Brave as a Bear

What I'm Watching: KDrama

2019-09-14T21:34:00.000-04:00

A few years ago I watched my first Kdrama Medical Top Team...I think I binged the entire season in 4 or 5 days. I also hadn't watched any other Kdrama since then. At least none that I got more than half an episode into; not because they weren't interesting, I just wasn't in the mood for them especially with all the anime shows sitting in my queue waiting for a slice of my time.

Fast forward to this past week, and well, it's a whole new ballgame folks.

I mentioned this on Twitter, but I had started a new crochet project so I decided to try to find something different to watch while I worked on it in the evenings. While I could have turned into any number of anime shows that are, still, in my queue or something I had already started. I decided instead to see if there were any Korean dramas that caught my attention.

Y'all, I've been sucked into the black hole that is Kdramas....

Revenge Note 1 (or Sweet Revenge) was such a ball of cuteness and ridiculous...in other words I loved it!! And, if I'm honest, also a little bit disturbing when you get down to it with the drama of highschool and mean kids, unstable kids, and some disturbed teachers...

I really enjoyed watching Ho Goo Hee, the main character, but it was her newfound friend, Jung Deok-hee, that really stole the show with her love of Astros Cha Eun-woo. She was truly the stalwart friend that Ho Goo Hee needed and her dramatic flair gave the show a lighter feel.

I really don't want to spoil any of the show for y'all...but, I could NOT stop watching it and stayed up till well past 1am four nights running because I had to know how it would all play out, ships included.

If you could recommend one KDrama, wich one do you think I'd enjoy watching? Tell me, do you watch Korean dramas?

Outside the Book (2)

2019-08-24T22:09:00.004-04:00

If you follow me on Twitter, then you already know that there are a lot of non-bookish things that I'm interested in. I thought it would be refreshing to share something I do Outside of the Book. Don't be shy, tell me what non-bookish things you're into as well!!

It has been a long time since I last posted! It hasn't been for lack of trying though...frankly, I just have not been able to find the words to discuss the books I've been reading; well, that and I haven't had as much time to devote to my blog of late.

via GIPHY

BUT! Yes, but, after participating in #AgathaAugust hosted by the lovely The Bookish Land, I have been thinking more and more about making some time (not sure where that time will come from yet though) to publish a couple posts now-and-again. At least with more frequency than the past few months. No, I'm not promising a post every day. If I'm honest, not even probably every other day. I'll just be posting with the mood, or should I say inspiration, strikes me.

ON A DIFFERENT NOTE

It has been total bliss to read nothing but Agatha Christie novels all month! I spent time revisiting old favorites and discovering the beauty of her novels that have gone unread on my shelf. Poirot, Marple, as well as Tommy and Tuppence, ah! What joy!!

While I could bore you to tears gushing about her books, I'll save that for another post another day.

Oh! Let's not forget the two versions of Murder on the Orient Express that I watched. While I loved the cinematic visuals of the 2017 version, it was the 1974 version that really captured the story the best. There were fewer liberties taken with the script; or should I say, the end was less ambiguous in the way it played out.

via GIPHY

The ending of MotOE (2017) was very bad. If you get the chance, watch both versions back-to-back, it will do a better job of showing why the 1974 versions, in my opinion, is much more in line with the way Hercule Poirot would have (and did in the book) reach the conclusion of the mystery and the way and reason he dealt with it the way he did.

There's a great moral contrast between the two movies and the time period that they were both filmed. Yes, the story still takes place in the same era as the book, but the way that evil and justice are perceived in the two films is drastically different (and not in a good way).

Tell me:

what have you been reading lately? Also, how has your summer been?

Review: The Last Leaf (Blog Tour)

2019-04-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

The Last Leaf by Gwyn Ellis Pritchard, March 26, 2019. 128 pages. Published by Clink Street Publishing. Source: Received for blog tour.

Two worlds collide when a chance meeting brings together Jack and Isabella. Jack, the son of the Head Gardener of the Oakfield Estate, finds himself a friend in the lovely Isabella, the ‘little lady of Oakfield Hall’.

Set in Victorian times in the Southern Counties of England – with an intermittent welsh presence in the form of the Jones’ travelling gypsy family – much laughter, dance, music and cultural challenges lie before the two friends this summer!

How will the delicate Isabella fair among the unfamiliar countryside with its host of creatures and seasonal demands?

Will the rugged, uneducated Jack rise to the challenge of learning to read and write poetry about his beloved countryside – poaching, skinning rabbits and river fishing?

Every day is an adventure and it seems they are meant to be together, always. Or are they?

Read about their exciting adventures and discover the true meaning of friendship with them as they each discover new worlds and new challenges!

Goodreads | Amazon

Good morning, y'all! Today, I'm here to talk about The Last Leaf by Gwyn Ellis Pritchard as part of the blog tour to celebrate its release.

I don't know why, but The Last Leaf was different from what I was expecting. But, that's not entirely a bad thing...just a little jarring when you are expecting one thing from a book and come up with a different viewpoint from the one you previously thought you'd walk away with.

I'll be completely honest here: At the beginning of the book, the writing was little jarring and choppy. Which made it difficult for me to read as it kept the story from having a fluid narrative. Though it did improve as the book when along, so, if you can make it through the first couple of chapters that story is well worth making it through the rough points of the author's writing.

If you asked me what I liked best about this book, it would have to be the friendship between Jack and Isabella. I really enjoyed seeing how they lifted each other up and helped the other to understand a life different from their own. That and how they resolved their differences and problems with each other's behaviour; it was interesting...though there were times when I wished the conflict was lengethened as some things were settled too soon.

At times, it felt the the writing was a little heavy on the narrative side while being too light on dialogue. I would have liked to have more conversations between Jack and Isabella than what was showcased in the book. I felt like the book would have been stronger if the reader could see more of their interactions in a more personal sense. Though, the author did a good job showing the inner-workings of the period and the uncommon friendship that blossomed between the two.

About the Author

My name is Gwyn. I am 60 years old, married with two grown up children. I have worked in the IT industry for almost 40 years. Both parents were Welsh speakers preferring to keep their secret language to themselves rather than pass on this heritage to their children.

My Father was an Auditor attached to the British Forces on the Rhine, and we were constantly being moved around from town to town. My early schooling was therefore haphazard, and I struggled to achieve academically in the British Forces education system. So I was sent to Boarding school in Norfolk from the age of ten to sixteen years old. The standard of teaching there was poor and had a very high turnover of teachers as well as pupils. But it was there that I developed my passion for rugby, and at the age of 15, along with a couple of chums, I was invited to play for Diss Rugby Club. I later played for Delyn Rugby club in North Wales for a number of years but sustained too many injuries to take the sport any further.

I have always been interested in storytelling to younger children, being nicknamed “Gwynanory” by one family group who benefitted from me making up stories to fit situations such as; finding a lost teddy, being bullied at school, going to the dentist, or being over excited for Christmas.

I must confess that I am not an avid reader. I do like certain biographies, and I also enjoy crime thrillers. But I mostly enjoy reading about the history of my spiritual homeland in the mid Wales region. I am an impatient reader though. If I do not get the point of the book early enough, or if the style of writing annoys me, then I might just abandon the book and move on to the next one.

The Last Leaf is my first book and I loved writing it. I get quite emotional when I read it back, and then when I do, I wonder if I could have explained a situation better, or added another chapter or two or three. I’m looking forward to carrying on writing and have so many more stories to share.

Be sure to check out the previous stop on the tour at The Attic Life as well as the next stop at Dash Fan Book Reviews

Outside of the Book (1)

2019-02-04T21:51:00.003-05:00

Last fall, I taught myself how to crochet. I had received one of those fun yarn cakes, you know the multi-color ones, for my birthday the year before...I just never got around to using it because knitting makes me all stabby (not the way to feel when you have pointy objects, you know). I didn't know if crocheting and I would get along, but I also didn't want to just leave it sitting around unused forever.

Photo by Olliss on Unsplash

All be honest, it took me a few weeks of working with some leftover yarn, and a whole lot of searching out tutorials and undoing, to consider myself ready to begin an actual project with my special yarn.

Yet, all the mess ups and trial and error was, in a way, fun. Especially when I could finally start to see where I was going wrong and how to remedy my error. It was frankly rather exciting to go from knowing nothing about crocheting to completing my first project.

You may be wondering, what would a novice crocheter, like myself, make? Well, that's easy. I made the most basic of basic beginner projects: the Granny Triangle Scarf. Don't laugh, it was oddly satisfying to make and it has done a marvelous job of keeping my shoulders nice and warm during the cold weather.

Now that I'm out of yarn, it is time to find a new project to work on. I haven't decided what my next project will be yet but...something will come to me.

If you need me, I'll just be dreaming of what I would like to learn and return to for my next stab at being crafty.

Tell me, what crafts do you enjoy? I would love to hear if you're working on any projects!!

I Want to Read It (54)

2019-01-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

I Want to Read It, a hybrid between WLW (or WOW) and what's on my to-be-read pile. Well, instead of focusing just on books I would like to acquire, I will be using it to feature books that I just want to read. From the ones, I want to buy to the ones sitting on my TBR at home.

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him.

With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.

I may have featured this book years ago (around when it first released) yet I never got around to reading it. It was never really one that was on my radar. But I recently stumbled on Rosamund Hodge's twitter profile (which is wonderfully Catholic) which has made me want to give Cruel Beauty a chance. Needless to say, but I see (yet another) visit to the library in the near future for me!!

Have you read Cruel Beauty? What did you think of it?

Quote it to Me! (2)

2019-01-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

Inspired by MizB's (Books And A Beat) Teaser Tuesday.

From here on out, it'll be Quote it to Me! I've never been great about keeping it to only two sentences, so this is more my style of sharing quotes I love. Not just from the books featured week to week but also just random quotes that I want to share with y'all.

The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm (Tales from Alagaësia-vol 1: Eragon) by Christopher Paolini with Angela Paolini

Sometimes you have to stand and fight. Sometimes running away isn't an option.

Part of her expected him to pull out a hidden dagger and do something dangerous and heroic. He seemed that kind of person. Part of her hoped he would rescue her.

It has been two weeks since I read it (in one sitting) and I'm still flailing in joy over a new book set in the world of Alagaësia!! You can expect to see my thoughts on The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm very, very soon.

Graphic Novel Review: Dark Tales: Beauty and the Beast

2019-01-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

Dark Tales: Beauty and the Beast- A Modern Retelling by Jeanne-Marie Leprince and illustrated by Pete Katz, March 6, 2018. Published by Canterbury Classics. 128 pages. Source: Publisher.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

This modern retelling of the classic fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast is told here in a graphic novel format. More than 100 pages of illustrated action, adventure, and love teach a lesson to look beyond the surface and learn to love what’s underneath. A merchant takes shelter in a castle during a thunderstorm, and ends up striking a bargain with its beastly master. His youngest daughter, Beauty, returns to the castle to live in exchange for a restoration of the family’s previous wealth. Beauty befriends Beast, but longs to see her family again. He allows her to visit her former home, but when she doesn’t return at the designated time, consequences ensue.

First Sentence

My poor children!

As much as I enjoy Beauty and Beast, or at least the retellings that I've read, I have never read the original. With the exception of the version that the Grimm Brothers did. So, I had no idea what to expect which made it all the more interesting.

This time, I want to start with Pete Katz illustrations. Typically, I save my thoughts on the illustrations until the end, but today I feel that it should be the first thing I discuss because it was so well done. Firstly, I loved the colors used throughout the book; I really enjoyed seeing how there were two color schemes used through the book-one that was more subtle and the other more vibrant- to depict different sides of the story. Secondly, well, I just really enjoyed the overall feel of Pete Katz's style.

Should you read the Dark Tales version of Beauty and Beast, I would highly recommend reading the introduction as it talks about the history of the story and the version that they chose. It really added to my enjoyment to see the thought and care they put into choosing how to tell the story.

When you compare the many different versions of Beauty and the Beast that are available for consumption, you can almost see which version they used to influence their retelling of the story. Yet, in all the retellings of this story that I have read, I haven't seen one that was this close to original (at least according to the introduction at the beginning of the graphic novel). That aside, it was fascinating to see an entirely different perspective to a story that many people know. Seriously though, read Dark Tales: Beauty and the Beast! It is a truly enjoyable addition to a "tale as old as time".

Final Verdict:

Dark Tales: Beauty and the Beast was one of my favorite graphic novels that I read last year. The artwork and story were really interesting...and different from other versions that I have read. But in a good way.

A copy of this book was received for review consideration. All thoughts are my own.

What I'm Reading (1)

2019-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

New year, new feature!

"What I'm Reading" is a feature I've kind of always wanted to do...I just never got around to it until now. Every other week I'll be sharing what I'm reading and what I've finished!! Are you ready?? I am!!

Finished

The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm: Eragon by Christopher Paolini with Angela Paolini

I haven't had a chance to gather my fluttery thoughts on this one for a review... but it was truly wonderful to see the characters and be back in the world of Alagaësia after so many years!! If you're a fan of the series, I cannot recommend this one enough! I LOVED it!!

A Tale of Highly Unsual Magic by Lisa Papademetriou

I didn't love this one as much as I hoped...

The Art of War: Graphic Novel by Sun Tzu

I actually can't wait to talk about this one with y'all!!

Reading

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas

Make sure you see my other new feature Quote it to Me! to see one of my favorite quotes from the book!

Connect the Stars by Marisa de los Santos and David Teague

So far, it's a pretty interesting read. Here's to hoping that it continues to be a good book!!

Be prepared! My reading is going to be all over the place this year!! I'm ready to read down that VERY long TBR pile that has overrun my room.

Don't forget: Tell me you're reading! Even though I have a lot of books I want to get to this year, I always want to hear what y'all are reading!!

Quote it to Me! (1)

2019-01-22T16:53:00.002-05:00

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas

Learning does not make one learned: there are those who have knowledge and those who have understanding. The first requires memory and the second philosophy.

I'm currently buddy reading The Count of Monte Cristo, just that and am so excited to be rereading one of my favorite classics. I don't remember the first time I read it, just that it has been one of my favorites since I first discovered it at the library many years ago.

Have you read any of Alexander Dumas' books? Tell me, what was the last classic that you read and enjoyed? I can't wait to hear what y'all have read and loved!!!

I Want to Read It (53): Anya's Ghost

2018-08-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol, June 7, 2011. Published by First Second.

Anya could really use a friend. But her new BFF isn't kidding about the "Forever" part.
Of all the things Anya expected to find at the bottom of an old well, a new friend was not one of them. Especially not a new friend who’s been dead for a century.

Falling down a well is bad enough, but Anya's normal life might actually be worse. She's embarrassed by her family, self-conscious about her body, and she's pretty much given up on fitting in at school. A new friend—even a ghost—is just what she needs.

Why

I was surprised to see that I haven't read Anya's Ghost as I was fairly certain I had read it... Well, I guess there's no time like the present to remedy that mistake!!

While I didn't one-hundred percent love Vera Brosgol's Be Prepared, I'm willing to give her work a second chance. Besides, this sounds like an amusing graphic novel and I happen to love amusing stories, so...

Teaser Tuesday: Be Prepared

2018-08-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by MizB of Books And A Beat. To participate, simply do the following: Grab your current read Open to a random page Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This week's teaser is taken from Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol. Enjoy.

Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol-

They keep all the icons in a little house so they don't get wet. I am jealous of the saints for the first time ever.

Guess what? You can see my thoughts (at long last) on Vera Brosgol's Be Prepared!! Just hop on over to see what I thought of it!!

Graphic Novel Review: Be Prepared

2018-08-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol, April 24, 2018. 256 pages. Published by First Second. Source: Publisher.

A gripping and hilarious middle-grade summer camp memoir from the author of Anya's Ghost.

All Vera wants to do is fit in—but that’s not easy for a Russian girl in the suburbs. Her friends live in fancy houses and their parents can afford to send them to the best summer camps. Vera’s single mother can’t afford that sort of luxury, but there's one summer camp in her price range—Russian summer camp.

Vera is sure she's found the one place she can fit in, but camp is far from what she imagined. And nothing could prepare her for all the "cool girl" drama, endless Russian history lessons, and outhouses straight out of nightmares!

Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier, Cece Bell, and Victoria Jamieson, Vera Brosgol's Be Prepared is a funny and relatable middle-grade graphic novel about navigating your own culture, struggling to belong, and the value of true friendship.

Funny story- even though the main character and author shared the same first name, I did not realize at first that the story was part true-story and part made-up. I don't know how I missed that detail.

While there were some aspects of Be Prepared that I didn't like, it was overall a pretty funny and enjoyable read. In some ways, the story was even relatable to a minor degree (very minor). So, let's see what did and did not work for this one!! Y'all ready?

Let's start with what I enjoyed most: The parts where Vera shared small snippets about Russian Orthodox services was really nice as you could see the similarities between it and the Roman Catholic Church (even though they've been in a schism for ages now). though I did spend most of the book hoping the author would shed a little more light on her faith and, you know, maybe get to that point where they wanted to learn more about what they lacked understanding on in regards to it. I know, not the book for the outlook, but I'm always hoping that books that touch on faith will do more than skim over things.

While I felt the attitudes of the older girls were maybe exaggerated, she really did not help things with the way she acted in order to "fit in" with them. I know that it's supposed to make you feel more empathy for Vera, but, I'm just like "run!" as that's not how true friendship works. So yeah, hopefully, any young readers tagging along for Vera's summer misadventures will see that friendship is more than what you can get from someone (or keep from being taken advantage of).

If you can suspend your annoyance over things not being one-hundred percent accurate, then you will most likely enjoy this graphic novel. I especially think anyone finding themselves in a new place will understand some of what Vera felt during the story. I alternately cringed and laughed at some of what happened during the story.

As to the artwork: It wasn't bad, but not necessarily my favorite style. Though I did really enjoy the panels that were just Vera and her many facial expressions; that is where her art shines. In capturing the moment.

Final Verdict: Be Prepared- It won't be for everyone, though it does have some very funny points and some panels that do a great job of capturing the mood of the character.

Be Prepared earns

A copy of this book was received for review consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Hey There...

2018-08-08T23:38:00.002-04:00

I know it has been some time since I last posted here on ye olde blog. It is high past time that I blew away the dust that has been gathering on my poor, neglected blog this summer. Keep reading to hear what's in store for The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia!!

The silence here has been for a couple reasons.

I have not been able to muster my thoughts for blog posts. Let's just say the words I needed for blog posts just were not coming; that and I could not bring myself to publish posts that were halfhearted, you know.

Time! I'm not sure where all my time has gone, but, it is partly dogs (if you follow me on Twitter, then you probably heard about the doggy drama) and just being where I'm needed more (offline). Fear not though, I plan on getting back into things over the next few weeks.

I've also been working on some of my other hobbies and passions.

What's in store for The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia?

I'm planning on slowly overhauling the design of my blog over the next several weeks. Seriously though, it is high time that I finally changed things up around here. Besides, I really want a fresh look for the 10th (YES TEN YEARS) blogoversary!! OH MY GOODNESS!! WHERE ON EARTH HAS THE TIME GONE?!?!?

At the moment, I have ABSOLUTELY no idea how to mark this momentous occasion!!! NONE!!

If you want to write a guest post during the month of October, just let me know!!

Teaser Tuesday: Christianity for Modern Pagans: Pascal's Pensées

2018-06-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

This week's teaser is taken from Christianity for Modern Pagans: Pascal's Pensées by Peter Kreeft and Blaise Pascal.

Christianity for Modern Pagans: Pascal's Pensées by Peter Kreeft and Blaise Pascal-

The root of most atheism is not argument but attitude, not intellection but feeling, not love of the truth but fear of the truth.

If we seek the truth without realizing how far we are from it, we will be dogmatists. If we realize how far we are from the truth but do not seek it, we will be skeptics. If we both seek the truth and realize how far we are from it, we will be wise.

Since I'm really behind in blog things... here are a couple snippets from the book I'm currently reading. This book is SO good!! Now, if only I can find the time to finish reading it!!

All About Middle Grade Review: Mark of the Thief

2018-06-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

Mark of the Thief (Mark of the Thief, 1) by Jennifer A. Nielsen, February 24, 2015. 352 pages. Published by Scholastic. Source: Publisher.

When Nic, a slave in the mines outside of Rome, is forced to enter a sealed cavern containing the lost treasures of Julius Caesar, he finds much more than gold and gemstones: He discovers an ancient bulla, an amulet that belonged to the great Caesar and is filled with a magic once reserved for the Gods -- magic some Romans would kill for.

Now, with the deadly power of the bulla pulsing through his veins, Nic is determined to become free. But instead, he finds himself at the center of a ruthless conspiracy to overthrow the emperor and spark the Praetor War, a battle to destroy Rome from within. Traitors and spies lurk at every turn, each more desperate than the next to use Nic's newfound powers for their own dark purposes.

In a quest to stop the rebellion, save Rome, and secure his own freedom, Nic must harness the magic within himself and defeat the empire's most powerful and savage leaders.

First Sentence

In Rome, nothing mattered more than the gods, and nothing mattered less than its slaves.

Ah, yet another book that I meant to read...when it first came out (years ago). Somehow, it ended up on the bottom of one the "already read" stacks in my room. Which would explain why I couldn't find it till I was weeding through my books.

I'll admit it, I was a little nervous about reading Mark of the Thief because of how much I enjoyed reading the Ascendence trilogy. While I enjoyed this one, it was not as captivating as the previous trilogy that I read by her. Though still good in its own right. Let's see why.

I found Nic to be quite an interesting and strong character. While most people would find him somewhat weak, considering his strong will. Even though he was a slave working the mines, he kept sight of his worth as a human; sure he had to make concessions in order to survive, but throughout the book, there were so many times where could have just given up completely yet didn't. There were, for me at least, many reasons to have enjoyed reading about Nic's story even if at times it paralleled, in some aspects, that of the main character from her previous series. Because even though there were similarities, things were also quite different from one series to the next.

As a reader who enjoys history, it was very refreshing to have the story take place in Ancient Rome rather than another book set in Greece. Yes, I really enjoyed the setting and how well she used it witin the plot, so, I'll spare you my ramblings about that. While it took me a couple chapters to really get into the story, I was again impressed with Jennifer Nielsen's ability to weave such a fascinating tale. One that blended history with a touch of magic.

Final Verdict: Mark of the Thief- It was definitely a good book, one I probably would have enjoyed (or ranked higher) had I read it in a shorte amount of time. It was a solid start to the series and one taht I'm looking forward to continuing when time permits.

A copy of this book was received from the publisher for review consideration. All thoughts are my own.

I Want to Read It (52): Rise of the Wolf

2018-06-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

Rise of the Wolf (Mark of the Thief, 2) by Jennifer A. Nielsen, January 26, 2016. Published by Scholastic.

A powerful amulet. A vengeful goddess. A deadly quest.

Nic may have escaped enslavement in the mines outside of Rome, but his troubles are far from over. The Praetor War—the battle to destroy Rome from within—is in full force, and Nic is caught in the crossfire. The secretive Praetors are determined to unlock a powerful amulet—one sure to bring the empire to its knees. Worse, the Praetors believe Nic holds the key to finding this amulet, and they will stop at nothing to steal it, even if that means harming the people Nic holds most dear.

When the Praetors capture Nic’s mother, Nic knows he must do anything to save her. He challenges the Praetors to a chariot race. If he wins, they will release his mother. But if he loses, he must hand over a magic that will certainly destroy Rome and end his own life. Can Nic once again harness his magic and gather the strength to defeat his enemies? Or will he lose his mother and bear witness to Rome’s destruction?

Why

Yes, I am way behind on Jennifer A. Nielsen's Mark of the Thief series (like years behind), but after recently finishing the first book, I know that I need to see how it'll all play out for Nic. He's going to be in for some rough times, I can just tell based on what he went through in book one alone.

Have you read Mark of the Thief? If not, or if you're curious as to what I thought of it, you can check out my review!

Teaser Tuesday: Mark of the Thief

2018-06-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

This week's teaser is taken from Mark of the Thief by Jennifer A. Nielsen. Enjoy!

Mark of the Thief (Mark of the Thief, 1) by Jennifer A. Nielsen

“I stand with you, Nic, as an equal!” she said. “This is what friends do!”
“Not here!” I yelled.
“You asked me to stand with you!”
“Symbolically!”
“Can we fight about this later?” she asked.
I smiled over at her. If I won this fight, I would gladly engage in more arguments with her.

Inarguably, one of the best exchanges in the entire book! I know this is more than the allotted two sentences, but how could I possibly resist sharing the entire exchange between the two characters? I couldn't, that's how.

You can see my full thoughts on Jennifer A. Nielsen's Mark of the Thief by checking out yesterday's review!!

Spinning Pages (51): Cats in the City

2018-06-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

Oftentimes, while I'm reading a song will pop into my head because the book makes me think of it; sometimes the reverse happens and a random song will make me think of a book I have read. Spinning Pages is a combination of my love for books and music. More often than not, the inspiration for these posts strikes while I have music thumping in my ears while exercising (kind of like how this feature came to be).

This week on Spinning Pages takes up to New York City where Stick Cat and Edith go on grand, yet terrifying, adventures all before their respective owners return home at the end of the day.

Keep reading to see this week's song and lyric selection that will be going with Cats in the City by Tom Watson.

Cat by APink-

My eyes sparkle, filled with curiosityI want to get to know youI don’t know anything, please teach meI want to know everything

How could I possibly resist using a song titles "Cat" for a book about cats! The answer is, I couldn't.

I went through quite a few songs trying to find one that had lyrics that reminded me of the book. It wasn't easy, but, the ones above made me think of both Stick Cat and Edith and their adventures.

For the curious, you can see my full thoughts on A Tail of Two Cats and Cats in the City by checking out my reviews for the first two books in Tom Watson's Stick Cat series.

don't forget, you can listen to APink's Cat below! Hopefully, you'll enjoy this fun sounding song...be careful though, as you may just find it stuck in your head.

I Want to Read It (52): The Shroud of Turin: A Case for Authenticity

2018-05-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

The Shroud of Turin: A Case for Authenticity by Fr. Vittorio Guerrera, December 2, 2000. Published by TAN Books.

A fast-paced book that is easy to read; The Shroud of Turin is guaranteed to interest everyone and give convincing proof--despite the recent propaganda to the contrary--that the Shroud of Turin is the actual burial cloth of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Filled with facts of science and history; you are guaranteed to learn a lot! Well researched and well written. This book is small and doesn't take too long to read -- makes a great gift!

Why

Last month, I not only listened to a recorded talk from Fr. Spitzer and then I had the chance to hear him speak at IBT (on "Science, Near Death Experiences, and the Shroud of Turin"), so I was hoping to find more books on it when I stumbled on Fr. Vittorio Guerrera's The Shroud of Turin: A Case for Authenticity.

The write-up on the back cover, which I can't find anywhere, gives a better glimpse as to why this book sounds so well researched. If you're looking for a more scientific angle that speaks about the "how" the Shroud of Turin could be true, then you really need to check out Fr. Spitzer's work (here are some great resources), as well as this book because it has a lot of promise. I just really want to read it and see what his take on the Shroud is! I'll just flail around here because this IS exciting!!

Teaser Tuesday: Cats in the City

2018-05-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

This week's teaser is taken from Cats in the City by Tom Watson. Enjoy.

Cats in the City (Stick Cat, 2) by Tom Watson-

Edith giggled some more as she remembered past times when Hazel had been covered by white powder. "It's like the cloud just explodes on her!" Edith exclaimed, and laughed even harder. "She instantly looks like a ghost or something."

Another cute edition of Tom Watson's Stick Cat! You can see my full thoughts on Cats in the City by checking out my review.

All About Middle Grade Review: Cats in the City

2018-05-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

Cats in the City (Stick Cat, 2) by Tom Watson, April 25, 2017. 224 pages. Published by HarperCollins. Source: publisher.

Stick Cat is going somewhere he’s never been before—his best friend Edith’s apartment. It’s got everything: donut crumbs in the sink, a fire escape, and a window with a great view of the big city.

While admiring the view, Stick Cat sees trouble. Hazel, the bagel maker, is in serious danger in the building across the alley. Stick Cat will use his smarts—and Edith’s appetite—to devise a rescue plan. But can Hazel hang on long enough for this dynamic duo to save her?

First Sentence

It was Stick Cat's favorite time of day- early morning in the big city.

Earlier this month, I talked about A Tail of Two Kitties, the first of Tom Watson's newest series Stick Cat. Which means now is the perfect time to discuss Cats in the City with all of you.

So far, the Stick Cat books have proved to be a light and funny way to break up some of the other books I'm currently working my way through. The second one was as charmingly funny as the first. I really think this is a series that young readers are going to love, so let's get down to business and talk about the latest adventures of Stick Cat and Edith.

For me, the funniest part(s) of the book were Stick Cat's exasperation with Edith antd how her crazy schemes almost always work out in the end. while I don't want to spoil their antics for potential readers, it is pretty funny how the craziest of plans seem to work out best for them. But I guess that's just how it goes for cats, you know. I'll give you a hint as to what's in-store: clothes pins and a laundry line.

In a way, it is still somewhat odd to think that stick characters and animals have proved to be so successful as an art medium for books. While it is far from my ideal form of illustrations, I think there are many readers, especially young ones, that will absolutely love the simple artwork; that and it may even inspire them to either keep creating or begin.

While the plot itself is good, it is, at least to me, meant to be more on the entertaining side and less on the 'learning' side. That's not to say that it isn't worth reading. Just that it is more for pleasure than a epic commentary on what's going on in the world today. I've been studying the Old Testament and digging into theology books this year (yeah, that's some heavy reading), so, this has been a nice, relaxing change of literary pace.

Final Verdict: Cats in the City- Two cats, one (or more) crazy plan(s) = the day being saved (all before their owners return). A nice, light and fun read that would be perfect for young readers.

A copy of this book was received from the publisher for review consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Teaser Tuesday: A Tail of Two Kitties

2018-05-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

This week's teaser is taken from A Tail of Two Kitties by Tom Watson. Enjoy.

A Tail of Two Kitties (Stick Cat, 1) by Tom Watson-

"I know what flying is," answered Stick Cat, He tried not to sound exasperated even though he definitely felt that way. "I also know that cats can't fly. We don't have wings."

A cute read for young readers just getting into middle-grade books. You can see my full thoughts on A Tail of Two Kitties by checking out my review.

All About Middle Grade Review: A Tail of Two Kitties

2018-05-14T08:00:00.000-04:00

past

A Tail of Two Kitties (Stick Cat, 1) by Tom Watson, May 3, 2016. Published by HarperCollins. Source: Publisher.

There’s a new pet in town.

Stick Cat.

It’s a big day in the big city for Stick Cat and his best friend, Edith. There are treasures to hunt, songs to sing, pigeons to catch, and naps to take. But way up on the twenty-third floor, danger lurks just around the corner. Terrible noises and violent crashes trap a desperate man in the building across the alley. Stick Cat will need to navigate his way across the alley—and around Edith’s peculiar ways—to attempt a rescue.

With Tom Watson’s trademark combination of laughs and adventure, Stick Cat’s high-wire act is sure to please cat lovers and Stick Dog fans everywhere.

First Sentence

Do you remember our deal from the Stick Dog books?

I was going through my 'need-to-review' shelf on Goodreads when I noticed that I still hadn't gotten around to sharing my thoughts on A Tail of Two Kitties (from the author of Stick Dog). So, let's talk about this book.

While definitely not an all-time favorite read, the first Stick Cat book was entertaining. While it is fairly funny with cute illustrations, I do believe that it would be enjoyed more by readers in the 8-10 range (those just moving into middle-grade books); I guess you could say that it would make a good transitional book for young readers making the jump from really short children's books to MG.

So, what makes this such a cute read is Stick Cat and Edith, his neighbor, and the adventure they embarked upon while their owners were away at work. I won't tell you what kind of adventure they had because it would give away the entire story, but let me just say this, it was amusing as they had to traverse a dangerous path and attempt to return home all before their people returned. It is definitely a story that readers will enjoy.

If I didn't love it, then why do I recommend it? Well, that's simple. It may not have been the book for me because I'm not the targeted reader bracket, but, that doesn't mean it isn't a good book. It's just a fun lighthearted read. I mentioned earlier that it's cute, so while that might not pack a lot of punch with me as a reader, it is still entertaining. I would actually say this is a great book for reluctant readers or for those who enjoy graphic novels (as it sorta blends the two together).

Final Verdict: A Tail of Two Kitties- A lighthearted and cute read about the adventures of two cats when their humans are away for the day.

A copy of this book was received from the publisher for review consideration. All thoughts are my own.

I Want to Read It (51): Mexican Martyrdom

2018-05-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

Mexican Martyrdom: Firsthand Accounts of the Religious Persecution in Mexico 1926-1935 by Wilfred Parsons, January 1993. 316 pages. Published by Tan Books.

Mexican Martyrdom is a series of true stories of the terrible anti-Catholic persecutions which took place in Mexico in the 1920s. Told by the Jesuit priest, Fr. Wilfrid Parson, these stories are based upon cases he had seen himself or that had been described to him personally by the people who had undergone the atrocities of those times.

Though most contemporary readers don t know it, a full-fledged persecution of the Church, with thousands of martyrdoms, took place in modern times, just south of our own border including the famous Jesuit priest, Fr. Miguel Pro, was martyred before a firing squad during this persecution.

Between the conquest of Mexico by Cortes in 1521, and the Mexican Independence from Spain in 1821, Spain created in Mexico a great Catholic civilization to rival that of any nation in Europe. But when the Great Mexican Revolution began in 1810, this flourishing country began to wither and die. That Revolution was not to end until 1928, with the end of the brutal rule of President Plutarco Elias Calles, though in many ways it continues still. The heroic resistance of Mexican Catholics during this persecution is a great inspiration to Catholics today.

Mexican Martyrdom proves that hatred for the Catholic Church exists even in our times and can still flare into open and bloody persecution in this so-called enlightened age.

Why

I have been wanting to read Mexican Martyrdom for a couple years now. While I still need to read Blood-Drenched Altars first, as is recommended for a broader scope of what is covered in this book. That aside, I'm really looking forward to delving deeper into the persecutions that happened in Mexico during the early to mid-1900s.

Hey y'all, so if you're looking for history books that give a broader, and let's be honest a deeper, look at contested points in history, then just ask me.

Teaser Tuesday: The Vision, vol 1: Little Better Than a Man

2018-05-08T22:20:00.001-04:00

This week's teaser is taken from The Vision, vol 1: Little Better Than a Man by Tom King.

The Vision, vol 1: Little Better Than a Man by Tom King-

You cannot hate what you do not know. They do not know you, therefore they are incapable of hating you. Perhaps I might concede they hate the idea of you. But if this is true, then your task is a simple one. You merely have to show them that you are not that idea.

Yeah, I didn't like this one all that much, but the quote is pretty good. You can see just why I found The Vision, vol 1: Little Better Than a Man to be not worth pursuing beyond volume 1.