Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Lilja's Library Q&A (Stephen King fans)

Hello!  I am happy to announce that the man behind the website Lilja's Library, Hans-Ake Lilja, which is one of the best Stephen King fan sites out there, is going to stop by my Stephen King Fans group and do a Q&A with the members.  I would love it if some of my blog flowers would stop by and welcome him and ask him questions.  Anything about King goes! He also has written a book about King called Lilja's Library: The World of Stephen King.  I have just requested it from the Library and hope to receive it soon!   So feel free to stop on by the group!! 




Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (#10)


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly book meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, where we have the chance to share what upcoming releases we are on the edge of our seats in anticipation for.

Well since I just finished the newest Stephen King book I figure I might as well keep going with his book... so this week I am waiting on Dr Sleep.  Which it the sequel to The Shining.  There isn't a cover yet but I found a fan made one on the web.. also here is a video of Stephen King announcing the new book and what it will be about.  Love Live King!


What are you excited for this week?? Leave your link so I can see what books are coming out!

11/22/63 by Stephen King-Review


I haven't posted a review in a while because I was reading this book and it's long.  So I have been reading it this whole time.  Funny thing is I didn't plan on reading this book yet but a friend finished it and still had two weeks at the library and asked if I wanted to read it. I finished it one day before it was due back.  I am a big fan of King and run a group on goodreads for his fans.. if you are interested stop by  Stephen King Fans Here is the goodreads description:

November 22nd, 1963 was a rapid-fire sequence of indelible moments: Shots ring out; a president slumped over; a race to the Dallas hospital; an announcement, blood still fresh on the First Lady's dress. But what if President John F. Kennedy didn't have to die; if somehow his assassin could have been thwarted? For Maine schoolteacher Jake Epping, those hypothetical what if's become real possibilities when he walks through a portal to the past. Without special skills and still unfamiliar with his new/old surroundings, he struggles to discover a way to change the history he left. Like its Under the Dome predecessor, Stephen King's 960-page novel shows that this master of suspense is back at the top of his game.

And this is why I love Stephen King! This is one of the BEST Books I have read in a long long time.  For those who are King fans :  Look at the amount of pages in this book. Look at the amount of pages in Under The Dome. Check the date this book is published. Check the date Under The Dome was published. The love affair in this book is good, the mystery of what will happen is good! I wish I was a better reviewer to explain to everyone just how good this book is.  He tells such a good story.  I thought this book was going to be all politics and history and I wasn't sure if this would be a book for me.  But really that part is explained quite well even if you didn't live through the time period of the book like me.    Anyways... I am not the best at saying exactly why I love books but I recommend this to everyone!




Sunday, November 20, 2011

In My Mailbox (#12)

Another Weekend, Another Mailbox!! This is a feature where we all share with each other the yummy books that showed up at our doors! WARNING: In My Mailbox can lead to extreme envy and GINORMOUS wishlists!! In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren  Head on over to add your blog to the linky link and share your newest acquisitions with other book lovers.


 So I received Martha's Entertaining, and Desert to Dream which is about Burning Man from the library. And then a friend loaned me 11/22/63 by Stephen King from a friend who got it from a different library so I only have till Nov 30th to read it!  I also bought the brand new Zelda game and can't wait to start playing tonight! 


What is in your mail box this week?

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Read a book with other YA Book Lovers!




Have you been wanting to read a book and discuss it with fellow YA Book lovers? Well now is your chance. Click on the poll below to vote what book the group should read!! And join in on the fun!!

Crossed by Ally Condie-Review


I read this book because my YA Book Club picked Matched a few months ago.  Here is the goodreads description:

In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake. Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

I thought this was a good second book in the series. Though the last like 100 pages took place in the same location. That part probably could've moved along a little faster. I am dying to know who Cassia ends up with.. Xander or Ky? I also can't wait to see the cover revel of the third book. I really like the art work on these books. There wasn't a lot of action in this book and I think that is why a lot of people didn't like it.  There was a lot of description.   Also, nothing was answered in this book.  And I mean NOTHING.  Who is the society,  what are those tubes, who is the Rising, who are the farmers... questions!!!!!  But I will read the third book because I am tired of starting series and not finishing them because I start another series!!!


Matched by Ally Condie



Reached by Ally Condie

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Follow Me Friday (#18)


This is the day of the week where we get to know each other better by answering a question devised by our lovely hostesses Parajunkee & Alisoncanread. We also gain new followers by joining each other's sites via GFC, so please let me know if you're a new follower since I automatically follow back. And now for this week's question....

Q: Letter to Santa: Tell Santa what books you want for Christmas! 

Dear Santa:

Well I don't really buy books... yes I know you probably think I am crazy since I am a book blogger.  But I read so much that I just can't afford to buy all those books! So I am very very picky about what I actually own.  I don't mind owning Stephen King books so any books of his that I don't have in my collection would be nice.  So please Santa... make my little Stephen King library grow!  And possibly send me one that is signed, of even better, CONVINCE King to have a book tour stop in Colorado!

What do you want for Christmas.

Martha's Entertaining: A Year of Celebrations-Review


I love Martha and watch her show everyday. So when I saw she had a new book I had to get it!  Here is the goodreads description:

In this exquisite and very personal book, Martha Stewart welcomes you into her world, where she entertains in the expressive and beautiful style that she has made so famous. Whether a simple blueberry breakfast on a Sunday morning in Maine or a more lavish holiday dinner at Bedford, each of the gatherings is equally memorable, for what Martha cherishes above all is spending time and sharing delicious food with her family and friends. “A meal of substantial finger foods with ingenious cocktails, a sit-down formal dinner, a buffet supper, or something more relaxed such as a backyard barbecue—each is a welcome and inviting way to entertain,” writes Martha. Featuring elegant and casual affairs held throughout the year and a diverse collection of enticing recipes, Martha’s Entertaining shows us—in the broadest and most lovely fashion—what it really means to entertain and host today. From an afternoon Easter egg hunt for children to a festive Halloween dinner held inside her horse stable; from a sophisticated cocktail party on a friend’s yacht in New York Harbor to a spring garden fête amid the most glorious beds of peonies, Martha’s parties offer a glimpse inside her beautiful homes. Each is unforgettable and endlessly inspiring. All of the events feature menus and stories for dreaming and planning, as well as delicious yet approachable recipes: Tomato and Gruyère Toasts, Mini Crab Cakes with Tarragon Tartar Sauce, Tiny Tuna Burgers, Leek and Porcini Risotto, Wild-Mushroom Lasagna, Braised Short Ribs, Roast Turkey Breast with Sage Butter, Rhubarb Crumbles, Blueberry Jam Tartlets, and Chocolate Honey Ice Cream with Butterscotch Sauce, plus some of Martha’s favorite drinks, including Pomegranate Cosmopolitans and Honeydew Mojitos. Mix and match the recipes to create your own distinctive occasion. Set among Martha’s dining rooms, kitchens, gardens, and patios, this is her most intimate book yet, a new classic for hosts and home cooks of every generation
 

I gave this book 4 cats but let me say I would never own it. It was beautiful to look at so I do suggest you check it out from the library. But the events and foods featured aren't something I think a normal person would do. MAYBE someone will but not me. The book wasn't the type of parties I would throw they are parties done in beautiful gardens and homes and I certainly don't have that at my house. And this book is priced at $75!! whoa! So check this out from the library and enjoy the pictures.  I do own Martha Stewart's Cooking School which I do recommend owning.  Here are some pictures from the entertainment book:







Sunday, November 13, 2011

In My Mailbox (#11)

Another Weekend, Another Mailbox!! This is a feature where we all share with each other the yummy books that showed up at our doors! WARNING: In My Mailbox can lead to extreme envy and GINORMOUS wishlists!! In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren  Head on over to add your blog to the linky link and share your newest acquisitions with other book lovers.


This week I got some fun books.  I got 2 books that I saw on the goodreads poll for best children's books of the year which are Won Ton, and Cat Secrets.  I really enjoyed both books too!!  Then I saw that my library had i am maru.  I love little Maru!  Do you know who he is?  I will post some videos so you can see! It's kinda neat each page has a pic of him and then a description in English and Japanese (I think). And then I recived The Apothecary, and Crossed from the library.  I don't normally buy books, EVER.  But sometimes I will for a favorite series.  I own all the books in the Inheritance series so of course I had to buy that book!  I can't wait to read it, though I will read the whole series again first.  Here are some videos of Maru like I promised! 


And one more! Please leave a link so I can see yours!!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Become Someone Else


Ash by Malinda Lo-Review



I just finished this book for my Young Adult Book Club I thought it was a good book but not great.  I also picked the UK book cover above because I LOVE it, and the US one is just OK... here it is in case you are curious. Also the goodreads description follows the cover:


In the wake of her father's death, Ash is left at the mercy of her cruel stepmother. Consumed with grief, her only joy comes by the light of the dying hearth fire, rereading the fairy tales her mother once told her. In her dreams, someday the fairies will steal her away, as they are said to do. When she meets the dark and dangerous fairy Sidhean, she believes that her wish may be granted. The day that Ash meets Kaisa, the King's Huntress, her heart begins to change. Instead of chasing fairies, Ash learns to hunt with Kaisa. Though their friendship is as delicate as a new bloom, it reawakens Ash's capacity for love-and her desire to live. But Sidhean has already claimed Ash for his own, and she must make a choice between fairy tale dreams and true love. Entrancing, empowering, and romantic, Ash is about the connection between life and love, and solitude and death, where transformation can come from even the deepest grief.

I am very excited to have read this because Malinda Lo is going to be stopping by the YA Book Club for a Q&A! So be sure to stop by if you want to throw in a question or just read what she has to say: Group Q&A. I just finished and I have to say I really liked the re-telling of Cinderella. This was my first LGBTQ book and loved it. I thought it was great. At first I wasn't sure what to expect I must admit. But I thought it was beautiful how Lo wrote about the love between two women. I really loved the fairy tales spun into the story! There was fairy tales within fairy tales! I like the addition in the story of the faeries in the forest. BUT I didn't like the ending, it ends to abruptly.  It's like the author was only allowed so many pages and just cut the ending out.

Have you ever read the original Cinderella story?  You will be QUITE surprised how it really is told!  Here it is, it is quite short so if you are curious check it out:  Aschenputtel (Cinderella) by the Brothers Grimm !

Again.. please feel free to stop by the group to ask Ms. Lo any questions. You have till November 28th, 2011 to do it!!

UPDATE!!  I won a copy of her book from Malinda Lo's Blog.. signed!! Go here to see it:

In My Mailbox-signed copy!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Follow Me Friday (#17)


This is the day of the week where we get to know each other better by answering a question devised by our lovely hostesses Parajunkee & Alisoncanread. We also gain new followers by joining each other's sites via GFC, so please let me know if you're a new follower since I automatically follow back. And now for this week's question....

This week's Follow Friday question:
In light of 11.11.11 and Veteran’s Day tell us about your favorite soldier and how he or she is saving the world. Fictional or real life.




Well my favorite solider is my husband Eddie.  He is no longer in the Air Force but did 6 years and then separated.  He's been to Iraq and Saudi Arabia as well as other places.  I'd also like to mention my dad who is retired Air Force.  So I am have been a military brat most of my life.  Both Eddie and my dad still work for the military as civilians and I am so proud of the service they have done for our country! 


Leave me a comment so I can see who your favorite veteran is!!  Happy Veterans Day and thanks to all the soldiers who represent the USA!

Friday, November 4, 2011

Follow Me Friday (#16)



This is the day of the week where we get to know each other better by answering a question devised by our lovely hostesses Parajunkee & Alisoncanread. We also gain new followers by joining each other's sites via GFC, so please let me know if you're a new follower since I automatically follow back. And now for this week's question....

Q: Today’s Question is something new, an activity. We want to see what you look like! Take a pic with you and your current read! Too shy? Boo! Just post a fun pic you want to share. 

This is not my current read because my current read, Ash by Malinda Lo is too dark to really turn out in the picture.  So I picked my favorite read instead Harry Potter... PLUS I can include some pics from when I went to the Wizarding World!



Happy Follow Friday!  Leave me you link so I can check out your picture too!!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Malinda Lo interview-YOU ask the questions!

Hello all!! I am pleased to announce that Malinda Lo, author of Ash, will be stopping by my Young Adult Book Club!  Please feel free to stop by and ask any questions you may have about the book, or just writing in general.  The group will be taking questions the whole month of November and then at the end of the month she will stop by and answer them!  I am quite excited, and if you haven't read the book well you should!!!!


1984 by George Orwell


I have always wanted to read this book but just never made the time.  Recently I was babysitting my cousin and finished the book I brought with me so I went through my aunt's drawer (yes a small drawer) of books and found this one so I picked it up and got started!  Here is the goodreads description:
Written in 1948, 1984 was George Orwell's chilling prophecy about the future. And while 1984 has come and gone, Orwell's narrative is timelier than ever. 1984 presents a startling and haunting vision of the world, so powerful that it is completely convincing from start to finish. No one can deny the power of this novel, its hold on the imaginations of multiple generations of readers, or the resiliency of its admonitions a legacy that seems only to grow with the passage of time

WAR IS PEACE.
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY.
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH.
This book was good... but sometimes too preachy for me. Part 2 went on and on when I was reading the parts that took place from the book that was given out. I will say I was surprised at the twist at the end about who was apart of the Party. I can see why some people love this book. If you are someone would is afraid the US is acting too much like big brother you will love this book. I can see why this book is still popular and has become a classic. Some section and lines really disturbed me! YOU. ARE. THE. DEAD. It is a very memorable book of what the world could become.

I still wonder though now that I am done is Big Brother really a man?  Did the Brotherhood really exist?  What do you think?