Miss Remmers' Review

A Tribute to The Best Man I Know

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:16:00 +0000

I just wanted to say a big thanks to all the ~~bloggers~~ friends who have sent well wishes, thoughts, and prayers this week after the devastating news of my father's sudden death. A prayer service will be held on Monday and he'll be buried in the National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD. Life will resume on the blog in the next two weeks as I get back to school and everyday life.

Carl E. Remmers was born on May 9^th, 1945 to Arthur and Elaine Remmers of Naples, SD. Carl grew up with seven brothers and sisters. He graduated from Hazel High School in 1963 and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served in the Vietnam War. Upon returning from Vietnam, Carl earned his bachelors degree from Sioux Falls College and his masters from Northern State University in 1974. Carl began his professional career as a history teacher, then as a principal, and finally as superintendent; Carl served numerous public school districts in South Dakota, Minnesota, and North Dakota in the capacity of superintendent.

While working in Timber Lake, SD, he met, courted, and married Mavis Long. Together they had two children, Reagan Elaine and Zachary Taylor. As a family, they went on many vacations but the highlight was the Josephson/Remmers Cruise to Alaska in 2008. Besides family and politics, Carl had three great loves in his life: fishing, baseball, and his dog. An avid fisherman, Carl moved to Pierre in hopes of spending his retirement on the river. Most summers Carl took his family to at least one Minnesota Twins game and this past summer he had the opportunity to see the new Target Field as the Twins faced off against the Boston Red Sox.

Carl passed away on Tuesday, February 21^st, 2012, while taking Pippin, the Golden Retriever, for a walk. Pippin fell through the ice and according to the eyewitness, Carl didn’t hesitate to run in after him. Many things could be said about his choice of action, but it cannot be denied that the greatest testament to a man’s character is the love he shows for his dog. Besides walking along the Missouri River every day, Carl and Pippin were rarely separated and had a bond that will never be forgotten.

Carl is preceded in death by his father, Arthur Remmers, mother, Elaine Remmers, and brother, Laraine Remmers (all of Naples, SD). Carl is survived by his wife, Mavis Remmers (currently of Cass Lake, MN), son, Zachary Remmers (Benson, MN), daughter, Reagan/Dan Urbanec (Bismarck, ND), brothers Archie/Marlys Remmers (Winner, SD), Wesley/Judy Remmers (Modesto, CA), Gary/Kathy Remmers (Orient, SD), Butch Remmers (Watertown, SD), Arlo/Colita Remmers (Watertown, SD), and sisters Karleen Josephson/Loren (Lake City, SD), Dona Remmers (Las Vegas, NV), numerous nieces, nephews, and his best friend Pippin.

If you remember, we adopted a puppy (Prim) on Monday of this week. I was fortunate enough to have a great relationship with my dad; we talked several times a day on the phone. My last conversation with my dad was on Tuesday over lunch; we talked about Prim and how good of a puppy she has been.

Yesterday, after finishing the obit, I returned my dad's audiobooks to the library and made sure he didn't have anything else checked out. My dad had over 5 audiobooks checked out and three books. I wonder where I get that from?

Brother and sister are doing well. Pippin is still obviously exhausted and confused; he was swimming for about an hour while they searched for my dad. Pippin was treated for hypothermia and has seemingly physically recovered. He and Prim are getting along fine and have been a source of endless love and support as we struggle to get through this as a family.

Titanic: 2012 Reading Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

On Monday I revealed my Titanic obsession, today I want to take that obsession to a whole new level. I'm officially introducing the Titanic 2012 Reading Challenge! This April commemorates the centennial of the Titanic tragedy and, in my eyes, it's only fitting to remember in the way that I know best - read! There are so many fantastic books relating to the Titanic that are coming out right now to aide in this commemoration that no one should be lacking good books to read - however, if you'd like to add movies to this list and make it sort of a "Anything Goes" sort of deal ... the more power to you!

Yes, folks you heard me right! Anything goes - books or movies! The challenge doesn't officially start until April 1st and it will end on April 30th but in an effort to adhere to release dates etc, anything you read beginning today counts toward the challenge ~~unofficially~~!

So, like other reading challenges, there are levels of participation! I apologize if this seems crass; it is meant (obviously) in irony.

3rd Class - Read or watch 4 books/movies involving the Titanic
2nd Class - Read or watch 8 books/movies involving the Titanic
1st Class - Read or watch 12 books/movies involving the Titanic

If you know of a great read/movie that you'd recommend, please comment below. As we near the official departure of this challenge I'll post a list of recommendations (movies and books).

What do you think? Sound like an awesome time? Anyone else addicted to all things "Unsinkable?"

Caught in the Net 2.21.11

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:56:00 +0000

This is where I showcase what I've currently downloaded via NetGalley! Links are to Goodreads. The links that have a strike through them are NetGalley reads I've read since my last Caught in the Net post! The ^^ indicates NEW books to this list from last time.

From NetGalley

~~1.24 The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe~~

~~1.24 Fallen in Love by Lauren Kate~~

~~2.1 Escaping Titanic by Marybeth Lorbiecki~~

~~2.21 Double by Jenny Valentine~~

2.28 Hearts that Survive by Yvonne Lehman ^^

3.27 The Invitation by Diane Hoh ^^

3.27 Spellcaster ^^

3.27 Goddess Interrupted ^^

4.1 The Girl Who Owned A City by O.T. Nelson

4.1 Dying to Know You by Aidan Chambers

6.12 Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown

6.19 This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers ^^

6.26 Dust Girl by Sarah Zettel

Hearts that Survive - Yvonne Lehman

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:45:00 +0000

"It was an okay read . . . one that lover's of all things 'Titanic' might enjoy." - Miss Remmers

Release Date: February 29th, 2012
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Challenges: NetGalley Challenge, eBook Challenge, 75+ Challenge

"On April 15, 1912, Lydia Beaumont is on her way to a new life with a boundless hope in love and faith. Her new friendship with Caroline Chadwick is bonded even more as they plan Lydia’s wedding on board the “grandest ship ever built.” Then both women suffer tragic losses when the “unsinkable” Titanic goes down. Can each survive the scars the disaster left on their lives?Decades later, Alan Morris feels like a failure until he discovers he is the descendant of an acclaimed, successful, heroic novelist who went down with the Titanic. Will he find his identity with the past, or will he listen to Joanna Bettencourt, Caroline’s granddaughter, who says inner peace and success come only with a personal relationship with the Lord?Will those who survived and their descendants be able to find a love more powerful than their pain?"

I'll admit it, I'm a Titanic junkie. In 1997 I was 10 years old and I remember begging my dad to take me to the movie and (in retrospect I was probably a little bit too young) and I remember him saying: "You know how it ends! It sinks!" And, honest to God, I had no idea the Titanic sank or that it was a real ship! I cried and cried because he told me the ending; so, like any other Dad, he had nothing else to but to take me to the movie (again, talk about awkward). And thus started a Titanic obsession; from that moment on, like so many others, I read every book and saw every movie I could and that is why I requested "Hearts that Survive" from NetGalley.

Of all those books and movies, I will say that "Hearts that Survive" is definitely different. First of all, the Titanic sinks in the first 200 pages. The last 200 pages is on life AFTER the sinking (which I guess the title implies, but I didn't think that far ahead). For the most part, this book was okay. I did enjoy the characters and the plot was okay, but I did feel like the majority of this book fell victim (not to an iceberg) but to "show don't tell." I felt like this book was a big synopsis of a story of a different book. It was long (the galley was over 400 pages) and it encompassed over 50 years of multiple characters lives and as a result of ALL that material, there were many times that a lot of this story was told rather than shown.

I will say that the characters really kept me from starting a different galley. In the beginning, I was hoping Craven would be the underdog that would eventually get the girl. Unfortunately...well...yea. I don't want to say anything other than that "what wishful thinking..." I enjoyed Lydia's story and grew to like Caroline's (however, I ended up skimming over the beginning). The next generation's story (Lydia's son, etc) I didn't really care about due to much of their stories being skimmed over (not by me but by the author) in simplistic "telling" sentences.

Overall, it was an okay read. Not one I'll recommend to students because I don't think they'd stick with it, but one that lover's of all things "Titanic" might enjoy.

- Connect with the Author: Website | Goodreads
- BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble

To the FTC, with love: Galley received from NetGalley

Quiet Sunday Photo

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 15:15:00 +0000

Dan and I are in the Twin Cities with the family this weekend so here are a few pictures to keep you from getting lonely over the weekend! :) We pick up Prim tomorrow! We are so excited but so nervous too!

I will definitely be passing this on when my students post similarly.

Not book related - but just thought this was hilarious.

How I feel about the end of Harry Potter (this took me FOREVER to figure out).

Project: Save Prim (2)

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 21:10:00 +0000

When I introduced Prim earlier this week I mostly talked about the process that Dan and I have gone through but I really skimmed over our experience with Prim.

Like I mentioned, she's very timid and shy. Becky left her alone with us for about three minutes right away and Prim wouldn't come near us. She cowered over in the corner and she cried a little bit; it was so hard to not just pick her up and hold her! It really brought tears to my eyes to see how scared she was and how little she trusted people.

When Becky came back out, she gave us some treats for Prim (silly that we didn't think of that initially). We held the treats out but Prim still wouldn't come near us. Then Dan, the man that he is, decided to leave bread crumbs for Prim. It was amazing to watch! He put a little piece on the floor and she got down on all floors, crawled up, and took the piece of food. Then he put another piece a bit closer to us all the way until the point where she was eating out of our hands. After that, it was smooth sailing.

While we talked with Becky, Prim went between Becky, Dan and I and her bed. She'd lie down for a bit and then come check on us and then lie down and then check on us. It was adorable. She got to the point where she'd just beg for attention by putting her head on my knee and getting as close to me as she could!

Toward the end of the visit, Becky took us into her laundry room where she keeps the dog kennels to show us her two dogs and the other three dogs that she was housing. Prim came along but you could kind of tell she wasn't impressed with us looking at the other dogs. When Becky let a small Scotty out of the kennel Prim leaned all the way into Dan, again just begging to be touched ... to be loved. She wasn't aggressive at all and I know that her and Pippin will get along fine - but I'm so excited to bring her home on Monday, to give her the attention and love that she so craves, and to be her forever family!

She really is the sweetest little dog ever! We are already spoiling her (I wish I was at home and could show you the large amount of toys we've already accumulated) and neither Dan nor I have been able to sleep because we're so excited. This weekend was supposed to be a fun weekend watching the Minnesota Wild, going to the Mall of America, and eating out our favorite place (Hell's Kitchen) - but now both of us can only think of Monday and bringing Prim home! We will be sitting watching TV and we'll look at each other and say, "the next time we watch this Prim will be sitting RIGHT here!" Then we talk about, "When we have Prim..." and all the fun we're going to have as a small little family.

We feel blessed to have had the last two weeks to get ready for her and to plan ahead and to get excited, but we are SO ready to have her here with us next week!

BBRAW 2012: Big Thanks!

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 14:56:00 +0000

One more time, I'd just like to say a big thanks for making BBRAW 2012 a huge success! I'm currently on my way to the Twin Cities for a Minnesota Wild Game and a much needed vacation with my husband! On Monday we pick up Prim! But besides the added addition to the household, life on the blog will return to normal on Tuesday! Thanks everybody for your support!

BBRAW 2012: Wrap Up

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:25:00 +0000

Wow! BBRAW has officially come and gone! Thanks to everyone who participated or stopped by! I've had a great time getting to know some new bloggers and reconnecting with old friends.

You've made it through the week! Thank people for stopping by, thank new readers and old readers, wrap up your giveaway (if you had one), tell who you nominated for as MVR and why (if you feel comfortable), wrap up the first BBRAW experience, and basically celebrate your readers in any way that you like!

The MVR Election closed last night! We had some great nominations!

Kimberly @ Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

Kimberly always stops by my blog and checks out my facebook posts. She is so sweet and always takes time to read basically anything I post. She always puts a smile on my face. She is probably the biggest supporter of my site and I really appreciate it. She is so awesome and kind.

Mari @ Bookworm With A View

I enjoy her comments, we share in many cases very alike reading tastes, she has recommended wonderful books and audio to me - and probably most influential is that her Check Point meme she started this year inspired me to start Team Kickin It. Her advice and encouragement is valued.

Jenny @ Alternate Readality

She is the very best commenter ever... and I pretty much think of just talking to her when I'm writing my blog posts.

Ryan @ Wordsmithonia

Ryan has become a blogging buddy of mine who not only leaves me thoughtful comments, but also encourages me to try new authors with his great reviews! He's been a longtime follower/reader/friend and the blogging world is a better place because he's in it!

Mary @ Bookfan

She is one of the most faithful readers of my blog, nearly since the beginning. I'm proud to call her a friend as well, even though we've never met! Her book preferences are so insync with mine, we often joke that we are sisters from different mothers. She's a wonderful lady!

Mindy @ Magical Urban Fantasy Reads

Mindy is always leaving thoughtful and wonderful comments on my reviews and posts. Her comments never fail to make me smile. We all know that when you run your own blog you can get bogged down and not find time to visit other people's blogs and comment, but she is always taking time to connect and comment on other peoples reviews and to reach out positively on twitter.

But the MVR of BBRAW 2012 is ... (dun dun dun)
Giselle @ Xpresso Reads! Giselle was the only person nominated by more than one person! I'm a new reader of Xpresso Reads due to BBRAW but the fact that two different people nominated her tells me that this is a person I want to connect with! Giselle, congrats on being the MVR of BBRAW 2012!

She always stops by my reviews and leaves thoughtful comments. I see her around at tons of blogs even though she has her own awesome blog to run! She is full of pure awesome!

Giselle is everywhere, leaving comments. Her name caught my eye because of how many times she commented on my blog especially when I didn't have many Followers. As I do my best to comment in the blogiverse, I see her name and cute smile everywhere. She makes socializing a goal and really shares the warm fuzzies of Comments!!!

I think BBRAW was a complete success! I feel like I've said the "thanks" that I've been meaning to for so long to all those bloggers and readers who have helped me along the way. I'm thinking next year I'll change it to BBRAW (Book Blog Reader Appreciation Weekend) because I feel like I could be more present and active on the weekend rather than the week (especially in the middle of the winter). But we'll definitely be back next year so keep a look out! Thanks for your support, advice, and guidance in the past two years, hears to two more!!

Winners, look for an email from me before Wednesday (things are a bit busy right now with the trip we're going on tomorrow and picking up Prim on Monday).

BBRAW 2012: Improvements Abound

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:05:00 +0000

I don't know about anyone else, but this week has been amazing so far! I've met so many new bloggers and have been reading some great posts! Thanks to everyone who is participating along with me!

Yesterday I talked about what I enjoyed about other blogs and today I want to find out what you, the reader, feels could be improved on my blog.

Take this opportunity to survey your readers; maybe you haven't done this in years or perhaps ever. Find out what it is about your blog that your faithful readers love, what they wish you wouldn't do (constructive criticism is never a bad thing), what keeps readers coming back for more, what posts they'd love for you to do more of (vlogs etc). The possibilities are endless!

Lately I've been writing more "personal/nonbookish" posts such as the Pinterest Project posts, Graduate School, hockey, and even, more recently, Prim (our new rescue puppy!). How do you feel about these posts? Do you come here looking for book recommendations and those alone or are you wanting some extra, more personal, posts such as those mentioned above? From my perspective it seems like those posts bring in the most traffic (but who doesn't like looking at adorable puppies! ---see how many of you just clicked that!!!) but I want this blog to remain a "book blog" and if project posts deter those book blog readers from stopping by then I want to know. If you do like these posts, which are your favorite? Which posts have you coming back for more? What posts (in general) do you wish I would do more of?

Rather than doing a formal Google Docs deal (I'm a little Google Doc'd out), if you could just leave a quick comment in regards to the above questions I'd appreciate it.

If you do a survey this week for BBRAW make sure to link it below! Also, folks, MVR Nominations close tonight at midnight! I'll announce the MVR Winners tomorrow afternoon!

BBRAW 2012: Inspire Me!

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:10:00 +0000

Today I have two spectacular choices for you! You could do a reader interview with a reader of your choice OR (if you're not the interview type) you could highlight a blog that you enjoy reading. What is it about this blog that you enjoy, what is it about the reviews, the blogger, the style, the look, etc? If you don't feel comfortable highlighting one blog, be general in regards to a few blogs you enjoy and what you enjoy about them.

Because I'm not the "interview" type, today I want to highlight a few of the blogs I enjoy reading and why.

First of all, I love reading what Sheila @ Book Journey writes; mostly due to the fact that I know her really well, but I love how reading is a part of her every day life EVERY day. I mean this woman listens to like a million audiobooks at a time (okay, maybe four?). She's such an active person and I love how she brings that into her blog with her Meandering posts on a daily basis. I know this isn't for everyone, but I love reading about my favorite blogger's "in real life" moments and thoughts as well as their book thoughts; somehow, knowing them as more than just a reviewer but also as a person makes their reviews that much more thought-provoking and real.

Obviously I'm a huge fan of April @ Good Books and Good Wine. Not only does April provide a constant list of awesome recommendations, but she's probably the most honest and direct blogger I know - and I appreciate that. I love how she says what she really thinks and feels and doesn't feel bad about it. So often times, even in my own, reviews are somewhat "sugar coated" and leave a bland taste in my mouth - never so with Good Books and Wine! I also love what April has done with her blog in the past few years - she's literally my inspiration for working on SEO and the big switch from Blogger to Wordpress.

Another great friend of mine is Michelle @ Hooked to Books. Michelle is a great inspiration to me because we're both teachers and I feel like we go through many of the same ordeals. I love bouncing ideas off Michelle and getting her perspective. She's one of the first people I go to for help in regards to books, recommendations, my master's program, or blogging in general.

Other bloggers who have made a difference to me because I enjoy reading their blogs are Shanyn @ Chick Loves Lit, Kristi @ The Story Siren, Pam @ Bookalicious, Small @ Small Review, Jamie @ The Perpetual Pageturner, Erika @ The Book Cellar, Cat @ Beyond Books, and finally Cass @ Bonjour Cass! These ladies have all been so patient, understanding, and helpful (not to mention a complete riot!) over the years/months/weeks! I love everything about their blogs from their fantastic content, great looks (blog and physical), and their willingness to help a little blogger like me! Thank you! Reading your blogs makes me like writing my own! I think the being a good blogger begins with being a good blog reader - and that's what BBRAW is all about!

If you write a post for today please link it in the comments below! I can't wait to stop by!

Project: Save Prim (1)

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:17:00 +0000

I would like to currently interrupt the BBRAW activities for a ~~quick~~ announcement. Remember last January when I proclaimed that I was expecting - well, here we go again!

Remember at the end of January when I mentioned (extremely late at night) that Dan and I had found the above little puppy on BisMan (Bismarck/Mandan's online classified ads)? Well, on Monday morning I called, then I called again, and I called again and never heard back from this lady. On Tuesday I called one more time and, with no answer, I decided the puppy was either no longer available or this was too sketchy to pursue.

A week later (Sunday night) I was online at Petfinder.com and I saw this SAME puppy at the humane society in Jamestown, ND. I emailed the shelter and with an hour had an update on her. Monday was spent emailing back and forth, asking questions about her history, temperament, etc, and talking Dan into going to see her. Late on Monday (2.6) night we set up a time to visit her on Tuesday as Becky (the foster mom) was going to be out of town on Wednesday through Friday) and the weekend didn't work for either Dan or I. So already, this was moving pretty fast.

Right after school on Tuesday, Dan and I got in the car and drove the 1.5 hours to Jamestown to see her. Boy were we surprised! The picture doesn't do this girl justice at all! Of course she was very shy and timid and didn't really want anything to do with Dan or I for about the first five minutes. At that point I was so nervous! I'm not used to dog's who don't have that "golden" personality that screams, "Here I am! Pet me, hold me, love me!"

Forty five minutes later she was playing with us, cuddling with us, and her tail didn't stop wagging. Becky said that on that Saturday they were taking her to a Meet and Greet at the local Petsmart so if we wanted her we should say something soon. We asked Becky for 24 hours to think about it (but really, let's face it, at that point we knew). We drove home and talked about, watched television and talked about, went to bed and talked about it, and on Thursday morning we called Becky and said "We can't live without this dog. She's already a part of our family!"

We didn't go pick her up right away because this weekend we are headed to the Twin Cities for a hockey game (Go Wild!) and while we do have family she could stay with, we didn't want to introduce her to another new environment so quickly. SO, when we return from the hockey game this weekend on Monday we will be stopping by to pick her up in Jamestown! This week and last week has been all about the arrival of PP (potential puppy). We've gotten a kennel, beds, toys (oh, the insanity!), and everything else we can think of! We've submitted our application (including three references) and last night was the home visit.

We decided on the name of PP before we even met her. While working out that original Monday I was thinking of names like Poet, Jazz (her "prior" name was Jasmine), and Prim. I knew Prim would be Dan's favorite because he loved "The Hunger Games" but the more and more I thought about it, I realized how fitting it would be! Prim, the younger sister who was saved from the Games. Prim, who grew from a timid, shy, almost helpless (in Katniss' eyes) into a strong, courageous young woman. How perfect is that!

Isn't she lovely! Expect more posts about our little Prim as the week continues and into next week (maybe even a Vlog appearance).

In case you were curious as to the timeline:
January 29th, 2012: I posted about this dog I had seen BisMan
February 5th: I see the same dog online at PetFinder
February 6th: I email back and forth with Becky. We decide that Tuesday Dan and I will drive down to see her. Name is also picked out - Prim.
February 7th: Dan and I drive to meet Prim for the first time
February 8th: We call Becky and beg her to let Prim into our lives.
February 13th: Two people from the Humane Society visit to make sure we live where we say we live and to talk about the adoption
February 20th: We will be picking up Prim!!!

Has anyone else adopted a dog before? Any advice?

BBRAW 2012: A Memorable Reader | A Memorable Moment

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:15:00 +0000

For day two of BBRAW we are focusing on a specific moment or a specific reader that has left a permanent positive impact on you. Lately it seems like so much of the negative has been discussed in regards to the blogging community, this is your time to share why you continue to blog (despite the few and far between negative "for instances").

Today commemorate a specific reader or moment in your blogging career that has made a significant difference in your IRL or blogging life. It might be that first comment you ever received, the first follower, the first interaction with a reader of your blog on Twitter, the first time an author commented on a review, etc.

You know, there are so many readers that I have built lasting relationships with (especially through my BEA travels) but I'd like to focus on the specific moments. Yesterday I mentioned those first couple of comments and the first regular reader (remember how SCARY that was to think this one person is looking at me, reading what I have written, and obviously WAITING for me to post something interesting?!) - but at what point did blogging become a "job" (albeit one that I adore)?

That first summer I was unable to find employment at the local resorts so I basically hung out on the lake, sipping iced tea, and reading. I walked the dog a lot, I fished a lot, and I read more books that summer than I had since high school. I was posting everyday and often times several reviews a week (oh, how sorry those first reviews actually were). Back then I was probably a better blog writer than I am today because my own responsibility (as I wasn't working) was to read, tweet, and blog.

Today there are so many other things going on! We're in the process of adopting a puppy, I'm learning how to sew, I'm coaching hockey, we're working on our financial stability, we're planning vacations, I'm learning how to cook, I'm trying to keep house, I have two new preps (English 10 and English 12), and the list just continues on. But I still try to find the time to blog, read, and tweet (although some days are more sparse than others).

WHY?

Well, it'd be nice if I could get paid - but it's simply because through my readers (YOU!) and the blogs I read, I have become part of a community. A community that fosters a love for a hobby that not many people I know IRL share with me. Dan occasionally reads the good book, Button and I talk books a lot, but besides that, without blogging, I feel like I'm on a deserted ocean alone (with only bad books). Because of this community I know what great books are out there before they become movies. Because of this community I've traveled to NYC twice for BEA and have met countless authors, publishers, and agents (not to mention fellow bloggers). And, now especially, this community has given me the confidence to pursue a master's degree in Library Media Information Services (LMIS). YES, this community has impacted my career, my schooling, and, essentially, my life in so many different ways.

But it still comes down to you, the reader. If no one was reading and this more of an online diary, I really don't think any of this would have happened. As I mentioned yesterday, I read for me but I write for you. But if I wasn't writing for you, I'm not sure how much I'd be reading for me .... you know? I know that's probably completely ridiculous - but it's the honest to goodness truth. I read because I enjoy it but I also read so that I can share my thoughts with you. So, at least for me, it always comes back to you - the reader. Thank you!

If you write a post for today please link it in the comments below! I can't wait to stop by!

If you're new to BBRAW it's not too late to join in on the fun! Monday's prompt and linky and the MVR competition are still up and running (not literally).

BBRAW 2012: Most Valuable Reader Election

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:00:00 +0000

As BBRAW is meant to appreciate your readers, take a moment to nominate your "Most Valuable Reader" or the MVR of your blog! The MVR you nominate should be the reader you feel most positively influences either your blog as a whole or you as a writer/reader.

On Friday I'll announce the three readers whose names have been submitted the most. The first 15 names to be submitted as MVR will receive a small swag package in thanks for beings such awesome readers. The top 3 names will receive a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble or (for international readers) a book from the Book Depository.

Each blog receives one nomination so think about it! Who continually stops by and leaves thoughtful comments? Who encourages you via Twitter and email correspondence?

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BBRAW 2012: An Introduction and Thanks

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:44:00 +0000

I can't believe BBRAW is finally here! Welcome and thanks for participating! Today's prompt is, in my opinion, the most important of all: a very basic communication of thanks.

Introduce yourself for new readers that will be stopping by. Take today to explain what BBRAW means to you. This is the ideal time to thank your readers for their comments, support, and post a giveaway if you plan on having one. Remember, as BBRAW is supposed to celebrate readers, requiring a "follow" for the giveaway would be in relatively poor taste.

I wrote my first post on June 18th, 2009 and received my first comment (the first hint that anyone was actually reading what I had written) on June 27th, 2009. While in actuality that's not a whole lot of time, it was the longest week ever! Creating a blog is scary and while many people can say readers aren't that important because they write for themselves, this just isn't true for me. I enjoy writing but if no one was reading what I was writing - what's the point?

I remember getting those first couple of email notifications saying I have a new comment and thinking "Oh my goodness!" and, I'll tell you what, two and a half years later I'm still excited for those emails. I still get super excited when a friend or stranger "retweets" a link to my blog or any other tweet I've written; I can never deny how great it feels to actually have things written.

I'd like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who has helped this blog grow in the past few years; whether you've written a comment, been a "silent reader," offered any type of technological help or general advice - you have made an impact on my blog and therefore my life. This blog, while relatively small, is what it is because you have supported me. I read for me but I write for you.
You may think that stopping by and commenting on my little piece of www is insignificant, especially if it's just a "Hey! Great review!," but to me it's proof that what I do matters, that what I write is read, and that what I think is more than generic renditions. Thank you for supporting me, sticking with me, and making my day each and everyday. BBRAW, to me, is about returning the favor and supporting you in return! Here's to a week of reader love!

If you write a post for today please link it in the comments below! I can't wait to stop by!

It's Monday 2.13.12

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 02:39:00 +0000

Hosted by Sheila -- Thank you!

Last week I read completed "Partials" by Dan Wells but didn't quite get around to "Hearts That Survive: A Novel of the Titanic" by Yvonne Lehman so that's basically my goal for this week in conjunction with a successful BBRAW!

"On April 15, 1912, Lydia Beaumont is on her way to a new life witha boundless hope in love and faith. Her new friendship with Caroline Chadwick is bonded even more as they plan Lydia’s wedding on board the “grandest ship ever built.” Then both women suffer tragic losses when the “unsinkable” Titanic goes down. Can each survive the scars the disaster left on their lives?Decades later, Alan Morris feels like a failure until he discovers he is the descendant of an acclaimed, successful, heroic novelist who went down with the Titanic. Will he find his identity with the past, or will he listen to Joanna Bettencourt, Caroline’s granddaughter, who says inner peace and success come only with a personal relationship with the Lord?
Will those who survived and their descendants be able to find a love more powerful than their pain?"

BBRAW 2012 Starts Tomorrow!!

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 21:03:00 +0000

Folks the time has come! BBRAW starts tomorrow!

The prompts have been posted and the Most Valuable Reader competition is ready to be "brought!"

Prepare for some awesomeness to happen!

Partials - Dan Wells

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:42:00 +0000

"This novel was absolutely surprisingly fantastic: a book I couldn't put down, a world I didn't want to leave behind, and characters that I'll never forget." - Miss Remmers

Release Date: February 28th, 2012
Publisher: Harper Teen
Challenges: eBook Challenge, +75 Challenge, NetGalley Challenge

"The human race is all but extinct after a war with Partials--engineered organic beings identical to humans--has decimated the population. Reduced to only tens of thousands by RM, a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island while the Partials have mysteriously retreated. The threat of the Partials is still imminent, but, worse, no baby has been born immune to RM in more than a decade. Our time is running out.Kira, a sixteen-year-old medic-in-training, is on the front lines of this battle, seeing RM ravage the community while mandatory pregnancy laws have pushed what's left of humanity to the brink of civil war, and she's not content to stand by and watch. But as she makes a desperate decision to save the last of her race, she will find that the survival of humans and Partials alike rests in her attempts to uncover the connections between them--connections that humanity has forgotten, or perhaps never even knew were there."

"Partials" was a fantastic novel that I really knew nothing about before I started it - other than that everyone seems to enjoy it! While I did struggle a little bit in the beginning with "Partials" due to all the terms I didn't know (Break, Partials, RM, etc), after the first fifty pages I couldn't put this book down! It was brilliant! I actually exclaimed out loud in a few classes! When I had about 140 pages remaining I left for a hockey tournament in Detroit Lakes, MN and despite the audiobook I was listening to, my thoughts just kept returning to Samm and Kira! I ended up finishing the novel in the warming room at the hockey rink as I "watched" the other Bismarck team play.

I found myself in several different instances, in class and at the rink, taking a huge intake of breathe in a surprised fashion (does that make sense?) - loud enough so that students and hockey parents were like "What are you reading?!" At one point in class, I had to shut the Nook and say, "Goodness that was SO romantic!" There were only a few minutes left of class so I explained to the students what I was reading and I hinted at the "romance."

Speaking of romance, was anyone else rooting for Samm? Just wondering...

I know this review is a bit "everywhere" but really - just take my advice and pick up this novel! There really wasn't a single thing that bugged/irked me about it. Despite the "heavy" overtones, Marcus brought some great humor to the story that I really enjoyed; a lot of times I feel like humor in YA is so over dramatized that I get frustrated - not so with this book! In addition to the funny, there were some great surprises and twists that I never EVER saw coming - I didn't even really have an inkling that a surprise was coming (which is probably why I can't help but gasp out loud)! I was even able to somewhat understand or at least deduce what all the medical lingo meant!

This novel was absolutely surprisingly fantastic: a book I couldn't put down, a world I didn't want to leave behind, and characters that I'll never forget. There were moments that were tear-jerking sad, laugh out loud funny, and (as I mentioned) exclaim out loud surprising! How's that for adjectives!

Favorite Memorable Quotes: page numbers are in reference to the NetGalley ebook.
"The first human to communicate with another species in eleven years and he tells me to shut up" (158).
"Well thanks for not shooting anyone, I guess. My contribution was to somehow refrain from peeing myself. You can thank me later" (251).

-Connect with the Author: Blog | Goodreads | Twitter
-BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble | Nook

To the FTC, with love: eGalley from NetGalley

IMM 2.11.12

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:38:00 +0000

Review books mentioned:
"Forbidden" by Syrie James
"Dating the Undead"
"Glow" by Amy Kathleen Ryan
"Death Cloud" by Andrew Lane

Bloggers mentioned:
Michelle at Hooked to Books
April at Good Books and Good Wine
Sheila at Book Journey

I grew up absolutely LOVING this movie! As a kid I hung out at the library waiting for the excitement to start. It wasn't until my mom ~~in layman's terms~~ explained the metaphor that the adventure lies within the covers of the books. I may need to revisit this movie soon!

Follow My Recap 2.9.12

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:04:00 +0000

Q: What would you prefer: reading your favorite book over and over again until you got sick of it OR reading 100s of mediocre books? Why?

Wow, this question is hard. I'm thinking ...oh I just don't know! I was going to say the same book over and over - but it would eventually lose it's magic. I may have to go with the 100s of books - because at least ... oh, I just don't know! What do you think!!

Sunday - "It's Monday" Meme

Monday - "Pinterest Project Creations" | Superbowl No Bake Cookie

Monday - BBRAW Prompts for next week!

Tuesday - Book review of "Double" by Jenny Valentine

Wednesday - My Last 20 Books

Thursday - "Pinterest Project Creations" | Drunk Gummy Bears

BBRAW starts on Monday! Are you participating?!

Have a great week everybody!

Pinterest Project Creations for the Uncreative (10)

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:15:00 +0000

Two Pinterest posts in a week! You must be freaking out! This is another recipe I tried last weekend for the Super Bowl Party that I thought would be a fun, new, adult food that we could enjoy: Drunk Gummy Bears (Pinterest Link | Recipe Link).

This was another experiment that I feel like the directions were lacking ~~or I'm just that moronic~~. We bought the gummy bears and took the generic vodka we had in the house and poured it, covered it, and let it set for three days.

When I tried the first drunken gummy bear prior to the party my initial reaction was, "Oh, this is good!" and then I got to end of the gummy bear and that reaction turned into "Oh my gosh, spit it out!" So we thought we'd dry off the bears so that, perhaps, the alcohol on top (as it's a very sticky bear) would come off. It didn't help. We ended up throwing most of them away but keeping a few so that family at the Super Bowl party could at least try them. Turns out - everyone else LOVED them! Apparently D and I complete wusses.

Upon reading the actual recipe now I note that it does say for less strong bears use less vodka. Noted.

I also think if we do this again we will try a more pleasant tasting vodka - like Birthday Cake! :) D also had the idea of using cinnamon vodka so it would be like a cinnamon bear! I think that sounds like an awesome idea.

Final Verdict: I guess this is one of those times where you live and learn by trial and error. We'll probably try this idea again sometime. Hopefully we get it right. :)

My Last 20 Books 2.8.12

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:55:00 +0000

In true "Last 20" fashion - it has been forever since my last post (August 2011). This year I hope to keep better track because it is kind of fun to see where my books come from as a whole.

Double - NetGalley
Dead to You - ARC
Fever - ARC
Escaping Titanic - NetGalley
Fallen in Love - NetGalley
Passion - Library
A Million Suns - ARC
Torment - Own (Library Audio)
Cinder - NetGalley
The Night Circus - Library
Replication: The Jason Project - NetGalley
Silence - Library
Crossed - Own
Between Shades of Gray - Library
Pandemonium - ARC
The Pledge - NetGalley
Ashfall - NetGalley
Crescendo - Own (Library Audio)
Fallen - Own (Library Audio)
The Awakening - Own (Library Audio)

7/20 NetGalley

4/20 (1/5) ARC from Publisher

5/20 (1/4) Own

8/20 (2/5) Library

I know that my numbers don't match up perfectly; this is due to the fact that I own quite a few of the books but I received the audio books from the library. I'm pretty happy with these numbers; I feel like for the most part the last twenty books I've read have been pretty well rounded in regards to where I received them from. From August (when I hadn't read a single books that I owned), I'm especially proud that a fourth of what I've read/listened to came from my own shelves. I think this goes without saying but - THANK YOU NETGALLEY!!! :)

For my next 20 books I hope to see numbers like these - well rounded and opportunistic!

Where have your last twenty books come from? It's a great way to reflect on your "numbers" if you will and if you're a stat person like me it's always fun to look at reading trends. If you do your own post, let me know so I can visit and see your reading trends!

Double - Jenny Valentine

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:37:00 +0000

"I've been spoiled recently with all of the good books I've been reading and 'Double' definitely fits into this category." - Miss Remmers

Release Date: February 27th, 2012
Publisher: Hyperion
Challenges: eBook Challenge, +75 Challenge, NetGalley Challenge

"When the sixteen-year-old runaway Chap is mistaken for a missing boy named Cassiel, his life changes dramatically. Chap takes on Cassiel's identity, gaining the family and friends he's always dreamed of having. But becoming someone else isn't as easy as he hoped--and Chap isn't the only one hiding a secret. As he teeters on the brink of discovery and begins to unravel the mystery behind Cassiel's disappearance, Chap realizes that he's in much deeper danger than he could have imagined. After all, you can't just steal a life and expect to get away with it. Award-winning author Jenny Valentine delivers an explosive mystery where dark secrets, betrayal, and loss pave the way for one teen's chance at redemption."

"Double" was one of those books I got from NetGalley without doing any research or knowing anything about it really - I just liked the cover and the synopsis sounded pretty cool. It's funny that I'd read this book directly after "Dead to You" by Lisa McMann for obvious reasons but mainly that they both deal with the prodigal son returning home after years of absence. Spoiler: There are SO many other similarities but I don't want to post them - if you read both let me know! I'd love to compare them in a individual conversation with you!

"Double" turned out to be a fast-paced, amazing read! I enjoyed every minute of it! My students (as I was finishing this book during Recreational Reading Friday last week) kept asking why I was in such a good mood and all I could say was that I was reading a fantastic book! This week when we do book talks I'll tell all my classes about it because I know they'll be curious. While reading this book I got completely lost in the (digital) pages. I've been spoiled recently with all of the good books I've been reading and "Double" definitely fits into this category.

The plot was flawlessly woven together; it included some big twists and some great feeling in regards to the well being of the characters. There were parts that I felt like I needed to begin writing down all the unanswered questions, but everything was solved in the end. Ever other chapter (another great book with short chapters) we found out about Chap's grandfather. This plot line was just as riveting as the 'present day' plot.

Overall, "Double" was a surprisingly fantastic book! I highly recommend it and "Dead to You" by Lisa McMann (plus, "Double" is a stand alone - how often does that happen!?).

-Connect with the Author: Goodreads
-BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

To the FTC, with love: eGalley received through NetGalley

BBRAW 2012 Prompts

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:02:00 +0000

BBRAW is a week away folks! Is anyone else getting overwhelmed? :) Here are the prompts for next week. The purpose of me giving these to you now rather than later is this way, if you prefer, you can write and schedule your posts so next week you can meander through different blogs, make new friends, and appreciate your readers to your full potential!

Monday - An Introduction and Thanks
Introduce yourself for new readers that will be stopping by. Take today to explain what BBRAW means to you. This is the ideal time to thank your readers for their comments, support, and post a giveaway if you plan on having one. Remember, as BBRAW is supposed to celebrate readers, requiring a "follow" for the giveaway would be in relatively poor taste.

Tuesday - A Memorable Reader | A Memorable Moment
Today commemorate a specific reader or moment in your blogging career that has made a significant difference in your IRL or blogging life. It might be that first comment you ever received, the first follower, the first interaction with a reader of your blog on Twitter, the first time an author commented on a review, etc. I have so many memorable moments of my own of readers making a difference in my life that I thought this would be the perfect time to share.

Wednesday - Oh the many choices....
Today I have two spectacular choices for you! You could do a reader interview with a reader of your choice OR (if you're not the interview type) you could highlight a blog that you enjoy reading. What is it about this blog that you enjoy, what is it about the reviews, the blogger, the style, the look, etc? If you don't feel comfortable highlighting one blog, be general in regards to a few blogs you enjoy and what you enjoy about them.

Thursday - Survey your readers (look for ways to improve your blog)
Take this opportunity to survey your readers; maybe you haven't done this in years or perhaps ever. Find out what it is about your blog that your faithful readers love, what they wish you wouldn't do (constructive criticism is never a bad thing), what keeps readers coming back for more, what posts they'd love for you to do more of (vlogs etc). The possibilities are endless! I love numbers and statistics and generally surveys are a great way to find out what your readers are looking for in a blog (or what they are not) and it's always nice to have a subtle "pat on the back."

Friday - Wrap Up
You've made it through the week! Thank people for stopping by, thank new readers and old readers, wrap up your giveaway (if you had one), tell who you nominated for as MVR and why (if you feel comfortable), wrap up the first BBRAW experience, and basically celebrate your readers in any way that you like!

Remember to stop by throughout the week to nominate your MVR and to sign the links! Each day I'll post the prompt given here and a linky that you can sign so others can visit!

I hope you enjoy what I've come up with! Feel free to manipulate the prompts or do something entirely different! Have fun bloggers and see you next week!!

Pinterest Project Creations for the Uncreative (9)

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:19:00 +0000

For the Super Bowl Party I attended yesterday, I wanted to make something creative. Don't laugh! So when I saw this picture on Pinterest (Pinterest Link | Actual/Recipe Link) that combined my favorite cookie (No Bake Cookie) with football - I thought it would be perfect! I'm not sure if it's just me or not, but the recipe link doesn't work for me, so I basically went with the flow here (without really looking at the above picture in detail until just now). So, apparently I'm a little unsure of what a football looks like.

I'm not sure, because the link didn't work, how this person got the cookies to be 3D and football shaped, because mine were flat (you know, like No Bake Cookies). Also, I see that I'm missing a few lines in here - but whatever, I think you can tell what they are supposed to be.

Anyway, these cookies were definitely not the hit of the party that I thought they would be. They were good - but I'm still a little sad that no one bowed down at my awesomeness in the kitchen - maybe next time? Maybe I'll try again next year (as I'm sure Manning is thinking as well).

Anyone have an idea to make a 3D No Bake Cookie?

BBRAW prompts will be posted tonight! Stay tuned and get excited!

It's Monday 2.5.12

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Remmers) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 02:44:00 +0000

Hosted by Sheila -- Thank you!

Last week I read "Double" by Jenny Valentine; a great read by the way!

I'm currently reading "Partials" by Dan Wells. Besides "Partials," I'd also like to read "Hearts That Survive: A Novel of the Titanic" by Yvonne Lehman as well this week.

"The human race is all but extinct after a war with Partials--engineered organic beings identical to humans--has decimated the population. Reduced to only tens of thousands by RM, a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island while the Partials have mysteriously retreated. The threat of the Partials is still imminent, but, worse, no baby has been born immune to RM in more than a decade. Our time is running out.Kira, a sixteen-year-old medic-in-training, is on the front lines of this battle, seeing RM ravage the community while mandatory pregnancy laws have pushed what's left of humanity to the brink of civil war, and she's not content to stand by and watch. But as she makes a desperate decision to save the last of her race, she will find that the survival of humans and Partials alike rests in her attempts to uncover the connections between them--connections that humanity has forgotten, or perhaps never even knew were there."

"On April 15, 1912, Lydia Beaumont is on her way to a new life witha boundless hope in love and faith. Her new friendship with Caroline Chadwick is bonded even more as they plan Lydia’s wedding on board the “grandest ship ever built.” Then both women suffer tragic losses when the “unsinkable” Titanic goes down. Can each survive the scars the disaster left on their lives?Decades later, Alan Morris feels like a failure until he discovers he is the descendant of an acclaimed, successful, heroic novelist who went down with the Titanic. Will he find his identity with the past, or will he listen to Joanna Bettencourt, Caroline’s granddaughter, who says inner peace and success come only with a personal relationship with the Lord?
Will those who survived and their descendants be able to find a love more powerful than their pain?"

While I'm hoping to finish both novel this week, I will also be working on BBRAW (look for prompts to be posted tomorrow)! If you haven't heard of it or planned on participating - check it out now!

Also - this NEVER happens! Is everyone else staying on track for their year-end goal?