Kelly's Favorite Books

The Latest Bloody Jack Adventure

2011-10-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

The Mark of the Golden Dragon was just released and, yes, I have already read it. Now, this tale is quite the adventure. Seriously, how can one teenage girl get involved in so many crazy things in a few short years? Well, that's the beauty of storytelling. Anything can happen, and Jacky Faber is experiencing it all. This current tale seemed a bit drawn out but still had all the great twists and turns that usually happen in her life. Hold on though, the story isn't quite done. This one leaves you wanting more. Now I have to wait for the next book to be released. I hope it's soon!

My Amazon widget isn't working properly. So, until I can get it fixed, just follow the link on the title above. I wish I had a picture of the cover for you. Hopefully I'll get this issue resolved soon.

Until next time...
Happy reading!

Yay! I'm an Amazon Associate again!

2011-10-03T14:42:00.000-07:00

Yippee! Governor Brown repealed the law that disallowed me to be an Amazon Associate! I'm so excited to be back. Help me out and click on any of the links on my blog, they will take you straight to Amazon, and I'll get a small percentage of whatever you purchase. You don't even have to purchase one of my recommendations. Win, win!

Thanks, and...
Happy Reading!

Timeline by Michael Crichton

2011-09-23T16:03:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is the best book I've read in a long time. Well, I've liked a lot of books I've read recently, but this one is soooo good! I could hardly put it down. This book has it all. The interesting twist on real science is fascinating. Mr. Crichton makes it sound so believable. That seems to be a great quality of his. I watched every episode of E.R. and was a huge fan, but I had never read any of his books. This one is well worth it. Pick up a copy and get started. You won't be disappointed!

Ranger's Apprentice Series

2011-08-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

I just finished book 10, The Emperor of Nihon-Ja, the last one in the series. I absolutely loved this story, from book 1 to book 10. Each book is so exciting and fun. I am sad to see it end. I have fallen in love with the characters. Everyone could use a Will, Halt, Horace, Alyss, and Evanlyn in their lives. I highly recommend this series. There is everything good to like about it. Friendship, skill, trust, love, etc. are all woven into this amazing tale. Here are all the titles in order:

Thankfully the story isn't quite over. The next title The Lost Stories is due out October 4, 2011. Thank you, Mr. Flanagan, for giving us a bit more. I'm looking forward to this "fill-in" book. Yes, I've already pre-ordered!

Happy reading!

New Law in California means I am No Longer an Amazon Associate

2011-06-30T08:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks go to Governor Brown for terminating my source of income. Lovely, isn't it? The economy isn't bad enough already, now he just made it worse-for me anyway. Hopefully I can still post links to books for you, but I'll have to wait and see. I like having the pictures of the book covers included. It makes the page look better. Thank you for supporting me during my short run here. I'll still continue to recommend books. I just wish I could earn a bit of money along the way.

Happy Reading!

Gregor the Overlander

2011-06-29T11:24:00.000-07:00

My son checked this book out at the library. Since he finished it before it was due back, I decided to read it, too.

Gregor the Overlander, written by Suzanne Collins, is a wonderful book for young readers. I would say about 4th-6th grades (and even older-like me!). Gregor and his little sister, Boots, fall through the vent in the laundry room and find themselves in the Underland. Those in the Underland call people from above, Overlanders. The Underland is filled with humans, cockroaches, rats, spiders, and bats. The unusual thing is that all the creatures-besides the humans-are enormous in size. When Gregor tries to escape the Underland he soon finds that he is part of an old prophecy. See what happens as he and his fellow "questers" journey through the Underland in an attempt to fulfill the prophecy.

This is the first installment of The Underland Chronicles. Book 2 is titled Gregor and the prophecy of Bane.

I'll see if the library has the rest of the series and I'll report back. The first book reminded me a bit of A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle. Same basic story, just different characters and different worlds. I happen to love A Wrinkle in Time, so I found Gregor to be very enjoyable. My son liked it, too! I hope you get a chance to read it.

Happy Summer reading!

UPDATE:
It's August now and I have finished reading the Underland series. It was a fun story with interesting characters, good battle scenes, and great messages about friendship. Book 3 The Curse of the Warmbloods had a nice twist at the end. The last 2 books, The Marks of Secret and The Code of Claw are actually one long story so have them both handy when you read. I was a bit disappointed by the ending, though. So was my son. We both thought it had so much potential for a better ending. I won't spoil it for you. Read it and see for yourself. It is well worth your time. There is a lot to enjoy even if you don't like the ending, either. I wonder if there really is a whole other world happening underneath ours...

Happy reading!!

Julius, and The Age of Innocence

2011-06-04T17:42:00.000-07:00

Here are two books I highly recommend:
Julius by Daphne du Maurier

The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

I just read these two books and they are fabulous. They are definitely adult literature, and both were written many years ago. The Age of Innocence won the Pulitzer Prize in 1921. It's weird to think that this story is almost 100 years old, and we can still enjoy it today! It is an interesting look at how two young lovers in the early 1900s in New York deal with societal pressures. One is married and separated from her husband after a bad marriage. The other is engaged to be married. Society and family urge the young woman to return to her husband. Society and family urge him to go through with his marriage. Oh how different things would have been for them in our day! They struggle with a deep love and a desire to do what is right. See what happens to them as they work through these issues.

Amazon Prime allows you to watch the movie for free. I realized part way through the book that I had seen the movie. I watched it for free a few months ago with my Amazon Prime membership. The movie is directed by Martin Scorsese and stars Daniel Day Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Wynona Ryder. It is a wonderful adaptation and very enjoyable. You can find it here.

Julius was written in 1933. It tells of young Julius, beginning with his infancy and his boyhood in Paris, where he witnesses the murder of his Grandfather during the Franco-Prussian war; the infidelity of his mother and the subsequent murder of his mother by the hands of his father; and the death of his father from disease. All this happens before he is 16 years old. He lives a life of poverty and finds solace in the arms of prostitutes-one in particular who advises him to do better things with his life. He meets a young girl of only 10 years who has been prostituted by her family. She falls in love with Julius and secretly follows him to London. The story continues on to the end of his life.

This novel has so much depth. It has stayed with me for days after finishing it. Julius is an interesting character. Events in his life definitely made him who he was. He experiences so many things in his lifetime that most people would never come close to experiencing. I don't want to give away too much of the story, but I guarantee you will be moved by it. How would you have responded to the things he witnessed? I have thought a lot about Julius. I'm sure you will, too.

Happy Reading!

Rapture of the Deep

2011-05-25T06:51:00.000-07:00

Another great tale of Miss Jacky Faber. I am really enjoying this series! This adventure starts with Jacky's wedding day. However, she is once again torn from her beloved Jaimy just before the wedding starts, when the Royal Crown wants her to pay her debt-or else! She is sent on a mission to recover buried treasure in the sunken Santa Magdalena. Being the fish-like swimmer that she is, she is naturally chosen for the part. Amidst questionable characters in Havana, and reuniting with old friends-some good, some not-so-good, Jacky does what she does best and with that an amazing adventure is told. Find out what the "rapture of the deep" actually is, and be prepared for Spanish pirates and another close call with the enemy. This adventure is sure to please. I loved it!

Wuthering Heights

2011-05-01T08:20:00.000-07:00

Finally finished reading this book. It is so tragic that I found it difficult to stay with. I also got confused a few times at which Catherine or which Mr. Earnshaw, etc she was talking about. With so many repeat names it can get a bit confusing. I wasn't as moved by this story as I was by Jane Eyre. Maybe I just loved the more romantic love story of Jane Eyre & Mr. Rochester than I did the tragic love story of Catherine & Mr. Heathcliff. I guess I shouldn't really compare the two stories, they are very different. But, since they were written by sisters, the natural tendency to compare them is there. Wuthering Heights is still an enjoyable book, just be prepared for a non-hollywood kind of story. I am now interested in the lives of the Bronte sisters. What kind of life gave them the background to write such sadness? I will investigate further.

Love the Library

2011-04-22T16:43:00.000-07:00

My public library is currently undergoing renovation. So, in the interim there is a limited use library in the shopping center next door. I went in there last week to see just what they have. Well, several computers are up and running, there are about, maybe 500 books-mostly new titles, and some movies on DVD. It is nice and quiet in there since there is hardly anyone using the facility. It's so quiet though, that I hesitated to make any noise at all. However, after carefully removing and replacing movies on the shelves, I did manage to select 5 movies to take home. Yay! I only watched 3 of them and then had to return them today. But, the best part is that they cost nothing and I could go borrow them again anytime. 7 day loan-for free! It doesn't get much better than that. What did I watch, you ask? Well, an interesting assortment:

First, KEY LARGO

You, know, the one with Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Black and White from like 1936 or something like that. Unfortunately I was very disappointed. I think I am too sophisticated an audience for that film. I know it is old, and I do like old movies, but this one was just plain painful. The only good actor was the woman who played the drunk girlfriend. Turns out she got an Oscar for that performance. Well, she deserved it. Other than that there's not much more to say. Watch it if you need something to put you to sleep. I was very sad and disappointed. I wanted it to be good.

Second, THE VISITOR

This was an unusual film. A college professor who leads a solitary life, ends up in the middle of a deportation issue with a young couple he meets. I liked it most of the time but then it was just over and I felt like the story hadn't finished. Maybe some people like that kind of story. I guess I'm not one of them. It isn't terrible, it gives you things to think about. How would you respond in the same situation? It's worth a watch, especially if you get it free from the library!

Third, COOL HAND LUKE

I think I will laugh every time I hear that name. Paul Newman is the hero of this tale. It sure is quite a tale. If you have heard the line: "What we have here is...failure to communicate" then perhaps you know the movie. Well, they use the line twice in the film. But, they use it 6 times in the trailer. We watched the theatrical trailer when the movie was over. It was terrible but we laughed at the overuse of the "failure to communicate" phrase.
As far as the movies goes, well, it was slow, but enjoyable. And, Paul Newman has his shirt off a lot, sweating and using his muscles. That's enough to keep my attention! He gets himself stuck on a chain gang after decapitating parking meters. After a few run-ins with the guys on the gang, they quickly realize that Luke is a guy that can't be beaten, physically, mentally, or otherwise. He wins their admiration and becomes their hero. What happens, though, when their hero tries to escape? There are witty, serious, and a few somewhat moving moments in the film. Go borrow a copy today!

With free books and movies to borrow, how can anyone not like the library? I save money and shelf space by borrowing instead of buying. Yes, I do have books and movies that I own, but it is fun to get stuff for free! Don't you think so?

Happy movie watching!

amazing books for a healthier you

2011-04-16T08:59:00.000-07:00

Have you watched Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution? Are you overweight? Do you have a serious heath issue?

I started a journey about 3 years ago when I took a basic nutrition course at my local community college. I had no idea that I was eating so poorly. No wonder I had a weight issue. In addition to keeping my Nutrition Textbook, I began researching nutrition, trying new recipes, and doing as much as I could to learn about health and the role good nutrition plays. My life has dramatically changed. I exercise at least 5 days a week, I have lost 40 lbs (still have a bit more to go), and I've had some health issues completely disappear! What we put in our bodies really does matter!

So, today I will recommend 2 books that have made a difference to me:
The China Study

This book is the result of a 20 year study on cancer. Turns out that the author, Dr. Campbell uncovered more than he bargained for. In a nutshell, he discovered that animal protein encourages cancer growth. However, if it is limited to no more than 5% of the diet, it has no affect on cancer at all. Amazing, huh? Another great find, for me, was the way a plant-based diet can clean out your arteries. It's not a quick fix, but over time can make dramatic improvements. After reading this book I chose to try a vegan diet. It was about 6 months later that I noticed the improvement in my own health. Now, however, I incorporate that 5% or less of animal protein into my diet. I do believe that in the right amounts it has its benefits. I even received an unexpected compliment from a friend I hadn't seen in about 5 years. She said I look better than I did 5 years ago! Wow! I must be doing something right.

There is also a new movie that is soon to be released nationwide called Forks Over Knives that is Dr. Campbell's book in action. According to the website, the world premiere is May 2nd. If this movie doesn't make you think twice about your diet, I'm not sure anything will! Take a look.

Next is Master Your Metabolism

You may be familiar with the author, Jillian Michaels from The Biggest Loser TV show. I am a fan of the show. It helps motivate me to get up and do something about my health. Well, in this book Jillian explains how to take control of your own metabolism. There are many factors out there in our food supply and in our household products that are wreaking havoc on our bodies. You can learn what they are and how to avoid them. Be advised, this book may seem overwhelming at first. Just do the best you can to make a few changes at a time. One of the easiest, I think, is to buy organic. If it isn't organic, maybe you don't really want or need it. I am still making small changes every day. It's gonna take a while, but whatever changes I do make are a step in the right direction.

There are other books out there that I have yet to read. I have Diet for a New America that I haven't read, but have skimmed a bit. I have heard good things about it. Maybe you have some suggestions for me to read. Let me know! I'm happy to hear what you have to say!

*I promise I won't make this blog about diet and health. I may just start a new one for that. I hope, though, that you'll take a look at these two books anyway.

Happy Reading!

Jane Eyre

2011-03-28T08:28:00.000-07:00

In my last post I said I was reading Jane Eyre. Well, I finished it, and I LOVED IT! I am very excited for the new movie to be released. What a great story. I can see why it's a classic. I felt so many different emotions while I was reading. I don't want to give away any of the story, so I will limit my comments. This is a must-read. I highly recommend it. Read it before you see the movie. You will get through it quickly because you won't want to put it down. Grab a copy now and get started! ENJOY!
Happy reading!

The Classics

2011-03-19T08:21:00.000-07:00

I have been making an effort to catch up on the classics that I didn't read when I was younger. Oh, I was definitely assigned to read books in high school, I just chose not to read them. I didn't know what I was missing!

This past week or so I have read Pygmalion by Bernard Shaw, The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, and I am currently in the middle of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. The first two are very good plays. I love reading dialogue, it goes by so quickly and I can see in my mind the story unfolding. I also happen to love, love, love the movie based on Pygmalion, My Fair Lady. As soon as I finished the book I watched the movie. It was fun to compare differences. As for The Importance of Being Earnest, I do remember seeing the movie, but reading the play was a delight. I was laughing out loud at the end. It is so great to have a story move you to outbursts of laughter or tears, or whatever emotion it invokes. If I'm not moved by a book, it doesn't go in my favorites list. Speaking of which, I am thoroughly enjoying Jane Eyre so far. I decided I wanted to read it before the new movie is released. I have never seen any of the other movies, nor did I know what the story was about. The only problem I have with the book is that I need a dictionary on hand while I'm reading. Talk about use of SAT words! This book has them all! I am really expanding my vocabulary. It's awesome.

So, silly me, I missed out on some great stories in my youth. I'm glad I found books before it was really too late. I am enjoying catching up and I hope I can read several more classics before the year is out. Do you have any recommendations for me? I can recommend these three to you. Maybe you haven't picked them up yet. I suggest that you do!

Happy Reading!

Just So Stories

2011-03-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

I grew up listening to Sterling Holloway tell the story of The Elephant's Child. I always enjoyed hearing this funny story about how the elephant's child, with his 'satiable curiosity', got his long trunk. My youngest son even did a version of it in first grade. He was the most adorable Bi-Colored Python Rock Snake ever. However, after all these years, I have never read any of Rudyard Kipling's other Just So Stories. So, when I found a copy at the Friends of the Library bookstore for 25 cents, I got it. With my own curiosity I read through each story in order. (Which is kind of important because the two about the alphabet kind of go together.) I still think The Elephant's Child is the best, but I also liked How the Whale Got His Throat. Silly, silly story and very imaginative. The others are quite imaginative also, I just think they were lacking a bit something, though I'm not sure what. They are quick to read and are full of interesting characters and ideas. Take a look and see what you think.

Happy Reading!

In Honor of Dr. Seuss

2011-03-03T06:58:00.000-08:00

We celebrate Theodore Geisel every year at his birthday. Elementary schools have Dr. Seuss day. Bookstores have sales on his books. So, how about I share with you some of my favorite titles. I'm sure you are familiar with them, but here goes, anyway, in no particular order:

And to Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street
What do you see on your way home from school? Marco sure saw a lot...or did he?

The Tooth Book
"They sure are handy when you smile, so keep your teeth around a while"
Every dentist probably loves Dr. Seuss for writing this book and encouraging children, in a very fun way, to take good care of their teeth.

Fox in Sox
This is such a fun tongue twister! My favorite part? Are you ready?
"When a fox is in the bottle where the tweetle beetles battle with their paddles in a puddle on a noodle eating poodle, THIS is what they call...
...a tweetle beetle noodle poodle bottled paddled muddled duddled fuddled wuddled fox in sox, sir!"
See how fast you can say that without messing up! My boys and I always had a lot of fun with this book!

Hop on Pop
This is one of the best and most fun first readers ever! Simple words, silly pictures, and curiously difficult words thrown in at the end. Every child loves this book.

Hooper Humperdink...? NOT HIM!
Who would you invite to your epic party? Who would you not invite? Why? This story lets you know how it feels to be invited or not invited. What would you do?

I WISH that I had DUCK FEET
This was one of my favorites as a kid, and still a favorite as an adult. What child doesn't want to be unique and special? Will having duck feet do the trick?

One fish two fish red fish blue fish
Silly words and silly rhymes in classic Dr. Seuss style. This book is just so much fun!

There's a Wocket in my Pocket!
What exactly is a wocket? or a zillow? or a zair? Well, they're all at my house! What would you do about all these crazy creatures?

I hope you have had the chance to read all of these amazing Seuss titles. If not, grab a few, grab your kids and the neighbor's kids, and have a read in! Get cozy under some blankets and take turns reading aloud together. You'll laugh at the silly words and pictures, and maybe even get a bit tongue-tied. No matter what, you'll have made a fun memory with your family!

Happy Birthday Mr. Geisel!

More Kids Recommendations

2011-02-28T09:18:00.000-08:00

OK, I know it's been a while since I gave you some good childrens titles. Here you go...

The Rough Face Girl by Rafe Martin
This is a Cinderella type story but much better than most. Appropriate ages would be around 8 and up, just because most small children can't understand why people are unkind. I absolutely love this book and I highly recommend it.

The Whingdingdilly by Bill Peet
This was one of my favorites as a child. The cute little dog wants to be different and he gets his wish. But, is it as wonderful as he thought it would be? The illustrations are wonderful and Bill Peet is a great storyteller.

Dandelion by Don Freeman
Most people are familiar with Don Freeman's Corduroy books, but this one is just a loveable. Adorable Dandelion is invited to a "come as you are" party and he goes and gets a haircut and new clothes only to be caught in a downpour on his way to the party. What to do? See how Dandelion handles this awkward situation. You'll love it, I'm sure.

I hope these recommendations help. Have fun reading together with your children. These are priceless moments and they zip by so quickly. Make good memories!
Happy Reading!

My new favorite book series

2011-02-21T10:10:00.000-08:00

I think I've mentioned this before, but it is worth mentioning again. I'm currently on book 4 (almost finished) of the Bloody Jack series. This is the story of Mary "Jacky" Faber, an orphaned girl in the streets of London who poses as a boy one day in order to become a ship's boy. She is successful in her deception and works on the Dolphin for quite some time until she is found out. She is a high-spirited, adventurous gal. She is able to think on her toes and wriggle out of almost every questionable situation she finds herself in. She learns the ways of seamanship, the ways of men, and keeps herself free of most all undesirable situations. She always seems to have a bit a luck just when she's in the worst of situations. Although her adventures seem a little unreal, that's what makes them all the more exciting. I am thoroughly enjoying the journey. Mr. Meyer has woven quite a tale. A word of caution: The books say ages 12 and up. The first two books are fine for that age. However, the next two are, in my opinion, better suited for ages 14 and up. Perfect for high school age. If you want more info about the books, comment below and I'll give you more detail.

I have checked the books out of the library and our branch has several copies. Try your library to see if they have them, too. Enjoy!

Lifetime, Hallmark, Movies, & Books

2011-02-02T08:36:00.000-08:00

I've mentioned before how much I enjoy watching movies on Lifetime and Hallmark channels. Well, this past week didn't disappoint. Yesterday I watched a recording of The Lost Valentine which aired on CBS, but is a Hallmark movie. It starred Betty White and Jennifer Love Hewitt. I loved it! It was a wonderfully sweet story. Like many great movies, this was based on a book; The Last Valentine by James Michael Pratt. I haven't read the book, so I can't recommend it, yet. However, I highly recommend the movie. You can watch it online here. Enjoy!

I also watched another movie that I really enjoyed called Saving Sarah Cain, based on the book The Redemption of Sarah Cain by Beverly Lewis. Sarah's sister Ivy fell in love, joined the Amish, and has 5 children. Her husband has long since passed. Then she passes away and leaves the children to Sarah. It is difficult for Sarah to decide whether or not to take them, and if she does, will they survive in her world? I gained a greater respect for the Amish people in their convictions and integrity by watching this movie. It was a very touching story. It aired on Lifetime sometime this past week or so. I recorded it, like I do with all of the movies, so I'm not sure what day it was on. Maybe they will show it again. It is worth a watch!

My third recommendation is The Outsider. Tim Daly is a wounded gunfighter who is taken in by a woman whose husband has just recently been murdered. They are "plain-folk" which are similar to Amish or Quakers. With nowhere else for him to go, he agrees to work for her through the summer. You can guess how things go from here, but there is more to this tale than a love story. Tim Daly looks so amazingly fabulous in this movie, it's worth watching just for that! Oh, my! Unfortunately it is rated R and is a Showtime movie. It was edited for the Hallmark channel. So, my best suggestion would be to look for the edited version to air again on Hallmark. I am pretty sure this was also based on a book, but I can't seem to find out exactly which book it is. I'll keep digging and when I find it I'll add it here.

Happy watching and reading! Enjoy!

Finished Fablehaven and LOVED IT!

2011-01-27T06:36:00.000-08:00

What an excellent story. Great characters, fast-paced action, exciting dialogue. This story has everything. It is a perfect read-aloud story. I give it all 5 stars, plus one. I can't say enough about this exciting 5-book adventure. READ IT! You'll love it!

Fablehaven is AMAZING!

2011-01-23T08:48:00.000-08:00

I'm halfway through book 5: Keys to the Demon Prison, of Fablehaven, the last in the series. I am so impressed at the quality of this story. I am enjoying the way the author has tied things together so far. It is fast paced and exciting. I hope the end is good. I am enjoying this so much!

And the winner is...

2011-01-11T06:49:00.000-08:00

I love to see which books win the top awards each year. Here is a link to a list of this year's winners on amazon.
2011 Medal Winners
They have listed every award; Caldecott, Newbery, Golden Kite, National Book Award, Coretta Scott King, and several others. Whenever you need an idea for a good book to read, these winners are a good place to start. I haven't read any of them yet. Have you? Tell me which ones you like!

HAPPY READING!

New Year, New Recommendations

2011-01-10T10:38:00.000-08:00

What to read in the New Year? I always make a list of books I want to read for the year. Why not do the same? I read 27 books last year, not counting the children's picture books. The young adult/adult novels are the ones I'm counting. OK, maybe that's not an impressive number to you, but for me that's really awesome. That's an average of just over 2 books a month. I'll try to increase that number this year. So far I've read 2 and we are only halfway into January. That's a good start. So, now you'd like some good book ideas, right? Ok, on with it then...

Children
Chicken Soup with Rice by Maurice Sendak
This is such a fun book, with its sing-songy-rhyming nature. It covers every month of the year, so this month is a good one to start reading it. And, as the book says, "All seasons of the year are nice for eating chicken soup with rice!"
And to Think that I Saw It on Mulberry Street by Dr. Seuss
Another great rhyming book. I love the imagination of Dr. Seuss. The possibilities are endless. What did Marco really see on his way home from school on Mulberry Street?

Youth 3rd-5th grade
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Everyone I know has enjoyed this book. It is definitely for the older kids. More for 5th grade and older. The story has deep meaning and will stay with you for a while after you're finished. Read it along with your child. You will have a great discussion afterward.

Everest: The Contest by Gordon Korman
Also Everest: The Climb, and Everest: The Summit
This trilogy is well written and very engaging. The books are around 150 pages each, with large print so they are a quick, easy read. Be sure to have all 3 on hand because the story just continues from one book to the next. If you live in the snow and cold, you'll especially appreciate the Everest experience.

Middle to High School
Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz
If you are a Twilight fan, you will probably enjoy this series also. If you aren't a Twilight fan, then you'll most likely enjoy this series. I liked them both, leaning more towards Twilight. This series is about wealthy teens and their adventures with vampires. I read the first 2 in the series and enjoyed them both. There are a few more now so I'll need to catch up. Let me know what you think. Have you read them? Do you like them as well as Twilight, or not? You definitely won't ever be assigned to read these books! They are sheer pleasure reading. Yippee!

For the boys: The Faerie Wars Chronicles by Herbie Brennan
This recommendation comes from my 16 year-old son. He has checked these out of the library and has really enjoyed them. Here's a bit from www.faeriewars.com:
"What’s Henry to do when his parent's marriage starts to fall apart? What can he do except get on with his summer job of cleaning out Mr Fogarty’s shed. But there’s something in that shed that will turn Henry’s whole life inside out and take him into a whole different level of reality…"

Adults
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
High School students will like this, too. I loved this story. I hope you do, too. It has been made into a movie starring Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah, and Alicia Keyes. This time the movie is just as good as the book. Enjoy it either, or both ways.
The young, white girl, Lily, has to deal with the death of her mother, and a father who doesn't love her. She sets out on her own and discovers a houseful of black women in the "pink" house. She unwittingly learns about life and love through these unique women, and learns about her mother's past. This story has something for everyone.

HAPPY READING!!

Back from my unannounced hiatus

2010-12-30T22:21:00.000-08:00

Well, the year is almost over. Sorry I haven't posted for a while. I just took some time off and didn't warn anyone. I decided I would just focus on my family and hope that everything else would take care of itself. And, it did! I had a wonderful Christmas with my family. One of my favorites! How was your Christmas? I hope you made lots of happy, fun memories. Did you do any reading? I did...a little. I read Sundays at Tiffany's. In an earlier post I raved about the movie. Well, I have to say that I think the movie was much better than the book. The book did go deeper into the lives of the characters, but I enjoyed the simplicity of the movie. It is such a sweet story. Also, Michael, the imaginary friend, is a 32 year old man in the book. I just think there's something creepy about an older man being an imaginary friend to an 8 year-old girl. In the movie they are the same age-10. I think that is much more believable and works so much better. The front of the book says "What if your imaginary friend was your one true love?" Wouldn't it be better if they grew up at the same time and experienced their childhoods together? I think so. Also, the book never addresses the issue of Michael staying the same age or not. Jane asks him, but he never answers. So, to sum up-the book is good, but the movie is better. That doesn't happen very often. I hope the movie is released soon. I will definitely buy it! Did you see it or read it? Tell me what you think.

I'll be back in the New Year with more children's recommendations. And, well, some for all ages. I'll review what I'm currently reading and I'll talk about some that I've enjoyed in the past. Let me know if you're following this blog and what you'd like to see here. Thanks for visiting!

Happy Reading!

If You're Missing Baby Jesus

2010-12-09T08:13:00.000-08:00

If You're Missing Baby Jesus: A True Story that Embraces the Spirit of Christmas
I just had this wonderful story read to me last night. It is so sweet and really does embrace the Spirit of Christmas. The author's mother purchases a nativity set from the local store and finds inside the box, an extra baby Jesus. She is sure that another set is missing a baby, so she sends her children to the store to ask the clerk to put a note next to the unsold sets saying, "If you're missing baby Jesus call 7612" (I hope I remembered the numbers correctly). The family waits for the call, but it doesn't come. Then it's Christmas eve, and what unfolds that night is a true Christmas miracle. The book isn't very large, but it is well worth the $9.99 you'll spend on it. I'm sure it will become a treasured book in your family's Christmas library. Read it aloud or alone. You'll love it!

Sundays at Tiffany's

2010-12-06T23:27:00.000-08:00

I just watched Sundays at Tiffany's on Lifetime. What a sweet story! Alyssa Milano stars as a young girl who had an imaginary friend named Michael who has to leave, like all imaginary friends do, on the child's 10th birthday. She is devastated. But, years later, just before she is about to get married, Michael returns. She's sure he's just a figment of her imagination still, but is he? I found myself a bit teary at the end. It made me wish I had a "real" imaginary friend. Check it out. I think you'll love it, too. I'm putting this book on my Christmas wish list!