tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83311921301333347722024-03-14T00:06:06.013-05:00Roses are ReadAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409896297370614473noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8331192130133334772.post-35929913090161587392017-07-06T10:36:00.000-05:002017-12-27T11:12:15.287-06:00Until It Fades by K.A. Tucker<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="http://d28hgpri8am2if.cloudfront.net/book_images/onix/cvr9781501133381/until-it-fades-9781501133381_hr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://d28hgpri8am2if.cloudfront.net/book_images/onix/cvr9781501133381/until-it-fades-9781501133381_hr.jpg" height="200" width="128"></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Two people whose lives couldn’t be any more different have their worlds collide, in Tucker’s latest romance novel. After an awful blind date, Cath is driving down a dark and winding road when she comes across a bad accident. That little red sports car that flew past her earlier now smashed into a tree. The passenger of the vehicle still looks to be alive and she uses all her strength to get this giant of a man out of the car. Saving his life. When NHL player, Brett and his famous family want to show their gratitude, it brings an onslaught of media attention straight to Cath’s door, eventually dredging up a past Cath would much prefer stay in the past. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<b id="docs-internal-guid-2bffd4f2-1887-3df6-c169-3739d7feabe1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even Tucker states this is a little different than her typical storyline however what doesn’t change is her amazing ability to weave a story that makes readers care about the characters. We all want Cath and Brett to have a relationship that comes from a terrible accident. We want Cath’s past to stay put and hope it doesn’t come back to ruin what could happen with their relationship. This was a fantastic, fast contemporary read and one of my favorite books of 2017. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409896297370614473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8331192130133334772.post-80360450336116512702017-05-24T15:39:00.001-05:002017-05-24T15:41:31.954-05:00All Over the Place by Geraldine DeRuiter<div style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "eras demi itc" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I stumbled upon Geraldine's travel
blog, The Everywhereist, over 5 years ago and </span><span style="font-family: "eras demi itc", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">immediately fell in love with her
charm and humor. I know I'm not unique in thinking Geraldine is one of my
friends by now; that's what happens when you read so much about one's life
on the internet. But, alas, she has no idea who I am. We
completely share the same love for sweets and I always check her
blog before we travel somewhere new to see if she's already scoped out the
best bakeries in town. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1478189045l/31934609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="All Over the Place: Adventures in Travel, True Love, and Petty Theft" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1478189045l/31934609.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: "eras demi itc" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">When I found out she was writing a
book I was over the moon. Reading All Over the Place is like sitting down
with a good friend, laughing (ok, fine, snorting) away and nodding along in
agreement as Geraldine regales you with hilarious and crazily honest stories. It's less
about actually traveling and more about life, dare I say, growing up, being in
love (and the compromise that follows!) and understanding the people and places around you and what
that means. I loved every word of it and can see myself re-reading it
over and over. It's definitely not to be missed! </span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409896297370614473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8331192130133334772.post-33994233531610633462016-11-28T14:48:00.000-06:002016-11-28T14:48:16.280-06:00Being a Dog by Alexandra Horowitz<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a well-known fact that a dog’s nose is remarkably
better than a humans. But just how good is it? Horowitz dives in, or rather
crouches down, to really find out. What transpires is a fascinating exploration
of the power of not only dogs’ noses but of humans’ as well. In order to better
understand a dog’s scent-abilities, Horowitz found many opportunities to view working
dogs at their best as well as exercising her own sniffer. She highlights some incredible dogs including
those that can detect cancer, or track endangered animals, can locate
contraband materials, to discovering underground highly sought after truffles.
A dog can tell when its owner should be coming home, when it’s about to rain, it
can even assess the gender, age, health, etc. of another dog. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Humans’ and dogs’
noses have become weaker over the centuries largely because it’s not as
important survival-wise. Dogs depend on their owners and we depend on
technology. Plus, noses will continue to become weaker unless we exercise this undervalued
sense. <o:p></o:p>Try paying more attention to the smells around you and what they might actually mean. Does that sweet smell in the air mean it's going to rain? Also, if you have a dog try playing the Find It game and allow him or her to sniff longer on your walks instead of pulling them along. If you love dogs or have an interest in all things smelly, you’ll enjoy this book. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I found <i>Being a Dog </i>captivating
and would often find myself sharing my new knowledge with anyone who would
listen. For instance: a human nose can produce up to 2 liters of mucus in a
day!! I
can’t wait to exercise my smeller more by sniffing everything! <o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409896297370614473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8331192130133334772.post-37844038212452587822015-08-04T17:49:00.000-05:002015-08-04T17:49:33.440-05:00The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert <div class="MsoNormal">
This book, in my mind, will be known as the Sweetness of
Coconut Cake for how absolutely adorable it was. I was thrilled by its comparison to <i>You’ve Got Mail</i> and just had to read it. Elizabeth (Lou) Johnson owns Luella’s, a French cuisine restaurant in Milwaukee which she has
poured her heart and soul into. Al
Waters, a transplant from the U.K. (swoon) is a tough food critic and writes for the
local Milwaukee paper. Coincidentally,
these two likable characters meet cute at the Milwaukee Public Market, the same day
Lou catches her fiancée with another woman, and Al is scheduled to dine and
review Luella’s. You get an idea of what will enfold but it's still so wonderful to follow along with these two as they blindly fall in love. Plus, it's a nice bonus, for many people, to see Milwaukee in a fun and new light. <br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409896297370614473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8331192130133334772.post-91440441016912252712015-07-03T12:22:00.000-05:002015-07-03T12:22:00.578-05:00How to Start a Fire by Lisa Lutz <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 107%;">How to Start a Fire</span></i><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 107%;"> is such a
well-crafted, thought-out, novel that it has quickly become my favorite this
year. Nonlinear and at times confusing (but in such a wonderful unfolding
of beautiful storytelling) we meet three flawed women in college. Lutz interweaves
their stories through flashes of time between the past and present spanning 20
years into middle-age. We slowly gather details
about one traumatic night in their 20s plus the aftereffects on each of them without
yet knowing what that night entailed. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Anna Fury eschews her wealthy background with
misadventures and a strong love of drinking.
Orphan, Kate Smirnoff was raised by her grandfather and </span><span style="line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">hasn't</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> planned
anything for her future beyond owning her grandfather’s greasy spoon diner come
graduation. George (Georgianna) Leoni,
the beauty of the three, keeps falling for the wrong men preferring to morph
herself into the ‘perfect wife’ depending on the husband. This is such a calculated and well-timed
story and would make a great book club selection as there is much to discuss
regarding how lives are changed with certain events. I am incredibly impressed with Lutz and she
remains one of my favorite authors. </span></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409896297370614473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8331192130133334772.post-44955638765958058392015-05-05T16:34:00.002-05:002015-05-05T16:34:40.628-05:00At the Water's Edge by Sara Gruen<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Written with the backdrop of WWII, three
Philadelphia socialites set out for Scotland in search of the Loch Ness
monster. Color blind Ellis and flat-footed Hank are unable to serve their
country during the war and are seemingly oblivious to that which is raging on
around them. While the men are off to track down the elusive Loch Ness
monster each day, they leave behind Maddie, Ellis's wife, who befriends the
people living and working in the quaint village of Drumnadrochit. </span>The nearness of the war and its effects open Maddie’s
eyes to a harsh reality and makes her take a closer look at those she thought she loved. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lovely story set in a beautiful landscape and troubling time frame. Sara Gruen is wonderful at creating a setting that becomes a
character of its own. Plus, the WWII history she brings to the story is
just another reason why I love her writing. She perfectly weaves history,
setting and a love story to make a great novel.</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409896297370614473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8331192130133334772.post-60534541163313654062015-01-18T22:24:00.000-06:002015-01-18T22:24:08.190-06:00When by Victoria LauriMaddie Fynn's life hasn't been too easy up till her Junior year of high school. Since birth, she's been able to see a unique string of numbers on every person's forehead. When her father dies at a young age, the numbers finally make sense. They are each person's individual death date. For almost a decade after, she has blamed herself for her father's work-related death, as her mother has been drinking herself into an early death of her own. <br />
<br />
However, when Maddie gives a 'reading' to make extra cash things get much worse. Maddie informs a wealthy woman, who has come to inquire about her ailing daughter, that it's her very heathy son who will die next week. All kinds of attention is brought on Maddie for his mysterious death. What follows is an intense, suspenseful ride as Maddie is suspected of murder, her best friend is thrown in jail, and her Ma's alcoholism hits an all-time low. Can Maddie learn to ignore the numbers or will she use her gift to help those in need?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409896297370614473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8331192130133334772.post-12893527176880655672014-07-13T16:52:00.000-05:002014-07-13T16:52:40.791-05:00The Lost by Sarah Beth Durst<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fleeing her mother’s potentially bad test results, Lauren
Chase skips out of work, gets in her car and drives straight East out of
LA. When the radio will only play static
and there hasn’t been a turnoff or even another vehicle in what feels like hours
does Lauran come out of her trance and realizes she needs to turn around. After an inconvenient dust storm, an off ramp
appears that leads Lauren to a small town with a ‘Welcome to Lost’ sign. Since it’s getting late, Lauren pulls into a
crumbling motel to rest for the night before heading back to her mother. She encounters some very strange folk in her
short stay in Lost. On her way out of
town in the morning she gets caught in the dust storm again and is lead back to
Lost. Again and again until she runs out
of gas. It’s official: Lauren is Lost.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was a stay up late read for me. Like Wonderland and Oz, Lost is a magical
place that can be both magnificent and dangerous. I definitely got lost in this book (lame pun intended, sorry). </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8331192130133334772.post-54720432222357969362014-07-06T07:58:00.000-05:002014-07-06T07:58:50.302-05:00The Martian by Andy WeirWhat. A. Fricken. Amazing. Crap-your-pants. Thrill-Ride of a Book!!!! I loved every page! You must go <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Martian-Novel-Andy-Weir/dp/0804139024/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1404651256&sr=1-1&keywords=the+martian">get it</a> now!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8331192130133334772.post-17080219016946591972014-06-23T10:09:00.000-05:002014-06-23T10:14:59.705-05:00One Past Midnight by Jessica Shirvington<div class="a3s" id=":p9" style="overflow: hidden;">
Every night, at
exactly midnight, Sabine switches lives. She's still Sabine, 17 year old
girl on the cusp of graduating high school. However, her families are
different, her location is different and her future in both lives is
definitely different. Sabine's physical presence crosses over too, so
when she breaks her arm falling down in one life, she spends all day
trying to figure out how to make a broken arm look like an accident in
her second life without throwing herself down the stairs. But when she
Shifts at midnight with two functioning arms she knows something has
changed. She now believes the opportunity to choose her better life is
finally available. Will Sabine make the right decision?<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>One Past Midnight</i> is a great book that shows it's not always greener on the other side. Also, I love Shirvington's other series: <a href="http://www.jessicashirvington.com/the-books/">The Embrace Series</a>.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8331192130133334772.post-54671807689924622342014-05-14T16:22:00.001-05:002014-05-14T16:22:34.313-05:00Open Road Summer by Emery LordIn <i>Open Road Summer</i>, we get to ride along on a music tour across the country with America's Sweetheart, country music star, Lilah Montgomery and her BFF. However, Lilah, Dee to her closest friends, is not the headliner or this fun summer read but rather her troubled best friend Reagan O'Neill. Both girls are working on getting over a tough time in their lives and what a better way to do it than a girls' road trip complete with sold out concerts, live TV appearances, and magazine photo shoots. <br />
<br />
However, when a photoshopped picture of Dee and her ex-boyfriend is leaked, her PR team needs to do some major damage control while Reagan needs to step up as Dee's best friend after years of their roles being reversed. But when the PR team's answer is to bring in good guy Matt Finch as Dee's opening act and to let the rumor mill believe Dee and Matt are an item, Reagan has a difficult time keeping her feelings for Matt under control so as not to ruin Dee's public image any further. What transpires is a feel good story of two best friends who are there for each other first and foremost despite fame.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8331192130133334772.post-27546583930279990052014-04-24T16:08:00.000-05:002014-04-24T16:08:47.772-05:00Jennifer's Way by Jennifer Esposito
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As someone who has recently been diagnosed with Celiac
Disease, I was intrigued by <em>Jennifer’s Way</em> and what an actress could possibly
tell me about my new disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
astonished to learn how far her condition had gone and what terrible symptoms
she was plagued with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not to mention the
many years of dead ends she ran into within the medical field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was very disconcerting to hear how many
doctors and nurses have no idea what Celiac is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My symptoms were mild in comparison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, when I was diagnosed I was given a
vague message and a "start a gluten-free diet" recommendation and no
more guidance than that.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jennifer was able to put words to some of my thoughts and
feelings that have come along with my diagnosis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially in the case of going to
restaurants and trying to continue a social life without being
“difficult”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even trying to talk about
it with people is tricky because no one will ever understand until they have to
turn their lives upside down too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I certainly don’t wish anyone to have this disease however
I’m appreciative to see someone in the spotlight share their journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully her words can help change the
opinions of the misinformed and be a voice for those that have the disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you, Jennifer!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8331192130133334772.post-25673756419970099812014-04-07T12:55:00.000-05:002014-04-07T13:26:01.703-05:00The Chapel Wars by Lindsey LeavittHolly's favorite person in the world, her Grandpa Jim, just passed away. Unknown to everyone in the family, he left his beloved, but deeply in-debt, Las Vegas wedding chapel to his granddaughter. He also left her a letter to be hand delivered to his chapel-owning rival's grandson. Across the parking lot sits the theme wedding performing Cupid's Dream, the antithesis to the traditional Rose of Sharon. It's a Shakespearean tragedy that these two chapel families hate each other because Dax Cranston is one handsome rival, even in his cowboy get up. With Grandpa Jim gone and Holly in charge she's going to do everything in her power to help save the chapel even if she can feel her Grandpa rolling over in his grave.<br />
<br />
I just finished this wonderful and touching story with a sniffle. Leavitt writes Holly as a down-to-earth, normal girl and the dialogue between Dax and Holly is adorable yet realistic. I loved this: "We're all messed up," [Holly] said "I think life is just about finding the right people to be messed up with." I loved that these characters have faults and their own troubles to get through.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8331192130133334772.post-52740493792052532762014-02-27T14:19:00.000-06:002014-02-27T14:19:35.084-06:00The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski A short time ago, the Valorians conquered the Herran empire and either killed or enslaved the Herrani civilians. Kestrel, as the Valorian General's daughter, at 17, must choose to either marry or join the military. Neither option entices Kestrel. While in the city market one day she feels an unexplainable connection with a slave being auctioned off and spontaneously decides to outbid everyone with a large sum of keystones. Kestrel's new slave, Arin, starts work as a blacksmith making horseshoes for the military horses. Eventually becoming an escort for Kestrel and keeping her company; neither recognizes the relationship slowly growing between them. Kestrel soon learns that Arin is the leader of a planned rebellion and, as the General's daughter, she has been set up. She'll be forced to discover the true meaning of the Winner's Curse.<br />
<br />
The world and the characters are so well written you can't help wanting to root for both of them. The story line is so perfectly paced you can't help to keep reading late into the night. And with just enough romantic tension threaded throughout you can't help to feel empty till the second book arrives. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8331192130133334772.post-40438571000506445152014-02-16T17:32:00.001-06:002014-02-16T17:32:13.053-06:00Lone Wolves by John Smelcer<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Deneena Yazzie, Denny to most, is a 16 year old native
Alaskan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t call her an Eskimo, she’s
an Indian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her closest friend is her
grandfather, who has been teaching her their native language, seldom spoken by
anyone other than the dwindling elders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
spends most of her time, other than school where she doesn’t fit in, mushing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eight dogs pull the wooden sled her grandfather hand-built
years ago, while he follows nearby on his snowmobile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her grandfather encourages Denny to compete
in her first dogsled competition where she takes third place, qualifying her
for the longest, toughest dog sled competition known to man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, Denny will have to travel the 1,100 mile trip
across the Alaskan wilderness without the support of her community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s so much more about the storyline I
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<br /></div>
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Denny is a unique and inspiring character; a great role
model for young girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not
only because she perseveres while her whole village refuses to support her, but
also that she wants to learn her heritage and preserve her culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The author tells Denny’s story in such a way that
makes you crave to learn more about Alaskan history and culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best kind of book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8331192130133334772.post-38696191828826745142014-01-06T16:01:00.001-06:002014-01-06T16:01:29.679-06:00Fangirl by Rainbow RowellIf I had read this book in print, I think I would have finished it in one sitting, maybe two. However, I listened to the audiobook, in my car, mostly driving to and from work. In other words, I dragged it out over several weeks. This delayed gratification may have been the cause for my giddy excitement over this story. Now enough about me...<br />
<br />
Cath is a freshman at college. Her twin sister, Wren, after spending the last 18 years in the same room with Cath, decided to live elsewhere. Cath's roommate, Reagan, immediately reacts as though Cath's presence is a burden and Reagan's high school boyfriend is constantly hanging around their room. Cath isn't sure college is for her, she's a quiet introvert who would much prefer to be writing fan fiction for the much loved Simon Snow series she has been reading since she was a kid. You'll be so glad you came along for this coming of age story. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8331192130133334772.post-88883087506700139552013-10-29T19:01:00.000-05:002013-10-29T19:02:41.186-05:00World Book Night: April 23, 2014I think it's crazy to be talking about 2014 already but, alas, <a href="http://www.us.worldbooknight.org/"><strong><span style="color: #674ea7;">World Book Night</span></strong></a> applications are now being accepted! It's a great list of books this year so get your applications in fast. I'm a huge fan of World Book Night as a great opportunity to meet others in your community while spreading the love of reading. Can't wait to do it again. Get your application in soon! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8331192130133334772.post-48500292418098133932013-10-08T19:15:00.001-05:002013-10-08T19:15:51.917-05:00Six Months Later by Natalie Richards
<span style="font-family: "Antique Olive","sans-serif";">Have
you ever forgotten what you ate for dinner the night before?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What about that thing you did last
weekend?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, how would you feel waking
up to realize six months have gone by and you have no recollection whatsoever
of those months?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Antique Olive","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Antique Olive","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>In May, Chloe Spinnaker
was just an average Junior coasting through high school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come November she has the highest SAT scores
of her school, has one of the best GPAs and is dating her crush and one of the
most popular guys in school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> S</span>he has no idea how she went from taking a nap in study hall one day to this strangely perfect life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Despite being newly popular, </span>Chloe has no one to
trust, her best friend won’t answer her calls and ignores her in the
hallways a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">nd her boyfriend Blake makes her feel uneasy. </span>How is she supposed to find
out where her six months went?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> A suspenseful and intriguing read. </span></span><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8331192130133334772.post-9547270301188118292013-08-29T12:02:00.002-05:002013-08-29T12:02:54.032-05:00The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo
In the British ruled colony of Malaya in
1893, an opium addicted father tells his daughter he received an unusual marriage
proposal for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wealthy Lim family
has a son that recently passed away and they want Li Lan to marry him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To marry the living to the deceased is an
uncommon practice but nonetheless it is custom in order to placate a spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Li Lan would then be taken care of in the family’s
home for life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although, with zero other
marriage prospects, Li Lan is not pleased with this proposal. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things are even worse when Lim Tian Ching
begins to haunt Li Lan in her dreams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Choo
creates a detailed parallel world of the dead in which Li Lan finds herself
trapped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hadn’t ever considered tales
of the Chinese afterlife to be so desirable but Choo writes on such a level to
make the supernatural alluring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8331192130133334772.post-66966557380634403652013-07-30T20:23:00.000-05:002013-07-30T20:23:40.078-05:00Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Anna lives in 1995 Evanston, IL while
Bennett primarily lives in present day San Francisco although he can travel
back and forth in time at will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bennett
likes taking his sister with him into the past to 90’s alternative
concerts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s during one of these
concerts that Bennett ‘falls’ back to his present 2012, leaving his sister
behind in Illinois.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He must travel back and
stay for an extended period of time in order to find his sister and bring her
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is when he meets Anna, the
first person he trusts enough to share his secret with outside his immediate
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anna has longed to travel
period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her dad bought her a map of the
world so she can track her travels with red push pins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has one push pin and it’s in Michigan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lucky for Anna her new boyfriend can take her
exotic places but at a cost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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</span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8331192130133334772.post-9048450410614621962013-07-29T13:05:00.000-05:002013-07-29T13:38:55.065-05:00Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just finished an advanced reader's copy of <em>Crown of Midnight</em> and could not be more pleased! Maas' first book <em>Throne of Glass</em> was amazing and I think this one is even better. I love when that happens! Celaena Sardothien has won the brutal contest to become King of Adarlan's personal assassin and has begun working towards her freedom by killing the King's enemies. Although it would appear so, Celaena's loyalties do not lie with the King. She has been faking her targets' deaths and helping them flee. The King's next target must be killed for </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">starting a resistance group against the King's "plans". Celaena feels she must find out more information about the resistance and these so called plans before acting. All the while her relationship with the Captain of the Guard keeps growing, along with her intrigue of the Glass Castle's secrets. I can definitely see this as the next big YA series. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8331192130133334772.post-34787975812608930812013-06-25T20:47:00.000-05:002013-06-25T20:47:51.786-05:00Dad is Fat by Jim GaffiganWhether a parent or not, you'll still find <em>Dad is Fat</em> hilarious. I wisely opted to listen to the audiobook as it is read by Gaffigan himself, and really the only way it should be read. He had me laughing even before he started reciting the text! Gaffigan has five kids. All under the age of eight. Living in a two bedroom apartment in New York City. The daily goings-on in that apartment alone have to be ridiculous and with Gaffigan's voice and insight it's all the better. Highly amusing! <br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8331192130133334772.post-22597222467899288662013-06-13T12:43:00.001-05:002013-06-13T12:43:50.993-05:00Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even after hearing all the good reviews for <em>Eleanor & Park</em> I was still surprised by how much I liked it. Outcasts, Eleanor, the new girl with crazy red hair, and Park, the half-Korean kid, regrettably find themselves sharing a bus seat to and from school. Soon Park realizes Eleanor has been quietly reading his comics over his shoulder and they gradually start to talk about X-Men and The Smith's. Eleanor's personal story takes time to unfold and we find out her home life is terrible; with an abusive stepfather who kicked her out a year ago. And although Park's home life looks idyllic, especially to Eleanor, Park has his own father/son issues. Their first love blossoms as their trust grows and they begin to lean on each other when life gets tough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8331192130133334772.post-36090305560820363982013-05-27T16:30:00.000-05:002013-05-27T16:30:17.762-05:00The Shadow Society by Marie Rutkoski Darcy Jones was five when she was abandoned at a firehouse in Chicago and has been flying through foster parents since. At the age of sixteen she is finally going to the same school for a second year in a row. This new year has been great up until she kisses her crush, gets arrested and her foster mother throws a kitchen knife at her all in the same day. Darcy responds by vanishing. And by doing so she finally starts to find some answers. Fantastic book. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8331192130133334772.post-81516959798692254062013-05-09T16:55:00.002-05:002013-05-09T16:55:59.686-05:00Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt;">Celaena Sardothien, best assassin in the land, who happens to be serving out a sentence in the mines, is tracked down by the Crown Prince of Adarlan to be his chosen Champion in the King’s search for an assassin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last man, or woman, standing in this competition receives the honor of killing for the King.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Initially, the book reminded me of Hunger Games, however it took a different turn and wasn’t solely about the competition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do recommend it if you liked Hunger Games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, back to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Throne of Glass</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In an attempt to regain control of her freedom, Celaena accepts the King’s challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the other Champions, an assortment of assassins, soldiers, and thieves, start to turn up gruesomely slaughtered outside of the prearranged Tests, Celaena tries to put meaning to the strange Wyrdmarks and sinister-looking gargoyles that can be found throughout the Glass Castle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The action really picks up when Celaena finds a hidden passageway leading from her room to a catacomb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And also what teen book wouldn’t be complete without a love triangle!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0