2 many good books, 2 little time!

Total Score at a Library Book Sale

2011-02-27T00:13:00.000-05:00

I grabbed a box full of Terry Brooks books at a library sale over the summer. I sort of stumbled upon him and am loving it because I don't have to wait until his next book comes out. I have 4 full sets of his series plus Running with Demons. All of which are absolutely wonderful (so far...)

I have read his first Shannara series and can only say that I could't get enough...hence why I am so tickled that I have that box to fullfill my need for my fix. So far I have read 7 of his books in a row and am working on my 8th.

I promise to come back with some reviews...I have spring break coming up. Hmmm....spring cleaning by the way of catching up on my reviews. The problem is that I would rather be readig, but then that's a good problem.

Have no fear fellow book lovers, I am alive and well and getting every bit of epic fantasy as possible!

Happy Reading!
~Heather

I found another great book contest/giveaway!

2010-04-07T11:32:00.000-04:00

Turning Into YA Books is having a 75 follower giveaway. It ends on 4/30/10. Check out what's up for grabs:

Take Time for Your Life - Book Review 4 Stars

2010-03-18T10:35:00.002-04:00

Take Time for Your Life by Cheryl Richardson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In all honesty, I would rather rate this a 3 1/2. However, Goodreads does not allow that option and I am leaning more towards the 4 mark. While the main principles Richardson uses to guide the readers into taking care of themselves are basic, they are practical none the less.

The biggest thing that helped me was identifying my energy drains and setting my "must do list." With a world in which faster is better and quantity often beats quality, it is nice to reaffirm yourself that you do not need to do/have it all. Taking stock and setting your priorities allow you to get the most out of life without stressing yourself to the point that you cannot enjoy it.

I recommend this book for people who feel that there life is moving to fast and have a difficult time juggling everything all at once. Set all of those balls you are juggling down, grab your spouse/partner/child/friend, and focus on them. Your relationships will give you a satisfaction that cannot be obtained by material objects (yes, I mean money too!)

View all my reviews >>

Storywings Humongo Giveaway - Go Check Out Her Blog!

2010-03-17T21:43:00.000-04:00

I probably shouldn't pass this on, cause it decreases my chances of winning, but the more followers Storywings gets the more she is going to give away. This is the pile already!

* Blood Promise by Richelle Mead
* Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
* Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
* Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder
* Going too Far by Jennifer Echols
* City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
* Ballad by Maggie Steifvater
* Shiver by Maggie Steifvater
* Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston
* Firespell by Chloe Neil
* Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
* Darklight by Lesley Livingston
* Fallen by Lauren Kate
* Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
* Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
* The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
* The Iron King by Kagawa
* Twilight of Avalon by Anna Elliot
* Next of Kin by John Boyne
* Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
* Hourglass by Claudia Gray
* First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost
* Wish by Alexandra Bullen
* The Red Queens Daughter by Jacqueline Kolosov
* Storm Glass by Maria V Snyder
* Another Faust by Daniel and Dina Nayeri
* Flirt by Laurell K Hamilton
* Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb
* Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause
* The Stand by Stephen King
* Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs
* Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella
* Accidentally Demonic by Dakota Cassidy
* The Stolen Child by Keith Donohue
* Real Vampires Hate Their Thighs by Gerry Bartlett
* Intertwined by Gena Showalter
* Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
* Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
* Hate List by Jennifer Brown
* The Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner
* The Call Me Death by Missy Jane
* Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alexander
* Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
* Love You, Hate You, Miss You by Elizabeth Scott
* The Good Girl's Guide to Getting Kidnapped by Yxta Maya Murray
* Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
* Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
* Shadowfae by Erica Hayes
* Need by Carrie Jones
* The Accidental Werewolf by Dakota Cassidy
* Darkborn by Alison Sinclair
* Lament by Maggie Stiefvater
* The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson
* The Maze Runner by James Dashner
* Dark Divine by Bree Despain
* Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
* Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead

Edge Chronicles - Beyond The Deepwoods * 5 Stars

2010-03-17T10:34:00.002-04:00

Beyond the Deepwoods by Paul Stewart

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
All I have to say is WOW and why am I just discovering this series. One good thing about discovering a series after it has been out for awhile is that I get to plow through them all at once instead of waiting.

While structured as a classic quest story, Beyond the Deepwoods is anything but predictable. Sure we have the small insignificant Twig that find himself on a journey that leads him into peril and self discover. The familiarity of an epic quest only sets the stage for a world filled with imagination and possibilities.

I have to say that I love the characters. All of them! They are extremely unique and add to the overall story to a point where it wouldn't be the same without them.

The best thing about the story is that I read it aloud to my 7 year-old daughter. Almost everyday before we got ready for bed she would urge me to hurry so she could see "what Twig is up to."

This is a great read for all ages. I found it in the children's section of my library but don't let that fool you. I am just as excited to see what Twig is up to as my daughter!

View all my reviews >>

100 Book Challenge is within reach

2010-03-11T07:26:00.000-05:00

I was a bit leary at first when I signed up to read 100 books in 2010. I read alot, I mean I read more than alot. At times I feel like I am cheating on my husband. Is it wrong that on some nights I dream of getting under the covers with a good book?

Even with taking 2 grad courses this semester I am still able to get some decent page time in and have been enjoying a ton of good books. The tough part is that I have been reading so many at a time when my wireless card decides to go on the fritz. So now I am going to attempt to "catch up" on reviewing my books.

If you like Young Adult, Sci-Fi, Paranormal, and Epic Fantasy then you may want to bookmark me. I have read some fabulous books and am looking forward to encouraging your reading habits!!!

The reviews I have on deck include:

I also got around to reading a few self-help books from my bookshelf. Since I am hosting a genre challege, I figure it would be a great time to knock those out as they have been collecting dust for the past 8 years (I was preggos with my daughter!). They were interesting/helpful, but mostly I would rather pick up an entertaining read. Does anyone else do that to?

Huckleberry Finn - Social Commentary Regarding the Morality of Humanity

2010-02-14T20:05:00.001-05:00

I know the title sounds pretty dramatic, but Twain and I have bonded over the first half of my Major Authors: Mark Twain lit course. Given this glorious intimacy I also receive the pleasure of writing a 6-8 page paper.

Okay so I am laying it on very thick. I do lOVE the class and actually planning on taking it again on a graduate level. There will be a one week condensed grad class happening right on Twain's porch in Elmira, New York. Maybe I'll get to sit in his rocking chair. I know...I know I am a major book nerd for admitting this but I see it truly as a life time experience.

To bore you a bit more with my Twain obssesion and belief that he was a master mind, especially when it came to social commentary in Post-Reconstruction Period of the Civil War, I will come back and post my critique of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Hopefully I can crank this baby out and get back to the actual reading part!

No such thing as too many books!

2010-02-09T22:07:00.000-05:00

I know, I know...I have posted pics of my overflowing overcrowded sagging reinforced metal bookshelves, but guess what? Yep! One of my enablers brought me a box of books. Oh happy day! The only thing better than a good book is a free good book. Oh yeah, it must be good, or else I'm putting it down and moving on.

I am hoping for a snow day tomorrow so I can clean out my home library and my goodreads account. I don't believe that I have all of the books that I own as such. My "have and need to read" category needs some serious updating. But even without updating, have a look:

Dear John - Nicholas Sparks - 4 Stars

2010-02-07T08:50:00.001-05:00

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Tug at your heartstrings kind of books are not my typical cuppa tea. I usually go for fantasy, sci-fi, or even the occasional contemporary fiction.

Give me blood, guts, chilling humanoid or even nonhumanoid creatures that threaten the common good or societies constructs. Give me blood oozing out of crypts, 30 foot poisonous spiders waiting in anticipation around the corner, vile war lords that oppress, plot, and scheme. Anyone that knows me will also attest that I am a sucker for the underdog and the unexpected.

I need an escape. I deal with enough "real world" stuff to fill my day (and even beyond). Needless to say, the drama and heartbrake that I encounter as I help others leaves me drained and desiring to go far far away.

So far I have ranted for 3 paragraphs about why I should not like/typically would not chose to pick up a book like Dear John. The story came into my possession through a book giveaway on one of my fellow book worshipers blogs. Having won an audio version, I figured it wouldn't hurt to pop it into my cd player on my hour and a half trip (each way) to grad school.

I have never listened to a book on tape/cd (elementary school doesn't count). I wasn't sure what to expect, but thought I could at least listen to the first disc and go from there. My initial thought was that they should have gotten a female to portray Savanah. That was my only grip.

I was easily dragged into the story. Wanting to hate it and chalk it up to the evil, despised "chic lit," I was left with wanting to know how it was all going to work out.

While some of the story line was transparent, it was interesting. Like I said, I made it through all 8 cd's not just the first one. And yes, I admit...I cried on multiple occasions towards the end. That is precisely the reason why I tend to avoid these types of situations.

Overall, I was treated with a good story line and found out that I really like books on cd.

Happy Reading!

View all my reviews >>

Humongo Giveaway

2010-02-06T20:05:00.000-05:00

This is not my contest, only sharing the fun! Check out the host site for further details!!!

MegaBook Giveaway - The Sequel!

** Contest Updates on the books we've added and the current number of winners are on the bottom of this post **

Our next MegaBook Giveaway is finally here! We hit 500 Followers so it's time to giveaway some books!
Remember the last MegaBook Contest? We had 37 winners and gave away 41 books. We're hoping to give away even more more this time around!

Here's how it works.

We start out with a list of books to choose from and 4 winners. Then as we get more followers, we add more books and more winners.

To begin we'll have an initial list of books that winners can choose from.

First Place Winner - First Choice of 4 Books

Second Place Winner - Second Choice of 3 Books

Third Place Winner - Third Choice of 2 Books
Fourth Place Winner - Fourth Choice of 2 Books

The best part is that WE'LL ADD MORE WINNERS!

As we get more followers we will add more winners and books. We have 500 followers as of now but...

- When we hit 525 followers, we'll add more books and 2 more winners (who can choose 1 book each)

- Then for every additional 25 followers that are added after that, we'll add more books and 2 more winners.

For instance - at 525 Followers, we'll have First, Second, Third, and Fourth place plus 2 winners of one book each.

- at 550 Followers, well have First, Second, Third, and Fourth place, plus 4 winners of one book each

- at 575 Followers, we'll have First, Second, Third and Fourth place, plus 6 winners of one book each

And so on, until we get to end of the contest.

The bottom line is that as more people enter, more people have a chance to win more books!

Any comment will do but if you have a book you'd like us to add to this Giveaway, please tell us in the comments here. No guarantees but we we'll take the votes into account when we add books, so give us your input! (Just keep in mind it must be something available by the end of this giveaway.)

5) Enter by midnight PST on March 7, 2009.

POINTS FOR COMMENTING

First, second, third and fourth place winners get to choose their books and will have 48 hours to respond before we offer the prize to the next winner. The remaining winners will either get a book pulled randomly out of a grab bag or may give them a chance to choose depending on how many entries we have. We'll decide at the end of the contest. Last time everyone got to pick.

So...All you need to do to enter is:

1) Be a Follower

2) Fill out the form
3) Comment on this post -at the original site

4) Enter by midnight PST 03/07/10
Here's the Initial List To Choose From:

1) Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
2) The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

3) Fallen by Lauren Kate
4) Darklight by Lesley Livingston
5) Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
6) City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
7) Wish by Alexandra Bullen
8) Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor
9) Sceptor of the Ancients by Derek Landy
10) Candor by Pam Bachorz
11) Violet Wings by Victoria Hanley
12) The EverAfter by Amy Huntley
13) Wish You Were Dead by Todd Strasser
14) Invisible Lines by Mary Amato

Books We're Thinking About Adding:
Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
The Awakening by Kelley ArmstrongIncarceron by Catherine FisherThe Body Finder by Kimberly DertingFirespell by Chloe NeillThe Book Thief by Markus Zusak
What do you suggest?

It's International so spread the word and GOOD LUCK to all!

1/24 CONTEST UPDATE We made it to 550 so quickly! That means 4 more winners for a total of 8! The 4 books we're adding are:

1) The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
2) Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
3) The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong
4) Ballad by Maggie Steifvater

Contest Update 2/3: We made it to 625 so we now have 14 winners! The added books are:

Firespell by Chloe Neill
Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz
Gifted series (2 in 1 book) by Marilyn Kaye
Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire
Going Bovine by Libba Bray

This weeks goodies up for grabs

2010-02-06T18:11:00.004-05:00

Warning! Giveaways are held at their respective sites. This posting is to point you in the right direction and share in the fun!

Flipping the pages is giving away a book of choice from her stash.

Here are the pickings:
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
Frostbite by Richelle Mead
Shadowkiss by Richelle Mead
The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness

Flipping Pages is also having a giveaway of Iron King in honor of her recent author interview with Julie Kawaga. Anyone who adores Jim Butcher is in my good books!

Stacked is giving away 3 copies of My Soul To Save

Princep's Fury - Jim Butcher - only 3 this time...for some really good reasons!

2010-02-05T23:20:00.000-05:00

Princeps' Fury by Jim Butcher

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Let me just start of by saying that I am a huge supporter of Jim Butcher. I have devoured all of the Dresden files (all eleven with in 3 weeks). So when I say the Captain's Fury and the Princep's Fury sitting their on the library shelf I was grinning ear to ear.

However a sad reality of my beyond humanly possible high expectations is that every one is human and tries to please the masses by what is known and comfortable. This is a good summation of about 75-100 pages of the story. One of my worst pet peeves in a series is when the formulation behind the writing to so obvious.

Don't get me wrong I love the book. I love the series. I would recommend all of them in a heart beat and I am super geeked to get the First Lord's Fury (knowing that they are gonna kick some serious butt.

The comfort of staying with the main sympathetic characters was a bit flat this time around. I would have liked to seen further insight into some of the more perverse characters. Like answering what made them so whacked up.

There were so many more characters that would have stirred up the intrigue during the chapters that were used to describe "how they got to where they are." I'm cool with a chapter ended with and they sailed for their destination" and then the very first line of the next chapter "As they pulled up to the shore line."

Of course I am simplifying my point.

Butcher's ability and adaptability to produce such satisfying and complex tales of Dresden and Alera is a testament to his genius and craft of story telling.

Although he only received a 3 this go'round - God Bless Jim Butcher!!!

View all my reviews >>

Newly Discovered Contests

2010-01-31T08:50:00.003-05:00

These are not my contests, just sharing the joy and love! Check out their websites to join!!!

Book Bound 2/5/10

1. The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
2. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
3. Fallen by Lauren Kate
4. The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove by Lauren Kate
5. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
6. Eyes Like Stars: Theatre Illuminata, Act I by Lisa Mantchev
7. The Seven Rays by Jessica Bendinger
8. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
9. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
10. The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
11. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
12. Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins
13. The Awakening (Darkest Powers, Book 2) by Kelley Armstrong
14. Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr
15. City of Glass (Mortal Instruments) by Cassandra Clare

Shut Up! I'm Reading
To celebrate over 350 check out the goodies!

The Mark by Jen Nadol (ARC)
The Dark Divine by Bree Despain (ARC)
Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter by R.J. Anderson (Hardcover)
Girl In The Arena by Lisa Haines (Hardcover)
Candle Man Book 1: The Society of Unrelenting Vigilance by Glenn Dakin (ARC)
Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey (ARC) (Added when I reached 250 followers.)
Dark Visions: The Strange Power, The Possessed, The Passion by L.J. Smith

Reading With Tequila
Celebrating 300 followers with a giveaway!

From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris
Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs
White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison
Three Days to Dead by Kelly Meding
Born of Fire by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Soulless by Gail Carrier
Kitty's House of Horrors by Carrie Vaughn
Fade Out by Rachel Caine
Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay
Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich
Covet by J.R. Ward
Nice Girls Don't Live Forever by Molly Harper
Street Game by Christine Feehan
Heart of Darkness by Gena Showalter
Ashes of Midnight by Lara Adrian
Desire Unchained by Larissa Ione
The Choice by Nicholas Sparks
Swallowing Darkness by Laurell K. Hamilton
7th Heaven by James Patterson
Bitten by Cupid by Lynsay Sands

Captain's Fury - Codex Alera 4 Series - 5 Stars

2010-01-29T10:18:00.000-05:00

Captain's Fury by Jim Butcher

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The 4th installment of the Codex Alera did not disappoint! Some books in the middle of a series serves as a filler to bridge the first few and the last few in the series. Not the case with this one!

This book could easily be a stand alone read without a newbie to the series getting lost. An additional positive is that Butcher does not take more than a paragraph or two to give the "background" of the previous books. It is so aptly done that the seasoned Codex Alera reader's eyes don't roll in the back of their head out of sheer boredom with the recap (can you tell I hate recaps?).

More than just a "small town boy makes good" type of story. Travi's growth during this installment is not just physical but also in character. This is evident as Travi sacrifices himself in multiple ways for the benefit of the realm. Too bad the realm would rather he die.

View all my reviews >>

Lords of Darkness - Soulless - 5 Stars

2010-01-29T08:57:00.001-05:00

The Soulless by L.G. Burbank

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I first picked this up I expected it to be filled with blood, guts, horror, etc. I was not disappointed. However, I also found deeper literary connections to the writers reflections of the human spirit and classic motifs of "a savior for mankind" I know, I know, these type of "fun reads" are supposed to be only that "fun" with no social message or intellectual connection. After all this is a "horror" book. How can we have blood and guts and a message for mankind? Seriously? Blood and guts don't go with mankind? That's a stretch you say? To say that mankind is without the blood and guts is the real fallacy. Don't get me wrong, I don't think this book will insight political change but I do think that the author has done a great job tapping into the archetypal theme of humankind's damnation and their salvation hinging one one person. Either by accident or genius, using the Jesus motif in a vampire/paranormal book is a fun take on a classic theme.

View all my reviews >>

Not your momma's Tom Sawyer - Book Review - 5 Stars

2010-01-29T08:22:00.000-05:00

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a reread for me as I read it in Junior High. Often this book is regarded as a coming of age classic piece of nostalgic Americana. This was my initial conception when I read this 18 years ago.

I have discovered that this is not the case. Not by a long shot.

The book holds many parallels to Twain's Calvinist up bringing. I don't want to delve too much into the many layers of Twain's writing. I was a bit skeptic at first and believe that these realizations should be obtained first hand.

A few things to consider while reading or rereading Tom Sawyer (and then Huck Finn for that matter).

The town: St. Petersburg
-translates into "St. Peter's city"
-Peter is said to be the one that stands at the gates of Heaven to let the worthy in.
-St. Petersburg Russia at the time was rife with corruption, murder, and chaos
-What are the main things that happen in the town? Is there anything going on to actually be nostalgic about?

Adults:
-If a town is represented by it's citizens, what do they say about St. Petersburg?
-The adults are violent, irrational, pious, judgmental, etc
-Take a look at their parenting and child rearing skills. While spare the rod spoil the child has been around for a long time (and still today), the Victorian philosophy incorporates motivating a child to do right out of love and not fear. This is not present in anyway in St. Petersburg. Look at their parenting practices and ask yourself if you would be nostalgic of being a child with those types of parents...

These are just some of the basic elements to argue that this is not merely a coming of age boy's book. While reading, keep an eye out for Twain's critique on Romantic Literature that was prevalent with the day and ask yourself what do Tom's trips and Injun Joe represent.

I would love to discuss this book further with anyone that is interested!

Happy Reading!

View all my reviews >>

Wicked Awesome Books is having a giveaway too!

2010-01-16T14:03:00.001-05:00

Head on over to Wicked Awesome Books to check out her great giveaway. Not only are there books, but also some swag to go along with it.

My picks would be:

I soooo want to read this!

And let us not forget (which I soooo want to read too):

Another discovered series and another give away!

2010-01-16T13:27:00.000-05:00

So I am wondering around in book blog land and have discovered some really great giveaways. I just love the book blogging community! *big hug* Just a bunch of constructive addicts. Head on over to Escape in a Box to check out her giveaway and review of Knife.

Blood Coven Giveaway at Books at Midnight

2010-01-16T13:06:00.000-05:00

I found another giveaway that has captured my interest check out your chance to win a book from the Blood Coven series over at Books at Midnight.

Ginormous Book Giveaway!

2010-01-16T11:51:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Choco over at In Which a Girl Reads for amassing a huge following. Check out what's going on at In Which a Girl Reads! She is hosting a huge giveaway to celebrate her reaching 100 followers. 1st place gets to pick 3, yup 3 from this pile:

This is NOT my contest, I am only the messenger. Head on over there now!

Masquerade by Gayle Lynds ** 2 Stars

2010-01-13T22:50:00.005-05:00

Masquerade by Gayle Lynds

My rating: 2 of 5 stars
In a nut shell, I would say that if you are at one of those camp grounds that has a lending library and you are without a really good book, this book is finishable.

In it's honor the last 1/3 was pretty good and did keep me coming back to the end. If a book is all out horrible I quickly move on to something better. However the good part was working to wrap up and make sense out of the first 2/3 of the book.

For me a book revolves around the characters and the plot. While the book did start off as promising, the characters seemed too random as the story tried to include them all for the big reveal at the end. To me it seemed as though the book was written with the end in mind and then the characters were worked in through out the book so they could be used later. As the ancillary characters pop up in the book, it's not very clear as to why you would even care about these people and then they get dragged into the whole conspiracy at the end.

The plot has an interesting premise, but was not fully executed in a way that builds much suspense or great intrigue. Scenes seemed a bit pat and already done and lead me to understand much of it in the first half. However, it was an easy read and I was curious to see exactly how it would work out. Although I was hoping for a surprise ending (which I didn't get) it wasn't the worst book I have ever read.

View all my reviews >>

Challenge Stats:
100 Book Reading Challenge: 1
Mystery/Thriller Challenge: 1
Read Your Bookshelf Challenge: 1 (gave me the inspiration to keep going, typically I would have jumped ship)
Genre Challenge: 1 Mystery

Read Your Bookshelf Challenge

2010-01-10T22:07:00.000-05:00

I am a horrid book hoarder! I am starting with this particular challenge as many of the books over lap and I am tired of seeing them laying around on my bookshelf. Time to polish them off so that I may add new ones.

I just added a few more to my "have and need to read" shelf at good ol' good reads. As I sort through those that still need to be read that are still about the house, this collection will continue to grow.

Through out the challenge, I will update this post to include the ones that I have read and links to the reviews.

Happy Reading!
Heather

A few ideas of inspiration - Bloggiesta

2010-01-09T17:27:00.001-05:00

One of the mini-challenges, courtesy of Jen's Bookshelves is to review previous posts and come up with a few ideas on how to better new posts. Here is my visual organizer. Don't mind my chicken scratch!

Create a Blog Cheat Sheet

2010-01-09T16:30:00.000-05:00

A mini-challenge for the bloggiesta is to create a cheat sheet. Here is mine. It's a spread sheet to help organize the challenges that I am participating in. I also made one to identify links to the challenges and my posts for easier updating! (I haven't added all of the links yet though).

Happy Reading!
Heather

Joining the Bloggiesta!

2010-01-09T16:03:00.000-05:00

So I'm a bit late to the part, oh well! Better late than never.

The Challenge: Set Goals for 2010

There’s nothing quite like publicly committing to something to motivate you to do it, so take a break from the bloggy action and spend some time thinking about what you want to do with your blog in 2010. If you’re like me, you have some kind of blogging routine. This is your opportunity to evaluate your blogging practices, shake things up, and dedicate yourself to a set of self-appointed goals for the coming year.
Some ideas to get you started:

Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your blog and identity opportunities for improvement. My favorite part of my blog is that I reply to the comments that are left for me, I really enjoy that interaction. A few areas for improvement include: visiting the sites of my commenters more often, develop a more comprehensive format for my reviews - not necessarily longer, just covering the elements of the book so it's not just a yeah or nah.

Take a look at your blog’s content. How can you make it better? I would like to cut down on some of my blog clutter. I will use links instead of buttons for contests and get rid of some of the gadgets.

Explore your blog stats. I love the networking with other bloggers part. I blog to connect to other readers. I will increase my involvement by commenting on other blogs the most. I would also like to add a wider variety of content - interviews, author exploration, and genre topics.

Seek inspiration. I enjoy the blogs that discuss the genres I like. With that in mind, I will make sure to read and include books that are of high interest, not just what is going around the book world.

Set goals related to the topic of your blog. I have already joined several reading challenges and am hosting one myself. My biggest one is the 100 books in 2010. All of the books I read for other challenges will fit into this one. :) I will use a spreadsheet to chart my progress.

Now, how are you going to make it happen? Read more and enjoy it!

Ready, Set, Go!

Mindful Musings: 400 Follower Giveaway!

2010-01-09T11:15:00.001-05:00

Mindful Musings is having a great giveaway to celebrate having 400 followers. Follow the link to enter. Check this selection out:

The first winner gets to pick one (1) of the following:

The Seven Rays by Jessica Bendinger

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

The Mark by Jen Nadol

IF I HIT 450 FOLLOWERS BEFORE THE END OF THE CONTEST (1/20/10), ANOTHER WINNER WILL GET TO PICK ONE OF THE BOOKS BELOW.

Dead Until Dark (Sookie Stackhouse #1) by Charlaine Harris

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

City of Bones (Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare

Lament by Maggie Stiefvater

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

Books at Midnight 200 Follower Giveaway!

2010-01-01T09:58:00.001-05:00

I found the awesome giveaway at Books at Midnight. Make sure you check out her site to enter...actually, I should post that cause it lessens my odds. Oh well, gotta share the love of reading!

Here is an excerpt from her blog entry:

Wow, 200 followers! THANK YOU!! To show my love for you guys, I'm going to host my first contest with multiple winners. I read all of your suggestions from last week's post on whether you prefer multiple or single contests, and I've decided to do contests like this occasionally and a monthly small one. Though I'm definitely going to have trouble choosing only one book, lol.

Before I begin, you HAVE to be a follower to enter, sorry! For future contests, maybe not, but since this one is a follower contest, I'm making it mandatory.

Anyways, contest is split into two parts and the prizes are an accumalation of books that I've bought or won this year:

PART ONE: US/CA/Puerto Rico ONLY
No PO boxes please!

18 BOOKS, 3 WINNERS -
First winner gets 3 books, one from each section
Second winner gets 2 books, two from different sections of his/her choice
Third winner will win 1 book from any section - only one that is NOT random; my top ten commentators by the end of the contest will be entered into a draw. Feel free to go back and comment on old posts. ;)

>> Section One:

Evermore (The Immortals #1) by Alyson Noel - PB
The Summoning (Darkest Powers #1) by Kelley Armstrong - HC
Dead Until Dark (Southern Vampire Mysteries #1) by Charlaine Harris - PB
Marked (House of Night #1) by P.C. and Kristen Cast - PB
The Faerie Path (The Faeire Path #1) by Frewin Jones - HC

>> Section Two:

The Sweet Life of Stella Madison by Lara M. Zeises - HC, signed
Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantansky - HC
My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent - PB
Love Is Hell Anthology - PB
Intertwined by Gena Showalter - ARC

>> Section Three:

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater - HC
Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater - PB
Stealing Death by Janet Lee Carey - ARC
Ex Games by Jennifer Echols - PB, signed to me
Betrayed (House of Night #2) by Kristen and P.C. Cast - PB
Bad Apple by Laura Ruby - HC, signed
Heroes At Risk by Moira J. Moore - PB
Mr. Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange- PB

Paranormal-horror giveaway!

2009-12-31T19:52:00.000-05:00

Head on over to Dark Farie Tales for a huge give away! First place winner gets to select 4 books from a humongo pile! Too many to name...go check it out!

Parajunkee Giveaway! Great Blog too!

2009-12-30T11:23:00.000-05:00

I debated showing you all of the books that could be won in Parajunkee's 200 follower giveaway...less entries, more chances for me. But given that I am all about increasing everyone's love of books here we go:

I will totally arm wrestle you if you try to win Maze Runner, Blue Moon, or Shiver!

Fingers are crossed! If this granny can't bring the good luck I don't know what will...She looks pretty hopeful!

I will just add that I find old people inspiring and fascinating. Everything they have been through and seen. They are a wealth of knowledge. Too bad in a capitolist society they are often discarded and marginalized...

Happy Reading!
Heather

My Rocking Desktop!

2009-12-29T18:27:00.001-05:00

I know this isn't reading related, but I think I made one rocking background for my laptop! Just had to share...

Say You're One of Them - Audio Book - Giveaway

2009-12-29T12:26:00.001-05:00

Say You're One of Them

Audio Giveaway!

I've never listened to an audio book an this one sounds like a great one to start with. Head on over to Luxury Reader for a list of entry requirements. I've got my fingers crossed! It's a long 70 miles to school each way and this would work wonderfully with so many of my challenges for 2010!

Happy Reading!

Heather

One For The Money - Janey Evanovich - 4 Stars

2009-12-27T20:14:00.002-05:00

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book and will definitely pursue the next one later tonight.

But what kept it from a 5 is that while the characters were believable and interesting the plot line was a bit predictable. Within the last 150 pages I knew who did it and how it would all work out. With that being said though, it still held my interest and was really entertaining!

View all my reviews >>

Gathering Blue - Lois Lowery - 4 Stars

2009-12-26T17:09:00.001-05:00

Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Set in the distant future there is a community where the deformed or the sick are taken to "the fields" to await "the beasts" and certain death. The Singer, The Carver, and The Weaver play vital roles in the community's history and future. While surrounded in luxury like nothing she has ever experienced, Kira learns that she is one of the few that can make a difference...

While not a sequel to The Giver, it is set in the same type of distant future that is removed from what we know of civilization. This is a great quick read into a world that is not too much of an impossibility and shows the delicate nature of one's perceived reality.

View all my reviews >>

WWW Wednesday

2009-12-23T13:20:00.002-05:00

I thought this looked like a lot of fun...

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

Here are my answers:
I am currently reading: Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry as a follow up to The Giver...see my review here.
I am also reading Wuthering Heights

What did you finish reading?
The Giver - Highly recommend!

What do you think you will read next?
After Wuthering Heights I am going to treat myself to The Bottoms

Review taken from Goodreads: Joe Lansdale, author of several horror novels, Westerns, and some outrageous thrillers, is something of a cult writer. The Bottoms, which may be the breakout book that moves Lansdale beyond the genre category, is a resonant and moving novel. Though there is a mystery at its core, it is at heart a coming-of-age story, with a more literary bent than Lansdale usually demonstrates.
Harry, an elderly man, tells the story of a series of events that occurred in his 11th year, when the mutilated, murdered bodies of Negro prostitutes began turning up in the county where his father was the local constable. Harry and Tom, his younger sister, find the first one. Only their father, Jacob Crane, seems to care about finding justice for the victims, who are dismissed out of hand as unimportant by the local branch of the Ku Klux Klan, which warns Jacob off any further investigations. Harry and Tom think they know who's responsible: the Goat Man, a creature who's said to lurk beneath the swinging bridge that crosses the Sabine River, where the first body was found. In fact, the Goat Man has something to do with the murders, and the secret of who he is and what he really did is the key to the unsolved slayings. But that takes second place to the artfully explicated character of Jacob and Harry's changing relationship with him in the course of the loss of his boyish innocence. This is a masterfully told story and a very good read. --Jane Adams

I also have a few Janet Evanovich books books in her Stephanie Plum Series!

I am so thankful that I am afforded a Christmas break at my work! It really helps to have this time with my family and my books and a bit of relaxation. :)

As always, Happy Reading, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Heather

Holiday Book Giveaway/Contest

2009-12-23T01:25:00.001-05:00

<

Swing by the Bloody Bookaholic to check out her great contest. I just love the tag line "allergic to reality!" Here is a sample of what she has up for grabs:

- ARC Eyes Like Stars
- Signed ARC Hush Hush
- ARC Ash
- ARC The Demon's Lexicon
- ARC Betraying Season
- The Black Tatto + poster
- I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You
- Candle Man, Book One
- Deadtown
- Lenore Noogies
- The anticipated sequel of The Nanny Diaries, The Nanny Returns
- Never After by Dan Elconsin
- Secret Society signed book and an Ambassador Kit

And a 2010 Book called The Mark by Jen Nadol.

- Gift Cards for Ninja T Shirts.

Teaser Tuesday - Wurthering Heights

2009-12-22T20:10:00.002-05:00

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

Grab your current read

Open to a random page

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

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

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

First of all, I must admit that I can't remember if I have read this...did I start? Did I finish? I'm a few chapters in and it all seems so strangely familiar. I read Jane Eyre in high school and am thinking that I read this too. I totally sound like an air head, but I guess that's what happens over 20 years of reading almost 100 books a year!

So here's to a semi-conscious reread:

page 249: "If I consent to burn them, will you promise faithfully, neither to send nor receive a letter again, nor a book (for I perceive you have sent him books), no locks of hair, nor rings, nor playthings?"

Happy Reading!
Heather

The Giver by Lois Lowry - 5 Stars

2009-12-21T19:42:00.003-05:00

The Giver by Lois Lowry

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wonderful Young-Adult/Sci-Fi

The Receiver is a living receptacle for the communities memories and emotions both new and old. With the Receiver there is no sense of pain, loss, love, or joy.

As the new Receiver begins his training and along with it the accumulation of memories past, he realizes that it is up to him to do something about it.

View all my reviews >>

Books, Movies, Reviews - Oh My! Book giveaway!!!!

2009-12-20T09:04:00.002-05:00

Just a quick post letting all of my book minions know that there is a giveaway for The Maze Runner at Writes Thoughts Blog.

Here is a over view I found at Goodreads:
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. He has no recollection of his parents, his home, or how he got where he is. His memory is black. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade, a large expanse enclosed by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning, for as long as they could remember, the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night, they’ve closed tight. Every thirty days a new boy is delivered in the lift. And no one wants to be stuck in the maze after dark.

The Gladers were expecting Thomas’s arrival. But the next day, a girl springs up—the first girl ever to arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. The Gladers have always been convinced that if they can solve the maze that surrounds the Glade, they might be able to find their way home . . . wherever that may be. But it’s looking more and more as if the maze is unsolvable.

And something about the girl’s arrival is starting to make Thomas feel different. Something is telling him that he just might have some answers—if he can only find a way to retrieve the dark secrets locked within his own mind.

Like I said....yummmy!

Sci-Fi and Fantasy Giveaway!

2009-12-20T08:32:00.000-05:00

In between books, I like to stalk...I mean visit blogs to gain additions to my ever growing To Be Read (TBR) pile. Upon my wanderings I came across a great book giveaway at SFF Chat.

Here is what's up for grabs:

1. An autographed copy of The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan

2. The Unit by Ninni Holmqvsit

3. The Magicians by Lev Grossman

4. The Maze Runner by James Dashner

5. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Personally, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for The Maze Runner! It looks terrific.

Happy Reading!

Heather

2010 Support Your Local Library Reading Challenge

2009-12-19T15:49:00.001-05:00

*How Cute is this banner?*

Anyways, yes I found yet another challenge. But have no fear. I get almost ALL of my books from the library. I read waaaay too many books to purchase them. Of course there are some that I can't resist, but overall they come from the library. It seems that I don't even mind paying the late fees because I know it supports them, which in turn supports me and my habit! Support your local library!!!!

If you would like to join in on the fun head on over to J. Kaye's Book Blog.

There are four levels:

--The Mini – Check out and read 25 library books.

--Just My Size – Check out and read 50 library books.

--Stepping It Up – Check out and read 75 library books. -This is my goal!

--Super Size Me – Check out and read 100 library books.

I will update this post with my books!

As always, happy reading!

Heather

Shades of Grey - Jasper Fforde - 5 Stars

2009-12-19T09:22:00.000-05:00

Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I debated between a 4 and 5 star review, so if you are on the edge look at it as a 5. The reason that I went for a 4 is that I didn't realize that it was the first book in a series and that there were so many questions brought up in the book and not enough answers for my liking.

With that being said, I stayed up to the weee hours of the morning turning the pages. The concepts presented in the book are very clever and unique. I have read a ton of sci-fi and this one definitely sets it's self apart from the formulated/calculated story line and developments of your typical sci-fi book.

Set in a corrupt post apocalyptic world that takes place after "The Something That Happened," Shades of Grey provides intrigue and novel concepts that trigger the imagination and opens up countless opportunities. Just what a great Sci-Fi should be. Ah heck, I'll give it 5 stars!

View all my reviews >>

Friday Finds - My secret Santa Hooked Me Up!

2009-12-18T19:05:00.002-05:00

~Friday Finds ~

Friday Finds is a fun sharing of book goodies that we get our hands on through out the week, from Should Be Reading

All I have to say is that my "Secret Friend" at work totally took care of me. I had a little gift waiting for me throughout the past 2 weeks. Bottlecaps and Diet Mt. Dew...Hog's Heaven right there. Not to mention seed packets and gourmet candy from the shop down the street.

But today was the big reveal and she surpised me with four books from my TBR pile! On my hint list I linked my Goodreads account and she pulled it up at the used book store! I love the fact that she went to the used book store. I love old books (should say I love the new ones too!) and she got me 4 of them! Did I mention that they are on my TBR list? It's fun to note that she is our school's librarian and of course I am always yaking her ear off about books. I couldn't have been paired up with someone better!

I've been pondering what I should read over Christmas break and then the Lord answered my prayers. See he listens, especially to the important stuff! Darn right Christmas miracle! Okay, maybe not, but I have to check if you're reading this...

Happy Reading!

Heather

Uncle Tom's Cabin

Uncle Tom's Cabin is the most popular, influential and controversial book written by an American. Stowe's rich, panoramic novel passionately dramatises why the whole of America is implicated in and responsible for the sin of slavery, and resoundingly concludes that only 'repentance, justice and mercy' will prevent the onset of 'the wrath of Almighty God!'.

Wuthering Heights Excerpt from Goodreads: "My greatest thought in living is Heathcliff. If all else perished, and he remained, I should still continue to be... Nelly, I am Heathcliff! He's always, always in my mind: not as a pleasure... but as my own being." Wuthering Heights is the only novel of Emily Bronte, who died a year after its publication, at the age of thirty. A brooding Yorkshire tale of a love that is stronger than death, it is also a fierce vision of metaphysical passion, in which heaven and hell, nature and society, are powerfully juxtaposed. Unique, mystical, with a timeless appeal, it has become a classic of English literature.

The Bottoms Excerpt from Goodreads: Joe Lansdale, author of several horror novels, Westerns, and some outrageous thrillers, is something of a cult writer. The Bottoms, which may be the breakout book that moves Lansdale beyond the genre category, is a resonant and moving novel. Though there is a mystery at its core, it is at heart a coming-of-age story, with a more literary bent than Lansdale usually demonstrates.

Harry, an elderly man, tells the story of a series of events that occurred in his 11th year, when the mutilated, murdered bodies of Negro prostitutes began turning up in the county where his father was the local constable. Harry and Tom, his younger sister, find the first one. Only their father, Jacob Crane, seems to care about finding justice for the victims, who are dismissed out of hand as unimportant by the local branch of the Ku Klux Klan, which warns Jacob off any further investigations. Harry and Tom think they know who's responsible: the Goat Man, a creature who's said to lurk beneath the swinging bridge that crosses the Sabine River, where the first body was found. In fact, the Goat Man has something to do with the murders, and the secret of who he is and what he really did is the key to the unsolved slayings. But that takes second place to the artfully explicated character of Jacob and Harry's changing relationship with him in the course of the loss of his boyish innocence. This is a masterfully told story and a very good read. --Jane Adams

The

Excerpt from Goodreads: When Jonas turns 12, he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver. Now, it’s time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.

I think I'm gonna go with The Giver with the first one I takle. It's going to be my challenge to read all of these over my Christmas break. Wish me luck!

Happy Reading!
Heather

Teaser Tuesday - Shades of Grey

2009-12-15T19:42:00.001-05:00

Teaser Tuesday

Shades of Grey by Jasper FForde

Advanced Reading Copy

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

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

I found this gem in a book store down the road from my work. I never heard of FForde but thought the concept of the book was not without merit. A post-appocolipit society where social order is strictly dictated by the "Word of Munsell."

If you are true science fiction fan, this book will not disappoint. Concepts that are mind intriguing and original propels this read into an "OMG" this rocks. But hey I like to take a mind trip and this provides that and then some.

There are many different refrences to such things as "The Previous" and "Outer Markers" that keeps my interest peaked. I am about half way through it and am anxiously awaiting answers to my growing pile of questions. It seems to be getting there. So far, this book is a 5 starer (hope I didn't jinx it!)

Here's the Teaser:

"Do you know how many people died in the Mildew outbreak? Eighteen hundred. If I was truly without respect for the Rules - which I'm not, by the way - I'd be over there like a shot. There have to be at least a hundred spoons kicking around - and if I can find one with a postcode that is unregistered. it means we can add another worker to the Collective."

Mailbox Monday

2009-12-14T20:16:00.002-05:00

Mailbox Monday!

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page; you can check out her site to find other mailbox findings.

This is my first one, so let's give it a whirl shall we. I'm not sure if this is a "legal" mailbox Monday, but I swiped some books from my mom. I should say that my mom is a hoarder of books. Not that she doesn't like to share, oh no! It's that she can't pass up one that "looks good." If she stopped buying books now, she would still be set for life. My old room is just short of a library. Although I'll be sad to see her go, the inheritance is right up my alley. Before I get any nasty comments, my mom is the one who taught me the love of books and is my best friend. I would absolutely be devastated without her. We joke about the book legacy thingy!

How do these look? I have almost 2 weeks off of work for Christmas. I'm hoping to get through these and a few more. Have any of you read any of these?

Happy Reading!

Heather

Guilty Pleasures; Start your Engines!!!!

2009-12-12T12:11:00.000-05:00

Pretend that I am nimble enough to do cartwheels and back flips! Go on...do it...do it!

Sorry, but I just have to share in my excitement that I just finished my Native American Literature course. I stayed up till 1:00 finishing up my 10 page final paper. I then woke up at 6:15 so I could drive 70 miles and hand write 10 pages for my final exam (no exaggeration, if I get it back I'll take a picture of it and show you. It was insane.) Not to mention he had us complete a two page (typed) critique of his class. In response to the last request, I wrote a three page response as to how I didn't believe a 2 page paper was the best use of our time and not the most efficient way to gain feedback. He promised to give us full points just for turning it in. Hopefully he sticks to that promise.

This whole rant is reminding me that I should profile Native American Literature for my genre profiles. Look for that in the near future. Since I just wrote about 20 pages of it, I need a day or two to recuperate.

Now onto the pleasure principle: my reading!

I actually get to read what ever I want for how ever I want. Time to polish off that TBR pile. Oh the decisions! Oh the agony of having to chose! Oh the glorious smell of the library and the infinite possibilities that await in between the pages! But you know that feeling don't you?

So if you had 2 weeks to read what ever you wanted what would you pick. I typically read 2-3 books per week, so I need 4-6ish selections. Help me make a list. I hope to have it up by Monday.

As always, happy reading!
Heather

Teaser Tuesday - Thousand Splendid Suns

2009-12-08T13:43:00.000-05:00

This is my first Teaser Tuesday, so please take it easy on me.

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

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

The book is actually a reread for me. I am writing a term paper focusing on the books portrayal of Afgani life during and after the colonization of Afghanistan by Russia.

With that a side, this book is awesome! I could not recommend it enough. Let's see what I come up with as I open it to a random page and find a snipet for you!

pg. 182
"Like an art lover running out of a burning museum, she would grab whatever she could - a look, a whisper, a moan - to salvage from perishing, to preserve. But time is the most unforgiving of fires, and she couldn't, in the end, save it all."

All I have to say is that I devoured this book. I hope you enjoy it as well!

If you have a Teaser Tuesday or if you updated your blog today, leave me a link to check it out!

Happy Reading!
Heather

Read Your Bookshelf Challenge

2009-12-07T10:59:00.001-05:00

Yeah! Another great book challenge that can be incorporated into the challenges I have already picked out for 2010. Take a look at my previous post and you will shortly learn that I desperately need this challenge. Head on over to Miz B's to see what it's all about!

I also recently discovered The Book Chick City. She has all kinds of tempting challenges too. The Thriller and Suspense Challenge along with the Anita Blake Challenge seem to be calling me. Of course these are books that I would not be able to count as a new genre in my Genre Challenge.

I mean seriously! Do I need to be further tempted to pick up a ginormous series and delve into it at the risk of no sleep and procrastination of my studies and term papers?

On the flip side, I must admit that I love finding these yummy treats when most of the books have already been published. There is little worse than waiting for the next book in a series. (Don't even get me going on the Dark Tower/Gunslinger Series by King) When they are so readily accessible I feel that I am able to get to know the characters better and my need for instant gratification is met.

I find that lately I am drawn to the epic type of story that unfolds and develops through the series. Once I find a great book and invest in the characters it is hard for me to say goodbye. I always want a little more...well a lot more.

I guess I am a book addict. Well that's obvious, but just envision of the typical portrayal of a crack addict shaking and begging for their next fix. Well, that's me but only I am at the library instead of the street corner!

I mean just look at that image. I spend so much time in the real world taking care of everyone's problems that it is nice to pick up a fun read and get lost into it as the main character kicks some ass!

So I am wondering, what type of book do you like to get lost in and why?

Happy Reading!
Heather

Confessions of a book addict

2009-12-06T22:55:00.000-05:00

I do admit, I have a problem. I am getting pretty back logged. They are not assigned by any means (I have already read the assignments for my classes). Rather, these are books that I am in some state of currently reading. Some books may only have a few chapters to go and some may only be a few chapters in.

I swear I have ADHD and if a book doesn't grab me before I bounce away, I may not see it to its end. However, I have a hard time admiting this and letting them go. Every once in a while I have to have a heart-to-heart with myself and get rid of those that must go. Aye! The woe of saying goodbye.

Here is my "currently reading" book cove:

This is more of an aerial of my books within arms reach.

Here is a closer shot at one of my corners. I must admit that I have read 6 books in these piles but 2 of them I am rereading.

My current lovelies. Yes I know, I'm a triple-timing book whore. I like variety and unless the book is an "OMG~all nighter" I will read several books at once. I'm curious...how many books do you usually read at once.

What does your reading stash look like? Take a pic and post it up on your blog. Link me up. I hope I'm not the only one drowning in books, mind you these are just the ones on the stand by my bed.

Genre: African American Literature

2009-11-27T22:16:00.000-05:00

What great timing! I started the genre challenge. Next thing ya know I came upon a great blog post linking us up to some great African American Authors. I need to grab a piece of paper to write down the ones I want to add to my to-be-read list! Boy I tell ya what...I have a feeling that my TBR list is going to be huge during this challenge. Let's see if I can get to them!

I mean the site is even titled: White Readers Meet Black Authors. With a title that bold, how can you not be kicked in the pants to see what all the hype is about. Whether it is DuBois or something more contemporary. African American Literature is extremely rich and gratifying.

This find is also credited to giving me the idea to review a genre as the challenge progresses. If you would like to host a genre review...these could even suggest good books (please no commercial advertising or promotion). We are here to love books, not to make a buck! Links in comments are fine by me, but not for the actual review. KWIM?

Happy Reading!
Heather

2010 Genre Book Challenge Updated with Rules

2009-11-27T21:05:00.000-05:00

First off, let me just say how weird it is to type 2010. It just looks and feels futuristic to me. Am I the only one? Anyway...drum roll please...I am hosting my own reading challenge!

I often get stuck in a rut of reading out of the same genre. Soooo....I started this challenge to encourage me to break out of the same ol' same ol'. Anyone care to join me?

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Action/Adventure
African American Literature
Autobiography/Biography
Christian Classics
Comedy/Comics
Court Room Drama/Lawyers
Detective/Spy
Family Drama
Fan Fiction (e.g. Star Trek)
Fantasy
GLBT
Graphic Novels
Historical
Horror
Indigenous People
Local History
Literary
Medical/Forensic
Mystery
Picture Books
Poetry
Police
Romance
Romantic Comedy
Science
Science Fiction
Sports
Suspense
Thriller
War
Western

I have heard concern over what to do with this challenge. It is ment to be as flexible as you wish. You can set your own goals. I'm personally shooting for 15-20.

I should have known however that there are those of us that find comfort in guidelines. So in the name of adding a bit of spice into it how about some extra things you can do and interact with the challenge?

Sign up below and come and join my group at bookblogs. I added 2 Amazon gift card giveaways

The fine print:
Have fun and enjoy!

Angels and Demons by Dan Brown

2009-11-27T19:29:00.000-05:00

Angels and Demons by Dan Brown
2 Stars -Dropped it after 100 pages

I went back and forth, back and forth in terms of what I should do with this book. All of the hype of Dan Brown that went along with the DaVinci Code just did not meet my expectations.

The premise is a good one. The ancient battle of science over creation. One that has led to many deaths during the Enlightenment Period. I was intrigued with the philosophy of the Illuminati. Well that's about as much as the book has to offer.

Sure the insights into the history of Catholicism is interesting. Having been born and raised as Catholic, I could relate to the rigidity of the church. However, I feel that many of the ideals and beliefs shared during the first 100 pages were extremely anti-Catholic, glaringly so...which was annoying.

When does one know when to call it quits? When one is eyeballing their every growing stash of to-be-read books. Usually I like to read a book before I watch the movie, but in this case I think I will just rent the DVD.

Happy Reading!
Heather

$20 Book Giveaway!

2009-11-25T15:31:00.000-05:00

I have been on a streak of finding all of these fabulous book giveaways. If you love reading (you fall into that category if you are reading this!) then I know you love free books.

Jessica over at Book Bound is celebrating reaching 100 followers. The prize is $20 worth of books. Can you believe you get to pick out your prize. Awe...the age old question of which one should I choose. Feel free to check out my bookshelves at GoodReads to find a good one!

My 100+ Book Challenge for 2010

2009-11-22T20:41:00.000-05:00

Yup, I'm going for it. I know there are some weeks when I plow through a few books in one week. Heck I read all of the Twilight books in 6 days, while I was working full time! Let's see if my obsession is as bad as what I think it is.

Since it's not yet 2010, I am just saving a place. As I find some that I want to polish off I'll post a pic here and then update as I finish them. A few of these I am using on the other two challenges I am working on. Childhood Favorites and Awesome Authors. Feel free to comment about any of them. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

1. Boxcar Children

2. Catching Fire

3. Where the Sidewalk Ends

4.Vampire Academy

5. Uncle Tom's Cabin

6. Undead and Unwed

7. The Secret Holocaust Diaries

8. Ulysses

9. The Shadow of the Wind

Book Giveaway take 2 or 3 :)

2009-11-22T14:17:00.000-05:00

I always say: if it's free , it's for me! Well combine that with my true love a.k.a books and it's pure heaven. I found a few really great book giveaways on some great book blogs. One of these fab contests can be found on The Undercover Book Lover blog. I just love that name!

I have only just recently discovered these book blogs as I decided to create one myself. Boy where have I been? I love visiting these fabulous blogs. The only draw back is that I'm drowning in my "to-read" bookshelf! But I guess that's a good thing!!!! If you know of another, pass it along.

Book Giveaway!

2009-11-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

So as I was pondering upon what is greater than reading...I figured it out! FREE BOOKS!!! I stumbled upon a few splendid blogs that are offering books, yes that's books plural, as in more than one!

Not only are there free books involved but they are actually books that I have on my to read list and boy do I need to shorten that list. Check out the sites (links found in my sidebar) I'm sure you will find a great book or two!

Ceremony

2009-11-21T12:27:00.001-05:00

Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have never read a book like this. This book is intense in that you have no idea what is going on in the first 75 pages. There are so many flash backs and flash forwards. The author grabs the reader and immerses them into the book. They are forced to participate.

Just as the main character has PTSD (unknown at the time)from WWII, so does the reader. Effectively and engagingly done. As the central character Tayo reconnects with his heritage and begins to heal so does the flow of the story. It finishes with a balance of harmony of the present and hope for the future.

Definitely a recommended book, but not for the faint of heart. It will challenge your mind come away with a new outlook on the balance between heritage and adapting to the current hegemony.

View all my reviews >>

The above review is taken from my goodreads review. I so love goodreads! It's a facebook for book lovers. Need I say more?

Anyway, this is the book that I have selected to write my major essay on in my Native American Lit course. I'm trying to flush out the wording for my thesis statement, but it's going to be about Tayo's emotional healing as he moves closer balance and harmony with his heritage and beliefs. In need to wrap my mind around it a bit. If you have any suggestions I would love to hear them.

Happy Reading!
-Heather

2009-11-21T12:24:00.001-05:00

The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you claim to enjoy Young Adult Fiction, this is a must read! The acclaim awarded to Farmer's futuristic science fiction work, The House of the Scorpion, is well earned.

Set not too far off in the conceivable future is a new land rightfully named Opium. The new country lies in between what was formally known as Mexico and the United States. The new country and it's independence was granted to a few drug lords in a treaty to end the mass influx of drugs into the United States.

While rounding up illegal immigrants like cattle and turning them into mindless drones could be rich enough for it's own separate book, Farmer only uses that as a subplot to the struggles of the Drug Lord's clone...

View all my reviews >>

Contact Me

2009-11-18T09:57:00.000-05:00

Do you have a question? Do you have a book recommendation? Do you have any feedback for my blog? I would love to hear from you. Feel free to contact me anytime!

Heather Thomas
5 peas in a pod at sbc global dot net

Links to Reviews by Author

2009-11-18T09:55:00.005-05:00

A-F
Brown, Dan
Burbank, L.G.
Butcher, Jim
Evanovich, Evanovich
Fforde, Jasper

G-L
Gruen, Sara
Hosseini, Khaled
Lowery, Lois
Lynds, Gayle

M-Q

R-Z
Richardson, Cheryl
Silko, Leslie Marmon
Sparks, Nicholas
Stewart, Paul
Twain, Mark

2009-11-16T09:12:00.001-05:00

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved this book. I picked it up and just plowed through it. The characters are so lively and the pace of the book is fast and intriguing.

Taking a glimpse into the life of a traveling circus during the depression, this book offers readers a fresh story line. Striking a harmony between plot development and sound character development Sara Gruen pulls you in for a great read!

View all my reviews >>

Wild-Eyed Bibliomaniac

2009-11-15T20:02:00.000-05:00

One of the greatest gifts my mother gave me was the love of reading. One of the best gifts I have given my three children is the love of reading.

I love everything about it. Searching for a new book. Browsing piles of books with unlimited possibilities. The fluttering I get when I have found my newest true love. Ah, yes! There is little better than a great story. One where you are transplanted into another life, another world, another dimension. Anything is possible and everything could happen.

Oh what a sad life it would be without books and the stories they tell!

With all of that being said, there is such a thing as a bad book. Life is far to short! I was raised on the founding principal that once you started it you should finish. Well, that just left me feeling guilty and stuck slugging it out through a book that, well let’s just say that it didn’t work out.

I am going to use this site to share the books that consume my time. I would love to hear books that you love, ones that you hate, and don’t forget those ones you love to hate!

Everything here will be from my heart and will hopefully encourage you to try a great book. I will call a spade a spade and will not hesitate to let the world know that there are tooooo many good books to put up with just okay!

2 many good books, 2 little time!

Total Score at a Library Book Sale

I found another great book contest/giveaway!

Take Time for Your Life - Book Review 4 Stars

Storywings Humongo Giveaway - Go Check Out Her Blog!

Edge Chronicles - Beyond The Deepwoods * 5 Stars

100 Book Challenge is within reach

Huckleberry Finn - Social Commentary Regarding the Morality of Humanity

No such thing as too many books!

5peasinapod's have-and-need-to-read book montage

Dear John - Nicholas Sparks - 4 Stars

Humongo Giveaway

This is not my contest, only sharing the fun! Check out the host site for further details!!!

MegaBook Giveaway - The Sequel!

This weeks goodies up for grabs

Princep's Fury - Jim Butcher - only 3 this time...for some really good reasons!

Newly Discovered Contests

Captain's Fury - Codex Alera 4 Series - 5 Stars

Lords of Darkness - Soulless - 5 Stars

Not your momma's Tom Sawyer - Book Review - 5 Stars

Wicked Awesome Books is having a giveaway too!

Another discovered series and another give away!

Blood Coven Giveaway at Books at Midnight

Ginormous Book Giveaway!

Masquerade by Gayle Lynds ** 2 Stars

Read Your Bookshelf Challenge

A few ideas of inspiration - Bloggiesta

Create a Blog Cheat Sheet

Joining the Bloggiesta!

So I'm a bit late to the part, oh well! Better late than never.

The Challenge: Set Goals for 2010

Mindful Musings: 400 Follower Giveaway!

Books at Midnight 200 Follower Giveaway!

Paranormal-horror giveaway!

Parajunkee Giveaway! Great Blog too!

My Rocking Desktop!

Say You're One of Them - Audio Book - Giveaway

One For The Money - Janey Evanovich - 4 Stars

Gathering Blue - Lois Lowery - 4 Stars

WWW Wednesday

Holiday Book Giveaway/Contest

Teaser Tuesday - Wurthering Heights

The Giver by Lois Lowry - 5 Stars

Books, Movies, Reviews - Oh My! Book giveaway!!!!

Sci-Fi and Fantasy Giveaway!

2010 Support Your Local Library Reading Challenge

Shades of Grey - Jasper Fforde - 5 Stars

Friday Finds - My secret Santa Hooked Me Up!

Teaser Tuesday - Shades of Grey

Mailbox Monday

Guilty Pleasures; Start your Engines!!!!

Teaser Tuesday - Thousand Splendid Suns

Read Your Bookshelf Challenge

Confessions of a book addict

Genre: African American Literature

2010 Genre Book Challenge *Updated with Rules*

Angels and Demons by Dan Brown

$20 Book Giveaway!

My 100+ Book Challenge for 2010

Book Giveaway take 2 or 3 :)

Book Giveaway!

Ceremony

Contact Me

Links to Reviews by Author

Wild-Eyed Bibliomaniac

2010 Genre Book Challenge Updated with Rules