tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73711945606168126132024-03-13T14:24:44.576-04:00Reading by LamplightAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15288746385863824131noreply@blogger.comBlogger649125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7371194560616812613.post-18259368213012845972015-11-26T00:00:00.000-05:002015-11-26T00:00:03.699-05:00Beyond the Books: Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sYnp78yrCW8/Vj5wqdYWJbI/AAAAAAAAGmQ/InnKWuL1HVQ/s1600/beyond.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #5b4b7f; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sYnp78yrCW8/Vj5wqdYWJbI/AAAAAAAAGmQ/InnKWuL1HVQ/s1600/beyond.png" style="border: 0px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">This Weeks Topic: </b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif;"><b>Thanksgiving</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
Hosted by <a href="http://kissinbluekaren.com/beyond-the-books/" style="color: #5b4b7f; text-decoration: none;">Kissin' Blue Karen</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
Hello all! I hope you are having a wonderful Thanksgiving! Today we are headed to visit John's family. For our dish to pass, we are bringing a seven-layered salad and pomegranate-cranberry sauce. We are looking forward to family time as well as the Macy's day parade! What are your Thanksgiving plans?</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kyiKnActWTc/VlO16IfojtI/AAAAAAAAGsg/AFZ36pxe4OI/s1600/Thanksgiving.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kyiKnActWTc/VlO16IfojtI/AAAAAAAAGsg/AFZ36pxe4OI/s400/Thanksgiving.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image found <a href="http://happythanksgivingimages.us/happy-thanksgiving-images-facebook-covers-profile-pics-pinterest/">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0eYnEgq6dSs/VlO2DZfX1HI/AAAAAAAAGso/xBO7h6vvAyo/s1600/sig4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0eYnEgq6dSs/VlO2DZfX1HI/AAAAAAAAGso/xBO7h6vvAyo/s320/sig4.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Lolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387514456532980921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7371194560616812613.post-46432166558418227562015-11-24T00:00:00.000-05:002015-11-24T00:00:02.564-05:00Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--FcvznNVpJk/VlO2-n2OC5I/AAAAAAAAGsw/G-mkdlUTzPM/s1600/Why%2BNot%2BMe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--FcvznNVpJk/VlO2-n2OC5I/AAAAAAAAGsw/G-mkdlUTzPM/s320/Why%2BNot%2BMe.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Book Summery (Via <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22716447-why-not-me">Goodreads</a>):</b><br />In Why Not Me?, Kaling shares her ongoing journey to find contentment and excitement in her adult life, whether it’s falling in love at work, seeking new friendships in lonely places, attempting to be the first person in history to lose weight without any behavior modification whatsoever, or most important, believing that you have a place in Hollywood when you’re constantly reminded that no one looks like you.<br />In “How to Look Spectacular: A Starlet’s Confessions,” Kaling gives her tongue-in-cheek secrets for surefire on-camera beauty, (“Your natural hair color may be appropriate for your skin tone, but this isn’t the land of appropriate–this is Hollywood, baby. Out here, a dark-skinned woman’s traditional hair color is honey blonde.”) “Player” tells the story of Kaling being seduced and dumped by a female friend in L.A. (“I had been replaced by a younger model. And now they had matching bangs.”) In “Unlikely Leading Lady,” she muses on America’s fixation with the weight of actresses, (“Most women we see onscreen are either so thin that they’re walking clavicles or so huge that their only scenes involve them breaking furniture.”) And in “Soup Snakes,” Kaling spills some secrets on her relationship with her ex-boyfriend and close friend, B.J. Novak (“I will freely admit: my relationship with B.J. Novak is weird as hell.”)<br />Mindy turns the anxieties, the glamour, and the celebrations of her second coming-of-age into a laugh-out-loud funny collection of essays that anyone who’s ever been at a turning point in their life or career can relate to. And those who’ve never been at a turning point can skip to the parts where she talks about meeting Bradley Cooper.</blockquote>
<br />
<b>Book Review:</b><br />
About this time last year, I read Kaling's <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10335308-is-everyone-hanging-out-without-me">Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)</a>, and loved it. Kaling brought a fresh voice full of savvy wit and honesty. So when I saw that she was releasing another book, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy. Luckily, my local library had an audio book version of <i>Why Not Me?</i>, which I lapped up greedily. Now here's the funny thing...I have never watched <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2211129/">The Mindy Project</a>. I only know Kaling from her appearances on <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0386676/?ref_=nv_sr_1">The Office</a> (one of my all-time favorite shows). So what then does Kaling's writing have to offer me? As I mentioned before, I find Kaling's writing refreshing. I love her unique, off-beat perspective on life. I find her priorities and overall lifestyle somewhat difficult to relate to. She's interested in romantic comedies, celebrities, and fashion...things that I wouldn't place as front prioritization in my life...and that's where I think the my interest is sparked. For whatever reason, I find her obsession with this lifestyle alluring and entertaining. Kaling takes me to another demention, one in which I enjoy rubbing elbows with celebs and hearing all the latest gossip, while carving out my legacy in Hollywood. It's a life I could never imagine without Kaling's particular perspective. To be fair, Kaling is also a rather intelligent person. I feel like this (more serious) side comes out most strongly at the end of this book. Overall, I feel that you get a diverse and entertaining perspective of Kaling's life in <i>Why Not Me?</i>. It's the perfect follow-up to <i>Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?</i> If you enjoy Kaling's brand of humor or are looking for something entertaining, but a bit different, I highly encourage you to check out <i>Why Not Me?</i>.<br />
<br />
<b>Cover Art Commentary:</b><br />
I like the simplicity of this cover. The sleek, bright colors and simple lines. It draws attention to the author rather than the background.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Rating:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMflMtyjdCs/VlO4rCAiw-I/AAAAAAAAGs8/UAL7Xtx9oDo/s1600/04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMflMtyjdCs/VlO4rCAiw-I/AAAAAAAAGs8/UAL7Xtx9oDo/s320/04.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bzuxb9G5EAI/VlO4vMfNaOI/AAAAAAAAGtE/Uw0DHFE0zYQ/s1600/sig-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bzuxb9G5EAI/VlO4vMfNaOI/AAAAAAAAGtE/Uw0DHFE0zYQ/s1600/sig-1.png" /></a></div>
Lolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387514456532980921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7371194560616812613.post-38423854860278281982015-11-19T00:00:00.000-05:002015-11-19T00:00:01.332-05:00Beyond the Books: I am most proud of…<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sYnp78yrCW8/Vj5wqdYWJbI/AAAAAAAAGmQ/InnKWuL1HVQ/s1600/beyond.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #5b4b7f; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sYnp78yrCW8/Vj5wqdYWJbI/AAAAAAAAGmQ/InnKWuL1HVQ/s1600/beyond.png" style="border: 0px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">This Weeks Topic: </b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif;"><b>I am most proud of my kitties</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
Hosted by <a href="http://kissinbluekaren.com/beyond-the-books/" style="color: #5b4b7f; text-decoration: none;">Kissin' Blue Karen</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SpsMaZ16tQU/VkeQ2a3FbaI/AAAAAAAAGrM/yzSd8yhq6LA/s1600/IMG_20150621_191055066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SpsMaZ16tQU/VkeQ2a3FbaI/AAAAAAAAGrM/yzSd8yhq6LA/s320/IMG_20150621_191055066.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know it sounds weird...but I am proud of my kitties. We raised these two since they were little fluffballs...about 6-7 weeks old, weighing barely over 2 pounds!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pgguKuqjS9U/VkeQ3rFiMEI/AAAAAAAAGrU/hP3fi2hhF40/s1600/IMG_20150623_175443727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pgguKuqjS9U/VkeQ3rFiMEI/AAAAAAAAGrU/hP3fi2hhF40/s320/IMG_20150623_175443727.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This little guy is Sharkey.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X_3GPuQXymU/VkeQzwGhQQI/AAAAAAAAGrE/Td61hKu4b9I/s1600/IMG_20150625_141131003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X_3GPuQXymU/VkeQzwGhQQI/AAAAAAAAGrE/Td61hKu4b9I/s320/IMG_20150625_141131003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And this little orange one is Pumpkin, Sharkey's sister. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NJLYI_slcJM/VkeRRsqIxeI/AAAAAAAAGrs/xeTOFLhW7X4/s1600/IMG_20150714_181334313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NJLYI_slcJM/VkeRRsqIxeI/AAAAAAAAGrs/xeTOFLhW7X4/s320/IMG_20150714_181334313.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They were the only 2 in the liter. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GRcTciKQjCg/VkeRGLzKSnI/AAAAAAAAGrc/dQ1tAR0vASk/s1600/IMG_20150912_122507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GRcTciKQjCg/VkeRGLzKSnI/AAAAAAAAGrc/dQ1tAR0vASk/s320/IMG_20150912_122507.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They are always snuggling and curled up together.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhyVx8AlUfE/VkeRN_hG_FI/AAAAAAAAGrk/kR58Bop5O-4/s1600/IMG_20150913_114046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhyVx8AlUfE/VkeRN_hG_FI/AAAAAAAAGrk/kR58Bop5O-4/s320/IMG_20150913_114046.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They get monthly baths...which they've grown to tolerate, but not love.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lDlTCBxGN-E/VkeRXyENbJI/AAAAAAAAGr0/7asJTrH-Qlc/s1600/IMG_20151103_075618032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lDlTCBxGN-E/VkeRXyENbJI/AAAAAAAAGr0/7asJTrH-Qlc/s320/IMG_20151103_075618032.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
They've grown into healthy, happy kitties. They're about 7-8 months old now and their personalities are really starting to develop and show. They love to play and snuggle. Sharkey always looks angry, but he's actually very sweet. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t4DBd47POiU/VkeOdJ4QT_I/AAAAAAAAGq8/_hKCFyu31fQ/s1600/sig4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t4DBd47POiU/VkeOdJ4QT_I/AAAAAAAAGq8/_hKCFyu31fQ/s320/sig4.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Lolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387514456532980921noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7371194560616812613.post-897791338248833252015-11-15T00:00:00.000-05:002015-11-15T00:00:01.662-05:00Weekly Round-Up: 11/8 - 11/14<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JNluw2mUrZ8/VkeK1ukcn9I/AAAAAAAAGqM/vaRYi6z7r30/s1600/round-up.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JNluw2mUrZ8/VkeK1ukcn9I/AAAAAAAAGqM/vaRYi6z7r30/s1600/round-up.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Life This Week:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's been a rough one. I threw my back out in my sleep of all things. The pain has been excruciating. So it's been rest, ice, and several trips to the chiropractor for me. This has not allowed much reading to get done. :(</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Books Read and Reviewed:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lamplitreviews.blogspot.com/2015/11/carry-on-by-rainbow-rowell.html">Carry On by Rainbow Rowell</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lamplitreviews.blogspot.com/2015/11/eleanor-park-by-rainbow-rowell.html">Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Beyond the Books:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lamplitreviews.blogspot.com/2015/11/beyond-books-bedtime-routines.html">Bedtime Routines</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>What I am Currently Reading:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4sJJ57HbCFw/VkeMJm-Cb9I/AAAAAAAAGqU/FsY_SeR6DIY/s1600/Why%2BNot%2BMe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4sJJ57HbCFw/VkeMJm-Cb9I/AAAAAAAAGqU/FsY_SeR6DIY/s200/Why%2BNot%2BMe.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(audio book)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vYgpSFwHeIQ/VkeMdInKaUI/AAAAAAAAGqg/sf5UoeC8BOw/s1600/Madness%2BSo%2BDiscreet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vYgpSFwHeIQ/VkeMdInKaUI/AAAAAAAAGqg/sf5UoeC8BOw/s200/Madness%2BSo%2BDiscreet.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>What I Will Be Reading Next:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xbe4_C7JFX0/VkeNOrtAZyI/AAAAAAAAGqo/L56DYjxhCDs/s1600/Illuminae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xbe4_C7JFX0/VkeNOrtAZyI/AAAAAAAAGqo/L56DYjxhCDs/s200/Illuminae.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
or</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i54BJ3W7g9Y/VkeNOxFsU_I/AAAAAAAAGqs/Wf_U7y2ZP1U/s1600/Queen%2Bof%2BShadows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i54BJ3W7g9Y/VkeNOxFsU_I/AAAAAAAAGqs/Wf_U7y2ZP1U/s200/Queen%2Bof%2BShadows.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Randomness:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bIy8wlDLBbI/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bIy8wlDLBbI?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t4DBd47POiU/VkeOdJ4QT_I/AAAAAAAAGq4/-btUhb8AINw/s1600/sig4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t4DBd47POiU/VkeOdJ4QT_I/AAAAAAAAGq4/-btUhb8AINw/s320/sig4.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Lolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387514456532980921noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7371194560616812613.post-10018853127892066362015-11-12T00:00:00.000-05:002015-11-12T00:00:02.176-05:00Beyond the Books: Bedtime Routines<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sYnp78yrCW8/Vj5wqdYWJbI/AAAAAAAAGmQ/InnKWuL1HVQ/s1600/beyond.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sYnp78yrCW8/Vj5wqdYWJbI/AAAAAAAAGmQ/InnKWuL1HVQ/s1600/beyond.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">This Weeks Topic: </b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mate" , serif;"><b>Bedtime Routines</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
Hosted by <a href="http://kissinbluekaren.com/beyond-the-books/" style="color: #5b4b7f; text-decoration: none;">Kissin' Blue Karen</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
I wash my face every, night.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPdYZrxSkyQ/Vj5xvroH0vI/AAAAAAAAGmg/k94hAZV7jH0/s1600/St%2BIves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPdYZrxSkyQ/Vj5xvroH0vI/AAAAAAAAGmg/k94hAZV7jH0/s1600/St%2BIves.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Image found <a href="http://www.drugstore.com/st-ives-blackhead-clearing-scrub-green-tea/qxp518381">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
Then I apply face cream and brush my teeth. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-THn_SgSUWoY/Vj5yCPsFcLI/AAAAAAAAGmo/cZfP09Z3-nw/s1600/toothbrushes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-THn_SgSUWoY/Vj5yCPsFcLI/AAAAAAAAGmo/cZfP09Z3-nw/s320/toothbrushes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Image found <a href="http://www.americanforkutahdentist.com/2015/04/02/5-facts-about-your-toothbrush/">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
I soak my feet ant put lotion on them, then cover them with fuzzy socks. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C7bwUGsS2wQ/Vj5yXTBODMI/AAAAAAAAGmw/erJ4gRQZ1n8/s1600/fuzzy%2Bsocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C7bwUGsS2wQ/Vj5yXTBODMI/AAAAAAAAGmw/erJ4gRQZ1n8/s320/fuzzy%2Bsocks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Image found <a href="http://p1stachios.tumblr.com/">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
John and I snuggle with the kitties and watch TV. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gLqnmvjKAs4/Vj5yg38157I/AAAAAAAAGm4/rqm10PRDElA/s1600/watching%2Btv.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gLqnmvjKAs4/Vj5yg38157I/AAAAAAAAGm4/rqm10PRDElA/s320/watching%2Btv.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Image found <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/bethanyo465891d03/23-stages-of-binge-watching-a-tv-show-wi1h#.aaBJLlAX9">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
Then I usually read until I fall asleep. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oX6mU1VUms4/Vj5y5yj5JrI/AAAAAAAAGnA/Jw-p6jZaflI/s1600/read%2Bin%2Bbed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oX6mU1VUms4/Vj5y5yj5JrI/AAAAAAAAGnA/Jw-p6jZaflI/s320/read%2Bin%2Bbed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Image found <a href="http://titanblue2.tumblr.com/post/103813538365/homer-being-homer-how-to-read-a-book-in-bed">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
That wasn't too lengthy I hope! What's your routine?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5b37r5pRHPQ/Vj5mGW8BKWI/AAAAAAAAGlY/VoOo6YnYf8w/s1600/sig4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5b37r5pRHPQ/Vj5mGW8BKWI/AAAAAAAAGlY/VoOo6YnYf8w/s320/sig4.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Lolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387514456532980921noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7371194560616812613.post-3092663358703370702015-11-11T00:00:00.000-05:002015-11-11T00:00:01.129-05:00Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b8wfMNxuZwI/Vj5qnQAtFSI/AAAAAAAAGlo/SIQraueJWr4/s1600/Eleanor%2B%2526%2BPark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b8wfMNxuZwI/Vj5qnQAtFSI/AAAAAAAAGlo/SIQraueJWr4/s320/Eleanor%2B%2526%2BPark.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Book Summery (Via <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15745753-eleanor-park">Goodreads</a>):</b> Two misfits.<br />One extraordinary love.<br />Eleanor... Red hair, wrong clothes. Standing behind him until he turns his head. Lying beside him until he wakes up. Making everyone else seem drabber and flatter and never good enough...Eleanor.<br />Park... He knows she'll love a song before he plays it for her. He laughs at her jokes before she ever gets to the punch line. There's a place on his chest, just below his throat, that makes her want to keep promises...Park.<br />Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.</blockquote>
<br />
<b>Book Review:</b><br />
Every now and again, there comes a book that tugs at my heartstrings and keeps me awake thinking about what I just read. <i>Eleanor and Park</i> was that book. It is going to be very difficult for me to talk about this book without rambling. No matter what, just read this. It needs to be read.<br />
<br />
What I loved.<br />
The characters. Park is a friendly, well-meaning person who initially tries to keep his head down in high school until he graduates. Well, until Eleanor comes along (we'll get to that in a minute). Park is into comics and music, well beyond into...dare I say passionate about?! Park is person who tries to do the right thing, and comes from a good family. Park's mom is one of my favorite characters. Park definitely takes after her in so many ways. Ok...I'll put the kabash on the rambling. Eleanor. Eleanor brings Park out of his shell. While she is somewhat a victim of circumstance, she wears her inadequacies like a suit of armor. While she might come across as aloof and defiant, she definitely has a softer-side that the reader gets to see. Eleanor is really into reading and eventually finds interest in comics and music. :) There are many ways that Park and Eleanor differ, but the most obvious is their family life. Compared to Park's loving and warm parents, Eleanor comes from a rather dysfunctional household full of abuse and neglect. You could make a strong argument for this environment being responsible for Eleanor's perhaps mix-ed up priorities and overall behavior.<br />
<br />
Overall, Rowell takes you on a roller-coaster ride of emotion. I do think it is important to mention that this story takes place in 1986, which I didn't see on the book summary, but it will help to place certain references and hopefully eliminate some confusion. This book swept me away from page one. I began listening to this as an audio book, which I highly recommend. But, I kept thinking about it well after I got out of the car. Luckily, John bought me a copy of this for Christmas last year, so I could read it in the house. Let me tell you folks. This book hit me hard. It will remain a part of me for many years to come. I can. not. tell you how amazing and moving this novel is. Just read it. It needs to be read!<br />
<br />
<b>Cover Art Commentary:</b><br />
I love the simplicity of this cover. It just speaks to me on multiple levels. Am I making sense? I hope I am making sense.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Rating:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znc-c9Ra6rc/Vj5q-tk58GI/AAAAAAAAGlw/VoAp62MJALg/s1600/05.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znc-c9Ra6rc/Vj5q-tk58GI/AAAAAAAAGlw/VoAp62MJALg/s320/05.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5dF4NojenIg/Vj5rAkCFhjI/AAAAAAAAGl4/C0DeQMRZj5s/s1600/sig-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5dF4NojenIg/Vj5rAkCFhjI/AAAAAAAAGl4/C0DeQMRZj5s/s1600/sig-1.png" /></a></div>
Lolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387514456532980921noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7371194560616812613.post-9125738896798802452015-11-09T00:00:00.000-05:002015-11-09T00:00:01.587-05:00Carry On by Rainbow Rowell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BmdraYf41O0/Vjq43ASpbTI/AAAAAAAAGiY/CmWpZiPewJk/s1600/Carry%2BOn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BmdraYf41O0/Vjq43ASpbTI/AAAAAAAAGiY/CmWpZiPewJk/s320/Carry%2BOn.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Book Summary (via <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23734628-carry-on">Goodreads</a>): </b>Simon Snow is the worst chosen one who’s ever been chosen.<br />
That’s what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he’s probably right.<br />
Half the time, Simon can’t even make his wand work, and the other half, he sets something on fire. His mentor’s avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there’s a magic-eating monster running around wearing Simon’s face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here—it’s their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon’s infuriating nemesis didn’t even bother to show up.<br />
Carry On is a ghost story, a love story, a mystery and a melodrama. It has just as much kissing and talking as you’d expect from a Rainbow Rowell story—but far, far more monsters</blockquote>
<br />
<b>Book Review:</b><br />
To be honest, I had no idea what this book was about when I picked it up. I just know that it was a Rainbow Rowell book and that was enough to spark my interest. What I got was a complex fantasy based on of the fan fiction characters from Rowell's book <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16068905-fangirl?ac=1">Fangirl</a> (Which is amazing. If you haven't already read it, please go do so now!) I enjoyed many, many things about this book, which we will get to shortly. However, I think there are a few things that prevented me from loving this even more. It felt like the final book in a series, without the series. I think I would have been more invested in the characters had there been a series to start with. Also, the pacing seemed a bit slow to start, but no worries, it doesn't take long to pick up!<br />
<br />
The characters.<br />
Simon is super friendly and already has a few close friends, but it's quite clear that Penny is his BFF. They make a great team and I love their shared scenes. Along with friendly, Simon is trusty and reliable. He does what he says, and he means what he says. His connection to the Mage seems a bit off to me. For being Simon's mentor, the Mage seems rather aloof and secretive. Like he's holding back from Simon. That gave me some trust issues. Penny is smart, friendly, and loyal. She makes a great BFF for Simon. Agatha was a bit of a wild card to me. She seemed more of someone I <i>should</i> like, rather than someone I actually liked. Finally, Baz. The main concern surrounding Baz...is he a friend or foe. Despite several warnings, I had a soft spot for Baz. He just didn't seem to be this bad guy that his reputation had been built up to. Again, if there had been prior books, I may have felt differently.<br />
<br />
Themes.<br />
I loved the overall theme of love conquers all! Because it does and should. I also thought that treating magic with respect and honor was a prevalent theme, as it should be. Finally, family doesn't have to have to be the family you're born with. Good friends make a wonderful family. Another good theme!<br />
<br />
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It took a while for me to get in stride with the pacing, but once I did, it was difficult to set down this book. I would highly recommend <i>Carry On</i> to <i>Fangirl</i> fans and new Rowell readers alike. However, I would also encourage readers to read Rowell's other works as well. She is such an amazing author and while I enjoyed <i>Carry On</i>, some of her other books are even better!<br />
<br />
<b>Cover Art Commentary: </b><br />
Wow...it took me a loooong time to realize that the blue and yellow are actually faces of characters! That's kind of cool. Otherwise, the cover definitely isn't as special as the story.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Rating:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6_llu_OLkQ/Vj5mSvAITtI/AAAAAAAAGlc/XNh1k7AShLI/s1600/04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6_llu_OLkQ/Vj5mSvAITtI/AAAAAAAAGlc/XNh1k7AShLI/s320/04.png" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mBjZaYOShxY/Vjq2LhHVf3I/AAAAAAAAGiM/0V7gxpJZSu4/s1600/sig-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mBjZaYOShxY/Vjq2LhHVf3I/AAAAAAAAGiM/0V7gxpJZSu4/s1600/sig-1.png" /></a></div>
Lolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387514456532980921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7371194560616812613.post-49204916752790460142015-11-08T00:00:00.000-05:002015-11-08T00:00:01.736-05:00Weekly Round-Up 11/1 - 11/7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_dqdD_MPHQ/Vj5kPkVfLQI/AAAAAAAAGlE/NHXtXDzAo4I/s1600/round-up.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_dqdD_MPHQ/Vj5kPkVfLQI/AAAAAAAAGlE/NHXtXDzAo4I/s1600/round-up.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Life This Week:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's been a busy one, but I got two books read, and hopefully the reviews will be up later this week!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Books Read and Reviewed:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lamplitreviews.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-haunting-of-sunshine-girl-haunting.html">The Haunting of Sunshine Girl (The Haunting of Sunshine Girl #1) by Paige McKenzie, Alyssa B. Sheinmel</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Top Ten Tuesday:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
None :(</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Beyond the Books:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lamplitreviews.blogspot.com/2015/11/beyond-books-bad-habits.html">Bad Habits!</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>What I am Currently Reading:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Listening to: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r621Kb77I70/Vj5lq-O2W1I/AAAAAAAAGlM/njNvYwrcoOk/s1600/Why%2BNot%2BMe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r621Kb77I70/Vj5lq-O2W1I/AAAAAAAAGlM/njNvYwrcoOk/s320/Why%2BNot%2BMe.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>What I Will Be Reading Next:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
?????</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Randomness:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The struggle is real!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TtQIuFyCZwk/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TtQIuFyCZwk?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5b37r5pRHPQ/Vj5mGW8BKWI/AAAAAAAAGlU/VLQxLupz9jA/s1600/sig4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5b37r5pRHPQ/Vj5mGW8BKWI/AAAAAAAAGlU/VLQxLupz9jA/s320/sig4.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Lolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387514456532980921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7371194560616812613.post-55264111812995141892015-11-05T00:00:00.000-05:002015-11-07T16:45:14.941-05:00Beyond the Books: Bad habits<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ciWeVRwawRE/Vj5w2XVwkyI/AAAAAAAAGmY/ffxWayMvCQA/s1600/beyond.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ciWeVRwawRE/Vj5w2XVwkyI/AAAAAAAAGmY/ffxWayMvCQA/s1600/beyond.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">This Weeks Topic: </b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mate" , serif;"><b>Bad habits</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
Hosted by <a href="http://kissinbluekaren.com/beyond-the-books/" style="color: #5b4b7f; text-decoration: none;">Kissin' Blue Karen</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
1. Procrastination</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0BTisxXUYvA/VjquSdwTQuI/AAAAAAAAGhA/nMPBlzXAu1E/s1600/procrastinate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0BTisxXUYvA/VjquSdwTQuI/AAAAAAAAGhA/nMPBlzXAu1E/s320/procrastinate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*image found <a href="http://theithacan.org/blogs/procrastination-is-deadly/">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
2. Putting Dishes in Sink and Not Washing Them</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qpv591N2NRk/VjqwrDKCmsI/AAAAAAAAGhM/AdLOv-5ovtQ/s1600/dirty%2Bdishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qpv591N2NRk/VjqwrDKCmsI/AAAAAAAAGhM/AdLOv-5ovtQ/s320/dirty%2Bdishes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 24.64px;">*image found <a href="https://loveinlufkin.wordpress.com/2013/05/08/hey-dishes-go-clean-yourself/">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 24.64px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
3. Placing Books Down with the Spine Cracked</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSxN0Hxq70A/VjqxBVLzn_I/AAAAAAAAGhU/YGHkZYaEsCA/s1600/open-book-faced-down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSxN0Hxq70A/VjqxBVLzn_I/AAAAAAAAGhU/YGHkZYaEsCA/s1600/open-book-faced-down.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fcfae4; color: #222222; font-family: "mate" , serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 24.64px;">*image found <a href="https://paragraphonline.wordpress.com/category/musings/">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. Not Always Getting to my Galley's on time</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HWqm7fLxtnY/VjqxV-5dJhI/AAAAAAAAGhc/FpF2b97yQ9Q/s1600/ebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HWqm7fLxtnY/VjqxV-5dJhI/AAAAAAAAGhc/FpF2b97yQ9Q/s320/ebook.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fcfae4; color: #222222; font-family: "mate" , serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 24.64px;">*image found <a href="http://publishingatsea.com/workshop-agendas/how-to-promote-your-ebooks-for-maximum-visibility-and-sales/">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
5. Over-posting Pictures of my Cats on Social Media</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T5iVvk55C34/Vjqz5s7EwXI/AAAAAAAAGhs/4RDM-0NGtF4/s1600/IMG_20151103_075618032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T5iVvk55C34/Vjqz5s7EwXI/AAAAAAAAGhs/4RDM-0NGtF4/s320/IMG_20151103_075618032.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k7lKMNQH-ow/Vjq0CQuq8LI/AAAAAAAAGh0/miUNhg1-9vE/s1600/sig4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k7lKMNQH-ow/Vjq0CQuq8LI/AAAAAAAAGh0/miUNhg1-9vE/s320/sig4.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Lolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387514456532980921noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7371194560616812613.post-29254508412394427202015-11-02T00:00:00.000-05:002015-11-02T00:00:01.802-05:00The Haunting of Sunshine Girl (The Haunting of Sunshine Girl #1) by Paige McKenzie, Alyssa B. Sheinmel <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yze_FoFKde8/VjKuMmacIsI/AAAAAAAAGf4/O-zYtp8XsEk/s1600/Haunting%2BSunshine%2BGirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yze_FoFKde8/VjKuMmacIsI/AAAAAAAAGf4/O-zYtp8XsEk/s320/Haunting%2BSunshine%2BGirl.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Book Summery (Via <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21413855-the-haunting-of-sunshine-girl">Goodreads</a>): </b>In that place where you're more asleep than awake any more, I hear something else. A phrase uttered in a child's voice, no more than a whisper: Night Night.<br />Something freaky's going on with Sunshine's new house . . . there's the chill that wraps itself around her bones, the giggling she can hear in the dead of night, and then the strange shadows that lurk in her photographs. But the more weird stuff that happens, the less her mum believes her. Sunshine's always had a quirky affiliation with the past, but this time, history is getting much too close for comfort . . .<br />If there is something, or someone, haunting her house, what do they want? And what will they do if Sunshine can't help them?<br />As things become more frightening and dangerous, and the giggles she hears turn to sobs and screams, Sunshine has no choice but to accept what she is, face the test before her and save her mother from a fate worse than death.</blockquote>
<br />
<b>Book Review:</b><br />
I wasn't quite sure what I was in-store for when I picked up <i>The Haunting of Sunshine Girl</i>. The cover was intriguing and the cover blurb made it seem like a good spooky story for Halloween. I knew nothing about the you tube series. After starting the book, I watched the first video and then stopped because I didn't want to ruin the story for myself. I started this out as an audiobook and was almost instantly hooked. Sunshine was easy to relate to and made a great main character. The author does a good job of narrating. I found it difficult to leave the story once I got out of the car. Luckily, I had picked up a copy of this book the last time I went to the bookstore. So it was easy to pick up where I left off once I got home. Honestly, it took no time at all to polish this baby off (between the book and the audio book). The story sucks you in. There's a great creepy atmosphere that builds as the story goes on. I found myself wanting to know more every time I picked this book up. The author slowly reveals answers, enough to whet my appetite, but not enough to answer all of my questions. There's so much more to this story that I'm dying to know! Overall, a great start to a series! I'm looking forward to the next one!<br />
<br />
<b>Cover Art Commentary:</b><br />
I really liked this cover, it caught my eye immediately. I love the muted colors. The cover is clearly mid-scene, which makes you want to know more.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Rating:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HvoT-IhMbeI/VjKulfFQ18I/AAAAAAAAGgA/uqHfMfcIV1A/s1600/04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HvoT-IhMbeI/VjKulfFQ18I/AAAAAAAAGgA/uqHfMfcIV1A/s320/04.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dR9YhU8rSU0/VjKunIxXmTI/AAAAAAAAGgI/2agnQ59M9Ys/s1600/sig-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dR9YhU8rSU0/VjKunIxXmTI/AAAAAAAAGgI/2agnQ59M9Ys/s1600/sig-1.png" /></a></div>
Lolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387514456532980921noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7371194560616812613.post-19969100272731605332015-11-01T00:00:00.000-04:002015-11-01T00:00:05.248-04:00Reading Reflections: October 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1MnbwT6gaTI/VjQX2KiYARI/AAAAAAAAGgg/iA8JEU35Xz8/s1600/reflections.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1MnbwT6gaTI/VjQX2KiYARI/AAAAAAAAGgg/iA8JEU35Xz8/s1600/reflections.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Books Read:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Accident Season</i> by Moïra Fowley-Doyle</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Haunting Violet</i> by Alyxandra Harvey</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Beauty Queens</i> by Libba Bray</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Creeping</i> by Alexandra Sirowy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Black Heart (Curse Workers #3)</i> by Holly Black</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Total Number of Books Read This Month:</b> 5</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Total Number of Books Read This Year:</b> 55</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Favorite Read:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A tie between:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Beauty Queens</i> by Libba Bray</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Black Heart (Curse Workers #3)</i> by Holly Black</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Highest Rank:</b> 5</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Lowest Rank:</b> 2.5 </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Overall Reflection:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wanted to get in some scary reads for Halloween, which I was able to do, but I would have liked to get a few more in (always). <i>The Accident Season</i> and <i>The Creeping</i> were both somewhat of a letdown for me. I'm actually happy with the number of books I was able to get considering we went on our honeymoon and <i>The Creeping</i> put me in bit of a reading slump. I have high hopes for November!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mwuj5QKpdTM/VjQZ5wljVOI/AAAAAAAAGgs/LpyA79ci6qg/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mwuj5QKpdTM/VjQZ5wljVOI/AAAAAAAAGgs/LpyA79ci6qg/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div>
Lolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387514456532980921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7371194560616812613.post-79128201633577076872015-10-27T00:00:00.000-04:002015-10-27T00:00:03.209-04:00Top Ten Tuesday: Halloween themed freebie: 10 scariest covers<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 1.4; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9G4EAcm4CVM/VYdirutZwDI/AAAAAAAAFWc/cGA61wNhhvY/s1600/top_ten.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #5b4b7f; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9G4EAcm4CVM/VYdirutZwDI/AAAAAAAAFWc/cGA61wNhhvY/s1600/top_ten.png" style="border: 0px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">Top Ten Tuesday: </b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif;"><b>Halloween themed freebie: </b></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif;"><b>10 scariest covers</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
Hosted by <a href="http://www.brokeandbookish.com/" style="color: #5b4b7f; text-decoration: none;">The Broke and The Bookish</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UncTWgW8Z0g/Vi7F5SQB42I/AAAAAAAAGeM/F648EoXCC2E/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UncTWgW8Z0g/Vi7F5SQB42I/AAAAAAAAGeM/F648EoXCC2E/s320/01.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3432478-the-forest-of-hands-and-teeth">The Forest of Hands & Teeth</a> by Carrie Ryan</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sp6TdrbdnvU/Vi7F5ouojXI/AAAAAAAAGeU/wDVKcAmDOvY/s1600/02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sp6TdrbdnvU/Vi7F5ouojXI/AAAAAAAAGeU/wDVKcAmDOvY/s320/02.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12813630-the-coldest-girl-in-coldtown">The Coldest Girl in Coldtown</a> by Holly Black</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eMi4idbe-iY/Vi7F5oqmwpI/AAAAAAAAGeQ/mruUKsEjgfE/s1600/03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eMi4idbe-iY/Vi7F5oqmwpI/AAAAAAAAGeQ/mruUKsEjgfE/s320/03.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7507908-the-replacement">The Replacement</a> by Brenna Yovanoff</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UNfMqiTwJKo/Vi7F6NPdCAI/AAAAAAAAGeY/YIJvgRIDR40/s1600/04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UNfMqiTwJKo/Vi7F6NPdCAI/AAAAAAAAGeY/YIJvgRIDR40/s320/04.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22489107-fairest">Fairest (The Lunar Chronicles #3.5)</a> by Marissa Meyer</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mdCe2pUgT_8/Vi7F6QChmsI/AAAAAAAAGeg/gqBTosAGqF4/s1600/06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mdCe2pUgT_8/Vi7F6QChmsI/AAAAAAAAGeg/gqBTosAGqF4/s320/06.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23309610-the-creeping">The Creeping</a> by Alexandra Sirowy</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-iBWdJIlgs/Vi7F6fvMeiI/AAAAAAAAGek/U65pv3ULT6k/s1600/07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-iBWdJIlgs/Vi7F6fvMeiI/AAAAAAAAGek/U65pv3ULT6k/s320/07.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18667948-fiendish">Fiendish</a> by Brenna Yovanoff</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b6MmUSpg688/Vi7F7M6z9NI/AAAAAAAAGe4/rivGnNnHKt4/s1600/08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b6MmUSpg688/Vi7F7M6z9NI/AAAAAAAAGe4/rivGnNnHKt4/s320/08.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21413855-the-haunting-of-sunshine-girl">The Haunting of Sunshine Girl (The Haunting of Sunshine Girl #1)</a> by Paige McKenzie</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gQVyoh4nMB8/Vi7F7RmX67I/AAAAAAAAGfA/4EWRHmJaals/s1600/09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gQVyoh4nMB8/Vi7F7RmX67I/AAAAAAAAGfA/4EWRHmJaals/s320/09.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24187925-these-shallow-graves">These Shallow Graves</a> by Jennifer Donnelly</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zSDwKOcQSYI/Vi7F77vns8I/AAAAAAAAGfI/7ZSixrL4_WY/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zSDwKOcQSYI/Vi7F77vns8I/AAAAAAAAGfI/7ZSixrL4_WY/s320/10.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22929537-the-devil-you-know">The Devil You Know</a> by Trish Doller</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KegMjxUjYcI/Vi7GEZbnYTI/AAAAAAAAGfU/JnKcThbQ2Ws/s1600/05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KegMjxUjYcI/Vi7GEZbnYTI/AAAAAAAAGfU/JnKcThbQ2Ws/s320/05.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11958033-ten">Ten</a> by Gretchen McNeil</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OR4PqiphyME/Vi7H2Y1MTgI/AAAAAAAAGfg/jvuuHa7e9B8/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OR4PqiphyME/Vi7H2Y1MTgI/AAAAAAAAGfg/jvuuHa7e9B8/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div>
Lolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387514456532980921noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7371194560616812613.post-43722873704289120412015-10-26T00:00:00.000-04:002015-10-26T00:00:04.178-04:00Black Heart (Curse Workers #3) by Holly Black<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U5901xAKxZY/VifGOlPMeXI/AAAAAAAAGaA/6zXVi5K1btw/s1600/Black%2BHeart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U5901xAKxZY/VifGOlPMeXI/AAAAAAAAGaA/6zXVi5K1btw/s320/Black%2BHeart.jpg" width="211" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Book Summery (Via <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8884616-black-heart">Goodreads</a>):</b><br />
In a world where Magic is illegal.<br />
Cassel Sharpe has the most deadly ability of all. With one touch, he can transform any object - including a person - into something else entirely. And that makes him a wanted man. The Feds are willing to forgive all his past crimes if he'll only leave his con artist family behind and go straight. But why does going straight feel so crooked?<br />
For one thing, it means being on the opposite side of the law from Lila, the girl he loves. She's the daughter of a mob boss and getting ready to join the family business herself. Though Cassel is pretty sure she can never love him back, he can't stop obsessing over her. Which would be bad enough, even if her father wasn't keeping Cassel's mother prisoner in a posh apartment and threatening not to let her leave until she returns the priceless diamond she scammed off him years ago. Too bad she can't remember where she put it.<br />
The Feds say they need Cassel to get rid of a powerful man who is spinning dangerously out of control. But if they want Cassel to use his unique talent to hurt people, what separates the good guys from the bad ones? Or is everyone just out to con him?<br />
Time is running out, and all Cassel's magic and cleverness might not be enough to save him. With no easy answers and no one he can trust, love might be the most dangerous gamble of all.</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<b>Book Review:</b><br />
I bought this sucker as soon as it was released. I vividly remember picking it up at the bookstore because I had to ask one of the employees to get a copy from the back because they hadn't even put them out yet. That was a little over 3 years ago...so what the heck kept me from reading this? Do you ever have a series that you love so much that hate to see it end? That is the case with the <i>Curse Workers</i> trilogy and I. I hated to see the story end, so I put off the ending...for a good long while. Finally, I gave in and listened to the audio book, which was not only excellent because it was written by Holly Black, but also because it was read by Jesse Eisenberg, who made an amazing Cassel!<br />
<br />
Ok...so on to the review. It was just as good as I had imagined it to be all those years, if not better. There's a lot going on, but Cassel mainly runs into three separate issues that dominate the story line. Each one has its own arc and conclusion, but all fit nicely into the overall story. The characters are just as vivid, flawed, and intriguing as ever. I fell in love with the whole "curse worker" world all over again. There's tension between Cassel and several of the other characters, which adds drama and suspense. Black ended the whole trilogy nicely and tied up loose ends, but I can't help it! I want more! The <i>Curse Worker</i> series is probably my favorite work from Black. I highly, highly recommend the entire series!<br />
<br />
<b>Cover Art Commentary:</b><br />
Why oh why did they change the covers of this series mid-series? I have all three books, and this one doesn't match the other two. Annoying. I might like it if that wasn't such an issue.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Rating:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r0Blzu6phhw/VifIJavI1JI/AAAAAAAAGag/wY3F_FwG07I/s1600/05.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r0Blzu6phhw/VifIJavI1JI/AAAAAAAAGag/wY3F_FwG07I/s320/05.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p05fVZqdoho/VifIOCyfTTI/AAAAAAAAGao/BQD-GT0eXDU/s1600/sig-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p05fVZqdoho/VifIOCyfTTI/AAAAAAAAGao/BQD-GT0eXDU/s1600/sig-1.png" /></a></div>
Lolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387514456532980921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7371194560616812613.post-26147490598229296762015-10-23T14:11:00.000-04:002015-10-23T14:13:38.985-04:00The Addams Family Book Tag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJ_H6QV7zQY/Vipq4H1lPMI/AAAAAAAAGa8/E9zvcNaJNY8/s1600/1991-THE-ADDAMS-FAMILY-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJ_H6QV7zQY/Vipq4H1lPMI/AAAAAAAAGa8/E9zvcNaJNY8/s320/1991-THE-ADDAMS-FAMILY-008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
John and I caught a dubble feature on ABC Family yesterday of both Addams Family movies, so when I saw The Addams Family Book Tag on <a href="http://bookertsfarm.blogspot.com/2015/10/addams-family-book-tag.html?showComment=1445619692368#c2956694033605688510">Booker T's Farm blog</a>, I knew I had to do it! I LOVED those movies growing up! I know they're based on the TV series, but I've only see a few episodes. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>1. Morticia Addams the mother and a witch.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>What is your favorite witch book? </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-Oi71e4K7M/Vip1nHIRVJI/AAAAAAAAGcg/q7wHttfbSXM/s1600/9415964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-Oi71e4K7M/Vip1nHIRVJI/AAAAAAAAGcg/q7wHttfbSXM/s200/9415964.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lfdu7476o5U/Vip1nNOyZOI/AAAAAAAAGcY/UGOqX5M5x5k/s1600/11901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lfdu7476o5U/Vip1nNOyZOI/AAAAAAAAGcY/UGOqX5M5x5k/s200/11901.jpg" width="121" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wf9HoWH87qs/Vip1nK78CFI/AAAAAAAAGcc/v9NGckhSaVM/s1600/6582537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wf9HoWH87qs/Vip1nK78CFI/AAAAAAAAGcc/v9NGckhSaVM/s200/6582537.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Umm...so I have this thing with witches. It was hard for me to narrow down my top faves, but here they are!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11901.The_Witching_Hour">The Witching Hour</a> by Anne Rice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6582537-practical-magic">Practical Magic</a> by Alice Hoffman</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9415964-the-magnolia-league">The Magnolia League</a> by Katie Crouch</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>2. Gomez Addams is a loving father.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Who is your favorite fictional dad?</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mp9w6lsyFPo/VipxRfQqbMI/AAAAAAAAGbs/au0JcL1aHKc/s1600/hp-the-deathly-hallows-arthur-weasleys-wand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mp9w6lsyFPo/VipxRfQqbMI/AAAAAAAAGbs/au0JcL1aHKc/s200/hp-the-deathly-hallows-arthur-weasleys-wand.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Arthur Weasley from the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/45175">Harry Potter series</a>!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>3.Uncle Fester Addams can generate electricity.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>What books makes you light up so much that you cant stop yourself talking about it?</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-abxZkkUdVVU/Vipx8A9QohI/AAAAAAAAGb0/h19zDe1C1rI/s1600/RR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-abxZkkUdVVU/Vipx8A9QohI/AAAAAAAAGb0/h19zDe1C1rI/s320/RR.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anything by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/4208569.Rainbow_Rowell">Rainbow Rowel</a>l!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>4. Wednesday Addams is obsessed with death.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>If you could have killed off a character in any book who would it have been?</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3WTl4q4P-g/VipvO6-WvDI/AAAAAAAAGbY/f94_MgSMnLA/s1600/Creeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3WTl4q4P-g/VipvO6-WvDI/AAAAAAAAGbY/f94_MgSMnLA/s320/Creeping.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stella or Zoey. Easily.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>5. Pugsley Addams has a vicious nature and plays nasty pranks on everyone. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Who is your favorite villain?</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yJzeDeWX06I/VipwHxFan0I/AAAAAAAAGbg/84As4qwBZ_s/s1600/midnight%2Balley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yJzeDeWX06I/VipwHxFan0I/AAAAAAAAGbg/84As4qwBZ_s/s320/midnight%2Balley.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://morganvillevampires.wikia.com/wiki/Myrnin">Myrnin</a> from <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6013342-midnight-alley">The Morganvielle Vampire series</a>. I'm not sure if he's a straight-on villain, but he has his moments!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>6. Lurch is based on Frankenstein and a zombie. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>What is your favorite adaptation of a story?</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1NWkhStiW2o/Vipyn5onybI/AAAAAAAAGcE/vF8HV78xDRQ/s1600/13206828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1NWkhStiW2o/Vipyn5onybI/AAAAAAAAGcE/vF8HV78xDRQ/s200/13206828.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-11jfU4M7fR0/Vipynkw6jeI/AAAAAAAAGb8/-ZQ9XM_eb4g/s1600/11235712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-11jfU4M7fR0/Vipynkw6jeI/AAAAAAAAGb8/-ZQ9XM_eb4g/s200/11235712.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Idgx7kwtVKY/Vipyn-s9lBI/AAAAAAAAGcA/Fa88By0cMrQ/s1600/13206760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Idgx7kwtVKY/Vipyn-s9lBI/AAAAAAAAGcA/Fa88By0cMrQ/s200/13206760.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/62018">The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>7. Grandmama is an old classic witch. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>What is your favorite old classic horror book?</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IRIr6Dg8rw8/Vipu44vvHOI/AAAAAAAAGbQ/aFZ9HLYF0dc/s1600/Shining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IRIr6Dg8rw8/Vipu44vvHOI/AAAAAAAAGbQ/aFZ9HLYF0dc/s1600/Shining.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you haven't read it yet, you need to!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>8. Show us some of your horror books.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uw22GTk9ktQ/VipuMKRe9jI/AAAAAAAAGbI/DoV1IEC7B_g/s1600/IMG_20150621_213543238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uw22GTk9ktQ/VipuMKRe9jI/AAAAAAAAGbI/DoV1IEC7B_g/s400/IMG_20150621_213543238.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A lot of my horror books are mixed in. There's some Rachel Caine, Stephen King and Joe Hill on the second row from the top. The rest are mixed in with the rest.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>9. What are you going as for Halloween this year?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nothing. We bought a ton of candy are staying home to pass out candy to trick-or-treaters!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>10. Favorite Halloween films!!!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh. Man. I love me some scary movies, which I tend to watch more around Halloween. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1457767/?ref_=nv_sr_1">The Conjuring</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3322940/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Annabelle</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081505/?ref_=nv_sr_1">The Shining</a>, all of the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1179904/?ref_=nv_sr_2">Paranormal</a> movies, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0230600/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_38">The Others</a> are some of my faves!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>*Bonus (Not on the tag)* </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Notable Halloween Reads (in no particular order):</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-39g1EI1W6zk/Vip2tOAITBI/AAAAAAAAGc4/bR30UhN7Br0/s1600/10215349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-39g1EI1W6zk/Vip2tOAITBI/AAAAAAAAGc4/bR30UhN7Br0/s200/10215349.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XM7o4W2lioo/Vip2uCgYwZI/AAAAAAAAGdM/GC8-UlP7Snw/s1600/24187925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XM7o4W2lioo/Vip2uCgYwZI/AAAAAAAAGdM/GC8-UlP7Snw/s200/24187925.jpg" width="138" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g3wZcxJ2x7E/Vip2uOFpTjI/AAAAAAAAGdQ/1TkOa9IibPA/s1600/9396154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g3wZcxJ2x7E/Vip2uOFpTjI/AAAAAAAAGdQ/1TkOa9IibPA/s200/9396154.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24187925-these-shallow-graves">These Shallow Graves</a> by Jennifer Donnelly</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9396154-the-dead-and-buried">The Dead and Buried</a> by Kim Harrington</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10215349-the-immortal-rules">The Immortal Rules</a> by Julie Kagawa</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nMRlfDVzI0Y/Vip2t5vn3KI/AAAAAAAAGdA/QEowh0ut3J0/s1600/20702018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nMRlfDVzI0Y/Vip2t5vn3KI/AAAAAAAAGdA/QEowh0ut3J0/s200/20702018.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x4XwA4or4wo/Vip2tKvv9RI/AAAAAAAAGcw/jQPeg1czqjg/s1600/12813630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x4XwA4or4wo/Vip2tKvv9RI/AAAAAAAAGcw/jQPeg1czqjg/s200/12813630.jpg" width="128" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l8G6wHzGtcg/Vip2tP8DedI/AAAAAAAAGc0/_cVVU1RcErA/s1600/11521280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l8G6wHzGtcg/Vip2tP8DedI/AAAAAAAAGc0/_cVVU1RcErA/s200/11521280.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12813630-the-coldest-girl-in-coldtown">The Coldest Girl in Coldtown</a> by Holly Black</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
5. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11521280-drink-slay-love">Drink, Slay, Love</a> by Sarah Beth Durst</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
6. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20702018-the-cure-for-dreaming">The Cure for Dreaming</a> by Cat Winters</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gwHiRTDjMD0/Vip39NCxkII/AAAAAAAAGdg/Xuh0SoW3G7A/s1600/sig4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gwHiRTDjMD0/Vip39NCxkII/AAAAAAAAGdg/Xuh0SoW3G7A/s320/sig4.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Lolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387514456532980921noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7371194560616812613.post-19227913671439280752015-10-22T00:00:00.000-04:002015-10-22T00:00:02.134-04:00The Creeping by Alexandra Sirowy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vW1XEIKLAWQ/VifGv9M5sDI/AAAAAAAAGaI/CNREJzSNzvc/s1600/Creeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vW1XEIKLAWQ/VifGv9M5sDI/AAAAAAAAGaI/CNREJzSNzvc/s320/Creeping.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Book Summery (Via <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23597782-the-creeping">Goodreads</a>):</b><br />
Twelve years ago Stella and Jeanie vanished while picking strawberries. Stella returned minutes later, with no memory of what happened. Jeanie was never seen or heard from again.<br />
Now Stella is seventeen, and she's over it. She's the lucky one who survived, and sure, the case is still cloaked in mystery—and it's her small town's ugly legacy—but Stella is focused on the coming summer. She's got a great best friend, a hookup with an irresistibly crooked smile, and two months of beach days stretching out before her.<br />
Then along comes a corpse, a little girl who washes up in an ancient cemetery after a mudslide, and who has red hair just like Jeanie did. Suddenly memories of that haunting day begin to return, and when Stella discovers that other red-headed girls have gone missing as well, she begins to suspect that something sinister is at work.<br />
And before the summer ends, Stella will learn the hard way that if you hunt for monsters, you will find them. </blockquote>
<br />
<b>Book Review:</b><br />
This seemed like such a promising book for Halloween. Unfortunately, <i>The Creeping</i> didn't live up to my expectations. I'm very much a character person and I didn't connect to any of these characters. The main character, Stella, is a selfish, vapid person. I couldn't stand her. Her best friend, Zoey, is even worse. Between the two of them, I almost DNF'd this book. Stella's character "progression" felt forced and fake. The pacing was slow. By page 200, I was ready to give up. <i>Finally</i>, there was development regarding the big "mystery," but it was almost too little, too late. Overall, this was a disappointing story that could have been told in half of the page count.<br />
<br />
<b>Cover Art Commentary:</b><br />
I really like this cover. The ombre effect is neat. I also love how the title seems like it's "creeping" itself. Too bad the story didn't live up to the cover!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Rating:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8YCOipMcNi8/VifHdtbWKzI/AAAAAAAAGaQ/Szx8Gj-ilts/s1600/02.5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8YCOipMcNi8/VifHdtbWKzI/AAAAAAAAGaQ/Szx8Gj-ilts/s320/02.5.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vizeLlfo120/VifHja6LeII/AAAAAAAAGaY/IA_yz4SvZpg/s1600/sig-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vizeLlfo120/VifHja6LeII/AAAAAAAAGaY/IA_yz4SvZpg/s1600/sig-1.png" /></a></div>
Lolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387514456532980921noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7371194560616812613.post-3877462557894927742015-10-19T00:00:00.000-04:002015-10-19T00:00:00.890-04:00Beauty Queens by Libba Bray<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kwEA4jy5rsw/VhwwModEU0I/AAAAAAAAGZQ/beeEStBBcyc/s1600/Beauty%2BQueens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kwEA4jy5rsw/VhwwModEU0I/AAAAAAAAGZQ/beeEStBBcyc/s320/Beauty%2BQueens.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Book Summery (Via <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9464733-beauty-queens">Goodreads</a>):</b> When a plane crash strands thirteen teen beauty contestants on a mysterious island, they struggle to survive, to get along with one another, to combat the island's other diabolical occupants, and to learn their dance numbers in case they are rescued in time for the competition.Written by Libba Bray, the hilarious, sensational, Printz Award-winning author of A Great and Terrible Beauty and Going Bovine. The result is a novel that will make you laugh, make you think, and make you never see beauty the same way again.</blockquote>
<br />
<b>Book Review:</b><br />
I've been a fan of Bray since I picked up <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7728889-the-diviners">The Diviners</a>. I've been wanting to read <i>Beauty Queens</i> for quite some time now. When I discovered that my library carried an audio book copy of <i>Beauty Queens</i>, I was really excited! My excitement soared when I noticed that the author read the audio book herself! The audio book is definitely the way to go on this one! Bray does a fantastic job of bringing the story and the characters to life. While there are a lot of characters, Bray does a superb job of giving each character their individual voice, which is crucial to the plot.<br />
<br />
There is so much going on in this novel, I don't even know where to start. First of all, the island where the plane crashes isn't all what it seems...there are many dark secrets the lie in wait. It almost seemed a little like "Lost" to me. Also, the personalities of the girls become more defined and prominent as the story goes on, which is probably my favorite part. I adored the satire, but also was able to enjoy the more series points of the novel. I just can't help but gush...this book is everything I expected and more! I will definitely continue to pick up works by Bray! She is such an accomplished author and storyteller! <br />
<br />
<b>Cover Art Commentary:</b><br />
I like the idea of this cover...the sash and the lipstick amo...but eh...it could have been a bit more imaginative, especially considering the book itself.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Rating:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tPEHfvGnwS8/VhwxQt-Pq-I/AAAAAAAAGZY/PQW2VqJAkRU/s1600/05.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tPEHfvGnwS8/VhwxQt-Pq-I/AAAAAAAAGZY/PQW2VqJAkRU/s320/05.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XWiyr_U7ZcM/VhwxSUc74wI/AAAAAAAAGZg/PncJ3QxPmnQ/s1600/sig-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XWiyr_U7ZcM/VhwxSUc74wI/AAAAAAAAGZg/PncJ3QxPmnQ/s1600/sig-1.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Lolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387514456532980921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7371194560616812613.post-56103761824962290652015-10-15T00:00:00.000-04:002015-10-15T00:00:03.951-04:00Beyond the Books: 5 things I just can’t handle<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ffTm6N35lVI/VbVj_YIYThI/AAAAAAAAFtE/ms2F_N7AVMo/s1600/life-of-a-blogger2.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #5b4b7f; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ffTm6N35lVI/VbVj_YIYThI/AAAAAAAAFtE/ms2F_N7AVMo/s1600/life-of-a-blogger2.png" style="border: 0px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">This Weeks Topic: </b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif;"><b>5 things I just can’t handle</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
Hosted by <a href="http://kissinbluekaren.com/beyond-the-books/" style="color: #5b4b7f; text-decoration: none;">Kissin' Blue Karen</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
1. I am a nurse. I can just about handle any bodily function, but what I simply can not tolerate is puke. In any form. I see a patient puking, I am not far behind.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fzdudgw9gG8/Vhlu5nSfQtI/AAAAAAAAGX0/-gvSEFbraHc/s1600/emesis%2Bbuckets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fzdudgw9gG8/Vhlu5nSfQtI/AAAAAAAAGX0/-gvSEFbraHc/s320/emesis%2Bbuckets.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Image found <a href="http://pds2.egloos.com/pds/200610/19/66/b0008466_10103053.jpg">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. Gross smells. I must have a bad gag reflex, or something, but I cannot tolerate any smell I deem as gross. For instance, if I make fish or chicken and place the wrapper in the garbage, it NEEDS to go out the next or bad things will ensue.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mp2pkOeBkh0/VhlvyQJaj5I/AAAAAAAAGX8/dvkueCfULPs/s1600/gross%2Bsmells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mp2pkOeBkh0/VhlvyQJaj5I/AAAAAAAAGX8/dvkueCfULPs/s320/gross%2Bsmells.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Image found <a href="http://c1.thejournal.ie/media/2015/03/shutterstock_236618683-390x285.jpg">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. Rude, ignorant people that have no regard for others. That person who cuts you off on the highway, or talks through the entire movie, or is on their cell phone during the entire movie, or spits in your face as they talk endlessly about something you could care less about. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-olJb9yq1oA4/Vhlw4PxjekI/AAAAAAAAGYI/9gkNezoNvLA/s1600/Mr%2BRude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-olJb9yq1oA4/Vhlw4PxjekI/AAAAAAAAGYI/9gkNezoNvLA/s320/Mr%2BRude.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Image found <a href="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/512fadd2e4b07c6e60ba228d/t/5138ca46e4b033fc626d60fd/1362676294765/Rude.jpg">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
4. People who write reviews on ANYTHING...books, movies, tv shows, but don't include the obligatory SPOILER ALERT before, you know, spoiling the plot and/or ending!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NmLfQuRSeNM/VhlxrvUBuCI/AAAAAAAAGYQ/ekLZRdyKrfM/s1600/Spoiler%2BAlert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NmLfQuRSeNM/VhlxrvUBuCI/AAAAAAAAGYQ/ekLZRdyKrfM/s320/Spoiler%2BAlert.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Image found <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70w-tMrZILk/VPuJv84m-aI/AAAAAAAAAvw/iOsQHubyv3A/s1600/Spoiler%2BAlert.jpg">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5. Paying for absolutely gross food. I'm a bit of a foodie and am willing to try all different types of food. However, there is nothing worse in my book than paying good money for gross food. I have walked out at restaurants on more than one occasion. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pCrcMfa5d-c/Vhlzn_qsIJI/AAAAAAAAGYc/NyiFPlV9KoA/s1600/yucky%2Bfood.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pCrcMfa5d-c/Vhlzn_qsIJI/AAAAAAAAGYc/NyiFPlV9KoA/s320/yucky%2Bfood.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Image found <a href="http://i2.babygaga.com/5f7f55ab579a146a51dbcd83b137e40a.png">here</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What are some things in life that you just can't handle?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JUUQ8EJoaB0/Vhlhg5iAU9I/AAAAAAAAGXI/QSZK7rsoAgs/s1600/sig4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JUUQ8EJoaB0/Vhlhg5iAU9I/AAAAAAAAGXI/QSZK7rsoAgs/s320/sig4.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Lolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387514456532980921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7371194560616812613.post-33134747221280138462015-10-14T00:00:00.000-04:002015-10-14T00:00:08.051-04:00Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s4s4rgdWY3Y/Vhl0yZRmZBI/AAAAAAAAGYk/d0mm-76Vbwc/s1600/Haunting%2BViolet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s4s4rgdWY3Y/Vhl0yZRmZBI/AAAAAAAAGYk/d0mm-76Vbwc/s320/Haunting%2BViolet.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Book Summery (Via <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8685644-haunting-violet">Goodreads</a>): </b>Violet Willoughby doesn't believe in ghosts. But they believe in her. After spending years participating in her mother's elaborate ruse as a fraudulent medium, Violet is about as skeptical as they come in all matters supernatural. Now that she is being visited by a very persistent ghost, one who suffered a violent death, Violet can no longer ignore her unique ability. She must figure out what this ghost is trying to communicate, and quickly because the killer is still on the loose.<br />Afraid of ruining her chance to escape her mother's scheming through an advantageous marriage, Violet must keep her ability secret. The only person who can help her is Colin, a friend she's known since childhood, and whom she has grown to love. He understands the true Violet, but helping her on this path means they might never be together. Can Violet find a way to help this ghost without ruining her own chance at a future free of lies?</blockquote>
<br />
<b>Book Review:</b><br />
I've had this on my TBR shelf for YEARS. I wanted to read something scary for October/Halloween. John and I went to a few of the local libraries and were a bit underwhelmed with their October/Halloween displays and/or recommendations. I knew I had several scarier books on my TBR shelf waiting to be read and this was one of them. <i>Haunting Violet</i> knocked it out of the ballpark for me. This had everything I love about a good ghost story. The ghost that was haunting Violet had a purpose and a story to tell. I LOVED the historical setting. It added so much to the overall plot. The characters were flawed and real. I found Violet, Colin, and Elizabeth very easy to relate to. The pacing was superb. I had a very difficult time setting this book down. I will definitely be reading more books by Harvey in the future!<br />
<br />
<b>Cover Art Commentary:</b><br />
I don't feel this cover does this book justice. I get the concept. A violet-y purple in honor of the main character, Violet. And this is the main "vision" that Violet sees over and over, but somehow, it's not like the image I imaginied while reading this story.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Rating:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_TBVGem7U0E/Vhl1c7D6III/AAAAAAAAGYs/O6Gc2Fg1fbk/s1600/05.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_TBVGem7U0E/Vhl1c7D6III/AAAAAAAAGYs/O6Gc2Fg1fbk/s320/05.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oyUBx3Z6-ng/Vhl1esxmQGI/AAAAAAAAGY0/aT898vNkbsk/s1600/sig-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oyUBx3Z6-ng/Vhl1esxmQGI/AAAAAAAAGY0/aT898vNkbsk/s1600/sig-1.png" /></a></div>
Lolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387514456532980921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7371194560616812613.post-20822743963434485252015-10-12T00:00:00.000-04:002015-10-12T00:00:03.634-04:00The Accident Season by Moïra Fowley-Doyle<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bXwlvNq4aMM/Vhlh_W4UfMI/AAAAAAAAGXQ/X8SI4_YHM7Y/s1600/Accident%2BSeason.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bXwlvNq4aMM/Vhlh_W4UfMI/AAAAAAAAGXQ/X8SI4_YHM7Y/s320/Accident%2BSeason.jpg" width="211" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Book Summery (Via <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24611995-the-accident-season">Goodreads</a>): </b>Every October Cara and her family become inexplicably accident-prone. Some years it’s bad, like the season when her father died, and some years it’s just a lot of cuts and scrapes. They know what they need to do—stock up on bandages and painkillers, cover sharp table edges with padding, banish knives to locked drawers, switch off electrical items. They buckle up, they batten down.<br />But this accident season—when Cara; her ex-stepbrother, Sam; and her best friend, Bea, are seventeen—none of that will make a difference.<br />Because Cara is starting to ask questions. And the answers were never meant to be found.<br />A haunting, untethered, addictive read that perfectly captures that time in our lives when our hearts crack open and the raw secrets of our true selves burst forth—whether we are ready or not.</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<b>Book Review:</b><br />
The premise was intriguing. The book started of with a bang. It was rather fast paced. Initially, I was hooked. So how does this review end with a 3.5 rating? For a few major reasons. 1. Lack of character development. The characters start out rich with promise, but then...nothing. Sure there are a few nibbles and alluding whispers. That is what kept me reading on, but there is such an underwhelming lack of development, that these few delicious morsels simply aren't enough for the book to stand on its own. 2. Lack of plot development. Again, the plot is earnest with mystery and intrigue...and once again, there is no payment upon delivery. The suspense and dramatic tension seems promising, but overall falls flat. I'm sure you've gathered by now, that the author does exceptional job at keeping her novels packed with mystery and suspense, but it's just not enough. I didn't get that ending that I craved that wrapped up most of the considerable loose ends. I would be willing to try another book by this author, but I'd definitely keep this review in mind.<br />
<br />
<b>Cover Art Commentary:</b><br />
I just love this cover. It's rather clever. I love that the image is upside down. It makes it looking like the woman on the over is falling up instead of down. I also like the muted colors. Very fitting.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Rating:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HM2Zy7cLFqs/VhliR4Lm1KI/AAAAAAAAGXY/VrUq-M_5qSY/s1600/03.5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HM2Zy7cLFqs/VhliR4Lm1KI/AAAAAAAAGXY/VrUq-M_5qSY/s320/03.5.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQCj3CN7ipM/VhlidgIeLcI/AAAAAAAAGXg/OIycyaCm3zY/s1600/sig-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQCj3CN7ipM/VhlidgIeLcI/AAAAAAAAGXg/OIycyaCm3zY/s1600/sig-1.png" /></a></div>
Lolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387514456532980921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7371194560616812613.post-58766882008635390572015-10-11T00:00:00.000-04:002015-10-11T00:00:05.862-04:00Weekly Round-Up 10/4 - 10/10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pNyIHmqQK3Y/VhleVACoyFI/AAAAAAAAGWg/tOVFPgN0Vn4/s1600/round-up.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pNyIHmqQK3Y/VhleVACoyFI/AAAAAAAAGWg/tOVFPgN0Vn4/s1600/round-up.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Life This Week:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am sooo sorry for the delay in posts. It has been a busy week! We went on our honeymoon! We went up to Stratford, Canada for the Shakespeare festival. It was SO FUN! We got back early in the week, but spent it catching up from our vacation. I have a few reviews to post. I'll try to get as caught up as possible.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Books Read and <strike>Reviewed</strike>:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The Accident Season</i> by Moïra Fowley-Doyle</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Haunting Violet</i> by Alyxandra Harvey</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Top Ten Tuesday:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
None! :(</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Beyond the Books:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
None! :(</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>What I am Currently Reading:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gQahwNH45oo/Vhlgl5FtnrI/AAAAAAAAGWs/tR4XldzlNYI/s1600/Creeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gQahwNH45oo/Vhlgl5FtnrI/AAAAAAAAGWs/tR4XldzlNYI/s200/Creeping.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zsya88S00Os/VhlgnGdzGeI/AAAAAAAAGW0/HX72IG6EOho/s1600/Beauty%2BQueens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zsya88S00Os/VhlgnGdzGeI/AAAAAAAAGW0/HX72IG6EOho/s200/Beauty%2BQueens.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Audio Book)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>What I Will Be Reading Next:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U3L49-63KnM/Vhlg7QP7iTI/AAAAAAAAGW8/iy_c9Rw9XXs/s1600/Carry%2BOn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U3L49-63KnM/Vhlg7QP7iTI/AAAAAAAAGW8/iy_c9Rw9XXs/s200/Carry%2BOn.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Randomness:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BEkDmqOYhy4/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BEkDmqOYhy4?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JUUQ8EJoaB0/Vhlhg5iAU9I/AAAAAAAAGXE/_mZZD__BMGw/s1600/sig4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JUUQ8EJoaB0/Vhlhg5iAU9I/AAAAAAAAGXE/_mZZD__BMGw/s320/sig4.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Lolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387514456532980921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7371194560616812613.post-70547833705772894652015-10-01T00:00:00.000-04:002015-10-01T00:00:02.571-04:00Reading Reflections: September 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RPMwoKUIC_s/VgdOTZoXnII/AAAAAAAAGN8/G5h5qm0pfJE/s1600/reflections.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RPMwoKUIC_s/VgdOTZoXnII/AAAAAAAAGN8/G5h5qm0pfJE/s1600/reflections.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Books Read:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Model Misfit (Geek Girl #2)</i> by Holly Smale</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Winner's Crime (The Winner's Trilogy #2)</i> by Marie Rutkoski</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Lair of Dreams (The Diviners #2)</i> by Libba Bray</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Vengeance Road</i> by Erin Bowman</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Total Number of Books Read This Month:</b> 4</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Total Number of Books Read This Year:</b> 49</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Favorite Read:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Vengeance Road</i> by Erin Bowman</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Highest Rank:</b> 5</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Lowest Rank: </b>4</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Overall Reflection:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, I was hoping to get a book or two more in this month, but with the wedding, the showers, and the bachelorette party, I'm glad to have read what I did...including a 600+ page book. Our honeymoon is in October, and there are a few birthdays and such coming up, but I am hopeful to get at least 5 in! How did you do in the month of September?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-13jWF2nC4aw/VgdPyJz8XpI/AAAAAAAAGOI/t5gcU8t2F9U/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-13jWF2nC4aw/VgdPyJz8XpI/AAAAAAAAGOI/t5gcU8t2F9U/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div>
Lolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387514456532980921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7371194560616812613.post-47956003799230991312015-09-29T00:00:00.000-04:002015-09-29T00:00:00.615-04:00Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Books To Read If You Like Author Rachel Caine<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 1.4; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9G4EAcm4CVM/VYdirutZwDI/AAAAAAAAFWc/cGA61wNhhvY/s1600/top_ten.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #5b4b7f; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9G4EAcm4CVM/VYdirutZwDI/AAAAAAAAFWc/cGA61wNhhvY/s1600/top_ten.png" style="border: 0px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;">Top Ten Tuesday: </b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif;"><b>Ten Books To Read If You Like Author Rachel Caine</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
Hosted by <a href="http://www.brokeandbookish.com/" style="color: #5b4b7f; text-decoration: none;">The Broke and The Bookish</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
*All pictures are from goodreads.com</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
Click on books to go to the corresponding goodreads.com page</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
According to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/most_read_authors/1651090-holly">goodreads</a>, I have read the most books from author <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15292.Rachel_Caine">Rachel Caine</a>. So I thought it would be a good time to reflect on what I like about her so much and offer recommendations for authors like her. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QbYlgqw1bpA/VgdTU73yjFI/AAAAAAAAGOU/ynEVbgKN6jw/s1600/Rachel%2BCaine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QbYlgqw1bpA/VgdTU73yjFI/AAAAAAAAGOU/ynEVbgKN6jw/s200/Rachel%2BCaine.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Known for such books as:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/86451.Ill_Wind"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6sejr_Zh28w/VgdT-CTI3-I/AAAAAAAAGOc/X0__ut3xEsU/s200/003.jpg" width="126" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20643052-ink-and-bone"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AfwpN0pVgWQ/VgdT-fBv9yI/AAAAAAAAGOk/0m7FUmylC6c/s200/001.jpg" width="133" /></a> <img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hoaNtFw0I2g/VgdT-axBYNI/AAAAAAAAGOg/NKp8ARYt7A4/s200/002.jpg" width="127" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
I think what I like most about Rachel Caine is her ability to solidly write paranormal romance and fantasy books. Her writing sucks you in immediately. It's almost near impossible for me to set a book of her's down once I start it. Her are some authors that remind me a bit of her style. </div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fcfae4; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Mate, serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
1. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/25422.Holly_Black">Holly Black</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-56lZ4-OprE8/VgdVRQT5YGI/AAAAAAAAGO4/fZSy8w5_ctU/s1600/Holly%2BBlack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-56lZ4-OprE8/VgdVRQT5YGI/AAAAAAAAGO4/fZSy8w5_ctU/s200/Holly%2BBlack.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Known for such books as:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6087756-white-cat"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W5xce2_-XBE/VgdV0-G-sDI/AAAAAAAAGPI/Lu-bwmfIwdc/s200/003.jpg" width="129" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12813630-the-coldest-girl-in-coldtown"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qwRm00tlCrY/VgdV-qOmCSI/AAAAAAAAGPY/Oj906KhSoQE/s200/002.jpg" width="128" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20958632-the-darkest-part-of-the-forest"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GvP8uPqAKpQ/VgdV1DpaEnI/AAAAAAAAGPM/UoJwSHIGf_Q/s200/001.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2995873.Julie_Kagawa">Julie Kagawa</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-igRWiMT31H4/VgdW8W87X0I/AAAAAAAAGPk/V1YNizaVV_k/s1600/Julie%2BKagawa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-igRWiMT31H4/VgdW8W87X0I/AAAAAAAAGPk/V1YNizaVV_k/s200/Julie%2BKagawa.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Known for such books as:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17331828-talon"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8X-Fh3gU0uc/VgdXNxjuqyI/AAAAAAAAGP4/4Fmj4SJ4w1A/s200/001.jpg" width="138" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15803761-the-immortal-rules"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YPTyXkUtm60/VgdXNxp2rSI/AAAAAAAAGP8/pEp3okO5ciU/s200/003.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6644117-the-iron-king"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5p8Xc_BUdo8/VgdXN3IXgJI/AAAAAAAAGQA/-abEyU8CBIc/s200/002.jpg" width="126" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/99117.Sarah_Beth_Durst">Sarah Beth Durst</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uEEdxaJ9HSc/VgdY7qJMaBI/AAAAAAAAGQI/GGRQ8JiIpyc/s1600/Sarah%2BBeth%2BDurst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uEEdxaJ9HSc/VgdY7qJMaBI/AAAAAAAAGQI/GGRQ8JiIpyc/s200/Sarah%2BBeth%2BDurst.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Known for such books as:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17286817-conjured"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-25lS8kTiZ5o/VgdZVAZV9mI/AAAAAAAAGQQ/Fp0h5ZSgNYA/s200/001.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13056868-vessel"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nbDhSn6C4dw/VgdZVhVl6xI/AAAAAAAAGQY/UciosUwhUUE/s200/003.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9917957-drink-slay-love"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mDmq_HhuVc0/VgdZVdUtX1I/AAAAAAAAGQU/QmNgJKH5Pr8/s200/002.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3433047.Sarah_J_Maas">Sarah J. Maas</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uvOizpLscIM/VgdaM-j8r5I/AAAAAAAAGQo/kJlwt_bWhiA/s1600/Sarah%2BJ%2BMaas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uvOizpLscIM/VgdaM-j8r5I/AAAAAAAAGQo/kJlwt_bWhiA/s1600/Sarah%2BJ%2BMaas.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Known for such books as:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18006496-queen-of-shadows"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dhXuRYArXN4/VgdayKa3a_I/AAAAAAAAGQ4/9FXyXs4AD5s/s200/003.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16034235-throne-of-glass"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KAfFDz5Qncg/VgdaxnTSSvI/AAAAAAAAGQw/HCNgssPHXR0/s200/001.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16096824-a-court-of-thorns-and-roses"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L4qnUAunH0Y/VgdayV4C_hI/AAAAAAAAGQ8/wcUp4MkKEVQ/s200/002.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4684322.Marissa_Meyer">Marissa Meyer</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZAnx1x4hAs/VgdcKnasDGI/AAAAAAAAGRM/MrzjvtG8Bhk/s1600/Marissa%2BMeyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZAnx1x4hAs/VgdcKnasDGI/AAAAAAAAGRM/MrzjvtG8Bhk/s200/Marissa%2BMeyer.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Known for such books as:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11235712-cinder"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRqBHgBuijw/VgdclQA_z6I/AAAAAAAAGRU/iRe2Jtbp0FU/s200/003.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13206828-cress"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vTwZMWCNkLI/VgdcldsJoAI/AAAAAAAAGRg/CB_eXDveoTk/s200/001.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22489107-fairest"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf7y7-_gEww/VgdclROcMvI/AAAAAAAAGRY/bmRZj74BaWk/s200/002.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
6. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4018722.Beth_Revis">Beth Revis</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1-U46EVw8wc/VgddDWiILmI/AAAAAAAAGRs/Jrveu4u_DBE/s1600/Beth%2BRevis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1-U46EVw8wc/VgddDWiILmI/AAAAAAAAGRs/Jrveu4u_DBE/s200/Beth%2BRevis.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Known for such books as:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22642971-the-body-electric"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-spbTBMvzuOQ/VgddcPh6D9I/AAAAAAAAGR8/JezgRnKrvHU/s200/003.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8235178-across-the-universe"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kNipBl4fz1Q/Vgddb1BoRwI/AAAAAAAAGR4/V38NsEIwISU/s200/001.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10345937-shades-of-earth"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-35gbRrMVT_0/Vgddb50uKvI/AAAAAAAAGR0/5R-UoxgmyBI/s200/002.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
7. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/119848.Diana_Peterfreund">Diana Peterfreund</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hJQMdDnYRD4/VgdeTGTHzDI/AAAAAAAAGSM/aPNnBvTDAuU/s1600/Diana%2BPeterfreund.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hJQMdDnYRD4/VgdeTGTHzDI/AAAAAAAAGSM/aPNnBvTDAuU/s200/Diana%2BPeterfreund.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Known for such books as:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5495243-rampant"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2pfRmJwEvFo/Vgdemp8OS7I/AAAAAAAAGSU/-A2I6_rUyH8/s200/003.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8306761-for-darkness-shows-the-stars"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8QPkqEUiEiM/Vgdemg5QoaI/AAAAAAAAGSc/AHws2HRj1dI/s200/001.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16102412-across-a-star-swept-sea"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yQh_-eJKsa4/Vgdemszi3aI/AAAAAAAAGSY/6-fkQ7J5dG8/s200/002.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
8. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3023658.Brenna_Yovanoff">Brenna Yovanoff</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GEHU7IOBXLs/VgdfMSEwMII/AAAAAAAAGSs/Cp4Rqwp8-tQ/s1600/Brena%2BYovanoff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GEHU7IOBXLs/VgdfMSEwMII/AAAAAAAAGSs/Cp4Rqwp8-tQ/s200/Brena%2BYovanoff.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Known for such books as:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10261812-the-space-between"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dlHUT080Uyw/Vgdfkx4TbeI/AAAAAAAAGS8/eN4aB4STROo/s200/003.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7507908-the-replacement"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PB6I2Ji6Ql8/VgdfkZQ-8CI/AAAAAAAAGS0/brMBuiqkTBk/s200/001.jpg" width="129" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18667948-fiendish"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bV8BIQHboOo/VgdfkvUXYzI/AAAAAAAAGS4/qRvjcBU7yIw/s200/002.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
9. Kim Harrington</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rLpqbXnXA-o/Vgdf7xGu0GI/AAAAAAAAGTM/MreQ4bz0EpA/s1600/Kim%2BHarrington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rLpqbXnXA-o/Vgdf7xGu0GI/AAAAAAAAGTM/MreQ4bz0EpA/s1600/Kim%2BHarrington.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Known for such books as:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9396154-the-dead-and-buried"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mBOZFz5rGOQ/VgdgQV3ygJI/AAAAAAAAGTY/oV0P1YL0tXQ/s200/003.jpg" width="138" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6963749-clarity"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TQNoZNFHO0k/VgdgPyRxXUI/AAAAAAAAGTU/lzF43xiaJp8/s200/001.jpg" width="142" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9396162-perception"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qR8C4gXevgM/VgdgQTc7ukI/AAAAAAAAGTc/kv4b6zpC8rg/s200/002.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
10. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1330292.Maggie_Stiefvater">Maggie Stiefvater</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVdX2dbZ1Ew/VgdgvaincRI/AAAAAAAAGTs/gOiBWztzvpI/s1600/Maggie%2BStiefvater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVdX2dbZ1Ew/VgdgvaincRI/AAAAAAAAGTs/gOiBWztzvpI/s200/Maggie%2BStiefvater.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Known for such books as:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17675462-the-raven-boys"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HoVuYAiyopg/VgdhSAOil_I/AAAAAAAAGUA/oDsbOgEsUdM/s200/003.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10626594-the-scorpio-races"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZP2xP7-BCLE/VgdhR4xlnWI/AAAAAAAAGT0/Tuy3G1K2M14/s200/001.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6068551-shiver"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4pZ4aaiwSU/VgdhR5bK-hI/AAAAAAAAGT4/-6bZeS4fby0/s200/002.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13jWF2nC4aw/VgdPyJz8XpI/AAAAAAAAGOM/HScx-gvrbvM/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13jWF2nC4aw/VgdPyJz8XpI/AAAAAAAAGOM/HScx-gvrbvM/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div>
Lolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387514456532980921noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7371194560616812613.post-63166398554114561012015-09-28T00:00:00.000-04:002015-09-28T00:00:03.671-04:00Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YFC9d0_-VQU/VgdKq41r0fI/AAAAAAAAGNY/5YNXMxVcr0o/s1600/Vegeance%2BRoad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YFC9d0_-VQU/VgdKq41r0fI/AAAAAAAAGNY/5YNXMxVcr0o/s320/Vegeance%2BRoad.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Book Summery (Via <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24818946-vengeance-road">Goodreads</a>):</b>When Kate Thompson's father is killed by the notorious Red Rose Gang for a mysterious journal that reveals the secret location of a gold mine, the eighteen-year-old disguises herself as a boy and takes to the gritty plains looking for answers and justice. What she finds are devious strangers, dust storms, and a pair of brothers who refuse to quit riding in her shadow. But as Kate gets closer to the secrets about her family, she gets closer to the truth about herself and must decide if there's room for love in a heart so full of hate. In the spirit of True Grit, the cutthroat days of the Wild West come to life for a new generation.</blockquote>
<br />
<b>Book Review:</b><br />
Wow. Where to begin? Initially my interest was piqued by a YA western. It's just not something I had run across before, I am not really familiar with westerns, so this was a bit of a gamble, but it paid off. What I stumbled across was a fast-paced story full of action, revenge, and a touch (very, very light) of romance We first meet Kate, almost initially she finds her father dead, hanging from a tree on their homestead. Right away, you get the sense of a headstrong character that is full of loyalty, determination, and a bit of stubbornness. She is flawed, it works beautifully in this story. The western setting really adds something special to overall plot. Characters come and go along Kate's vengeful journey, but each carries their unique personality, leaving their fingerprint on Kate, as well as the reader. Overall, Bowman has delivered an exceptional and memorable tale. I definitely look forward to reading more by this author!<br />
<br />
<b>Cover Art Commentary:</b><br />
I LOVE this cover. It is unlike any other book cover I have ever seen before. It is what initially drew me to this novel in the first place.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Rating:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJB0EJ4fTCc/VgdNfvSicBI/AAAAAAAAGN0/RQsvyIQen7c/s1600/05.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJB0EJ4fTCc/VgdNfvSicBI/AAAAAAAAGN0/RQsvyIQen7c/s320/05.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QgMcxaRanHY/VgdLTURvOvI/AAAAAAAAGNo/HkZKw9q_chc/s1600/sig-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QgMcxaRanHY/VgdLTURvOvI/AAAAAAAAGNo/HkZKw9q_chc/s1600/sig-1.png" /></a></div>
Lolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387514456532980921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7371194560616812613.post-48593003302374957412015-09-27T00:00:00.000-04:002015-09-27T00:00:07.150-04:00Weekly Round-Up: 9/20 - 9/26<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i0Mgh8iMCKY/VgdGrvHnjII/AAAAAAAAGMg/24_rtDx8jCg/s1600/round-up.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i0Mgh8iMCKY/VgdGrvHnjII/AAAAAAAAGMg/24_rtDx8jCg/s1600/round-up.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Life This Week:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As noted in <a href="http://lamplitreviews.blogspot.com/2015/09/sadie-sadie-married-lady.html">this post</a>, I got married! (John and I are the couple on the right. His sister and her husband are on the left.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FVJKMj8Z8s0/VgdJcETffdI/AAAAAAAAGNQ/FofUkBq6BwA/s1600/pond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FVJKMj8Z8s0/VgdJcETffdI/AAAAAAAAGNQ/FofUkBq6BwA/s400/pond.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Books Read and Reviewed:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lamplitreviews.blogspot.com/2015/09/lair-of-dreams-diviners-2-by-libba-bray.html">Lair of Dreams (The Diviners #2) by Libba Bray</a></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Top Ten Tuesday:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lamplitreviews.blogspot.com/2015/09/top-ten-tuesday-top-ten-books-on-my.html">Top Ten Books On My Fall TBR</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Beyond the Books:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
None! :(</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>What I am Currently Reading:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gVVqvHrbBKQ/VgdIEVkU8JI/AAAAAAAAGMs/3kcuZwJPMes/s1600/Accident%2BSeason.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gVVqvHrbBKQ/VgdIEVkU8JI/AAAAAAAAGMs/3kcuZwJPMes/s200/Accident%2BSeason.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V6Oh5H9kkWY/VgdIELNE0fI/AAAAAAAAGMw/0OnKvfwJsaI/s1600/Beauty%2BQueens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V6Oh5H9kkWY/VgdIELNE0fI/AAAAAAAAGMw/0OnKvfwJsaI/s200/Beauty%2BQueens.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Audio Book)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>What I Will Be Reading Next:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TT7PLF4YRtw/VgdIoRvBtqI/AAAAAAAAGM8/6kaQDnxelZ8/s1600/Library%2Bof%2BSouls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TT7PLF4YRtw/VgdIoRvBtqI/AAAAAAAAGM8/6kaQDnxelZ8/s200/Library%2Bof%2BSouls.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Randomness:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The struggle is real!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OecCmRjHOyY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OecCmRjHOyY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvZbXF02qIo/VgdI6i6YZ0I/AAAAAAAAGNE/g9h3sviPZPU/s1600/sig4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvZbXF02qIo/VgdI6i6YZ0I/AAAAAAAAGNE/g9h3sviPZPU/s320/sig4.png" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
Lolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387514456532980921noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7371194560616812613.post-40601337460143587582015-09-25T00:00:00.000-04:002015-09-25T00:00:09.324-04:00Sadie, Sadie, Married Lady<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJ3uNOzR51o/VgLw500n53I/AAAAAAAAGLk/qx4dLeu_fhM/s1600/lolaslounge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJ3uNOzR51o/VgLw500n53I/AAAAAAAAGLk/qx4dLeu_fhM/s1600/lolaslounge.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well...it's official, I'm a married lady! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DlDqZkNiIvQ/VgLxWbJMILI/AAAAAAAAGLs/CHfDNMh6FnI/s1600/IMG_20150919_143420183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DlDqZkNiIvQ/VgLxWbJMILI/AAAAAAAAGLs/CHfDNMh6FnI/s400/IMG_20150919_143420183.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is John and I after the ceremony.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q49eesHsG8w/VgLx44FJ12I/AAAAAAAAGME/aZn5-i3UxpY/s1600/IMG_20150919_145228456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q49eesHsG8w/VgLx44FJ12I/AAAAAAAAGME/aZn5-i3UxpY/s400/IMG_20150919_145228456.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the barn all decorated and ready for the ceremony.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c1fSDSRXmqs/VgLxw8xBTQI/AAAAAAAAGL0/2tqMfWaKr3c/s1600/pond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c1fSDSRXmqs/VgLxw8xBTQI/AAAAAAAAGL0/2tqMfWaKr3c/s400/pond.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is John and I on the right and his best man (his brother-in-law) and sister on the left at the reception (my parent's backyard).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Lolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18387514456532980921noreply@blogger.com6