Reading update - touch me and die.

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

My Take: 

"Dystopic novels are all the same," a friend of mine said. Sure, take a repressive society and a character's awakening and voila' you get the simplified recipe for a dystopia.
But that's only the frame.
It's the picture Shatter Me paints that is so very unique. I devoured the book in one reading. It's fast-paced, with a twist-laden plot that has as much action as heart-wrenching emotional scenes.
Not only does Mafi spell bind with a character so emotionally broken and yet strong at the same time, but the antagonist is deliciously deceptive yet intriguing. Shatter Me is complexity at it's finest told in a unique first-person narrative.
For any book addict, this is the perfect crack fix for the day.



What they said: 
Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days. 
The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color. 
The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now. 
Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior. 
In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting asThe Hunger Games and a superhero story as thrilling as The X-Men. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices,Shatter Me is a fresh and original dystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel.


You SHOULDN'T read this if: 
Boring, lamesauce books are your thing. This one will give you a coronary.
You're my friend Rob Code--I've heard enough of your opinions on first person narratives and dystopic novels to know this one just isn't for you.
You're illiterate. For obvious reasons.  

reading update - dragons and hot guys.

Slayers by C. J. Hill 


My Take: 
It's kind of like Rampant, but with dragons instead of unicorns. And by the end of the first book I don't loathe the main character and think she's a complete and total whore. That being said, I loved that CJ Hill crafted such a heart tugging romantic plot line without the smut.
Along with the romance, the action and adventure plotting is excellent. Each chapter brought new twists and turns that kept the book moving forward. Never a dull moment.
CJ hill excels in writing true to life characters that pop off the page.
This is a book you'll want on your Do Not Touch shelf.


What they say about it:
Dragons exist. They’re ferocious. And they’re smart: Before they were killed off by slayer-knights, they rendered a select group of eggs dormant, so their offspring would survive. Only a handful of people know about this, let alone believe it – these “Slayers” are descended from the original knights, and are now a diverse group of teens that includes Tori, a smart but spoiled senator’s daughter who didn’t sign up to save the world.

The dragon eggs have fallen into the wrong hands. The Slayers must work together to stop the eggs from hatching. They will fight; they will fall in love. But will they survive?

You Shouldn't read this if:
All you like is poorly crafted smut. Go for Rampant. 
You're opposed to cruelty to fire-breathing, people-eating dragons.
You're illiterate. For obvious reasons.

reading update - people from England time travel?

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

My Take:
Honestly speaking, I was more hooked by the cover of the book than by the first chapter. It took me at least two before I warmed up to the main character. I've found that a lot of YA writers write mature characters, at least to some extent. But Gwyneth is 17 and she actually acts that age. Once I got used to her quirky self doubt, yet strong determination, I was down with her. And by the end of the novel she kind of rocked my socks off. I loved her. I love that this book takes place in England. And I REALLY love Gideon, her potential love interest and time traveling partner.
The thing I didn't love is the end. Why? It ended and the story wasn't done. As in, there's a hook.
But, (there's always a but) the costumes in the book are fab. There's danger, mystery, and serious romantic tension.


What They Say It's About:

Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!

Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

You Shouldn't Read This If:

You can't stand books that end with a hook. But if that's the case, pick it up when the next installment comes out.

You have no fashion sense and you're a country-ist. (England + to die for outfits = awesomeness . . . unless that's not your thing.)

You're illiterate. For obvious reasons.

Go Forth And Read!

reading update - time travel anyone?

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

My Take:
A book a day. That's the goal, at least. But lately I've been having a hard time finishing. I don't know if I'm getting pickier as a reader, or YA lit is kind of stinkin' it up. Either way, I needed a good read something fierce. And I found exactly that in Hourglass by Myra McEntire. 
This book hooked me from the start. The main character is quirky, funny, and full of personality. Her antics kept me turning page after page. I would say this is a character driven book, but I'd be doing the tension of the plot a injustice. Each plot turn had me on the edge of my seat, wishing I could read faster and faster. There was a complex weave of time-traveling subplots that came together almost seamlessly in the end. Basically, it's good stuff.



What they say it's about: 

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.
So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.
Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

Full of atmosphere, mystery, and romance, Hourglass merges the very best of the paranormal and science-fiction genres in a seductive, remarkable young adult debut.

You shouldn't read Hourglass if: 
You only pick up high fantasy paperbacks, and you haven't showered in over a week. If that's the case, Hourglass won't be the book to float your boat.
You're my Mom. There's kissing involved.  And since you couldn't stomach the first Twilight, I'm pretty sure you can't take Hourglass.
You're illiterate. For obvious reasons.

If you don't fall into any of the categories above, than this is the book for you.

Go Forth and Read!

Reading Update. Need a book suggestion?

Books are crack, and I'm a full-on addict. Thus, the reason I've been working on writing my own YA novel for the past three years. I'll be the first to admit I've written some serious crap, but hopefully I'll one day rise from my pile of great stink and produce something worthy of publishing. Something as awesome as the list of books I've come up with this evening.
Since the weather's been down right sinister lately, I've had a lot of time to read. And I've read a lot. Some good, some not so much. I'll skip the mundane, boring, and serious lame books. I'll only suggest the awesomest of all. These are the books I give a 5 out of 5 stars. That way you can be sure of your next Amazon purchase because any book on this list has my stamp of approval.

1. DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth
This is the first on my list. Probably because I just finished it ten minutes ago, but mostly because it was wickedly awesome fulfilling all of my dystopic novel dreams. It's the Hunger Games meets the Matrix. Men, women, boys and girls alike will think this book is crazy cool. And if they don't? They're pansies.

2. WITHER by Lauren DeStefano
Leery, I was when I first picked up this novel. So I checked out some of the Goodreads ratings. They were mixed reviews and left me wondering why some people would hate this book while others loved it so much. Could they all be besties to Lauren? I didn't think so. So I read. Polygamy meets The Forest of Hands and Teeth...but without all the zombies. Just death. Imminent death due to a post-apocalyptic world and medical science gone haywire. Then you mix in a little polygamy with the eeriness of a controlled society that comes with all dystopic novels and you have something that's at it's core is sickening yet fascinating. Basically I couldn't put it down.

3. A BRIDE IN THE BARGAIN by Deeanne Gist
First off, I never venture into Borders and head to the historical romance section. Never! It's just not my thing. When a friend suggested I pick up this novel I scoffed. Maybe said a few disparaging remarks...I can't seem to recall. Whatever, I read the book. It sucked me in. I loved the adventure that the Seattle territory brings to the plot. And I thought the idea that a man could purchase a civil-war widow as a bride was intriguing. I read the thing from start to finish without stopping. It made me laugh, sigh, and even cry. It was eloquent, and heart wrenching with a perfect ending.

4. CRYER'S CROSS by Lisa McMann
This book isn't for the feint of heart. It's creepy. But the spookiness of the story is presented in such a humorous, and poignant, yet simply stated package that it left me in awe of Lisa's writing style. She can write one small sentence and invoke a spread of emotions. I loved how she weaved the complexities a teenage girl with OCD might have to face into a deadly mystery. It's a quick read that will leave you chilled to the bone. You should read it, but I suggest you don't do so at 2am.

5. IT'S NOT SUMMER WITHOUT YOU by Jenny Han
Alright, this isn't the first novel in the series. In fact, it's the fourth. So this book suggestion is kind of a cheat. You have to read the first three books in the series before you reach this fourth one. Check out: The Summer I Turned Pretty, It's not Summer without You, We'll Always Have Summer, and then It's Not Summer Without You. They are are heartfelt story of a girl who moves into maturity and finds her first love. Sounds silly and girly, right? You are so wrong there. They were crafted in a way that you can see the individual emotional growth in each character. Of all the series out there, this one is one of my favorites.

There's my list for this month. If you are a reader like me, you can become my friend on Goodreads. We can share books we like, and ones we don't.

Or, have you read anything good lately? Let me know, and I'll pick it up.

the book list.

Fact 1. I read a lot.

Fact 2. More often than not, I'm quite opinionated on what I read. However, that being said, I've found that my opinion on books, plots, characters, themes, yada, yada, yada, sometimes, more than other times, differs from what my family and friends think.

So what does that mean?

I like to think it means I know what's right and best, and they know jack squat. But seeing as that may or may not be seen as an abrasive judgement, I've settled on the idea that people all like books for different reasons. (Yep, that's the epiphany, folks. I know, I know, deep thoughts.)

Fact 3. Even though we may not agree on all books, there is a book list (of the best books) that all people should read.

(I see you might take argument with the fact that I named fact 3 a "fact". But, I direct you to the title of this blog, and remind you that it's my blog, so therefore, I have the power of creating "facts." Sorry. That's just the rules. I don't make them...most of the time.)

So what's the point?

The point is I, miss-read-a-lot, have created the book list. Books, that everybody should read, but particularly people who love YA lit. Cool people, like me. Just saying. These are books that have excellent character voice, or amazing plot lines, tension, conflict, a protagonist that speaks to my heart, and so on. Frankly, I love these books, and you should too.

My Top Ten

1. The Giver by Lois Lowry

(One of my first, and all time favorite, dystopic novels.)

2. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

(A must read for all high school boys, and girls who think their lives are controlled. Ha, read this and think again.

3. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

(My all time favorite romance. Sigh.)

4. Unwind by Neal Shusterman

(Probably my second favorite dystopic novels. Eerie, and thought-provoking.)

5. Just One Wish by Janette Rallision

(One of my favorite authors. Hilarious, witty, and heart-wrenching at the same time. If you love that book, then also read My Fair Godmother, another amazing book by Janette Rallison.)

6. The Thief, The Queen of Attolia, The King of Attolia

(So I cheated on this one and listed three books. When I first fell in love with this series, I read the thrid book first. To be fair, it's my favorite. However, you can't just read the third. I suggest when you sit down to read these books you read the first, second and third all together as if reading a giant book. It's so worth it.)

7. Graceling by Kristen Cashore

8. Birthmarked by Caragh Obrien

(It takes a lot for me to give a book five stars on Goodreads. But I gave this book the full five stars. Sidenote: if you're not on Goodreads, than you should join now.)

9. The Hunger Games (Trilogy) by Suzanne Collins

(I'm not saying that I love the third book, but you can't just read one in three, can you?)

10. Mistborn (Trilogy) by Brandon Sanderson

(I never thought I liked epic fantasy, that is, until I read the Mistborn Trilogy.)

Bonus: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (Series) by Ally Carter

(The series, similar to Harry Potter, starts with a light hearted learning premise, and around book four the stakes get higher and the mood darker. I absolutely love this series.)

There you have it, my ten, plus a few, favorites. There were at least a couple dozen more I could've added to this list, but I figured you have to start somewhere. No go, read, and let me know how much you love these books too.

Books, I have something to say about.

I've used this post title before.  It just popped up when I typed in the word books so I figured, what the hey, might as well re-use.  It's like Recycling, right? 

Here's the thing.  I like to read. 

Yes, yes, I know.  Surprising, right? 

Well, I read quite a bit, and I love it, and I'll keep doing it.  So when my friend who writes MY PILE OF BOOKS asked me to review books for her, I thought HECK YES!  Since I'm already reading a book a day, I might as well espouse my thoughts and likes and frustrations and dislikes on someone other than my poor husband and super nice, book loving friend. 

So, please go over to MY PILE OF BOOKS and check out all the book reviews. 

And on a side note, of those books pictured above, they all are worth the reading time!  I loved them!

Glutton for Punishment.

At 12:30 last night I cracked open a book the library gave me.  Hush Hush, by Becca Fitzpatrick sounded interesting to me, but was it worth the full read?  I put it to the test.  Three chapters in I was hooked.  And really, let's face it.  I'm sooooooo over Para-normal romance.  I've been trying to read outside of that genre for the last couple months.  BOY, was I wrong.  This book hooked me big time. 

I read the entire thing!  Really.  I didn't go to sleep.  I just kept on reading.  And reading.  And reading. 

Dang it's sooooooo good! 

Go buy it, and read it. 

Read Much? (snort)

My book list over the last month has dwindled thanks to an increse in photography (No complaints there), so here you have it. This is what I've read, what I thought about it, and what I think you should read.

CATCHING FIRE - by Suzanne Collins

Yes! You read that correctly. My lovely-wonderful-super cool-small town-library got it in and gave it to me before it even goes on sale. That rocks! (see two posts down)

What did I think? I loved it. I loved it so much I couldn't put it down and seriously considered ditching an outing I had previously planned. It was as intense and dramatic as the first, with more plot twists, turns and dives. It kept me on my toes and I felt more connected to the protagonist than I did in the first. Though a huge issue I had with the first novel was finally resolved, the ending left me hanging and begging for more. Which Sucks. Why? Well the next in the series isn't slated to come out for another year.

There you have it. Go read it. Love it. Then tell me what you think about it.

EYES LIKE STARS by Lisa Mantchev

It started out slow. Very slow. And then the ball started rolling. I cant say I loved it. In fact, it took me almost a week to read. (That should say something about it's plot hooks...or lack thereof) But, by the end, I liked it. Enough so that I would read the sequel. Read this book when you don't have another you're dying to read. This is a great lazy day book or vacation book.

SACRED SCARS by Kathleen Duey

This novel is the sequel to Skin Hunger. If you look back at my review, you'll see what I thought of that one. The problem I had with this one is that it mirrored the first. Crap happens. It gets worse. Nothing gets resolved. More things gets worse. Time passes. Book ends.

No notable climax, no problem solved! I HATE THAT. End the dang book already! Or at least give some closure.

So now I'm two books into this series, no closure at all, and there's another year before the final book comes out. I suggest you wait to read all three until then.

THESE IS MY WORDS by Nancy Turner

I put off reading this for so long. Historical fiction is not my thing.

Boy was I wrong! Once I sunk in 50 pages I was hooked. I couldn't put the book down. And when I finally finished I thought about it for hours if not days and days. I gasped, laughed, blushed and then cried. This book gripped me completely. I would recommend this to everyone and anyone.

JUST ONE WISH by Janette Rallison

It was due back at the library. So I thought I'd scan over the first few chapters. 2 1/2 hours later I finished the novel. It sucked me in and I loved every word of it. In typical Janette Rallison fashion, the plot is succinct, witty and funny. I laughed hard. This is a delightful read that tackles issues of life and death. I would recommend this novel to all teenage girls and their moms. It's a great chick fic!

STORM GLASS by Maria Snyder

I loved Maria Snyder's Poison Study series. Sadly, when I got the call from the library about Catching Fire, this novel was pushed aside. Since I'm already 150 pages in, I have a sense of where the novels going. It's not as engaging as the Poison Study series, and not as gripping as Catching Fire. So will I finish it? I can't say right now. If you've read it, please tell me if I should finish or not.

PRADA AND PREJUDICE by Mandy Hubbard

Snarky. That pretty much sums it up. This quick read is the perfect step into a modern teenage girls shoes. I thought the protagonist was likable, and most importantly believable. I didn't feel as though I was reading the likeness of a teenage girl made up by some stay at home middle aged writing mom. No, it seemed as though I were really in the teenager's head. This novel is funny, quick paced and an easy read. I would recommend this to any chick lit lover.

JUST ELLA by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Sadly, I had no love for this novel. The idea of Cinderalla's 'not so' happily ever after was fun at first, but after the first 100 pages the plot really dragged. The protagonist focused so much on being independent that she lost depth as a character. It was as if her character only felt one emotion. In fact, most of the characters were very

simplistic - each seeming to have only one emotion or thought process. The novel lacked depth and the ending lacked luster.

THE ACTOR AND THE HOUSEWIFE by Shannon Hale

Sure. I'll admit I was sucked in. I loved it, laughing hard throughout. That's typical of a Shannon Hale novel. She excels in witty banter and great character building. There were a few sections where the novel dragged, and at one point, the two main characters of the novel seemed to meld into one. Too many likenesses in character traits and dialogue. But what I hated most was the end. (No worries, I won't give it away) I felt lied to. The character was developed as one person and doesn't carry through with personality in the end. Hated it!

KETURAH AND LORD DEATH by Martine Leavitt

This quick easy read had such an interesting plot that I was drawn into it. I enjoyed the simple love story and the character development. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys fairytale retellings.

Ask the Audience: What have you been reading? What should I read next?

Books, I have something to say about.

Ah, I love a good read. To throw myself into another world for a few hours and take in the stories of others. Sigh. I thought I'd share my opinion on some books I read over the last month. Here's a quick summarizing thought for each one. Take it with a grain of salt, or not. I like to read, so I thought I'd share my two second cents.


Graceling by Kristen Cashore - Killer Protagonist. Seriously...she's a killer. LOVED IT! In fact, I loved it so much I read it twice. I never read books twice.

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder - Gritty. That sums it it. I loved it.

Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder - Equally Gritty. I loved it more.

Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder - Currently reading this...the jury is still out.

The Forrest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan - Though I must admit, I'm on the fence about this one. I'm not a lover of the end, but since I recently heard there's a sequel, I feel redemption is coming. Poetic writing. Zombies and Romance. What more could you want?

Skin Hunger by Kathleen Duey - Hmm. What to say? If it ended, I could have liked it, but since they cut the dang book in half and ended it in mid rising action, what can I say? It does have great rising action. I'll let you know my verdict after I read the sequel.

Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry - Cute. Fun quick read. Plot holes? Sure...but I heard there may be a sequel.

Ever by Gail Carson Levine - 75% good 25% LAME! Pulled through to the end and then was let down. You decide.

Selkie Girl by Susan Cooper - I didn't finish it. That should tell you what I thought of it.

Skin Deep by E. M. Crane - Currently Reading. I haven't stopped yet, so it's pretty good.

Ask the Audience:

What are you reading? What is you favorite book, and why? What do you suggest I pick up?

Book Reviews

Today I am just going to say TRUST ME ON THIS. Here is my top pick of books. These are, or will be when I buy them in hard back, on my untouchable shelf--the shelf that no one, not even Mark, can borrow.

1. The Thief, The Queen of Attolia, The King of Attolia - by Megan Whalen Turner
This trilogy is AMAZING. I love it and can't say enough about the power of writing in these novels.

2. The Nine Kingdoms Trilogy - Star of the Morning, The Mages Daughter, Princess of the Sword - by Lynn Kurland
If you are a fan of Robin Mckinley (The blue Sword) then this is a must read for you. Romance, Drama, Action, Fantasy...it has it all...and is cleverly written.

3. My Fair Godmother - by Janette Rallison
When I taught high school, I was always finding novels for the students to read. This is a fun read that any girl would LOVE.

4. The Hunger Games - by Suzzane Collins
Crazy, fast paced, not what you'd imagine, perfect example of a distopia! I loved this novel and cant wait for the sequel...if you are adamant about reading sequels back to back...then wait on this one.

5. The Giver - by Lois Lowry
This novel is the reason I decided I wanted to teach English. I love it that much. If you haven't read this one yet, PLEASE run out, buy it or borrow it and read it...then tell me what you think.

6. The Blue Sword - by Robin Mckinley
For fantasy lovers out there, this is a must. I think Robin Mckinley raised the bar for women fantasy writers when she wrote this books so many years ago. It is still excellent.

7. Mistborn, The Well of Ascension, Hero of Ages - by Brandon Sanderson
If you really want to sink into a deep fantasy trilogy, this is for you. These meaty novels are filled with suspense, action, drama, and much more.

9. Tunnels by Gordon and Williams
This novel for sure through me for a loop. I definitely didn't expect the ending of this one...but now that the sequel is out, I am loving it!


10. Harry Potter (all of them) by J. K. Rowling
Of course this set of books is a given. If you haven't read them, then do it.

I'm not quite sure if this is my complete list of must reads, but it sure is a good start. I love much and I cant wait to hear your thoughts on them. If there is a must read out there you think I need to run out and pick up, please let me know.

BOOK REVIEW: My Fair Godmother

What can I say? I LOVED IT! In fact, I loved it so much that I actually sat down today and read it in one sitting. If you haven't figured it out yet, Young Adult fiction is my 'thang', so I picked this novel up a few weeks ago. Sadly, because of my own writing ventures, I haven't had time to read at all. None. Nada. Zip.
I have been missing my reading time, so after I loaned this book to a friend, and she returned with a raving review, I had to pick it up.

What did I think? This novel is a spin on the Fairy Godmother idea. The characters are charming, engaging, clever and emotionally deep. The reading is light; yet, witty, funny, dramatic, edge of your seat intense and ENJOYABLE.

If you want a short synopsis of the novel check it out HERE.

Who would like it? I would say everyone, but it definitely is a must read for all the ladies out there, teenagers, and your younger reading fans!

What have you been reading lately? Tell me your favorite book!

Book Reviews

Here I am again, going nuts because I am way to busy, but really, never to busy to read a GREAT book. The other night I read till 2:30am, (and paid for it the next day when I felt like an alcoholic with a killer hang over)

Book 1: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - This book is for EVERYBODY...well except for the younger kids. This Sci-Fi suspense YA novel will have you on the edge of your seat. Once I dove in I literally couldn't put it down, and I finished it that night. Such an easy read, but so clever. 5 out of 5

Book 2: Sabriel by Garth Nix - To be honest I felt the novel was heavy in description...almost too heavy. It took me a good 100 pages to finally commit, but once I did the novel picked up pace and action. I ended up really sinking into the characters and enjoying this Fantasy YA. Great read if you love Fantasy...if you are not a Fantasy fan yet, then hold off, read something tamer and then jump in. 4 out of 5

Book 3: The Dark Hills Divide - Easy fun read for Middle Grade. I enjoyed this quick adventure fantasy. It is a light fantasy perfect for your younger teenagers...but not a boring read for adults too. 4 out 5

For the LOVE of Reading

I LOVE a good book...no, on second thought, I like a good book, I LOVE a great book! I recently read the wittiest, humor packed, irony laced novel that I truly think you should read too. Shannon Hale's novel, Austenland is engaging from the start, playing off of the well known, Pride and Prejudice. Have you ever completely fallen in love with a character from a novel? Does Edward in Twilight ring a bell? If that fantasy love is a plague in your life, then this novel is for you. Austenland combines a theatrical look at how a modern day woman would fare in a Pride and Prejudice setting. This cunning novel is more than meets the eye and the reader is left utterly surprised and pleased with the brilliant outcome.
If you love a great romantic comedy, this book is for you. And, the best part is, it is a short read. I know you are busy this holiday season, but don't miss out on the joy of Austenland!

WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? Please share, because I am always in the mood for a good book!

Just a Question?

Before I post my own book review, how many of you out there read Stephanie Meyer's latest, Breaking Dawn? I would like to know what you truly thought of the novel. Sometimes I wonder if I happen to be harder on some authors because of my background in English lit studies. Let me know what you think...and then I will let you know what I think. Lets just say, a friend's husband referred to the novel as "Breaking Wind" and I had no objections. hahahahahaha

Book Tip:

Don't spend your time reading lame, boring, crappy books.

Tip #2: I just finished two great books, that were recommended to me by a dear friend, celia. These books both turned out to be 5 out of 5 stars and I couldn't put them down.

Book 1: Before Midnight 'A Retelling of Cinderella' by Cameron Dokey

This book is full of suspense and intrigue. At 2-3 hours, this book is definitely a quick read. I thoroughly enjoyed the play on the original Cinderella story and the authors addition of main characters. You will not be disappointed with this novel.

Book 2: The Burning Within by Ranelle Wallace

This book is a true story, written by the woman who endured through all the trials mentioned in the novel. This is not a 'drag you down', 'make you feel depressed' type of novel. No, it is the opposite. After reading the novel, I felt inspired to write my new year's 'to be's'. I enjoyed how the author led up to each event, sharing personal history and reflection. I was drawn to this story and could not put it down. This book is a must read!

LOVE TO READ!

I feel like one of those library posters that feature a hip (if you're in 1989) looking adolescent, posed casually with a book in hand, smiling effortlessly with a 'you'll be cool like me' expression, that posts the message: READ. Hopefully I have discarded anything I wore in 1989; consequently, this purpose of this blog is intended to lure you into my reading circle...

Checkout my reading list on Goodreads - where you can see what your friends are reading.
http://www.goodreads.com/friend/i?i=LTM2MDYzMDE0MzM6MzEz%0A

(The following is to be read in cheesy infomercial middle aged man voice)
If you sign up, you can offer your perspective on what you have read, and see what good books are out there. What I hate most is to get 1/2 way through a book, only to be disappointed and lack the will to continue to the end. Now with this website, those days are gone. Now you will have the opportunity to pick up a book and be 90% sure that it wont suck! Just think, signing up is merely a click away. You are a click away from bringing book excitement into your life.

Have you read Eclipse?

Yesterday I drove to town and purchased a copy of Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer. On an earlier post, I mentioned the earlier books in the series, Twilight and New Moon. Being a fan of the series, I couldn't wait to sink into the latest novel. Late last night after the kids went to bed, I pulled out my copy and read until 4 in the morning. I have to say the book was fairly fast paced, filled with suspenseful action and incredible fight scenes, so it was easy to be dragged into long periods of reading, not wanting to put the book down to even go pee. I don't want to send out any spoilers, so if you have read the novel, and you want to dish about it, e-mail me or post on this blog. If you haven't read the series, go out and read it now...thank me later for cueing you in on a great story!