The Princess and the Penis - RJ Silver

Ok...so I know what you are thinking. It isn't as smutty or obscene as it sounds. This is a quick short story that is quite humorous. A retake on a common type of fairy tale. It was cute, I liked it, definately unrefined but I don't think the author was going for refined. He writes a humor blog and this story was offered free on Kindle. It is now offered as part of a 3 in one book of short stories available only in digital format for $2.99.  There are no reviews on Amazon and I can only imagine that it is because everyone  was afraid they might seem daft if they were to be the first to review such a racy sounding title. Rest assured, it isn't terribly racy or vulgar... just kind of funny and it was free. It was a departure from what I typically enjoy and that is always an adventure...sometimes it works out...sometimes not. But as most of you know I say often "life is too short to read a book I don't like - there are lots of good books out there and so little time." This is not a keep on your shelf forever and reminisce about story... but a quick bus ride read. :) You can check it out here if you are interested. http://www.amazon.com/The-RJ-Silver-3-Pak-ebook/dp/B006K5RR8M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324312448&sr=8-1

Miss. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - Ransom Riggs

Slipstream speculative fiction is maybe what I would classify this book as....  1 part fantasy, 1 part science fiction, 1 part historical fiction, 1 part adventure and 1 part graphic novel....a great literary escape!

This novel is the fantastical journey of Jacob whose grandfather has told him stories of children who have extraordinary capabilities and of the grave danger that may envelop him. After Jacob witnesses the horrific death of his grandfather, a mysterious letter leads Jacob on a journey that will lead him to question what it means to be a family and where his loyalties should be. Travel through time and enjoy this peculiar story too! I was left wishing there was more and that I could journey further with the characters.

Well written, intriguing pictures, and not at all what I expected. It was an eccentric ride! I hope you enjoy it too!

Note: I did read this on my Kindle and I thoguht the vintage photographs (which are real photographs I should mention) did indeed show up just fine as well as a few of the handwritten notes...)

Link to the book on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Miss-Peregrines-Home-Peculiar-Children/dp/1594744769/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324252395&sr=8-1

Plaguemaker - Tim Downs

First of all if you have never read anything by Tim Downs, his previous books are also very good and follow forensic entemologist Nick Polchak who makes a cameo appearance in this fast paced thriller. If you love high action, edge of your seat suspense, cerebral yet reconcillatory books - you musn't pass on this one. I was amazed to see the difference in the writing quality and character development improvements that Tim Downs has achieved through his experience as a novelist. This novel has three main story lines interweaved with each other and is a story of horror, revenge, forgiveness and ultimately sacrifice. Without giving too much away I will say that this book plays out like one of the best action packed movies with teh quality and suspense you would expect from a blockbuster. My heart raced, my brain hurt, I lost sleep because I couldn't put it down. If you've read one of these "bug man" novels or this latest one... check in...tell me what you think!

Last Light - Restoration Series #1 - Terri Blackstock

I originally purchased this book because the book club at the nearby church had chosen it and I wanted to check it out... I will say this, I never read the Left Behind Series... I'm not a big fan of series which you'll hear me say often...and there is a good reason, which I'll explain later.

The premise of this book is captivating; it draws you in and won't let you loose until the wee hours. I truly enjoyed the originality of the scenario - which I did not see as cataclysmic but inconvenience on earth as the everyday normal things no longer work. Maybe it wasn't cataclysmic for me because I live on a farm and have for years... I know how to do a lot of things without "regular" conveniences and part of that is probably because I have always wondered how it was done before we got all high tech. That being said... it is easier to do without because you choose to and know that you can do with anytime you want... but when you have no power and no electronics what so ever and it is not a choice, WHOA! That would feel very different. This story explores that angle, everything, everywhere has stopped working. I was mesmerized by the storyline and the characters. The mystery that is a parallel plot is also engrossing. At times, a bit preachy for me... but still well worth your time.

Now, the reason I do not like books in a series is because they are almost always strung out so that we buy more books for the author... and that irritates me. This is one of those examples, when it was done I was like "seriously?" I would rather have it all tied into one LONG BIG NOVEL than have to buy 4 or 5 to get to the end. I feel ripped off. For that reason...even though I really want to know what happens...I'm still not sold on buying book #2. I'll keep you posted.


Here is the link to the novel on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Last-Light-Restoration-Terri-Blackstock/dp/0310257670/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318436155&sr=8-1

A Thousand Splendid Suns - by Khaled Hosseini

This beautiful story has such a powerful impact on expanding the understanding of a culture steeped in history, a rich deeply complex history that through the telling of this woman's story is made accessible and understandable in a way I'd never imagined. The characters became so alive for me, so well developed and intricate in their individual relationships and how they all relate to each other/ WOW - the journey that this novel took me on internally still mesmerizes me.  I must say that I think it is imperative to "listen" to this story  on audio version if you have the chance. The novel is good too but the impact of hearing the eloquent dialects unique to this region make this a "MUST HEAR" story in my opinion. Since my first listen several years ago for book club, I've listened twice more...because I felt so connected to the women, to their stories, to the language, to the history.... this is NOT something I'm accustomed to doing.

I do hope that you give yourself a chance to devote an ear to hear this mesmerizing tale brought to life by an obviously talented writer. Add this to your MUST READ list - you will not regret it.

to read or to e-read...that is the question...

And today I'm wondering what my friends think about the availability of electronic reading devices and good old fashioned paper books? Do you own an e-reader? Do you like it? What don't you like? And if you don't have one yet, what keeps you from getting one?

I was really against getting any electronic reading device... I felt like it would cheapen the experience of reading for me... I was my libraries most frequent customer... and all for free... why would I pay for a reading device and then have to pay for books?? Well... one day that all changed. The Kindle came down in price about a year and a half ago, I needed a new Bible and decided to try it on the Kindle - that made sense to me... I love to have my Bible with me, but it was so bulky and in my case I'd had this particular Bible since I was 17, so it was falling apart. :) So, I broke down and purchased a Kindle... I now do ALL of my reading on my Kindle.

My biggest disappoinment: the books are the same price or more than an actual printed edition and the library DOES NOT support this device. :(

The thing I rejoice most in: (re: my Kindle) is that I read faster, comprehend more, and have all of my books with me all of the time. Oh, and I read every day at least 2-3 hours and my battery on the Kindle goes for about 1 month without needing a charge.

Verdict: I wouldn't be without my Kindle and it's cool apple green cover w/ the light built in!!

YOUR HOMEWORK: weigh in! Let me know what you think! Different opinions cherished and welcome!

The Mountain Between Us - Charles Martin

This is an author that cannot write fast enough for me! I LOVE to read his novels and each one of them has continued to live in my memory like no other novels. The richness of Charles Martin's writing, the authenticity of the characters, the vivid storylines.... oh to be so talented! Charles Martin typically writes with a southern fiction flair and by some would be considered Christian Fiction. Because it is just clean good writing and not any real religious overtones I would prefer to just say Southern Fiction for my own preferences.

 All of those things being said...when "The mountain between us" came out I was not impressed by the introduction on the inside flap nor the cover itself. I actually took the book back to the library unread. HUH?? Yep, I did. But then several months later while on vacation after having received my Kindle reader... I downloaded the book... I wanted to give it an honest shot.  Six hours, a sunburn, and sand in uncomfortable places later... I was finished and was in awe of the way the story took me. My heart ached because of the intense way I was sucked into the novel. It was such an amazing emotional trek that I immediately had my husband read it. He too is a HUGE fan of Charles Martin.  He loved it too!

Although the storyline of this book might look tired...(a story of survival) PLEASE keep going... it is anything but what you expect. It is at once a journey and journal of survival and seeking for men and women it is a force! For me the end held a very unexpected revelation... I had to go and re-read what I thought I'd seen. I can't wait to hear your thoughts!

So if you want a book you can lose yourself in, for a little while... look no further. THIS IS IT!  (and welcome to your new favorite author! - remember who introduced you!...lol)

here is a link to the book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Between-Us-Novel/dp/0767927028/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316814398&sr=8-1

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate Dicamillo

The Precious China Rabbit Edward Tulane is about to take a journey not unlike most people... an unrequested, unexpected exploration into what it means to be loved and show love.

I cannot say enough how much I loved this story. It was short but will live long in my memory. The depth of the characters and the impression emblazoned into my mind is anything but childlike. Although this story was written to a targeted audience of children between the 3-6 grades it is a story you would enjoy reading yourself and to your children. Some controversy has been raised by a few about some of the characters that Edward encounters and the honesty of their plight. It is my opinion that we shelter children too often from the ugliness that lives in our world. Of course we don't want our children to ever encounter abuse, homelessness, neglect... but it does exist... and in my humble opinion as a parent of two grown children and multiple children in the foster care system the exposure to the fact that such ugliness exists doesn't scare them... but encourages them to empathize and to reach inside their creative little selves to find ways to participate by brainstorming ideas of how things could be better.

Happy Reading!! :)


To me, this short story should be on your short list of must read books.

You can see the review I recently wrote for this short story here:
http://www.amazon.com/review/R3Q9F1XYE4UWO4/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

Wayward Son by Tom Pollack, Jim Alves, John Loftus

Ancient secrets, the allure of the unknown, the romance of immortality, the myths living in each of us....this debut novel by this collaboration of obviously talented authors packs it all in there! Wrapped in historical and fictional events that include travels through some Christian Historical snapshots this adventure is sure to please. I will admit that after finishing the novel I have found myself reflecting on what I read long after moving onto other tales and stories. I'm not sure why other than the book has a sort of haunting quality to it. The graphics and artwork that my mind’s eye imagined have been captured in photos taken by my friend Kathaleen Delahunty who lives and travels in the UK. I've included them here so you can see what my mind saw and the beautiful way that Kathaleen reproduced that vision in her stellar photography.

The story follows Amanda James - an expert at cryptology and all things history and her role in helping decipher a catacomb that was unearthed during a recent earthquake. Buckle in because this ride is going to get bumpy... the time travel aspect and the historical retelling were a bit cumbersome for me but it was worth the perseverance because as I understand it we are just beginning this journey with Amanda - this is book one of a series.

I received this e-book from early reviewers with Librarything.com; I was not paid for my review and my opinions are my own.

For additional reference...

I wrote a review for this book a little while back: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2HPWKQTZOZ2CZ/ref=cm_cr_pr_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B004VFVARW&nodeID=&tag=&linkCode=

A Journey of Exploration

Thank you so much for visiting my blog... I look forward to exploring literature with you as we all maneuver through this journey of life together. As an avid reader I will share my honest opinions and weave my personal insight into the stories I'm reading. I would love to hear from you too. Opinions are wonderful because we all come from different places and backgrounds. Although I did not coin this phrase I've heard...I love it: "no two persons ever read the same book..." I'm not sure who said it first but it is so true that our perspectives will differ slightly or significantly based on our previous life exeriences, our beliefs, and our culture. So, as we begin our journey... grab a cup of java and most of all enjoy!