The Loud Librarian

Oscar Posters

2012-02-16T19:48:00.000-06:00

Okay, some aren't exactly politically correct, but all these re-imagined movie posters made me giggle.

This site has re-imagined what 2012 Oscar-nominated movie posters would look like if they told the truth...

Worth a gander to see them all, for sure!

Hee!

Indian Dreams

2012-02-12T10:58:00.000-06:00

I don't know if it's the British in me, but I've always wanted to see India, and the whole Himalayan subcontinent. I love the history, the culture, the immense differences from what I know...

When I'm feeling low or having wanderlust without the capital to travel, I watch Michael Palin's "Himalaya" series (excellent!) and imagine myself to Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, India...

Isn't that lovely? (Rajasthan, India)

Source: royalindiatour.blogspot.com via Marissa on Pinterest

The Golden Palace in Amristar, India...

Source: flickr.com via Kara on Pinterest

The Potala Palace in Tibet (The Dalai Lama's original home)...

Source: google.com via Marissa on Pinterest

Where do you want to go today?

Book Review: The Fault in Our Stars

2012-02-11T13:29:00.000-06:00

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Disclaimer: I'm a huge fan of John Green - and have been since Looking for Alaska, which still remains my favorite of all his novels, but this one just might nudge it out of first place.

(C'mon, JODI PICOULT blurbed it! C'mon!)

I'm not sure how to accurately sum up this young adult title, except to say it's, well, exceptional.

Hazel is a teenage girl with a terminal form of cancer, but a new cocktail of drugs seem to be stabilizing her for now. In an effort to get her to socialize more, her mother forces her to attend a "Cancer Kids" support group once a week, and one day, in walks Augustus, and Hazel's world is turned inside out, upside down - for the better.

Their relationship, and the orbit of characters around them, make this sooo much more than just a "kid with cancer" book.

The knee-jerk reaction is that no one wants to read a book about a kid with cancer, but in Green's capable hands, the book evolves far beyond that. A romance, a travelogue, a constant parry of words, and yes, a sad story at times. Though I had to laugh to myself at times that Green's dialogue reminded me of Dawson's Creek (remember the refrain we used to say when watching it: okay, NO teenager talks like that in real life!), you believe it, you devour it, and you repeat it, laughing and appreciating and crying all at the same time.

Hazel and especially Augustus stuck with me long after I closed the book, and that, I think, is the point of the book - the point of life, of Hazel's life.

To be remembered even after we disappear from sight.

Brilliant, funny, sad, touching, amazing, RECOMMENDED.

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What I've Been Reading...

2012-02-11T13:01:00.002-06:00

Though the weather outside hasn't really been frightful (until last night....brr!), I have been hunkering down and reading a bit, so let's see what rated well, and what didn't...

Vigilante by Stephen J. Cannell

The whole time I was listening to this one, I was sad. Sad because this is the last of the Shane Scully novels, the character and series created by the fabulously talented Stephen J. Cannell (who passed away from cancer last year). This time, Shane and his fairly new partner Hitch are caught up a cop-hating woman's murder, a television show out to crack cases, and a serious case of frame-up. As always, I love spending time with Scully, and he's going to be missed by me...

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

This is the fourth book in the "Mortal Instruments" young adult series, and thus continuing the adventures of Shadowhunters Clary and Jace, Isabelle and Alec, as well as newly created vampire Simon. It's been so long since I read the first three books (which were fab!) that it took me a while to get back in the groove of the story, and the ending had no resolution, so we know there's going to be another...a great young adult series for fantasy readers who are way beyond Twilight...

enLIGHTened: How I Lost 40 Pounds with a Yoga Mat, Fresh Pineapples and a Beagle Pointer by Jessica Berger Gross

I actually read this memoir-cum-diet book in just an hour or two. Gross is an amusing and honest narrator, detailed her travails with up and down weight loss, and shares some of her tips, recipes and insights into how she lost weight. I knew I wasn't going to be a devotee, though, when it ventured much more into vegan, fresh foods all the time territory, but it was still an engaging diversion and inspiration for a few hours.

You're (Not) the One by Alexandra Potter

Frankly, it was the cover and the word "Venice" in the blurb that caught my eye, but the story kept me reading! Lucy and Nate are 18-year-olds head over heels in love with each other during a summer spent in Venice, and with a kiss sealed by an ancient myth, they are bound forever. But when they return home (she to England, he to America) they inevitably drift apart. So what happens when they cross paths again? Chaos and not exactly happily-ever-after. I thought this was such an intriguing premise, and I had to know how it ended...a fun chick lit read!

The Pillow Book of Lotus Lowenstein by Libby Schmais

I love a diary-format book, especially a fun young adult one! Lotus Lowenstein longs to travel to French, embrace all things French, and also longs to meet a boy who wants the same French experience. She and her best friend Joni start a French club at school, and lo and behold, Sean walks through the door and steals both their hearts. I loved this young adult book with its French references and style, and the inevitable love triangle. Lotus is a fun character to spend time with, and I enjoyed this little novel!

The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

I admit it - I only read this after seeing Zac Efron's arms in the trailer. ;-) And actually, the book wasn't as nauseating as some of his others, though of course it features a dog, a death, and a true love. *gags just a little* But the movie looks good!

The Dressmaker of Khair Khana by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

This nonfiction work shares the story of Kamila Sidiqi and her sisters, who find themselves liberated women in Kabul (Afghanistan) one day, and under the oppressive thumb of the Taliban the next. They struggle to make ends meet, and begin a dressmaking enterprise that supports not only themselves, but many other women in the city. There is an air of menace and fear throughout the book as the Taliban look for any excuse to punish any woman. An engaging read, and one we'll be doing for our book discussion next month. Recommended!

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Canopy Walk

2012-02-05T08:19:00.000-06:00

I've always been afraid of heights.

And yet, I've always been fascinated by the idea of a treetop canopy walk...

Source: flickr.com via Marissa on Pinterest

(That one is in the Borneo Rainforest in Indonesia. Probably not practical for a weekend trip.)

I love the idea of seeing the forest from a different perspective, of how it must sound different, smell different, feel different.

Anyone know of any canopy walks that are a *little* more accessible?

(I'm not opposed to a zipline through the forest either. You just have to absorb the sights, you know, faster.)

I think I'd conquer my fear of heights for that...

One for the Money Movie Review

2012-01-30T18:42:00.000-06:00

I was super-psyched to go to One for the Money this weekend (with fellow Janet Evanovich devotee Becca, and my Dad - so we had quite the demographic spread going!).

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised.

I was skeptical about Katherine Heigl's ability to pull off Jersey girl Stephanie Plum, but I thought she was likable, tough enough, goofy enough and had great comic timing.

I was also not feelin' the Morelli casting of Jason Mara, but as the film went on, he grew on me...and the scruff didn't hurt. ;-) It took them some time to get the chemistry going between the two of them, but it clicked eventually!

Ranger (Daniel Sunjata) still was miscast to me - he was fine, but missed so many salient Ranger points (the ponytail, the manly features, the "babe" said the right way, etc etc etc).I still say Jon Huertas from Castle is MY Ranger!

The supporting cast was also fantastic - Connie Rizzoli, Lula, Grandma Mazur, even Vinny were all right on, and the plot stayed fairly true to what I remembered from the book, and the movie moved along at a good clip. I didn't find my mind wandering nor did I glance at my watch - good signs for a movie these days!

Overall, I really enjoyed getting to see The Burg on the screen, and I hope the franchise continues! I want to see more! :-)

Book Review: The Rope

2012-01-22T16:16:00.001-06:00

The Rope by Nevada Barr

I have been a devoted fan of Nevada Barr's "Anna Pigeon" mystery series since 1998, so when I heard that Barr was going to take us "to where it all began" (going back in time and telling us about Anna's start in the National Park system), I was thrilled.

And Barr didn't disappoint.

True, despite my love for the series, the last few titles haven't grabbed me in the same way, but this one pulls out all the stops - introduces us to a younger Anna, has lot of action, mystery, scenery and quirky characters, but an ultimately happy ending.

Perfect.

This time, Anna is just 35, fresh from Zach's death, and assigned to Lake Powell in Arizona, where she is introverted and quiet amongst her colleagues. Which explains why no one really notices when she disappears...

Disappears into a deep pit that she can't get out of - left naked, starving, and alone.

That a novel with the main protagonist down in a hole alone for a good chunk of the book can still be fast-paced, frightening, mysterious and with a "go girl" bent is a testament to Anna, and to her author.

This was a unique National Park setting, a great flashback to a younger Anna, an intriguing mystery, and such a unique story to tell. LOVED it! Sooo tempted to go back and read all the Anna Pigeon's in order again, just so I can spend time with one of my very favorite fiction characters...

Highly recommended!

I'm an Amazon Affiliate. If you click from here to Amazon and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase price.

Book Review: So Damn Lucky

2012-01-22T16:07:00.000-06:00

So Damn Lucky by Deborah Coonts

I was sent an advanced copy of this title by the ladies at FSB to give it a read. This is actually the third in the "Lucky" series, and for the first 30 pages or so, I did feel I was "behind the eight ball" a bit on the backstory, but just rolled with it. Within time, the relationships and characters get you up to speed, and we are set on a rollicking adventure around one of my favorite places - Las Vegas. Lucky is a hotel "fixer", and when one of her magicians disappears (or was murdered?) in the middle of his act, it sets off a chain of events that involve lots of other magicians, Area 51, a Ferrari, a break up, a make up, a hottie French chef and a lot of flirtating.

In short, it's a jam-packed mystery novel, filled with very colourful characters and a ridicious plot, all set against glitzy, goofy, absolutely fabulous Las Vegas - where else?! This is filled with great characterization, though I felt the mystery aspect of it sort of unraveled for me in the last 30 pages or so, not that I *really* minded. :-) I hope to read more "Lucky" novels in the future - damn good mystery fun!

This title will be released February 28, 2012.

I'm an Amazon Affiliate. If you click from here to Amazon and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase price.

A Couple of Quick Reviews...

2012-01-22T15:59:00.001-06:00

With this chilly weather coming on, I might be reading a lot this weekend, so let's get caught up on what I've already read in the new year...

The Kingdom of Childhood by Rebecca Coleman

This sounded like an intriguing creepy plot involving a story ripped from the news...a teacher and a student begin an illicit affair, but it's a surprise as to which one becomes more obsessive about the relationship...

This started off strongly, but I found myself skimming by about halfway through - it just didn't capture me as I hoped. Eh.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I *had* to reread before the release of the movie, and it was amazing how many details I had forgotten! Such a great re-read - such a great book! Sooooo excited about the movie release!

House Rules: A Joe DeMarco Novel by Mike Lawson

This was a Kindle "daily deal", so for 99 cents, I gave it a whirl. Joe DeMarco is a "fixer" for the Speaker of the House, and when several threats against the US are had in short order (a small plane aimed for the White House, a foiled bomb attempt in Baltimore), Joe has to get to the bottom of it. Toss in politics, a lousy brother, meth, the FBI and quite a suspension of disbelief, and you have this novel. Not going to set the world on fire, in my opinion, but a fine enough diversion for a few hours.

29 Gifts by Cami Walker

This was also a re-read for me, as it was our book discussion book at the library this month. Still an inspiring, interesting memoir about how giving gifts can change your luck...speedy and inspiring read!

Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis

I thought this sounded like *such* an interesting memoir - a young woman "from means" in the US travels to Uganda and ends up staying permanently, adopting 12 children, and chronicles her struggles, interactions and adventures in struggling Africa. That part *was* interesting - but since I would say 80% of the book was nothing more than proselytizing (and proselytizing, and proselytizing), I skimmed a lot. Disappointing to me, but I'm sure someone who's much (much, much) more Christian than I would not be so turned off. I just wanted to hear about Uganda...not Jesus. Sigh.

I'm an Amazon Affiliate. If you click from here to Amazon and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase price.

Indoor Fort...

2012-01-19T17:10:00.000-06:00

My sister and I are nine years apart in age.

Consequently, we didn't have a tremendous amount in common growing up, but some of my favorite childhood memories are of the days when we had permission to build an indoor fort in our little-used living room and we would work together to build it.

It involved lots of sheets and sleeping bags, a stereo, "decorations", snacks and usually culminated in Michelle braiding my hair or painting my nails while I reveled in the attention of my fabulous older sister.

Good times. :-)

I sometimes wish I could still build an indoor fort to escape the world for a while.

(in reality, though, Zoe would probably just romp through it and tear it down gleefully, you know?)

I even gave my Jen's son Layne a "fort kit" for Christmas, complete with sheets, ropes, clamps, glowsticks, a flashlight and a homemade quilt with his favorite colours to use for his fort.

Made me want to make one of my own again...

If nothing else, I can say I wish I had this escape, though my indoor forts certainly never looked this good...

Source: google.com via Marissa on Pinterest

Don't you just want to crawl inside for a while?

Sunshine Ahead...

2012-01-12T21:35:00.000-06:00

So, it may currently look like this in TinyTown...

And the wind chill might currently make it feel like 3 degrees (seriously? Three? Snowy weather, I'm good, but wind chill...brr...)

Good thing I have this to keep me warm tonight...

Just six and a half weeks until my sister and I will be kickin' it in the Magic Kingdom and wandering around EPCOT. Can't wait!

What is your favorite part of the whole Walt Disney World experience? Anything we simply can't miss? For me, I'm looking forward to the fireworks and the lighted parade, and the rides the most....

And even a bit of sunshine too!

So.Terribly.Excited!

New Winter Threads

2012-01-09T15:39:00.000-06:00

It wouldn't be Christmas if I didn't get at least one or two articles of clothing, but this year, I asked for - and received - a fabulous new winter coat from Father Christmas (commonly known as Father Priddis).

Winter coats are always so dark and bulky and seem to recede into the background...which is exactly why I HAD to have this fabulous pink pea coat!

Source: landsend.com via Marissa on Pinterest

I've always wanted a pea coat, I've always loved pink, and voila! A match made in heaven!

Who knew dressing for the outdoors could make me smile so?

(coat came from Land's End - love them!)

2012 Index of Book Reviews

2012-01-08T15:17:00.019-06:00

2005 - 162 titles read
2006 - 152 titles read
2007 - 158 titles read
2008 - 159 titles read
2009 - 178 titles read
2010 - 128 titles read
2011 - 154 titles read
2012 - 20 titles read

(F - fiction, NF - non-fiction, AB - audiobook, YA - young adult, J - juvenile, K- Kindle read)

Anonymous. Belle de Jour. NF.

Barr, Nevada. The Rope. F.

Cannell, Stephen J. Vigilante. F, AB.
Clare, Cassandra. City of Fallen Angels. YA.
Coleman, Rebecca. The Kingdom of Childhood. F.
Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games. YA, K.
Coonts, Deborah. So Damn Lucky. F.

Davis, Katie. Kisses From Katie. NF.

Green, John. The Fault In Our Stars. YA.
Gross, Jessica Berger. enLIGHTened. NF.

Hannah, Kristin. Home Front. F.

Lawson, Mike. House Rules. F, K.
Livesey, Margot. The Flight of Gemma Hardy. F.

Maynard, Joyce. Labor Day. F.

Patterson, James. Now You See Her. F, AB.
Potter, Alexandra. You're (Not) The One. F.

Schmais, Libby. The Pillow Book of Lotus Lowenstein. YA.
Sparks, Nicholas. The Lucky One. F, K.

Tzemach Lemmon, Gayle. The Dressmaker of Khair Khana. NF.

Walker, Cami. 29 Gifts. NF.

Book Review: Home Front by Kristin Hannah

2012-01-08T15:11:00.000-06:00

Home Front by Kristin Hannah

I have been fortunate enough to receive advance copies of Kristin Hannah's last several books, so we the lovely ladies at Authors on the Web offered up her newest, I was raring to go!

I really enjoyed this latest title, curling up in bed to finish the last several hundred pages in one sitting. Michael and Jolene seem to have it all - two daughters, a nice home, a stable marriage and two jobs they love, he as an attorney, she as a Blackhawk pilot in the National Guard. But everything spins out of orbit when Michael announces he doesn't love Jolene anymore, right before she is called into active duty in Iraq...

This is a wonderfully written novel - it could have been pathetic and angsty, but Hannah strikes just the right balance of indignation, fear, angst, action and romance. This is sort of a "slow burn" novel, with bouts of excitement, but overall, it's about the journey of all the characters, rather than the actions that brought them from start to finish.

I really liked the twist of the woman as the military officer, and the man staying on "the home front", and the settings Hannah evokes are always picture perfect and easy to see in my mind's eye. Another winner from Hannah - highly recommended!

(This novel goes on sale January 21, 2012)

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2011 Annual Reading Roundup

2012-01-02T20:09:00.000-06:00

Per tradition, it's time for my annual wrap-up of all the books I read in 2011. For some reason, I couldn't crank through the books like I have in years past, but I didn't do *too* badly (better than last year!). I hate when you read the duds or get stuck in a title...still, I had some good reads too!

On with the stats!

Number of books read in 2011: 154 titles
Number of books read in 2010 (for comparison): 128 titles
Average of books read per month: 12.83 books
Average of books read per week: 2.96 books
Daily average: 1 book read every 2.37 days
Percent of fiction read: 89%
Percent of nonfiction read: 11%
Number of audiobooks "read": 18
Number of books read in the Kindle: 14

And now, for the best books of the year (in my humble opinion, of course!), in author alphabetical order...

Brown, Eleanor. The Weird Sisters. F.

Cullen, Dave. Columbine. NF.

Genova, Lisa. Left Neglected. F.

James, Eloisa. When Beauty Tamed the Beast. F.

Kilmer-Purcell, Josh. The Bucolic Plague. NF.

Lansens, Lori. The Girls. F.

Lupton, Rosamund. Sister. F.

Martin, George R.R. A Game of Thrones. F.

Martin, George R.R. A Clash of Kings. F, K.

Watson, S.J. Before I Go to Sleep. F.

Weir, Theresa. The Orchard. NF.

I'm an Amazon Affiliate. If you click from here to Amazon and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase price.

2011 Music Mix

2012-01-02T20:06:00.000-06:00

It's time for another yearly "mix tape" of a few of Marissa's favorite songs for the year, those that got the most spin on ye olde iTouch/iPhone...

Some of the songs are new, some are old, some are rediscoveries, and some just f'n rock for all time. ;-) Maybe you'll find one or two to check out...

Enjoy!

The Anthem - Pitbull
(It makes me shake my ass, it makes me haul ass when I'm walking, and it wakes me up in the morning. What's not to love?!)

Is Your Love Strong Enough - How to Destroy Angels
(This is the "closing credits" song for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - so nice to hear a new song with Trent of NIN screaming in the background. Beautiful song.)

Hold It Against Me / Trouble for Me - Britney Spears
(I couldn't decide which of the songs from Britney's new album I preferred, so I listed them both. Both are poppy, fast paced and fun!)

Personal Jesus (Stargate Mix) - Depeche Mode
(This remix simply reminded me all year that Depeche Mode was my first musical love, and always will be. SUCH a fantastically done remix - dare I say...as good as the original?)

Rollin in the Deep - Adele
(Everyone had an Adele song for the year, didn't they? This one was mine...)

Right Here, Right Now - Fatboy Slim
(Caught a snippet of this song somewhere, got it stuck in my head, and it's been in rotation ever since. Rockin' good "rock out" song - totally gets things going in the morning! In constant rotation last year and this year.)

Paradise Circus - Massive Attack
(Heard in an episode of True Blood, and since I already dig MA, knew I had to own it. Have played it roughly 489073450 times since downloading. Gor-ge-ous, and with great vocals from Mazzy Star's Hope Sandoval. Turns out, later last year, a mix of the song featured in the Lincoln car commercials featuring foxy John Slattery. Nice. Still listening to this one a year later.)

My Friend - Groove Armada
(I defy you to not shake your ass to this song. Seriously. It makes me smile. And it's my ringtone on my shiny new iPhone.)

Just Like You Imagined - Nine Inch Nails
(Yeah. The 300 trailer. The obligatory NIN song inclusion. This song was in constant rotation all year, still. Yeah. Many a morning I screeched into the library parking lot with this blaring, rockin' out.)

Clubbed to Death [Kurayamino Variation] - Rob Dougan
(This is always on the playlist, and has been since 1999.)

Book Review: Hurt Machine

2011-12-31T22:06:00.000-06:00

Hurt Machine by Reed Farrel Coleman

The nice ladies at FSB Associates sent me a copy of this title, and gave it the preview that Publisher's Weekly has named it a top book for 2011, so I had to find out for myself!

This is the latest in a series featuring retired NYC cop-turned-private investigator Moe Prager. On page one, we learn that Moe has been diagnosed with stomach cancer, and he wallows with this news, even as his daughter prepares for her upcoming nuptials. At a pre-wedding party, Moe's ex-wife and ex-partner Carmella approaches him and begs him to investigate the murder of her sister Alta, an EMT that had been vilified by the entire city of New York for a previous "wrong".

Moe takes the case, and with lots of twists and turns, we finally get the answers we're seeking. This novel is full of "local color" and a bit of rough language, but you truly feel you are roaming the streets of Brooklyn with Moe, that you are really part of the New York City scene. It was obvious that this was a series - there were several backstories hinted at that weren't fleshed out - but I was able to roll with it, even if I didn't know all of Moe's rather colorful history (there's that colorful word again!).

Overall, I agree that this is a strong mystery for those who liked their stories hard boiled and twisted, especially those taking place in New York. A well written mystery!

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Book Review: Far From Here by Nicole Baart

2011-12-31T21:55:00.000-06:00

Far From Here by Nicole Baart

Authors on the Web were kind enough to send me a review copy of this upcoming title (it's being released on February 7), and I was glad to read it before 2011 timed out! Danica Greene loves her husband, loves living in Blackhawk, Iowa, loves her job as a stylist, and absolutely hates her husband's career - a small-plane pilot. She is terrified to fly, when that is all Etsell wants to do, and they fight when Etsell agrees to go to Alaska for a few weeks to help out a fellow pilot friend, against Danica's wishes.

Which is all fine and good...until Etsell and his plane disappears into the wilds of Alaska. The rest of the book is Danica in limbo... is Etsell gone? What was he really doing there? How does Danica move on? Should she? Danica is surrounded by a colorful cast of secondary characters, and there is a pervasive feeling of unresolved actions in the book, and though I guessed the ending, it was still an enjoyable journey to get there. Baart's writing is lovely, and I'm glad I read it! Recommended!

I'm an Amazon Affiliate. If you click from here to Amazon and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase price.

Final Reads of 2011

2011-12-31T21:37:00.000-06:00

Time to slip in a few last minute book reviews before 2012 arrives...

I've been trying to cram in a few last titles, so let's see what I liked and what I didn't...

The Favored Queen by Carolly Erickson

As you probably know, I'm a big fan of the Tudor period in fiction, and Erickson is a leading writer of the period, so I was anxious to read her latest fiction (she also writes nonfiction), which focuses on Henry VIII's third (and perhaps favorite) wife, Jane Seymour. This chronicles Jane's rise from lady in waiting to Catherine of Aragon (the first wife), through Anne Boleyn (number two) to her own ascension as queen. I enjoyed this title, but most of it was focused on the first two marriages and Jane's peripheral participation... her own courtship and marriage to Henry was a very small portion of the book, and I would liked to have known more about that particular time period. Still, a well researched, entertaining read of one of my favorite time periods!

A Welcome Grave by Michael Koryta

I have always been a fan of Koryta's original works - the ongoing story of Lincoln Perry, an Ohio-based private investigator (his horror/fantasy stuff, not so much). This is a Perry novel I've not read, and takes Lincoln back into the life of his ex-fiancee, onto a money trail, as the witness to a suicide (in Brown County, Indiana!), and into an ever-tightening web of confusion, lies and devious behavior. Riveting! I listened to the audio version, expertly narrated by the yummy-voiced Scott Brick.

Little Black Dress by Susan McBride

I read this book a week or so ago, and seemed to get bogged down in the reading of it. It wasn't bad or anything, I just... I honestly can't remember what it was about, can't remember a single character or plot unless I go back and read the back cover. That's never good. :-( It was... fine, but for me, unmemorable. Probably just the wrong book at the wrong time...

ttyl by Lauren Myracle

I've always meant to read this young adult novel by leading YA writer Myracle (especially since it's often challenged and censored). Told entirely in instant messages (it was written several years ago, I'm sure now it would be texts), this is the story of three high school girls struggling through their year as their friendship goes through ups and downs, boys, challenges and eventually come out the other side. A different kind of YA novel!

Mozart's Last Aria by Matt Rees

I admit it, it was the cover that caught my eye, but I then thought it sounded like an intriguing story. Everyone knows Mozart died at the young age of 36 and buried in a pauper's grave, but how did it come about? In this novel, his sister Nannerl travels to Vienna to investigate the death of her brother...was it poisoning? Was it plague? Was it do with his being a Mason? This is an interesting historical novel with a mystery twist, and I really enjoyed learning a bit more about this time period in somewhere other than England. I find myself listening to Mozart with a brand new ear too... a really interesting novel!

I'm an Amazon Affiliate. If you click from here to Amazon and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase price.

Book Review: Getting Lucky

2011-12-17T13:39:00.000-06:00

Getting Lucky by DC Brod

This was a surprise book from the lovely ladies at FSB, who sent me a review copy in anticipation of the book's December 18 release date.

This is the second book featuring freelance writer and reporter Robyn Gutherie of Fowler, Illinois. She is given an assignment on a new "green" community when the report covering the story - Clair - is tragically killed in a hit and run accident. Robyn finds herself suddenly thrust into an ever-increasing web of deception, old high school foes, and on and off boyfriend, the mob, a shady land deal and an aging parent. Brod packs a lot of story into 300 pages!

Though this was a sequel, I didn't feel particularly "lost" among the recurringcharacters, and Robyn is a refreshing hero - north of forty, childless (with little desire for one), with her own foibles and hangups (and a dog, of course), and a career that keeps her afloat but hasn't made her wealthy.

I thought this was a fun cozy mystery with good characters, a good setting, and enough backstory to keep it interesting. I can see Brod continuing the series with lots more ideas for Robyn in the future. A great mystery read for a lazy (in my case, Friday) afternoon...

Recommended!

I'm an Amazon Affiliate. If you click from here to Amazon and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase price.

Books I've Been Reading...

2011-12-17T13:30:00.001-06:00

Time for another book review blitz - I've been on a roll! Let's go!

Physical Education by Maggie Barbieri

I still love this little cozy mystery series set on a Catholic college campus in New York where amateur sleuth Allison Bergeron and her new hubby Crawford seem to always be tangled up in some sort of drama. This time around, Alison has a body in her trunk, a basketball team to coach and a sullen stepdaughter to care for. Fun!

The Black Hawk by Joanna Bourne

This is from the same author as The Spymaster's Lady (a great book!), but focuses more on two French spies (boy and girl, bien sur!) as they were growing up, and how their paths cross again in middle age, still deep in the spy game, when the lady is stabbed and near death. It was a well written read, but I lost interest during the "plucky teen" years, and it didn't have the same sizzle and spark as The Spymaster's Lady. Alright, but not my favorite of them all...

Fire Season by Philip Connors

This was one of the books I read while Dad was in the hospital, so it was a bit of a "choppy" read as we were often in and out. In any case, this is a memoir by Connors who, for the last eight years, has served as a fire watcher in the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico. I particularly enjoyed his descriptions of the 7x7 dwelling, the hiking and wilderness, the search for lightning and fire, and a bit of his own history and marriage. I was less interested in the excruciatingly detailed descriptions of fire watching history, fire as preservation and wilderness history - I wanted the "on the ground" stories, not the theories. An interesting read though, on an unlikely subject!

Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich

What can I saw about another Stephanie Plum book? Of course it has explosions, cars, Ranger in black, Lula and Cluck in a Bucket - all the usual suspects! Always a fast, fun read!

Comfort and Joy by India Knight

This Christmas novella had been getting rave reviews and sounded so great - a British chick lit tale of a houseful of family - and ex-family - getting together for the holidays. Everyone else may have loved it, but I loathed it. Choppy, disjointed, not terribly sympathetic characters and after about the fifteen reference to bowel movements, I was out. I couldn't finish it. Not for me...

October Fest by Jess Lourey

This was a "Kindle Daily Deal" one day, and as I'd read several other of Lourey's "muder-by-month" mysteries, I was happy to download this one! As the name implies, it's October, and another murder is afoot for librarian and reporter Mira James as the political season takes off in her small Minnesota town. This series is small town, full of quirky characters, a cozy mystery and quite a few laughs. A great series - check it out!

The Perfect Christmas by Debbie Macomber

Macomber churns out a lot of Christmas novellas, and since I'd not read this one, I gave it a shot. Cassie has struck out at love, so when someone recommends a (very expensive) matchmaker, she gives it a shot. He gives her three tasks to complete in the "holiday spirit" before he will give her the name of her intended, but things don't turn out as the matchmaker plans...a sweet little Christmas diversion for a few hours.

A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin

Read the second half of this 1200 fantasy novel while Dad was in the hospital - thank goodness for the Kindle! Season 2 of the HBO series comes out in April, and I'll be curious how this novel translates into that - lots of continued scheming, death, running around and sex. Right on. :-)

Tick Tock by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

This is another in the "Michael Bennett" series by Patterson and Ledwidge, and it was another good listen. A series of gruesome murders being mirrored on past crimes are happening in New York City, and only Bennett can save the day...

The Next Always by Nora Roberts

This is the first of the "Inn BoonsBoro" trilogy from prolific author Roberts. This time, the story takes place in a sleepy Maryland town where three brothers (and their mother) are renovating an old building into a beautiful Bed and Breakfast...which just happens to have a resident ghost. Of course, each story will focus on a brother - and the woman he falls for. A pleasant diversion from one of the reining queens of romance!

The Snow Globe by Sheila Roberts

Another sweet Christmas story with a magical snow globe, romance, a puppy and a too-busy lifestyle. A nice story for a couple of hours....

The Three Weismanns of Westport by Cathleen Schine
This was billed as a loose retelling of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, but set of course in modern times. Betty Weismann's husband of 48 years wants a divorce, sending Betty and her two grown daughters - Miranda and Annie - into a tailspin. They retreat to a cousin's cottage on the coast, and as in the books, fall for other men, struggle with finances, and try to come to terms with life. I was so excited about this book, but found myself absolutely losing interest about a third of the way through, and never really regaining any momentum. I ended up not caring a lick about the characters, and just wanted it to be over...this one *needed* a Colonel Brandon, and he never appeared. Not my favorite....

It's Classified by Nicolle Wallace

This is the second of the "President Kramer" series by former White House communications director Wallace. This novel takes place after the reelect of (female) President Kramer, and the rapid spinning out of control of her (female) Vice President, Tara Meyers. Of course, the orbiting players (mostly female) are also part of the landscape, and this is another intriguing view "inside the 18 acres" of the White House, and how public perception plays such a role in government today. I enjoyed it - a fast paced read!

Catching Up: Photo Style!

2011-12-11T14:16:00.000-06:00

With the bustle of finishing NaNoWriMo, and many other things, I haven't updated in a while....so let's see what we've been up to....

Well, first off, I FINALLY got an iPhone, so my pictures are suddenly all iPhone-y, instead of camera-y....

I dressed up FABULOUSLY for Halloween... ;-)

I saw the Sistine Chapel at my library, thanks to a traveling Michelangelo exhibit...

I received an incredible, moving, personal quilt in memory of my Mum from my Auntie Pam...I have no words for how wonderful it is...

Zoe was eager to have Grandpa come visit for Thanksgiving...little did we know...

Michelle and I participated in a 5K on Thanksgiving morning (along with 2,000 other people), with her running and me walking (fast), with two new personal best times!

But after that, we spent the next four days at the hospital as Dad was admitted with a truly scary case of cellulitis...not much of a Thanksgiving, but he's on the mend, at least...

But he was finally able to come home and see the Granddog again...

I got a new hairdo - new color, new cut...Zoe approved!

And I got in the holiday spirit with a visit to the Evansville Fantasy of Lights, putting up the (new) library tree, enjoying the Peppermint Pops orchestra concert with Becca, and decorating around the house...

And how have you been? :-)

I'm a Winner!

2011-11-27T21:17:00.000-06:00

I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a struggle at times this month, but nonetheless, I am damnably proud of this:

By my count, I wrote a 50,037 word novel - it may not be great, but it's MINE.

I always think of NaNoWriMo as the most fun I only want to have once a year - every year, I forget how hard it is to hit that word count every day, how hard it is to come from behind, how hard it is finding that perfect plot and those perfect characters to write about, but in the end, it always seems to come together for me.

I went to a NaNo meetup earlier this month to meet other Wrimos, and discovered that I had been a Wrimo the longest (9 years), and had the most finishes (9 now, of course!), and in fact, was one of the only people to have EVER finished, and was definitely the only one to finish multiple times.

I think I forget what a momentous thing it is to write a novel in a month (or less), and that few Wrimos accomplish it.

Yep, I'm damn proud of that badge. :-)

And my eternal thanks to my faithful beta readers too...you know who you are. :-)

Until next year...

Book Review: Hot Water by Erin Brockovich

2011-11-19T20:28:00.002-06:00

Hot Water by Erin Brockovich and C.J. Lyons

I was offered a review copy of Brockovich's second novel in the "A.J. Palladino" series by the lovely folks at FSB, but I wanted to be sure I read the first in the series (Rock Bottom) first before diving into this one, and I'm glad I did!

In short, this is a series filled with great characters. A.J. is a tough as nails, tenacious crusader for various environmental and energy issues (big coal, nuclear power) in West Virginia, where she is surrounded by a memorable cast of family and friends, including her incredibly intelligent son David, her dysfunctional parents, her long time friend Ty, and her new partner Elizabeth. Rock Bottom goes a long way to establishing these characters and their relationships, and Hot Water takes them and runs.

This time around, A.J. is asked to help improve the image of a nuclear plant that is different from any others, but within that request are secrets, drama, a radioactive gator, a custody battle, a kidnapping, another ruined pair of boots and a plot that roars along at breakneck pace, and no matter how incredulous it becomes, you still believe and root for A.J. to win.

I really enjoy the different aspect of this suspense series - not the same cop or PI spin - and I really love spending time with the characters, who are so well drawn to me. I'm already wondering what A.J. is going to get up to next, and for someone who doesn't read a tremendous amount of suspense, that is saying something.

Hot Water is a great follow up to Rock Bottom, but I recommend reading them in order - read one, then the second. Both are great! Can't wait for A.J.'s next adventure!

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NaNoWriMo Protest

2011-11-13T15:39:00.000-06:00

It's no wonder I'm behind on my wordcount for NaNoWriMo...

Every time I sit down with my laptop in my lap and I'm ready to write, this happens:

Scruffikins (otherwise known as Zoe) keeps tossing toys, bones, treats, EVERYTHING into my lap to get me to stop writing and instead play with her.

It's cute and all, but the words won't write themselves...

*goes to play with Zoe anyway*