisa Kleypas

2011-05-06T10:14:00.000-05:00

When an unexpected inheritance elevates her family to the ranks of the aristocracy, Amelia Hathaway discovers that tending to her younger sisters and wayward brother was easy compared to navigating the intricacies of the ton. Even more challenging: the attraction she feels for the tall, dark, and dangerously handsome Cam Rohan.

Wealthy beyond most men’s dreams, Cam has tired of society’s petty restrictions and longs to return to his “uncivilized” Gypsy roots. When the delectable Amelia appeals to him for help, he intends to offer only friendship—but intentions are no match for the desire that blindsides them both. But can a man who spurns tradition be tempted into that most time-honored arrangement: marriage? Life in London society is about to get a whole lot hotter

What is there to say about Mine until Midnight, this is a hot little book. It is of course a bodice ripper at the core; you can tell that by the cover I am sure. However it is a bodice ripper with more to it. Dealing with prejudice of the Gypsy kind in England, a brother who is grieving so much for his lost fiancé that he forgets about his own family.

Along with the budding romance between the handsome Cam and the semi prudish Amelia you can see some more budding things between other characters. This book was a fun romp with some hot scenes. It has been a while since I read a straight up bodice ripper and this one did not disappoint. I admit they are a guilty pleasure for me, but when I can read one that has more meat to it I am very happy. This book fulfills that, it even gets a little bit into the supernatural with a haunting. Not too shabby for a romance right? If you like some fun romps with meat on their bones this is a good book for you.

Book Review: Phi Beta Bimbo by Trish Jensen

2011-05-01T08:33:00.001-05:00

Leah Smith, a lifelong nerd, conducts research for her doctoral disseration on women in the workplace by disguising herself as a sexy employee. The experiment should prove who fares better in the workplace: the brassy bimbo or the plain Jane. Matters get complicated when Mark Colson, the company security specialist, thinks she is a corporate spy... more » posing as two different women.

I was not sure I would like this book when I picked it up but I thought I should at least give it a fair shake it seemed funny. I am very glad I did give it a fair shake the book was hilarious. Now while some of the events taking place were a bit unbelievable the story itself was still fun. Following the love and business of a family and their friends and the relationships they build is a great ride.

If you’re looking for a fun quick read this book will do that for you. It is a fun light and airy chic lit book and Trish Jensen does a great job. This one actually had me wishing that there was another one to find out what happens with Mark and Leah, and Gramps and all the other fun little characters you meet in this book. To be sure it is not a book that is full of tons of thinking and plot twists, it is just good fun.

Book Review: The Davinci Code by Dan Brown

2011-04-30T08:56:00.001-05:00

An ingenious code hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. A desperate race through the cathedrals and castles of Europe. An astonishing truth concealed for centuries . . . unveiled at last.

While in Paris, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is awakened by a phone call in the dead of the night. The elderly curator of the Louvre has been murdered inside the museum, his body covered in baffling symbols. As Langdon and gifted French cryptologist Sophie Neveu sort through the bizarre riddles, they are stunned to discover a trail of clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci—clues visible for all to see and yet ingeniously disguised by the painter.

Even more startling, the late curator was involved in the Priory of Sion—a secret society whose members included Sir Isaac Newton, Victor Hugo, and Da Vinci—and he guarded a breathtaking historical secret. Unless Langdon and Neveu can decipher the labyrinthine puzzle—while avoiding the faceless adversary who shadows their every move—the explosive, ancient truth will be lost forever

The best parts of the book remind me of the first and third Indiana Jones films (Temple of Doom sucked). Dan Brown builds his fictional story on just enough truth about Christian history to spark imagination and plant in his readers a kernel that will lead to conversations, research and a deeper understanding of the life of Christ, the Church and the role mankind has played in muddying up the religion. We shouldn't read his book as "The Gospel According to Dan", and I would bet Mr. Brown would say the same thing. But it is a wonderful starting point for someone unfamiliar with the formation of the early church and the political/social choices of the first leaders that have shaped the evolution of the faith. I have yet to talk to any reader of the book who did not immediately locate a copy of The Last Supper and look for the clues the book suggests exists amid its scene.

But with all that highbrow content is a very lowbrow narrative, full of melodramatic mysteries, knock-you-over-the-head-clues and prose that at times sounds like it belongs in a dime store. The arch of the story is a common mystery (despite the very uncommon content), and is not unlike the plot of an episode of Scooby-Doo (a crime takes place, suspects are identified, people aren't who they say they are and our heroes figure it all out). At the very end, I half expected the main villain to really be Old Man Withers of the Amusement Park and our two protagonists to enjoy a nice meal of Scooby Snacks.

Book Review: Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution by Michelle Moran

2011-04-30T01:03:00.001-05:00

From Versailles to Boulevard du Temple, royalists to revolutionaries, art to science, Moran (Cleopatra's Daughter) returns with a new historical novel of fierce polarities. Set during the French Revolution, with an emphasis on the Reign of Terror, Moran's fourth deftly chronicles the consequences of seeking reversals in power-or liberty. Marie Grosholtz, the talented wax sculptress who would become Madame Tussaud, narrates with verve. She and her family are "survivalists" who "straddle both worlds until it's clear which side will be the victor..." but never come across as opportunists; they are resourceful, sympathetic individuals facing an unraveling nation and an increasingly angry mob mentality. Though readers may wince at the inevitable beheadings, the storming of the Bastille, and the actions of men like Robespierre, Moran tempers brutality with Marie's romance and passion for artistry; quiet moments in the family's atelier provide much needed respite. This is an unusually moving portrayal of families in distress, both common and noble. Marie Antoinette in particular becomes a surprisingly dimensional figure rather than the fashionplate, spendthrift caricature depicted in the pamphlets of her times. A feat for Francophiles and adventurers alike.

When we visit places that started as historical places we often forget that they started as such. I think that is the case of Madame Tussauds in modern day history, it is so easy to forget she was a real person. Michelle Moran’s novel reminds us that she was indeed and not only was she a real person but that she formed herself in the most turbulent time in French history. Michelle Moran’s novel of Madam Tussaud is a master piece and a thrilling read. We meet so many characters that are known and loved it almost takes your breath away. The characters are so well written they seem to leap off the page.

I would recommend this book to an array of people. If you like history in general read it, if you like French history read it, Marie Antoinette? Read it. Must I really say more on who it will appeal too? This book truly is a triumph of work and I compliment Michelle Moran for another well done work!

Book Review: Homecoming by Cynthia Voigt

2011-04-29T09:05:00.000-05:00

"IT'S STILL TRUE."
That's the first thing James Tillerman says to his sister Dicey every morning. It's still true that their mother has abandoned the four Tillerman children somewhere in the middle of Connecticut. It's still true they have to find their way, somehow, to Great-aunt Cilla's house in Bridgeport, which may be their only hope of staying together as a family.

But when they get to Bridgeport, they learn that Great-aunt Cilla has died, and the home they find with her daughter, Eunice, isn't the permanent haven they've been searching for. So their journey continues to its unexpected conclusion -- and some surprising discoveries about their history, and their future.

Cynthia Voigt has a way with description that puts the reader right there in the story. I could picture all the places where the kids crashed at night, and the physical appearance of each character, and of course, the taste of each of the hundred or so meals mentioned. I felt that for the most part, the characters' emotions and motives were realistic enough. Of course the younger siblings are going to miss their mother badly. The older two were probably more aware of her mental instability and had, in a sense, already been saying goodbye to her for some time. The kids were very industrious for their ages, especially at their grandmother's, but there was this mutual agreement that to just come and freeload off her would not ensure their being taken in permanently. Abigail Tillerman's prickly personality made her the most interesting soul in the story. I could relate to Dicey because she had a touch of gender dysphoria. She was more practical than I'll ever be, but there was little room for sentimentality while struggling to get her family to a safe place. I disliked James' know-it-all attituded and I liked passive weak Maybeth even less, but at least Ms. Voigt created realistic siblings with good points and bad points. Sammy's obstinacy and energy helped during the long stifling months in Bridgeport. Now, Homecoming's ending was satisfactory. I could see kids saying, "Is that all there is" in disgust, but an ending with great fanfare would have been unrealistic. Ms. Voigt wasn't writing a Disney-style epic, and it seemed right that the kids found acceptance with their grandmother and needed nothing more. I rated three stars because the post-Bridgeport chapters really dragged. The part about hiding out in a traveling circus seemed kind of lame, and I would have hated spending four long days salvaging some strange relative's farm in the scorching summer. But life is like that, at times exciting and at other times a real drag, with hope lying ahead. I stand by teachers' decision to push Homecoming as part of their classroom curriculum!

Book Review: The Sacred Meal by Nora Gallagher

2011-04-28T02:57:00.003-05:00

The sacred meal that is part of our faith does more than connect us to the holy, it connects us to each other.

"I think Jesus wanted his disciples and everyone who came after him to remember what they had together. What they made together. What it meant to be together. How the things he did could not have been done without them."

In her inimitable style of memoir and personal reflection, Nora Gallagher explores the beauty and mystery of this most fascinating of topics. Whether exploring the history of Christian communion, taking us inside the workings of a soup kitchen, or sharing times of joy and sadness with friends, she reminds us what it means to partake of, and be part of, the body of Christ.

A volume in the eight book classic series, The Ancient Practices, with a foreword by Phyllis Tickle, General Editor.

Those who know me know I do not read too many religious books. This one however stood out to me as one that might be a good one to read. I did enjoy it; it takes a good look at the sacred meal, or the Eucharist. Anyone who is Christian or even someone who isn’t who would like to take a fresh look at the Eucharist offering should take a look at this book; I guarantee it will make you think.

Book Review: Daughter of Silk by Linda Lee Chaikin

2011-04-23T19:27:00.001-05:00

Pursuing the family name as the finest silk producer in Lyon, the young Huguenot Rachelle Dushane-Macquinet is thrilled to accompany her famous couturier Grandmere to Paris, there to create a silk trousseau for the Royal Princess Marguerite Valois.

The Court is magnificent; its regent, Catherine de Medici, deceptively charming … and the circumstances, darker than Rachelle could possibly imagine. At a time in history when the tortures of the Bastille and the fiery stake are an almost casual consequence in France, a scourge of recrimination is moving fast and furious against the Huguenots—and as the Queen Mother's political intrigues weave a web of deception around her, Rachelle finds herself in imminent danger.

Hope rests in warning the handsome Marquis Fabien de Vendome of the wicked plot against his kin. But to do so, Rachelle must follow a perilous course.

Daughter of Silk is not a book I was pulled into right away, in fact I struggled with it at first, but the more I read the more I got into the book. The biggest issue I had with it personally was the amount of French integrated into it. I am one who feels if you’re writing a book in English have it be in English if you’re writing it in French have it be in French. Aside from that the book while slow to start is very good.

It is a Christian Fiction and not for everyone, but if you know the history of what happened in France while the Queen Regent “Madame le Serpente” ruled you know why it would be. This is a time of great religious persecution and peril. Protestants being slaughtered by the thousands just because of their beliefs because they were not catholic. This book brings that to light and entwines characters of evil and good, and those who are finding love in different places. Over all it is a good book that shows the ways of a dangerous court in a dangerous time very well.

Book Review: Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris

2011-04-13T14:55:00.006-05:00

When cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse sees a naked man on the side of the road, she doesn't just drive on by. Turns out the poor thing hasn't a clue who he is, but Sookie does. It's Eric the vampire--but now he's a kinder, gentler Eric. And a scared Eric, because whoever took his memory now wants his life.
In preparation for Season 4 of True Blood and to take some of the waiting sucks edge off myself it was time to dust off my copy of Dead to the World, book 4 in the Southern Vampire series. This book is perhaps one of the funniest I have read in a while. It does deal with some serious subject matter and that stays serious, but the idea of watching Eric Northman act like a lost little boy? Oh it makes the whole thing ripe for a great deal of humor. I am the first to admit that the first few books were a bit of a slog for me; I enjoyed them but not as much as the show. I can honestly say this book I will enjoy as much if not more than the show this season. The book is well written and the story weaves together seamlessly this time. Perhaps it is the lack of the I love you I hate you with Bill? Hard to say, but it is the best book so far by far. Any book that says, “If there was an international butt completion Eric would win hands down – or cheeks up.” Gets my vote.

Book Review: Beneath a Marble sky by John Shors

2011-04-06T14:09:00.002-05:00

Journey to dazzling seventeenth-century Hindustan, where the reigning emperor, consumed with grief over the tragic death of his beloved wife, commissions the building of the Taj Mahal as a testament to the marvel of their love. Princess Jahanara, their courageous daughter, recounts their mesmerizing tale, while sharing her own parallel tale of .. more forbidden love with the celebrated architect of the Taj Mahal. This impressive novel sweeps readers away to a historical Hindustan brimming with action and intrigue in an era when, alongside the brutalities of war and oppression, architecture and the art of love and passion reached a pinnacle of perfection.

This Book took me a bit longer to read than I thought it would or should, but I think most of that had to do with starting the new job my brain felt like it was going to explode most of the time. But without further adeiu time to write the review. I did a bit of research with this book because I cannot help but be historical in that, and while the names of the people and where they stood is rather accurate, I believe a great deal of the rest of the love story is not accurate, that said the author warns against that right in the beginning of the book. So if you can ignore those glaring historical inaccuracies you will find yourself in a beautiful world. The Taj Mahal is one of thee if not the most beautiful building in the world, and to think it is a mausoleum and so a tribute to the woman who it holds is something that is sure to tug at your heart strings. Beneath a marble sky paints a picture of love, loss devotion and hardship. It truly puts the reader into the middle of a war torn time that made for an instable area, and yet among it all was the Taj Mahal and a showing that true love can truly conquer all even death. If you love a good historical story and want to feel close to the characters this is the book for you. I was saddened when the book ended and kept demanding more pages to appear at the end. I wanted to know more, I wanted to follow the story and its characters for longer.

Book Review: The Swallows of Kabul by Yasmina Khadra

2011-03-26T11:33:00.004-05:00

Set in Kabul under the rule of the Taliban, this extraordinary novel takes readers into the lives of two couples: Mohsen, who comes from a family of wealthy shopkeepers whom the Taliban has destroyed; Zunaira, his wife, exceedingly beautiful, who was once a brilliant teacher and is now no longer allowed to leave her home without an escort or cov... more »ering her face. Intersecting their world is Atiq, a prison keeper, a man who has sincerely adopted the Taliban ideology and struggles to keep his faith, and his wife, Musarrat, who once rescued Atiq and is now dying of sickness and despair. Desperate, exhausted Mohsen wanders through Kabul when he is surrounded by a crowd about to stone an adulterous woman. Numbed by the hysterical atmosphere and drawn into their rage, he too throws stones at the face of the condemned woman buried up to her waist. With this gesture the lives of all four protagonists move toward their destinies. The Swallows of Kabul is a dazzling novel written with compassion and exquisite detail by one of the most lucid writers about the mentality of Islamic fundamentalists and the complexities of the Muslim world. Yasmina Khadra brings readers into the hot, dusty streets of Kabul and offers them an unflinching but compassionate insight into a society that violence and hypocrisy have brought to the edge of despair

The description of this book says it has compassion in it. I myself find little compassion, and in all honesty the end of the book angered me. Deeply angered me. That said the book does offer a deep look into the life of Islam as it stands in Kabul under Taliban rule. The differences in opinions on what is right and wrong, and the inability to do anything about it unless you’re with those who are in power. Afghanistan is not a place that is safe for anyone, and in this book it covers that. Kabul used to be an enlightened jewel that has been turned into little more than a blood stained ghost town ruble. By war, and by its own people. If you want a look into the mind of those in the ghost town give this book a read, it is well written. That said it is not for the faint of heart.

Book Review: Straight Talking by Jane Green

2011-03-18T05:46:00.006-05:00

Meet Tasha?single and still searching. A producer for Britain?s most popular morning show working under a nightmare boss, Tash is well-versed in the trials and tribulations of twenty-first century dating. She and her three best friends certainly haven?t lived the fairy tale they thought they would: there?s Andy, who?s hooked on passion, but too ... more »much of a tomboy to have moved much beyond the beer-drinking contest stage; Mel, stuck in a steady but loveless relationship; and Emma, endlessly waiting for her other half to propose. Their love lives are only complicated by the sort of men who seem to drift in and out: Andrew?suave, good-looking and head over heels in love . . . with himself; Simon, who is allergic to commitment but has a bad-boy nature that?s impossible to resist; and Adam?perfectly attractive, but too sweet to be sexy.

The bestselling first novel that launched Jane Green, one of the brightest stars in contemporary women?s fiction, Straight Talking sets the record straight regarding the real world of dating, and follows the adventures of Tash and her friends as they search for fulfillment and the right kind of love. Funny, flirty, and ultimately tender, Straight Talking gets at the heart of modern romance

Jane Green is one of the wittiest authors I know of. Maybe it is just because I latch onto British humor more than I do my homelands but what can I say I really do enjoy her writing style. Straight talking follows the life of Tasha a producer in television who is no different than the rest of us. She has had her ups and downs, had a man break her heart, dated and dated again. Waited by the phone that never rings, who hasn’t done that a time or two?

This book is as with the others fantastically written and very cheeky. While I admit I could see the writing on the wall with Adam well before the big reveal, I think it was set up so we could see it that way. She wanted us as the reader to see what Tasha couldn’t, and still couldn’t until she lost what she had. Straight talking attacks the age old adage you don’t know what you got till it’s gone. I won’t tell you what happens because that of course would ruin the book, but I recommend this one to read. If you like chic lit you will like this book, if your new to chic lit I still think you will like this book.

Book Review: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

2011-03-12T05:30:00.002-06:00

When Jacob Jankowski, recently orphaned and suddenly adrift, jumps onto a passing train, he enters a world of freaks, grifters, and misfits, a second-rate circus struggling to survive during the Great Depression, making one-night stands in town after endless town. A veterinary student who almost earned his degree, Jacob is put in charge of carin... more »g for the circus menagerie. It is there that he meets Marlena, the beautiful young star of the equestrian act, who is married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. He also meets Rosie, an elephant who seems untrainable until he discovers a way to reach her.

I finished this book days ago, it only took me a day and a half to read, but I wanted to take my time on the review (a cat tried to force me to write it earlier don’t ask) so here goes.
Water for Elephants is soon to be a major motion picture, and I have the complex that even though I know it will make the movie not as good I MUST read all books before I see the movie that is based on it. This one has been in my to read pile in all honesty since it came out in 2008, I can now officially say I regret it sitting in my pile that long unread. This book is perhaps one of the best books I have read. It is the best of 2011, sure I haven’t read a ton yet this year but I do not see its spot changing too much.
The writing style is excellent I love how it flips back and forth between old a Jacob and Young Jacob. Old Jacob really is what you picture as the typical crotchety old man, the one you know is on the porch shaking his cane saying “Dang Kids get off my lawn!”, but somehow you just can’t be mad at him for it. Especially when you see how la his family is with him. Young Jacob is a good kid, he makes mistakes but he earnestly wants to do right by people and he is a spitfire about it.
This book is a MUST read, and I do mean must. For seeing how circuses worked on the inside in the great depression. If the movie manages to get even half the depth of story and character that the book does it will be fantastic. At its core Water for Elephants is a love story, but it’s a life story as much as anything with love just happening as it does in the natural course of life. Good writing, good story, history and love what else can you ask for in a novel?

Book Review: Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult

2011-03-06T23:33:00.001-06:00

One moment June Nealon was happily looking forward to years full of laughter and adventure with her family, and the next, she was staring into a future that was as empty as her heart. Now her life is a waiting game. Waiting for time to heal her wounds, waiting for justice, waiting for a miracle. — For Shay Bourne, life holds no more surprises. Th... more »e world has given him nothing, and he has nothing to offer the world. In a heartbeat, though, he gets one last chance for salvation, and it lies with June's 11-year-old daughter, Claire. But between Shay and Claire stretches an ocean of bitter regrets, past crimes, and the rage of a mother who has lost her child. Father Michael is a man whose past decisions led him to devote the rest of his life to God. But when he comes face-to-face with Shay, he must question everything he's been taught to believe about religion, about good and evil, about forgiveness. About himself

What would you do if your child was dying? What would you do if the only person who could save your child was someone you thought killed your husband, and your other child? These are the questions that Change of Heart asks you. These truly are impossible choices to make. Jodi Picoult takes you through an emotional story that has you wondering about a lot of things. Is the bad guy really the bad guy? What would you do if you were faced with this same choice you had to make? What is the difference between religion and faith? Change of heart takes on so many heavy issues that it is impossible to call this a light read. It takes on Capital punishment, Organ Donation, the United states Justice System as a whole, and religion. Everywhere you turn in this story there is a topic that is mostly spoken of in whispers and hushes, so not to offend anyone. This is one of the reasons that this book is so good. When you read a Picoult novel you know you are going to get something emotional that will pull at your heart strings. I could not believe just how pulled in I got though, I found myself not wanting Shay Bourne to be killed, wondering if he truly did the crime he had been convicted of and yet wanting the little girl Claire to live. There is no denying that there are some shadows of the Green Mile in this book with some of the things that happen in the prison with Shay there, and even the relationships with some of the guards. That being said the book makes no secret of that and even makes a small joke of it in calling Shay Bourne “green Mile” in one passage. This book is not Green Mile, and while it has some similar themes stands fully on its own, and gets a hearty MUST READ from me.

Book Review: Royal Harlot by Susan Holloway Scott

2011-03-01T21:43:00.005-06:00

London, 1660: Ready to throw off a generation of Puritan rule, all England rejoices when Charles Stuart returns to reclaim the throne. Among those welcoming him is young Barbara Villiers Palmer, a breathtaking Royalist beauty whose sensuality and clever wit instantly captivate the handsome, jaded king. Though each is promised to another, Barbara... more » soon becomes Charles's mistress and closest friend, and the uncrowned queen of his bawdy Restoration court. Rewarded with titles, land, and jewels, she is the most envied and desired woman in England--and the most powerful. But the role of royal mistress is a precarious one, and Barbara's enemies and rivals are everywhere in the palace.

I will open this review by saying that Charles II of England is perhaps one of my least favorite Monarchs of England. Not that he did anything particularly bad to my tastes but he just does not fit into my Gem pile. That said I could barely put down this book. The story of Charles II and Barbra Villiers is pretty well known among historians, and she is always vilified. Always called any score of names that in my opinion could be laid at any royal mistress’s feet, but she always gets the worst of it.
Susan Holloway Scott did not gloss over any of the things that Barbra Villiers was, she was vain, and wonton and even calculating. However she brought to light a side that is most often over looked by the usual rabble, she was loving and tender and generous to her family and friends. Let’s face it to have remained in the King’s favor as long as she did she had to have more to her than just a nice body.
So if you like historical fiction and you don’t mind a lot of the sexual innuendo and some not innuendo in your book I recommend this one for you. It was a good read and one that thoroughly held my attention to welcome me back into the grips of my book obsession and reviewing. My only regret about this one is going to be selecting one to follow it.

Smell the Freshness in the Air

2011-02-24T17:10:00.000-06:00

I know we are well into the New Year now, but this is going to be my new resolution. Anyone who knows me I do not really make New Year’s resolutions, so I won’t call this one of those. It is simple a resolution to get back into things that bring me joy. To long I have been feeling so sick, and falling down into a pit of depression. I can admit that, and honestly I am still depressed but I am making an effort to claw my way back out. So a few things about the blog.

1) No book challenges this year I got so wrapped up in completely challenges the last two years that I think I got over whelmed. I took too much on and it became about how fast and how many books I could read instead of just enjoying the books. I may take on a challenge again in 2012 but 2011 my only challenge is MY challenge to myself to get back into things.

2) Re-organizing this blog and my other blogs you may see some things showing up and some disappearing here, call it bloggy spring cleaning.

3) I am likely going to be posting some more personal stuff instead of just book reviews. Of course it will be bookie stuff, but I need a sounding board for myself too and I feel this is the better place for it. This is my first blog, and I want to focus on using it more. Making another one may be just too much, so I hope no one minds more yapping from me.

And those are my choices I am laying down for myself. I look forward to interacting more with my friends again and posting some more books. In an effort to move passed my reading block I had Steve select the next book I am reading off my shelf. He of course just grabbed one, but hey it’s a Historical Fiction and you all KNOW how much I love Historical Fictions! So look for the next book review to be… Royal Harlot by Susan Holloway Scott.

Book Review: Fashion Unraveled by Jennifer Matthews

2011-02-07T07:29:00.006-06:00

*Blows the dust off her blog and smiles* Happy erm Belated new year all, I have explaining to do. I know, but I will do that later..for now. I want to introduce you all to a FANTASTIC new book.

As an educator at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (San Francisco & LA), Jennifer Lynne Matthews, recognized that there was a need for a step by step educational manual to teach her students on how to start their own business. Consequently, Matthews wrote the first edition of Fashion Unraveled in 2008 to provide such educational material; the second edition is due out in early 2011. Matthews, also a lingerie designer and entrepreneur, began her path in the fashion industry in 1994. She attended Florida State University, then the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, completing her degree in 1999. With a specialization in intimate apparel, Matthews began working in the industry as a stylist and freelance designer.

In 2002, Matthews opened her own business, Porcelynne Lingerie. Fashion Unraveled is built on Matthews’ experience in both opening and sustaining a successful business. She brings the knowledge of running a small business and her expertise in the industry into her book and it continues into her classroom teaching.

Matthews has won numerous awards for her designs and has received worldwide accolades for her work, including the Best of the East Bay and the Best of San Francisco Mastermind awards for her lingerie designs. Her most recent project has been on a reality TV show (currently being pitched to networks) as a co-producer and fashion consultant for a lingerie design competition show.

Future plans include authoring a collection of books on lingerie design, draping and clothing construction. She also aspires to open a showroom and education studio in the garment district of Los Angeles.

For more information on Jennifer Matthews and her work, see www.fashionunraveled.com and http://www.porcelynne.com/.

If you like fashion an learning about it this book is for you. Do not get wrong this is not a shopaholic style book or any of that. This is an honest book about Fashion from someone in the industry. Who better to tell the store than someone who is actually in the industry. So if you are into learning about fashion and curious at the point of view I would read this one for sure.

I would also make sure you keep an eye and ear out for the TV show the author is pitching to networks. I am always for another fun show that goes along with a book that I enjoy and this is one of them. You must get this book!

Book Review: Young Black Stallion, 5 – The Yearling by Steven Farley

2010-08-19T23:13:00.002-05:00

Once again, Danielle must adjust to life without her beloved horse Redman, who's back on duty at the riding camp. She turns to Raven for comfort, but the brash young colt is more full of himself than ever. Although Alec, Raven's trainer, is pleased with the development of his future racehorse, Danielle is troubled by Raven's increasingly aloof manner. Despite her best efforts, he doesn't seem to care whether she is around or not. Alec reminds Danielle that Raven, like the famous Black, will never be anyone's pet. Can Danielle give up her secret hope of being the colt's best friend?

Sadly on this book I have to go back to my former..sadness with the series...*sigh* here we go.

While he has made an appreciated attempt, Steven Farley's books just do not live up to the caliber of his father's work (Walter Farley). I have read 6 of the books in the "Young Black Stallion" series, and I find them more akin to the "Thoroughbred" and "PonyPal" books, sadly lacking the fire and excitement of the original Black Stallion books. Steven Farley has made some glaring errors in his protrayal of Alec Ramsey... How could Alec be only 18 if he found the Black at 15? So the Black has only been racing for 3 years through all 21 books in the original series? Come on! Make Alec 25 or so, and that would be believable....
Also, what makes these books less interesting to read is that they are "dumbed down" a bit, while the original stories were written for 10-12 years olds, they appealed to adults too! (Like myself, who grew up reading the Black Stallion books.)

I think "The Black Stallion's Shadow" and The Black Stallion's Steeplechaser" were much better than the books in this "Young Black Stallion" series. For your money, I think you are better off trying to get some of the original 21 books by Walter Farley...

Book Review: Young Black Stallion, 4 – Wild Spirit by Steven Farley

2010-08-14T07:15:00.000-05:00

It's shaping up to be the best Christmas ever for Danielle. With both her dad and her horse, Redman, home for the holidays, the farm couldn't be busier. But Raven, the spirited colt with whom Danielle has been working, doesn't want to share her attention. Danielle knows she has a duty to the colt and to Alec Ramsay, his owner, but she can't help feeling loyal to Redman as well. If Raven is to be manageable as a racehorse someday, he must learn to share territory with other horses--but can he?

The book was good and I think it will be great for younger hores lovers. It has alot of horse talk so you need to really know horses to understand the book. It is a step up from the other 3 books and perhaps in this book the writer has gotten his stride a little bit. I am still leery but as always will keep reading, it shows promise and improvement.

The Move

2010-08-08T23:01:00.002-05:00

The Move is taking place soon..infact it wil be happening tommrow..at 8am is when Steve is planning on getting up and getting packed and gone. So I do not know when I will be posting next. We have to get there, get our things into storage and get internet and cable hooked up. I am excited and nervous all in the same breath. I have never moved this far from home, I have always lived in Minnesota in one city or another. Alas life needs changes sometimes, and hubby has been away from his home to long. He needs to be with his kids more and this will enable that. There is also my health, so the move is needed. Things happened much faster and not perhaps in the best way, but it needed to happen. So I will be in hoosierville likely by this time tommrow. Alasa I will ALWAYS be a Minnesota Wild Girl. I will be back to posting as soon as I can.

Book Review: Young Black Stallion, 3 – The Homecoming by Steven Farley

2010-08-02T05:33:00.000-05:00

Danielle is thrilled to be helping Alec Ramsay escort a vanload of racehorses from New York to Florida. She'll also get to visit her horse, Redman, who has been earning his oats at a riding camp up north. When an extra stall unexpectedly becomes available in the van, Redman's new owner allows Danielle to take him home for a visit. Danielle is overjoyed to be reunited with her beloved horse, but the trip home turns out to be more hazardous than anyone imagined. Can Danielle and Alec make it safely back to Florida with their precious cargo?

This one is a little bit better than the other two. But it is still not up to the calibre of the regular series. I do not think Steven Farley is a bad author persay but he should have stuck with his own story line to make it more his own and not so fakey sounding. However I guess it was just easier to take his Father's idea.

BooK Review: Young Black Stallion, 2 – A Horse Called Raven by Steven Farley

2010-08-02T05:22:00.000-05:00

Danielle is working at Alec Ramsay's stable, but she still has a long way to go before she can buy back Redman. When a dangerous flu virus strikes a neighboring farm and most of the horses are moved, Danielle is crushed to learn she's temporarily out of a job. Then the little black colt to whom she's beginning to grow attached falls ill, and Danielle's priorities begin to change...

I don't know if he's just trying to make money off his father's famous series, but I think he should've come up with his own idea for a children's series. The Black Stallion books that Steven Farley is writing stick out like a sore thumb. This one has no improvement over the first one. Hard to plug along but I made a commitment to do so.

Book Review: Young Black Stallion 1 – The Promise by Steven Farley

2010-08-02T05:15:00.000-05:00

Thirteen-year-old Danielle Connor feels nothing but rage toward Alec Ramsay, the famous young jockey who has turned her family's farm into a training facility for his Thoroughbred racehorses, including the legendary Black. Now Danielle's family has to move and her beloved horse, Redman, has been sold. Even after Alec introduces her to a special black colt, Danielle remains determined to be reunited with Redman...at any cost.

As a long time reader of the 'Black Stallion' series, I was curious to see what Mr. Farley's son had done with the stories since I felt Walter Farley left the series unfinished. I loved the series as a child and have even re-read the books as an adult (as my readers can now tell by all my reviews). Although I applaud anyone's efforts in writing and publishing a book, Steven Farley might have wanted to write about a different subject. The 'Young Black Stallion' series is looking like it might be a big disappointment; this story was silly and pointless. In several instances the author has taken sentences, word for word, from his father's earlier 'Black Stallion' books and simply changed the character's names. The characters are poorly developed and clumsy with each other. The plots have a lot of holes in them, even for children. Based on the earlier stories, Alec could not possibly be only 18 and why should he be? Alec supposedly wanted the farm where Danielle lived in order to board his horses there, then with the exception of a mare and foal, all the horses he supposedly acquired the farm for remained at another facility. A Thoroughbred operation such as Alec and Henry had supposedly built would not isolate one promising colt and spend so much one-on-one time. Where were all the other Hopeful Farm colts? The series would probably read better if it did try to weave the 'Black Stallion' characters into it, but rather expanded its own story.

Wow..

2010-08-02T04:54:00.001-05:00

When one has to move they sit back and go wow at their TBR collection. Sadly we were planning on moving and that got shoved way foward by an evil landlord. But anyways I just finnished packing up all of my books in Large Priority Mail boxes...I have 30 boxes full of books. 30 boxes of just books. That is alot of books. I always knew I had a lot of books but one doesnt know just how many until they see them all packed in boxes that have to be carried..and moved. Wow.

The Young Black Stallion by Walter Farley & Steven Farley

2010-07-27T02:09:00.000-05:00

The wonderfully improbable chronicles of the Black Stallion continue with this narrative of the Black's colthood in the mountains of Arabia. Specially bred to strengthen the bloodlines of Sheik Abu Ishak's herds, the Black is the victim of a failed horse raid. Driven out of his secluded pasture, the colt takes up with a herd of ibex. Soon he is scaling sheer rock faces and dueling fierce rams to the death. Befriended by Rashid, a young Bedouin, the stallion journeys to the desert, attempting to elude the rival groups of horse traders that seek him. As all devotees of the series know, the Black is finally recaptured and put aboard the tramp steamer Drake , just in time for his star-crossed meeting with Alec Ramsay, his future master. Although this prequel never quite matches the sparkle of the earlier works, it certainly should answer several questions about the Black's beginnings. Even the book's rather cloying mystical streak is unlikely to disturb the loyal followers of the legendary stallion.

The father-son authors have produced an excellent story, recreating the youth of the Black until the time when Alex Ramsay witnesses him being loaded--with savage fury and hatred for all men--on board The Drake in a Middle Eastern port. The Prologue and Epilogue are set in the Arizona desert where Alec, now a young man, spends the night with his beloved stallion, grazing nearby. Contemplating the starry nocturnal sky Alec locates the Horsehead Nebula and seriously ponders the tantalyzing theory that his horse was sired by a celestial equine.

The main body of the book narrates the desperate attempts of various men who pursue ownership of Shetan--for pride and breeding purposes. Sheikh Ishak hides the yearling in a remote mountain fastness, but a rival sheikh sends a bold band to steal him. A young hunter and tracker named Rashid is selected to kill the venerable Old Herder, who suspects the colt's semi-divine pedigree. Abandoned to certain death by the rival sheikh, Rashid spends months in the mountains, trailing Shetan and rescuing him from a ferocious leopard. But toleration of the man's presence does not forge a true bond between the Arabian strangers. Also Rashid is haunted by the intermittent appearance of a peregrine falcon, which hovers over him like a future menace.

Rashid's plans to capture and sell Shetan, to assure himself a life of comfort, are foiled by the Ishak and the arrival of a resourceful English agent called The Cat. Who will ultimately triumph during this prolonged battle of wills? His breeder and rightful owner, the rival sheikh, Rashid with whom readers come to empathize, Mansoor (the Cat) or the mighty stallion himself? Dramatic conflict is enhanced from the obvious Man vs Man scenario to Man vs Nature, for the harsh mountains and pitiless desert environments interject challenges unforeseen by human schemes. Characterized by minimal dialogue and elements of surrealism this book proves fascinating for readers of all ages.

Book Review: The Black Stallion Legend by Walter Farley

2010-07-27T00:56:00.000-05:00

Taking only the black stallion, Alec Ramsey heads West to escape from personal troubles and discovers, living among the desolate northern Arizona mountains, a tribe of native Americans awaiting the end of the world.

This last in the famous series about a young boy and his beloved racehorse is deeper and much more "adult-like" in nature than the books that preceeded it. It shows Alex (the young boy from the begining of the series) as an adult faced with trememdous issues and obstacles. I remember when I first read this book as a teenager I cried at the beginning and I cried again at the end, but for totally different and contrasting reasons. Even though I loved the beginning books, which are much more innocent and happy in their nature, I ended up loving this one the best because not only did it bring about a heart warming conclusion to a classic series, but the writing, in and of its own in this particular book, is expert.

Book Review: The Black Stallion and the Girl by Walter Farley

2010-07-26T10:30:00.000-05:00

Hopeful Farm’s success has greatly increased Alec and Henry’s workload. After firing an employee for kicking a yearling, Alec takes out an advertisement in a racing magazine. When Pam Athena applies for the job, Alec has a hard time persuading his partners to retain her as a trainer and even harder time convincing them to let her ride the Black Stallion when Alec is suspended as a jockey.

This is about Alec falling in love with a girl who applies for a job at Hopeful farm. Though those close to Alec don't think a girl should be involved in horse racing, he wants her to stay and she does. Pam (the girl) shows Alec what its like to be young though they are close in age Alec feels years older. Pam rides for the fun of riding. Alec has forgotten that since its become a business riding. Pam even works magic with Black Sand,The Black's grandson, Satan's son. In the end though Pam loves Alec and wants to one day marry him being young she still wants to see stuff and grow up. They promise to stay in touch, and even though Alec misses her he never forgets what she taught him.

Oddly in this book Pam rides The Black in a race. I'm pretty sure in most of the other books it's always been said that Alec is the only one the Black allows to ride him with expectation to the Black's original owner Abu Ben Ishak. There was even talk from Henry on putting another Jockey up on the Black if Pam couldn't handle him.

This was a good book, Pam and Alec's relationship was sweet. The character of Pam was great too she just had a spark to her and she kind of reminded me of Alec in the first few books, how she would talk softly and just say anything to calm a horse down

Book Review: The Black Stallion's Ghost by Walter Farley

2010-07-26T10:25:00.000-05:00

While riding the Black in the Everglades one day, Alec meets a man astride a ghostly gray mare. Alec?s fascination with the man turns to fear as he realizes the man is dangerously close to insanity. Soon Alec and the Black are caught up in a deadly chase through the depths of the Everglades, where a misstep could be fatal.

The Black Stallion, written by Walter Farley, is about a young boy and a stallion called Black. There has been many sequels of The Black Stallion. This book is about a boy named Alec and his adventure with his horse. Alec went to see a circus with a ringmaster and a horse who is like a ghost. Alec was riding Black through the fog-shrouded Everglades and they came upon a man on a gray mare that turns out to be the Ghost. They met eachother and the captain invited Alec to his house. Alec has a feeling that his host is insane. They had lunch together and Alec was about to go home when the captain begged him to stay for the night because a storm would be coming soon. It turned out that the captain wanted to breed his horse with Black. When Black was getting close with the Ghost, the captain tried to keep him away and got a pitch-fork to defend his horse. The next thing that happened was Black was running off towards the Everglades. Alec who was knocked out woke up and found that Black was gone. He tried to run after him, but the captain wouldn't let him because it was dangerous. Alec begged the captain to go with him because it was his fault that Black ran off. The captain was afraid of the Haitian curse. After a long search, the captain was found dead by Alec. Alec eventually found the Black. He rode back to the captain's place and found the people from the place he was supposed to stay at. They were very worried about Alec and took him and Black back. Alec told them the story, but they said that the captain had died a long time ago. They found out that the blind man had sold the Ghost to a man. Alec had wanted to buy that horse so that he could breed the Ghost and Black. They found the man who had the Ghost and Alec said he would buy it for any amount of money. The man said the horse was not on sale, but Alec eventually bought the horse for a large amount of money.
I like the book because it is an adventurous story about a horse and a loving boy. One of my favorite quotes is, "It's too late for regret. I MUST find him." It showed how much Alec had love for Black. Alec had lived with Black since his childhood and had loved and cared for it although the horse was a wild and fierce one that no one could go near him but himself. Another quote that I like was, "Come on. We're getting out of here." This quote meant that Alec was getting out of the Everglades with Black together without any of them getting left behind.
My favorite part of the book was when Alec and the captain went to find Black. Alec had the courage to go when the captain didn't. I liked this part because Alec wouldn't give up finding Black and that showed how much he cared for it.

Book Review: Horse Tamer by Walter Farley

2010-07-26T10:00:00.000-05:00

While waiting for a delayed airplane, old Henry Dailey, the Black's trainer, tells young Alec Ramsay a story of his own youth, travelling with his brother, Bill. Bill Dailey's talent as a horse-whisperer was unmatched in the days before the automobile and young Henry tells of an unscrupulous con-man who mistreats horses into behaving temporarily. Bill is determined to show that the man is a fraud, but can he unmask the con without getting hurt?

Walter Farley experimented with many genres of writing and here, in his only foray into historical fiction, he weaves a fascinating tale of life when horses were the primary means of transportation.
Simply put, The Horse Tamer is an account of Henry Daily's younger days, working with his older brother for a cirus. As the title denotes, Henry tames wild horses, instead of breaking them. Along with an insight into Henry's past, the book also provides excitement as it reveals a sinister plot unfolding. The Horse Tamer was a good book; while not GREAT, it still offered excitement and made me keep turning the pages. I liked this book because it was written by Walter Farley, and I like his stuff. Also, the plot was interesting, and it gave me a background on Henry Daily. It was also a fresh change of pace from all the books about Alec Ramsey. Overall, I'd say read it. Although it's not Walter Farley's best book ever, it's still good enough to warrant a reading.

Book Review: The Black Stallion and The Shapeshifter by Steven Farley

2010-07-26T02:13:00.000-05:00

Alec and the Black's latest adventure takes them to Ireland, where the Black has a chance to once again prove his brilliance as a racehorse. Then an injury forces them to prolong their stay. When a girl, Mora, finds a pony wandering the beach, Alec and the stallion are drawn into a mystery involving a kelpie. At first, he dismisses the tales about these shape-shifters but when Mora disappears, his search for her leads him and the horse into a deadly struggle to save her from this legendary creature. This is a carefully crafted novel, with Irish legend and daily life woven throughout. The suspense builds slowly but steadily. The lightly drawn characters support the story line, and Mora is typical of many girls whose greatest wish is to have a horse of their own. Devoted fans of the series will enjoy this latest adventure with a supernatural twist.

Steven Farley has taken his father's beloved characters, Alec Ramsey and the Black, and edged them skillfully into the world of Irish legend, confronting a determined and sinister Kelpie foe. Mr. Farley has brought a smooth and engaging writing style to the task, for me delightfully reminiscent of his father's work, so dear to my childhood. His Irish coastal scenery, evocation of dread and awe, and his character consistency are admirable. The 9 to14 year-old-age range touted by the sales blurb is accurate. Unfortunately, an obvious lack of proof-reading and continuity mar this otherwise engaging reemergence of old friends. There are a number of distracting errors a simple editing review should have eliminated, and the penultimate action sequence is almost unreadable, from a horseman's standpoint. That reluctantly said, because this was otherwise a fine read, I definitely look forward to more by this promising writer and hope that Random House will pay more attention to detail next time.

Book Review: Man 'O War by Walter Farley

2010-07-23T02:56:00.001-05:00

A fictionalized biography of the American race horse who won twenty of twenty-one races, told by a stable boy who grew up with the great horse.

If you love horses, horseracing and Man o' War, I highly recomend this book! Even if you don't have an interest in horses, you would still love this book! It's about Man o' War from the night he was foaled, to the tragic day he died... It gives you full details of his races, winning an astonishing 20 of his 21 starts..The race he lost, I think was unfair! (Read to find out!!) It tells alittle about some winners he sired..I learned a lot about this amazing Champion from reading this book...There is soOo much more I can say about this book..but I want you to read to find out!! ENJOY IT!! I KNOW YOU WILL!!*

Book Review: The Island Stallion by Walter Farley

2010-07-23T02:52:00.000-05:00

When Steve Duncan is asked to go on an archeological search on a remote Caribbean island, he never imagines the stallion he will find there. But the giant horse is unapproachable, showing nothing but fear and fury towards people. When the stallion gets caught in quicksand, can Steve get close enough to save the wild horse?

Oppsy I thought I posted this one...seems I missed it.

Flame the Island Stallion; he doesn't get as much attention as his "brother" The Black. But the Island Stallion is a remarkable book, for some it will be something fresh by Walter Farley, since you will be meeting new characters. The book its self is interesting in that half the book takes place on Azul Island, so for the most part the only people we see are Steve Duncan and his friend Pitch. One would think that would make for a boring story, but it doesn't there is just as much adventure in this book as some of the Black Stallion books. Just like the black stallion it is about a boys love for a wild stallion, a love which in a way tames the stallion. The book is told in a time period of 2 weeks so that is also very different from some of the Black Stallion books. I think most who have enjoyed reading Walter Farley's The Black Stallion (Books), being there with Alec and the Black. Will enjoy The Island Stallion where they will be there with Steven and Flame. Who wouldn't want to have a similar adventure like Steve has, finding a lost world that only you and someone else knows about and seeing these incredible beautiful horses, and to top off seeing some ancient artifacts.

Book Review: The Black Stallion Challenged by Walter Farley

2010-07-23T02:43:00.002-05:00

The Black Stallion is the fastest horse in America and he and his jockey, Alec Ramsay, are training for a big race. Suddenly there comes a new challenger: Flame! An unproven racer, the Island Stallion can run like the wind and his jockey, Steve Duncan, knows that Flame will give the Black the race of his life. But what neither Steve nor Alec know, is that these two stallions have met before, and they hate each other.

The Black Stallion Challenged is number seventeen in the set of books written by Walter Farley. Walter Farley is best known for The Black Stallion, but he also wrote a set of stories about Flame, a horse hidden on an island in the Caribbean's. The Black Stallion Challenged is the second cross over story. Steve, the boy who rides Flame, wants to win $65,000 racing Flame so he can buy the island Flame lives on.

Alex, who owns the Black, gives Steve advice. Steve is new to the racing world and Alex tries to teach Steve all the little facets of racing that Alex has learned over years of racing the Black. Steve takes some of the advice. This being fiction we have a race between the Black and Flame, the two fastest horses in the world!

Walter Farley does a great job of telling the story. Most of his stories are basically about a big horse race. But each time he tells the story in a different way. We learn about how different jockeys ride, and how different horses approach the track. Some horses are excited and want to race, others are a bit fearful. Walter Farley spent years in the racing world and it shows.

In this story a filly stumbles and fractures one of her forelegs during a race because the jockey was pushing too hard. There is a whole chapter on the operation as the vet works on the leg. There is another chapter about the jockeys getting ready for the big race. Much of this chapter is told from the point of view of the man who runs the scales.

I have enjoyed every Walter Farley story I've read. This was no exception. It is well written and well paced. My young neice constantly wanted me to read another chapter. If you have liked any of the other Black Stallion or Flame stories, give The Black Stallion Challenged a try.

R.I.P Sweet Girl

2010-07-20T07:25:00.001-05:00

Sweet Maia Sleeping with Me.

Several years ago on a fatefull snowy winter night I was told about a cat. Her name at the time was Shania, and she had chronic bowel problems and her owner at that time was going to kill her because she was tired of dealing with the "problem." Never one to let that happen I took myself out there and there she was (more details of course but this post is not about those) sweet little all black girl. She had been declawed (a practice I abhor.) spayed (good) and was very underweight. At 3 years old Maia only weighed about 3lbs. And yes indeed she had the chronic stinky bowel issue. Never the less I packed her up took her home and never looked back She became my little Maia girl.

When I brought her home that Night the Hubby said "She looks like Oscar the grouch" and bless her heard she did. But he also said "you will be a beautiful cat when we get you straightened out" and that she was. A change in diet and some good probiotics later Maia was fine,nd gained some weight though she was always a small girl she would contiune to have bouts of tummy issues because asmuch as we wanted her to remain on a wet food diet Maia was a kibble addict.

Sadly this morning at 5:15am my sweet girl went peacefully across the rainbow bridge. I am happy she was peacefull. I am happy we gave her the years we did and how much she brought into my life. Maia was a sweetheart to everyone, even sleeping all day (and night too) with a house guest who came to visit twice. My life will not be the same without her. I with the way she would march up to me and "Scream" at me when she wanted love. How she would sleep in the most annoying places like on my letter writing box and yet I loved her for it and I would never move her. I love you Maia. Thank you for being my Angel I shall see you again someday across the rainbowbridge.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Book Review: The Black Stallion and Flame by Walter Farley

2010-07-17T09:00:00.001-05:00

While flying to a race, Alec Ramsay and the Black’s plane crash-lands in the stormy Caribbean. Chance brings the Black to the hidden island home of the giant red stallion, Flame. Such a small island can only support one alpha male. But before the two can fight–a fight that can only result in the death of one–a new danger appears. Together, can the stallions defeat the deadly foe which threatens the lives of the entire herd of wild horses?

In The Black Stallion and Flame, Alec and the Black are in a plane wreck when flying over the Caribbean. The chapters then alternate between Alec and Henry, who make there way to a populated island, and the Black, who makes his way to a nonpopulated island. Alec and Henry are looking for the Black when they discover that a deadly diseased vampire bat is on the loose. Meanwhile the Black finds his way onto an island through a tiny passage that is almost invisible. Alec and Henry take a boat out looking for the Black and discover the island that he is on, but they can't figure out how to get onto it (this is the same island from The Island Stallion, for those of you who have read it). Alec realizes that the bat has traveled in their boat with them to the island! The Black meets Flame, the Island Stallion, but it doesn't use the name "Flame" in the story so unless you have read The Island Stallion, you have no idea who the "Flame" in the title is. Anyway, they are battling! But then the bat comes onto the island and starts trying to attack them! Will the horses team up to defeat the deadly bat, or will one (or both) of the heroes die (either thru battle or from the bat)? And there's the big question looming over it all: Will Alec find his horse? And if he does, will the Black be willing to give up his new life in the wild for the world of racing? This is a super book!

Book Review: The Black Stallion's Mystery By Walter Farley

2010-07-17T08:34:00.000-05:00

A horrible trap is set for Alec and his horse...

Alec,The Black, and Henry are out on an adventure... once again!!

Alec is baffled by three colts that arrive for sale from Spain. They look so much like his horse, that Alec is sure they have the same sire.But that wonderful stallion died years ago in Arabia. Or did he?In search of the answer Alec and the Black begin a dangerous journey.
In spain they meet the colts' eccentric owner, Angel Gonzalez, who takes them to a remote mountian stronghold of anb Arab sheik. The sheik insists he's seen the Black's sire running free, in the mountains. And he wants Alec and the Black to catch him.Yet Alec is suspicious. He thinks the whole story is nothing more than an elaborite plot to lure him and his horse to this desolate place-but why??
You have to have read the first book in the series to know who Tabari is and if you don't then, you wouldn't get the whole book.

Book Review: The Black Stallions Courage by Walter Farley

2010-07-17T08:20:00.000-05:00

When Hopeful Farm burns down, Alec’s dreams for the future go up in smoke. How can he get the money to rebuild? To make matters worse, a strong young colt named Eclipse has taken the racing world by storm, threatening to replace the Black in the hearts of racing fans. Against all odds, Alec sets out to save the farm and prove that the Black is still the greatest race horse of all time!
“Everyone loves a champion. And when the champion is a gallant horse, when his story is told by a champion writer of horse stories, every reader is a winner.”—The New York Times

The Amazing story of Alec Ramsay and his horse The Black is back. Is the long-term tale of this duo something that could happen in real life? Not really this is not something that would be your usual real life tale but that is one reason it is so fantastic and pleasant to read and so enjoyable. Never anything wrong with dreaming and fully enjoying that dream. Once again, Walter Farley brings his characters to us and you just want to take them off the page and immerse yourself in their real life. I know I am behind on my reviews but I really do love these books and as always, this one was wonderful with the rest of them.

Book Review: The Island Stallion Races

2010-07-02T01:20:00.002-05:00

More than anything, Steve Duncan dreams of racing his huge, wild stallion, Flame. The horse is untrained, but incredibly fast and Steve just wants to show him off. When two strangers show up and offer to make Steve’s dream a reality, Steve cannot believe his luck. But soon he realizes that a professional racetrack is no place for an unbroken stallion.

Once again, we will see what happens when a wild horse meets the world of modern racetracks it is not always a bright idea. So we venture deep into the world of what happens when savage meets modern. Look for more fights and what happens with a horse that needs training. Being such a fantastic horse lover, I really cannot get over the books I have always loved them and will continue to.

Book Review: The Black Stallions Sulky Colt by Walter Farley

2010-07-02T01:19:00.002-05:00

Bonfire, the Black Stallion’s colt who is a champion harness racer, is in training for the biggest race of his career: the Hambletonian. But a routine practice race turns disastrous in a collision of wood, metal, horses, and jockeys. Bonfire escapes unharmed, but is spooked and refuses to race. Alec Ramsey, the owner of the Black, witnesses the crash and is determined to see that Bonfire follow in the winning footsteps of his world-famous sire.

I loved Bonfire the first time that I saw him in the Blood bay colt and I loved that was visiting him again in this fantastic book. Once again, we delve into the world and psychology of horses. Bonfire is spooked and will no longer race after a horrible accident, something that can and does happen to horses. I worked with one myself that had been in a trailer accident and than refused to load into a trailer. Alec does what many of us horse people do when faced with this…tries to help and move the horse beyond his fear.

Book Book Review: The Black Stallion Revolts by Walter Farley

2010-07-02T01:18:00.002-05:00

After the Black attacks another horse, Alec realizes that the once-wild horse needs more space and freedom, so they head out west to a huge ranch. But a terrible accident separates the two, leaving Alec with amnesia and the Black alone to reclaim the wild life to which he was born. As the Black struggles to survive, and as Alec struggles to remember who he is and his connection to the magnificent stallion in the canyon, a gripping adventure story unfolds.

Another look and reminder as why why wild horses can sometimes never be fully tamed. Especially a wild and savage horse like the Black. The story that unfolds is a fantastic one with Alec making the right choice for his horse by moving him out to a large ranch where he has space. Sadly, the accident happens so we follow a split story line of survival both of them. Another wonderful book truly Walter Farley keeps it going fantastically.

Book Review: The Black Stallion's Filly by Walter Farley

2010-07-02T00:20:00.000-05:00

"She’ll never be a racehorse,” murmurs the crowd as Black Minx is led into the sales ring. But Alec Ramsay thinks differently and buys the Black’s first filly to train her for the Kentucky Derby. But Black Minx, like her sire, has a mind of her own. This fast-paced racing story follows a great horse’s journey through training and preliminary races to the opening gate at America’s most famous racetrack: Churchill Downs.

It is so hard to say more about Walter Farley’s books because I feel like I am always repeating myself but once again another amazing book by Walter Farley and he has continued the series of the Black Stallion without making you think the series is getting to long. Each book covers new issues and another horse is brought into the line, just like should be with Horse Breeding and Racing. Of course, Arabians have never been in some of the races he brings up but hey, THEY SHOULD BE.

Book Review: The Island Stallion's Fury by Walter Farley

2010-06-03T02:10:00.001-05:00

Only Steve Duncan and his friend Pitch know of the valley hidden behind the high cliffs of the remote Caribbean Azul Island. And only the two of them know of the beautiful, purebred horses that live there, under the watchful eye of the great red stallion, Flame. But when Pitch’s half-brother Tom learns of this lost paradise, he will stop at nothing to make it his own, even if he has to destroy it.

Another fantastic novel in The Black Stallion series by Walter Farley. We again leave the story of Alec and the Black for a while and visit Steve and Flame at the Island of Azul. Tom Steve’s half Brother turns out to be the perfect antagonist in this story.

Once again, Farley adds something fresh into a series that shows no end by this point. With a passion and a love of horses, anyone can truly enjoy this series. You will enjoy the descriptions of the beautiful island as well as the stunning purebred Arabian horses. How they ever got onto this island is anyone’s guess but their bloodlines have remained pure because of it and make the story even more intriguing to read.

Book Review: The Black Stallion's Blood Bay Colt by Walter Farley

2010-05-29T04:52:00.001-05:00

He had his mother's champion bloodlines and his father's fiery spirit!

Well this ones cover description is not very long but the book is another show of horse loving excellence by Walter Farley. The Blood bay Colt is one of the black stallion’s sons, and he becomes a harness racer. However, this trip is as always not without trials after all any bloodline of the Black Stallion is going to have temper, fire, and flare. However, there also proves to be that underlying spirit of loyalty and love. Walter Farley truly captures the spirit of the Arabian horse and the spirit that has made me love that breed of horse for as long as I can remember.

Musing Monday #47

2010-05-17T09:19:00.002-05:00

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about movies based on books…

What happens when you see a movie based on a book/story, especially one you’ve not read? Do you feel the need to track it down and read it?

Usually if I can help it, I do not see a movie if I have not read the book it is based on. However, if I see one that I did not know was based on a book and find out it was you betcha I find the book and read it if I like the movie anyways. For the most part, I have found the movie is usually not as good as the book; it is hard to fit long books into 2-hour movies. However I try not to judge.

Back in the saddle again... Feeels good to post a Musing Monday.

Book Review: The Black Stallion and Satan by Walter Farley

2010-05-12T05:47:00.003-05:00

Satan has won the Triple Crown, yet Alec still misses the Black, who’s living in Arabia with Sheikh Abu Ishak. Unexpectedly, Alec receives word that the sheikh has died and has left the Black to Alec. A race between the Black and Satan is inevitable, but unexpected events put the horses in the path of a raging forest fire. Suddenly, they are racing for their lives.

What can I say about this book that I have not already said about the others? This is a fantastic book while of course, by today’s standards, it is an eye archer about the Triple Crown winner but hey, it is a story and a fantastic story at that.

Once again, Walter Farley has made me smile and remember about my childhood and just why I loved these books so much. I sat down and read nearly all of them in a single week when I was growing up in the summer. Of course, I did not have anything else to do than either. If you love horses and love enthralling into a good story. I recommend you read this series.

Absence..

2010-05-05T06:26:00.003-05:00

I am gearing myself back up to get back into blogging. I know I have been away for about 3 weeks. Once again I have been pretty sick. So I am going to try to get back into the swing and get those reviews I am behind on up and ready to go and get things updated!

Booking Through Thursday - Which end?

2010-04-16T02:29:00.001-05:00

In general, do you prefer the beginnings of stories? Or the ends?

It depends on the book. But in general I find the end more enjoyable because the beginning can be a little tough to get into in some books.

Musing Monday #46

2010-04-12T09:11:00.002-05:00

There’s been some discussion on my blog this week about what should or shouldn’t make a ‘best' books’ list. What elements do you think lands a book in that ‘best’ category? Think of your top 5 best books and tune in next week to see the collated list.

That is a very tough one. Really. Because there are alot of things that make a Best book for me. But here is a few.

Emotion~ The book HAS to involve me. Has to make me feel the characters. Doesn't need to be sad persay but just has to be emotional and make me feel connected.

Well Written~ I do not mean no mistakes or perfect prose (lord knows I can not do that) but it has to not have any really dumb plot devices or twists that just do not make sense at all. As much as I LOVE the Twilight books they wouldn't make my All time best list because of silly plot devices.

...that is my top two I will update this post if I think of anymore.

1. Shoot the Moon by Billie Letts

2. Devil's Bride by Stephanie Laurens (don't laugh to hard at that one)

3. Mozart's Sister by Nancy Moser

4. The Necklace Series by Kat Martin (again no laughing please)

5. The Boleyn Inheritance by Phillipa Gregory

Booking Through Thursday - Plotting

2010-04-08T09:32:00.001-05:00

Plots? Or Stream-of-Consciousness? Which would you rather read?

Either. It really depends on the story and how it fits. I have found some of the long pen pal letters I have gotten even better than some boring books I Have read.So really it depends on everything.

Musing Monday #47

2010-04-05T07:18:00.002-05:00

Are you planning on participating in the upcoming readathon? Why not tell us a little about your plans: reading solo or with a partner/group? How long to do plan to read? Do you have your books chosen? If not reading, do you plan to be a cheerleader? The floor is yours.

I didn't know there was an upcoming readathon. As much as I would like to take part my health has been on a down swing again so I don't think I will be pushing myself on the reading. I might see about being a cheerleader though.

Booking Through Thursday - Learning

2010-04-02T00:05:00.001-05:00

spent the day with my friend’s twins the other day. Twins who are learning to read, sounding out the words, trying to make sense of the stories in their books, and it made me nostalgic for when I learned. I still remember the distinct moment that the concept of reading clicked, with a meglomaniacal realization that, all I needed to do was learn the words and I could read anything in the whole world. (That’s my kind of world domination.)

Do you remember learning to read? What’s your earliest reading memory?

I do not remember learning to read. My Mom says that I learned very early. My earliest reading memory is sitting on my Dad in the living room. He was in a flannel shirt and I was reading Hop on Pop.

Teaser Tuesday #44

2010-03-30T22:51:00.001-05:00

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

Musing Monday #46

2010-03-29T20:11:00.003-05:00

Do you – or are you even able – to do other things while you read? Do you knit, hold a conversation, keep an eye on the TV? Anything?

I keep an eye on TV sometimes and I often RP with a friend of mine while reading. She always giggles at me that I can do both but I am a multi tasker by nature.

Quotable Sunday #31

2010-03-29T02:56:00.001-05:00

Abd Er-Rahman III of Spain:
I have now reigned about 50 years in victory or peace, beloved by my subjects, dreaded by my enemies, and respected by my allies. Riches and honors, power and pleasure, have waited on my call, nor does any earthly blessing appear to have been wanting to my felicity. In this situation, I have diligently numbered the days of pure and genuine happiness which have fallen to my lot. They amount to fourteen. (960 C.E.)

Abraham Lincoln:
Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.-

Albert Camus:
You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.

Albert Camus:
But what is happiness except the simple harmony between a man and the life he leads?

Albert Camus:
All men have a sweetness in their life. That is what helps them go on. It is towards that they turn when they feel too worn out.

Albert Camus:
When you have once seen the glow of happiness on the face of a beloved person, you know that a man can have no vocation but to awaken that light on the faces surrounding him; and you are torn by the thought of the unhappiness and night you cast, by the mere fact of living, in the hearts you encounter.

Albert Schweitzer:
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.

Albert Schweitzer:
I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.

Albert Schweitzer:
Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory.

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn:
One should never direct people towards happiness, because happiness too is an idol of the market-place. One should direct them towards mutual affection. A beast gnawing at its prey can be happy too, but only human beings can feel affection for each other, and this is the highest achievement they can aspire to.

Alexandre Dumas:
There is neither happiness nor misery in the world; there is only the comparison of one state to another, nothing more. He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness. We must have felt what it is to die, that we may appreciate the enjoyments of life.

Algernon Black:
Why not let people differ about their answers to the great mysteries of the Universe? Let each seek one's own way to the highest, to one's own sense of supreme loyalty in life, one's ideal of life. Let each philosophy, each world-view bring forth its truth and beauty to a larger perspective, that people may grow in vision, stature and dedication.

This entry continued ...

Allan K. Chalmers:
The Grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.

Amy Lowell:
Happiness: We rarely feel it.
I would buy it, beg it, steal it,
Pay in coins of dripping blood
For this one transcendent good.

Anne Frank:
We all live with the objective of being happy; our lives are all different and yet the same.

Anne Frank:
The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.

Aristotle:
Happiness belongs to the self-sufficient

The Sunday Salon #26

2010-03-29T02:55:00.003-05:00

None for this week I am afraid. In fact I am looking over all of myMeme's and cutting some of them out. I think it is about time to do that and focus on getting reviews and my other writing that I am enjoying done.

Booking Through Thursday - Break

2010-03-25T20:04:00.002-05:00

Do you take breaks while reading a book? Or read it straight through? (And, by breaks, I don’t mean sleeping, eating and going to work; I mean putting it aside for a time while you read something else.)

It depends on the book and my frame of mind. I set aside my Dead in Dallas book and have been reading the Black Stallion Series again.

Musing Monday #45

2010-03-22T15:57:00.001-05:00

Where do you keep the books on the top of the tbr pile? Not the bunk of the mountain, but just the tip of the peak – the ‘almost up to’ books?

The books that I am going to be reading next or the "tip of the mountain" books are kept on my nightstand in my bedroom so I can reach them easily.

The Sunday Salon #25

2010-03-21T18:10:00.001-05:00

Another Sunday and I am still behind on things. I have been fending off this wicked evil cold. I wish I did not catch these things, but alas, it seems I catch every little bug. On the reading end of things, I am still doing pretty well. However, for me I have not kept up on my reviews. Last week I said I would get all of my Black Stallion reviews done. Fail for me on that. Nevertheless, I have gotten some of them done and I am going to keep trying to do more.

Pen paling is going very good mail was a little slow last week such is. Overall, March is an interesting month I cannot believe that it is going by so fast honestly; it is going very fast almost to fast. Soon enough it is going to be April…and than May…my birthday month.

Have a fantastic Sunday.

Quotable Sunday #30

2010-03-21T14:13:00.002-05:00

In honor of the Cancer Auction some wonderful friends of mine are doing. Todays Quotable Sunday is...Cancer Quotes.

If children have the ability to ignore all odds and percentages, then maybe we can all learn from them. When you think about it, what other choice is there but to hope? We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up, or fight like hell. - Lance Armstrong

Cancer is a word, not a sentence. - John Diamond

My cancer scare changed my life. I'm grateful for every new, healthy day I have. It has helped me prioritize my life. - Olivia Newton-John

What cancer does is, it forces you to focus, to prioritize, and you learn what's important. I mean, I don't sweat the small stuff. I used to get angry at cab drivers. It's not worth it.... And when somebody says you have cancer, you realize it's all small stuff. And if it weren't for the downside, everyone would want to have it. But there is a downside. - Joel Siegel

During chemo, you're more tired than you've ever been. It's like a cloud passing over the sun, and suddenly you're out. But you also find that you're stronger than you've ever been. You're clear. Your mortality is at optimal distance, not up so close that it obscures everything else, but close enough to give you depth perception. Previously, it has taken you weeks, months, or years to discover the meaning of an experience. Now it's instantaneous. - Melissa Bank

Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death. - Author Unknown

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. - Winston Churchill

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. - C.C. Scott

I don't think of all the misery but of the beauty that still remains. - Anne Frank

Never, never, never give up. - Winston Churchill

You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. - Eleanor Roosevelt

It's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. - Abraham Lincoln

Once you choose hope, anything's possible. - Christopher Reeve

Oh, my friend, it's not what they take away from you that counts - it's what you do with what you have left. - Hubert Humphrey

Some see a hopeless end, while others see an endless hope. - Author Unknown

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. - Herm Albright

Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine. - Anthony J. D'Angelo

The only disability in life is a bad attitude. - Scott Hamilton

Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. - Robert Brault

Anywhere is paradise; it's up to you. - Author Unknown

We cannot direct the wind but we can adjust the sails. - Author Unknown

A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes. - Hugh Downs

The Kingdom of Heaven is not a place, but a state of mind. - John Burroughs

It isn't our position but our disposition which makes us happy. - Author Unknown

Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you. - Maori Proverb

He who fears something gives it power over him. - Moorish Proverb

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear. - Ambrose Redmoon

Courage is being afraid but going on anyhow. - Dan Rather

In time of test, family is best. - Burmese Proverb

Book Review: Son of the Black Stallion by Walter Farley

2010-03-20T14:55:00.001-05:00

When Alec receives the Black Stallion’s first son as a gift, he believes his dreams have come true, but Satan’s savage arrogance makes him dangerous and unpredictable. Still, Alec is resolved to gain the fiery colt’s trust, even if he must risk his life to do it.

This is a story that once again is well done by Walter Farley. I have seen some reviews that say the outcome is not believable at all. However speaking as someone who has worked with a horse as Nasty as Satan is and has seen him turn around in the end and become trusting of people I can say that it is perfectly believable.

Alec is given the gift of the first son of his beloved Black stallion but he soon finds out that this son is more mal-tempered and cruel than the Black ever was. Henry warns Alec to stay away from him, thinking it is much better if they just get rid of the dangerous colt. Nevertheless, Alec will not give up on him. And when something happens…suddenly Satan changes his tune and finds out as many horses do that it is not so bad working with a human partner.

For anyone who loves horses and Arabians this series just keeps giving and giving. Walter Farley writes amazingly good stories with human characters you care about but also the horses. He gives each horse its own personality and its own character that just leaps off the page and keeps you reading.

Book Review: The Black Stallion Returns by Walter Farley

2010-03-18T19:33:00.000-05:00

In this, the second book in the series, the heart-stopping adventures of the Black Stallion continue as Alec discovers that two men are after the Black. One claims to be the Black’s rightful owner and one is trying to kill the beautiful steed. An Arab chieftain proves his ownership of the Black and takes him away, but Alec is determined to find his horse again. Following the pair to Arabia, Alec encounters great evil and intrigue, as only a horse as spectacular as the Black could inspire.

The Black Stallion returns brings back my favorite childhood stallion and is the second book in the very long series by Walter Farley. When I was younger this book gave me my first look into the true history of the Arabian horse and just how the nomads of Arabia treated their horses, like life Blood.

In this novel, we will follow Alex through a labyrinth of many things. An Arab chief finds Alec and claims that The Black is his, and has the proof. So The Black becomes Shetan and is taken away. However, Alec finds that another man wants The Black dead and goes on an adventure to save his beloved horse.

Once again, you are brought into a world of fantasy and horse love. You really cannot find a better set of books that embody so many things. Walter Farley writes fantastic prose and kid friendly books but the plots are interesting enough to keep even the adult mind busy. In reading this book again as an adult, I have found subtle things within it that I missed as a kid it did not take any enjoyment out of the book when I was younger. It merely added a better enjoyment for the story now that I am older.

Booking Through Thursday - Sensual

2010-03-18T10:48:00.001-05:00

Which do you prefer? Lurid, fruity prose, awash in imagery and sensuous textures and colors? Or straight-forward, clean, simple prose?

I like both. It depends on the book some books are best suited for straight up prose and some are better for the images of prose. As long as the prose suits the book setting I like both.

Teaser Tuesday #43

2010-03-16T00:13:00.002-05:00

"I doubt that I can rate her, Henry. When she takes the bit she'll work the limit of her speed." ~ The Black Stallions Filly by Walter Farley

Musing Monday #44

2010-03-15T12:04:00.002-05:00

Do you have a favourite picture book, either from your own childhood, or reading to you children?

Yes I have a photo of me with my Great Grandma with her reading the Three Billy Goats Gruff to me.

Book Review: The Black Stallion by Walter Farley

2010-03-15T06:18:00.000-05:00

First published in 1941, Walter Farley's best-selling novel for young readers is the triumphant tale of a boy and a wild horse. From Alec Ramsay and the Black's first meeting on an ill-fated ship to their adventures on a desert island and their eventual rescue, this beloved story will hold the rapt attention of readers new and old.

I first read this book when I was very young. It was the first horse book after Black Beauty that I read and there were two reasons I had looked forward to reading this book. First, that it was about a horse any horse is great, second it was about an Arabian. I have long been a fan of Arabian horses and that upped the appeal. All of that being said I was having trouble getting into my next book read so I thought I would pick up something easy to pass the time. The Black Stallion was just as good as I remember it being.

Walter Farley’s classic has all of the things you would expect from an exciting book, action, adventure, friendship and surprises. Alec Ramsay and The Black build such an incredible relationship all starting when the ship they are traveling on has a tragic accident and sinks. The imagery of this book is amazing; you can see The Black pulling Alec through the water to the island they end up on. You can see the mighty stallion running free on the island. You can feel their friendship grow.

There is of course a movie for this famous novel, but you do not have to see it to see the images and feel the feelings. Reading this childhood favorite with adult eyes gave me a new understanding of some passages but overall I was able to relive the excitement of my first reading. Weather your Young or Old this book is for you it is an inspirational story of friendship and bonding and overcoming insurmountable odds.

The Sunday Salon #24

2010-03-14T19:39:00.003-05:00

March seems to be flying by and I am making mince meat out of doing my reviews I have 7 that I just counted that are drafts and need to be written. In addition, that does not include the ones I haven’t made book cover posts for, but I am going to dedicate some time tomorrow for review writing and hopefully will get those posted.

I have been reading some of my childhood favorites again The Black Stallion series, and I am really enjoying it. I have also of course been doing a lot of letter writing and mail art, you can see more about that at my Birth of a Notion blog. I am currently writing a letter to Uganda, which is exciting.

Sleep has been a very odd cycle lately. Yesterday I got to sleep around 7pm and stayed asleep till about 6am waking up occasionally in-between for little times. It was a very odd sleep for me. As of yet I haven’t been to sleep since the 6am wake up and I am flagging a bit. But that is not about books now is it? Ha ha.

Next up in my pile is some more Black Stallion books than I am going to try to connect with the Sookie Stackhouse book I have listed as the one I am reading. I want to read the book and so far, it IS a good book. I just have not been able to connect with it and attach. I am not sure why perhaps because my mind is all over the place on other things like letter writing. However, I am reading just being bad about posting reviews. Happy Sunday everyone I hope yours was well, I have been writing letters and watching silly ice skating movies on ABC family.

Quotable Sunday #29

2010-03-14T07:04:00.001-05:00

This week.MyRelation...Mark Twain.

...great books are weighed and measured by their style and matter and not by the trimmings and shadings of their grammer.
- Mark Twain, a Biography

When I am king, they shall not have bread and shelter only, but also teachings out of books, for a full belly is little worth where the mind is starved.
- The Prince and the Pauper

U.S. stamps commemorating American literature

Photo courtesy of Dave Thomson
Classic--a book which people praise and don't read.
- Pudd'nhead Wilson's New Calendar

You can find in a text whatever you bring, if you will stand between it and the mirror of your imagination.
- "A Fable"

The index of a book should always be written by the author, even though the book itself should be the work of another hand.
- attributed by Robert Underwood Johnson, Remembered Yesterdays

A successful book is not made of what is in it, but of what is left out of it.
- Letter to Henry H. Rogers, 26 - 28 April 1897

I conceive that the right way to write a story for boys is to write so that it will not only interest boys but strongly interest any man who has ever been a boy. That immensely enlarges the audience.
- Letter to Fred J. Hall, 10 Aug 1892

We write frankly and fearlessly but then we "modify" before we print.
- Life on the Mississippi

It is no use to keep private information which you can't show off.
- "An Author's Soldiering," 1887

Experience of life (not of books) is the only capital usable in such a book as you have attempted; one can make no judicious use of this capital while it is new.
- letter to Bruce Weston Munro, 21 Oct 1881 (Karanovich collection)

From St. Nicholas Magazine, August 1916.
From the Dave Thomson
collection

Well, my book is written--let it go. But if it were only to write over again there wouldn't be so many things left out. They burn in me; and they keep multiplying; but now they can't ever be said. And besides, they would require a library--and a pen warmed up in hell.
- Letter to W. D. Howells, 22 Sept 1889 (referring to A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court)

I wrote the rest of The Innocents Abroad in sixty days and I could have added a fortnight's labor with the pen and gotten along without the letters altogether. I was very young in those days, exceedingly young, marvelously young, younger than I am now, younger than I shall ever be again, by hundreds of years. I worked every night from eleven or twelve until broad daylight in the morning, and as I did 200,000 words in the sixty days, the average was more than 3,000 words a day- nothing for Sir Walter Scott, nothing for Louis Stevenson, nothing for plenty of other people, but quite handsome for me. In 1897, when we were living in Tedworth Square, London, and I was writing the book called Following the Equator, my average was 1,800 words a day; here in Florence (1904) my average seems to be 1,400 words per sitting of four or five hours.
- Autobiography of Mark Twain

You need not expect to get your book right the first time. Go to work and revamp or rewrite it. God only exhibits his thunder and lightning at intervals, and so they always command attention. These are God's adjectives. You thunder and lightning too much; the reader ceases to get under the bed, by and by.
- Letter to Orion Clemens, 23 March 1878

The time to begin writing an article is when you have finished it to your satisfaction. By that time you begin to clearly and logically perceive what it is that you really want to say.
- Mark Twain's Notebook, 1902-1903

To get the right word in the right place is a rare achievement. To condense the diffused light of a page of thought into the luminous flash of a single sentence, is worthy to rank as a prize composition just by itself...Anybody can have ideas--the difficulty is to express them without squandering a quire of paper on an idea that ought to be reduced to one glittering paragraph.
- Letter to Emeline Beach, 10 Feb 1868

Let us guess that whenever we read a sentence & like it, we unconsciously store it away in our model-chamber; & it goes, with the myriad of its fellows, to the building, brick by brick, of the eventual edifice which we call our style.
- Letter to George Bainton, 15 Oct 1888; (first printed in The Art of Authorship: Literary Reminiscences, Methods of Work, and Advice to Young Beginners, Personally Contributed by Leading Authors of the Day. Compiled and Edited by George Bainton. New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1890, pp. 85-88.)

I notice that you use plain, simple language, short words and brief sentences. That is the way to write English - it is the modern way and the best way. Stick to it; don't let fluff and flowers and verbosity creep in. When you catch an adjective, kill it. No, I don't mean utterly, but kill most of them - then the rest will be valuable. They weaken when they are close together. They give strength when they are wide apart. An adjective habit, or a wordy, diffuse, flowery habit, once fastened upon a person, is as hard to get rid of as any other vice.
- Letter to D. W. Bowser, 20 March 1880

Saturday Sanctuary On Hold

2010-03-13T17:04:00.001-06:00

Since I don't think many are playing anyways. But due to Health and such I am going to put the Saturday Sanctuary on hold for a while. I will start doing it again when I am feeling a bit better.

February Wrap-Up

2010-03-12T06:02:00.000-06:00

I am so behind on this. I am going to make it brief because we are already well into March (DOH!). I am keeping very well on my Challenges so far I am happy with things safe and sound. I am behind in actually doing my reviews however; I am not behind on reading which makes me feel good. Although some of that could be because I am reading YA books right now. I have the Sookie book listed because I did start it for whatever reason I could not focus on it but plan on going back to it soon! Bring on Spring!

Friday Firsts #14

2010-03-12T05:43:00.003-06:00

The first line can make or break a reader’s interest. Just how well did the author pull you in to the story with their first sentence? To participate in this weekly book meme is extremely easy.

Grab the book you are currently reading and open to the first page.
Write down the first sentence in the first paragraph.
Create a blog post with this information. (Make sure to include the title & author of the book you are using. Even an ISBN helps!)
Did this first sentence help draw you into the story? Why or why not?
Link back to Well-Read Reviews in your blog entry.
Come back to this blog post, hosted on WellReadReviews.com and add your direct link to Mr. Linky! ** Very important!

It was hardly the time or the place to be thinking about a horse, any horse, the man decided, even Man O' War. -- Man o' War, Walter Farley

I love horses so this first line brings me right in esp. since Man O' War is my all time favorite race horse.

Book Review: Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay

2010-03-12T05:23:00.001-06:00

Meet Dexter, a polite wolf in sheep's clothing... a monster who cringes at the site of blood... a serial killer whose one golden rule makes him immensely likable: he only kills bad people.

Dexter Morgan isn't exactly the kind of man you'd bring home to Mom. Though he's playful and has a wonderfully ironic sense of humor, Dexter's one character flaw (his proclivity for murder) can be off-putting. But at heart Dexter is the perfect gentleman, supportive of his sister, Deb, a Miami cop, and interested only in doing away with people who really deserve his special visit. Dex is quite good-looking but totally indifferent to (and, frankly, a bit puzzled by) the attentions paid to him by women. Despite the fact that he can't stand the sight of blood, he works as a blood-spatter analyst for the Miami police department, a job that allows him to keep tabs on the latest crimes and keep an eye open for his next quarry.

Dexter's well-organized life is suddenly disrupted when a second, much more visible serial killer appears in Miami. Dex is intrigued, even delighted, by the fact that the other killer appears to have a style reminiscent of his own. Yet he can't help but feel that the mysterious new arrival is not merely invading his turf, but reaching out to him as well. This new killer seems to be doing more than copying Dexter�he seems to be saying, "Come out and play." Dexter's secret life makes for a lonely existence... even a lovable monster can be intrigued by the prospect of finding a friend.

I love the Showtime series Dexter, for once I had no idea it was based on books as soon as I found out I knew I had to read the books. A series that is that good on TV simply must be that good in books. Therefore, I picked up my first Dexter book, Darkly Dreaming Dexter. I admit I am not fully involved in this genre but again love the show must see the books. Moreover, I will never regret that choice.

We follow the wolf that is Dexter as he makes his way through the motions of being a normal person. However, Dexter is anything but normal, he is just pretending although he has gotten very good at pretending. The only thing he does seem to have issues with is connecting. But come the night and come the dark passenger. The imaginary in this book is fantastic and you can see how the show came to be as it is. Since I have seen the show, first I must admit I could hear Michael C. Hall’s voice as Dexter has his inner dialog.

The thing about Dexter is you cannot help but love him. He truly is a good man he cares about issues; he loves his sister and is very protective of her and children oh how Dexter loves children. However, even with all of this, you cannot hide from his Dark Passenger; Dexter Morgan is a serial killer. The catch? He only kills people who are without a doubt guilty of horrendous crimes, and through some loophole in the justice system have gotten off. Really how can a guy like that truly be a monster? My husband (shocking we agree on this series as a joy) says that Dexter is like Batman only he kills where Batman does not. A very true comment Dexter Morgan is a vigilante. If you like the show or are even just curious about it I recommend this book the first in the series as an opener, it will suck you into the world that is Dexter.

Booking Throuth Thursday - Illustrious

2010-03-11T18:00:00.003-06:00

First I have to say what do you think of the St. Pat's day Makeover I did :) that said..on to the question.

How do you feel about illustrations in your books? Graphs? Photos? Sketches?

I love maps and sketches and any kind of little pictures in my books. I find that they go along with the story and help me feel more connected to the characters. It is always nice to have something to bring you farther in.

Teaser Tuesday #42

2010-03-10T13:19:00.002-06:00

Sorry no Tease I haven't picked the next book I am going to read yet. and my Modem broke.

Blog Tour Guest Post: Josi Kilpack

2010-03-09T00:01:00.000-06:00

Within my process of learning to write, I can attribute a great deal of my education to becoming a critical reader. Up until I began writing, I had been a voracious reader for many years, reading anything I could get my hands on. I finished nearly every book I picked up and very rarely did I not like a book. However, after writing my first story I realized there was an actual craft; a set of skills necessary to write the rightway just as there is a craft to architecture or painting. I already read books on parenting, marriage, cooking, and personal finance; certainly there were books out there that taught someone how to write. In fact there were, but beyond non-fiction books on novel writing there was also the realization that every novel I picked up was an instruction manual in disguise. I quickly found that by studying the way an author told their story I could learn a thing or two about the craft and get my reading fix in the process. So, instead of just reading for entertainment or edification I started reading to learn the craft of writing, the structure of fiction, and how to best develop characters people would want to read about for three hundred pages. I would finish reading a book and ask myself what I liked, what I didn’t like, what I would have changed. Did I like the ending? Did I relate to the characters? Were there any parts of the story that could have been stronger, were some things overstated? It was rather fascinating to dissect plots and characters, holding each piece up to the light as I studied it from a new perspective. I then tried to bend and mold the elements I learned into my own stories.

But, something happened through these exercises; something I hadn’t expected. Once I was critically evaluating the elements of a book it became harder and harder to get lost within the pages. Whereas I used to finish 98% of every book I picked up, I soon found my percentage dropping farther and farther as I found more and more storylines that, for one reason or another, I just didn’t like. These days, I probably only finish 1/3 of the books I pick up. The downside of the development of this critical reader who is consistently reading over my shoulder, is that it’s not always easy to find a good book. When I’m reading it’s hard to turn off my “internal editor” and let the story sweep me away.

The upside is that when I like a book, I really, really like it. Another benefit is that reading is very much an educational experience for me. Not only am I learning about whatever time period, culture, or person the story features, I’m also learning about the book’s structure, character development, plot, and basic usage of words, dialogue, and description. Since I only get captured by great books, I figure I’m getting the best education I possibly can. It’s not uncommon for me to be reading and stop in order to scramble for my notebook where I write down a certain word I liked, or a sentence structure that had great texture, or I jot down a character idea that was triggered by the story. Then I run back to the book and get lost once again. In this sense I’ve learned to write from some of the great writers of my time—Sue Graphton, John Grisham, Mary Higgins Clark, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, John Shors as was as some of the classic writers such as Mary Stewart, Agatha Christie, and Edgar Allan Poe. What better teachers could a writer want? And they’re all available for nothing more than a library card.

There are days when I pine for the reader I once was, the reader who was happy with anything over 200 pages, and yet in the long run the sacrifice of that part of who I was, has made room for another part of me that even a year before I wrote my first novel I didn’t know existed. It’s an amazing journey, these lives we live, and a fascinating vista when we stand on the verge of who we are and look back at where we’ve been and all the people who helped us get here. Once we can look over what we’ve done, we can then turn and face the horizons of where we are going. It’s my core belief that regardless of who we are and where we want to end up one day, good books will lay that groundwork one way or another. I know it’s been true for me.

Musing Monday #43

2010-03-08T08:25:00.002-06:00

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about dust jackets.

Do you prefer books with a dust jacket? What do you do with your dust jacket while reading? Leave it on or take it off? (Question courtesy of Kim from Page after Page)

I am happy if there is no Dust Jacket. If the book has one I take it off while I read as it tends to slip where I am sitting in bed. So I will tuck it into my paper drawer until I am done reading.

The Sunday Salon #23

2010-03-07T23:37:00.000-06:00

Another late Sunday Salon, it has been one of those weeks. Hubby brought home a cold bug and I of course got it and am now suffering from the affects. On the bright end I am enjoying reading through The Black Stallion series again and while I am backed up on the reviews it is still enjoyable.

I had to mentaly swat myself for the fact that I realised I had a Feb Wrap up post created and saved as draft but I did not post it. So I will wrap that up and get it posted this week before we get any farther into the Month of March. So much to do there just is not enough hours in the day for being sick and reading and writing. Yeesh.

Blog Tour Book Review Devil's Food Cake by Josikilpak

2010-03-07T18:39:00.004-06:00

It's been years since author Thom Mortenson has been back to Garrison, Colorado. As part of the library fundraising committee, who invited him to speak, Sadie Hoffmiller wants everything to be perfect—right down to the homemade Devil’s Food Cake she made herself. Murder, however, was not on the menu.

When Thom's manager ends up dead on stage, Sadie does what any woman with a history of solving murders does--jumps right in to offer her guidance and expertise. The police, however, are not very appreciative. In fact, they’d rather she just go home. But can Sadie help it if she keeps stumbling over information? Can she help it if the people intricately woven into the deception keep crossing her path? The more she learns, the broader the spectrum becomes and when the police refuse to take her seriously, Sadie has no choice but to sidestep them altogether in the pursuit of justice.

With her son Shawn at her side, her reputation on the line, and a full cast of suspicious characters, Sadie Hoffmiller is once again cooking her way through a case that offers far more questions than answers.

I have not had a chance to read the first books in this series yet, but after reading this one, I have to say I will. That being said this book is a stand-alone novel that you do not need to have read the other two, while it may be helpful it is not required.

There are few things more satisfying than good comfort food right? Well this book couples food with mystery and while your reading you will find that, the sleuth is a bit food obsessed. That works well for the reader because the book also includes the recopies’ of the dishes that she describes.

Sadie herself is not an immediately likeable character. However, as you read the book and follow the mystery of who set up the shotgun trap to kill Mark you will find yourself liking her. She is not the typical heroine, she is a busy body and a bit of a gossip but she can cook and loves to share it.

If you love mysteries and food or just one or the other you will love this book. So curl upon the couch with a sweet treat and enjoy.