The Creative Chic Diaries

2011-01-04T11:15:00.000-08:00

I was so inspired by "Life is a Verb" by Patti Digh...I say inspired but I wish there existed a more powerful word to explain how deeply this book probes you to analyze your life, goals, actions, the possibilities, and everything that's there that you aren't taking the time to be aware of.

Patti was inspired to write this book when her stepfather was diagnosed with cancer in 2003, he had '37' days to live...and so the second part of the title of her book '37 Days to wake up, be mindful, and live intentionally.' She first began this as a blog only, in consideration of what she would want to leave behind for her daughters, had she only 37 days to live.

This book is broken into 6 chapters for the 'six practices for living intentionally.' Each chapter is filled with wonderful, englightening, inspiring, and thought-provoking stories and lessons. After each chapter you'll find an 'action' prompt, which ties in with the story/moral which has just previously been discussed in that chapter...this allows you to apply and implement that lesson/moral to yourself and your own life. Then you'll find the 'movement' prompt...which is a prompt for which you are required to do everyday for 37 days...hence the title.

Upon reviewing this book, I was able to apply much of what I've leanred in terms of existentialism and Adler's idea of becoming what we are (as I have extensively studied counseling theories) and also remember something I once read in one of my psych books...that it takes atleast 32 days of doing something consistently before it becomes a habit. In asking you to do certain tasks for 37 days straight (one for example is in one of the earlier chapters, 'be less judgemental, and celebrate differences,' allows you to fall into that more positive habitual thinking).

This book has been astouding in me, it is a great venue for self-discovery and will have you writing in your journal on daily basis. I look back over my 'journal' for which I used for this book and see it as a huge workbook and documentation of how I have learned about myself, how to better myself, and how to live more fully...and I did it in 37 days, one prompt a day!

Rating: 5 and counting!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to live more deeply, to see things more profoundly.

Live Life To The Fullest 2011 Challenge

2010-12-16T03:15:00.000-08:00

The rules of this challenge are as follows:

* Think about what is most important to you in your life… is it your health? your family? your friendships? your career? ALL of the above?
* Come up with a list of 12-14 things you can do this year to make that (those things) a priority in your life (maybe one thing/focus per month?)… what can you start (or stop) doing to get the fullest enjoyment out of your everyday life? What would make you feel that you were living your life to the best of your ability each & every day?
* Keep some sort of journal to record your progress!

My "Live Life To The Fullest" challenge goals for 2011:

1. Exercise everyday for 30-45 minutes.

2. Limit my time online to TWO hours a day, everyday, maximum.

3. Spend at least ONE HOUR a day doing something one-on-one with my daughter EVERYDAY. This could be reading, a trip to the library, arts and crafts...

4. Meditate for at least half an hour, everyday to clear mental clutter and gain perspective.

5. Make time for journal writing first thing, every morning!

6. Read inspirational material everyday, so as to feed my spirit.

7. Create a de-stress ritual and enjoy that time alone (everyday) for at least one hour. I'm thinking a nice, hot bubble bath with a book or magazine of my choice...and some relaxing background music. Preferably at night.

8. Try to do something new everyday, no matter how small. It could be something as simple as doing a different workout, trying a new form for a poem, reading something I might otherwise not be interested in. After all, life is about experiences, right?

9. Begin a "Happy Book," which will be a log of lovely things that happen to me everyday. I will have to write in this book everyday, preferably at the end of the day. I hope this book will allow me to notice all acts and instances of kindness, love, joy, beauty, and thoughfulness (no matter how big or small each one may be). Can also include beautiful visual things I see and/or hear...like a bird singing or a robin perching on my porch banister. This simple, daily act will provide a treasure trove of goodness so I can look back, and realize, and remember the beauty and goodness in the world and that it does, indeed, happen to me on a daily basis!

10. Begin a "Success Book," which is a log of daily achievements- no matter how small or minute some may seem to be. This allows a greater notice of simple things, oppertunities, and a greater awareness of what I do manage to complete and accomplish daily.

11. Write a list of dreams....specific dreams and goals, then revisit that list on a daily basis and find ways to finance those dreams and goals everyday.

12. Learn to eat a healthy and balanced diet, and do it! I can't continue to live and thrive on junk food and coffee!!

13. Create my life handbook, which should include: mission statement, values, long-term goals, short-term goals, personal strengths, blind spots to address, plans, and so on. I will revise and build upon this during the following year to obtain a better understanding of where I am, where I wish to be, how to get there, and my life's purpose.

14. Live more consciously. Take notice of things. Live in the moment, because all those tiny moments you don't pay attention to (or otherwise rush through) are the moments that make up your life. I want to live mine.

15. Treat myself to a 2-hour artists date at least once a week! For those who are unaware, an 'artist's date' is creative, soul-freeing, artsy activity that must always be done solo! There's no limits and restrictions on subject matter and time, other than it must be done alone, and make it must be something you consider creative. The idea of an artist's date is to free yourself and grow closer to your inner chilld!

Graphic Novel Challenge

2010-12-14T03:19:00.000-08:00

Graphic Novel Challenge

My goal level is:

Intermediate: 3-10 books!

My List:

Essay Challenge

2010-12-14T02:59:00.000-08:00

The Essay Challenge

This challenge is simply to read 30 essays!

http://booksandmovies.colvilleblogger.com/reading-challenges-2009/my-essay-challenge/

My List:

Gothic Reading Challenge

2010-12-14T02:40:00.000-08:00

Gothic Reading Challenge

The idea is simply to read 5 books with Gothic elements.

I love my vintage gothic romance novels, so this will be sooo easy!

My List:

http://booksandmovies.colvilleblogger.com/reading-challenges-2009/gothic-challenge/

Brittish Reading Challenge

2010-12-14T02:28:00.001-08:00

Brittish Reading Challenge

The idea is to support Brittish Authors by reading their books!

The level I'm going for is:

Winston Churchhill: 6 Books

http://www.thebookette.co.uk/2010/12/british-books-challenge-2011.html

Chick Lit Challenge

2010-12-14T01:57:00.000-08:00

Chick Lit Challenge

Twiga at Journey to the End of the TBR Pile is once again hosting the Chick Lit Challenge for 2011. She writes:

Read at least 8 books of the chick lit variety. What qualifies for chick lit? Books like Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series, Red Ink Press books, authors like Jane Green or Whitney Lyles, etc. These are the mostly fluff, fun-to-read, brain candy type of books.

You can make your list ahead of time of the books you want to read or just list them as you go along.

http://bookaddict4life.blogspot.com/2010/12/2011-chick-lit-challenge-sign-up-post.html

Out With A Bang Read-a-thon!

2010-12-14T01:51:00.000-08:00

Out With A Bang Read-a-thon!

The Bookish Type and Book-Savy are hosting the Out With a Bang Read-a-thon. They write:

Hello fellow bookworms! The year 2010 is coming to a close, and many of us probably still have several books on our 2010 to-be-read piles that we just haven't gotten to yet -- especially Debut Author Challenge books! That's why Heather at Book-Savvy and I wanted to host the Out with a Bang Readathon.

The Readathon will run from December 29 - 31 and participants will be reading as many books as they can during that time! This Readathon is mainly to finish off the fabulous debuts for the Debut Author Challenge, but participants don't have to focus on that category if they have non-debut books that they would like to finish before 2010 ends.

And, if you need an extra incentive to participate, we'll also be giving away tons of swag and books during the Readathon (and a lot of it will be signed!)

Several awesome authors have been kind enough to donate items! I will do a special thank you post once we have all the details so that I don't miss anyone!

Heather and I will be hosting giveaways during the event, and there will also be fun daily Mini-Challenges.

Thanks SO much to the authors and bloggers who are making this event possible!

To join, go to Out With a Bang Read-a-thon.

The Books I Read:

1. Secret Admirer by R.L. Stine
2. New Ballads by Rod McKuen

I plan to donate 5 cents per page to the local Salvation Army food pantry!

Young Reader's Challenge

2010-12-14T01:44:00.000-08:00

Young Readers Challenge- COMPLETED as of Feb 27th, 2011

Becky is hosting the Young Readers Challenge again in 2011. She writes:

Read 12 Children's Books
Think of this as referring to the "E" (Easy) and "J" (Juvenile or Junior) sections of the library.
You do not have to have a blog.

No reviews are required.

A list is not required. Choose what you like. Choose as you go. Or plan it all out now. Whatever you want.

To join, go to, the Young Readers Challenge.

Here are the books I chose to read:

1. Corduroy by Don Freeman

2. Ferdinand by Munro Leaf
This was a very sweet story. In my opinion the author is trying to convey that idea that one must stop fighting, stop searching, and just enjoy some time relaxing and smelling the flowers! Very good book.

3. Pig Pig by David McPhail

4. Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

5. Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
This is one of my childhood favorites!

6. Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
This is a very touching little story. Actually one of my all time favorites now, about finding one's purpose and making sure to leave something beautiful. Loved it!

7. Who Will Bell the Cat - an Aesop Fable

8. The Little Red Hen - English fable

9. The Fox and the Stork - Aesop Fable

10. Chicken Little - English Fable

11. The Boy and the Goat - Sweedish Folktale

12. The Pancake - Norwegian Folk Tale

Since I have a four year old, completing this challenge was quite easy, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. It's always nice to escape into a fairytale!
This

2011 Harlequin Romance Reading Challenge

2010-12-14T01:37:00.000-08:00

2011 Harlequin Romance Reading Challenge

Rules:

1) Challenge is from Jan 1, 2011 to Dec 31, 2011.

2) All of the books must be from the Harlequin family of imprints (includes Mira books as well)

3) Read one book for each of these requirements:

1. A relationship in the title (mother, father, brother, sister, etc.)

2. A weather condition in the title (rain, snow, storm, etc.)

3. An occupation in the title (cop, nurse, doctor, etc.)

4. A book with the author's first or last name beginning with "C"

5. A name in the title (Mary, Sam, etc.)

Other information:

A list ahead of time is not necessary and may be changed at any time

Books can be in any format - paper, audio, ebook

Books may be used for other challenges

Go to eHarlequin for book information, anything you can purchase there counts for the challenge.

2011 Vintage Mystery Reading Challenge

2010-12-14T01:22:00.001-08:00

2011 Vintage Mystery Reading Challenge

The idea is to read vintage mysteries that were published in 1960 and anything previous. Considering my love (and collection) of gothic romance novels, this should be a breeze.

The level I'm going for is:

Take Em To Trial: 16+ books

My List:

2011 Romantic Suspense Reading Challenge

2010-12-13T18:51:00.000-08:00

2011 Romantic Suspense Reading Challenge

http://nittygrittydownanddirty.blogspot.com/2010/11/2011-romantic-suspense-reading.html?zx=4225187a74ec6898

The idea here is to read at least 12 Romantic Suspense books. Considering I have two shelves of these from my TBR pile awaiting me, I think this one will be pretty easy!

My List:

2011 Off The Shelf Reading Challenge

2010-12-13T16:42:00.000-08:00

So the idea of this challenge is to read some of those books for the TBR pile. Trust me when I say I have hundreds (just can't pass up all those good deals on ebay!).

http://bareadingchallenges.blogspot.com/p/off-shelf-challenge.html

The level I am going for is:

On A Roll- 50 Books

My List:

2011 E-book Reading Challenge

2010-12-13T16:25:00.000-08:00

2011 E-book Reading Challenge

http://theladybugreads.blogspot.com/2010/12/2011-e-book-reading-challenge.html

The idea is to read some of those ebooks! I have downloaded Kindle for PC and have bought many, many cheap books and have yet to read any. So, now's the time!

I am going for the following level:

Obsessed- 20 ebooks!

My List:

1.

2011 YA of the 80's and 90's Challenge

2010-12-13T09:37:00.000-08:00

YA of the 80's and 90's Reading Challenge 2011

http://www.thebookvixen.com/2010/11/2011-reading-challenge-sign-up-ya-of.html

So the challenge pretty much is to read as many YA books from the 80's and 90's as possible. They must have been printed between 1980 to 1999.

My personal challenge is to read as many SVH and SVU books as possible, considering I bought every one of them last year for the YA challenge.

Show Me The Free Reading Challenge

2010-12-13T03:54:00.000-08:00

So the goal is I must read at least 12 legally-obtained FREE e-books. Actually found all mine free for kindle on amazon...if you don't have a kindle there are several downlaods for pc, blackberry and so on so you can read the ebooks.

http://www.theunreadreader.com/2010/12/2011-show-me-free-challenge.html

My Level Goal is:

Coupon Clipper: 12 Books

Here's my list:

1. Troublesome Creek #1
2. Fireflies in December
3. Stuck in the Middle (Sister to Sister #1)
4. My Christmas Wish by Ember Case
5. Snowy Night Seduction by Arianna Hart
6. Arousing Love by M.H. Storm
7. Sheltering Hearts by Robyn Carr
8. Colter's Wife by Maya Banks
9. The Wicked House of Rohan by Anne Stuart
10. Quiet as They Come by Angie Chau
11. A Gift of Grace by Amy Clipston
12. Holiday Bound by Beth Kery

Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge

2010-12-13T02:10:00.000-08:00

Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge

http://www.readingwithtequila.com/2010/12/2011-book-blogger-recommendation.html

Level V- Read 20+ books

My List:

1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
2. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
3. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
4. I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb
5. The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte- Syrie James
6. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
7. Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
8. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
9. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
10. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
11. The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
12. Emma by Jane Austen
13. Simply Irresistable by Jill Shavis
14. A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare
15. Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
16. Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
17. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
18. Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier
19. The Secret Garden by Frances Hudgson Burnett
20. 1984 by George Orwell
21. Memiors of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
22. Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married by Marian Keyes

Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge

2010-12-13T01:23:00.000-08:00

Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge

http://www.thebookvixen.com/2010/11/2011-reading-challenge-sign-up-outdo.html

The idea is to read more books this year than last year. I read 52 books last year...I plan to read 16 + more books this year than last year.

Level- I'm on Fire 16+ more books

So, hopefully for 2011 I can read at least 68 books! Though I'm shooting for 100.

January:

1. Life is a Verb
2. Moment to Moment by Rod McKuen
3. Ain't I a Woman (collected women's poetry)
4. Dark Sky Question by Larissa Szporluk
5. Celebrations of the Heart by Rod McKuen

February:

1. The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
2. In Someone's Shadow by Rod McKuen
3. The House that Lived again by Lois Christian Cornell
4. Corduroy by Don Freeman

5. Ferdinand by Munro Leaf
6. Pig Pig by David McPhail
7. Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
8. Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
9. Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
10. Who Will Bell the Cat - an Aesop Fable
11. The Little Red Hen - English fable
12. The Fox and the Stork - Aesop Fable
13. Chicken Little - English Fable
14. The Boy and the Goat - Sweedish Folktale
15. The Pancake - Norwegian Folk Tale

March:

16. You Are Here - Thich Nhat Hanh
17. This Old Evil House by Laura Frances Brooks
18.

Fighting Off The Sun by Jeffrey S. Callico

2010-09-02T21:48:00.001-07:00

Jeffrey S. Callico is the author of several chapbooks of poetry, though this book appears to be his first publishing and is a collection of short stories rather than poetry.

Jeffrey has a unique writing style of flash fiction/short story with the uncanny ability to tap into the realities of his characters and write descriptions which transform the reader into that other atmosphere. I literally felt as if I were spying through a window while reading most of these stories. Some are mysterious and leave one scratching their chin in contemplation, others totally blow you away with the the surreal turn of events on such mundane, everyday life matters.

I would love to see Jeffrey take some of these characters, in their little sketches of life, and write a long novel concerning the interweaving of each of their lives for one exploding outcome.

I will definitely be keeping tabs on this author and giddily await his future publications.

Unmentionables by Beth Ann Fennelly

2010-09-02T21:47:00.001-07:00

This book had me from the very first poem, First Warm Day in a College Town by which the author compares the youth of her femininity to the young, attractive men who jog across campus. She then goes from that current experience to another from her days of youth, Cow Tipping.

The book is broken into seven parts, each which seem to signify a certain style or collection of poetry. Some such as section 2 which is titled Berthe Morisot: Retrospective and each poem is titled by a colorplate for which Fennelly seems to write from the voice of Berthe Morisot the impressionist.

The poetry is one part confessional and one part creativity and one part brilliance. Fennellly portrays a woman who strives to achieve (and balance) everything, her domestic roles, her home life, her career, her hobbies, her dreams.

This book is magical, it is every woman with a family and a dream. This collection of poetry is now shelved among my favorites, as each compelling line gives a scattered detail of the authors personal life, trials, thoughts, imagination.

Cave Wall Issue Number 6

2010-09-02T21:46:00.001-07:00

I really can't say enough good things about this publication.

First let me begin by saying I always appreciate a magazine for which an 'editors note' or 'letter from the editor' is included as a preface to the current issue. Not only does this give one a sort of personal glimpse into the life and issues which the editor is rolling around in his/her head while selecting the pieces for that issue, but it also offers a warm and welcoming introduction to the writers included in that issue. Cave Wall offered a small, lovely, informative 'editor's note' that really had me reeling to continue turning the pages.

Most of the poetry within this issue seemed to be free verse (which is always a plus for me, as it's my favorite form and one I closely work with). What I like most about these poems is most are written from personal expeirence or observation, yet are written in such a light that you (the reader) are provoked to think a bit more deeply beyond outside appearances.

One of my favorite pieces in this issue was Easter in Tampa by Anemone Beaulier in which she portrays how a walk on the beach and the natural gathering of shells could provoke someone to look at life, and what remains once the light has gone out.

I also hold a great appreciation for any type of literary work which will allow me to sink a bit below the surface and to understand the actions, the inner workings, everything touched by what seems to be the normal, everyday. For example, the poem included by Robert Avery titled Note to Whomever Clears the Coins From This Fountain takes you behind the coin tosses and the good wishes to the reality of the person whose job is to remove the coins.

Overall, I am looking forward to purchasing more issues by this magazine and urge everyone else to do the same!

The Lyric Summer 2009 Issue

2010-09-02T21:45:00.001-07:00

I really enjoyed this issue of The Lyric, and not unlike the last issue, found myself totally getting lost in the lives and times portrayed by the writers in their poetry.

I seem to have a newfound appreciation for traditional poetry for as I read these pieces I have begun to notice how long and trying a process it must have been to fit in certain words and syllables for the completion of each poem.

I also am enjoying my ability to be able to read the poem once and totally understand (and relate) where the poet is coming from. This isn't to say I have an opposition towards poetry which is a bit whimsical or mysterious and must be read again, and then analyzed for proper absorption, but that it is rather a nice and relaxing experience to read these works just once and totally get the drift.

I look forward to my next read from this magazine!

The Lyric Fall 2009 Issue

2010-09-02T21:44:00.001-07:00

I absolutely love this magazine!

When I was a bit younger and was forced to read Byron and Shakespeare's sonnets only for the educational purposes of exacting reasoning and transferring that information into lengthy 100-point essays, I think I gained a sort of raw repulsion to any type of traditional poetry.

And, when upon receiving this issue in the mail (along with several others I ordered) I opened the page, saw that most of the poetry was traditional and slammed the cover shut again. I laid the magazine aside and then I began to think that perhaps those boring, undergrad classes were several years ago...and it was time to bury the hatchet. So, I reopnened the magazine once more and had an absolutely lovely time!

For that reason alone, I would like to express that poetry and it's popularity, and it's like or dislike, should have much to do with its content and little to do with its form.

I found some really great poets and poems within these pages. And what I value most, and will continue to value about this magazine is the mere fact that the the pieces don't seem to be scratching at each other's throats screaming, "I'm the newest and most best, read me, remember me!" They are simply poems, in simple traditional form, that have a lot to say and carry a quick punch.

I will definitely be purchasing a membership to this magazine, as I hope you will too.

The Lyric Winter 2010 Issue

2010-09-02T21:43:00.001-07:00

This issue is just as refreshing as the previous issues I've read from this journal. This probably is my favorite issue thus far. What I enjoyed most about this issue is how as a Winter issue, the poetry concentrated a lot on themes pertaining to winter, such as a river in January and snow falling. The poetry shared here has the innate ability to transfrom the writer into that wintery, blistery experience of yet another season of change. I also was moved by the poetry written for and about Bronte and Dickenson. Creative poetry from talented writers, what more could you ask for in a literary journal?

Still Missing by Chevy Stevens

2010-07-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

One day Annie O'Sullvan was your average thirty-something woman, building a career for herself in selling real estate, dealing with an overbearing mother, and enjoying falling in love. The next day Annie would find herself abducted, forced to live alongside a mad man for a year, in a cabin for which even the cupboard that held food were padlocked and her bathroom regiment consisted of a break every six hours.

Here, you'll follow Annie's account of her kidnapping, the life she was forced to live, the abuse she was forced to endure, through various psychiatric sessions. However, the grand finale isn't the escape. For Annie, there's even more questions to pose after she frees herself....like who was the man? How had he found her, the reason he chose her, and why?

The nightmare only escalades as Annie comes to the realization the the mastermind behind her year of captivation and terror might have been closer than she thought....too close for comfort, as close as the one person she trusted most.

Chevy Stevens has written a novel that, even though you know it's fiction, you get out of bed at night to double checek your windows and doors, you look over your shoulder at the grocery line, and you ask yourself, what if?

5 Stars and counting!

Foolsgold by Susan G. Wooldridge

2010-07-23T09:40:00.000-07:00

Wooldridge has woven a masterpiece of intrincate quotes, life-mirroring acitivities, personal accounts, a whole lot of creative zest for anyone who feels their 'everyday' mundane life events have become suffocating.

Each chapter bears a significant subject of exploration, rather you are speaking to your heart to hear how it feels, or to cheer on it's steady beat all the way to experiencing an artists colony or the burning man. This book is filled to the brim with creative approaches to life which will enchance your earthy experience and leave you marveling the wonder you never knew existed, even in simple activities and gestures.

With literally hundreds of thought (and act) provoking prompts, questions, stories, quotes, and activities, this book is prefectly suitable for the really young, the elderly, and everything in between. You'll find yourself talking to trees, becoming an animal, giving thanks, questioning yourself, and learning valuable lessons that differentiate 'alive' from 'living.'

Kudos for Susan G. Woooldridge, and a book that will change your life!

5 Stars and counting!

A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin

2010-07-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

Hattie is a curious eleven-year-old girl much like any other girl her age, yet her life is anything but normal. Hattie's father is an artist who loves to video tape everything, even people who do not neccessarily wish to be recorded, he is an artist and her mother is a homemaker. They live in the second largest house in the city, are of wealthy decent, yet their house is actually a boarding house. Hattie is never boring, what with the maid/cook and all the snazzy older residents.

She has only one good friend in town, a friend whom is gone for the summer, so Hattie is left to roam the streets in search of her own excitement. However, her world is turned upside down when her eccentric, childish uncle (for which she never knew existed) comes back home to live after the institution for which he lived was shut down.

In the course of just a few months, Hattie finds two best friends and loses them both. She realizes that the word 'normal' is just another way to untruthfully categorize people, just as 'abnormal' is. She also finds the world isn't the safe and boring place she always felt it was.

This book is amazing, as it catapults you into the earlier American life when the days were lazy and a small-town, traveling carnival could change your life!

5 Stars

The Same Stuff as Stars by Katherine Paterson

2010-07-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Angel is used to having to hold everything together, she's also used to watching it fall apart. Life isn't easy for a girl, who at eleven years old, has thoroughly seen the welfare system, been in many foster homes, has a little brother she's responsible for, a dad who is in jail and a mother who could care less.

The apartment they shared was shabby, but atleast it was theirs and they did have color television. However, after a final visit to the prison to see her dad, Angel's mother decides it's time to move on. Before she knows it, Angel and her brother is tossed into a rambling old rundown house of a grandmother they've never met, a grandmother who, up until now, has been perfectly okay with living off canned peaches and beans, glued to an old rocking chair in the kitchen.

After her brother disappears, Angel is again left to run the household. She frequents the towns small library, manages to enroll hereslf and her brother in school, buys the groceries and makes dinner, and finds time to complete her own homework. In those gray hazy days of too-much-responsibility, Angel's only salvation is found in the mysterious 'star man' who brings his telescope into an empty field at night and beneath the secret cover of twilight begins to teach angel about the cosmos.

However, her world comes tumbling down again when her mother takes her brother, and leaves her, her father escapes from prison and tries to take her along for the ride, and her star man dies...

This is a heart-wrenching young adult novel that will bring tears to your eyes and have you making ammends for childhood chances gone awry.

5 Stars

Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata

2010-07-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

Kira kira stands for 'glitter' in the Japanese language. The two small syllables are also a secret code Lynn's sister Katie has taught her to use when she wants to describe something beautiful, or phenomenal. The sky was kira kira, peoples' eyes, small words, secrets, and their childhood lives as they began to unravel.

Lynn and Katie come from a Japanese family, in a small Japanese community in Iowa. When lack of money and jobs force their parents to relocate to Georgia, they lose more than the stability they'd found in their old homeplace, they eventually lose their safety, and each other.

Lynn is beautiful girl. Extremely intelligent, curious, she is a prodigy of sorts as one of the top students in their small schoolhouse in Georgia. She also manages to befriend a popular white girl, which was amazing by the standard of the times. Katie was a plain girl, who agreed she was difficult and took great joy in finding ways to misbehave. However, the one thing the girls had in common was their love of each other, they way they shared the world, and the kira kira they found in such small things.

However, the move to Georgia doesn't exactly bring all the advantages the family hoped for. Both parents work long hours in chicken factories. Katie can't seem to make any friends, a new brother soon arrives, and Katie is a little more than annoyed as Lynn continues to bloom and drift away form her and their seemingly innocent childhood endeavors.

When Lynn becomes sick, the family manages to move to a new house, but the gaiety of the new house is overshadowed by the decline in Lynn's health. Finally, while eavesdropping on a conversation, Katie learns her sister is dying of cancer.

This book is bittersweet. Aimed at young adults, but perfectly suitable for anyone who wishes to have their heartstrings tugged, Kira-Kira will take you into the cultural challenges of being a successful Japanese family in the South before the civil movement.

5 Stars

Gothic Romances

2010-07-23T08:36:00.000-07:00

In June I read two gothic romances:

A Nightmare Legacy
By: Jane Corby

Amanda Vail returns the a perilous island to claim an inheritance from her great uncle, however, someone else wants to lay claim to the inheritance...and Amanda's life. A series of unfortunate 'accidents' almost take Amanda's life, right down to the grand finale that unearths the killer....

Spirit of Cove Island
By: Ruth McCarthy Sears

Melonie Mason returns to her dead uncles secluded island, where her cousin Olivia resides. However, her visit soon turns into a nightmare when she is terrorized, shot at, almost starved, and forced to undergo Olivia's nightly rituals when she fears the spirits at a nearby Indian Burial ground have been resurrected to seek revenge.

I really enjoyed both books, as they are quick reads and are more for entertainment than literarary purposes.

Witch's Castle by Dorothy Daniels

2010-06-18T12:57:00.000-07:00

A young woman, Gale, ventures to Witch's Island to study the possible pollution of the sea water from nearby factories. From the beginning, the villagers seem to have a personal vendetta against Gale, as they fear she's come to shut down the factory and fishing amongst the village waters. However, they also fear she's a descendent of Sarah Dexter, a said-to-be witch who was known to have put curses on the villiagers and their children more than a century earlier.

In her plight for research to support her PhD thesis, several attempts are made on Gales life, she is befriended by a gentle old woman, and she falls in love.

Ultimately, the book ends with several mysteries coming to light, and the remains of Sarah Dexter being uncovered...

As I do all gothic romance novels, I loved this one.

Rating: 5

Strange Dreams Collected Stories and Drawings by Brian Andreas

2010-05-10T12:39:00.000-07:00

This was an enjoyable little book. The book seems to have been self-published by the author back in 1996 as one of several in a series.

The book contains sayings, jokes, little flash pieces of people's lives, wisdom, and poetic after-thought from which I am sure the people and experiences of the author's life played a huge role.

What makes the book even more endearing is the fact that it is littered, throughout, with child's drawings, which ironically sometimes perfectly depict whatever story or parable is given on the same page.

I was delighted with this book and finished it one night right before bed.

5 stars

Never to Die by Alice Brennan

2010-05-10T12:31:00.000-07:00

This one is a gothic romance novel and there were no images available online and I really don't have the energy to haul my laptop across the room and scan the book.

I am, and have always been, a huge fan of gothic romance books. I first discovered this genre in high school and have since then indulged frequently in these light-read mysteries.

In this story, Kathy is newly married to Carter and they have just decided to take a few days vacation to visit his ailing aunt and uncle. Shortly after they arrive, Carter's uncle, Helmut, grows extremely ill and his feeble aunt Helen is unable to care for the man on her own but won't hear of him remaining in a hospital. That's when Kathy offers to stay for an extra few weeks.

Yet, as the days go by Kathy begins to feel quite unlike herself. She grows obsessive about Carter's cousin, Nellie, who died at a very young age in the very same house. Before she knows it, she's beginning to behave and speak in strange ways, ironically not unlike Nellie once did. One such incident is calling Helmut 'Pa' and later knowing Nellies recipes for pie and cole slaw.

As the days grow into weeks Kathy has acquired this uneasy resolve not to leave the farm. Then she mysteriously takes up painting, an activity that was once Nellie's obsession. For some reason she feels she must complete the painting Nellie was working on before she dies.

Kathy's harrowing journey lasts five months, when finally she is whisked away from the farm and back home by doctors order, for her pregnancy is being threatened.

I really enjoyed this book, I read it very quickly.

5 stars

Sharing Sam by Katherine Applegate

2010-05-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

Alison Chapman meets Sam Cody when he crashes his motorcycle near her favorite spot to read. After she helps mend his wounds with her own t'shirt and give him a ride horseback, they part ways. Yet, she can't seem to part from the chills he gave her and the growing attraction she feels for him. You see, Sam is the 'new guy' at school, he's mysterious and goodlooking, and he also seems to share the same attraction with Alison. However, Alison has juste heard news (from her best friend) that her best friend Isabella is dying of brain cancer. Isabella also has a crush on Sam. Alison is selfless in her quest to make Sam date Isabella and allow her that once happy chance at falling in love before she dies.

I don't want to spoil anyone's reading experience by giving away the ending, but let's suffice to say that this is a beautifully moving book of young adult relationships about love, maturing, and going an extra mile for someone you love (which I observe is a rarity in most YA romance novels).

5 stars

Hummingbird Nest by Kristine O'Connell George

2010-05-10T12:10:00.000-07:00

This wonderful little book is narrated by Barry Moser and written by Kristine O'Connell George. Though the book seems to be suitable for a young child I feel it would be well-accepted by readers of all ages. I had a great time reading this with my three year old. The book chronicles a mother hummingbird as she builds her nest, lays eggs, cares for the babies up until the point where the baby birds finally leave the nest on unsteady wings.

I really enjoyed this book, as it was a quick read and the illustrations were delightful. I have now placed it on my daughters bookshelf and she still has a great time rereading it.

5 stars

A Small Update

2010-05-07T05:52:00.000-07:00

I have spent the previous few weeks catching up on homework (and reading too!). I have four book reviews coming up shortly (I hope by tonight).

I actually have also been shopping, and for none other than YA novels! I know I signed up for the YA challenge, and I intend to follow through, so I figured I'd better stock up.

To be honest (and although I like them) every now and then I get burned out on the same chic lit genre of fiction and YA fiction. So...I decided that perhaps I could vicariously relive my adolescent years by reading some of my old favorites. Thus, I have been buying them in bulk on ebay (such a bargain!).

Here are the series I have bought so far:

-Sweet Valley High
-Sweet Valley Senior Year
-Sweet Valley University
-R.L. Stine Fear Street
-Nightmare Hall Series by Diane Hoh
-Nancy Drew on Campus
-Freshman Dorm

I think I'll stop at that. I might not succed in reading all those books just this year, but then there's the YA challenge for next year. I figure I could easily read a book a day, since these are pretty quick and light reads. I actaully grew up and graduated from my girlhood (and from highschool) on the Sweet Valley books. I ended up following them throughout gradeschool all the way into my teenage years. Those books seemed to be constant companions back then so I do hold a fondness for them. I actually have planned to create a Sweet Valley fan site as I trudge my way through that series.

Anyway, I just wanted to provide some sort of update! Enjoy.

Finding Alice by Melody Carlson

2010-04-25T17:32:00.000-07:00

This is an amazing and unforgettable story. Meloday Carlson certainly has proven herself as an extraordinary writer who writes inquisitively on the topic of mental illness. As the book begins, we note that Alice is just your typical 'college girl' struggling with the issues many of us college-aged deal with: moving out on her own, a break-up and the broken fragments of childhood that both keep her away, and pull her towards, home.

This book takes you straight to the heart, and the crazy world of mental illness (specifically schizophrenia). The story is breathtaking in it's entirety, and accurately foretells of a young girl who finds her way down a dark rabbit hole into a nightmarish wonderland and then of the kindred spirits who help take her back to the other side of the looking glass.

I finished reading this sevearal day ago and still can't get it out of my head. I will definitely be reading other books from this author.

Rating: 5 stars and counting!

Cycle of Beauty by John D. Engle, Jr.

2010-04-25T16:30:00.000-07:00

This book was written in 1986 and appears to be another rare copy by this author.

I actually have been able to find a few references on the author after much research and find that he is a writer from Kentucky (the state which is my own home) and his work has been well accepted and recieved recognition from places such as Writers Digest, Saturday Evening Post, Good Housekeeping, and Ladies' Home Journal (just to name a few).

I was able to read this book fairly quickly, as with the last. The book is a great display of the beauty found in nature and the four seasons. The book is quite religious (Christian).

I have a few complaints though, my chapbook copy is in black and white print. I'm not sure it was such a good idea to have illustrations on every page, yet have them black and white. In many of the pictures I am unable to really make out the details of the picture in reference to the piece of poetry shown beside it. I also feel that the poems, in many ways, become each other in the fact that page after page the same thing is said again and again.

Rating: 3

Sea Songs by John D. Engle, Jr.

2010-04-25T16:22:00.000-07:00

For starters, this book appears to be vintage as I've tried in vain to find information of the publisher online.

This is a chapbook of poetry which focuses mostly on the sea. The book is fascinating in it's illustrations, whicih were created by Sharon R. Wesner. Since this book was published originally in 1977, there's not much information (that I can find) in terms of either author though John D. Engle, Jr. has found a wealth of receiving magazines, reviews, and books for his work.

The writer does have much talent and ability to convey the illustrations of seascapes in mere words. However, what I realized as I read this book was the redundency. There's only so many times you can praise the waves, the beach, the moon's shadow across the bay without starting to sound cliche.

I did enjoy this book. I read it cover to cover in about 30 minutes...it was that quick to get through, and have found myself turning the pages yet again to view the various art pieces and to reread a few of my favorite lines and phrases.

Rating: 4

National Poetry Month Celebration...Win TWO FREE books!

2010-04-19T11:16:00.000-07:00

Since I love poetry so much, and because April is the National Poetry Month, I am having my own little celebration here on the blog.

I am giving away an original first printing copy of "Transformations" by Anne Sexton. This is one of my favorite books by Sexton (yes, I have two copies!) and is also a Pulitzer Prize winner! I will ALSO be sending off a copy of one of my own books, a collection of poetry writing prompts. So...if you want your chance at winning these free copies please follow these rules:

1. Follow this blog.
2. Comment below with your name and email address for contact if you are the big winner.
3. The last day of April I will be doing the drawing, and if you are the lucky person, you'll prompty recieve an email requesting an address for postal delivery.

Go ahead, it's easy!!

The Atlanta Review Fall/Winter 2009

2010-04-19T00:46:00.000-07:00

Like any book of poetry, this one reviews an eclectic variety of writers from all walks of life. As so, the writers also talk about everything from modeling for painters to carrying dead bats around in their pockets to chasing bears from their gardens. Sounds like a creative bunch, eh?

I actaully did enjoy reading this book/issue very much. As with all my books of poetry, there are many dog-eared pages (it's a thing I have, when I read a book of poems, I always doggy-ear my favorite ones so I can find them again when I want to reread). Just as well, as with most collections of poetry, some of these poems left me scratching my chin after reading. Again, some others built me up really well only to let me down hard towards the end.

This probably has much to do with my personal preferences, as it's obvious the writers are quite talented. It's just that some of the subject matter isn't quite as interesting as it is...well-written.

If you like poetry and you want to find some new contemporary poets (international ones at that) then grab yourself a copy!

Rating of 4

A Few More 2010 Challenges

2010-04-16T18:24:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Harlequin/Silhouette
Romance Reading Challenge

Rules:

1) Challenge is from Jan 1 to Dec 31

2) All of the books must be from the Harlequin family of imprints

3) Read one book for each requirement

Requirements:

1) Read 1 book with a weather condition in the title (i.e. storm, rain, snow)

2) Read 1 book with a person's name in the title (i.e. Mary, John)

3) Read 1 book with a title in the title (i.e. King, Prince, Princess, Sheik)

4) Read 1 book with a color in the title (i.e. red, blue, white)

5) Read 1 book by an author whose last name begins with the letter "R"

6) Read 1 book with an element in the title (earth, water, fire, air, spirit)

Other information:

1) Please join the challenge by commenting with a link to your post (I'll start a participant blog roll)

2) A list is not necessary and may be changed at any time

3) Books can be in any format - paper, audio, ebook

4) Books may be used for other challenges

5) Go to eHarlequin for book information, anything you can purchase there counts for the challenge.

As I complete this challenge I will post the book titles under each required section.

EBook Challenge

This challenges was previously hosted by J. Kaye's Book Blog. When J. Kaye kindly offered to let Royal Reviews take over running this host we were very excited.

A couple of the Royal Reviewers myself included do not live in the US. We live in Australia and E-Book Readers are not easily available, so it was a very exciting day when we discovered that Kindle has been released for the Australian market. So are very exciting that we can participate in the E-Book Challenge.

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

--Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are four levels:

-- Curious – Read 3 E-Books.

-- Fascinated – Read 6 E-Books.

-- Addicted – Read 12 E-Books.

-- Obsessed – Read 20 E-Books.

3. Any genre counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.

I am going for the Obsessed (20 book) Challenge! I will list my titles below as I read them!

Audio Book Challenge

This challenge was previously hosted by J. Kaye's Book Blog. When J. Kaye kindly offered to let Royal Reviews take over running this host we jumped at the chance.

With most of us having IPods or MP3 players these days listening to audio books has become an easy activity. Personally doing housework, driving the kids to school or sitting waiting for soccer training to finish has never been more enjoyable.

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

--Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are four levels:

-- Curious – Listen to 3 Audio Books.

-- Fascinated – Listen to 6 Audio Books.

-- Addicted – Listen to 12 Audio Books.

-- Obsessed – Listen to 20 Audio Books.

3. Audio books only.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.

I am going to go for the Addicted (12 book) Challenge. I think this will be pretty easy, as I can listen to them while I do other things. I will list my books below as I read them.

Romance Challenge

This is the second year we have run the Romance Reading Challenge. Although this year it will be a little different with more options for those die hard lovers of Romance novels. This challenge includes all sub genres of Romance i.e. paranormal, young adult, historical etc. So this should give you plenty of options.

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

--Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are four levels:

-- Curious – Read 3 Romance Fiction novels.

-- Fascinated – Read 6 Romance Fiction novels.

-- Addicted – Read 12 Romance Fiction novels.

-- Obsessed – Read 20 Romance Fiction novels.

3. Any book format counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.

I am going to go for the Obsessed (20 books) challenge, as many of the YA and other books I read will also fall under this challenge.

My List:

1. Forever by Judy Blume
2. The Girl Who Wanted a Boy by Paul Zindel
3. The Invisible Trap by Genevieve St. John

4. The Legacy of Greenbrier by J.H. Rhodes

5. The Phantom Lights by J.H. Rhodes
6. Blue Pills by Frederik Peeters
7. Never To Die by Alice Brennan
8. Sharing Sam by Kathering Applegate

9. Never To Die Alice Brennan
10. Witch's Castle by Dorothy Daniels

11. A Nightmare Legacy by Jane Corby
12. Spirit of Cove Island by Ruth McCarthy Sears

13. Enchanted Grotto by Veronica Black
14. Perfect Family by Jerrie Oughton

Finish That Series Challenge

This is an opportunity for you to finish all of those series that have been sitting on your book shelf looking at you. I don't know about you but I have quite a few. With this challenge you count series completed, not books read. I have a series with 20 books in it, although I'm not sure I'll include this one, it doesn't matter how many books are in the series or if you've read most of them and only have one or two left to read. The object of this challenge is to finish the series.

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

--Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are four levels:

-- Curious – Finish 2 series.

-- Fascinated – Finish 3 series.

-- Addicted – Finish 5 series.

-- Obsessed – Finish 10 series.

3. Any genre counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.

I am going to go for the Obsessed (10 Series) Challenge.

Series I plan to read:

1. V.C. Andrews- Heavenstone Series
2. V.C. Andrews- Shadow Series
3. V.C. Andrews- Delia Series
4. V.C. Andrews- Early Spring Series
5. R.L. Stine- Seniors
-#1 Let's Party!

6. R.L. Stine- Silent Night Series - READ!
7. R.L. Stine- Fear Park
8. R.L. Stine- Fear Street Saga
9. R.L. Stine- Cataluna Chronicles
10. R.L. Stine- 99 Fear Street

The Girl Who Wanted a Boy by Paul Zindel

2010-04-15T15:00:00.000-07:00

This book was a very quick read, but still enjoyable.

We have Sibella (a science whiz) who falls in love with a picture of a boy she finds in a newspaper advertisement. She spends several days fantasizing about him and writing to her diary about how much in love she has fallen with him. Later she actaully goes to the racetrack of the advertisement (where she assumes) he works, and tracks him down. That very same night she tries to give him some very expensive tools (bought for her by her father) and then goes on to confeess that she is in love with him, she feels they are meant for each other and she wants to help him make his dreams come true.

Through a series of meetings (always Sibella chasing him down) she manages to find his rejection several times, and she gets to know a bit about him (his parents threw him out, he states to her that he is a 'bum,' he is a highschool drop out, and he likes to get drunk on a daily basis).

However, Sibella still believes in true love and that he is the one for her, so much so that she takes her life savings (several thousand dollars) and buys him a used van to live in. At first he becomes angry, he tells her what a loser she is, how he's ashamed to be seen with her, and that she's ugly, then he runs away. She spends several days in a deep depresesion, and on Christmas Eve he comes to visit her. They take a walk, he tells her he's moving to Florida, and he actaully does end up taking the van in the end.

I did enjoy this book but I found it to be a bit unrealistic. First of all, unless she has some sort of psychiatric problems, a fifteen year old girl just doesn't behave the way Sibella does, nor does she go to such extremes for a boy she barely knows. Secondly, many relationships were discussed in this book (Sibella with her mother, sister, and father) yet they were never fully paid their due attention.

Though this book is written for young adults/teens I feel the dynamics of the relationships could have been covered a bit more deeply.

4/5

Forever by Judy Blume

2010-04-15T14:30:00.001-07:00

This was, in my opinion, a very accurate account of 'first love,' specifically that of which happends during highschool. The story is written from the viewpoint of the girl (Katherine) and chronicles the relationship she has with her boyfriend.

Throughout this book, I couldn't help but be drawn back to my own highschool relationships with boyfriend whom I thought I'd be with 'forever.' Though there were a few, just like Katherine's story, the romance surely sizzled after a while.

I really enjoyed this story but I disagree where readers have labeled this book for 'young or preteens' the book definitely is for older teens and has lots of sexual content as well as some bad language.

I was irritated a bit with how abruptly the story ended. The author spent plenty of time on the specifics of the relationship up until the part where the two went their separate ways for summer jobs (still in love and vowing to be together forever). Then you get a series of letters written back and forth, and a few more pages of story where Katherine has met another guy. Everything just seems so rushed to get the book over with...I would really have appreciated having the book go into more detial about that new relationship, and I would like to have known what happend to Micheal (the ex boyfriend). We also never get to know what happened to Artie (their fellow classmate/friend who was confined a mental ward after attempting suicide).

Overall this is a quick, light read and it is enjoyable and engrossing. So I give it a rating of 4/5.

Keeping Tabs

2010-04-11T19:30:00.000-07:00

I just really needed one blog where I could write down everything I needed to keep track up as far as the challenges go, so here we are.

I need to:

-Read 100 books this year

-Read 75 YA books this year

-Check out 100 books from the local library
April 13th- 22 checked out so far!

-Read 5 books about women, written by women, below are two:
1. Emma by Jane Austen
2. The Complete Persepolis
3. Little Women by Louise Alcott
4.
5.

-Read 100 short stories this year

Women Unbound Reading Challenge for 2010

2010-04-11T19:07:00.000-07:00

Of course, it's feminist and about women...so I gotta do it, right?

The idea is to read at least 5 books (about and written by women) and two of those five books have to be nonfiction.

>>Bluestocking: read at least five books, including at least two nonfiction ones.<<

My Reading List:

1. Emma by Jane Austen
2. The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
3. Little Women by Louise Alcott

(I'm not sure which nonfiction books I'm going to go with, so I'm going to roll that around in my head for a while).

Can't wait to get started!

100 Shots of Short

2010-04-11T18:47:00.000-07:00

Rob Around Books is hosting this challenge.

There is no time limit, pretty much the objective is to read 100 short stories.

I'll be posting them here as I complete them.

2010 Support Your Local Library Reading Challenge

2010-04-11T18:12:00.001-07:00

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.--Non-Bloggers: Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post. To learn how to sign up without having a blog, click here.

2. There are four levels:--The Mini – Check out and read 25 library books.--Just My Size – Check out and read 50 library books.--Stepping It Up – Check out and read 75 library books.--Super Size Me – Check out and read 100 library books.(Aim high. As long as you read 25 by the end of 2010, you are a winner.)

3. Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Young Reader – any book as long as it is checked out from the library count. Checked out like with a library card, not purchased at a library sale.

4. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.

5. Crossovers from other reading challenges count.

6. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.

7. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to your post where your library books will be listed. Include the URL to this post so that other viewers can find this fun challenge. If you’d prefer to put your list in the sidebar of your blog, please leave your viewers the link to the sign up page. Again, so viewers can join the challenge too.

****You do NOT need to review your books. That is optional.****

I am going to go with the Super Size me 100 book challenge. Many of those 100 books will be for my little one (she's three and loves story books, usually lol). Although, I will probably grab a book or two every now and then. Right now I borrow most of my books from Books Free (an online library) and my membership there is $17 a month, so I really hate to pay that and not use it.

I will list the books we borrow below, and many may well be childrens books. Still....the goals is to check out 100 by years end!

April 13th Update:

Yesterday I went scouring my local public library (in my opinion their collection of YA books is highly lacking and disappointing) and managed to find a few good YA reads (for the contest) as well as some childrens books for my daughter. You will find them listed below:

YA Books

1. Girls in Pants- The Third Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashires
2. 3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows by Ann Brashires
3. Honey, Baby, Sweetheart by Deb Caletti
4. Fancy White Trash by Marjetta Geerling
5. Gorgeous by Rachel Vail
6. Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
7. Breaking Up by Norma Klein
8. Pretty Little Devils by Nancy Holder
9. Perfect Family by Jerrie Oughton
10. Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata
11. A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin
12. The Moon on a String by Tricia Springstubb
13. The Same Stuff as Stars by Katherine Patterson
14. The Girl Who Wanted a Boy by Paul Zindel
15. Forever by Judy Blume

Children's Books

16. Ducky's Season by Dick McCue
17. Picture Me Colors
18. My Friends by Taro Gomi
19. Color Crunch by Charles Reasoner
20. Picture Me Words
21. Look Kitten by Emanuel Schongut
22. Mealtime Words by Sue Stitt

2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge

2010-04-11T18:04:00.000-07:00

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.--Non-Bloggers: Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post. To learn how to sign up without having a blog, click here.

2. There are four levels:--The Mini YA Reading Challenge – Read 12 Young Adult novels.
--Just My Size YA Reading Challenge – Read 25 Young Adult novels.
--Stepping It Up YA Reading Challenge – Read 50 Young Adult novels.
--Super Size Me YA Reading Challenge – Read 75 Young Adult novels.

3. Audio, eBooks, re-reads all count.

4. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.

6. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to your post where your Young Adult novels will be listed. Include the URL so that other viewers can find this fun challenge. If you’d prefer to put your list in the sidebar of your blog, please leave your viewers the link to the sign up page. Again, so viewers can join the challenge too.

****You do NOT need to review your books. That is optional.****

So friends, I am going for the Just My Size YA Challenge (25 books) ! I have been meaning to read more YA here lately (especially chick lit) and just haven't gotten around to it...now I have all the more reason.

MY LIST:

1. Forever by Judy Blume
2. The Girl Who Wanted a Boy by Paul Zindel
3. Hummingbird Nest by Kristine O'Connell George
4. Sharing Sam by Katherine Applegate
5. Dead End by R.L. Stine
6. SVH: Double Love by Francine Pascal
7. SVH: Secrets by Francine Pascal
8. SVH: Playing With Fire
9. SVH: Power Play
10. R.L. Stine Seniors: Let's Party!
11. SVH: All Night Long
12. SVH: Dangerous Love
13. SVH: Dear Sister
14. SVH: Heart Breaker
15. A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin
16. The Same Stuff as Stars by Katherin Paterson
17. Kira Kira by Cynthia Kadohata
18. SVH #9
19. SVH #10
20. Silent Night 1 by R. L. Stine
21. Silent Night 2 by R.L. Stine
22. Silent Night 3 by R.L. Stine
23. Bad Dreams by R.L. Stine
24. College Weekend by R.L. Stine
25. Secret Admirer by R.L. Stine

CHALLENGE COMPLETED!!!

100 Book Reading Challenge

2010-04-11T17:55:00.000-07:00

1. The goal is to read 100 or more books. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.--Non-Bloggers: Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post. To learn how to sign up without having a blog, click here.

2. Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Manga, Graphic Novels, Library books, Novellas, Young Reader, Nonfiction – as long as the book has an ISBN or equivalent or can be purchased as such, the book counts.What doesn't count: Individual short stories or individual books in the Bible.

3. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.

4. Crossovers from other reading challenges count.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010. Books started before the 1st do not count.

6. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to your post where your books will be listed. Include the URL to this post so that other viewers can find this fun challenge. If you’d prefer to put your list in the sidebar of your blog, please leave your viewers the link to the sign up page. Again, so viewers can join the challenge too.

Ok, so far here is my list:

January:

1. Precious by Saphire
2. White Oleander by Janet Fitch
3. Blue Pills by Frederik Peeters
4. A Coney Island of the Mind by Lawrence Ferlinghetti
6. The Invisible Trap by Genevieve St. John

February:

1. Crow Lake by Mary Lawson
2. The Legacy of Greenbrier by J.H. Rhodes
3. The Phantom Lights by J.H. Rhodes

March:

1. Haggards Cove by Mary Kay Simmons

April:

1. Literacy and Longing in L.A. by Jennifer Kaufman and Karen Mack
2. Forever by Judy Blume
3. The Girl Who Wanted a Boy by Paul Zindel
4. Atlanta Review Fall/Spring Issue 2009
5. Sea Songs by John D. Engle, Jr
6. Cycle of Beauty by John D. Engle, Jr
7. Finding Alice by Melody Carlson
8. Hummingbird Nest by Kristine O'Connell George
9. Sharing Sam by Katherine Applegate
10. Strange Dreams Collected Stories and Drawings by Brian Andreas

May:

1. Never to Die by Alice Brennan
2. Fighting Off The Sun by Jeffrey S. Callico
3. Unmentionables by Beth Ann Fennelly
4. Cave Wall Poetry Issue Number 6
5. SVH: Double Love by Francine Pascal
6. SVH: Secrets by Francine Pascal
7. Dead End by R.L. Stine
8. The Lyric: Summer 2009 Issue
9. The Lyric: Fall 2009 Issue
10. SVH: Playing With Fire
11. SVH: Power Play
12. R.L. Stine Seniors: Let's Party!
13. The Lyric Winter 2010 Issue
14. SVH: All Night Long
15. SVH: Dangerous Love
16. SVH: Dear Sister
17. SVH: Heart Breaker

June:

1. Witch's Castle by Dorothy Daniels
2. Foolsgold by Susan G. Wooldridge
3. A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin
4. The Same Stuff as Stars by Katherine Paterson

July:

1. Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata
2. A Nightmare Legacy by Jane Corby
3. Spirit of Cove Island by Ruth McCarty Sears
4. Still Missing by Chevy Stevens

August:

1. Enchanted Grotto by Janet Black
2. The Perfect Family by Jerrie Oughton

September:

1. SVH #9 by Francine Pascal
2. SVH #10 by Francine Pascal

December:

1. College Weekend by R.L. Stine
2. Bad Dreams by R.L. Stine
3. Silent Night 1 by R.L. Stine
4. Silent Night 2 by R.L. Stine
5. Silent Night 3 by R.L. Stine
6. Secret Admirer by R.L. Stine
7. New Ballads by Rod McKuen

Total Books Read in 2010: 56!!!

Crow Lake by Mary Lawson

2010-04-10T22:44:00.000-07:00

This lovely story chronicles the stories and lives of two separate families. These families are neighbors of sorts in the wildness of a tiny town in Ontario.
The Pye family is dysfunctional in the way abuse is handed down so freely from generation to generation. All the while the Morrison family is dealing with their own excruciating and immediate loss as the four children lose their parents to an automobile collision.

As the course of the story unwinds, the narrator (Kate, third oldest of the Morrison children) tells the story alternating between the present (and her issues, life in the present setting) and the past (the aftermath of losing her parents and how their lives become intertwined with the lives of the Pye family).

Overall, this story is really about life’s hardships, growing from them, forgiveness, and learning to live with (and ultimately accept) the hand of fate we’re dealt.

Great story. 5

Literacy and Longing in L.A. by Jennifer Kaufman and Karen Mack

2010-04-10T21:39:00.000-07:00

I absolutely loved this book! I could totally relate to the heroine, Dora, whose life is a mess, yet she finds a certain solitude in none other than…books!

Throughout the book, Dora reflects on her life (and past) all the while struggling with real life situations like the advice of her ex-alcoholic mother, the two men in her life (one from the past and one from the present), and the problem of getting of her rear and finding another job (she’s been jobless for five years and counting).

Perhaps what’s most charming about this novel is the ‘realness’ of the situations and the dilemmas Dora faces.

Rating: 5

Blue Pills: A Positive Love Story by Frederik Peeters

2010-04-10T21:37:00.000-07:00

First of all, you’ll like the pun of the title once you start reading the book. This is a very cute story about a young man who begins a relationship with Cati (who is HIV positive and has a small son who is HIV positive as well). I think what I appreciated most about the novel is how the disease isn’t showcased in such a negative light. By this I mean, the narrator doesn’t treat Cati like she has the black plague, rather they just learn how to be careful during the course of their relationship.

This book is a quick read (I read it in about an hour or so) and is a graphic novel with beautifully detailed illustrations. During the length of the story, the narrator is forced, over and over, to reflect and analyze his own mortality.

A great story and a light read.

Rating: 4

White Oleander by Janet Fitch

2010-04-10T21:35:00.001-07:00

After reading just the first page of this novel, I knew I’d have trouble putting it down, and after reading the first chapter I knew I’d have trouble ever forgetting the story of Ingrid and Astrid.

First let me say that the book is written with such beautiful, poetic language that one can easily get lost just in the descriptions, metaphors and the prose-like descriptions. Yet, that doesn’t take away from the overall story. If anything, it makes it all the more worthwhile. As someone that devours poetry on a daily basis, the poetic language and writing style of the author was a major plus.

The story covers the span of Astrid’s complete teenage years from 12 years and on. At the opening of the book, she’s recalling the summer when her mother killed her own lover. Of course, her mother goes to jail and Astrid is left to suffer through numerous foster families, abuse, rejection, she’s even attacked by wild dogs and at one point nearly dies due to gun shots from one of her foster mothers.

In the end though, Astrid will learn the secrets her mother holds. She’ll also find her way as an artist and as a women who will finally find freedom from a selfish mother who never looked hard enough to see who Astrid was or who she might become.

This is an amazing book and is one of my all-time favorites.

Amongst my favorite passages, the following is my favorite, written in a letter (while in prison) from Ingrid to her daughter Astrid:

“Loneliness is the human condition. Cultivate it. The way it tunnels into you allows your soul room to grow. Never expect to outgrow loneliness. Never hope to find people who will understand you, someone to fill that space. An intelligent, sensitive person is the exception, the very great exception. If you expect to find people who will understand you, you will grow murderous with disappointment. The best you’ll ever do is to understand yourself, know what it is that you want, and not let the cattle stand in your way.”

Rating: 5

Beach Girls by Luanne Rice

2010-04-10T21:33:00.001-07:00

I had a hard time putting this book down and finished it in about two sittings. The book chronicles the past, while focusing on the present surrounding the close friendships of three best friends. Since their girlhood summers at the beach in which they termed themselves ‘Beach Girls’ the women have seemed to sort of drift apart.

One becomes a famous illustrator/author and manages to undergo several unhappy marriages. The other two get married and begin families. However, one of those beach girls died, and she died with secrets.

Now, a few years later, the stories of the three women will all come to light on Hubbard’s point. At last they find answers to secret questions, love, understanding, and each other.

Rating: 4

Bufflehead Sisters by Patricia J. Delois

2010-04-10T21:32:00.001-07:00

This is a book that truly seems to possess the ability to observe the strength of the human spirit through the circumstances, decisions, and issues Sophie faces from an early age. With a psychotic mother and a negligent father ( who is also a successful doctor), Sophie finds a sister in Janet (a fellow classmate) and a family in Janet’s family.

The book chronicles their friendship all the way into adulthood. Janet ends up being the ‘good’ girl who does everything right as Sophie spirals into self-destruction. All the while, Janet is there to aid her wayward friend.

Then there’s the HUGE secret that finally tears their friendship apart for several years, yet towards the end they finally find each other again and Sophie seems to finally begin to actually grow from the hardships of her past.
There are several small ‘sub-stories’ within this book, and what the story really boils down to is the experiences, and problems of two dysfunctional families and the two girls who find themselves as ‘sisters’ of sorts.
I would rate this book 5

Precious by Sapphire

2010-04-10T21:29:00.000-07:00

In this heart-wrenching story, Precious is an abused teenager. So far the school system she has attended has passed her from grade to grade, yet now as a highschool student she still cannot read. In addition to this she’s been forced to endear physical, sexual and mental abuse since she was a toddler. Before finally leaving, her father raped her almost daily, and even her mother sexually abused and beat her often. As the story begins, Precious is pregnant with her second child (both by her father) As the story unfolds one observes the beauty of the human spirit as Precious makes the decision that she wants an education. She wants to break the cycle of abuse and ignorance and she doesn’t want to end up depending on ‘welfare’ for the rest of her life. She finds an alternative school where she meets an inspiring teacher and several other girls who aid her (through their own experiences) in finding her way. Yet Precious has yet another feat to overcome, in his mother’s only visit to the shelter she resides in, she bears the news that Precious might have HIV.

I truly enjoyed this book in the fact that it not only highlighted some important social issues which most writers today tend to evade, but the book is also inspirational as it displays a girl who came from nothing, yet has grown so much in just the small span of a few years.

Some important passages from the book that made an impact on me and I feel are worth sharing:
“I big, I talk, I cooks, I laugh, watch TV, do what my muver say. But I can see when the picture come back I don’t exist. Don’t nobody want me. Don’t nobody need me. I know who I am. I know who they say I am – vampire sucking the system’s blood. Ugly black grease to be wipe away, punish, kilt, changed, finded a job for.
I wanna say I am somebody. I wanna say it on subway, TV, movie, LOUD. I see the pink faces in suits look over top my head. I watch myself disappear in their eyes, their tesses. I talk loud but still I don’t exist.”
Another very meaningful passage I found touching in the book and that really made me reflect was towards the end, in her poem titled Harlem Butch, Jermaine (one of Preciou’s classmates at the alternative school) speaks of her life as a lesbian who feels more like a man than a woman. She’s spend much of her life being abused, beaten and dismissed due to the way she has chosen to live, in her poem she poses (in comparison to who and what she is) “Does a river ever run wrong.”

I rate this book as a 5…nothing less. It’s gripping, thought-provoking and it highlights lots of issues that many writers like to hide away from rather than confront in their fiction.

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

2009-11-29T21:41:00.001-08:00

I was so ecstatic to hear that this book is being made into a movie. A friend of mine showed me previews of the movie and I am awaiting the release giddily. Though, I will admit, I am one of those people who feels that books made into movies (no matter how good the book, or movie) the movie is never quite as good as the book, nor does it always depict and resemble with enough accuracy the chain of events as one remembers reading them.

I like books more than television and movies for several reasons. First of all, I like to imagine and visualize for myself what things look like…that is part of the beauty of reading someone else’s descriptions…not merely seeing descriptions which have been manipulated and fabricated through cinema.

I love this book for many reasons. I love the realness of the characters. I love how the event is being analyzed by the narrator who actually is deceased and watching everything unfold from heaven.

I fell in love with Susie and her account of events. I also couldn’t help but be drawn into the web of events, which was her family, and I kept rooting for the good outcome in each of their situations.

I also loved the descriptions of heaven and the ever-after, which according to Sebold is anything you want it to be.

And, although fiction, this book inspires us to believe in the other side. Of the goodness of people in general, despite the horrendous attack and death of the narrator.

This is a book I will never cease to brag about and recommend to friends and other fellow readers.
If you haven’t read it yet, shame on you! It’s okay though, just go check it out, buy it. Right now.

Lucky by Alice Sebold

2009-11-29T21:40:00.000-08:00

This book is utterly gripping. I was drawn into this story by so many facets of interest. First being that back when I first read it, and still so, I was a Human Services major. I am also proactive in preventing rape, advocating for rape victims and so on. Just as well, when I first read this book I was a freshman in college (just as the narrator was) and could relate to her on a personal level in terms of her interests, personality, friendships, and strength.

The memoir is one girls personal account of being raped as a college freshman. Throughout this book you will see the narrator as she comes to grips with what’s happened, as she fights to have her assailant charged with the crimes he committed, as she finds her way through college, navigates friendships, and learns to deal with her problems head-on instead of merrily letting the events of the past continue to control and manipulate her.

I fell in love with the story. I learned so much from this book and it was so easy to read, so descriptive and prose-like.

You will definitely not be disappointed reading this. I recommend it to everyone, especially women and especially to those who have been victims themselves.

Please Stop Laughing At Me by Jodee Blanco

2009-11-29T21:36:00.000-08:00

I first found this book my freshman year of college. I was no longer in high school yet my high school memories were still all too vivid to me.

This book is actually autobiographical rather than fiction, and it is one girls true account of being bullied and victimized during her high school years. Although I wasn’t terrorized to the extent that the narrator was (being spit upon and mercilessly attacked and harassed by her fellow students), I did experience some bullying to various degrees during my years of public school (and come on, what school is without at least one jealous, crazed psycho who has mental disorders which have not yet been identified?).

The story was heartbreaking yet the narrator is a brave spirit who seems to have matured and came out the stronger for her bad experiences. Not only did she transpire to flourish on the outside, she also managed to redo her insides as well.

Truly poignant and with an ending we can all relate to with a smile, I loved this book.

If you were ever a teenager, if you have ever been made fun of or victimized…if you like to read, you need to take a look at this book.

I love it. I recommend it.

Granny Dan by Danielle Steel

2009-11-29T21:34:00.000-08:00

First of all I just want to have it known that of all the books I’ve read of this author (which is quite a few) this is my absolute favorite. This book is so original, and by far is not to be confused with romance novels.

This is a story rich in historical detail. It’s about the people you love, admire, who have inspired you. It’s about their past, their hearts, their memories, and the parts of you that have become you, unawares.

When she dies, Granny Dan leaves behind a box of letters and tiny pieces of remembrance for her granddaughter, who never really knew her.

This is a captivating and beautifully told story which draws you into the world of Granny Dan. While reading this book I felt as if I were taking a trip into the past, getting better acquainted with people, places, and events which I’d never experienced.

Absolutely recommend this book. You will not be wasting your time!

The Long Road Home by Danielle Steel

2009-11-29T21:33:00.001-08:00

This book is about a girl named Gabrielle whose earliest memories and childhood is maimed by accounts of abuse. She grew up on a home with a cruel and unrelenting mother and a father who was too much of a coward to take up for her.
Yet, she is able to find relief of some form when her mother abandons her to a nuns covenant and runs off, never to return. There she finds a new life in the regularity and predictable chores and faith. However, upon befriending a priest, she finds herself falling in love, which leads to yet more heartache as she is forced out of the covenant into a world where she is left to her own devices.

Throughout the book, Gabriella is faced with heartbreak, betrayal, yet from the dust for which her hopes of happiness and love have fallen, a new life does arise. A life for which she can look herself in the mirror and know she’s not to blame for the mistakes of others.

This is a very heartbreaking book, at the same time it’s inspirational and delves deep into the strength of the human spirit.
I loved every page and especially love the strength, determination, and unfaltering goodness of the main character. In real life, she’d be a force to reckon with, just as well she’d be as rare a gem as this book is to the world of romance novels.

Secrets by Danielle Steel

2009-11-29T21:32:00.000-08:00

Though I try my best to stay away from books about movie stars and the celebrity life and blah blah blah, I actaully enjoyed this book and was drawn into it as the story progressed.

I was particularly drawn to the main character, Sabina, who lives amongst a loveless marriage with a husband who is both cruel and demeaning. Her children are almost as bad, admiring their father and turning against her easily. Sabina has to hide her career life and the one thing she’s most passionate about: acting.

Yet, finally she finds the courage to seek out her dreams when a huge offer to expanding her career was offered. At the same time, her marriage falls apart.

The book is moving, and teaches one that sometimes in order to find the stars, you have to close your eyes and reach out blindly. The heroine in this book took her chances in leaving her comfortable, dependable life and family in search of finding something more.
I recommend this book to romance readers who are looking for a love story with a little more.

Loving by Danielle Steel

2009-11-29T21:31:00.000-08:00

Bettina is a protected and secluded girl who lives the life of the rich, glamorous and prestigious. She is the daughter of a famous writer, yet upon his death her life takes a downward spiral.

In addition to losing her father, the only person for whom she really has, she also loses almost everything else when she realizes the secrets her father was keeping: he was in debt and on the verge of losing everything. And that’s what happens with Bettina, she loses everything.

After having her life turned upside down she befriends her fathers older friend, has an affair, yet he ends it because he knows Bettina needs to have a chance to be young and he doesn’t want to limit her.

Afterwards she actually finds her dreams in writing, and she also finally finds true love.

This was a pretty good book. Not as good as Zoya or Granny Dan. The biggest problem was this book is the fact that I could already sense and figure out the plot and what was going to happen next.

Skeletons by Kate Wilhelm

2009-11-29T21:30:00.002-08:00

I was first attracted to this book for two reasons. First, I loved the main character, Lee Donne. She sounded like my kind of girl, twenty-something and no idea what she was doing or where in life she was going. Thus, she ends up house sitting for her grandfather.

Yet, what would have seemingly been a boring, routing kind of activity leads to lots of excitement, danger, and one huge mystery as she is terrorized by strange noises, weird happenings, and on big twist at the surprise ending.

This was a rather quick read, and it was quite a page-turner. The titled is excellent for the ending/mystery of the book. Very witty.

I’d highly recommend it to those who enjoy suspense and mystery.

Summer Sisters by Judy Blume

2009-11-29T21:30:00.001-08:00

I found this gem one summer while doing some boring temp work. I became so engrossed in the book that I could not put it down and actually got wrote up at my job for reading when I was supposed to be working (laugh out loud).

I read this one in two days, although I could have easily finished reading it in one sitting (that’s truly how engrossing it is).

The book changes setting and narration from character to character (with up to four characters) and chronicles friendships that begin in the late 70’s, particularly a friendship between Victoria Leonard and Caitlin Somers on the beautiful Martha’s Vineyard.

This book is about friendship, yet it is about so much more. I became so easily attached to the main characters, and was swept away by the story and turn of events.

This book will having you turning pages long into the night, guessing, crying, laughing, and asking the question “why?”

I revisited my childhood and my long lost friendships so much as I read this book.

Truly amazing and captivating story. Easily one of my all-time favorites.

Summer's End by Danielle Steel

2009-11-29T21:28:00.000-08:00

This book is about the beautiful and enigmatic artist Deanna Duras. Ever beautiful and passionate about her work, she seems to be trapped in a loveless marriage where her husband dominates her life (and hates her work as a painter) and her teenage daughter attacks her at every given chance.

Throughout the story, I found myself rooting for Deanna when she found love outside her marriage, I also found myself screaming into the pages when she wouldn’t stand up for herself when it came to her daughter and her own right to happiness.

Yet, after a tragic accident, Deanna is pulled back to her cheating husband, only to find there is nothing left to go back to. At the same time, she has become pregnant and has taken flight from her new lover.

I won’t ruin the story by telling the ending, but I really enjoyed this one. I recommend it, it’s not your everyday romance jargon.

Room-Mating Season by Rona Jaffe

2009-11-29T21:27:00.000-08:00

Fans of chic lit with some intelligence will really enjoy Jaffe’s books.

This story is about four roommates who share a townhouse. Three of them are close friends, one ends up being the odd girl out. This is disclosed at the beginning of the book, then after three of the girls go away, they come back to find that the odd girl has mysteriously fallen off the roof to her death.

The whole book follows each of the women, and four stories of life, careers, heartbreak, relationships and friendships are chronicled over the span of their lifetime(s) into middle age.
The book is also about finding the ‘one,’ and finding happiness at the same time.

I couldn’t stop turning the pages. This book was awesome!

Zoya by Danielle Steel

2009-11-29T21:26:00.001-08:00

This is an incredible story that chronicles one woman’s life from the Russian Revolution in 1917 to the late 80’s.

This book is one of my favorites by the author and kept me flipping the pages with fervor. I loved the twists and all the quick turn of events which brought the characters to life and made them all the more real.

It will be very easy for one to be swept into this book. At first glance I figured the book would be all historical and boring, a mirroring of history and important events. Yet it is a dramatization, a journey to embark upon from chapter to chapter as you watch Zoya’s life unfold through her dancing career, loss of family, and various relationships.
Five stars. Highly recommended.

The Book of Bright Ideas by Sandra Kring

2009-09-08T22:27:00.001-07:00

I don't think I've ever used this term to describe a book, but this story was beautiful. I couldn't put it down and was drawn from one chapter to the other with such ease that I felt I was part of the setting, rather than merely 'reading' it.

Ten-year-old Winnalee (who loves to play dress up, has a vivid imagination, is witty and carries her dead ma around in a silver urn) and her sister Freeda (wild and free with a penchant for doing exactly what she feels like without guilt or explanation) come into a tiny, sleepy town of Wisconsin and leave it forever changed.

This story is about so much more than characters, a sleepy town, a tiny plot and an ending. Once you begin to read it, you are drawn into the lives of everyday 'people,' not fairy-tale-like characters, but people as real as you, or me, or your next door neighbor. The book is about friendship, change, facing the past, not running from your problems, growing up, and the true value of the human spirit.

I was so drawn into the story that I actually felt a bit attached to the characters and was sad when the last page was turned.

This is a rare gem. Believe that and have it validated when you read it.

This author is one for whom I plan to read in depth.

Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld

2009-09-08T21:35:00.000-07:00

This is, without a doubt, one of the best books I've read in a few years. I put it up there with I'll Take You There by Joyce Carol Oates (also amazing!).

The story is about a girl named Lee. Though intelligent and introspective, at fourteen years old she lets glamourized brochures of boarding schools with beautiful teenagers and high-societal extracurricular activities of the 'rich and privaledged.' She applies to several of these boarding schools, and upon being accepted to one she also gets a scholarship.

The book chronicles Lee's experience from her first day as freshman till graduation. From the first time she has sex and finding a best friend to rumors and formal dinners. Though you might not see it unless you take a few seconds to pause an analyze her experiences and the way she thinks, you will see a them unravel which teaches an important lesson: don't think too much, never look too hard, and live your life to your own liking without worrying so much about whether or not the girl down the hall will view you critically.

I don't want to give away all the juicy details, but the book is consuming once you begin. Over all, this read is interesting and hard to put down once you get into it.

I definitely recommend it.

I'll Take You There by Joyce Carol Oates

2009-09-08T21:28:00.001-07:00

I was so captivated by this book from the first page...the first paragraph even, that it was hard not to wonder what Anellia was up to when I wasn't reading it.

Set in the 60's with the backdrop of the civil movement, Anellia (who seems to be an outcast in a family of three brothers, uncaring grandparents and a dad who passed away after running from his responsibilities) seems to carry with her a guilt for the death of her mother (who died shortly after giving birth to Anellia).

The book chronicles Aneallia's college experience in joining a sorority (for which she never fit in), falling in love with an older, more sophisticated philosophy student (for which ended up breaking her heart in a violent sort of way), to her post-college experience which proves she's become a successful writer as she takes a road-trip to visit a loved one whom she thought no longer existed.

This book is amazing. Being a girl myself, and nerdy and a college student...I found pieces of me sprinkled all over in Anellia's story. She's smart, she's a writer, she's philosphical and a deep thinker, she doesn't care about saving face, and she's brutally honest about who she is and in her shortcomings when compared to the sorority girls and their perfect lives.

Six stars all the way, if there is such a thing. This is one story you DO NOT want to miss out on!

Superstitious by R.L. Stine

2009-09-08T21:15:00.000-07:00

In this account of the occult on a college campus (can you see the b movie plot already?), the main character Sara has come back to her old college town after a near-death assualt by her crazed ex boyfriend.

On only her first day there, she meets a folklore professor, Liam, and is swept off her feet. After a whirlwind affair, they are married. Yet, during all this steamy romance there lies a mystery to be uncovered, a maniac killer is stalking women victims across campus and is mutiliating them something grizzly.

At first I was really interested in this book, but once I got to the middle I found myself skipping chapters and the descriptions of the murders, as it all began to sound like the same mumbo jumbo typed all over again using slightly varied grammar.

I could see the ending coming almost from the beginning. The characters were all of the same humdrum junk found in his YA novels. In addition to being very boring, the ending also made zero sense. If you looked back to how long they were together, and blah blah, a birth of some monster at the end with no prior hint as to pregnancy and whatnot. Stupid!

Don't waste your time on this one, if some of the scenes weren't so R-rated, it would belong in the children's section with all the others.

Perfect waste of time.

Secrets in the Attic by V.C. Andrews

2009-09-08T21:06:00.000-07:00

From Back Cover:

Two Friends As Close As Sisters.
One Killer Secret That
Will Tear Their Small Town Apart.
In the dust and shadows of the attic, they shared everything -- fanciful stories, high school crushes, plans for the future, dreams to travel the world. For Karen, the attic is her escape from the reality of her stepfather's unwanted attention. Together in the eaves of a house with its own murderous history, the best friends concoct a scheme that will put Karen's stepfather in his place. It wasn't supposed to turn deadly. But in the attic Karen shares one more secret with her best friend -- a secret to take to the grave....

This one was a huge letdown, the story goes from one thing to another without ever really wrapping up loose ends and things end abruptly with no hint as to the conclusion of the book, the secrets, or what the hell really went on.

I think the only reason I keep buying and reading books from the ghost writer is in honor of the real VC.

A Clean Slate by Laura Caldwell

2009-09-08T21:04:00.002-07:00

I have to say that this book ranks as one of the best I've read in a while. Due in part to the fact that the main character, Laura, is someone for whom I can identify with.

The setting begins on a day when Laura cannot remember anything that happened for the last several months. Lost and confused, she calls up her childhood friend, only to realize that she apparently has been in a deep depression for months on end. Seems all the trouble started when she lost her job, and her boyfriend/fiance breaks up with her....all on her birthday.

But...Laura soon realizes that losing her memory is more a blessing than a curse, for it allows her to get over her ex (who is evidently too immature to have a lasting relationship with any woman, for that matter), she stops brooding over her old job, she finds her dream job (even though it doesn't pay anything) and she takes up a second job just to make ends meet.

Somewhere in the middle of all this, she finds the time to go to a tropical island for a photo shoot, a one night stand, and the career offer of a lifetime... All in all, by the end of the book, Laura finally realizes why she lost her memory to begin with, and in a liberating kind of way, she finds herself, and the ability to follow her dreams.

Hells Bells by Kristen Robinette

2009-09-08T21:01:00.000-07:00

This book is absolutely gripping. I would have read it all in one sitting, had I not had other obligations.

The story revolves around four girls, who at the age of eighteen, decide to write down their goals in a sealed envelope, then meet twenty years later, share the secrets inside their envelopes, then confess as to whether or not they'd reach their dreams as of yet.

The characters leave nothing to the imagination. You have Mattie, almost a virgin at forty and still looking to fulfill her wildest fantasies. Della, sick and tired of the mediocrity of a boring marriage. Erica, who was way too quick in her quest to leave and 'see' the world. And Shay, new aged, psychic and deeply spiritual, has been running from her demons for twenty years too many. They call come back together at the twenty year reunion, and their harrowing stories unfold. Loved it!

Recommend it to any lover of chic lit.

Riggs Park by Ellyn Bache

2009-09-08T20:59:00.000-07:00

The storyline revolves mainly around the friendships of a small group of kids that grew up together. Now in their old age (mid fifties), they come back together to solve the mystery of their friends suicide and the possibility that she left behind a child no one ever knew of.

I kept feeling as if I was reading more than one book, because beneath the main storyline, there are tons of old childhood stories, memories, moments and mysteries uncovered.

This book is captivating with it's twists and turns and surprises. But most of all, I appreciated the humanity displayed, the true depth of the human spirit and the sincere meaning of friendship. The characters display hope in times of turmoil and the fact that your past doesn't have to define who you are, or your future.

Best book I've read in a very long time, and I highly recommend it.

My Fake Wedding by Mina Ford

2009-09-08T20:57:00.001-07:00

This is definitely a read. Albeit not all that entertaing for the first half of the book.

The book is about a single woman, no real direction in life. Working a dead beat job. Yes, we've all been there ladies, have we not? She's been done wrong, terribly wrong, in a previous love relationship and has made the new years resolution to 'shag' as many 'blokes' as she can within the next year. No longer looking for love, only one-night-stands, she is suddenly propositioned for marriage. And well, after that, she finds love in the most unlikely place...or should I say, face?

At first the book was so littered with Brittish jargon that half the time I didn't know what anyone was saying, or referring to and I'm sure a lot of the witty little funny remarks that make you burst out lauging, mid-sentence, were lost on me because of the slang. I also felt that it was redundant, the same stuff kept happening over and over. It took reading past page 200 before the story really began to unfold. A bit boring and drab and you totally knew what was going on when it finally did. The writer does have talent, not saying she doesn't.

There are some really steamy, heated up scenes between lovers and such, and the ending was ever-so-cute, I have to say that even I was surprised with how it ended. Though, once it did I felt it was left a little unfinished, I wanted more. I loved the epilogue. It wrapped everything up as far as the other characters go, but I truly wanted a different fat for Katie, Simpson, the poor, single thirty year old who can only seem to get burned in relationships. She really can't even manage to 'shag' a 'mate' properly for a one-night-stand.

However, what I truly loved about this book was the realism with the characters. The main character was my kind of girl, I actually found I had a lot in common with her, I was sad when the story ended in that respect. I so want to know more about what happened to her afterwards. I like how the characters weren't glossed over, how their lives weren't polished to a perfect shine. They were imperfect, they made mistakes, and in the end everything didn't actually end up perfectly for them. It was almost like real life.

Would definitely give the authors future books a shot, although this book did leave something to be desired, in my opinion. But, happy reading.

Inappropriate Men by Stacy Ballis

2009-09-08T20:52:00.000-07:00

This book, by far, is one of my favorites as of late. If you are a woman searching for love, actually scratch that, if you are a woman period, I can gaurantee you'll find pieces of yourself throughout this work of art.

Written from the viewpoint of over-weight, undersexed, feeling pretty much unloved thirtysomething Sidney Stein, this story is just compelling. I was hooked from the first page till the last word. You'll follow Sidney from her dead marriage to her long-lasted love affair with a married man, to the horrible-in-bed band man, to finally accepting the fact that well, maybe love will come more easily when you're not trying so hard.

This novel of love, life, and hard-earned-lessons-learned is decorated with bits and pieces of the authors own poetry, and lovely drawn-out persnal reflection. It is honest, raw, creative, interesting and nothing less than thought-provoking for the reader. I found parts of myself all over in Sidney's story. As I'm sure you will too! You just have to read it to understand.

This is definitely an author for which I'm going to be looking for future pubications.

Twisted Creek by Jodi Thomas

2009-09-08T20:44:00.001-07:00

I loved this book dearly. Not only did I fall in love with the characters, I felt like I began to relate to them throughout thier trials and hard times.

Since she was old enough to remember, Allie Daniels has lived in a constant state of poverty. She's stumbled from one back-breaking dead-end job to another, she's also moved quite a bit. Yet, she always has her grandmother in tow. So, when they recieve an unexpected letter in the mail stating they have inherited a small home, and a cafe/store, Allie decides to take her chances.

She and her grandmother find a home, friends, some enemies and even a few mysteries on their enlightening journey.

This book is both heart-breaking, yet bittersweet.

Jodi Thomas has proven herself to be an extremely talented writer, the book is fluid and reads like poetry. I had trouble putting it down, and so will you!

Heated Rush by Leslie Kelly

2009-09-08T20:41:00.001-07:00

Yes, it's a harlequin Blaze romance novel. I used to have a subscription to the Blaze club, and have managed (out of procrastination, and laziness) not to cancel it, the end result was a shelf full of these things. They are not, exactly, my cup of literary tea. But, I bought the damned things, so I figured I'd try to read them. However, after this disappointing romp of a read, I'm heading fast to my ebay account to sell the whole lot of them.

Anyway, to make a long story short, Annie Davis, our man character, is hard up for a date (considering she has to go to her parent's wedding anniversary and is ashamed go to alone) so she finds herself at a charity bachelor auction, where she snags herself a hot date for $2500. To make a long story short, they fall in love. The end. not the best book I've ever read, nor the most thought-provoking, or enlightening...but hey, it's Harlequin, right?

Sex as a Second Language by Jamie Sobrato

2009-09-08T20:37:00.000-07:00

Ariel is a single woman on the prowl in Rome. She is an anonymous sex blogger by the name of Eurogirl, she’s fascinatingly beautiful, and is addicted to sex. She sleeps with men seemingly for the adventure of new lovers, the physical gratification. She bed-hops in hopes of never having to truly commit.

But Ariel is also on the run, from her terrorist ex-boyfriend. I’ll not get too much into that, only to say she once shared some of her best sex with him…her blog is proof of that! Wrapped up in her own little world of sex, travel, blogging, and promiscuous adventures, Ariel isn’t looking for anyone to love, she’s just looking for someone to sleep with.

However, while following a hot man from a café, she actually runs into another man…one who for once, opens her eyes to the realization that sex doesn’t have to be just for fun, it can also be a sacred act of love. But will she comply to his offers and that tingly feeling in her toes that tells her not to let this one go?

All in all, this book was pretty good. I read it in about three days tops. I can’t really compare it to anything other than it’s own genre of Harlequin. It was interesting, fast paced and it did keep me turning the pages. The book doesn’t go much farther and beyond the one relationship and the question of rather to keep it or not. The characters are pretty interesting. That doesn’t mean they are deep or well-rounded, especially not the male subject, Marc.

At first I didn’t like Ariel, simply for the fact that she seemed more a slut than anything else. But the more you get to know her, the more you understand where she’s coming from and why she makes the decisions she makes. Commitment-phobes and helpless romantics alike will enjoy this book, just don’t expect the reading experience to leave you in some altruistic state of reflection. It’s simply what it is, another romance novel.

The Haunting by Hope Tarr

2009-09-08T20:29:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I finished what is only about the fourth harlequin book I've ever read. Now, either harlequin has really stepped up with the authors, stories, etc, or perhaps I just wasn't as avid a reader as I was back in high school, or it could be that my preferences have matured with age. I tried reading harlequin back in, I'd say about 2000, and found the stories to be boring, redundant and pretty much not worth the time it took to read them. However, while recently browsing the books at my local Wal-Mart, I found a few that looked pretty darned steamy and worth the $3.56 they were. Needless to say, I finished one the other night.

The Haunting by Hope Tarr, an April selection of Harlequin's Extreme Blaze Series, is a steamy account of love once-lived, yet sought out again in the afterlife. When Maggie Holiday buys a historic house in Fredericksburg she isn’t quite ready for the invasive visits of a ghostly man, make that a very sexy ghostly man, who claims she’s the reincarnation of a woman he loved over a hundred and forty years ago.

Throughout the duration of the book, Maggie is faced with the decision of believing the sexy apparition and taking full advantage of all he has to offer (not only in terms of love and sentimentality, but also in physical and sexual pleasures) or refusing to admit she’s being visited by her soul mate, who died over a decade earlier and marking it off as some mentally-insane illusion. The ghost, who turns out to be the spirit of a war veteran who once loved her in a past life, will not easily give up on his search to reunite with Isabelle (Maggie’s name in her past life) and avenge the wronged, specifically in the form of one man who tore them apart.

The book is filled to the brim with steamy sex scenes and historical references draped in the essence of paranormal encounters. Written by a publishing company who is quick to dish out hundreds of romance novels on a monthly basis, most not quite as entertaining and memorable, harlequin has undoubtedly found some real, gripping talent in this book of love, betrayal, reincarnation and revenge. Fans of the harlequin blaze series will be quick to file this book away in their section of ‘to keep’ novels!

Hope Tarr appears to be fairly new talent to the harlequin family, she has only one previously-published harlequin book titled, “It’s a Wonderfully Sexy Life.” You can learn more about her at her personal website www.hopetarr.com.

In comparison to other books I’ve read, I’d say this one is definitely every bit as interesting as any of the Red Dress Ink books I have previously devoured, though it may slightly lack the deep-rooted dynamics of modern life and relationships as do the Red Dress Ink stories. Nevertheless, it makes for a wonderfully entertaining, and page-turning, read! Until next time, happy reading (and reviewing) ladies (and gentleman)