The eBook Reader

Liebster Blog Award!

Joseph David Quinton — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:17:22 -0700

Thoughts and Exploration has nominated The eBook Reader for a Liebster Blog Award! DEM, who blogs at Thoughts and Exploration, is a fellow Filofax and Saddleback Leather enthusiast and I appreciate her nominating my blog for this award!

The Liebster Award is given to up-and-coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. Here are the rules for receiving this award:

Here are the rules for receiving this award:

Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
Answer the questions that the tagger set for you plus create 11 questions for the people you've tagged to answer.
Choose 11 people and link them in your post.
Go to their page and tell them.
No tag backs!

And to receive my award.....

11 Things About Me:

I am married to the love of my life and we have one son, a Shih Tzu (Isabella), a Yorkshire Terrier (Ozzy), and a Bengal cat (India).
I am a lover and consumer of words.
I have a strong passion for paper, stationery, planners, and fountain pens.
I am a Christian and I love the preaching/teaching of Creflo Dollar and Joyce Meyer.
I am a foodie and I love to watch The Food Network.
I carry a man purse; a medium satchel from The Sadddleback Leather Company.
I currently own three Filofax planners: an A5 Ochre Malden (main planner), an A5 Brown Chameleon (spiritual planner), and a Personal Brown Holborn (wallet).
Even though I have not begun writing it yet, I have a wonderful idea for an Asian-themed fantasy novel.
I love Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia.
I love the journals and writings of Thomas Merton.
My favorite books are those in the Dune Universe created by Frank Herbert: Dune, Dune Messiah, Children of Dune, God Emperor of Dune, Heretics of Dune, and Chapterhouse Dune. I also like the prequels and sequels created by his son, Brian Herbert, and Kevin J. Anderson.

DEM's 11 Questions for Me:

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? My wife and I have a strong desire to travel to Ireland. I am of Irish ancestoy and have always wanted to visit the Emerald Isle.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I have a nervous tic of biting my nails and that is definitely something I would like to change about myself.
What is your favorite movie? My favorite movie of all time is Guys and Dolls starring Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, and Jean Simmons.
What is the worst movie you have ever seen? Hands down, Kill Bill. I left the theater during the first fifteen minutes.
Beach, city, or mountains? Definitely, the beach. Seeing the ocean allows you to see the majesty and grandeur of God.
What do you like most about yourself? My outlook on life. I have always had this belief that no matter how bad the day is, tomorrow will be infinitely better.
How do you come up with your blog post ideas. I generally try to write involving a schedule of posts and I also receive inspiration from other bloggers.
If you could have one super power, what would it be and why? Having grown up in the heyday of the Marvel Universe, I would love to have the super powers of Spider Man. Swinging from buidling to building looks fun!
What is your favorite dinner? You can't beat steak, baked potato, and salad!
What was the last concert that you attended. For my birthday, my wife got us tickets to see Josh Groban at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky.
Do you believe in ghosts / spirits? Absolutely not.

11 People I Have Chosen for the Award:

11 Questions for My chosen 11 to Answer:

If you could inhabit any book, what book would it be and why?
If you were to win the lottery, what would be the very first thing that you would purchase?
What are your 5 most fovorite books or books series?
What magazines do you read on a regular basis?
What tool or tools do you use to organize your day?
What is your most favorite television program?
Who is your most favorite author and why?
Physical books or eBooks and why?
Do you have an eReader.....which one?
What blogs do you read on a weekly basis?
What is your best character trait?

Friday Reads for 24 May 2013

Joseph David Quinton — Fri, 24 May 2013 05:39:40 -0700

This weekend, I will be reading The Initiate Brother by Sean Russell.

Good Reads Description: Plague and warfare has swept across the Orient, ravaging the ancient kingdom of Wa, devastating the royal line, and leaving a new dynasty on the throne--a new Emperor, Akantsu, filled with fear of all who might seek to wriest the Empire from his grasp. Among those out of favor with the new liege is the Order of the Botahist Monks, whose mystical powers have enabled them to hold positions as Spiritual Adviseres to the Imperial court for nearly ten centuries. But Emperor Akantsu fears none so greatly as he does Lord Shonto, the brilliant leader of the most important of the Old Families, whose infludence could rally the Great Houses against the throne and whose adopted daughter, the beautiful and talented Lady Nishima, is the last surviving member of the old royal family.

Sent to be military Governor of a northern border province long threatened by barbarian invaders, Lord Shonto knows he is being lured to his death. But Akantsu has underestimated his foe, for not only is Lord Shonto the greatest military genius of the age, but he has with him a Spiritual Adviser from the Botahist Order--a young man gifted with extraordinary martial skills and magical abilities, Initiate Brother Shuyun. And even Lord Shonto does not realize the true potential of this young monk. Only time will reveal that Shuyun's magical powers have not seen their equal in nearly a thousand years--not since the Perfect Master himself walked the paths of the Empire.

Good Reads Rating: 4.05

#FridayReads for 17 May 2013

Joseph David Quinton — Fri, 17 May 2013 08:47:27 -0700

This weekend, I will be reading 10 Principles for Studying Your Bible by Dr. Charles Stanley.

GoodReads Description: What would you give to have true contentment, joy without end, and lasting peace? Most of us would say, "Anything!" especially when we are dealing with the stormy pressures of life. In "10 Principles for Studying Your Bible, "Dr. Charles Stanley provides practical insight into God's word by walking you through the highlights of his own personal Bible study. He explains, "You don't have to go through life wondering if the next storm will be the one that washes your life out to sea. God has an answer for your greatest need, but it is only found in the study of His Word."

"God tells us that if we seek Him, we will find Him," writes Dr. Stanley. "And when we uncover His truth, we gain clear direction for our lives and circumstances." Those who begin this journey into understanding the Bible quickly realize His Word is a doorway to divine principles and life's greatest blessings.

GoodReads Rating: 3.92

My Most Favorite Hymns

Joseph David Quinton — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:53:50 -0700

I have three favorite hymns and they always touch me deeply whenever I hear them. My most favorite hymn is Be Thou My Vision followed by Let All Things Now Living and Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.

Bookish Things: Book Formats

Joseph David Quinton — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:00:52 -0700

Yesterday, 1book1review uploaded a video response to YouTube in response to a video posted by The Book Jazz. Both of these ladies produce wonderful content and I highly recommend that you check out their respective channels. In their videos, these two booktubers discussed the different types of book formats and which format appealed to them most. Hands down, both 1book1review and The Book Jazz identified paperbacks as their most favorite book format due to issues such as cost, portability, and ease of readability.

As you may surmise from the name of my blog, I prefer books in an electronic book format. I have used an iPad, iPad 2, and now use an iPad Mini and I use the iBooks, Kindle, and Nook apps to purchase, read, and store my books and magazines. I find that my iPad affords me a more pleasant reading experience than reading physical books and I feel there are several advantages to reading eBooks over physical books.

Portability and Storage. Because electronic books are not three dimensional objects, thousands of them can exist on the storage medium of one eReader and be readily available at all times.

Price. eBooks can be purchased relatively inexpensively when compared to heavier tomes. I generally pay anywhere from 4.99 to 12.99 for the books I purchase and this is generally cheaper than the price of a new paperback.

Ability to Purchase. eBooks can be purchased instantaneously from iTunes, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble. There is no time wasted driving to a local book shop or awaiting the delivery man to come with your package.

Font/Screen Adjustments. Any eReader has the ability to select different fonts, increase or decrease the size of fonts, and adjust the paper to different hues; it also permits you to read in total darkness. This ensures a pleasant reading experience, no matter your eye strength or environment, and may invite you to read more.

Promotion of Reading. In this techno-centric society in which we live, being able to read on an electronic device may promote reading to those whose lives are filled with gaming consoles, iPods, iPads, iPhones, Nintendo DSs, netbooks, tablets, Droids, Blackberrys, and other forms of technology.

Free Books! Many works which exist within the public domain are available for free electronic download through organizations such as Project Gutenberg. I own the complete works of Jane Austen, the Bronte Sisters, Charles Dickens, as well s others, and I downloaded them all for no cost.

Read Samples. I love the ability to download the first few chapters of books I am considering purchasing. This helps me to make wise purchasing decisions.

Social Media. We are all now connected social media such as Twitter, Facebook, and the few people who use Google+. Reading an ebook permits me to share specific passages of any book I am reading with my friends on social media!

Yes, I do realize that I cannot look at my electronic books on my bookshelf, turn the deckled edges, feel the heft of the book, or smell the pages, but I purchase books to consume them and not to decorate my home with them.

Admittedly, however, I do have a large weakness for Penguin Classics in the black paperbacks!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Joseph David Quinton — Wed, 15 May 2013 05:35:36 -0700

Book Review: God Emperor of Dune by Frank Herbert

Joseph David Quinton — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:56:57 -0700

Book: God Emperor of Dune by Frank Herbert (Book Four in the Dune Chronicles)

Author: Frank Herbert

Published: unknown

Publisher: The Berkley Publishing Group/The Penguin Group

Date Read: 14 May 2013

Format: iBook

First Line: "It not only is my pleasure to announce to you this morning our discovery of this marvelous storehouse containing, among other things, a monumental collection of manuscripts inscribed on ridulian crystal paper, but I also take pride in giving you our arguments for the authenticity of our discoveries, to tell you why we believe we have uncovered the original journals of Leto II, the God Emperor."

Genre/Rating: Science Fiction, 5.0

GoodReads Rating: 3.73

Review: God Emperor of Dune, is the fourth book in the six-book Dune Series, written by Frank Herbert. As the book opens, we are cast 3500 years into the future following the events of Children of Dune. Lord Leto II is almost a complete sandworm and he rules the entire universe with despotic fervor. Beside himself, there are no more sandworms in existence because he has turned Arrakis into a lush world with rivers and forests; however, Leto II maintains a small desert, which he refers to as his Sareer, which is the home to his citadel. With the absence of the sandworms, there is no more spice to be located on Arrakis and Leto maintains a huge cache of mélange from which he blesses or punishes the Guild, the Bene Gesserit and others who depend so strongly upon the spice. He has also forbidden interplanetary space travel, so people are relegated to life on their own planets. Leto maintains control through the use of his all-female army, called Fish Speakers, who revere Leto as a god and carry out his will with unquestioning, fanatical devotion.

Leto II has cast himself into the role of tyrant to the fulfillment of his Golden Path. This Golden Path is a way of salvation for the universe, first understood by Paul Muad’Dib who was unable to take upon himself the mighty mantle of sacrifice that the Golden Path required. God Emperor of Dune lacks the exciting narrative of the first three novels and is more philosophic and contemplative in tone. Through Leto’s conversations with his majordomo Moneo, the eleventh ghola of Duncan Idaho, Siona Atreides, Hwi Noree, and others, we are privy to their conversations and thoughts as they explore the implications of the Golden Path and the sacrifice that Leto II made to merge himself with the sandtrout and become a sandworm.

I perceive God Emperor of Dune as a character-driven bridge which links the plot-driven first three novels with the plot-driven last two novels in the science fiction sextet. Even though this novel is devoid of the action in the other books in the series, there are some exciting moments. Within the narrative we learn more about the Ixians, the Bene Tleilax, and the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood and this makes for intriguing reading and establishes a framework for what to expect in Heretics of Dune and Chapterhouse Dune.

I find God Emperor of Dune to be a most satisfying read and I enjoy the character development that occurred within the narrative and the ending was unexpected and heart wrenching. If you have yet to explore the amazing world of Dune, I would like to provide you with a chronological reading of the works of Frank Herbert and the prequels/sequels penned by his son, Brian Herbert, along with Kevin J. Anderson.

A Chronological Reading of the Dune Universe (I'll highlight the ones have read)

Hunting Harkonnens (short story) in The Road to Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
The Butlerian Jihad by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
Whipping Mek (short story) in The Road to Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
The Machine Crusade by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
The Faces of a Martyr (short story) in the Road to Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
The Battle of Corrin by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
The Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
House Atreides by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
House Harkonnen by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
House Corrino by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
Paul of Dune (Parts II, IV, VI) by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
The Winds of Dune (Part II) by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
A Whisper of Caladan Seas (short story) in The Road to Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
Dune by Frank Herbert
Paul of Dune (Parts I, III, V, VII) by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
The Winds of Dune (Part IV) by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
The Road to Dune (short story) by Frank Herbert
Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert
The Winds of Dune (Parts I, III, V) by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
Children of Dune by Frank Herbert
God Emperor of Dune by Frank Herbert
Heretics of Dune by Frank Herbert
Sea Child (short story) in The Road to Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
Chapterhouse: Dune by Frank Herbert
Hunters of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
Treasure in the Sand (short story) in The Road to Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
Sandworms of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

The TARDIS Tag

Joseph David Quinton — Sun, 05 May 2013 19:10:48 -0700

One of my most favorite Booktubers, Sue Moro, has created her very first tag! Being a huge Dr. Who fan, she has created The Tardis Tag and here are the questions from her YouTube channel:

"The TARDIS is a vehicle the Doctor uses to travel through time and space on the television series Doctor Who. TARDIS stands for Time and Relative Dimensions in Space, the vehicle is bigger on the inside than the outside, and it's stuck in the iconic image of a blue British police box.

For this tag you have hijacked the Doctor's TARDIS and are taking it on a joyride through fiction. You will be traveling to the destinations in time listed below, and you get to pick the location, as in the book you will land in."

Destination 1: You travel back in time. (Which historical novel or book from an earlier period will you choose to travel to and why?)

If the TARDIS were to take me back in time, I would love to land inside Edward Rutherfurd's The Princes of Ireland and its sequel, The Rebels of Ireland. Being of Irish descent, I would love to witness first hand the early days of the Emerald Isle.

Destination 2: You travel to a medieval time. (Which fantasy novel will you visit?)

Without hesitation, I would want the TARDIS to land me in the midst of Middle Earth.....within the comfort of a hobbit hole.

Destination 3: You take the TARDIS into space. (Which sci/fi novel will you visit?)

My TARDIS would definitely fly me to planet Arrakis where I could see the great sandworms of Dune.

Destination 4: It's time to return home but the TARDIS sideslips into an alternate universe. (Which dystopian world do you land in, and try to set it right.)

The dystopian world which I would like to visit would be anything within the Enderverse created by Orson Scott Card.

Destination 5: The TARDIS slips into another alternate universe filled with children. (Which middle grade book would you travel to and why?)

Two words.....ROALD DAHL...becuase his books are so amazing!

Destination 6: The TARDIS finally returns to your universe and you land on Earth in the present time. (Which contemporary novel will you travel to and why?)

The TARIS would have to take me into Major Pettigrew's Last Stand because I would love to share a proper tea with the Major.

Great tag, Sue!!!!

A Few of My Favorite People: Frank X Walker

Joseph David Quinton — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 07:37:52 -0800

In 1995, I fell in love with poetry when I saw Bill Moyers in a PBS series called The Language of Life. Filmed on location at the prestigious Geraldine R. Doge Poetry Festival, the series showcases major contemporary poets -- Sekou Sundiata, Naomi Shihab Nye, Jane Hirshfield, Robert Bly, Lucille Clifton, Gary Snyder, and others -- in one-on-one conversations with Moyers and public performances of their work, several accompanied by the Paul Winter Consort. Since then, my love for poetry has grown and I have added many, many poets to my list of favorites.

In 2001, I discovered Frank X Walker, who was born in Danville and educated at the University of Kentucky and Spaulding University. Frank quickly became my most favorite contemporary poet and in 2010, I wrote a nomination to the Kentucky Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet nominating Frank X Walker as Kentucky Poet Laureate.

Saturday, I was so thrilled, because I received the following letter in the mail:

"Dear Mr. Quinton:

I am pleased to inform you that Frank X Walker has been named 2013-2014 Kentucky Poet Laureate. The Kentucky Arts Council received nominations submitted from throughout the state to recommend the Kentucky Poet laureate for Governor Beshear's approval. Attached is a copy of the press release announcing Mr. Walker's appointment.

Your presence is requested at the 2013-2014 Kentucky Poet Laureate installation ceremony and special activities at the Kentucky State Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort. The presentation is scheduled for April 24, 2013, at 11 a.m.

Congratulations on the success of your nomination."

Fireside Chat #1: Frank X Walker Named Kentucky Poet Laureate

Joseph David Quinton — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 09:13:00 -0800

KENTUCKY ARTS COUNCIL NEWS RELEASE
Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet

Feb. 14, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Frank X Walker named Kentucky Poet Laureate

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Governor Steve Beshear has appointed Lexington poet, author, and teacher Frank X Walker as Kentucky poet laureate for 2013-14, the Kentucky Arts Council announced today. Walker, a native of Danville, will be formally inducted during a ceremony on Kentcky Writers' Day, April 24, at the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort.

Frank X Walker is the author of five poetry collections: Isaac Murphy: I dedicate this ride; When Winter Come: the Ascension of York; Black Box; Buffalo Dance: the Journey of York, which won the Lillian Smith Book Award in 2004; and Affrilachia. A 2005 recipient of the Lannan Literary Fellowship in Poetry, Walker is cofounder of the Affrilachian Poets. He currently serves as an associate professor in the Department of English and director of the African American and Africana studies program, both at the University of Kentucky.

Walker is known internationally for his unique approach to teaching writing and numerous literary accomplishments. Most famously among them is his creation of the word "Affrilachia," a term that unifies Appalachian identity and the region’s African-American culture and history. The word Affrilachia is included in the Oxford American Dictionary. He is a leader of the Affrilachian literary movement that prides itself in giving voice to previously muted and silenced people and promotes excellence in teaching, writing, art and activism.

Walker is a native of Danville, Ky., a graduate of the University of Kentucky, and he completed a master of fine arts in writing at Spalding University. He has lectured, conducted workshops, read poetry and exhibited at more than 300 national conferences and universities including the Verbal Arts Centre in Derry, Northern Ireland; Santiago, Cuba; University of California at Berkeley; Notre Dame; Appalachian State University and many more.

Walker has served as founder/executive director of the Bluegrass Black Arts Consortium, and the program coordinator of the University of Kentucky's King Cultural Center. He was awarded an honorary doctorate of humanities in 2001 from UK for his collective community work and artistic achievements. Transylvania University awarded Walker an honorary doctor of letters degree in 2002.

Walker is the recipient of the 2006 Thomas D. Clark Literary Award for Excellence, and an Actors Theatre of Louisville Keeper of the Chronicle Award. He has held board positions for the Kentucky Humanities Council, Appalshop and the Kentucky Writers Coalition, as well as a government appointment to the former Cabinet for Education, Arts and Humanities and the Committee on Gifted Education. He has served as vice president of the Kentucky Center for the Arts and the executive director of Kentucky's Governor's School for the Arts. He is a past recipient of an Al Smith Individual Artist Fellowship from the Kentucky Arts Council.

Walker is the recipient of the 2013 Appalachian Heritage Literary Award from the West Virginia Humanities Council. The Kentucky Conference for Community and Justice named him one of its Humanitarian Award winners. In 2011, he was named one of "The most creative teachers in the South" by the "Oxford American: The Southern Magazine of Good Writing."

Walker’s literary background has deep roots in Kentucky and his work draws heavily on his experiences in the state. He lives in Lexington, Ky.

Saturday Spotlight: Jason Purcell at theheavyblanks

Joseph David Quinton — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 08:56:00 -0800

On December 29, 2012, Jason Purcell began creating booktube content on theheavyblanks and he has quickly become of of my most favorite booktubers. Jason has a unique ability to speak into the camera in such a way that you feel as if you are participating in an intimate, two-sided conversation about the wonder and amazement of books. Jason is extremely intelligent and personable and I enjoy all of the content which he uploads.

Jason loves Canadian literature, immigrant narratives, and fiction that contain magical and/or mythical elements. His most favorite books include the following:

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Touch by Alexi Zentner
Chorus of Mushrooms by Hiromi Goto
As for Me and My House by Sinclair Ros
Necessary Secrets by Elizabeth Smart

#FridayReads: Eon by Alison Goodman

Joseph David Quinton — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 05:49:10 -0800

This weekend I will be reading Eona by Alison Goodman which is the conclusion of the amazing, Asian- themed fantasy that began with Eon.

Description from GoodReads: "Eon has been revealed as Eona, the first female Dragoneye in hundreds of years. Along with fellow rebels Ryko and Lady Dela, she is on the run from High Lord Sethon's army. The renegades are on a quest for the black folio, stolen by the drug-riddled Dillon; they must also find Kygo, the young Pearl Emperor, who needs Eona's power and the black folio if he is to wrest back his throne from the selfstyled "Emperor" Sethon. Through it all, Eona must come to terms with her new Dragoneye identity and power - and learn to bear the anguish of the ten dragons whose Dragoneyes were murdered. As they focus their power through her, she becomes a dangerous conduit for their plans. . . .

Eona, with its pulse-pounding drama and romance, its unforgettable fight scenes, and its surprises, is the conclusion to an epic only Alison Goodman could create."

of Bookish Things...#1

Joseph David Quinton — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 06:41:19 -0800

Today is St. Valentine's Day and I encourage all men to lavish their wives or girlfriends with a delious meal, a wonderful present, and shower her with lots of love.

Today is also International Book Giving Day which is a a day dedicated to getting new, used and borrowed books in the hands of as many children as possible.

There are three simple ways to celebrate this bookish holiday:

1. Give a Book to a Friend or Relative.

Celebrate International Book Giving Day by giving a child a new, used or borrowed book.

2. Leave a Book in a Waiting Room or Lobby.

Choose a waiting room where kids are stuck waiting and there are few to no good books available. Purchase a good book, and deposit your book covertly or overtly in your waiting room of choice. The goal here is to spread the love of reading to kids, so choose a fun book, nothing controversial.

3. Donate a Book.

Wrap up a box of children’s books that your kids have outgrown and get them in the hands of children who could really use a book or two. Donate your books to your local second hand store, library, children’s hospital, or shelter. Alternatively, donate your books to an organization working internationally to get books in the hands of kids, such as Books for Africa.

Wordless Wednesday #2

Joseph David Quinton — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 03:00:00 -0800

Inkopedia: J. Herbin Rouge Hematite (1670)

Joseph David Quinton — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 06:52:53 -0800

J. Herbin Rouge Hematite (1670) is one of the most regal inks that I have seen. It is so beautiful on the page and looks like an ink that would be used by royalty. I am not a fan of red inks, but this ink is one that I would take pleasure in using everyday. It goes onto the page very wet and takes about 30 seconds to dry on a sheet of Moleskine paper. In the time that I have used it, I have not witnessed any bad characteristics.

A Few of My Favorite Things: Ink, Paper, Pens, and Planners

Joseph David Quinton — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 08:04:00 -0800

A few of the things that have interested me for the entirety of my life is ink, paper, pens, and planners. My father posssessed excellent penmanship and I was so greatly impressed by his hand that, as a child, I tried to imitate his writing style. My father's favorite writing intruments were a finely sharpened Black Warrior pencil and a Cross ball point pen and I can remember him always carrying a small notebook in his shirt pocket in which he would record all kinds of notes to himself, so I am sure I inherited my love of ink and paper from him.

For the last several years, I have used a Lamy Safari fountain pen as my writing instrument of choice. The use of fountain pens is infectious because my wife, brother, nephew, and neice are now all users of fountain pens. I participate in the Goulet Pen Company's monthly Ink Drop to sample many different manufacturers and colors of inks and post these ink samples to my blog each Tuesday. De Atramentis and J. Herbin are my most favorite ink makers and some of my most favorite inks include the following:

Being a fountain pen user, I really appreciate a nice, heavy weight, smooth paper on which to write. I am an admirer of Clairfontaine paper which can be found in the Clairfontaine Triomphe notepad, and journals produced by Rodia and Quo Vadis. I used to love Moleskine journals but they are not fountain pen-friendly.

Within the past year, I have also discovered Filofax planners. This UK-based company produces some of the best planners in the world, in my opinion. I will soon upload a vlog tour of my A5 Cuban and my personal Holborn.

My Filofax Week 1

Joseph David Quinton — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 04:55:00 -0800

#FridayReads for 8 February 2013

Joseph David Quinton — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 07:05:11 -0800

Last Friday, I began The Romanov Conspiracy by Glenn Meade and this is the book that I will be reading for this #FridayReads, as well. I had some difficulty with the beginning of the book because of a time shift in the narrative. There are two groups of characters; one is in the present day and one group exists near the end of Czarist Russia. It was difficult for me to figure out the connections between the two groups. I love Czarist Russian history, especially the history surrounding the last royal family, and I am determined to enjoy this book. Because of this, I am going back to page one and starting my reading over.

Soapbox Rant: Availability of Filofax Models

Joseph David Quinton — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 13:18:55 -0800

The Bookish Things post scheduled for today has been interrupted so that I can bring you the following Soapbox Rant.

If I go into my local McDonalds Restaurant, I can purchase a Big Mac sandwich and know that it will contain two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions - all on a sesame seed bun. I also know that if I go into another state, cross the border into Canada, or cross the Atlantic and visit the U.K., I am going to be able to get a Big Mac sandwich made in the same manner as the sandwich I can get at my local McDonalds. I do realize that there are a few exceptions, such as the following:

The Double Big Mac available in Australia, China, Egypt, Ireland, Japan, Turkey, Singapore,Pakistan and Thailand., which consists of four patties;
The Big Big Mac available in Europe (Finland, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Italy), which consists of quarter pounder patties;
The Maharaja Mac which is made of lamb or chicken and is available in India; and
The Chicken Big Mac which is available in Pakistan.

However, with the exception of India where cows are revered as holy, you can purchase a Big Mac sandwich that is identical to the Big Mac sandwiches available across the world because the Big Mac is a wonderful example of American capitalism which has permeated the world economy and tantalized the taste buds of billions upon billions of people.

Unfortunately, worldwide availability is not a business model practiced by U.K.-based Filofax. Suppose you live in the United States and wish to purchase an A5 Ochre Malden - sounds easy enough. I am aware of two online sources of these planners - Filofax USA and Pens and Leather. You eagerly check Filofax USA and discover that they only have the A5 Malden in purple. Agitated, you then check out Pens and Leather and learn that they are all sold out of A5 Maldens, no matter what the color. Frustrated, you check out the UK website and see they only have the Ochre available and you also learn that Filofax France has Grey, Ochre, and Purple available.

Finding a Finsbury is even worse. In the US, you can get a Finsbury in black, raspberry, red, blue and yellow and in the UK, you can get grey, black, raspberry, pink and yellow. And if you desire the Emerald Finsbury, you can only purchase that from Filofax France.

Why does this discrepancy in product distribution exist? Why are ALL Filofax products and colors not available in ALL countries where Filofax planners are sold? If I desire an A5 Emerald Finsbury, I should be able to purchase it in the US and not worry about ordering it from France and paying exorbitant international shipping charges.

Filofax, please wake up and standardize your product availability!

Wordless Wednesday #1

Joseph David Quinton — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 07:50:08 -0800

Ink Drop: February 2013

Joseph David Quinton — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:22:35 -0800

Yesterday evening, I received my February 2013 Ink Drop from The Goulet Pen Company. The Ink Drop is available for ten dollars per month which provides you with five, thematic fountain pen ink samples each month.

The theme for February 2013 was "Happy Valen-tines" and the descriptor card said the following: "Love is in the air, or in this case, in the bottle! We tried to resist the Valen-tines play on words, but just couldn't hold out this year. What can we say? We love puns! And we love these inks, so we hope you will, too."

The inks included in this month's Ink Drop are:

Inkopedia: Diamine's Eau de Nil

Joseph David Quinton — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 09:33:13 -0800

I am not a fan of Diamine ink. This lack of enthusiasm is not based upon experience with the inks in the Diamine line but a lack of experience in using the inks. However, a recent sample from the Goulet Pen Company has caused me to reconsider this ink maker and prompted me to further investigate their ink line.

Eau de Nil, which means "Water of the Nile," is a beautiful blue green ink which is reminiscent of teal. The ink is fast drying, possesses good qualities, excellent flow, and it has little to no discernible shading. While this lack of shading may be a turn off to some ink users, I am not a fan of shading inks. Whether you are a fan of blue and/or green inks, I am confident that you will greatly like Eau de Nil.

Free eBook Download: Back on Murder by J. Mark Bertrand

Joseph David Quinton — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 13:36:29 -0800

My bookish friends, J. Mark Bertrand is making the first book in his Roland March Series available for free ebook download.

From J. Mark Bertrand: "If you love my Roland March series and wish you could introduce more people to the dogged and depressed Houston homicide cop, here's a perfect opportunity. Since Friday, the first book in the series, Back on Murder, has been available as a free e-book on a variety of platforms -- Kindle, Nook, and more. The goal in sharing the book this way is to hook more readers on the series. Over the weekend, Back on Murder became the #1 free title in Amazon's Kindle Store. Those numbers fluctate all the time, but it's good to know more readers are discovering Roland March for the first time." via crimegenre.

Blogging Schedule

Joseph David Quinton — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 13:18:24 -0800

I am considering implementing a structured blogging schedule which will help me to post content that is relevant and timely. The schedule I am considering would include the following:

Monday - "These are a few of my favorite things..."
Tuesday - Inkopedia
Wednesday - Wordless Wednesday
Thursday - Bookish Things
Friday - #FridayReads
Saturday - Saturday Spotlight
Sunday - Fireside Chat

Review: Eon by Alison Goodman

Joseph David Quinton — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 11:02:16 -0800

Book: Eon: Dragoneye Reborn

Author: Alison Goodman

Published: 31 August 2012, by Firebird of The Penguin Group, 576 pages

Date Read: 26 January 2013

Format: Kindle Book

First Line: "No one knows how the first Dragoneyes made their dangerous bargain with the twelve energy dragons of good fortune."

Genre/Rating: Fantasy with Asian-theme, 5.0

GoodReads Rating: 4.02

Review: Being a lover of both fantasy fiction and anything Asian-themed, I was thrilled to discover a duology combining both of these elements into one amazing story.

In Goodman's fictitional world, there are twelve energy dragons who assist those chosen as Dragoneyes to protect their land and its people. The energy dragons are associated with the Chinese Zodiac and consist of the following: Ox Dragon (North, Keeper of Determination), Tiger Dragon (North-Northwest, Keeper of Courage), Rabbit Dragon (East-Northeast, Keeper of Peace), Mirror Dragon (East, Keeper of Truth), Snake Dragon (East-Southeast, Keeper of Insight), Horse Dragon (South-Southeast, Keeper of Passion), Goat Dragon (South, Keeper of Kindness), Monkey Dragon (South-Southwest, Keeper of Resourcfulness), Rooster Dragon (West-Southwest, Keeper of Confidence), Dog Dragon (West, Keeper of Honesty), Pig Dragon, (West-Northwest, Keeper of Generosity), and the Rat Dragon (North-Northwest, Keeper of Ambition).

The protagonist of the story is Eon, a young boy rescued from the salt mines to train as a Dragoneye apprentice. Based upon the Chinese New Year, each turn of the calendar brings an opportunity for apprentice candidates to be chosen by the ascending energy dragon. The new apprentice will train for twelve years as an apprentice under a Dragoneye before he assumes his full position and power as the new Dragoneye. Eon and the other candidates were born under the sign of the Rat and it is the Rat Dragon whose attention and favour they hope to gain on the day of the choosing of the new apprentice Dragoneye. In the ceremony, the Rat Dragon chooses an apprentice named Dillon, but in unusual circumstances, the Mirror Dragon, who has been missing for the last 500 years, reappears and chooses Eon as the Mirror Dragoneye apprentice.

This book is quite a page turner and I look forward to the second book in the Duology: Eona.