I'm a Halloween Wimp

   I was sitting here at home watching TV and discovered that mostly everything on tonight is some sort of horror movie. It makes perfect sense this time of year, however I am a total wimp. I don't like scary sounds, scary music, scary books and especially scary movies. If I happen to watch one, actually if I even accidentally catch a bit of a preview for one, it stays with me for weeks. I know lots of people who love to be scared...maybe it's a rush? I'm not one of them.
This is why I was delighted to find two halloweenish movies on TV this weekend that I actually do enjoy. They are featured on the family channel and are much  more my style.

Happy Halloween!

Follow Friday and Hop

 
It's  Friday (almost) which means it's time to visit new blogs and meet new bloggers.The Blogger Hop is hosted by Jennifer at Crazy For Books.
This weeks question: What is the one bookish thing you would love to have-no matter the cost?My answer will be close to Jennifer's. I'd like my own library. A room with floor to ceiling bookcases-all wood. A huge fireplace and cozy furniture-perfect places to snuggle up and read.

Friday Follow is hosted by Parajunkee' View. This week's featured blog is

My 5 Monkeys

  This week's question: If you have, or would have a daughter. What Book would you want your daughter to read?

This is a fabulous question: I loved "The Bat in Bunkhouse Five" by Paula Danzinger, that would be an older favourite. My new favourite..."Dear George Clooney, Please Marry My Mom" by Susin Nielson. The list could go on & on...I'd say the Twilight series but I'm not sure I want to share Edward.

Have a great weekend! I love your comments and emails...keep them comin'

100 Follower Giveaway!

I'm not there yet, but I'm hoping to reach 100 followers by the end of October!!-which is this Sunday (31st).
I can't tell you how much I love writing this blog and and how much fun I'm having! Thanks so much for all of your kind words and support!

• The winning entry will be able to choose $20.00 (CAD) in books (of their choice) from the Book Depository.
• Open to Canada and Internationally -anywhere that the Book Depository delivers to.
• You need to be a follower -old or new :) 
• Winner will be announced and contacted by email Monday November 1st if 100 followers is reached by Sunday Oct.31st 11p.m.

Good Luck!

Rating System

Hi Everyone,

I'm trying to come up with an innovative icon for a rating system to add to my reviews, but I drawing a blank. Any suggestions? I'd like it to be a bit librarish....

Wednesdays Worthwhile Reads.

I'm much later in posting this than I had hoped, but the day just got away from me. Worthwhile reads is a weekly feature here that showcases some past favourites. Sometimes we get so caught up in new releases that we forget to talk about the books that we've loved in the past.

To participate, please link to your post below. Rules are simple: The book must be published before 2009. Please include a cover image, summary and your thoughts on the book (doesn't need to be a full review)

This weeks selection:

Jackal in the Garden by Deborah Ellis
Published in 2007 by Watson-Guptil Publications
176 Pages

Summary from Goodreads:

Little is known about the fifteenth-century Persian painter Bizhad--we only know that he worked in what is now Afghanistan and Iran. Jackal in the Garden imagines him as a gifted dreamer contrasted by a strong female protagonist. Anubus, a girl born disfigured in the harem of her vicious father. She must fight for survival-and her struggle leads her to an artists colony. Bizhad is the leader, and they find common ground yet their different attitudes offer a sharp commentary on life, survival and art that will resonate with young adult readers trying to find their place in the world.

I found this story deeply moving. Anubus is born with a disfigured face and her father instructs the servants to leave her in the desert to die, to be "eaten" by the jackals. The servants take pity on her and hide and raise her as their own in secret. When Anubus becomes a young adult they cast her out for fear of being discovered. As Anubus moves through the world, her strength and resilience in what she faces is inspiring. A story that reminds us of our potential, and the true meaning of love, friendship and sacrifice. Definitely worth reading.

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke & The Bookish.


This week's list is inspired by Halloween.



Top Ten Scary Spooky Books

1. TommyKnockers by Stephen King- My first and last attempt at Stephen King. I've never been the same since reading it.
2. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan- Frightening and gory but I actually loved this one.
3. Doublespell by Janet Lunn-I read this in my tween years and had nightmares.
4. The Demonata Series by Darren Shan- I really enjoyed Cirque du Freak but Demonata was just too much for me.
5. Goosebumps by R.L.Stine- I check these out for kids at the library all the time, I don't know how they have the courage.
6. The Tallypo-a Ghost Story retold by Paul Galdone- a childrens book that one of my co-workers tells in the form of an oral-story-positively spinechilling.
7. In a Dark Dark Room by Alvin Schwartz-this one isn't too scary-I love reading it out loud to school agers.That's all I have to list....when it come to being scared I'm a big wimp.
   
   
   

In my mailbox

In my Mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren. Each week bloggers are invited to post what they recieved in books for the past week. It could be books-bought, won, borrowed or given for review. To find out more about the meme click here.

From the library:

I was inspired by this years YALSA List selected by teens

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

For review from Scholastic:

The Clockwork Three by Matthew Kirby

His first novel and steampunk inspired. I just started it and am loving it so far. Stay tuned for a review in the next week.

What was in your mailbox?

Friday Fun

It's time for some fun! It's Friday and that means it's time to visit other blogs and meet some new people. Saying hello to my new and old followers-thanks for stopping by.

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy For Books.

This week's question:

Where is your favourite place to read?

I'd love to say in my beautiful chaise lounger by my fire place, or in a window seat with tons of cushions looking out at a most inspiring view. Since, I don't have any of those things-it's pretty boring, my recliner next to a little table that holds my tea or coffee.

Friday Follow is hosted by Parajunkee's view

This week's question:

What are you currently reading?

I just finished Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick and I don't know how what I read next will compare....I loved it and will be posting a review shortly. The next book in the "to be read pile" is Halo by Alexandra Adornetto.

Have a wonderful weekend! I love your comments and emails.

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
Published Oct. 2010 by Simon & Schuster
Reviewed from ARC

Summary from GoodReads
Nora should have known her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described as anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away, and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.

The farther Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim blood line has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl. Since Patch isn't answering her questions and seems to be standing in her way, she has to start finding the answers on her own. Relying too heavily on the fact that she has a guardian angel puts Nora at risk again and again. But can she really count on Patch, or is he hiding secrets darker than she can even imagine?
A few thoughts:

I loved it! Couldn't turn the pages fast enough, but what do you expect with a character like Patch. You love him, you hate him, I get how Nora must feel. There were moments where he came across as such a jerk, but the chemistry between them was incredible, and I think in the end he redeemed himself (mostly).

I don't know that I agree with his choices though, and I worry that in the long run, he'll end up putting them both himself and Nora in more danger.

I connected to all the characters except Vee. Her constant use of the word "babe" drove me nuts. And I don't know if Nora's mother was a believable character as a mom...she was never there.

Marcie is a perfect antagonist...Nora was a lot more patient than I would have been. I wonder how their relationship will change now that the truth is out.

Holy cliff hanger Becca....just how am I supposed to wait for the next one? This one just came out which must mean that the next is still far far far away from publication. It's just cruel.....

Books like this are the reason why I love the genre so much. Hush, Hush and Crescendo are two to buy and add to your collection.

trying a new background......

thoughts?

Wednesday's Worthwhile Reads

Wednesdays Worthwhile Reads is a new feature that will showcase some of our past favourites.
To participate you can link below. Rules are simple:
Must be a book that was published before 2009
Include a cover image, summary and your thoughts on the book (doesn't need to be a full review)

My selection this week:


The Murder of Bindy Mackenzie by Jaclyn Moriarty
Published 2006 by Arthur A. Levine Books
489 pages

First of all, if you haven't read a book by Jaclyn Moriarty, you are missing out. Her books are hilarious, she writes wonderfully interesting characters...like Bindy.




Summary from Good Reads:
"Bindy Mackenzie believes herself to be the smartest, kindest girl at Ashbury High. Unfortunately, she is alone in that belief.
To prove her likability, Bindy decides to document her life in transcripts, essays and emails. What this reveals is a girls who's funny, passionate, hilariously self-righteous.....and in danger.
Someone wants to kill Bindy Mackenzie....and time is running out."


Bindy is a lovable character...and for the most part completely oblivious to how the rest of the world sees her. The story is written in emails, journal entries and laid out in a way that makes it a very quick read, and I laughed out loud through the entire thing. The "murder" portion of the storyline is a bit of a stretch, I can't say that it held too much suspense but I think that Bindy's character more than makes up for it. Definitely worth reading.

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This week's list- Top Ten Fictional Crushes
in no particular order...

1. Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice- I think he'll be on most bloggers lists- though when I picture him it's always Colin Firth.
2. Edward - not Robert Pattison's Edward Cullen- My Edward- The one that was pictured in my imagination as I read.
3. Ron - from Harry Potter- He's adorable- funny, brave, and loyal...
4. Peeta- from the Hunger Games-compassionate, kind.....sigh-love him.
5. Jace-from The Immortals Series-hot and a hero
6. Will-from Infernal Devices/Clockwork Angel- I think it's the bad boy thing here
7. Jay-From the Body Finder...all the girls swoon in his presence but he only has eyes for one girl- he's devoted.....and romantic
8. Jack-from the Warrior Heir-He's strong, brave- a rebel and stands up for what's right and what he believes in.

is it horrible that I can only come up with 8?

Blog Award

The lovely Abby at Above Water has given me a blog award, and totally made my day. Thanks Abby! If you haven't checked out Abby's blog-you must! It's so worth reading!

One of the rules of the award is answering this question:

If you could go back and change one thing in your life, would you and what would it be?

I'm one of those people that believe that where I am now, and who I am is because of my past so I wouldn't change any event or adventure (whether positive or negative). I would however want to change my attitude a bit.....take more risks, live more in the moment, cherish every minute,and a dozen more cliches just like that.

Next, I need to pass the award on to 5 blogs I love: I've discovered a few new ones lately...

The Cherry On Top Award goes to:

Anna Reads

GReads

My Words Ate Me

Whatcha readin', books?

In the Closet with a Bibliophile

Congrats!

Story time workshop advice needed

I'm very excited as I've been invited to present story time workshops for librarians and children's staff at different locations through out our province. it's very new to me:)
wondering if you might help....
thinking back to any professional workshops you've attended..what made them fabulous (or not)?
What aspects make a workshop enjoyable?

What made you decide to attend the workshop in the first place?

Any comments would be greatly appreciated!

Team Unicorn

Zombies vs. Unicorns
Short Story Collection edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier
Published September 21st 2010 by Margaret K. McElderry
432 pages
An anthology of short stories edited by amazing young adult authors and written by amazing young adult authors....Libby Bray, Carrie Ryan, Garth Nix,Maureen Johnson, Scott Westerfeld, Meg Cabot.....about Zombies and Unicorns.
"half of the stories portray the strengths--for good and evil of the unicorns, and half show the good (and very very bad-ass) side of zombies".-from goodreads.
I'm generally not a big fan of short stories. I usually find that there isn't enough character development to hold my interest but I was pleasantly suprised with this one. It totally rocked. I don't know if it was the list of amazing authors, the humour or the subject matter but I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I loved Maureen Johnson's "Children of the Revolution" & "Princess Prettypants" by Meg Cabot.
As much as I enjoyed the zombie stories-I just have to go for team unicorn. The stories were great and I have loved Unicorns since I was little....plus zombies turn my stomach....alot.

Hopping Friday

It's Friday! Which means it's time to visit and discover new blogs and their bloggers. Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy For Books.

This weeks question: "When you read a book that you just can't get into, do you stick it out and keep reading or do you move onto the next title?"

There was a great post about this very topic over at Greenbeanteenqueen. I try and stick with reading it I usually give it at least 100 pages-sometimes more. I feel guilty when I put a book down, but sometimes it's just not right for me.

Parajunkee's View hosts The Friday Follow. The question this week is "What is your reading suggestion this week?"

This is a tough one, I'm way behind in reading my to-read-pile, just steadily watching it grow. Here's a picture book that I discovered this week. I love the twist in the story and the illustrations are lovely. I believe that you're never too old to enjoy a picture book and I can't wait to use this one at Story time.

Children Make Terrible Pets by Peter Brown.

Wednesday's Worthwhile Reads

Wednesdays Worthwhile reads is a new feature that will showcase some of our past favourites.

Once a week I'll post one of my older favourites. To participate you can link below.

Rules for posting: Must be a book that was published before 2009

Please include cover image, summary and your thoughts on the book. (doesn't need to be a full review)

This weeks selection:

What World is Left by Monique Polak
Published by Orca Book Publishers 2008 208 pages

Summary from Good Reads

A pampered child used to having her own way, Anneke Van Raalte lives outside Amsterdam, where her father is a cartoonist for the Amsterdam newspaper. Anneke's life changes in 1942 when the Nazi's invade Holland ans she and her family are deported to a concentration camp in Czechoslovakia. Not only are the conditions appalling, but the camp is the site of an elaborate hoax: the Nazis are determined to convince the world that this camp is idyllic place. Because he is an artist, Anneke's father is compelled to help in the propaganda campaign, and Anneke finds herself torn between her loyalty to her family and her sense of what is right.

I was really fortunate to meet Monique Polak at a signing for this book. It was incredible to hear her speak about it, as it was inspired by her mother's experiences while imprisoned at the concentration camp during World War 2. She mentioned that the first time her mother shared her experiences with her was during the writing of this novel. Very moving.
The novel is beautifully written. The language is rich and the author does an amazing job of creating the haunting atmosphere of a Nazi concentration camp. The relationship between Anneke and her father is not an easy one, as Anneke is appalled at the appearance of her fathers cooperation with the Nazi's...little does she know what he was actually doing for her.
Definitely worth reading.

For some reason my Mr.Linky Link thing isn't working.....if you'd like to participate please link through the comments.
:)

Special thanks goes to the fabulous Danielle at Every Last Page for creating the meme button for me.

Top Ten Tuesday

1. Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish
   
   

This weeks list:

10 Books I'll Never Read

Anything written by Nicholas Sparks

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo- I tried. I only got 100 pages in and just couldn't go any further. I know lots of people have loved it-just not for me.

Anything by Danielle Steele or published by Harlequin-I'm not a fan of the romance genre in general.

Most books recommended by Oprah. I've read a couple on Oprah's list and they seemed to be all about the same thing.-

Shopaholic Series by Sophie Kinsella. again-I know she's a favourite of many -it's just not my type of read.

Anything by Stephen King-I read one once and had nightmares-never again

Anything by Dean Kootz-see above

Hopping Friday

It's Friday! (thank goodness) and it's time to Hop and Follow! Blogger Hop is hosted by Jennifer at Crazy For Books and Friday Follow is hosted by Parajunkee's View. Every Friday bloggers are invited to hop aboard and visit other new book blogs, and meet new bloggers.

This weeks questions:

What's your favourite beverage while blogging? It depends on the time of day. Morning is coffee, and lots of it- Usually Tim Hortons(I'm Canadian) If it's in the evening then it's usually peppermint tea.

How many reviews do you like to do a week? I'd like to do many more than I do, however full-time hours and family often prevent that. I usually do just one unless I'm participating in a challenge and have scheduled more time for it. Although I'm always reading.I continually hope to do more....

How about you? Do you find it hard to find time to blog? when do you make time? Do you blog in the evening/morning?

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to visit again next Wednesday to check out Wednesdays Worthwhile Reads.

Wednesday's Worthwhile Reads

Wednesday's Worthwhile Reads is a new feature/weekly meme that showcases some of our past favourites. Sometimes, I get so excited and caught up in books that are new releases (or in some cases books that are to be released) that I miss great stories that have been out for a while.

Once a week I'll post one of my older favourites. To participate you'll be able to link below.

Rules for posting: Must be a book that was published before 2009.
Please include a cover image, summary and your thoughts on the book.(doesn't need to be a full review-just thoughts on why you liked it)

The Warrior Heir By Cinda Williams Chima

Published by Hyperion in 2006 426 pages

summary from goodreads

"Before he knew about the Roses, sixteen-year-old Jack lived an unremarkable life in the small Ohio town of Trinity. Only the medicine he has to take daily and the thick scar above his heart set him apart from the other high-schoolers. Then one day Jack skips his medicine. Suddenly, he is stronger, fiercer, and more confident than ever before. And it feels great - until he loses control of his own strength and nearly kills another player during soccer team tryouts. Soon, Jack learns the startling truth about himself: he is Weirlind - part of an underground society of magical people who live among us. At the head of this magical society sit the feuding houses of the Red Rose and the White Rose, whose power is determined by playing The Game - a magical tournament in which each house sponsors a warrior to fight to the death. The winning house rules the Weir. As if his bizarre magical heritage isn't enough, Jack finds out that he's not just another member of Weirlind - he's one of the last of the warriors - at a time when both houses are scouting for a player. Jack's performance on the soccer field has alerted the entire magical community to the fact that he's in Trinity. And until one of the houses is declared Jack's official sponsor, there are no limits to what they'll do to get Jack to fight for them."

I lov-ed this novel. The magic in it had this wonderful timeless feel and it's action packed story line has made it one of my favourites to recommend to reluctant teen readers. Definitely one to make time to read!

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke & The Bookish
This weeks list: Top Ten Favourite Authors
This is a tough list to make because I feel like its always changing. . .
I have a bookshelf in my office that has my most (current) favourites reads-it's a mix of Adult/Teen/Jr.Fiction and Picture Books so it will make for an eclectic list.

1. Jane Austen
2. J.K. Rowling
3. Suzanne Collins
4. Ami Mckay
5. Lori Lansens
6. Jeremy Tankard
7. Stephenie Meyer
8. Jodi Picoult
9. Cassandra Clare
10. Mercer Mayer

Can you guess what book titles are on the shelf represented by the authors above?

Be sure to visit me here Wednesday for a new weekly feature :)

Friday's Hop

It's Friday! YAY! Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jennifer at Crazy-For-Books!
This week's question is....

"How do you spread the word about your blog?"

This a great question and I can't wait to see what others post. It's something I feel I still need to work at. I participate in a couple of memes and post comments etc, but my blog isn't as busy as I would like. I'm open to suggestions.....