R.I.P. IV Challenge 2009

I am excited to have finished my reading for Stainless Steel Droppings’ R.I.P IV Challenge. I am posting early just because I rarely have time lately to post and with my son’s first Halloween coming up I am busy with Mommy stuff and may not get in anymore spooky reading! I must say I was happy with what I accomplished this last month though reading wise. I really have gotten hooked on Charlaine Harris and her Sookie Stackhouse series and I found a very similar series I like by Molly Harper. The first two books are out now: Nice Girls Don’t Have Fangs and Nice Girls Don’t Date Dead Men. Nice Girls Don’t Live Forever will be released January 2010. Now normally these books would not be “my cup of tea” but the main character is a Children’s Librarian, dedicated Janeite and frankly hilarious! So my final total was 10 although I did not get to every genre. I really wanted to re-read some Poe and The Monk but time ran away! Happy Halloween!!

Mystery: Helter Skelter
Suspense: The Ghost Writer by John Harwood, Grave Surprise by Charlaine Harris
Dark Fantasy: The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan , Hunger Games and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Gothic: Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
Supernatural: A Touch of Dead by Charlaine Harris, Nice Girls Don’t Have Fangs and Nice Girls Don’t Date Dead Men by Molly Harper

So much has been going on lately that I have barely posted but I have had my nose stuck in some fantastic fiction! For the past two days I have been reading The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. I had never read The Hunger Games so I was able to read that and then Catching Fire back to back. I loved them both. Such smart ideas and unique writing. So much of her futuristic society went back to basics and yet other parts like the Capitol reminded me of Scott Westerfeld’s work in the Uglies series. I thoroughly enjoyed the books and cannot wait for the next in the series. I love the mix of futuristic technology and natural survival skills. I see the future reverting to one of these two. In some ways I think our separation from nature and inability to survive within true nature may be our downfall like many of the tributes.  All in all some terrific writing and “can’t put it down” reading. Below is a synopsis of the latest book Catching Fire:

“Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.”

Another book that I have recently read on the futuristic society theme was The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan. I read this book in about a day. I simply could not put it down. Her fast paced plot and interesting storyline keep you sucked into the story at a non-stop pace. I was intrigued by her idea of the future as a place haunted by the undead due to some sort of virus type illness. Zombie plots abound but this was done in such a new and classic way that I found myself finding beauty, sadness and life in the strangest places with her writing. Absolutely a must read…Ryan is also a native South Carolinian which is always nice. I love to find local authors making a splash in the book world! Below is a synopsis of The Forest of Hands and Teeth:

“  In Mary’s world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?”

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I am super excited to announce that the next book in The Mother Daughter Book Club series is out! Pen Pals released on September 22nd! I am currently reading my arc copy and am a little behind because I decide to go back and re-read this book’s classic companion. One of the reason I love this series is because each book is paired with a classic through the girls reading a book club selection. It’s a wonderful way to get kids into not only new fiction but the tried and true ones as well. Pen Pals  is paired with Jean Webster’s often over looked classics Daddy Long Legs and Dear Enemy.  I am only about half way into Pen Pals but I have to say I think Heather Vogel Frederick has done it again! This series is simply wonderful and the girls are growing up and expanding into some terrific literature. A little bird clued me in to what is coming in the next installment and while I won’ t tell…..I will say you will not want to miss it! This series is a must read for girls and moms!

I recently read Daniel A. Rabuzzi’s The Choir Boats and I must say I was impressed. Rabuzzi is a terrific writer but a storyteller first. You can feel his sense of wonder and deep involvement in his world of Yount from the very beginning. Background in mythology and folklore add an almost dazzling display of interwoven characters and references. Some of them had me making notes for further reading. I can assure you for someone who took mythology courses religiously in college, that is rare for me but greatly exciting. Artwork done by his wife Deborah A. Mills is also interspersed within the work in a most complimentary way. As you cast your eyes on the artwork and hear the sound of the newly created words of Yount, you fall into a steady rhythm gently pulled by some very lyrical and visually descriptive writing. One of my favorite lines was thus: “The walls of the attic leaned inward, the roof sagging like a thumb seeking an insect to squash.”. As I repeat it now it has such a rhythm while also being an amazing visual effect in my mind. Rabuzzi weaves an original cast of character effortlessly and creates a world all his own reachable by only some. Luckily we are to be included in the party. The Choir Boats will be released September 28th.

London, 1812 | Yount, Year of the Owl

“What would you give to make good on the sins of your past? For merchant Barnabas McDoon, the answer is: everything.

When emissaries from a world called Yount offer Barnabas a chance to redeem himself, he accepts their price—to voyage to Yount with the key that only he can use to unlock the door to their prison. But bleak forces seek to stop him: Yount’s jailer, a once-human wizard who craves his own salvation, kidnaps Barnabas’s nephew. A fallen angel—a monstrous owl with eyes of fire—will unleash Hell if Yount is freed. And, meanwhile, Barnabas’s niece, Sally, and a mysterious pauper named Maggie seek with dream-songs to wake the sleeping goddess who may be the only hope for Yount and Earth alike.”

R.I.P. IV Challenge 2009

I am so excited about Stainless Steel Droppings’ R.I.P IV Challenge! This will be my first year participating in this challenge and I am very excited. “There are two simple goals to the R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril Challenge: 1. Have fun reading.  2. Share that fun with others.” There are also multiple levels of participation that can adapt to anyone’s schedule. I myself am planning to participate in Peril the 2nd or Peril the 1st. Depending on what my son will allow me to do as far as reading time. I also want to make sure I throw in a good short story as well. Make sure and check out the blog for more information on the challenge. It runs from September 1- October 31st, a great time for some good scary reading! Some of my ideas for the challenge categories and what I might read are:

Mystery: Helter Skelter ( although it is True Crime I think it fits this category in some ways)
Suspense: The Ghost Writer by John Harwood
Thriller: ?
Dark Fantasy: ?
Gothic: The Monk by Matthew Lewis ( I ADORE this book)
Horror: A Poe short story or collection thereof
Supernatural: a Charlaine Harris title

I have to admit I have never read a Sarah Dessen novel before. I always meant to but just never got around to it. I try to read as much YA as possible since my previous job as a Children’s Librarian also led me to giving reader’s advisory to teens as well, something I savored.  My sister is a teenager and a very reluctant reader but I have noticed that if left around, she will pick up certain books. Sarah Dessen is an author I know she will read if I provide the book. So my first Sarah Dessen has turned out to be her newest Along for the Ride. And I have to say I really enjoyed it and see the appeal it holds for my sister and a lot of teen girls. Dessen’s characters are teens but she doesn’t talk down to her readers and she is very true to negating the typical stereotypes. She also isn’t afraid of addressing tough issues such as death, divorce, blended families or even postpartum depression. I appreciated her honesty and ability to simply tell a good story that would keep readers interested especially those reluctant teens. Also kudos for showing that a girl can be girly and still smart. That is a stereotype that I myself fought for a long time and still do from time to time in womanhood. So give Sarah Dessen a try whether it’s for you or that reluctant teen girl reader in your life! And if you have read any other Dessen novels you want to comment about…I would love to have my next title recommendation….in the meantime here is a description of her latest:

Along for the Ride

“It’s been so long since Auden slept at night. Ever since her parents’ divorce or since the fighting started. Now she has the chance to spend a carefree summer with her dad and his new family in the charming beach town where they live.A job in a clothes boutique introduces Auden to the world of girls: their talk, their friendship, their crushes. She missed out on all that, too busy being the perfect daughter to her demanding mother. Then she meets Eli, an intriguing loner and a fellow insomniac who becomes her guide to the nocturnal world of the town. Together they embark on parallel quests: for Auden, to experience the carefree teenage life she’s been denied; for Eli, to come to terms with the guilt he feels for the death of a friend.In her signature pitch-perfect style, Sarah Dessen explores the hearts of two lonely people learning to connect.”

Book Blogger Appreciation Week is quickly approaching! So mark your calendar for September 14-18. Since I did not know about this great event last year I can only answer the questions for the newbies…

1)  What has been one of the highlights of blogging for you?  Definelty when I hear from authors about their work. I love connecting with them whether it be about a review I have posted or a future release. It just makes my day to hear their feedback and make their acquaintance.  Some of my most exciting connections have been with Heather Vogel Frederick and Meg Cabot. Both of whom I greatly admire.
2)  What blogger has helped you out with your blog by answering questions, linking to you, or inspiring you?  I would have to say many of the Jane Austen Blogs have really made me feel wonderful by linking and being a part of my blog. I am such a fan of their work and a huge Jane Austen fan so it is always such an honor. Also many authors have given me review links as well which always brighten my day. My most recent review link was from author Sally Koslow.
3)  What one question do you have about BBAW that someone who participated last year could answer? Well….What was your favorite part of BBAW 2008?

I just finished Sophie Kinsella’s new book Twenties Girl and boy was it a fun read! Nothing like a nice upbeat book to perk you up! And this one has everything: style, glamour and a ghost! Who could ask for more?  I think this would make a wonderful romantic comedy if done right! In fact I am about to watch Confessions of a Shopaholic tonight which I read a few years back. I love it when a great book can be brought to life but it is so bad when it gets ruined! That’s why I always read the book first!  Twenties Girl has some great characters and a really fast moving plot which grabs you from the very beginning.  Give it a try…it would be a great beach read or a fun travel pick for any last minute summer vacations! Check out the summary below to see if this one would be good for you!

” Lara Lington has always had an overactive imagination, but suddenly that imagination seems to be in overdrive. Normal professional twenty-something young women don’t get visited by ghosts. Or do they?
When the spirit of Lara’s great-aunt Sadie–a feisty, demanding girl with firm ideas about fashion, love, and the right way to dance–mysteriously appears, she has one last request: Lara must find a missing necklace that had been in Sadie’s possession for more than seventy-five years, and Sadie cannot rest without it. Lara, on the other hand, has a number of ongoing distractions. Her best friend and business partner has run off to Goa, her start-up company is floundering, and she’s just been dumped by the “perfect” man.  Sadie, however, could care less.   Lara and Sadie make a hilarious sparring duo, and at first it seems as though they have nothing in common. But as the mission to find Sadie’s necklace leads to intrigue and a new romance for Lara, these very different “twenties” girls learn some surprising truths from each other along the way. Written with all the irrepressible charm and humor that have made Sophie Kinsella’s books beloved by millions, Twenties Girl is also a deeply moving testament to the transcendent bonds of friendship and family.”

Well….It’s happened! I have been sucked into the world of Sookie Stackhouse and True Blood. I have never been a big fan of Science Fiction but when Twilight first came out, I got into the series and eagerly awaited each book.  Then a few weeks ago a friend turned me onto the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. I fully did not think I would get into it. The cover art made me cringe…just not something I would normally go for. But boy am I into it now. I have been watching the first season of True Blood and am almost finished with the second of the novels Living Dead in Dallas.  I think what is special about this series is similar to what is special about Twilight. Inventiveness, creativity and thinking about a subject in a new light. Bringing vampires “out of the coffin” and into society is a unique spin. Charlaine Harris has really surprised me and delighted as the pages have gone by. Plus being quite Southern doesn’t hurt with a girl like me! Plus in her Aurora Teagarden series, Harris has a murder solving southern librarian….you just can’t beat that! But perhaps I am biased on that account! In any case give it a try!