Give me more. Or Less.
This week’s Top Ten Tuesday got me thinking, and also very excited. Working in a book store allows me to see trends happening. In addition, when I get excited about one, I tend to promote it. Continue reading
Review: The Minotaur Takes A Cigarette Break
The story leaves strong impressions that last with you long after you put down the book: that the Minotaur symbolizes much more than a creature who is half man, half beast. That perhaps, this is a redemptive tale. Or demonstrates the struggle in dealing with the duality inside ourselves. Continue reading
Review: The Atomic Weight of Secrets
It’s books like these that allow me to offer a solid example when defending, and recommending young adult fiction to adults. It may not satisfy the older portion of the age range who tend to like the popular dark fantasy or steampunk, but for those wanting a good mystery – this is just the book. Continue reading
Review: Don’t Breathe A Word
I guess the best endings are the ones that make you emotional in some way: mad, happy, sad. They should evoke an emotion so strong it lingers long after you’ve finished reading it. This book will not disappoint in that regard. Continue reading
Review: The Undertakers: Rise of the Corpses
I was surprised to learn this is Ty Drago’s first foray into youth fiction. And a heck of a trip it is. Not only that, it’s the first in a projected series. Seeing as I read this in nearly one sitting, it’s a no-brainer that I will be waiting eagerly for the next release.
Continue reading
Review: Vlad: The Last Confession
I have to warn you, this is a challenging read, not so much for some of its content, but the feelings that remain afterward. It makes you think harder about what is good, what is evil, and what happens when the two collide and combine within the soul. Continue reading
Review: The Declaration
This story does stay with you. Makes you wonder how many of us are willing to accept our true role on this planet, and whether or not it should be an infinite one. What price would any of us pay in order to have a longer life? Would we accept a Fountain of Youth if what we had to sacrifice, is youth itself? Continue reading
Review: Hieronymus White
Hieronymus was born to immigrant birds who came to where they live, across the “big sky”, in order to escape a life where conformity was enforced through intimidation and outright violence. Wanting the best for their son, they strive to instill a sense of self that will allow him to soar literally and sing any song he wished, to be greater than them and their humble beginnings. Just like any parent, they wanted their son to be part of a society that would recognize and welcome his greatness. It didn’t quite have the desired effect. Continue reading
Review: Monster: A Novel
Prepare yourself when you start this book, because you will not want to put it down. I’d also advise you to think twice about reading it in public if you are shy. There’ll be times you’ll be laughing out loud and feel compelled to read that passage to the closest, innocent by-stander. Continue reading
Behind the Code: Interview with G.L. Drummond
Suspending disbelief is necessary in order for a reader to enjoy fiction; especially with genres such as Fantasy. Imagination is also paramount, but that imagination, once disbelief leaves the playground, must be thrilled and satisfied or else is has nowhere to go and nothing to do. Those successful in writing these types of stories must be skilled enough to keep imagination a happy camper. It must be one of the hardest genres to write in. But authors like Gayla make it look easy. Continue reading
Sunday Salon: Beginning Again
Do you remember your first book? Do you remember your favorite story when you were a child, or teenager? Here is my list of children’s books I love to recommend and some I hope to read in order to get to know the genre of juvenile fiction better. Continue reading
Review: Bridge To Terabithia
This book is about primarily about friendship, but its more important aspect is how children learn to cope with fear and loss: both emotional and physical. One of those ways is through creativity and imagination. Terabithia then comes to be more than an imaginary kingdom. It’s symbolic of a greater purpose.
Continue reading
Sunday Salon: Non-Fiction Extravaganza
I have to admit, there’s a challenge to finding enjoyable non-fiction that can compete with the storytelling of gifted fiction writers. But now that I have co-workers knowledgeable about its contents and bloggers I follow who’ve had some great recommendations, I’ve found it easier to sift through and find some real gems. Continue reading
Organizing The Domestic Librarian
To some, I may be taking this too far, and in a way, I think I am. But when I look at the number of books I’ve acquired, and knowing I will be getting more, I feel compelled to do something to try and keep it manageable. Continue reading
Review: Alice In Zombieland
People who spend time in the humor section of the bookstore will like this book. Zombie enthusiasts should like the tack Cook takes with the story. But diehard Alice fans? I’m not so sure. From what I’ve seen around the web, not all were thrilled with Cook’s efforts. Continue reading