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.

OFFICIAL BOOK GIVEAWAY RULES AND INFO

GENERAL INFORMATION

Books I give away are called ARCs (Advance Reading Copies). Publishers send these books to Barnes & Noble as well as book reviewers and other locations in order to help promote publicity for the book. ARCs are uncorrected proofs of the book which means they may have typos or in the cases of some children's books, art.

ARCs are not for resale; authors receive no money from these copies. This is why we mark every ARC on the outside of the book on the page edges (sometimes the store number, other times just "ARC"). This is to prevent anyone from attempting to resell the book. 9 times out of 10, the ARC is paperback, but on occasion we do get hardcovers. If you like your books clean and ideal, this is not the contest for you. Likewise if you collect ARCs and like them unmarked, this is not the contest for you.

Any time I give away a book, I'm doing so at my own expense. Though the book costs nothing, shipping and packaging does. Even though I have ads all over this site, I haven't made a single penny from them. Still, I like to pass along books and reading to people, which is why I do these giveaways. :)

OFFICIAL RULES (not like they're looked over by a lawyer or anything, but you get the idea)

1.) Entering book giveaways must be done in the time allotted (usually a few weeks).

2.) The contest is open to U.S. residents only. I never thought I'd have this issue, but after a few people mentioned they were outside the U.S., I realized it would be a good idea to add this in because overseas mail is expensive. (unless you're willing to help out with shipping)

3.) To enter, leave a comment ANYWHERE on this blog. I receive email alerts for comments so it doesn't matter where the comment is left. However, you must include some way for me to contact you. You may leave your email address, a website with a "contact" link, or whatever, but there MUST be some way for me to get in touch with you in the event that you win. (I recommend leaving emails in the yaybooks(at)hotmail(dot)com format to keep spammers away.)

4.) If you fail to include a method of contact, you will not be included in the giveaway.

5.) If you are uncomfortable just dropping your email in the comments section, you can email me at icewolf_9(at)hotmail(dot)com. Make sure you put "BOOK GIVEAWAY" in the subject line so I know it's not spam. But feel free to comment on the blog anyway. :)

6.) Just FYI, no, I don't do anything with the emails. I don't know how to do that sort of thing anyway.

7.) Okay, so this isn't really a rule, but even if you're not interested in the book(s) offered, then why not do me a favor and suggest the contest to others who might be? Getting just a handful of entries each time almost doesn't make it seem worth it (the I Am Number Four contest not included because let's face it, movies always increase sales and interest).

8.) If you've won a book before, you may still enter in a new contest. It's all done and chosen at random like any other raffle-type thing. If you win twice...well then dang, you're just lucky.

9.) Posts about the winner(s) will go up the next day (sometimes that night). I will also email the winner(s) at the same time. If there is nothing in your inbox, check your junkmail as well in case your filter has chucked my email there instead. Subject lines will always include "[Month] Book Giveaway." If you see that you've won in the winner post but haven't received an email, leave a comment or email me yourself at icewolf_9(at)hotmail.com.

10.) As creator of this contest, I reserve the right to choose another winner should the original winner never respond. I'm pretty lenient though. I know stuff happens, life gets in the way, and emails end up in the junk bin. So I'll wait for a while (4 weeks is my limit) before deciding you either don't want the book that bad, or you're just in a position that doesn't allow you to respond (in which case you probably have more important things to deal with anyway).