Recommended for Those with Literary, Romantic, or Jane Austin Interests

Me and Mr. Darcy by Alexandra Potter

I actually discovered this book through a customer. She was the one who asked me to find it and, lucky her, we had a copy in the store. She said her friend had read it and suggested it. Later on, I looked up some information about it...for myself. After reading the blurb, I decided it was a book I should read. Which I did (several months later). Though admittedly, it's a predictable book, it's still fun. Set in present day New York, the heroine Emily heads off to England for a Jane Austin tour, where she actually meets the dashing Mr. Darcy and learns a thing or two about herself...and men. Oh, and did I mention there's a guy named Spike in this story? Hard to go wrong with a good-looking guy named Spike.

Read the Epinions review here!

Notes from the playlist: "Dawn" by Dario Marianelli

Just Finished (and Highly Recommended)

Voluntary Madness by Norah Vincent

I'd already read Self-Made Man and in that book Norah Vincent mentions that all her work had led her to a bit of a breakdown. She then visited an institution, and after only 4 days, realized what her next project had to be. It became this book, in which she visits three different mental institutions; public, private, and altnerative medicine, and reveals to readers what she finds. Her discoveries are incredibly engrossing. It was hard to stop reading. She also lends her thoughts and even gives us a very candid look into her own mental health and issues. Though she said she set out to show that the system was broken, she realized many different things, that blame lies with more than one person, and that there are ways to heal - it's just a very difficult path.


Notes from the playlist: "Macedonian Morning" by Bill Whelan

Currently Reading

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Every day it seemed I'd end up in the fantasy/science fiction section of the store, fixing and adjusting books. Facing out here, reshelving there. I'd always linger around a handful of them, thinking, "I ought to read this." Neil Gaiman's books were some of them.

Finally I got my hands on American Gods and am now in the middle of it. It's a slow, but interesting book. I'm waiting for something major to go down. After all, there's a storm coming. A clash of the gods, old and new. And poor protagonist Shadow is right in the middle of it. He's a regular guy...or at least he's supposed to be. I doubt it. First off, he's named Shadow. C'mon. Second, he keeps having very strange dreams. Third, everyone and their grandma is out to get the guy. I'm pretty sure he's important and will do something awesome in the end. Though I am getting a little impatient, it's more because I want things to move along more because I have other books I need to read and thusfar Shadow's just hiding out in a small, quaint town getting groceries and talking to the townsfolk about mundane things.

I loved Coraline. Waiting for this one to really capture me though.


Notes on the playlist: "Beauty and the Beast" (the Angela Lansbury version)

Recommended for Fantasy and Vampire Lovers

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

The children have had their turn when it comes to fun and spooky Halloween books, but now it's the adults' turn. Many of you may have already heard of the Sookie Stackhouse (Southern Vampire) novels by Charlaine Harris, whether it's through the HBO show True Blood or a friend or even a bookseller at your local B&N. If not, and you like fantasy and don't have a problem with vampires (they're not depressed and they're actually fun, I promise!), then you'll enjoy these books. They have their share of humor, horror, romance, the fantastic, and goodies you don't see coming. Charlaine Harris has a vivid imagination and if the idea of a vampire named Bill visiting a bar in Louisiana doesn't make you cock your head in curiosity and smirk a little, then I don't know what will. This ain't Twilight folks, I'll tell you that right now.

Read the Epinions review here! (actually, the review includes all 7 Sookie Stackhouse books)


Notes from the playlist: "Bring Me to Life" by Evanescence

Recommended for Young Readers Who Love a Scare

Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn

I read this book long ago when I was young and I still remember and love it. You hated Molly's (the protagonist's) younger stepsister Heather, but when the end came, it was scary and unnerving and you didn't hate her anymore. That's because while Helen seemed like such a good friend, she wanted something in return, and Heather isn't the first...

It's a good ghost story with a ending that won't leave kids freaked out. Everything is resolved and left you with a good feeling. Some kids might be looking for stories with a bit more horror, but this should be good enough for many. If you're looking for some good Halloween books to read, try this one by candlelight and see if you don't get a few shivers.


Notes from the playlist: "Haunted" by Poe

Recommended for Young Readers and Dahl Fans

The Witches by Roald Dahl

It's hard not to love Roald Dahl. I still have this book, the very same book that my sister got years and years ago. It's actually quite amazing how well it's held up, only gently dog-eared though it's been read oodles of times. You'll learn to recognize real witches here; they don't ride brooms or wear pointy hats. Instead, they're just like any other women - except they're bald, have no toes, and they hate children. Read Dahl's tale of how one little boy and his grandmother thwarted the plans of some of the nastiest witches in all of the country!


Notes from the playlist: "I Remember" by Stabbing Westward

Recommended for Kids (and kids at heart)

I Spy Spooky Night by Jean Marzollo and Walter Wick

I loooove I Spy books. I have almost all of them. Well, technically I do have all of them because the Challenger books are essentially rehashes of older books with harder things to find. But I love I Spy books. I love their pictures. I love the intricacy of the shots. The lighting. All the tiny little objects they used to make the photos. Tiny buttons, marbles, paperclips, delicate figurines, shiny balloons, old keys and boxes and books, glimmering paper, pools of water, strewn sand, all sorts of things. I love sitting and searching for something, even knowing I've glossed over it probabaly a thousand times. I love discovering all the hidden toys and pieces and little birds peeking out under leaves and cat paws in paint crossing the pages. Love 'em, love 'em, love 'em, and I'll recommend them until the cows come home.

Naturally, this one takes you through a haunted house and all its unique rooms. Perfect for the coming excitement of that mystical night - Halloween!

Read the Epinions review here!


Notes from the playlist: "Burn It to the Ground" by Nickelback

Recommended for Culture, Human Interest, and Biography Buffs

Self-Made Man by Norah Vincent


I was zoning (read: orgainizing) the biography section in the store one day and came upon this book. A lot of times, that's how we booksellers get sucked into books. Something looks interesting and we pick it up and before we know it, we're adding it to our mental list of "Books I Need To Read." Nevermind that the list is already hundreds of books long (most of which we eventually forget about at some point). But this one I did finally read and found to be thoroughly interesting. Norah Vincent conjures up a convincing man-counterpart (from the walk to the talk to the fake cash and prizes in the pants). From there she goes on a journey, slipping into man-saturated areas of life: bowling alleys, strip joints, door-to-door salesmen, and even a monastary. For over a year and a half she was Ned, experiencing life as a man, even dating women to see what it was like on the other side. Within her writings, she tries not to make too many assumptions, or at least, press her opinions on anyone, but rather does her best to report what she discovers within the world of men.

A real eye-opener and a fascinating read for both men and women, her experience eventually led to a minor breakdown, which led to the inspiration (if one could call it that) for her next book, Voluntary Madness, a book that is, of course, on my mental reading list. Except this one is near the top so it doesn't get lost.


Notes from the playlist: "Bonebreaker" by Infidel Incorportated

Just Cracked Open

Stardust by Neil Gaiman

When I moved to my new home, we got satellite instead of cable, and of course a free package came with it. That meant movie channels. Thus for the first time I got to see Stardust.

For it's flaws, it's a fun movie, but working in a bookstore I knew that Neil Gaiman was the mastermind behind the book that became the movie (found in both the adult and teen sections, in fact). I've not read as many of Gaiman's novels as I would like (American Gods is next on my list), though I did make a point to own Coraline (the book, not the movie). I wanted to know just how different the book is from the movie. I may not know Giaman well, but I know enough to feel safe to assume that it will be quite different. But in a good way. I expect to have a good time with Gaiman. After all; Coraline? The creator of the movie Mirrormask? Oh yes. A very good time.


Notes from the playlist: "The Myth of Creation" by Ian Bellamy

Recently Finished

Cirque du Freak: Tunnels of Blood and Vampire Mountain by Darren Shan

Darren Shan continues to learn the life of a half-vampire, trailing along as his maker Mr. Crepsley teaches him more and more about what it means to be vampire. He has much still to learn. That includes finding out about the vampaneze - vampires who no longer follow the code of "no killing humans" - and a place called Vampire Mountain where every 12 years the Vampire Princes and Generals get together and talk vampire politics (and much more).

Tunnels of Blood was interesting, the vampaneze weird, but Vampire Mountain wasn't much more than a transitional book - like an entire book used to get from point A to point B. A lot of travel and hanging around. Still, Shan makes sure to keep it as interesting as possible (I liked the wolves in Vampire Mountain), though I was a bit disappointed in the confrontation between Mr. Crepsley and the Princes. After being suggested that it would be a big deal throughout the past few books, it was a bit anticlimactic and I thought their final decision was a bit ridculous (not to mention unfair) and seemed to only serve as a reason to get Darren into perilous situations in the next book, Trials of Death. Ah well, at least it means that the next book ought to be exciting.

Read the Epinions reviews here and here!


Notes from the playlist: "Black Betty" by Ram Jam

Recommended for Fiction Readers and Animal Lovers

Watership Down by Richard Adams

Happy Birthday to Me!

I chose this book to recommend on my birthday because it's one I've read more than any other book. The funny part is that I'm not sure why. I guess it's just because it's a good story. Unique. Interesting characters even if they are rabbits. A different world view.

Watership Down is an epic story of rabbits. Yes, you heard right, rabbits. Hazel is the unlikely hero of the tale, who convinces a group of rabbits to leave their warren after one rabbit, Fiver, speaks of a foreboding prophecy in which everyone in the warren is killed. Hazel and the other rabbits set out on a long journey to find a safe haven where they can begin anew. But the world is large, and there are a lot of enemies in it, sometimes even their own kind.

Hats off to Richard Adams for creating this book. You get to see a rabbit's take on life, all their unique stories and tales of their one rabbit hero, and be amazed at how anxious you can get during a rabbit war. It may sound strange, but give it a try. It's a steady seller, and has been for over 30 years.

Notes from the playlist: "Idle (The Rabbit Song)" by Hem

Recommended for Culture, History, and Trivia Fans

The Intellectual Devotional: American History by David S. Kidder and Noah Oppenheimer

Read from January 1, 2008 to December 31st, 2008, this devotional isn't the typical religious sort. Instead, David Kidder has created a devotional dedicated to American history with categories of science, art, history, music, politics, and more. Each page is a tidbit of information that your history books may or may not have ever mentioned, giving you something to consider each night before bed. What you learn depends upon your current knowledge of American history. Either way, it's a gem for your nightstand.

Now for 2009, I'm going back to the book that started it all - the original Intellectual Devotional.


Notes from the playlist: "Rough and Ready" by Trace Adkins

Recommended for Young Readers

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

My third favorite of the Little House books (and book #2 of the series), Laura and her family have moved from the woods where things are getting too crowded with people and out into the wide open prairie. Here they will build a new house with real glass windows, where Pa will farm instead of hunt, and where Native Americans roam (and occasionally show up!). Wonderful to read and imagine yourself back during the times of the West when people traveled in covered wagons and ventured out into the wild yonder with everything they owned riding along with them.


Notes from the playlist: "Ukelele de Chocobo" by Nobuo Uematsu

Recommended for Fantasy/Romance Lovers

Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning

Slotted in the romance section of the store, don't let its genre placement fool you. At all. There is essentially no romance in this book, but that doesn't mean it isn't a kickass bit of fantasy involved. With nasty Fae roaming the streets, MacKayla Lane is on the trail of her sister's killer, and lurking behind her is the mysterious Jericho Barrons and a super-sexified Fae prince, V'lane. Something big is about to go down in the city of Dublin and everyone wants Mac - for various unsavory reasons. This is the first of a five-book string, so if you plan to get on the ride, you'd better be ready for it to take some time. Oh, you'll have a great time while you're on it, but you'll have to wait patiently for book #5 since Dreamfever (#4) just came out August 18th. Still, if you're just starting the series, you'll have time to enjoy them all while she finishes the final book.

Read the Epinions review here!


Notes from the playlist: "Frozen" by Within Temptation

Currently Reading

Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder

I don't know why it's taken me so long to get to this book. Maybe because the count was always off at work and I kept thinking maybe it would just come in (instead of being smart and just ordering it). The library certainly didn't have it. Now, however, I'm painfully broke, but lucky for me, the library system here (as I moved in August) had it - right down the road. Yay!

Already the story is chugging along. I like that Maria doesn't waste time filling you in on what happened in the previous books the way other authors do (I like to think that by the time you read book 5 you shouldn't need any recapping), though I did forget who a couple characters were since it's been so long since I last read Magic Study. She certainly makes sure to cut off chapters in a way that make you want to keep on reading, though Yelena has already done a few of her *slightly* irritating headstrong things (that sort of "I can do everything myself" attitude). With a nasty fugitive on the loose and one of her family member's missing, it will be exciting to see where Yelena's life leads her this time. Here's hoping that Valek makes another appearance! (all the ladies love Valek)

Maria V. Snyder's first book already made it onto this blog - Poison Study!


Notes from the playlist: "Sand in My Shoes" by Dido

Recommended for Young Readers

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

My favorite series as a child (and still one of my favorites as an adult), I adored reading about the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder: how she lived during the days of log cabins, when her Pa went hunting, the smoking of meats, playing with dolls, and indulging in the tiny presents brought to her by her Pa when he returned from his visits to town. I ate up every word and know that children today do the same. Her descriptions about food always made my mouth water and the hardships she and her family went through, such as huge snow storms, always held me in awe. I don't even need to handsell this book because it does so well on its own (but I still do if I can). This is my second favorite book in the series (my favorite to come soon!) and I'm sure there are children out there waiting to put this book at the top of their list.

While other children saved their money for toys or candy, I saved mine to buy these books. And guess what? I still have them.


Notes from the playlist: "Sunday Morning" by Maroon 5

Recently Finished

Cirque du Freak: A Living Nightmare and The Vampire's Assistant by Darren Shan

This all started due to the advent of this.

The trailer makes the movie look like a whole lot of fun. Nevermind that I'm a 25-year-old girl. However, I'm also one of those people who loves to read the books and compare them to their film counterparts. Add to that I've been wondering about Darren Shan's Cirque du Freak series ever since I laid eyes on it at work, and you've got a recipe for a reason to head to the library.

Darren Shan (yes, the character uses the same name as the authoer as this is a "true" story writen by him - even though Darren's not even his real name) never wanted to be a half-vampire. But thanks to the Cirque du Freak, his strange best friend, and his fascination with spiders, now he is. He'll have to come to terms with his vampire self if he is to survive...and there's a lot in store for him.

I checked out the first two books since these are located in the teen section (juveniles in the library). They've got their elements of horror, but the characters' ages allude me so I'm not sure how to visualize Darren. The movie makes him look, gosh, almost 16, but in the book he sounds a lot younger. Still, it is an interesting couple of books, and now I'm interested in how the rest of the series goes. After all, I still haven't met the Vampire Generals...

Read the Epinions reviews here and here!

Notes on the playlist: "Youth of the Nation" by P.O.D.

Recommended for Humor Fans and Customers/Retail Workers Alike

The Customer Is Always Wrong: The Retail Chronicles by Jeff Martin

If you've worked in the retail industry, you'll be able to relate to the tales in this book. If you've never worked in retail, you should probably read this book anyway. You might learn something. No, really, you might. Collected here are horror stories, hilarious tales, and head-shaking moments of dealing with wacky customers, tough managers, and backroom issues. It's a smorgasbord of laughs, some with life lessons, and others just letting the world know what the world of retail is truly like.

Notes from the playlist: "Wonderful World" by Sam Cooke

Recommended for Culture Buffs and Human Interest

PostSecret by Frank Warren

I remember everyone asking for this book at one point in time and I never understood why - until I finally looked at it. This compilation of letters, postcards, and other mailings is the result of a social experiment by Frank Warren. Within these pages are people's secrets. Their dark ones, their light ones, secrets they've hidden from the entire world, and yet here, are freeing them for the entire world to see. It's all anonymous so you'll never know who sent what, but you still may find yourself able to connect with some of them. Not the only one of it's kind, PostSecret has 3 other sister books as well as a website. Truly fascinating, I plowed through all four books in a matter of days - the only reason it took longer than it did was because I had to wait for the books to be in stock.

I look forward to the October 2009 book: PostSecret: Confessions on Life, Death, and God

Read the Epinions review here!


Notes from the playlist: "Second Chance" by Shinedown

Recommended for Fantasy/Romance Lovers

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

A fantasy novel (that happens to be located in the romance section - but don't let that fool you) that is full of intrique, action, and of course, poison. You never know what will be coming around the next corner for poor Yelena, and when the chapters end, you won't want to stop. I often found myself thinking, "Just one more chapter........Just one more chapter" until finally I'd realize it was 2 in the morning and I should probably get some sleep. Yelena is a strong character that readers will cheer for and Valek, well, he's a whole other matter.

I sent this book off to my sister with high recommendations, and I'm happy to say that she was pleased as punch to have read it.


Notes from the playlist: "The Heart of the Matter" by India.Arie

Recommended for the Crafty or Bored

Wreck This Journal by Keri Smith

I poured over this book when I first saw it, fascinated by the prospect of butchering it in the ways it demanded. Yes, this book (in case the title didn't tell you) requests that you wreck it. Destroy it. Scribble all over it in crayon. Poke holes in the pages. Compost a page. Take it into the shower with you. Drag it all over town on a string. Throw it. Set it on fire. Lick it. Sew it. Do whatever the pages ask, and more. For me, a person to whom books are somewhat sacred (I can't stand a broken spine on my shelf), this was a little odd and yet a bit liberating. It is indeed fun. I made a little paper chain out of one of the pages and now it's hanging on my doorknob. This isn't the only fun and crafty book made by Keri Smith. If you can't bring yourself to crack a spine and put carmel inside of a book, then check out some of her other goodies - they may appeal more to your tastes. As long as you're creative and having fun in some way, all is well.

Read the Epinions review here!


Notes from the playlist: "What Do You Think About That" by Montgomery Gentry

Recommended for Kids

Ivan the Terrier by Peter Catalanotto

I love this book. I am a 25-year-old woman, yet I was in the children's section laughing myself silly (or at least trying to be quiet about it) over this book. It's just so cute! The narrator of the book is trying to tell stories to children, but every time Ivan, a little terrier dog, barges into the tale, yapping his little head off. So he scares away the three bears and the billy goats gruff and everything else, all while the owner tries to get him to sit, stay, or just be quiet. When parents get into the book, I don't doubt that kids will get all giggly, loving the image of this little dog jumping around going, "Arf, arf, arf!" So much fun.

Read the Epinions review here!


Notes from the playlist: "Redwing" by Hem

Recommended for Writers

A Writer's Space by Eric Maisel

It's a quaint book, small in size, and perfect to carry around with you if you're so inclined. Ideal for writers seeking new ways to find that perfect writing space, whether that space is mentally or physically. That's really all there is to it, but who knows? It may just remind you of that perfect spot that you used to have and since forgotten about. I used to write all the time the moment I woke up, right in bed. My bed was one of my prime writing spots and for some reason, I forgot about it. Upon reading this book, I rediscovered the glory of writing while tucked into my sheets, a lapdesk supporting my notebook and a pencil in my hand. It's hard to go wrong when the book is written by a man who swims in creativity and its processes - and when he encourages eating brownies.


Notes from the playlist: "Into the Night" by Santana [featuring Chad Kroeger]

Recommended for College Goers and NOT the Faint of Heart

I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell by Tucker Max

I know. I've just gone from beginning with highly intelligent to completely ridiculous. Tucker Max is the infamous rich kid who screws around with his life, friends, women, and tempts fate, booze, and the limits of, well, just about everything. Women decry Tucker Max as a chauvinist pig, a cheating manwhore who doesn't deserve anyone's praise. Yes, he is. In fact, he acknowledges this and frequently reminds the reader of how much of a jerk he really is. With or without the book, Tucker Max doesn't need the money, but this book is just so damn funny, you quit caring about the tiny percentage he gets when you purchase it.

Frankly, I believe that Tucker Max is proof that karma exists in the world. No one, and I mean NO ONE will ever have some of the negative things happen to them the way they happen to Tucker Max. It just wouldn't. Trust me. In short; it's vulgar, crass, sickening, includes sex, drunkeness, insults, and a lot of messed up stuff, but if you don't have a problem with any of that, read this. Trust me, you won't be sorry.

Read the Epinions review here!


Notes from the playlist: "You're the One" by Rev Theory

Welcome!

Welcome one and all to the new reading blog. Looking for a good book for friends? Family? Kids? Then come here or bring them yourself. Spread the word and bring me some traffic.

I read in a whole range of genres from science fiction and fantasy to crafting and children's books.

The point of this blog is to just put the word out concerning good books. As a bookseller for Barnes & Noble, we get to recommend books to our customers, often ending with happy readers. People are always looking for good things to read, and word of mouth is one of the most powerful marketing tools, sometimes making or breaking a book. So I'm just doing here what I do at work; getting the word out on good books for people to enjoy.

I've gone back in my brain to remember as many books that I've recommended as I can. I surprised myself with the list I managed to put together. From fiction to science to teens, it's a fun list that should have something for everyone in it. I'll start posting these and then as I read more, should end up with more on the list. Every couple of days you can expect to see a book posting, occasionally with a more in-depth Epinions review (by moi) attached. Likewise, since I'm a music junkie, I'll include a little tiny note about what I currently have playing in my playlist (and don't worry, my music tastes range just as widely as my book lust).

From time to time, the recommendations will be punctuated by what I'm currently reading or perhaps what I've just finished (as I often read books in a few days or a single day if they're truly awesome and short enough to gobble up) and a few thoughts on the book (such as how it's going thusfar), giving you even more insight into what a bookseller reads.

So sit back, grab a cup of coffee and pluck out a book you'd like to read, because today begins my ever-lasting love affair with books.