A dark overlord is ruining the city of Mareese. It's peoples are being oppressed and and controlled. The people believe there is no hope until a young girl, Diony, is believed to be a part of a prophecy. She finds she has extraordinary powers and takes it upon herself to fulfill her destiny and free her people.
It feels really strange that I just took such a deep read and condensed it into one mere, short paragraph! I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about this book. I've read fantasy off and on but they always seem to have that 'fantasy fog' over them. You read the book and you know what's happening, but it's more like watching it on tv than actually being there in person. This is the first fantasy book I've read with no 'fantasy fog'! Way to go, Nance! This is a fantasy book for those of us who like to be really involved in our books! I was sucked right in at the beginning and couldn't get out until I'd completely finished. There are a few graphic scenes, so if you're faint-hearted, take that into consideration. Personally, I loved them! If it's not your thing, it's easy enough to skip over them without missing too much of the story. The book does open up with a rape scene though, so be prepared.
This is a definite must read for you fantasy lovers! This is definitely more realistic fantasy than most of the fantasy that I've read. Those of you who aren't into fantasy, can read this as a strong adventure book.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Do Witches Make Fishes? by Jason Mayo
A young boy doesn't want to eat his mother's healthy meals. He wants to eat sticky sweet candy! Who can blame him, right? After a particularly trying day of arguing about food versus sweets, a witch appears! Will the boy be able to save himself?!
I love this book! I knew from the title that it had the potential to be great. The illustrations (Thanks, Justin Wolfson!) are incredibly fun! They're bright and colorful and captivating. There aren't too many words per page, so younger readers could easily pick this up. Since it's a rhyming book, it's more fun to read. The story is exciting but not too scary.
I strongly suggest this book for children...especially right now with Halloween right around the corner. It's a fun little book with a strong message about eating healthy.
All proceeds from sales of this book will go to The Garden of Dreams Foundation. I only wish I could afford enough of these books to pass them out on Halloween!
I love this book! I knew from the title that it had the potential to be great. The illustrations (Thanks, Justin Wolfson!) are incredibly fun! They're bright and colorful and captivating. There aren't too many words per page, so younger readers could easily pick this up. Since it's a rhyming book, it's more fun to read. The story is exciting but not too scary.
I strongly suggest this book for children...especially right now with Halloween right around the corner. It's a fun little book with a strong message about eating healthy.
All proceeds from sales of this book will go to The Garden of Dreams Foundation. I only wish I could afford enough of these books to pass them out on Halloween!
Dream Bigger by Julie Wise
Julie is a life coach and freelance writer. In this book, she reminds us what dreams are and gives us the tools to achieve them. Complete with inspirational stories and exercises, this book is a definite for those who have lost their way and forgotten who they are.
I moved Julie's book to the top of my 'to be read' pile on the advice of a friend. I'm thankful I did. It seems like life is constantly throwing something at you that you just don't have the energy and time to deal with. For most of us we get so ingrained in our daily routine filled with housework, jobs and family that we forget who we are. We become little robot machines that just tune out our innermost thoughts and get the job done. I know I've been guilty of this on several occasions, especially recently with several life changes going on. Julie's book helped me to remember who I am and what I want out of life. Life is so short and we don't get that much time. It's easy to get lost in the day to day things and forget what we really want out of life while we're here.
This book is easy to read, short, and inspirational. There are a few chapters that are just filled with inspirational 'dream' stories about others. Most of the chapters though contain thought provoking information that leads into the exercises. None of the exercises are difficult and Julie explains why each is important as you go along.
I wouldn't suggest this book for just a bit of light reading. Anyone seeking some direction in life or wanting to reconnect with who they really are will find valuable insight inside.
I moved Julie's book to the top of my 'to be read' pile on the advice of a friend. I'm thankful I did. It seems like life is constantly throwing something at you that you just don't have the energy and time to deal with. For most of us we get so ingrained in our daily routine filled with housework, jobs and family that we forget who we are. We become little robot machines that just tune out our innermost thoughts and get the job done. I know I've been guilty of this on several occasions, especially recently with several life changes going on. Julie's book helped me to remember who I am and what I want out of life. Life is so short and we don't get that much time. It's easy to get lost in the day to day things and forget what we really want out of life while we're here.
This book is easy to read, short, and inspirational. There are a few chapters that are just filled with inspirational 'dream' stories about others. Most of the chapters though contain thought provoking information that leads into the exercises. None of the exercises are difficult and Julie explains why each is important as you go along.
I wouldn't suggest this book for just a bit of light reading. Anyone seeking some direction in life or wanting to reconnect with who they really are will find valuable insight inside.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
The Redemption of Holly Dobson by C. Lynn Barton
Holly Dobson possesses an understated benevolent evilness. She is relentlessly driven by her unbreakable sense of family values. Holly acts with remorseless conviction to protect her own regardless of the consequences.
Her only son is a demonic, charismatic, and curiously engaging being. The quintessential evil which George Dobson personifies sets Holly on a path that spans continents, decades, and the landscape of her very soul.
Where to begin...where to begin! This was an excellent read. I definitely had a few 'Exorcism' flashbacks! It's the battle between good and evil and it's difficult to figure out who's on which side. Even after finishing the book, I'm not sure! Those of you who are into religious thrillers will definitely enjoy this. The writing is captivating and flows beautifully. There were a few wonderful twists thrown in that I hadn't expected. Over all, this book has a dark feel to it that keeps you guessing. I had a difficult time putting it down.
Now, sadly, I have to critique a bit here. An editor would have done wonders for this book! It was an excellent story that could have been made outstanding, were it not for a few things pulling the reader away from the story. Items such as misspelled words and difficult dialogue kept me rereading passages to figure out what was being said. The bright spot to this is that it isn't common in the book. Definitely annoying when it happens, but don't let it be enough to deter you from reading it.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Letters to Ethan by Tom McQueen
Letters to Ethan is a book comprised of letters that Tom has written for his grandson, Ethan. I guess the title is pretty self-explanatory on that one. These letters contain life wisdom that Tom has gained through the years that he wants to share with his grandson. Each chapter is a different letter with a different message. Tom begins writing when Ethan is born and continues to write on special days and as he thinks of something important he wants to say. Each letter is written with love, wisdom, and usually a slight touch of humor.
Over all, this was a pretty decent book. It's sort of a life guide book. For me, it was an alright read. I wouldn't pick it up off of a shelf and buy it though. I felt sort of like an intruder reading someone else's letters. Had this been written to me from my grandfather, I would have treasured it for always and passed it on to my children. There is a lot of good life info to be found inside though and i would definitely suggest this for anyone who wants more life insight and guidance.
The part that interested me most about reviewing this book is the Legacy Campaign. Their website has a resource available for child protection. More than that, they've set up an area where parents and grandparents can upload their own letters. It's a great idea that I think would serve generations to come. Pass on the wisdom and keep it personal!
Over all, this was a pretty decent book. It's sort of a life guide book. For me, it was an alright read. I wouldn't pick it up off of a shelf and buy it though. I felt sort of like an intruder reading someone else's letters. Had this been written to me from my grandfather, I would have treasured it for always and passed it on to my children. There is a lot of good life info to be found inside though and i would definitely suggest this for anyone who wants more life insight and guidance.
The part that interested me most about reviewing this book is the Legacy Campaign. Their website has a resource available for child protection. More than that, they've set up an area where parents and grandparents can upload their own letters. It's a great idea that I think would serve generations to come. Pass on the wisdom and keep it personal!
Friday, October 15, 2010
The Mirror Maze by Tom Brunger and Lisa Walker
Tom started out as a successful Norwegian businessman. Stress and other factors led him deeper and deeper into a spiral of drugs and alcohol. This path led him to be arrested at a Mexico City airport. Tom spent several years living in the nightmare that was the Mexican prison system. This book is his story.
It's always difficult to review a book that's so near and dear to the person who's written it. You can't really just review the book. You have to review the life that's painted between the pages as well.
I started out reading this thinking of Tom as the typical businessman who gets sucked into drugs and alcohol. We've all heard the story. Things really start changing as Tom spends time in the prison system. The treatment he receives is absolutely appalling. Through letters that Tom personally wrote, we get a glimpse into a different life than most of us can even imagine. No words can do justice to the terror that he lived. Regardless of any crime he may have committed, the punishment was far more than he deserved. It's far more than anyone deserved. This book isn't so much about the punishments and horrors as it is Tom's personal journey. We find him doing everything he can to survive and pursuing a spiritual journey amidst these horrors he's presented with.
This is a heartfelt and compelling book. It's easy to pick up and difficult to put down. For me, it was a difficult read because I had to keep reminding myself that this isn't fiction.
It's always difficult to review a book that's so near and dear to the person who's written it. You can't really just review the book. You have to review the life that's painted between the pages as well.
I started out reading this thinking of Tom as the typical businessman who gets sucked into drugs and alcohol. We've all heard the story. Things really start changing as Tom spends time in the prison system. The treatment he receives is absolutely appalling. Through letters that Tom personally wrote, we get a glimpse into a different life than most of us can even imagine. No words can do justice to the terror that he lived. Regardless of any crime he may have committed, the punishment was far more than he deserved. It's far more than anyone deserved. This book isn't so much about the punishments and horrors as it is Tom's personal journey. We find him doing everything he can to survive and pursuing a spiritual journey amidst these horrors he's presented with.
This is a heartfelt and compelling book. It's easy to pick up and difficult to put down. For me, it was a difficult read because I had to keep reminding myself that this isn't fiction.
Princess and Missy's Magical Adventure by Michelle Nicole Martin
Princess is a sweet little dog who loses her family and her home. She begins to spend her life wandering the streets in search of a meal and helping everyone she comes across. As a reward, Missy, a magical butterfly, offers her a crystal heart. She then asks Princess to join her and her group in spreading joy and happiness. Everything seems like a wonderful new beginning for Princess until the evil Jaith appears on the scene.
This is such a cute and sweet story. Admittedly, it's sad in the beginning, but Princess bounces back. There are several good morals along the way for parents and caregivers to point out as learning lessons. The words and sentences are short so that it's easy for younger readers to pick this book up and read it alone.
I handed this book to a nine year old girl to get her opinion. She enjoyed the pictures as well as the story. When I asked her to sum up how she felt about the book over all, she replied, 'It's just really sad that we never get to find out what happened to the poor doggy's family.'
My over all thoughts on this book is that it reminds me of Lisa Frank stickers. You know the ones, if you're a girl or have a girl. They're cute and colorful and made just for young girls to enjoy.
This is such a cute and sweet story. Admittedly, it's sad in the beginning, but Princess bounces back. There are several good morals along the way for parents and caregivers to point out as learning lessons. The words and sentences are short so that it's easy for younger readers to pick this book up and read it alone.
I handed this book to a nine year old girl to get her opinion. She enjoyed the pictures as well as the story. When I asked her to sum up how she felt about the book over all, she replied, 'It's just really sad that we never get to find out what happened to the poor doggy's family.'
My over all thoughts on this book is that it reminds me of Lisa Frank stickers. You know the ones, if you're a girl or have a girl. They're cute and colorful and made just for young girls to enjoy.
A Pecunious Life by M.L. Dolan
I started reading as an incredibly young child. While other kids were at recess playing four square and tag, I was in the library. My favorite childhood place to hang out was an antique shop a few blocks from my home. In the back, left-hand corner of the shop there was a room that was completely dedicated to books. I can still remember the smell and the buzz of the overhead light as I spent my childhood and part of my teen years devouring every book I could get my hands on. I'm not really sure why the owner of the antique shop put up with me since I rarely purchased anything, but I'm thankful she did. It was there, in that tiny room of the antique shop that I found the one book that has stuck with me throughout my life. As an adult, I've tried to find a copy but with no luck. I can't even find reference to it anywhere. The book was titled 'The Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow'. It was tiny in my hands and had a deep red textured cover. This book was no piece of literature. It was simply one man's thoughts, written down in a small book and put out for the world to see. Though it was either never known or quickly forgotten by the rest of the world, this book has always been loved by me.
A Pecunious Life. A life rich in wealth. I wasn't really sure what to expect when I picked up this book to read it, until I read the opening page. This book isn't a piece of literature. Dolan isn't a world-renowned doctor. This book is simply one man's thoughts, written down in a small book and put out for the world to see. The catch is that this man's thoughts are something worth listening to and thinking about. He takes the time to tell us how he became who he is through a series of short, interesting stories about his life. Then he takes us on a journey of who he is continually becoming. This is an inspirational and motivational book geared towards getting you to think about your life. What do you want out of it? Where are you headed? Are you really happy? Dolan gives us a few exercises to help us get started in thinking about these important questions.
This book isn't for everyone. I don't see this becoming a best-seller or something talked about in every book shop in the country. For the people who do pick up this book though, and find the tiny piece of magic that is hidden inside, and use it to better their lives, this book will be like 'Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow' is for me. It's that one book that you take with you throughout your life. Not always drawing on it, but having the comfort of it being there in your mind.
A Pecunious Life. A life rich in wealth. I wasn't really sure what to expect when I picked up this book to read it, until I read the opening page. This book isn't a piece of literature. Dolan isn't a world-renowned doctor. This book is simply one man's thoughts, written down in a small book and put out for the world to see. The catch is that this man's thoughts are something worth listening to and thinking about. He takes the time to tell us how he became who he is through a series of short, interesting stories about his life. Then he takes us on a journey of who he is continually becoming. This is an inspirational and motivational book geared towards getting you to think about your life. What do you want out of it? Where are you headed? Are you really happy? Dolan gives us a few exercises to help us get started in thinking about these important questions.
This book isn't for everyone. I don't see this becoming a best-seller or something talked about in every book shop in the country. For the people who do pick up this book though, and find the tiny piece of magic that is hidden inside, and use it to better their lives, this book will be like 'Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow' is for me. It's that one book that you take with you throughout your life. Not always drawing on it, but having the comfort of it being there in your mind.
Vanished! by David E. Daigle
This is the fourth book in the Frontmire Histories. In this book we start out with Morlah suddenly awaking from the druid sleep. The problem is that he's slept for over six hundred years, which wasn't his intent at all. Upon waking, he finds that things aren't as he left them at all. Nearly everyone he's ever known has died. The cities and peoples he once relied on are no longer helpful. All that remains of his life is his nemesis, Daektoch, who is a black mage. Morlah goes on a quest to find the elf stone, which he hopes will help him restore some sanity to the strange new world he's awakened to.
I haven't read the first three books in the series, but this one stands alone just fine. I wish I had read them before reading this one though, just to get a better feel for the characters. Although I loved the premise of the book and found it adventurous and intriguing, I just didn't feel any kinship with any of the characters. This book is well-written and does have some really interesting scenes that I wanted to be involved in. Over all, though, I was infused with that dry feeling I get when reading most fantasy. As a stand alone book, it's not enough for me to want to tell everyone I know to read it, unless I happen to know that they're a diehard fantasy fan. After doing some research and finding out how people feel about it as a series though, it paints a different picture. The fans of the series seem to be enthralled with it and liken it to Lord of the Rings. I strongly suggest that if you're a fantasy fan and want to read this book, start with the beginning of the series and work your way up. The only real problem I had with it was that I wasn't interested enough in it to fully enjoy it, but those who've read the first three books first have had a much different experience.
I haven't read the first three books in the series, but this one stands alone just fine. I wish I had read them before reading this one though, just to get a better feel for the characters. Although I loved the premise of the book and found it adventurous and intriguing, I just didn't feel any kinship with any of the characters. This book is well-written and does have some really interesting scenes that I wanted to be involved in. Over all, though, I was infused with that dry feeling I get when reading most fantasy. As a stand alone book, it's not enough for me to want to tell everyone I know to read it, unless I happen to know that they're a diehard fantasy fan. After doing some research and finding out how people feel about it as a series though, it paints a different picture. The fans of the series seem to be enthralled with it and liken it to Lord of the Rings. I strongly suggest that if you're a fantasy fan and want to read this book, start with the beginning of the series and work your way up. The only real problem I had with it was that I wasn't interested enough in it to fully enjoy it, but those who've read the first three books first have had a much different experience.
The Naked Lady Who Stood on Her Head by Gary Small, MD and Gigi Vorgan GIVEAWAY!!!
I burnt my son's pancakes this morning. I'm not proud of it, but I do decline taking the blame on this one. It started out innocently enough. He brought me a box of pancake mix and said "I hungry!' and I knew that was the point I was supposed to put down the book and start cooking. As I stirred the batter one-handed, I reminded myself that pancakes don't take long to cook and I should just put down the book and do it. As I flipped the pancakes over one-handed I reminded myself that pancakes don't take long to cook and I should just put down the book. As I held out a plate of haphazardly chopped up and burnt pancakes to an empty kitchen and said 'Here!', I realized it was just too late to put the book down and there was just no point. I wanted to put the book down and be a good mom, I really did. I was unable.
Nope, that isn't a story from The Naked Lady Who Stood on Her Head. That's a story from my real life while I was reading it. Maybe I'm a bookaholic. Maybe one of the stories touched something in my brain that made me incapable of physically putting it down. Most likely it's just because it was a darn good read!
Here's what to expect with this book: Imagine sitting on your front porch with someone you know and trust. They're telling you about the time that a patient came into their office and had a book reading addiction (No! This isn't in the book! Stay with me here!). He doesn't start with 'I had this patient this one time who had this thing.' He starts out at the beginning. 'I was 53 and had just published my first book. As my daughter was attempting to (insert whatever suits your fancy here), I received a call from my publisher. He and I had been friends for years. He told me that one of the girls reviewing my book had a problem and thought she might be benefited by talking to me.' He starts out with personal information and a little background on the story. Then you get hit with the patient. Right away you don't know exactly what's wrong with them, only part of their symptoms. As each story progresses, you learn more about the patient as well as more about the way that Dr. Small dealt with them. Once the story wraps up and you find the issue, it doesn't stop there. I'm definitely a 'But what happened next!' person. I wasn't disappointed! At the end of each story Dr. Small gives a small update on each person.
Honestly, I just loved this book. I couldn't put it down. The stories were intriguing. Being an amateur sleuth, I always tried to figure out what was wrong with the person before I was told and I failed with every single person! Best of all for me was Dr. Small's writing style. It has just the perfect amount of flow to keep you intrigued. It really is like sitting down and listening to stories from a trusted friend. This is great if you're a psychiatry student and want to read about a few cases. Personally, I think it's even better if you aren't. Just sit back and enjoy the ride! If you'd like to check out a preview of the book, go here and they'll email you one!
The winner will be announced on Halloween evening! What does this book have to do with Halloween? Nothing! It's a holiday and giveaways are fun!
Nope, that isn't a story from The Naked Lady Who Stood on Her Head. That's a story from my real life while I was reading it. Maybe I'm a bookaholic. Maybe one of the stories touched something in my brain that made me incapable of physically putting it down. Most likely it's just because it was a darn good read!
Here's what to expect with this book: Imagine sitting on your front porch with someone you know and trust. They're telling you about the time that a patient came into their office and had a book reading addiction (No! This isn't in the book! Stay with me here!). He doesn't start with 'I had this patient this one time who had this thing.' He starts out at the beginning. 'I was 53 and had just published my first book. As my daughter was attempting to (insert whatever suits your fancy here), I received a call from my publisher. He and I had been friends for years. He told me that one of the girls reviewing my book had a problem and thought she might be benefited by talking to me.' He starts out with personal information and a little background on the story. Then you get hit with the patient. Right away you don't know exactly what's wrong with them, only part of their symptoms. As each story progresses, you learn more about the patient as well as more about the way that Dr. Small dealt with them. Once the story wraps up and you find the issue, it doesn't stop there. I'm definitely a 'But what happened next!' person. I wasn't disappointed! At the end of each story Dr. Small gives a small update on each person.
Honestly, I just loved this book. I couldn't put it down. The stories were intriguing. Being an amateur sleuth, I always tried to figure out what was wrong with the person before I was told and I failed with every single person! Best of all for me was Dr. Small's writing style. It has just the perfect amount of flow to keep you intrigued. It really is like sitting down and listening to stories from a trusted friend. This is great if you're a psychiatry student and want to read about a few cases. Personally, I think it's even better if you aren't. Just sit back and enjoy the ride! If you'd like to check out a preview of the book, go here and they'll email you one!
Now for the best news! I get one free copy of this book to give away! Honestly, I don't know anyone who'll want to pass up this book! If nothing else, it's a pretty read that will really set off your bookshelf! So, how do you win? It's easy!
Now for the rules:
Leave a comment letting me know you're a follower on Google, Networked Blogs or Twitter! You get an extra entry for each place that you follow. Not only does that enter you into this giveaway, it pre-enters you into the $5 Amazon gift card for November!
U.S. contestants only, please!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Changing the Conversation by Gary Klaben
Usually after finishing a book and review, I like to go read other reviews about the book and see what everyone else thought of it. Sometimes I have to ask myself if everyone read the same book I did. Same title. Same author. Same basic promoted premise. What I read, isn't what everyone else seems to have read though. In this specific circumstance, I've actually gone back and rewritten my review because I just didn't find in this book the same thing everyone else did and I'd really like to discuss it. Be forewarned, I'm a bit verbose in this one, but I had a lot I wanted to share.
Firstly, Gary Klaben is a financial advisor, ex-military, and primarily family man. When I was approached with the book, I was expecting a book filled with information on how to make my family more financially sound. With today's economy, it sounds like a necessity for nearly every home. Most of the reviews I read touted it as a financial help book as well. Some went so far as to mention that it was both a financial and family planner. When I started reading, I didn't find lists of financial advice. I didn't find any of those conspiracy theory secrets to making my dollar stretch from here to Neptune. What I found is a heartfelt book, consisting of several lives worth of wisdom with a dash of financial information thrown in. There are some sound tips for dealing with finances, but the financial aspect is really more of a backdrop rather than the point of the book, in my opinion.
What I found in this book was a deep look at the way that life has changed over the past few generations. The importance of family and keeping it simple is really lost on today's generation. Being close to middle aged myself (GASP!), it really hit me just how much things have changed in my lifetime so far alone. Growing up, I didn't have the internet or worry about having the coolest car or whether I had the latest I-Pod. These things are great, honestly, but that's one of the serious things that have changed. My life back then was being with friends and looking forward to time with my family. Baking cookies with my mom was way more important than going out and buying expensive treats. Dad dancing with me in the living room was way better than any movie we could have seen at the theater. Once I started working as a teen, financial living was pretty easy. Work, get my paycheck, spend it. I didn't really have a lot of bills other than clothes that I wanted or music. Now that I'm an adult, there's rent and utilities and car payments and cable payments and soccer practice and insurances and counseling expenses and travel expenses and date out expenses and trips with the kids expenses and this is just the tip of the iceberg. As for the financial aspects of this book, that's what I took away. Things are just too complicated these days. Instead of having complex lives, simplify it. Start cutting out the things that don't matter. I have to admit that sometimes I could be accused of being a lazy parent. I know, it's horrible, but I'm being honest. There are days when I'd happily hand my son a $10 and send him off to the movies with a friend rather than sit and play a board game with him for an hour. I love playing games with him, but sometimes there are other things that need done too. Of course, by simplifying, those things no longer come into the picture, freeing up time to spend with my son. This makes us a richer family, not only in closeness, but financially as well. Money is only important in our lives in that it allows us to make our lives the way we want. The best financial advice I received from this book is to really take a look at what matters in my life and go from there.
If you're looking for a book that's going to give you cut and dried tips on what to do to make more money or make your money stretch further, this probably isn't the book for you. This book is an enriching, engrossing collection of stories and life tales that paints a picture of what a full life is. Though there is financial advice ingrained in the entire book, if that's all that you're looking for you'll be sadly disappointed. This book is an inspirational and motivational tool to use towards changing your life and getting back to your core beliefs.
Firstly, Gary Klaben is a financial advisor, ex-military, and primarily family man. When I was approached with the book, I was expecting a book filled with information on how to make my family more financially sound. With today's economy, it sounds like a necessity for nearly every home. Most of the reviews I read touted it as a financial help book as well. Some went so far as to mention that it was both a financial and family planner. When I started reading, I didn't find lists of financial advice. I didn't find any of those conspiracy theory secrets to making my dollar stretch from here to Neptune. What I found is a heartfelt book, consisting of several lives worth of wisdom with a dash of financial information thrown in. There are some sound tips for dealing with finances, but the financial aspect is really more of a backdrop rather than the point of the book, in my opinion.
What I found in this book was a deep look at the way that life has changed over the past few generations. The importance of family and keeping it simple is really lost on today's generation. Being close to middle aged myself (GASP!), it really hit me just how much things have changed in my lifetime so far alone. Growing up, I didn't have the internet or worry about having the coolest car or whether I had the latest I-Pod. These things are great, honestly, but that's one of the serious things that have changed. My life back then was being with friends and looking forward to time with my family. Baking cookies with my mom was way more important than going out and buying expensive treats. Dad dancing with me in the living room was way better than any movie we could have seen at the theater. Once I started working as a teen, financial living was pretty easy. Work, get my paycheck, spend it. I didn't really have a lot of bills other than clothes that I wanted or music. Now that I'm an adult, there's rent and utilities and car payments and cable payments and soccer practice and insurances and counseling expenses and travel expenses and date out expenses and trips with the kids expenses and this is just the tip of the iceberg. As for the financial aspects of this book, that's what I took away. Things are just too complicated these days. Instead of having complex lives, simplify it. Start cutting out the things that don't matter. I have to admit that sometimes I could be accused of being a lazy parent. I know, it's horrible, but I'm being honest. There are days when I'd happily hand my son a $10 and send him off to the movies with a friend rather than sit and play a board game with him for an hour. I love playing games with him, but sometimes there are other things that need done too. Of course, by simplifying, those things no longer come into the picture, freeing up time to spend with my son. This makes us a richer family, not only in closeness, but financially as well. Money is only important in our lives in that it allows us to make our lives the way we want. The best financial advice I received from this book is to really take a look at what matters in my life and go from there.
If you're looking for a book that's going to give you cut and dried tips on what to do to make more money or make your money stretch further, this probably isn't the book for you. This book is an enriching, engrossing collection of stories and life tales that paints a picture of what a full life is. Though there is financial advice ingrained in the entire book, if that's all that you're looking for you'll be sadly disappointed. This book is an inspirational and motivational tool to use towards changing your life and getting back to your core beliefs.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Elmer's and X-acto team up!
As a bzzagent, I get access to lots of cool stuff. Recently, Bzz sent me a box full of products from X-acto and Elmer's to try out. The problem with crafting is that you never really know what works well and what doesn't and none of us wants to spend our hard-earned money on something that's not going to work the way we want it to. With the economy being what it is, crafting is on the rise. Personally, I think this is a good thing since I'd much rather get a home-made scrapbook that I can treasure forever than a new sweater that I'll wear once and stash away in my closet. (Not that I'd ever turn down a sweater as a gift! Pink and fuzzy, if you please!) If you're a crafter or just getting started or even just want to put a little extra edge on your hand-written letters, here are a few product reviews so that you know what you're getting for your money before you decide to buy.
X-acto Corner Rounder Puncher- This is a cute little gadget. Mine's black with a fuschia button. It's small and easy to hold in your hand. This gadget is used to gently round the edge of corners of paper/photos/etc. Yes, you can easily do this yourself with a handy spandy pair of scissors, but this gadget guarantees that each corner will match perfectly with no guesswork. It has handy guidelines to rest the paper on while snipping off the corner and the push button goes down easily. You don't have to be a body builder to use it! The downside- I can't find this thing on sale anywhere! Even the X-Acto website doesn't have a price listed for it. It's supposed to be on sale at Walmart, but I haven't been able to find it. I'm still searching! It's a great product if you can find one to buy one!
X-acto Decorative Edge Scissors- Again, I ran into the problem of not being able to find a price or find them on sale anywhere. I had a little trouble getting these to work at first due to a difficulty in opening them to use them. Not the packaging, but the scissors appeared to be stuck in the closed position. As soon as I got them open though, they worked beautifully. They scallop and zigzag like nobody's business! I've used Fiskars before and I have to say that the X-acto brand seems to cut more smoothly and feels more comfortable in my hand.
Elmer's CraftBond Glue Spots- This little guys were fun to play with! Basically it's a dot of sticky glue that's wedged between non-stick sheets. You pull off the glue dot and stick whatever you want to whatever you want! The downside is that I wasn't talented enough to remove the dots without perpetually getting them stuck on my fingers. The upside is that they stick incredibly well. These are perfect for projects where you want a bit of a 3D effect since it makes the item you're gluing stick out a bit. They're malleable though and can easily be flattened if you don't want a 3D look. Again, no price available yet and nowhere seems to sell them. Actually, that's true of pretty much everything I tested today, so I'm going to stop saying it. I'm just hoping they aren't released yet rather than they're going to continue to be difficult to get ahold of.
Elmer's Tape Runner- Innovative and wonderful idea! This runs about the same as the old White-Out strips. You just put the tip down to whatever you want to glue and pull back. The tape comes off the device easily and sticks incredibly well for being double side tape. The only issue I had with this is that the cap doesn't seem to click on quite right. I had a difficult time removing it and a more difficult time putting it back on.
Elmer's Craft Bond dual tip Glue Pen- I love this thing! It has that clear gel type of glue in it. One end is a fine tip which I expected to leave a gloppy line, but it didn't. It left a smooth, thin line of glue. The other end is a thicker tip with ridges that leaves a nice, smooth thick line of glue for larger projects. It reminds me a lot of rubber cement but without the smell and the mess. I hope this one doesn't end up being expensive because it's a new staple in my home. It sticks the best of all the products I've tried. WINNER!!!
Elmer's Craft Bond Glue Stick - This is your typical glue stick....or....is it??? Yep! It is! Honestly I didn't see any difference between this glue stick and any other. It sticks well until it dries, at which point it easily pops loose with a bit of prying. This is great for those projects with your kids that you know will get destroyed anyway, but I won't use this again for my own personal crafting needs.
For crafting ideas, go to Elmer's Craft Club. There are some innovative and fun ideas to be found!
X-acto Corner Rounder Puncher- This is a cute little gadget. Mine's black with a fuschia button. It's small and easy to hold in your hand. This gadget is used to gently round the edge of corners of paper/photos/etc. Yes, you can easily do this yourself with a handy spandy pair of scissors, but this gadget guarantees that each corner will match perfectly with no guesswork. It has handy guidelines to rest the paper on while snipping off the corner and the push button goes down easily. You don't have to be a body builder to use it! The downside- I can't find this thing on sale anywhere! Even the X-Acto website doesn't have a price listed for it. It's supposed to be on sale at Walmart, but I haven't been able to find it. I'm still searching! It's a great product if you can find one to buy one!
X-acto Decorative Edge Scissors- Again, I ran into the problem of not being able to find a price or find them on sale anywhere. I had a little trouble getting these to work at first due to a difficulty in opening them to use them. Not the packaging, but the scissors appeared to be stuck in the closed position. As soon as I got them open though, they worked beautifully. They scallop and zigzag like nobody's business! I've used Fiskars before and I have to say that the X-acto brand seems to cut more smoothly and feels more comfortable in my hand.
Elmer's CraftBond Glue Spots- This little guys were fun to play with! Basically it's a dot of sticky glue that's wedged between non-stick sheets. You pull off the glue dot and stick whatever you want to whatever you want! The downside is that I wasn't talented enough to remove the dots without perpetually getting them stuck on my fingers. The upside is that they stick incredibly well. These are perfect for projects where you want a bit of a 3D effect since it makes the item you're gluing stick out a bit. They're malleable though and can easily be flattened if you don't want a 3D look. Again, no price available yet and nowhere seems to sell them. Actually, that's true of pretty much everything I tested today, so I'm going to stop saying it. I'm just hoping they aren't released yet rather than they're going to continue to be difficult to get ahold of.
Elmer's Tape Runner- Innovative and wonderful idea! This runs about the same as the old White-Out strips. You just put the tip down to whatever you want to glue and pull back. The tape comes off the device easily and sticks incredibly well for being double side tape. The only issue I had with this is that the cap doesn't seem to click on quite right. I had a difficult time removing it and a more difficult time putting it back on.
Elmer's Craft Bond dual tip Glue Pen- I love this thing! It has that clear gel type of glue in it. One end is a fine tip which I expected to leave a gloppy line, but it didn't. It left a smooth, thin line of glue. The other end is a thicker tip with ridges that leaves a nice, smooth thick line of glue for larger projects. It reminds me a lot of rubber cement but without the smell and the mess. I hope this one doesn't end up being expensive because it's a new staple in my home. It sticks the best of all the products I've tried. WINNER!!!
Elmer's Craft Bond Glue Stick - This is your typical glue stick....or....is it??? Yep! It is! Honestly I didn't see any difference between this glue stick and any other. It sticks well until it dries, at which point it easily pops loose with a bit of prying. This is great for those projects with your kids that you know will get destroyed anyway, but I won't use this again for my own personal crafting needs.
For crafting ideas, go to Elmer's Craft Club. There are some innovative and fun ideas to be found!
Give Me Your Opinion!!!
OK So, I have a writer friend. Alright, I have several...that's not the point! This specific writer friend has decided to go in a different direction with her books, but she's a little nervous because she hasn't done anything like this before. She's agreed to let me put a snippet on my blog so that all of you can give her some serious feedback and let her know exactly what you think. Please be honest!!!
"Is it boiling yet? We're on a tight schedule here!"
"No, not yet," Saber yelled back across the kitchen.
"Well hurry up! We have a critic tonight. He's impatient."
"And you're not?"
Francois wiped his hands on his apron hastily and approached her. "We need this soup done yesterday. Quit farting around and speed it up."
"If you wanted it done yesterday then you should have cooked it yesterday."
"Your attitude will get you into trouble one of these days, Steele. Step aside and let me finish."
She did so, letting the head chef take over. He looked into the pot and then turned to glare at her. "You put onions in already?"
"Well...yeah."
"The onions have to go in after the water comes to a boil."
"They have to boil - so they'll boil."
"You can't put them in cold water! It ruins the texture! The entire base of the soup is ruined!"
"What the fuck difference does it make? It's soup! You know he'll hate it, anyway. He always hates your food."
"You're fired. Collect your things and get out."
"Whatever. This job blows anyway." She tossed her apron at the blustering Francois, landing it almost in the pot of water. She grabbed her jacket off the peg in the back room and headed out the kitchen door. "Your soup sucks, by the way!" She yelled as the door closed behind her. Well, now she'd have to find another job. Rent was due in a week.
She let herself into her small apartment, threw her jacket on the floor, and flopped backward onto her bed. Beside her, Warden, her cat, stretched lazily. "Let me guess, he purred, "you lost another job." His large eyes glowed orange in the semi darkness of the room. His tabby coat, which he could change at will, was orange today.
"It sucked. Francois is cranky and hard to please."
"What you mean is that you wouldn't listen. As usual."
"What I mean is that he's an asshole and I'm glad I got fired. I hated it there anyway. It's hot and busy and everyone is rude."
Warden sighed. "You realize rent is due in a week. Also, I'm almost out of caviar."
Saber frowned at him. "Why can't you just eat kibble like a normal cat?"
"Because I'm not a normal cat."
"I'll look for another job tomorrow. Right now I just want a bath and--"
The tattoo on her right arm throbbed. She looked at it, watching the rune ebb and fade with the throb.
"You want me to do what?" She yelled at it. "No. I refuse. Dammit. But...this is stup--...FINE!"
"So there you are. You have another job," Warden smirked at her.
"You know I don't get paid for tracking down refugees. It's part of my parole."
"Yes. So who are we hunting this time? Do we get to go anywhere fun? Like Hawaii?" He pawed at a loose thread on her bedspread.
"Colorado."
"Pfeh. Why do all the refugees have to hide in the cold places? I hate the cold."
"Hey. All you have to do is provide a map. I have to do all the hard stuff."
"And who are we hunting? A murderer? A serial killer?"
"Candy thief."
"A...what?"
"Someone has been stealing boxes of candy from a grocery store in Denver. Come on, you know the drill. Roll over."
Warden sighed indignantly. "This is so humiliating." He stretched out on his back, raising his paws above his head. Saber pressed a button on his collar that projected a hologram on the cat's stomach. She could see the fugitive's profile, complete with his physical description and why he was wanted. Pressing another button projected a map. She studied the streets of Denver, pinpointing the location of her prey.
"You know, with all their technology, couldn't they just think of a better way to do this?"
"Quit complaining. All you have to do is stretch out for belly rubs and eat caviar all day. I'm the one that has to hunt down criminals."
"So what are we to do with the candy thief once we catch him?"
"He's to be killed on site."
"Killed? For stealing candy?
"No. He's to be shot for hiding drugs in the candy boxes."
"Ah. Are we leaving right away?" Warden stretched his limbs while Saber laced up her boots.
"Yep."
"But I'm hungry."
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Mrs. Pinkelmeyer and Moopus McGlinden Burn the Rrrrump Rrrroast by Jennifer Kelman
Poor Henry is staying with his aunt and missing his parents. He's too sad to play or read. When his aunt calls Mrs. Pinkelmeyer by mistake, his attitude begins to change. Though it's a wrong number, sweet and silly Mrs. Pinkelmeyer takes the time to tell Henry how she's cooking a rump roast and stories about her dog, Moopus McGlinden. The silly way she talks and the sweetness of her actions touches Henry and helps him through a difficult time.
Poor Mrs. Pinkelmeyer ended up burning her rrrrump rrroast! I felt so horrible for her after she went to all the trouble of helping poor Henry that I wanted to fix her dinner! Although this story is an unlikely event, it shows children how they can cope with being away from their parents or someone else that they might be missing.
I'd suggest this book for younger children. I even more strongly suggest that it's read in varying voices. I tried it out on a 5 year old little girl, and she loved it! I talked with a silly, high-pitched fake British accent and she giggled like crazy. I tried it on my 5 year old little boy without any silly voices and he just looked at me like I was crazy and took the book away to look at the pictures. The pictures are colorful and fun. The words are pretty easy to sound out, but I'd still suggest this as a 'read to the child' book. I just feel like it adds to the comfort factor that this book invokes in children.
This book is the first in a series about Mrs. Pinkelmeyer and her dog, Moopus. I look forward to seeing what further adventures they get into. Along with my review copy, I received two Mrs. Pinkelmeyer tattoos and my children had a blast with them! Thanks, Jennifer!
Poor Mrs. Pinkelmeyer ended up burning her rrrrump rrroast! I felt so horrible for her after she went to all the trouble of helping poor Henry that I wanted to fix her dinner! Although this story is an unlikely event, it shows children how they can cope with being away from their parents or someone else that they might be missing.
I'd suggest this book for younger children. I even more strongly suggest that it's read in varying voices. I tried it out on a 5 year old little girl, and she loved it! I talked with a silly, high-pitched fake British accent and she giggled like crazy. I tried it on my 5 year old little boy without any silly voices and he just looked at me like I was crazy and took the book away to look at the pictures. The pictures are colorful and fun. The words are pretty easy to sound out, but I'd still suggest this as a 'read to the child' book. I just feel like it adds to the comfort factor that this book invokes in children.
This book is the first in a series about Mrs. Pinkelmeyer and her dog, Moopus. I look forward to seeing what further adventures they get into. Along with my review copy, I received two Mrs. Pinkelmeyer tattoos and my children had a blast with them! Thanks, Jennifer!
Pepperidge Farm Donates to Susan G. Komen Foundation
With October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, there are opportunities everywhere for all of us to help. Pepperidge Farm is going to be donating to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure. They will donate 50 cents for every Milano moment posted on their Facebook page. It only takes a few moments to post a Milano moment, it doesn't cost you anything, and you'll be helping an important cause. Everyone I know has someone in their life that's been touched by breast cancer in one manner or another. Please take a few moments to head on over to Facebook and support the Susan G. Komen foundation by posting your Milano moment.
Velvet Lace-Up Bustier by Eden Fantasys
I chose to try out the Velvet Lace-Up Bustier. As a consumer, the price is great (assuming the product is well-made) and sizing was incredibly easy to figure out. The first thing I checked when I received the item were the materials. The velvet portion of the outfit is thin enough that it's not too hot to wear, but thick enough that it's sturdy. The lacing and embellishments are made of a black stretchy material, and I found them to be strong as well. The stitching is tight and close so that it should last quite a long time. No unraveling here! No loose threads! The hook and eye closures on the back of the corset are well set so that they won't easily pull loose. There are also two different settings on the back so that you can change it to your personal best fitting size.
The next test was the look and feel of the outfit. As women, we all want to look sexy. Me personally, I'm not willing to sacrifice comfort. If something is scratchy or pokes me or just fits uncomfortably, I'm not going to wear it. It's that simple. The outfit fit perfectly! Even though there aren't any shoulder straps on the bustier, it stayed in place quite well, even after moving around in it for awhile (Nothing exciting! I tested it out while doing laundry!). Not only did it fit well, but it was so comfortable! I could easily wear this all day long beneath my clothing! Of course, I'm a pretty unfair judge as to how the outfit looked on me, but I actually liked it. My ribcage looked small and I had quite a bit of cleavage (which was easily visible thanks to the front lacing!).
My only issue with this outfit had to do with the thong. The front lacing appears to stretch unevenly. Since it's not a tie string, the more you stretch the elastic around the waist, the more the lacing appears uneven from top to bottom. It's not very noticeable, and is definitely not an issue when wearing the outfit. It's just the only imperfection I found.
Over all, this outfit is a definite success for me. It's constructed to be durable yet comfortable, looks nice, feels nice. It's definitely a great value for the price. I can't wait to try out my next product and let you all know about it!
Similac Recall Update
I received information from Similac this morning regarding their recent product recall on powdered infant formula. Similac is concerned, not only with the quality of the product they're placing on their shelves, but on how it's affecting mom's, playgroups, and communities. They're working round the clock to replace store shelves with product that's been unaffected by the recall. If your store is still out of similac, email abbottnutritionsupport@abbott.com. You can also order product online at http://SimilacStore.com. Because of the product recall, for a limited time Similac is offering FREE overnight shipping!
Personally, I'm pretty impressed with Similac right now. My children are old enough that I no longer use formula, but I love that the company has expressed such an interest in their product recall. They're taking extra time to really listen to their consumers and try to help them in any way possible. If you have a comment or suggestion for Similac, please contact them and let them know. They want to hear from us to make their product and service the best it can be.
Personally, I'm pretty impressed with Similac right now. My children are old enough that I no longer use formula, but I love that the company has expressed such an interest in their product recall. They're taking extra time to really listen to their consumers and try to help them in any way possible. If you have a comment or suggestion for Similac, please contact them and let them know. They want to hear from us to make their product and service the best it can be.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Dante's Journey by J. C. Marino
After Detective Joe Dante's family is murdered, Joe will go to any lengths to catch the murderer and find justice, even if that means following the killer into the depths of Hell.
In 1961, Joe steps off the streets of Boston and into the first circle of Hell. A mysterious tour guide, Virgil, attempts to get Joe to realize he's dead and take him where he belongs, but Joe is hell-bent (literally!) on finding Argenti, the murderer of his family.
Dante's Inferno has been one of my favorite books since I was a child. As soon as I heard about Marino's book, I knew I had to get my grubby little hands on a copy. When you're renewing a classic, it's pretty tricky and few can pull it off. In this case though, Marino is definitely a winner.
Different Dantes, different stories. That doesn't really cover it though. The basic premise of the story is the same. Dante takes a trip through Hell with his guide, Virgil. Both books are full of symbolism and deep thought. Basically, Dante's Journey is a more updated version of Dante's Inferno. Yes, I'm sure Dante is rolling over in his grave if he's reading this, but this is my blog and this is my opinion. The literature factor is definitely still intact. It's not up to par with the original, but it is geared more towards today's reader. The story is definitely more updated. Joe Dante leaves his living life in the early 1960's and his story in Hell spans nearly 50 years. This leaves room for rock stars and Catholic priests in Hell, as well as the original inhabitants.
Overall, this is a fast-paced, thought-provoking ride through Hell. It's not pretty, but it's not supposed to be. It could have been a bit more graphic for my tastes, but I still devoured each and every word. Fans of Dante's Inferno will enjoy that the story is comparable yet different. Those who haven't read Dante's Inferno will love the ride.
In 1961, Joe steps off the streets of Boston and into the first circle of Hell. A mysterious tour guide, Virgil, attempts to get Joe to realize he's dead and take him where he belongs, but Joe is hell-bent (literally!) on finding Argenti, the murderer of his family.
Dante's Inferno has been one of my favorite books since I was a child. As soon as I heard about Marino's book, I knew I had to get my grubby little hands on a copy. When you're renewing a classic, it's pretty tricky and few can pull it off. In this case though, Marino is definitely a winner.
Different Dantes, different stories. That doesn't really cover it though. The basic premise of the story is the same. Dante takes a trip through Hell with his guide, Virgil. Both books are full of symbolism and deep thought. Basically, Dante's Journey is a more updated version of Dante's Inferno. Yes, I'm sure Dante is rolling over in his grave if he's reading this, but this is my blog and this is my opinion. The literature factor is definitely still intact. It's not up to par with the original, but it is geared more towards today's reader. The story is definitely more updated. Joe Dante leaves his living life in the early 1960's and his story in Hell spans nearly 50 years. This leaves room for rock stars and Catholic priests in Hell, as well as the original inhabitants.
Overall, this is a fast-paced, thought-provoking ride through Hell. It's not pretty, but it's not supposed to be. It could have been a bit more graphic for my tastes, but I still devoured each and every word. Fans of Dante's Inferno will enjoy that the story is comparable yet different. Those who haven't read Dante's Inferno will love the ride.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Product Recall Information
Hopefully, everyone who needs this information has already received it. Abbott issued it out on September 22nd, but since I'm just now getting it, I'm betting there are a few of you out there who still haven't heard about it.
This recall includes Similac powder products in plastic containers, Similac powder products offered in 8 ounce sample cans, 12.4 ounce and 12.9 ounce cans. The recall was issued voluntarily due to the remote possibility of a small common beetle in the product produced in one facility. If you have a possibly recalled Similac product, visit www.similac.com/recall or call 1-888-376-2054.
This recall includes Similac powder products in plastic containers, Similac powder products offered in 8 ounce sample cans, 12.4 ounce and 12.9 ounce cans. The recall was issued voluntarily due to the remote possibility of a small common beetle in the product produced in one facility. If you have a possibly recalled Similac product, visit www.similac.com/recall or call 1-888-376-2054.
Forgiving Troy by Thom Bierdz
Listen up, soap opera fans! You Y&R people all know who Philip Chancellor III is. Whether you've been watching since the 80's or are a new fan, you've at least heard the name. Personally, I only remember snippets from my aunt watching during my childhood, but I still know who Philip Chancellor III is. The actor who plays Chancellor is Thom Bierdz and his book is an interesting look into his personal life.
Years ago, Thom's brother, Troy, brutally murdered their mother. After a difficult divorce between their parents, Thom and his siblings all had issues coping. Troy had the most problems of the bunch and was repeatedly in trouble. As Thom's career rose and fell, he watched his family fall apart. This book is the product of Thom's search for peace after a troubled past.
Though I expected to pick up this book and be bored to tears hearing about the murder of Thom's mother, it wasn't like that at all. Thom definitely has a talent for writing. Each page keeps you flipping, engrossed in Thom's life. The murder of his mother is definitely an integral part of the story, but it was so much more. Thom shares with us his struggles with being gay and his fear that he, himself, may be psychotic. We get an insider look at his family life and how he handles it. Instead of being the simple murder tale I was expecting, I found a deep personal search that one man took in finding himself.
Thought-provoking and heart-wrenching, I strongly suggest Thom's book to his fans as well as anyone looking for a good non-fiction read.
Years ago, Thom's brother, Troy, brutally murdered their mother. After a difficult divorce between their parents, Thom and his siblings all had issues coping. Troy had the most problems of the bunch and was repeatedly in trouble. As Thom's career rose and fell, he watched his family fall apart. This book is the product of Thom's search for peace after a troubled past.
Though I expected to pick up this book and be bored to tears hearing about the murder of Thom's mother, it wasn't like that at all. Thom definitely has a talent for writing. Each page keeps you flipping, engrossed in Thom's life. The murder of his mother is definitely an integral part of the story, but it was so much more. Thom shares with us his struggles with being gay and his fear that he, himself, may be psychotic. We get an insider look at his family life and how he handles it. Instead of being the simple murder tale I was expecting, I found a deep personal search that one man took in finding himself.
Thought-provoking and heart-wrenching, I strongly suggest Thom's book to his fans as well as anyone looking for a good non-fiction read.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Good N' Greasy
I'm not normally a fan of bluegrass music, but when I found out that my old high school chum, John, was in a band, I had to go check them out. I was delighted to find that their website has a few demo songs that you can listen to and I enjoyed them. The acoustics are spot on and John definitely has a talent for vocals. The band includes John North, Matt Kuzma, and Dean Truinsta. They're based in Kansas and anyone wanting to hear them live can go to Quigley's Sports Bar & Grill in Rose Hill, Kansas on October 22nd. They'll be playing from 9 pm to midnight. In the meantime, I strongly suggest bluegrass fans check out the demos on their site. I'm waiting for a CD, John!
Dust by Joan Frances Turner
I've been a bzzagent for four years now, and it just keeps getting better! Now they've offered me the chance to read the beginning of Dust. I jumped at the chance, and now I'm wishing I hadn't because here I am, completely entranced, and no more to read until my copy arrives!
Of course, nobody ever believes their loved ones could become zombies, but it could happen. When 15 year old Jessie awakens in her coffin, she knows right away she's dead. After removing herself from the earth and a nasty run in with her now undead parents, she finds herself soon joining a gang of revolting and lovable zombies. It's all about survival. When the gang leader comes back smelling more chemical than usual, Jessie knows something's up. What it is, I have no idea! I sure wish I did though! I searched the web reading reviews and all you wonderful reviewers out there were smart enough to not include spoilers! Darn it!
I wouldn't suggest this for younger teen readers due to it's graphical nature, but I loved every grotesque word. This book is a unique zombie novel in that it's written from the perspective of Jessie and you get a good glimpse at how zombies communicate and function from an insider's view. Though I hadn't heard of Turner before this, I hope she has more published works out there because I can't wait to devour every one!
Of course, nobody ever believes their loved ones could become zombies, but it could happen. When 15 year old Jessie awakens in her coffin, she knows right away she's dead. After removing herself from the earth and a nasty run in with her now undead parents, she finds herself soon joining a gang of revolting and lovable zombies. It's all about survival. When the gang leader comes back smelling more chemical than usual, Jessie knows something's up. What it is, I have no idea! I sure wish I did though! I searched the web reading reviews and all you wonderful reviewers out there were smart enough to not include spoilers! Darn it!
I wouldn't suggest this for younger teen readers due to it's graphical nature, but I loved every grotesque word. This book is a unique zombie novel in that it's written from the perspective of Jessie and you get a good glimpse at how zombies communicate and function from an insider's view. Though I hadn't heard of Turner before this, I hope she has more published works out there because I can't wait to devour every one!
October's Book Choice
For nearly two years now, J.R. Ward has been one of my favorite authors. I can't even count the people that I've turned on to the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Long live Wrath! Anyway, I digress! October 5th marks the release of the second book in the Fallen Angels series, Crave. The first book in the series, Covet, received both good and bad reviews. Personally, I loved it and can't wait to read more. Sadly, it's going to have to wait a bit for me, but for those who have read it, I can't wait to hear what you think! Leave a message and tell me what you think of J.R., The Brotherhood, or the new Fallen Angels series. Specifically, I want feedback (no spoilers please!) from those of you who read Crave.
October Amazon Gift Card Winner
I'm a day late, but thankfully not a dollar short! Book Lover Nicole has just won a $5 Amazon gift card! Just for being a follower! Thanks for following my blog, Nicole, and congratulations!
The next giveaway will be November 1st! Sign up as a follower to be eligible!
The next giveaway will be November 1st! Sign up as a follower to be eligible!
When Life Takes Over
Due to a recent family tragedy, I'm running pretty far behind. I plan to have everything updated and running smoothly again by the end of this week. I meant to have the Amazon gift card winner up yesterday, but it just didn't happen. I will be drawing the winner this evening, so if you're not a follower, you still have a chance to get in on October's drawing. Simply be a follower on Google Connect, Networked Blogs or Twitter. You get one chance to win per following. Good luck!
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