OCTOBER BOOK GIVEAWAY!

My first giveaway wasn't superhot, but I attribute that to only having one book available. After all, a lot of people are burned out with paranormal type stuff, urban fantasy and all that. So this time I'm doing something a little different - giving away more books with a wider variety. If this doesn't draw more people in, I don't know what will. So, with that in mind, here's the October Book Giveaway!

Little Bee by Chris Cleave

This book has only been on the front shelves for what seems like forever. I know, it says "New in Paperback" up there, but this came out in 2008 and the paperback came out in February of this year. It's been uber-popular and still sells dozens of copies as the days roll by. So why not see what everybody's talking about?

The Search for Wondla by Tony DiTerlizzi

If the author name sounds familiar, then so should The Spiderwick Chronicles. This book is fresh off the press, only just going out a few weeks ago. It reminds me of other interesting child-oriented post-apocalyptic style sort of thing. Like Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. Something I could see Miyasaki doing. So if you're ready for a unique adventure or have some kids who would be interested in a story with a beyond the Wizard of Oz type feel, go for it.

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

This is one I just kept looking at while at work. It sounded so interesting, so different, so ripe for Tim Burton to take a look at. This is geared toward teens and follows a boy who isn't supposed to be here. He was left in the crib of a human baby a long time ago, but he really belongs below ground, a dark world beneath the down. And he'll finally have to go there when his sister goes missing...

Zoo Story by Thomas French

This is the book I read back in July. It follows the events that unfold at a zoo in Florida, a fascinating look at where zookeepers work, how they handle escaped animals, and what happens when things are stretched to their limit. If you already have warring feelings about zoos, this will enhace them. Are zoos worth it or are they sheer entertainment? Knowing a little more about the full story behind at least one of them will at least give you more insight into the world we never see.

Yep. Four books. A little something for everyone. And remember, these are ARCs (Advance Reader Copies) so they're not entirely finished. They are all paperbacks, and they all have markings on the outsides of the pages to prevent anyone from attempting to sell them. But if you just want to read a good story, like a good free book, or think ARCs are cool, then by all means join in on the fun.

All you have to do is leave a comment anywhere on this blog. Say whatever you like (recommend something, tell me how much you enjoyed something, anything), but be sure to include an email address or some other way I can contact you if you've won, as well as which book you would like. The contest will end October 31st as the big spooky clock strikes 12. *muahahaha!*

**Just to clarify: There will be four winners - one person for each book. Not one winner take all. Hence the whole "tell me which book you want" thing. Sorry if anyone was confused.

Good luck!

Notes from the playlist: "Burning in the Skies" by Linkin Park

Currently Reading

The Legend of Zelda and Philosophy by Luke Cuddy (Editor)

Now, your store may or may not have this - apparently it is now out of print and only available digitally, but a few stores still have it in stock (at least they do around me). Every time I was in the philosophy section of the store, I saw this and others like it; House and Philosophy. Family Guy and Philosophy. Star Wars and Philosophy. But out of them all, I thought this would be the most fun to read. Though not a big gamer at all, I do love the Zelda games (ok, so I only own/have played two of them) and was really curious as to how the writers managed to wrangle philosophical concepts from an adventure video game. I suppose if you try hard enough, you can get philosophical about almost anything. Still, it's been an interesting read, with essays by different writers all compiled together. And yes, these guys have played the games.

Notes from the playlist: "The Joker" by Steve Miller Band

Recommended for Wolf Lovers and Photographers

Wolves: A Photographic Celebration by Amber Rose

This is another bargain delight I stumbled upon one day. These books fall into the Brick Books series, so there aren't just wolfy books like this. However, I think these are hard to come by now, so if you can't find them in the store, you might have to buy from a secondhand place. What I love about this book is that it's just pictures and fun facts. I love wolves. Always have. Always will. My parents still wonder why I'm not in the middle of the woods studying them. Sometimes I wonder that too. But since I'm not, I'll settle for this. Gorgeous color pictures with factoids accompanying each page. And if you were so inclined, it's not big like most coffee table books, but would make for an interesting piece.


Notes from the playlist: "The Greatest Story Never Told" by Murray Gold

The Winner!

The winner of the very first Bookseller Recommends Book Giveaway, after using the Random Number Generator, is.....

Poster #7 - HEIDI!

Congratulations Heidi, and I hope you enjoy your books!

(And no, in response to your comment, I actually haven't read Child 44 yet, but I've heard a lot of good things about it. Probably why it was a B&N Recommends book!)

If you didn't win, don't worry because I'll be posting another contest soon and THIS time there will be more than one title to choose from!

Recommended for the Fantasy Anti-Hero Crowd

Lord Foul's Bane by Stephen R. Donaldson

I chose this cover instead of the new release cover since that one is more likely to make people think of Lord of the Rings. After all, there is a ring of power involved. But this isn't your happy Hobbit sort of story. The main character, Thomas Covenant, is an asshole. No joke. He's a definite anti-hero, and I think my first ever anti-hero story. Despite his jerk power, he manages to do the right thing, and maybe not even be such a jerk in the end. What I really loved the most about this book though, were Donaldson's descriptions of The Land. It had been a while since someone had painted such a gorgeous picture for me with words. That's another reason I used this cover, because I think it's a more accurate represnation of just where Covenant goes.

This is the first in a trilogy, but if you really wanted, you could just read this book and leave the rest alone. The trilogy is pretty good though, so I think you ought to keep reading. However, beyond this is a second and, yes, a third trilogy, but I would forgo those entirely for a number of reasons that are too extensive to outline here.


Notes from the playlist: "This is Gallifrey: Our Childhood, Our Home" by Murray Gold

Recommended for People Searching for Hope

703: How I Lost More Than a Quarter Ton and Gained a Life by Nancy Makin

This was a book a customer was searching for. She found it, but I remember seeing her put it back. Intrigued, I took a look myself and made a mental note: Read. In case you missed it, this has been in my Reading List off to the left for quite some time.

I finally got to it (and while reading it, it caught the interest of one of my managers as well). It's a fascinating story that will make you angry, make you smile, and yes, even perhaps shed a tear or two. I know, that all sounds awfully cliche, but it's true. When my manager asked how the book was going, I told her I'd finished it. Was it worth reading? Emphatic "Yes" on my part. Honest to heavens, if you're running out of hope for whatever reason, read this book. Understand that it's not impossible to love life again and escape from whatever dark prison you or others have managed to build around you. This book is actually in the Health/Diets section of our store, but it really can give you a boost no matter what you weigh.

Notes from the playlist: "When She Loved Me" by Sarah McLachlan

Recommended for A Bit of AWESOME!

The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha

When I first came upon this book one day at work, I had two thoughts. 1.) I need to read this book. 2.) Why is it in the Self Improvement section?

Though I never did quite figure out why it's in that section, I most certainly ended up reading it and I had a good time in the process. The concept is simle: Awesome Things. Those little things in life that are, well, awesome. Like walking past a bakery and snorting up that delicious smell of baking bread and cookies and yummy things. Or freshly fallen snow. Or, everyone's favorite, popping bubble wrap. There are literally hundreds of yippee-skippee things in here that will, at some point, jog a delighted part in your brain that makes you say, "Omigod, YAY" as you suddenly remember just how awesome that particular thing is. One of those for me?

The smell of the coffee isle in the grocery store. AWESOME!

Read the Epinions review here!

Notes from the playlist: "The Kraken" by Hans Zimmer (AWESOME!)

Recommended for Travelers and History Hunters

Hunting Pirate Heaven by Kevin Rushby

I actually had to read this in college when I took a course on pirates (yes, you heard me. A college course on pirates). But that doesn't mean it was a boring textbook. Instead, this is actually one man's account of trying to find the one place that pirates were rumored to stop and make their paradise with all their gold and plunder. Somewhere off the coast of Africa, near Madagascar. Rushby takes off from England, and from there goes on trucks, boats, and experiences some friendly--and some very questionable--people as he tries to find this fabled pirate heaven. This is also one of those stories where, as I read, I thought (admittedly in a very biased manner), "This is the sort of thing that only an English guy could get away with. If this were an American, he probably would have been shot by now."

A final note? Most college books I sold back. This one I kept.


Notes from the playlist: "Cheeseburger in Paradise" by Jimmy Buffet

FREE BOOK CONTEST!

After pondering over the idea for a while, I finally decided that what's the point of recommending books to people and never dishing any of them out so the folks at home can see for themselves?

So, after just a year of recommending books, I'm having my first book giveaway contest. So what's on the table?

Shadow Bound by Erin Kellison (Advance Reading Copy)

It's a cool take on the whole concept of the banshee, as well as some soul-sucking, wraith-hunting fun. Throw in a bit of romance and it's a date. But wait, that's not all! I'm also throwing in another surprise book with this one! Ooooooh! So if you're interested in some urban fantasy that crosses the line into the land of faerie and romance from time to time, then this is right up your alley.

How do you enter? Easy! Just leave a comment anywhere on this blog - mention a book you think I should read, tell me how you loved or hated one my picks, whatever you like. It doesn't matter which post you comment on - I get notifications and I'll know which comments are new so no worries. The contest will run until September 30th so word has time to spread throughout the net. The more people visit, the more likely I'll be to post more books in the future! So tell your friends, tell your family, tell your pets (wait...), and leave a comment (only one comment per person please! Let's try to keep it cool). Once the 30th hits, I'll use a random number generator to choose the winner.

**Note: Please understand that because this ARC came through my place of work, in order to keep people from reselling them, the edges of the book have been marked (the way libraries or publishers do with remainder books) with numbers. If you like your ARCs completely clean, it's best not to enter this contest. :)

**Second note: I realized after a few comments that I'd never mentioned how I'd get into contact with the winner. People have pretty much solved this for me. While I could just announce the person and then say, "Email me 'here' with your info," someone could step in and pretend to be said person in order to swipe the book first. I honestly don't think that's going to happen, but better safe than baboozled. So in your comment (it's okay if you didn't do so), you can either leave your email in any coded form you want (bookgrlATgmailDOTcom, bookgrl-gmail, bookgrl(at)gmail(dot)com, whatever works to keep away the email boogeymen) or link to a website/blog that has a way for me to contact you.

Recommended for Music Lovers and Students

This is Your Brain on Music by Daniel J. Levitin

When I saw this book and read the back blub, I knew I had to read it. The idea of how my brain functions when listening to music, why some people like one kind of music and others don't, and why it's possible to "kill" a song (as I put it - basically it just loses its impact after too many repeat listens), were all things I wanted to know. I'm a soundtrack junkie, and can't fathom how people don't goggle over pieces by Hans Zimmer or Basil Poledouris. And I love such a range of music from Loreena McKennitt to Korn, it's crazy. This is a pretty in-depth book if you're not familiar with a lot of the nuances of music, but it's still good. It's the sort of book you read slowly, mulling over it while drinking a cup of good coffee and nibbling on a scone. So, if you've ever wondered about music and why some notes hit your brain just right, allow Mr. Levitin to enlighten you.


Notes from the playlist: "Breakeven" by The Script

Recently Finished

Be Ready When the Sh*t Goes Down by Forrest Griffin and Erich Krauss

Let's be honest. I love working at Barnes & Noble. I could be cashiering or I could be in the kids department, but no matter where I am, I'm always exposed to books I may have never otherwise considered.

That's actually not the case here. Haha. I'd already read Got Fight? and knew it was only a matter of time before this book came out. Lucky me, I was in the receiving room and opened up the very box containing the new copies. I immediately put one aside. While it wasn't quite as funny as Got Fight?, it was still pretty amusing. The cover itself is enough to get you to laugh. My dad thinks that Forrest has been hit in the head one too many times by now, and he's probably right. You'll learn how to survive the apocalypse, start your own religion/cult, and build your own eutopia. My favorite parts have to be the random stories about Forrest and a few of his acquintances, one in particular regarding his wife's attempt to teach him a lesson about leaving the doors unlocked at night. So if you want to know how to survive when the sh*t goes down, well, there are better books, but we all know which one you're going to pick.

Read the Epinions review here!


Notes from the playlist: "Hell Yeah" by Rev Theory

Recommended for Fantasy Newcomers

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

It's my 100th Post! Whoo hoo!

I say "newcomers" because generally if you are a fantasy reader, you've taken on The Hobbit. If not, you need to get your stuff together.

The Hobbit actually was intended to be a children's book, but it's grown into much more than that now. I still remember being a little kid and listening raptly as my dad read this book to us. Dwarves that sing and battle trolls. A hobbit with a magic ring who has to escape from a create that keeps calling it his "precious." Men and elves. Escaping in wine barrels. And a huge dragon named Smaug with one, single weakness. It's exciting and fun whether you're an adult or a kid. So if you ever intend to read The Lord of the Rings, to see the movie of this when it comes out, or just want to jump into Middle Earth, here is your ticket. Please enjoy the ride.


Notes from the playlist: "The Return of the King" by Howard Shore

Recommended for Kids Going Back to School

I Spy School Days by Jean Marzollo and Walter Wick

That's right! Another I Spy book! I'm not going to stop posting them until I run through all the titles. I love these books to pieces, and I'm sad they don't make them anymore. Not like this anyway. Now that school days are upon us again, why not give kids a little something fun to look through instead of just all that new school supplies (although I remember getting excited about new school supplies and new shoes and such, but maybe I'm a dork). Kids get to look for all sorts of goodies in pictures with school themes, from craft supplies to nature walks. You'd be surprised at just how much Marzollo and Wick hid in the Playground when it's just calk on asphalt...

Read the Epinions review here!

Notes from the playlist: "The Harvest" by Bill Whelan

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman - What's In the Book?

Pros: Interesting idea.

Cons: Weak storyline.

 

The Bottom Line: Some might enjoy. Me? No thank you.

 

Sometimes I wonder if I must be missing something when it comes to some of the books I read.  I enjoyed Hyperion while everyone around me went nuts trying to read it.  American Gods grated endlessly on my nerves while others raved about it.  I guess in the end it just depends upon your taste in books.  Guess that's why I seem to be the odd man out when it comes to The Graveyard Book.

I'm a fan of Neil Gaiman - I adore Coraline and will happily watch Mirrormask any day of the week.  So I was excited with the idea of a live boy being raised by ghosts in The Graveyard Book.  And while the book was entertaining, on the whole it was a letdown.

The main drive of the story is that Nobody Owens - Bod for short - was a baby when he came to the graveyard.  If he leaves, the man Jack will find him and kill him.  We don't know why Jack wants to kill him or who Jack is even working for.  Bod dutifully remains on the graveyard grounds as he grows, having several adventures along the way and remaining under the watchful eye of his guardian, Silas.

But all we get is the top layer of the story.  There is something beneath the surface, something deadly serious going on, yet we never get to know about it.  I know that even if I were a kid again and reading this, I'd feel the exact same way as I do now.  Frustrated and wanting my questions answered.  The book is essentially full of snippets of "a day in the life of Nobody Owens."  Each chapter is like a vignette, a brief adventure that Bod has.  He meets many interesting creatures and ventures to some dark places, and it's fun to go with him but eventually you want something interesting to happen, and by the time said interesting thing does happen, it's over.  Most of the time it's Silas doing all the work for Bod.

I want to know why Bod was so special (ok, so they kind of say, but then again, who the heck are "they?").  I want to know what the Sleer was.  I want to know what Silas and his two companions were fighting ("they" but again, what made them so tough and dangerous and what the heck is their goal?).  Very poor plot drive.  You just sort of keep reading, waiting for something important to happen, but instead are just mildly entertained by a series of situations and trial-and-error moments Bod gets himself into.

It won the Newberry Award, and I guess if they don't count plot as a bit point in the book and just writing and ideas, then sure, I understand.  After all, it is well-written and has some neat ideas going on (I do love the Hounds of God idea).  However, if I had to do it all over again, I'd skip this and read something else.

 

Weak recommendation; read if you're curious.  It won't take very long and Dave McKean's illustrations are always interesting.

NT

Notes from the playlist: "Peter Gunn" by Henry Mancini

Recommended for Soup Connoisseurs

The Soup Bible by Debra Mayhew

I have a semi-love/hate relationship with the Bargain section of the store. I'm not a fan of it because I can never find anything (ok, I do, but it always seems to take forever). Yet at the same time, I've found a number of complete and utter gems in this section. Almost makes me wonder if I should add a "bargain" label for this blog so you can find them easier.

I'd seen The Soup Bible a few years before, and lamented at the time that I didn't have the money to spare on such a fantastic-looking book. Later when I found it again, I promptly snatched it up. I love soup. Soup makes my tummy happy. Anyone I know could tell you that. And the soups in this book? While some of them may take some time to make, they're tasty and heavens, the pictures are gorgeous. There are over 200 recipes, and for people who love to see the recipe in its finished form (I know I do!), you'll get all sorts of excited over these pictures. They're simply stunning. Each soup gives you step-by-step instructions, as well as plenty of information beforehand about stocks, garnishes, and more. Pure soup goodness.


Notes from the playlist: "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" by The Righteous Brothers

Recommended for Bird Watchers

Birds of Missouri by Stan Tekiela

I'd tried to work at B&N in Illinois. I managed to finally do it after we moved to Pennsylvania. I got lucky and continued to work there once we moved to Missouri.

With each and every move, my mother would buy one of these little field guides. All of them are by Stan Tekiela, who must have done some crazy research since he's the mind behind virtually every state. And I do mean every state. I haven't seen Hawaii yet, but if you search for "Birds of [insert your state here] field guide," you're bound to find it. Florida, Colorado, Wisconsin, Maine, you name it. Best part is that these books are small, color coded, and filled with all the pertinent information one might want to know about the birds you happen to see in your binoculars. They're easy, really handy, and great for anyone doing casual bird watching.

Notes from the playlist: "Horsey" by Hem

Recommended for Kids

Tarra & Bella by Carol Buckley

The other day I was in the kids section sprucing up when I came across a small promotion at the end of an isle. Dogs and Cats. Not only was the totally adorable Nubs up there, but also this book - which I promptly read.

I know, I'm at work, and I'm reading, but I can't help it. I'm a fast reader anyway. Tarra is an elephant, retired from being in the circus to wander freely in the Elephant Sanctuary at Tennessee. But she wasn't bonding with the other elephants very well. That's when a few stray dogs popped up and Bella, as the dog was later named, became best buds with Tarra. There are all sorts of photos in here of fluffy Bella trotting alongside Tarra and the two hanging out together. It's so strange and yet at the same time, so cute. The people who run the Sanctuary put out food for Bella as well as Tarra and when Bella got hurt one day, Tarra stood right by her until Bella received help and got better. I'm a sucker for this sort of thing, and if I had kids, I would buy this book for them in a heartbeat.

Notes from the playlist: "Sway" by Michael Bublé

Recently Finished (and Recommended)

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I remember when this book came out. In hardcover. Two years ago. It's still in hardcover, even though the paperback is finally here. Normally in the book world, that just doesn't happen. Typically it's 6 months to a year, then it comes out in paperback. But when a book is good--as in, selling well--the publishers wait longer. Harry Potter. 13 Reasons Why. I decided I really needed to read this book when 1.) I realized it was still in hardcover, 2.) such a fuss was being made over the final book coming out, and 3.) even my managers were discussing it with excitement. So? Let's just say when I started on this book, at 1:30 am I had to force myself to stop and was 2/3 through it. If the book weren't broken up into 3 parts and I hadn't hit that third break, I might not have.

People killing each other Gladiator style is not new. Even teens being forced to kill each other is not new (Battle Royale by Koushun Takami). But Collins takes it to a different level. The whole reason behind the Hunger Games is scary and intriguing. The world she paints is a post-apocalyptic one done up in creepy Big Brother style with fake freedom and amazing advances. What's more, Collins is a good writer. You can see everything without a ton of description being shoved in your face. This is the story of Katniss, a girl who is pitted against 23 other kids, and only one can be left standing. It's about survival, politics, unrequited love, strategy, and more survival. Looks like I'll be reading the second one, Catching Fire, very soon. I hope the Capitol falls in the future...

Notes from the playlist: "Lyin' Eyes" by the Eagles

Currently Reading

Shadow Bound by Erin Kellison

Like Zoo Story, we received this book (and the second, Shadow Fall) as an ARC (Advance Reader Copy). When I first saw it in the breakroom, I didn't give it too much thought. I was already reading oodles of Karen Marie Moning, so more urban fantasy with romance involved would sort of make my cup spill over. That and I admit, I'm not too fond of specialized institutes (government or otherwise) that seek to root out/understand/destroy strange things in our world. I've seen plenty of those.

But when I saw that Jessica Faust, agent for BookEnds LLC, was representing this book, I had to go back and get it. Why? I'm also a writer, and I want an agent, and what better way to understand agents than to understand what books they represent? No offense to Erin Kellison. After all, since I'm working my way toward the middle of the book now, I enjoy her character Talia and her intersting powers. I hope to see more of the strange world of Twilight (no, not that one), and see how all things end up connecting - and just what the hell happened to Custo for him to get his own book after this one. We shall see...

Read the Epinions review here!


Notes from the playlist: "Cry Little Sister" by Gerard McMann

Recommended for Sunday Comic Readers

Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson

Honestly, I should have saved the money I intended to use on all 10 of my Calvin & Hobbes books and bought the huge massive all-inclusive set they have now. But what's done is done and I don't have any regrets anyway. I love Calvin & Hobbes. Even if when I was a kid I didn't always understand what the heck Watterson/Calvin was talking about. Hah. Still, I loved Calvin's imagination - Spaceman Spiff, T-rex dinosaurs flying fighter jets, his mother's cooking trying to eat him, among other things - and how much fun he and Hobbes had together. I once even tried to recreate Calvinball but it didn't really work. My books are all dog-eared and have been read over and over. It's hard not to smile when Calvin & Hobbes are around.

Maybe someday I'll buy the fancy complete version...

Notes from the playlist: "One Last Message" by Andrew Lockington

Recently Finished

Kiss of the Highlander, The Dark Highlander, The Immortal Highlander, Spell of the Highlander

All by Karen Marie Moning

I didn't actually finish all of these that recently, per se, but within the last month I finally tackled the remaining four of the series. I've been reading the Fever Series, and since characters in this series are involved in that one, I want all the pieces of the puzzle. For the record, I don't think that Jericho Barrons is Adam Black. Aside from that, it's neat because you can see how Moning's writing improves, and I think some of the stories get better. If you like big, brawny (and practically perfect) men (I prefer them a little leaner and no one is perfect), these books are definitely for you. That's also true if you like magic, romance, some serious sexual tension, and a good story, then try this series. Moning is busy finishing up the Fever Series right now, but has no intentions of stopping with the Highlander series. Will I keep reading it? Sure, if I'm in the mood for a romantic romp.

Read the Epinions reviews!

#4 here

#5 here

#6 here

#7 here

Notes from the playlist: "The Secret Wedding" by James Horner

Old Man's War by John Scalzi - Award Winning for a Reason

Pros: A fantastic mix of story, comedy, and somberness
Cons: None

The Bottom Line: This novel surprised me in many ways and I enjoyed every second of it.

I shouldn't, I really shouldn't, but I have an image in my mind of what a science fiction novel includes. I'm a total moron for thinking that, but at least I know it. Suffice to say, I expected something completely different when I finally got around to reading Old Man's War by John Scalzi. I'd been told to read it several times and it's been on my reading list f o r e v e r, but I've only just finished it a few days ago.

What a chump I've been.

In a nutshell, protagonist John Perry has decided to join up with the Colonial Defense Forces, and once he's 75, he's ready to go. They want people to be older for a reason, but you don't stay old once you're up there. You never get to come back to Earth, and you have to fight anywhere from two to ten years, but you get to be younger and you get to live happily ever after on a new planet. That is, if you live that long. And what's out there waiting for Perry? Just about everything he can imagine - and everything he can't.

While it is a little Starship Troopers, that's fine with me. Scalzi got this down, ace in the hole. From what I can tell, his science is solid and his military goodies are believable (though you can pretty much make up anything you want once you've escaped Earth rules).

Honestly, what I didn't expect in the least was the humor. Never in a million years did I ever expect this book to be funny. The protagonist tells his story in first person and he's just a guy. That's it. He's not super special or anything, he's just a guy who misses his dead wife and is tired of being old. I laughed out loud several times during the first half of this book, before they head off into battles with strange beings and with souped up technology and hardware I half wish existed now (the other half of me is glad it doesn't).

I mean, I had a really good time reading this. I liked Perry a lot. I wanted all his friends to survive, even if just for his sake, and even though I knew they wouldn't. Scalzi threw me for a loop numerous times too, from the number of creatures the CDF soldiers have to fight to the sneaky science he uses near the end to what Perry finds out there in all that black space. The second half of the book focuses on the battles and Perry dealing with the fighting, but it never loses it's edge, it never slows down, and even though you won't be laughing out loud anymore, you'll probably crack a grin or two because Perry just can't stop himself from making snarky jokes.

The battles are well thought out, fairly easy to visualize, and in some ways, I wondered if maybe James Cameron read this book and used bits of it to influence his Avatar movie (though considering time tables, probably not). Another thing that truly surprised me was how new this book is. Ok, so it was published back in 2005, but for some reason I was under the impression that it was much older, as in before 2000. I look at that actually and think that maybe my story has hope.

But if you enjoy science fiction and don't want it to be too hard (as in, too much science dumped in your face), you'll find this to be a good balance. It's got humor, friendship, fierce battles in space and on the ground, strange planets with strange creatures, loss, and the shock of finding something you'd never thought you'd find again. I read this in a day and know that in the future I'll probably have to read it again.

NT

Originally posted on Epinions.com


Notes from the playlist: "Invincible" by Adelitas Way

Recommended for Kids and People Who Appreciate Meticulous Detail

I Spy Treasure Hunt by Jean Marzollo and Walter Wick


Yay! More I Spy books! This one takes you from one place to another as you hunt for treasure and look for all sorts of little goodies along the way. From shiny coins to shadows on the walls, you never know what you'll have to look for, and you never know where it might be. I think there's at least one thing I have yet to find in this book. And I've found everything in all the other books, but for the life of me, I cannot find...


...the lady in The Cave. I just found it. Haha. I love these books.


Read the Epinions review here!



Notes from the playlist: "The Kraken" by Hans Zimmer

Currently Reading

Zoo Story by Thomas French

One of the great things about working at a bookstore are the ARCs. ARC stands for Advance Reading Copy. These books aren't proofed, don't always have the same covers, and may have other tweaks that the publisher will adjust before shipping out the final product. Frankly, I kind of like the cover on the copy I have better than this one. Hah. The point of these is so booksellers like me will read it, enjoy it, and then talk people up about it to help sell the book. Sometimes it works. A book like Zoo Story is one I would be comfortable telling people they ought to read. French uses his journalistic skills to bring out the dichotomy of the zoo to the reader as well as the lives (human and animal alike) within the zoo. It's a fascinating read so far, and one I don't doubt will end up in a Staff Recommends spot in the store.


Notes from the playlist: "Dust in the Wind" by Kansas

War for the Oaks by Emma Bull

Pros: Very unique, fun times, phouka!

Cons: I wanted just a little more?

The Bottom Line: If it can happen in Minneapolis, then by golly, it can happen anywhere.

I’m looking into publishing a book of mine in the fantasy genre. Naturally I have to look for suitable publishers. On my search I found Windstorm Creative – but they have very specific guidelines. One of the requirements is the writer of a possible submission must read two books from their list of suggestions in order to get a feel for what they publish. War for the Oaks by Emma Bull is one of them.

I got an old copy (the cover is nothing like the picture) from my library and read with great interest. After all, it’s not often you find a book set in Minneapolis, Minnesota with faeries and brownies running around.

Eddi plays guitar in a band; it’s what she’s known most of her life. But the band pretty much sucks. So it’s quite early on in the book when Eddi leaves the band (and subsequently her boyfriend and previous band leader Stuart). She’s on her way home when she finds herself being chased by a man…or a large black dog…or both. It’s not long before she finds herself caught by him. The “him” turns out to be both man and dog, or at least has the ability to shift between one and the other. He’s a phouka and he’s sought Eddi out for a very special reason. Those of faerie are about to have a war; the Seelie Court vs. the Unseelie Court. The problem is that they’re all immortal so a war is pretty much useless. To solve that problem, Eddi is to grace the battlefield with her presence – and mortality, thus allowing death to seep into things.

Eddi, however, is not too thrilled. Being the mortal for the Seelie Court isn’t something she’s too keen on doing. The people of the Seelie Court are all high and mighty and don’t seem to be much different from the bad guys, the phouka is constantly on her heels being annoying, and members of the Unseelie Court are highly interested in killing her. But with her good friend Carla on her side, the phouka’s protection, and the friendship found in the formation of a new band lead by Eddi, it is her courage, love, and power in music that may save them all.

Good times kiddos. The pull of this book for me was the simple fact that it was set in Minneapolis. Now honestly, how often do you come across books set there? The second pull was Eddi and the fact that she was all rockin’ with her guitar and singing. Not a likely hero in most places – I like unlikely heroes (and I mean somewhat abstract, not “You’re the descendent of the king/sorcerer/etc.” or the stable boy who has untapped hidden strengths). No, Eddi loves music, and the phouka mentions how artists sort of stand on both sides of things; our world and the Faerie world. Makes sense to me! It engaged me and whenever they were playing and lyrics appeared on the pages, I always tried to make my own tune to them and sing in my head, picturing Eddi rocking out with her band. And it’s ironic, but the descriptions were good enough that I had the right music popping into my head for the right time – the book was published in 1987.

The writing is very good. The dialogue was great and I absolutely loved the phouka. Loved the phouka. The things he kept calling her, “my heart,” “my primrose” and all casually, they fit him so well. He wore some neat clothes too – from casual suits to ruffled collars and heeled boots. Sha-zam. Snazzy puppy. There was a lot of description so I always knew what he was wearing.

…In fact I pretty much knew what everyone was wearing – all the time. True, I’m a fan of description, but sometimes I started to think Emma Bull was going a tad bit overboard with the clothing descriptions. I basically got a wardrobe every day, and sometimes I don’t think it was entirely necessary. On the note of descriptions, there were a few times when there was a lot of action going on and I seemed to be unable to quite follow it. However, I do admit that may be partly my fault as I get excited and my eyes tend to jump ahead before I’m done with a particular sentence.

Another problem I had was that I felt like the book was a little anti-climatic. I guess it was because of the bargain that was made – one party won and that was that. The real climax would probably be in the actual music (if there were any to hear) and then maybe I’d be happy, but after one character died after all that was done, I felt like there should have been more, maybe a celebration or some kind, I don’t know. I was just left itching for a little something extra.

I do give Emma Bull credit for doing something I have a hard time doing – killing off characters you know the audience will like (and you probably do too). Still, don’t let that discourage you. It’s a good book and even if you don’t like dogs, you’ll love the phouka, you’ll want a brownie to visit your house, and start wondering if there are fey folk looking at you right now...

NT

Originally published on Epinions.com.

Notes from the playlist: "Black Roses Red" by Alana Grace