tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51685231402883887022024-03-16T13:53:07.078-05:00EATING Y.A. BOOKSJan von Harzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911676835023825470noreply@blogger.comBlogger541125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5168523140288388702.post-16074750654952789062011-11-29T02:23:00.000-06:002011-11-29T02:23:24.217-06:00Top Ten Books on Jan's List for Winter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirl2nAH0BIkrIT_EIhqQ8d3FkCZoA58T1DFtG0j7XPYzisluut0wvguLnTqr6tbKBAHefC_WQTq_YhjFqTw6X-zAXHYJebXjD6YpPNjDBfh8v_QMbys1uYXrgI3C-aA98XumugCU8Xyso/s1600/TTT3W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirl2nAH0BIkrIT_EIhqQ8d3FkCZoA58T1DFtG0j7XPYzisluut0wvguLnTqr6tbKBAHefC_WQTq_YhjFqTw6X-zAXHYJebXjD6YpPNjDBfh8v_QMbys1uYXrgI3C-aA98XumugCU8Xyso/s1600/TTT3W.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #666666;">Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by the</span> <a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3d85c6;">Broke and Bookish.</a><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">This week's list highlights books that are due out between December through March.What better way to stay cozy and warm than with a great book? Here are the ten books I hope to do just that with.</span><br />
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</div><div style="color: #666666;"><i style="color: #7f6000;">Wintertown</i><span style="color: #7f6000;"> by Stephen Emond:</span> When I first read the summary for this one it reminded me of John Green meaning it is all about relationships and has a male protagonist infatuated with a girl. I love reading books that focus on relationships that are slightly askew, and this sounds amazing.</div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #666666;"><i style="color: #7f6000;">Clockwork Prince</i><span style="color: #7f6000;"> by Cassandra Clare:</span> I am definitely ready to read more from Clare so I am super excited about getting my hands on this sequel to <i>Clockwork Angel</i>.</div><div style="color: #666666;"><i style="color: #7f6000;"><br />
The Probability of Miracles</i><span style="color: #7f6000;"> by Wendy Wunder:</span> This is a debut novel and sounds fantastic since it deals with a protagonist who is dying; it also sounds like a intensely personal read.</div><div style="color: #666666;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #666666;"><i style="color: #7f6000;">The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight</i><span style="color: #7f6000;"> by Jennifer E Smith:</span> A book that takes place over a 24 hour period in an airport. Can't wait to read this one.</div><div style="color: #7f6000;"> </div><div style="color: #666666;"><i style="color: #7f6000;">Enshadowed</i><span style="color: #7f6000;"> by Kelly Creagh: </span><i>Nevermore</i> was an amazing read and it seems like I have been waiting forever to see whether Isobel will be able to save Varen.</div><div style="color: #666666;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="color: #666666;"><i style="color: #7f6000;">Pandemonium</i><span style="color: #7f6000;"> by Lauren Oliver:</span> I love Oliver and would read anything she writes. I am certainly excited about finding what will happens next for Lena and Alex.</div><div style="color: #666666;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #666666;"><i style="color: #7f6000;">Spell Bound</i><span style="color: #7f6000;"> by Rachel Hawkins:</span> Love the Hex Hall series and cannot wait to find out what is up next for Archer and Sophie.</div><div style="color: #666666;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><i>Hallowed</i> by Cynthia Hand: <span style="color: #666666;">Pretty sure that this one will be on a lot of the list today and like everyone else I cannot wait to find out more about Tucker (sigh) and Clare.</span></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;">Bewitching by Alex Flinn:</span> I have to admit I just learned about the release of this one (thank you Melissa) and am very excited about it. I enjoy Flinn's writing and even use a couple of her books in my classroom so when I learned that she was focusing in on Kendra I was thrilled.</span></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;">The Fine Art of Truth and Dare by Melissa Jenson:</span> This one is definitely has my interest piqued. It sounds very cute, has a boarding school vibe and while it might just be a fluff read the title and the summary has me wanting it.</span></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;">Well, that my list for winter releases so far. What are books are you looking forward to snuggling up with on those long cold winter days and nights?</span></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><br />
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</div>Jan von Harzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911676835023825470noreply@blogger.com72tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5168523140288388702.post-52659017333856530942011-11-24T02:08:00.000-06:002011-11-24T02:08:17.519-06:00Happy Thanksgiving<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z3x1FG4oY5w/TO4iAZJLI6I/AAAAAAAAB1w/q04o6DlNcs8/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z3x1FG4oY5w/TO4iAZJLI6I/AAAAAAAAB1w/q04o6DlNcs8/s320/Picture+1.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #7f6000; text-align: center;"><b>HAPPY THANKSGIVING</b></div><div style="color: #7f6000; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">HOPE EVERYONE HAS A GREAT DAY</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Jan von Harzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911676835023825470noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5168523140288388702.post-26822231510102857092011-11-22T04:45:00.000-06:002011-11-22T04:45:32.557-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><blockquote class="tr_bq"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6RqokrYrzcFd6eS0o9dKmDWbjNRWSKkPmkGCqMELXfSsA91peC4kwwRSSQVDeQXP-6ddMgPmi4rWZjdR0C2laNQwrJDlTfXsFTSWoHYMojd7iW5ZANhpQe4ZQr6RcllreiRmxfDLGkHZ/s1600/Tigersvoyage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6RqokrYrzcFd6eS0o9dKmDWbjNRWSKkPmkGCqMELXfSsA91peC4kwwRSSQVDeQXP-6ddMgPmi4rWZjdR0C2laNQwrJDlTfXsFTSWoHYMojd7iW5ZANhpQe4ZQr6RcllreiRmxfDLGkHZ/s320/Tigersvoyage.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><i><span id="freeText16185403685255289903">In the third installment of the Tiger series, Kelsey Hayes pushes through the pain of lost love and strengthens her friendship with Kishan. Despite his strong feelings for her, Kishan has agreed to be her ally in helping her reunite with the man she still loves. Together, they seek to help Ren regain his memory and begin the search for the third magical gift—an object of power that will help break the curse that causes them to live part of their lives as tigers. <br />
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They board a luxury yacht and seek Durga's aid once again, who supplies them with her golden weapons. With Nilima, Mr. Kadam, Ren, and Kishan at her side, she soon learns that the task ahead will be even more difficult than the others. Confronting a dark magician, multiple dragons, and terrifying denizens of the deep seems easy when compared to facing the daunting task of stitching up her heart. Just when she thinks she's ready to set her feet on a new path, she is yanked back with a jolt to the one she's determined to leave behind. <br />
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The jarring tug-of-war that ensues for Kelsey's heart leaves her anxious and confused. Combined with the stress of almost being killed every other day, it would appear that saving the tigers is almost more than she can handle. Still, she presses on, knowing that a choice is looming on the horizon. One she cannot put off making for long. <br />
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Tiger's Voyage is an irresistible romance with a barrage of action on the high seas, where a reader will find a treasure chest full of dragons, sea monsters, knights in shining armor, fabled weapons, and enduring love. The tropic waters of India create the backdrop for the latest installment in the tiger series. This novel, a multicultural take on the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, delves into the complex emotional turmoil and pressure associated with not only making the best choice for a nation but also the best choice for yourself. (Publisher's summary from Goodreads)</span></i></div></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_4x-uH1PPWd5oPaqh0RZ-uSqBtqncPp33owoJdEXcAppSYli8GyNGLGoiDut_oxv0wckn2es9JpZlneYQ5RAVoR-Hl6Dz42PakaXKpTaCUOVDIQTtRlaeCkd0xq1mR7M7F-wIbuVN9M/s1600/3ReasonsButton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_4x-uH1PPWd5oPaqh0RZ-uSqBtqncPp33owoJdEXcAppSYli8GyNGLGoiDut_oxv0wckn2es9JpZlneYQ5RAVoR-Hl6Dz42PakaXKpTaCUOVDIQTtRlaeCkd0xq1mR7M7F-wIbuVN9M/s1600/3ReasonsButton.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Reason Why I Chose the Book:</span></b> <br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">I have been enamored with Colleen's series from the get go. I loved <i>Tiger's Curse</i> and after listening to it as an audio book, I ran right out and bought both the first book and the second. It has also been quite popular with my students.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #666666;">Reason Why I Liked/Disliked the Book: </span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">Like the other two books in this amazing series, <i>Tiger's Voyage</i> finds Kelsey, Ren, and Kishan getting ready for another dangerous mission to break the curse that has kept Ren and Kishan tigers. It picks up right where <i>Tiger's Quest</i> left off with Kelsey reeling from Ren's loss of memory, and Kishan being support and caring. Ren is unable to touch Kelsey or spend too much time near her without getting physically ill. While I am not a huge fan of the love triangle and often got anxious over the situation that Kelsey and her tigers find themselves in, Colleen does an excellent job creating unbelievable tension between these three wonderfully drawn characters.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">I love how creative the mythology in this series is and <i>Tiger's Voyage</i> finds our protagonists on board a luxurious yacht in search of Durga's Necklace. In order to find it, they must visit five different dragon realms eliciting help from each, which is no easy task and the danger they face is filled with suspense and kept me furiously turning pages.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">The only complaint I had with this one is that I felt the relationship between Kelsey, Ren, and Kishan was drawn out too much. I really wanted a resolution, and if I am completely honest, I wanted Kelsey to rush into Ren's arms as soon as it was clear that his memory was back and that the strength of his love declared. However, Kelsey continued to deny that she and Ren were obviously destined for each other and stubbornly refused to tell Kishan that while she loved him too, their love was not as strong or as passionate. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">Finally, I was quite surprised with the ending as I thought that <i>Tiger's Voyage</i> was the last book in the series. The ending, however, leaves the reader gasping and once again anxious for book four.</span><br />
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</b></div><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Reasons Why I Would Recommend This Book:</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;">If you love mythology, beautiful settings, intense romance, and lots of action then this is a series you need to read. The characterization is perfect, and the plot so intricate, complex, and exciting that I guarantee it will hold you spellbound and gasping at every page.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxkugiKAih1h7Hb4yqCzl7SbamvJmYeLlcp2IwCWMR5iQX_Pdb_lwvQxTqkpvG1i390NobxrTBl9syepbRbIlAKpDwASrIqPQ1pxl2gwTJ1VRQi7GmnxDRunv68kEDTVADlUzpbqi_04/s1600/4cherries.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxkugiKAih1h7Hb4yqCzl7SbamvJmYeLlcp2IwCWMR5iQX_Pdb_lwvQxTqkpvG1i390NobxrTBl9syepbRbIlAKpDwASrIqPQ1pxl2gwTJ1VRQi7GmnxDRunv68kEDTVADlUzpbqi_04/s1600/4cherries.png" /></a></div><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;"> </span><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"></span></b></span><br />
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</span></b></div>Jan von Harzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911676835023825470noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5168523140288388702.post-79810205245994650372011-11-09T02:16:00.000-06:002011-11-09T02:16:52.302-06:00Waiting on WednesdayIrises by Francisco X. Stork<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CI0HyZG8TEsyEImWMy5ZdmDb3_-zm3nqnl6cmE2Fv5FFmVmbZOwnDDjIlwNMq7N6XxUswr-0ZuErF27w2knvn3zVwUxbbGD6zW_sFmMIFwDrFYbAfekDWhSzLJy1fGlmslayiWJSsu8/s1600/Picture+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CI0HyZG8TEsyEImWMy5ZdmDb3_-zm3nqnl6cmE2Fv5FFmVmbZOwnDDjIlwNMq7N6XxUswr-0ZuErF27w2knvn3zVwUxbbGD6zW_sFmMIFwDrFYbAfekDWhSzLJy1fGlmslayiWJSsu8/s1600/Picture+3.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #666666;">Waiting On Wednesday, is hosted by Jill at </span><a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3d85c6;">Breaking the Spine </a><span style="color: #666666;">and asks the question, "What are books are you anxiously waiting on?"</span></span></div><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7Kr3DaaaM0ZOKmLyAxC51cPr_hTC2WZaZdZ0A9lryIwi1XH3B1DVPhyphenhyphenLIav7UsgQnKMzBKsbkynGnw2RM8RdEhr6ARV2eLuNl2Uw0R899CMi5urEoGZBW-bnVCBGOF7K_W_I1UuMD9k/s1600/irises.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7Kr3DaaaM0ZOKmLyAxC51cPr_hTC2WZaZdZ0A9lryIwi1XH3B1DVPhyphenhyphenLIav7UsgQnKMzBKsbkynGnw2RM8RdEhr6ARV2eLuNl2Uw0R899CMi5urEoGZBW-bnVCBGOF7K_W_I1UuMD9k/s1600/irises.jpg" /></a></div><div style="color: #7f6000;">Author: Francisco X. Stork</div><div style="color: #7f6000;">Publisher: Arthur L. Levine</div><div style="color: #7f6000;">Release Date: January 1,2012</div><br />
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<div style="color: #7f6000;"><i>Two sisters discover what's truly worth living for in the new novel by the author of MARCELO IN THE REAL WORLD.</i></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><i>TWO SISTERS: Kate is bound for Stanford and an M.D. -- if her family will let her go. Mary wants only to stay home and paint. When their loving but repressive father dies, they must figure out how to support themselves and their mother, who is in a permanent vegetative state, and how to get along in all their uneasy sisterhood.</i></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><i>THREE YOUNG MEN: Then three men sway their lives: Kate's boyfriend Simon offers to marry her, providing much-needed stability. Mary is drawn to Marcos, though she fears his violent past. And Andy tempts Kate with more than romance, recognizing her ambition because it matches his own. </i></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><i>ONE AGONIZING CHOICE: Kate and Mary each find new possibilities and darknesses in their sudden freedom. But it's Mama's life that might divide them for good -- the question of *if* she lives, and what's worth living for.</i></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><i>IRISES is Francisco X. Stork's most provocative and courageous novel yet. (Publisher's summary from Amazon)</i></div></blockquote><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">I loved <i>Macelo </i></span><i> </i><span style="color: #666666;"><i>in the Real World</i>, which was an book with wonderful and honestly portrayed characters, not to mention a very realistic plot and excellent writing. Irises sounds like another character driven story with an intriguing plot</span> <span style="color: #666666;">drawn from real life.</span><br />
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</div>Jan von Harzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911676835023825470noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5168523140288388702.post-41176957313094788452011-11-03T04:49:00.001-05:002011-11-03T04:50:27.095-05:00ReviewCryers Cross by Lisa McMann<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSZsdyKMDj6ZtNuusHO0xn9UFMD2KBiZKsLGvpq3RAb1Cap0P1fI1Wjyk2wowVwSW6Kv2WWOygb8bWIC_lGhS1ehHZ8G-sC1NyYA6IpPpXBdE3P2WUk1PShfmzyJUh4IuIgc4X0YAtO4/s1600/cryercross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSZsdyKMDj6ZtNuusHO0xn9UFMD2KBiZKsLGvpq3RAb1Cap0P1fI1Wjyk2wowVwSW6Kv2WWOygb8bWIC_lGhS1ehHZ8G-sC1NyYA6IpPpXBdE3P2WUk1PShfmzyJUh4IuIgc4X0YAtO4/s320/cryercross.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><i><span id="freeText3076769896027579184">The community of Cryer’s Cross, Montana (population 212) is distraught when high school freshman Tiffany disappears without a trace. Already off-balance due to her OCD, 16-year-old Kendall is freaked out seeing Tiffany’s empty desk in the one-room school house, but somehow life goes on... until Kendall's boyfriend Nico also disappears, and also without a trace. Now the town is in a panic. Alone in her depression and with her OCD at an all-time high, Kendall notices something that connects Nico and Tiffany: they both sat at the same desk. She knows it's crazy, but Kendall finds herself drawn to the desk, dreaming of Nico and wondering if maybe she, too, will disappear...and whether that would be so bad. Then she begins receiving graffiti messages on the desk from someone who can only be Nico. Can he possibly be alive somewhere? Where is he? And how can Kendall help him? The only person who believes her is Jacian, the new guy she finds irritating...and attractive. As Kendall and Jacian grow closer, Kendall digs deeper into Nico's mysterious disappearance only to stumble upon some ugly—and deadly—local history. Kendall is about to find out just how far the townspeople will go to keep their secrets buried (Summary from Goodreads)</span></i></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_4x-uH1PPWd5oPaqh0RZ-uSqBtqncPp33owoJdEXcAppSYli8GyNGLGoiDut_oxv0wckn2es9JpZlneYQ5RAVoR-Hl6Dz42PakaXKpTaCUOVDIQTtRlaeCkd0xq1mR7M7F-wIbuVN9M/s1600/3ReasonsButton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_4x-uH1PPWd5oPaqh0RZ-uSqBtqncPp33owoJdEXcAppSYli8GyNGLGoiDut_oxv0wckn2es9JpZlneYQ5RAVoR-Hl6Dz42PakaXKpTaCUOVDIQTtRlaeCkd0xq1mR7M7F-wIbuVN9M/s1600/3ReasonsButton.jpg" /></a></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><br />
</div><b style="color: #7f6000;">Reason Why I Choose the Book:</b> <span style="color: #666666;">After seeing <i>Cryers Cross</i> on so many of the Halloween posts and lists last week, I decided to give to see why it was so popular. When the book first came out I had wanted to read it but never got around to it. I love books that have a creep factor to them and between the cover and the summary, <i>Cryer Cross</i> most definitely fit that requirement. Since I also needed a new audio book, keeping the Halloween theme in mind, I added this one to my audio library. </span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;">Reasons I Like/Disliked about the Book:</span> </span></b><span style="color: #666666;">I loved everything about <i>Cryers Cross</i>. As an audio book it was terrific. Julia Whelan who is a wonderful narrator and someone I have had the pleasure of listening to with a couple other books, was perfectly pitched as Kendall. However, an audio narrator is </span><span style="color: #666666;">only as good as the written narration and McMann's characterization of Kendall was perfection. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">I have never read a book that featured a character with obsessive compulsive disorder, and I was fascinated with the way McMann was able to build Kendall's character around this disorder. It made Kendall so much more real in my eyes. Her thoughts and feelings about her disorder gave a reality to her character that I doubt would have been as prominent without it. Jacian was also a terrific character. His moody distant attitude made him both sympathetic and troublesome, and I really liked the progression of his and Kendall's relationship. Definitely not a love at first sight so prevalant in many YA novels.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">Together with such fantastic characters, McMann's plot took on a suspenseful tension that kept me tuned into her story about missing teens. The pacing was flawless and the ending although not completely a surprise, was distrubing and eerie lasting just long enough to have my heart thumping and my breath bated for the resolution. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Reasons Why I Recommend This Book: </span></b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;">Without hesitation I would urge anyone who loves suspenseful stories with a certain degree of creepiness to pick <i>Cryers Cross</i> up. The characters bring this one to life with such an eerie realism that it is impossible to put it down, and if you are into audio books this is a sensational listening experience.</span></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHnECtq2mOoM-xLV9zC3cFoc_fBsjyc-KlSMZ71vU-eYzti-wU1NjNSGUeJb4cr7vg6slg6hYh5fDdLsPcfIXolQQwtgue5xBlB0gbrHrNuowIWWwyWqlKS8YTY6lpn12Ny0Ukh7zM0s/s1600/5cherries.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHnECtq2mOoM-xLV9zC3cFoc_fBsjyc-KlSMZ71vU-eYzti-wU1NjNSGUeJb4cr7vg6slg6hYh5fDdLsPcfIXolQQwtgue5xBlB0gbrHrNuowIWWwyWqlKS8YTY6lpn12Ny0Ukh7zM0s/s1600/5cherries.png" /></a></div><br />
</div>Jan von Harzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911676835023825470noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5168523140288388702.post-47958173802735454732011-11-01T03:32:00.000-05:002011-11-01T03:32:20.447-05:00My Top Ten Books I Had VERY Strong Emotions About<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirl2nAH0BIkrIT_EIhqQ8d3FkCZoA58T1DFtG0j7XPYzisluut0wvguLnTqr6tbKBAHefC_WQTq_YhjFqTw6X-zAXHYJebXjD6YpPNjDBfh8v_QMbys1uYXrgI3C-aA98XumugCU8Xyso/s1600/TTT3W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirl2nAH0BIkrIT_EIhqQ8d3FkCZoA58T1DFtG0j7XPYzisluut0wvguLnTqr6tbKBAHefC_WQTq_YhjFqTw6X-zAXHYJebXjD6YpPNjDBfh8v_QMbys1uYXrgI3C-aA98XumugCU8Xyso/s1600/TTT3W.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #666666;">This week's Top Ten Tuesday hosted by</span> <a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3d85c6;">The Broke and the Bookish</a> <span style="color: #666666;">is all about those books that in some way raised your emotional levels: made you cry, laugh out loud, or had you screaming at the top of your lungs in frustration or anger. </span><br />
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</div><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Bridge to Terabithia by Kathrine Peterson: </span></b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;">My son, who unlike his mother, hated to read and avoided it at all costs. One night I found out he was suppose to finish this book for class, and still had several chapters to finish. While I had read this book already, I proceeded to read it out loud to him before bed that night. As we got to (spoiler ahead) the part when Jess learns about Leslie's death, tears began to fall and by the time I finished I was sobbing uncontrollably as I read. Not sure whether it was my emotional breakdown, or the story, or both, but I had my son in tears too.</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Souless by Gail Carrington:</span></b> <span style="color: #666666;">I listened to this book on audio and remember sitting in the car laughing out loud at the ending, which was the most hysterical</span> <span style="color: #666666;">and sexy honeymoon scene I have ever read.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Paper Towns by John Green:</span></b> <span style="color: #666666;">Another audio book that had me laughing out loud in my car, but also had me fearing the end. Sometimes I wonder what people must think when they see me driving along and cracking up when there is obviously no one in the car with me.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Eva by Peter Dickinson: </span></b><span style="color: #666666;">Another older book that remains a favorite of mine and emotionally torn by the subject matter. Eva's parents in an effort to save her life after a horrific accident transplants her brain into the body of chimpanzee. The story revolves around her adjustment and eventual acceptance, with a very unusual twist at the end.</span> <span style="color: #666666;">I was outraged and distraught reliving all Eva's emotions right along with her.</span><br />
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</b> </div><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok:</span></b> <span style="color: #666666;">The hard realities of a young Chinese immigrant attempting to find her place in America, while maintaining her own culture and the dealing secretly with her poverty was an emotional rollercoaster.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Where the Read Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls:</span></b> I came to this book not as a children but as an adult. The ending was a heart-breaker and definitely left me in tears. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">1984 by George Orwell: </span></b><span style="color: #666666;">My first dystopian novel read in high school and it left an indelible mark causing lots of different emotions including fear and outrage for the characters and their lives.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Tuedays With Morrie by Mitch Albom: </span></b><span style="color: #666666;">A book that is both uplifting and sad filled with such strong emotions.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">New Moon by Stephanie Meyers:</span></b> OK I know that these books produce strong emotions on both sides of the spectrum, but I read them as they were published and this one had me hurting a lot. The separation between Bella and Edward was very upsetting and I sped through the book wanting to see these two star-crossed lovers reunited. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte:</span></b> One of the most romantic and books I have ever read. I felt so much sympathy for Jane's life and wanted so much for her to be loved. I rejoiced at the ending. </span><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"> </span></b></span><br />
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</div>Jan von Harzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911676835023825470noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5168523140288388702.post-91057054576503522072011-10-31T02:44:00.001-05:002011-10-31T02:46:41.606-05:00ReviewDark Passage by M. J. Putney<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzO4uwHVWEgOt98HqeCtzXD4trfS7uxnL6DaeQUBRhDJ0oQmdoyzFzB7Z0holnqPmfqKhjBVfJuQTS6o6WYjdYBr2dcZQw3LuwX2yYzfAeAA47Vye0KfDfDIsP3oebKCBFh-roK50Iz4U/s1600/Darkpassage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzO4uwHVWEgOt98HqeCtzXD4trfS7uxnL6DaeQUBRhDJ0oQmdoyzFzB7Z0holnqPmfqKhjBVfJuQTS6o6WYjdYBr2dcZQw3LuwX2yYzfAeAA47Vye0KfDfDIsP3oebKCBFh-roK50Iz4U/s320/Darkpassage.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div style="color: #666666;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><i><span id="freeText2667785087545474293">The Irregulars return home to 1803 England safely, but their worldview has changed. Not only have their heroic efforts at Dunkirk given them pride and confidence but their dangerous mission has increased their magical powers.<br />
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Tory delights in the ever deepening bond she shares with Allarde until she discovers how powerfully he is connected to his ancient family estate—the lands he will not inherit unless he denies his magical powers and chooses a nonmagical mate. If Tory really loves him, she must walk away—but does she have the strength to leave the love of her life?<br />
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Cynthia’s heroic efforts at Dunkirk have won her the respect of the Irregulars, but her sharp tongue keeps everyone at a distance. Isolated and very alone at Lackland Abbey over the Christmas holidays, she reluctantly agrees to join Jack Rainford and his family for their celebration even though they’re commoners, far below her own noble rank. The warm welcome of the Rainfords makes her feel happier and more accepted than she has ever been. But she can’t possibly be falling in love with flirtatious Jack! Can she?<br />
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Then the Irregulars are drawn into a dangerous attempt to rescue a vitally important French scientist from Nazi-occupied France. Tory and Allarde must work together because countless lives are at stake. Disaster strikes and not only is their mission threatened, but their very lives. Can magic and their loyalty to each other help them survive to return home? (Publisher's summary from Goodreads)</span></i></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"></span></b> <span style="color: #666666;">I was lucky enough to read M. J. Putney's first book <a href="http://eatingyabooks.blogspot.com/2011/03/review-dark-mirror-by-m-j-putney.html" style="color: #3d85c6;">Dark Mirror</a><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>last March</span> <span style="color: #666666;">and enjoyed it's unique blend of historical fiction with magic that when I was approached about reading the second book in the Dark Magic series I jumped at the chance. I really like historical fiction and cannot seem to find enough of it.</span> <span style="color: #666666;">I also really liked the characters and the budding romance between Tory and Allarde and was hoping to see it blossom.</span><br />
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</b></div><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"></span></b> <span style="color: #666666;">I was not disappointed at all with Dark Passage. The book picks up shortly after book one. Starting off with the irregulars in 1940 France trying to help one of Jack's future relatives. When Tory, Allarde, Jack, and Cynthia return to 1803 via Merlin's Mirror, the school is shutting down for Christmas and Tory's sister invites her to her wedding leaving Cynthia alone. Things between Allarde and Tory start to heat up since Allarde is also home for Christmas, but their relationship is strained when Tory realizes that Allarde's connection to his land is so powerful and his love for her will ruin his chances to inherit. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">I really liked that M.J. focused a lot of the book around Cynthia, who is a hard character to like. She is snotty and entitled, but after being left alone over the holidays is invited to share her time with Jack and his family. We find out a lot more about the reason Cynthia is the way she is and Jack is such a great character, who obviously sees past Cynthia's personality and begins to bring out the best in her. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">The new mission they take on was quite exciting. Going back to 1940 in order to rescue a scientist from a German strong hold in France, puts everyone in danger. The feelings between Tory and Allarde once again flair when danger and the possibility of loss prove stronger than all of Tory's good intentions. The combination of their magic with Cynthia and Jack's weather magic, plus </span><span style="color: #666666;">Jack's cousin's ability to locate people and Elspeth's healing magic</span> <span style="color: #666666;">worked in sync</span> <span style="color: #666666;">once again proving that the Irregulars make a powerful team of mages.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #7f6000;"></span></b><span style="color: #666666;">Even though Putney takes a lot of liberty with the historical aspects of this book,</span> <span style="color: #666666;">I really think the magic, time travel, and history sets this book apart. The characters definitely come to life.</span> <span style="color: #666666;">If you like paranormal mixed with romance, or historical fiction then this one will appeal to you too.</span> <span style="color: #666666;">I will also be anxious to read the third book to see where M. J. takes the Irregulars next time and whether Tory and Allarde, and Cynthia and Jack can overcome the major roadblocks in their relationships.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWafKiq_3Y9XMaBm82uSF8OYC5dJCU2FN0Ajhi-pD7LOOON46e5IoLCv9tZx0oHQgqDWVUOEBjOCKTJ1FSeZsudTM-8GidCDsZR4wt9Ns1V2vhOZS50aJUFyo92A7I3Ed4O5sxid0qxZg/s1600/4cherries.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWafKiq_3Y9XMaBm82uSF8OYC5dJCU2FN0Ajhi-pD7LOOON46e5IoLCv9tZx0oHQgqDWVUOEBjOCKTJ1FSeZsudTM-8GidCDsZR4wt9Ns1V2vhOZS50aJUFyo92A7I3Ed4O5sxid0qxZg/s1600/4cherries.png" /></a></div><br />
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</div><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Source:</span></b> Received book from publisher/author for review</span></div>Jan von Harzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911676835023825470noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5168523140288388702.post-58710140253339838192011-10-30T03:03:00.000-05:002011-10-30T03:03:43.728-05:00Technical Difficulties<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqvIlzhRbgmxy2_Lo3vtGzwZNUZ_aWn-46D3M87a9Akv2kzOUA6mAhBZG65sK_MBYYXBx73UPBD7Yqdce6g_rxsreiSikHR28KuzRGAPfv8_Z9GYLdyJgJgBi7WzC0fleR-McEscrGh4/s1600/Picture+6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqvIlzhRbgmxy2_Lo3vtGzwZNUZ_aWn-46D3M87a9Akv2kzOUA6mAhBZG65sK_MBYYXBx73UPBD7Yqdce6g_rxsreiSikHR28KuzRGAPfv8_Z9GYLdyJgJgBi7WzC0fleR-McEscrGh4/s320/Picture+6.png" width="304" /></a></div><span style="color: #666666;">This is a test to see whether or not my comments are showing up. </span></div>Jan von Harzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911676835023825470noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5168523140288388702.post-86292144531961041852011-10-30T02:55:00.000-05:002011-10-30T02:55:02.238-05:00Technical Difficulties<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dYmVnks0QRpcOnVUFBgpejd8hkuyNM9oGA22BJURj0KQXf9Qcapw9B6UkT15iJCgQrvsGdEboh-M7FzDgb7pFmPpMfa6n_FllUpIkyGEvM8pmcFeqRsAlTxdU2v91HcKuSbNVQ41q4Y/s1600/Picture+6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dYmVnks0QRpcOnVUFBgpejd8hkuyNM9oGA22BJURj0KQXf9Qcapw9B6UkT15iJCgQrvsGdEboh-M7FzDgb7pFmPpMfa6n_FllUpIkyGEvM8pmcFeqRsAlTxdU2v91HcKuSbNVQ41q4Y/s320/Picture+6.png" width="304" /></a></div><div style="color: #666666;">I am currently experiencing some major issues with my comments not showing up. I tried deleting intense debate and ended up messing this up more.</div><div style="color: #666666;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #666666;">Please be patient with me as I try to fix the problem.</span><br />
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</div>Jan von Harzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911676835023825470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5168523140288388702.post-7805801803741705282011-10-27T04:17:00.007-05:002011-10-29T06:07:16.494-05:00Audio Review Wrapped by Jennifer Bradbury<blockquote class="tr_bq"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7T2bC8aaS5RjHI0xG_8pfEiqbIQKpbEuXUqQOUJmVeQ5H-HXmdgnnzvby3Ly48Y6Qxiodq9lCkqqka7SjHaRFwRf3oQv8LO3J0YiiK33ipW_VYCO0aDxMnem6CXn2krEyklTuL0DEYw/s1600/wrapped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7T2bC8aaS5RjHI0xG_8pfEiqbIQKpbEuXUqQOUJmVeQ5H-HXmdgnnzvby3Ly48Y6Qxiodq9lCkqqka7SjHaRFwRf3oQv8LO3J0YiiK33ipW_VYCO0aDxMnem6CXn2krEyklTuL0DEYw/s320/wrapped.jpg" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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Agnes Wilkins is standing in front of an Egyptian mummy, about to make the first cut into the wrappings, about to unlock ancient (and not-so-ancient) history. </div><br />
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Maybe you think this girl is wearing a pith helmet with antique dust swirling around her.<br />
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Maybe you think she is a young Egyptologist who has arrived in Cairo on camelback.<br />
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Maybe she would like to think that too. Agnes Wilkins dreams of adventures that reach beyond the garden walls, but reality for a seventeen-year-old debutante in 1815 London does not allow for camels—or dust, even. No, Agnes can only see a mummy when she is wearing a new silk gown and standing on the verdant lawns of Lord Showalter’s estate, with chaperones fussing about and strolling sitar players straining to create an exotic “atmosphere” for the first party of the season. An unwrapping.<br />
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This is the start of it all, Agnes’s debut season, the pretty girl parade that offers only ever-shrinking options: home, husband, and high society. It’s also the start of something else, because the mummy Agnes unwraps isn’t just a mummy. It’s a host for a secret that could unravel a new destiny—unleashing mystery, an international intrigue, and possibly a curse in the bargain.<br />
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Get wrapped up in the adventure . . . but keep your wits about you, dear Agnes. (Publisher's summary from Good reads)</div></blockquote><br />
Regency England, mummies, and Napoleon, Wrapped by Jennifer Bradbury has is all. Add to this a wonderful narration by Elissa Steele, whose voice readily captures Agnes Wilkin's personality and allows listeners to become part of the action, suspense and romance, and what you have is a delightfully entertaining mystery that will have you begging for more and wondering why you hadn't read this book sooner.<br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">There is just so much to love about Wrapped it's hard to know just where to start. First, I guess I should say that I am now a huge fan of the Regency era. I love the manners, the dress, and Bradbury does a fantastic job bringing it all to life. Agnes is on the cusp of her debut, and in the thralls of the romantic works of fiction by A Lady aka. Jane Austin. While Agnes understands that customs require her to come out in society for the express purpose of finding a suitable husband, she dreams of adventure and true love.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The plot revolves around Agnes finding they key to a missing standard that has mystical powers to raise armies of the dead, something Napoleon wants very badly. With the help of Cateman, a museum worker fascinated with Egyptian artifact and the Rosetta Stone, the two uncover a dangerous conspiracy to help Napoleon gain access to this frightening weapon. As they unscramble the puzzle they grow closer despite the differences in their stations. I loved how Bradbury kept the reader entangled not only in the mystery, but the growing romantic feelings between Agnes and Cateman, knowing even before Agnes that her attachment to Cateman was more than just platonic. The ending although neatly tied, was quite satisfying and left the door open for more adventures featuring Agnes and Cateman.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">For fans of the Regency era, well crafted mysteries, and romance, Wrapped is an excellent read that will leave you wanting more. And if you are looking for a new audio book then I highly recommend you give this one a listen.<span style="color: #666666;"><br />
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</div>Jan von Harzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911676835023825470noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5168523140288388702.post-87564592027166206242011-10-26T02:58:00.002-05:002011-10-29T06:07:37.381-05:00Waiting on WednesdayRipper by Stefan Petrucha<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUHXowDfR26FAzo-P-LDFBV5qgrVoKwrROeyIE3DcLsHdsZ4DzNlks3axpdm2KvekIisHu2AkU3f-IDH6u4jraDS2CH_-UgnuqmCCE2o-HuUn9dvduuAxwp3cLyG4rvQLNUsKe4gOevE/s1600/Picture+3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUHXowDfR26FAzo-P-LDFBV5qgrVoKwrROeyIE3DcLsHdsZ4DzNlks3axpdm2KvekIisHu2AkU3f-IDH6u4jraDS2CH_-UgnuqmCCE2o-HuUn9dvduuAxwp3cLyG4rvQLNUsKe4gOevE/s1600/Picture+3.png" /></a></div><br />
Waiting On Wednesday, is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and asks the question, "What are books are you anxiously waiting on?"<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvqsMIXvNtYgjhUcYqZHxlUVAaDULnPWj01RGb7AXuyBuG5qnWTdHr9RzAHw3EyMPAp2mzlny-uXX9ZaOlFQuINfSqUl2vjGSRRyL17ayqmBrhhV9EeSs9zkNokcIdOQ7of2caim_EQM/s1600/ripper.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvqsMIXvNtYgjhUcYqZHxlUVAaDULnPWj01RGb7AXuyBuG5qnWTdHr9RzAHw3EyMPAp2mzlny-uXX9ZaOlFQuINfSqUl2vjGSRRyL17ayqmBrhhV9EeSs9zkNokcIdOQ7of2caim_EQM/s1600/ripper.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Author: Stefan Petrucha<br />
Publisher: Philomel<br />
Release Date: March 1, 2012<br />
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You thought you knew him. You were dead wrong. <br />
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Carver Young dreams of becoming a detective, despite growing up in an orphanage with only crime novels to encourage him. But when he is adopted by Detective Hawking of the world famous Pinkerton Agency, Carver is given not only the chance to find his biological father, he finds himself smack in the middle of a real life investigation: tracking down a vicious serial killer who has thrown New York City into utter panic. When the case begins to unfold, however, it's worse than he could have ever imagined, and his loyalty to Mr. Hawking and the Pinkertons comes into question. As the body count rises and the investigation becomes dire, Carver must decide where his true loyalty lies. Full of whip-smart dialogue, kid-friendly gadgets, and featuring a then New York City Police Commissioner Teddy Roosevelt, Ripper challenges everything you thought you knew about the world's most famous serial killer. (Publisher's Summary from Amazon)</blockquote><br />
Before I read nothing but YA, I was a huge gobbler of detective novels and psychological thrillers, so Ripper caught my eye immediately. Great title and it definitely has guy appeal, which is always a plus for me because middle school boys are notoriously reluctant readers. As an added plus this one throw in a serial killer, a body count and gadgets. Oh yeah I want this one asap.Jan von Harzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911676835023825470noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5168523140288388702.post-23325724744354178902011-10-25T03:12:00.003-05:002011-10-29T06:07:50.416-05:00Jan's Top Ten Book to Read During Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbGJyIQqgqr_z4GiijAQWwnp6oKzdtxVBadUjB-WoKxVmWSfJATPZO3krwcQ9GdGMA2QyHwiuIabr42Qsl5y0fXR0kyuzpUTkt0qe0jnO1H8HCfa5rY9myj9AcJYFQLfMNRpRp2WpkNg/s1600/Picture+3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbGJyIQqgqr_z4GiijAQWwnp6oKzdtxVBadUjB-WoKxVmWSfJATPZO3krwcQ9GdGMA2QyHwiuIabr42Qsl5y0fXR0kyuzpUTkt0qe0jnO1H8HCfa5rY9myj9AcJYFQLfMNRpRp2WpkNg/s320/Picture+3.png" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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In keeping with Halloween this week's Top Ten List hosted by <a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/">The Broke and the Bookish</a> is all about getting your scare on. While my list has several books I have also listed a few short stories that are great reads for this time of year.<br />
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Morpheus Road:The Light by DJ MacHale: A truly suspenseful tale with a great protagonist this one is also a fantastic audio book and will have you reading with the lights on.<br />
</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff: Creepy with lots of great atmosphere. The setting is almost as amazing as the characters.<br />
</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson: Loved the story and the connection with Jack the Ripper.<br />
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Nevermore by Kelly Creagh: Want a little romance while you are getting your scare on than this one has it and lots more.<br />
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The Dead Boys by Royce Buckingham: Lots of ghost and a very evil boy eating tree this one is short enough to read in on Halloween night, but long on the fright-o-meter.<br />
</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Liesl and Po by Lauren Oliver: While this doesn't have the creep factor of any of the others ones I have listed, it is long on story and fearing the worse for the protagonists. A really fantastic story.<br />
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Pemba's Story: A Ghost Story by Marilyn Nelson and Tonya C. Hegmin: Based on research with an actual eye witness, this one is also a book that can be read in one night and has you jumping at shadows.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allen Poe: It's Poe enough said.<br />
</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">"The Tell Tale Heart" by Edgar Allen Poe: Ditto of the above.<br />
</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">"The Monkey's Paw" by William Wymark: Very suspenseful and while it is easy to predict what is coming, this is one heck of a masterful short story and perhaps the first zombie tale. Great read-aloud next to a fire for effect.<br />
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</div>Jan von Harzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911676835023825470noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5168523140288388702.post-62489375507335899082011-10-19T02:03:00.003-05:002011-10-29T06:08:05.816-05:00Waiting on WednesdayGhost Flower by Michele Jaffe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVLFNsaUkSJdsxE4K4BqbljZ3BOKlFhjXHpCafEJcimTPnfjK9h7X1JbYIDmY0fCFKh64Qv8fnVJYBMmCI0bE1t0WLhgjpwZEoH1KXtQSYYwp9uGjAqhmKOulPLQqkMdyZPIkLFrMdb4/s1600/Picture+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVLFNsaUkSJdsxE4K4BqbljZ3BOKlFhjXHpCafEJcimTPnfjK9h7X1JbYIDmY0fCFKh64Qv8fnVJYBMmCI0bE1t0WLhgjpwZEoH1KXtQSYYwp9uGjAqhmKOulPLQqkMdyZPIkLFrMdb4/s1600/Picture+3.png" /></a></div><br />
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Waiting On Wednesday, is hosted by Jill at <a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/">Breaking the Spine </a>and asks the question, "What are books are you anxiously waiting on?"<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWK1V5wkpoEjeE1zX6kBHqQXK2TbQyhcqN_AYc2DWnLXE6_NHo1bv39zeKjDkqUgyjwNDHAzcTq_y3sPJI8Ro4iZ1RELCzCvR_VRFv343uWwk2k2eGm_bhWGet6SWPoRDkhqvfyD8bqE/s1600/ghostflower.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWK1V5wkpoEjeE1zX6kBHqQXK2TbQyhcqN_AYc2DWnLXE6_NHo1bv39zeKjDkqUgyjwNDHAzcTq_y3sPJI8Ro4iZ1RELCzCvR_VRFv343uWwk2k2eGm_bhWGet6SWPoRDkhqvfyD8bqE/s1600/ghostflower.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Author: Michele Jaffe<br />
Publisher: Razorbill<br />
Release Date: April 12, 2012<br />
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Eve, a runaway, finds a new job at a coffee shop on the outskirts of Tuscon. When she's approached by two wealthy teens who claim she bears an uncanny resemblance to their missing cousin Aurora, her life takes a turn for the dark and mysterious. Drawn into a scheme to win Aurora's inheritance, Eve finds herself impersonating the girl, who disappeared three years ago on the night her best friend Elizabeth died. But when Liza's ghost begins to haunt Eve, doing harm to the people close to her under the guise of "protecting" her, Eve finds herself in a nightmare maze of lies and deception that leads her to question even her own identity. She realizes her only chance is to uncover the truth about what happened the night Liza died, and to find Liza's killer - before she's next. (Publisher's summary from Amazon)<br />
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While I was first intrigued with the title and love the subtle cover design, the real reason I want this one is because of the mystery surrounding first, the scheme to get an inheritance, and then the protagonist's best friend's ghost coming back to "protect her" while harming those close to her. The plot sounds very complex with some unique twists.</blockquote></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">What are you waiting on?</div>Jan von Harzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911676835023825470noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5168523140288388702.post-21368086579047959992011-10-17T01:04:00.006-05:002011-10-29T06:08:24.354-05:00ReviewThe Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson<blockquote class="tr_bq"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJY7r4uhm35oP7S0Qe0IdK-uuAYpTLRG9c5MBDduqM_9vOHA_zqt0iJgurLH-B4D_nkincC7ywJmJLabtKKtseUI-noPaxkJF7Ui9loU1_jPUauQtsBmBC_0WCG6wVQ4msyT4t58Nba2g/s1600/nameofthestar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJY7r4uhm35oP7S0Qe0IdK-uuAYpTLRG9c5MBDduqM_9vOHA_zqt0iJgurLH-B4D_nkincC7ywJmJLabtKKtseUI-noPaxkJF7Ui9loU1_jPUauQtsBmBC_0WCG6wVQ4msyT4t58Nba2g/s320/nameofthestar.jpg" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.</div><br />
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Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities. (Publisher's summary from Goodreads)</div></blockquote><br />
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<b>Reasons I chose this book:</b> London and a boarding school setting, Jack the Ripper, gruesome murders, ghosts, and secret ghost police... how could I not choose this book?<br />
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<b>Reasons I liked/disliked the book:</b> I really like books set in London, a city that has always called to me as a place I would love to visit. Consequently, I immediately caught Rory's excitement over leaving her small Louisianna home to become a student at the Wexford School. London and specifically the area around Wexford was extremely important to the overall story since it was the old stomping grounds for the notorious Jack the Ripper murders; and therefore, became the perfect setting for the new Jack the Ripper's murder spree. Johnson's research on the events of the original Jack the Ripper murders gave authenticity to the present day murders and it was easy to imagine how both the historical murders and a present day reenactment could gain such attention. I loved how the tension built with each new murder. Johnson's use of the media frenzy was not only brilliantly played, but kept the events spiraling forward creating a suspense that kept the reader transfixed and propelled onward until the exciting and surprising climax and conclusion. <br />
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Rory was an interesting character, and made a fascinating narrator. She was the proverbial fish out of water. I think she was the perfect victim...not too weak, but also somewhat oblivious to everything happening around her. When Rory went from outside observer, to being a target, she gained my respect by not freaking out and running off to the comforts of parents and family. I also loved Rory's back story about her strange family, which I thought added a lot of layers to who she was. I found her reactions to her situation very realistic.<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>Reasons for recommending this book:</b> If you love a good ghost story this one is a thrilling suspense ridden mystery, with a very original twist. Rory is a funny and endearing character who made me feel protective of her innocence. The romance is minimal but realistic and refreshing. All in all a very exciting read.<span style="color: #666666;"></span><br />
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</span></i></div></div>Jan von Harzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911676835023825470noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5168523140288388702.post-17291739854444615962011-10-12T02:16:00.002-05:002011-10-29T06:08:47.032-05:00Waiting on WednesdayThe Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CI0HyZG8TEsyEImWMy5ZdmDb3_-zm3nqnl6cmE2Fv5FFmVmbZOwnDDjIlwNMq7N6XxUswr-0ZuErF27w2knvn3zVwUxbbGD6zW_sFmMIFwDrFYbAfekDWhSzLJy1fGlmslayiWJSsu8/s1600/Picture+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CI0HyZG8TEsyEImWMy5ZdmDb3_-zm3nqnl6cmE2Fv5FFmVmbZOwnDDjIlwNMq7N6XxUswr-0ZuErF27w2knvn3zVwUxbbGD6zW_sFmMIFwDrFYbAfekDWhSzLJy1fGlmslayiWJSsu8/s1600/Picture+3.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;">Waiting On Wednesday, is hosted by Jill at </span><a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3d85c6;">Breaking the Spine </a><span style="color: #666666;">and asks the question, "What are books are you anxiously waiting on?"</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div style="color: #7f6000;"><b>Author:</b> Cinda Williams Chima<i> </i></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><b>Publisher:</b><i> </i>Hyperion</div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><b>Release Date:</b> Fall 2012</div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><i>In the fourth and final book in the Seven Realms series, the stakes grow ever higher as a series of murders raise tensions between the Wizard Council and Spirit Clans to a fever pitch. With treachery on every side, Han and Raisa struggle to fend off threats from ambitious neighbors while keeping the queendom from imploding from within. (Summary from Author's Website)</i></div></blockquote><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">Although the cover has not been officially released, and the summary is a bit sparse, I am so enthralled with this series. I would buy the last book no matter what the cover or summary said. I have spent the last three weeks with these characters and would gladly spend a lot more; it is just that good.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">What are you waiting for? </span> <br />
<span class="bodystyle"></span></div>Jan von Harzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911676835023825470noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5168523140288388702.post-4403247825245071012011-10-10T03:22:00.001-05:002011-10-29T06:09:26.954-05:00ReviewThe Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfIKTzuGkmExcmXJ1qk4qBMOWKj3EqkAM0VHl80mFnRH-j-Ct9g-3fNrubnaLgKzz1MJkihIlDfWE-xNW63AyYTUVJaReR-_xl5GdCgs_G7FyveedSPzVBT5LzPaeJYl1hwqXarZDj9w/s1600/GWT_cover_full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfIKTzuGkmExcmXJ1qk4qBMOWKj3EqkAM0VHl80mFnRH-j-Ct9g-3fNrubnaLgKzz1MJkihIlDfWE-xNW63AyYTUVJaReR-_xl5GdCgs_G7FyveedSPzVBT5LzPaeJYl1hwqXarZDj9w/s320/GWT_cover_full.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><i><span id="freeText13462879171164081942">Han Alister thought he had already lost everyone he loved. But when he finds his friend Rebecca Morley near death in the Spirit Mountains, Han knows that nothing matters more than saving her. The costs of his efforts are steep, but nothing can prepare him for what he soon discovers: the beautiful, mysterious girl he knew as Rebecca is none other than Raisa <i>ana</i>’Marianna, heir to the Queendom of the Fells. Han is hurt and betrayed. He knows he has no future with a blueblood. And, as far as he’s concerned, the princess’s family killed his own mother and sister. But if Han is to fulfill his end of an old bargain, he must do everything in his power to see Raisa crowned queen. <br />
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Meanwhile, some people will stop at nothing to prevent Raisa from ascending. With each attempt on her life, she wonders how long it will be before her enemies succeed. Her heart tells her that the thief-turned-wizard Han Alister can be trusted. She wants to believe it—he’s saved her life more than once. But with danger coming at her from every direction, Raisa can only rely on her wits and her iron-hard will to survive—and even that might not be enough. <br />
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<i>The Gray Wolf Throne</i> is an epic tale of fierce loyalty, unbearable sacrifice, and the heartless hand of fate. ( Publisher's Summary from Goodreads)</span></i></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6WKVl5Pgbkq467ZrWfry7_yE0Y71ClBc0rT_0ccKXx-l_Hv_XOCps6nb7K4aEFJ3nt2irGDn_zawYGquaucUb1Yvlka-ps2-RWskeEajgwS5R6znkusPdN4nVlDtQ5MFwYVF1FfjMmiQ/s1600/3ReasonsButton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6WKVl5Pgbkq467ZrWfry7_yE0Y71ClBc0rT_0ccKXx-l_Hv_XOCps6nb7K4aEFJ3nt2irGDn_zawYGquaucUb1Yvlka-ps2-RWskeEajgwS5R6znkusPdN4nVlDtQ5MFwYVF1FfjMmiQ/s1600/3ReasonsButton.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxy4Dn57lTzV-3TMsQzdmMqWiOTcVl58rk6_JcJnD9h98MpwNLErXAQYfUHStSsVDm3aLHiobjt_1rhaDHfYp4GuHHIOvfv1EonHrDErGa8EXUYFsdI7BppgYHZ4XaSKqKuFIgS1Q1180/s1600/exhile+Queen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxy4Dn57lTzV-3TMsQzdmMqWiOTcVl58rk6_JcJnD9h98MpwNLErXAQYfUHStSsVDm3aLHiobjt_1rhaDHfYp4GuHHIOvfv1EonHrDErGa8EXUYFsdI7BppgYHZ4XaSKqKuFIgS1Q1180/s200/exhile+Queen.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-YTwkMXd97bL0ffHczjM8u7azfXnyaqR2D6_OwEZC7_dYBpsPncGjHqCdwFkBsOb0YF37JNYKKK04al2aopw2hGRNvkhmC8iaZHfyIAU1cwl4l6VQn3iqKsczkNdxjQbnk6xpW35sBU/s1600/demonking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-YTwkMXd97bL0ffHczjM8u7azfXnyaqR2D6_OwEZC7_dYBpsPncGjHqCdwFkBsOb0YF37JNYKKK04al2aopw2hGRNvkhmC8iaZHfyIAU1cwl4l6VQn3iqKsczkNdxjQbnk6xpW35sBU/s200/demonking.jpg" width="132" /></a><b><span id="freeText13462879171164081942" style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #7f6000;">Reasons I chose this book:</span></span></b><i><span id="freeText13462879171164081942"> </span></i><span id="freeText13462879171164081942"><span style="color: #666666;">After reading a rave review by <a href="http://www.yabliss.com/2011/08/gray-wolf-throne-cinda-williams-chima.html" style="color: #3d85c6;">Sab at YA Bliss,</a> I just had to check this entire series out. I am a big audio bluff and cannot even think about driving anywhere without tuning into a book. Consequently, I listened to the first two books in this series: <i>The Demon King</i> and The <i>Exhiled Queen</i> and totally fell in love. Unfortunately, <i>The Gray Wolf Throne</i> was not in audio format so as soon as I finished the second book I ran out and bought <i>The Gray Wolf Throne</i>.</span></span></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><span id="freeText13462879171164081942"><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Reasons I Liked or Disliked the Book:</span></b><span style="color: #7f6000;"> <span style="color: #666666;">How do I begin to tell you how much I loved immersing myself in the world Cinda Williams Chima has created. It is a world of beauty, magic, and political intrigue, fraught with danger, and romance. Chima is a masterful story teller who knows how to transport readers not only through luscious and vivid prose, but with characters who burn their way into your heart and beg to be loved and loathed. This is high fantasy at its best. I truly adored Raisa ana Marianna and felt the same loyalty to her as all the other characters whose chief goal in life was to protect and serve. I felt drawn to her struggles to become the kind of person who deserved to take her place as the next Gray Wolf Queen. Forced to grow up too soon and face those who want her dead, I feared for her safety and watched enraptured as she grew from a young girl whose only wish was to be kissed and courted to a young women who desired to correct the evils of a kingdom on the verge of collapse. I also fell madly in love with Hans Alister, the street lord turned wizard. His heroic deeds were only over shadowed by his good nature and larger than life love of family and friends. As a couple Rasia and Han are two of the best. Torn between the destiny they have no control over and a love that seems impossible, I ached and longed for their happiness to be achieved together. <br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><span id="freeText13462879171164081942"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;">Sadly, <i>The Gray Wolf Throne</i> ends too soon to find out whether these two larger than life characters will find their way around all the obstacles that are keeping them from each other. I will be waiting impatiently to read more about the Seven Realms.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><span id="freeText13462879171164081942"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><b><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;">Reasons I would recommend this book: </span></span></b><span style="color: #666666;">If you love fantasy then you have to read this. If you love epic love stories they do not get more epic than this. If you crave action and intrigue then look no further. And if you seek great characters who live long after you stop reading then you have got to read this series. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><span id="freeText13462879171164081942"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;">Thankfully, a fourth book, is slated to be released next fall, and I also found this amazing video, which embodies the essences of the books. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><span id="freeText13462879171164081942"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><br />
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<center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="250" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bXksII_uVG8" width="480"></iframe></center>Jan von Harzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911676835023825470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5168523140288388702.post-63217181727415229752011-10-06T03:13:00.003-05:002011-10-29T06:09:43.493-05:00Review of Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmwVQLQiF-4M47o1NbQ59Ru6oIwJ2oVjTfo0by1yUVchCiDfoKLrLS5GVU2LgMP3J02R91DSxKm7aaBw6UR6XMT9XqzWcYM-N3KNT1Y7ZkWlkEoMrfpG_1M2hMyu6qr8W-EFMbG9ndWw/s1600/Glow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmwVQLQiF-4M47o1NbQ59Ru6oIwJ2oVjTfo0by1yUVchCiDfoKLrLS5GVU2LgMP3J02R91DSxKm7aaBw6UR6XMT9XqzWcYM-N3KNT1Y7ZkWlkEoMrfpG_1M2hMyu6qr8W-EFMbG9ndWw/s320/Glow.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span id="freeText3589266829076310927" style="color: #7f6000;">What if you were bound for a new world, about to pledge your life to someone you'd been promised to since birth, and one unexpected violent attack made survival—not love—the issue? </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span id="freeText3589266829076310927" style="color: #7f6000;"> </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span id="freeText3589266829076310927" style="color: #7f6000;">Out in the murky nebula lurks an unseen enemy: the New Horizon. On its way to populate a distant planet in the wake of Earth's collapse, the ship's crew has been unable to conceive a generation to continue its mission. They need young girls desperately, or their zealous leader's efforts will fail. Onboard their sister ship, the Empyrean, the unsuspecting families don't know an attack is being mounted that could claim the most important among them... </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span id="freeText3589266829076310927" style="color: #7f6000;"> </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span id="freeText3589266829076310927" style="color: #7f6000;">Fifteen-year-old Waverly is part of the first generation to be successfully conceived in deep space; she was born on the Empyrean, and the large farming vessel is all she knows. Her concerns are those of any teenager—until Kieran Alden proposes to her. The handsome captain-to-be has everything Waverly could ever want in a husband, and with the pressure to start having children, everyone is sure he's the best choice. Except for Waverly, who wants more from life than marriage—and is secretly intrigued by the shy, darkly brilliant Seth. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span id="freeText3589266829076310927" style="color: #7f6000;"> </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span id="freeText3589266829076310927" style="color: #7f6000;">But when the Empyrean faces sudden attack by their assumed allies, they quickly find out that the enemies aren't all from the outside. (Publisher's Summary from Goodreads)</span></i></span></blockquote><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;">When I was approached by Sarah at St. Martin's Press about <i>Glow</i></span><span style="color: #666666;"> I was immediately drawn to her passionate description of the book's merits and the rave reviews from other bloggers. Since I love dystopian novels, I was intrigued, especially with science fiction aspect of the book.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><i>Glow</i></span><span style="color: #666666;"> is unlike any dystopian novel I have read! It grabs you, spins you around, and keeps the adrenaline pumping non-stop.</span> <span style="color: #666666;">The plot and setting are the strongest aspects of the novel and definitely what make it unique among the plethora of YA dystopia currently on hand. Not only are many questions raised and explored about leadership, religion, and reproductive rights, these issues are all central to the conflict for all the characters and especially the protagonists. The setting also plays an important role in the story's conflicts with the action taking place on two separate ships whose missions were to recolonized a nearly extinct Earth. Unfortunately, one ship, the New Horizon, has failed to produce children and their Captain and religious leader blames the Empyrean. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;">Ryan carefully sets the main conflict up quickly in the first few chapters and subtly foreshadows things to come. When the New Horizon successfully steal all the female children aboard the Empyrean killing many adults including the ship's captain, Kieran and Waverly, the novel's protagonists are thrust into leadership roles and separately fight for their survival as well as the survival of those around them. Through their alternating points of view the reader experiences Kieran and Waverly struggles and watch as their individual ordeals strip them both of their innocence. By the end, each are transformed and their transformations leave the reader anticipating and predicting how things will play out in a second book.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;">Although I found <i>Glow</i></span><span style="color: #666666;"> unique and exciting, I did have some ambiguity towards Kieran and Waverly. Part of the uncertainty stemmed in part from the relationship Ryan puts in place early on. I also never felt truly connected emotionally to either character. However, I was still able to appreciate and even admire Ryan’s characterization of them separately and in the end began to appreciate and even understand their individual changes.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><i>Glow</i> more than holds its own as a novel that brings together all of the elements I enjoy in a dystopian read. It provides suspense and sustains tension between characters throughout, and the ending left me anxious to see where the story will take me next. </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCgWQm4JflSk7x8fNh-0UY8njMRrPtNWxMtGIJ5-GW8WX9k284Jf8mSldZ2ajBtRI7tZe_L4vr2w0pKh9Z5qejHpeNeQ4vroW_pbDEph7IE8pWahX_IsZcR7cN2KU_W86j434V50u7wc/s1600/3cherries.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCgWQm4JflSk7x8fNh-0UY8njMRrPtNWxMtGIJ5-GW8WX9k284Jf8mSldZ2ajBtRI7tZe_L4vr2w0pKh9Z5qejHpeNeQ4vroW_pbDEph7IE8pWahX_IsZcR7cN2KU_W86j434V50u7wc/s1600/3cherries.png" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Source:</span></b> Received copy for review from St Martin's Press</span></span><br />
</div>Jan von Harzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911676835023825470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5168523140288388702.post-36958006122574672492011-10-05T02:25:00.001-05:002011-10-29T06:10:27.353-05:00Waiting on WednesdayThe Fine Art of Truth and Dare by Melissa Jensen<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUHXowDfR26FAzo-P-LDFBV5qgrVoKwrROeyIE3DcLsHdsZ4DzNlks3axpdm2KvekIisHu2AkU3f-IDH6u4jraDS2CH_-UgnuqmCCE2o-HuUn9dvduuAxwp3cLyG4rvQLNUsKe4gOevE/s1600/Picture+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUHXowDfR26FAzo-P-LDFBV5qgrVoKwrROeyIE3DcLsHdsZ4DzNlks3axpdm2KvekIisHu2AkU3f-IDH6u4jraDS2CH_-UgnuqmCCE2o-HuUn9dvduuAxwp3cLyG4rvQLNUsKe4gOevE/s1600/Picture+3.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;">Waiting On Wednesday, is hosted by Jill at </span><a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3d85c6;">Breaking the Spine </a><span style="color: #666666;">and asks the question, "What are books are you anxiously waiting on?"</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgbBBkhStT-kDb1l1YbFPJjxPX9cEDFw3qhYns8M1ATFs5N8GeJQFNblvaHfH-Z2CLZRC9vlkSkus-RSXlc9p8aZkqUtRxHenubgn39JaZjIU9xXFIBcXnhUG5Neq3LIhD0BInsYFjgo/s1600/fine+art+of.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgbBBkhStT-kDb1l1YbFPJjxPX9cEDFw3qhYns8M1ATFs5N8GeJQFNblvaHfH-Z2CLZRC9vlkSkus-RSXlc9p8aZkqUtRxHenubgn39JaZjIU9xXFIBcXnhUG5Neq3LIhD0BInsYFjgo/s1600/fine+art+of.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #7f6000; text-align: left;"><b>Author: </b>Melissa Jensen</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #7f6000; text-align: left;"><b>Publisher: </b>Speak</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Release date: </span></b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Feb. 16, 2012</span><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"></span><i><span style="color: #7f6000;"><br />
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</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b style="color: #7f6000;">Pretty in Pink meets Anna and the French Kiss in this charming romantic comedy</b></i> <i><br style="color: #7f6000;" /><br style="color: #7f6000;" /><span style="color: #7f6000;"> Ella is nearly invisible at the Willing School, and that's just fine by her. She's got her friends - the fabulous Frankie and their sweet cohort Sadie. She's got her art - and her idol, the unappreciated 19th-century painter Edward Willing. Still, it's hard being a nobody and having a crush on the biggest somebody in the school: Alex Bainbridge. Especially when he is your French tutor, and lessons have started becoming, well, certainly more interesting than French ever has been before. But can the invisible girl actually end up with a happily ever after with the golden boy, when no one even knows they're dating? And is Ella going to dare to be that girl? </span></i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">Quirky title, and a comparison to <i>Anna and French Kiss</i></span> <span style="color: #666666;">has me thinking this might be a lighthearted and fun romances we all like to read after the deep and intense teen drama or dystopian novels that are so plentiful.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">What are you waiting on this week?</span></div>Jan von Harzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911676835023825470noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5168523140288388702.post-23111968482686544372011-10-04T03:17:00.001-05:002011-10-29T06:10:46.994-05:00Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Books that Left Me with My Mouth Hanging Open<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirl2nAH0BIkrIT_EIhqQ8d3FkCZoA58T1DFtG0j7XPYzisluut0wvguLnTqr6tbKBAHefC_WQTq_YhjFqTw6X-zAXHYJebXjD6YpPNjDBfh8v_QMbys1uYXrgI3C-aA98XumugCU8Xyso/s1600/TTT3W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirl2nAH0BIkrIT_EIhqQ8d3FkCZoA58T1DFtG0j7XPYzisluut0wvguLnTqr6tbKBAHefC_WQTq_YhjFqTw6X-zAXHYJebXjD6YpPNjDBfh8v_QMbys1uYXrgI3C-aA98XumugCU8Xyso/s1600/TTT3W.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #666666;">Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday hosted by <a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3d85c6;">The Broke and the Bookish</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">Today's top ten book are book that literally dropped my jaw because of a surprise ending or cliffhanger. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><b><i style="color: #7f6000;">The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer</i></b> <b><span style="color: #7f6000;">by Michelle Hodkins:</span></b></span> <span style="color: #666666;">I finished this one this weekend after reading so many fantastic reviews about its awesomeness and all I can say is OMG the book was amazing and my mouth is still open after reading the last sentence.</span><br />
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</b></div><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><i>Glow</i> by Amy Kathleen Ryan:</span></b> <span style="color: #666666;">Another recent read that ended with me wondering what was going to happen next.</span><br />
<div style="color: #7f6000;"><b><br />
</b></div><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><i>Crave</i> by Melinda Metz</span></b> <b><span style="color: #7f6000;">and Laura J Burns:</span></b> <span style="color: #666666;">Great vampire story and romance that ended badly for the the couple. I have been waiting a long time to close my mouth on this one thankfully Sacrifice just came out and I will get a chance to see what becomes of this great couple.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><i>The Gathering</i> by Kelly Armstrong:</span></b> <span style="color: #666666;">Can't even imagine where this one will go next, but the end was suspenseful and has me all fired up for <i>The Calling</i>.</span><br />
<div style="color: #7f6000;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></div><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><i>The Magnolia League</i> by Katie Crouch:</span></b> <span style="color: #666666;">Hoodoo and southern belles, can't wait to see if revenge is going to be sweet.</span><br />
<div style="color: #7f6000;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></div><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><i>Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince</i> by J. K. Rowlings:</span></b> <span style="color: #666666;">As a big fan of Stephen King back in my twenties, I was use to having characters killed off but this one was a really shocker. I not only had my mouth open but was screaming noooooooo!</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><i>Tiger's Curse</i> by Collen Houck:</span></b> <span style="color: #666666;">Such a great love story with a terrible curse and when I finished I was so thankful that Tiger's Quest had just been released I ran out to the bookstore so I could continue reading.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><i>The Giver</i> by Lois Lowry:</span></b> <span style="color: #666666;">When <i>The Giver</i> first came out the ending was such a twist from any other book I had ever read that it definitely caused me to wonder about how Lowry could end it so unusually with the reader reading into it what they wanted. For me I wanted a happy ending!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><i>The Fever Series</i> by Karen Moning: </span></b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;">While I don't remember if these books ended with huge cliffhangers, I do remember I had to read the next book right now, and when I finished the series, I wanted more. What I do remember is that throughout the books I was catching flies a lot.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><i>The Hunger Games Series</i> by Suzanne Collins: </span></b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;">What can I say except again the first two books had me slack jawed and the last one had me shaking my head and sad that the series was over.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;">I am sure that there are a lot more I could come up with that have had me shocked and amazed at the end of the book, but this list was harder than most. I am anxious to see which books left you shocked and amazed too. </span></span></span><br />
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</div>Jan von Harzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911676835023825470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5168523140288388702.post-85211324881289564002011-10-03T03:53:00.000-05:002011-10-03T03:53:18.657-05:00ReviewIf I Tell by Janet Gurtler<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSp4wO5VS0UTKrmB5GkVk1jtBz1JgK5kclCyiy1ukiMaHp-RK9_5zeqkXdUCLIroJHIhh5THZHzK0UK94S-yhCfHBfdJsZZoua17oAHsCfcCfUmOtozhRtwZFEonpTCeRORNK2AW-qg2E/s1600/ifitell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSp4wO5VS0UTKrmB5GkVk1jtBz1JgK5kclCyiy1ukiMaHp-RK9_5zeqkXdUCLIroJHIhh5THZHzK0UK94S-yhCfHBfdJsZZoua17oAHsCfcCfUmOtozhRtwZFEonpTCeRORNK2AW-qg2E/s320/ifitell.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="color: #666666;"><span id="freeText8400728073890779127">Jasmine Evans knows one thing for sure... people make mistakes. After all, she is one. Jaz is the result of a one night stand between a black football player and a blonde princess. Having a young mother who didn't raise her, a father who wants nothing to do with her and living in a small-minded town where she's never fit in hasn't been easy. But she's been surviving. Until she sees her mom's new boyfriend making out with her own best friend. When do you forgive people for being human or give up on them forever?</span></div><div style="color: #666666;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #666666;"><span id="freeText8400728073890779127"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Reasons I chose the book: </span></b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="color: #666666;"><span id="freeText8400728073890779127"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;">After receiving a request from the publisher and reading the summary I was definitely intrigued with the synopsis. I had missed out on Gurtler's first book <i>I'm Not Her </i>and was excited about reading a book by this contemporary author.</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #666666;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #666666;"><span id="freeText8400728073890779127"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Reason I like or disliked the book: </span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666;"><span id="freeText8400728073890779127"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;">To be honest while I liked several aspects of the book, I had some mixed feelings too. Gurtler deals with a whole boat load of issues, all of which are important, but I found myself questioning why so many in one story. Jaz, the main character, is biracial and has dealt with so much in her seventeen years. Raised by grandparents because her mother had her when she was in high school and couldn't deal, Jaz not only has some abandonment issues, but has a difficult time dealing with her racial identity. She has suffered through years of bullying and has consequently withdrawn from making friends preferring to isolate herself and escapes through music. Even though the relationship with her grandparents was strong and nurturing, not having any black role models in her life has greatly affected Jaz's ability to deal healthily with her ethnicity.</span></span></span><span id="freeText8400728073890779127"><span style="color: #7f6000;"> </span></span><span id="freeText8400728073890779127"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;">Other issues that are dealt with include teen drinking, sexual abuse drugs, and post postpartum depression, and while these issues are not the main focus they do play roles in Jaz's story.</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #666666;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #666666;"><span id="freeText8400728073890779127"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;">Because Jaz's life is messy, I found myself torn between really liking her character and also not always accepting her. The one person Jaz felt closest to, her grandfather, had died leaving her alone to deal with her best friend's betrayal. The friendship and romance between Jaz and Jackson was well written, and I also really liked Ashley, a lesbian friend whose presence in the novel was sporadic, but always a welcome change from Jaz's BFF Lacey. </span></span></span></div><div style="color: #666666;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #666666;"><span id="freeText8400728073890779127"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Reasons for recommending the book: </span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666;"><span id="freeText8400728073890779127"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;">Despite some of the issues I had with the book, Gurtler's writing is engaging and <i>If I Tell</i> explores issues that need to be explored. It is a quick read and I found myself engaged through out. I would definitely read other books by Gurtler. </span></span></span></div><div style="color: #666666;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsy7_iSGd8l7-QjRpGFPzigyREF5ToQeFnTDaB9xGK9q0XNizzGFyMczygCKXJBq2dwo-KPq7J2hrvccmiAucySTlAoNBCJW00JtXFk25QUrewj10fa7l3kym6GkyeEfuOTXt3z9BrOTQ/s1600/3cherries.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsy7_iSGd8l7-QjRpGFPzigyREF5ToQeFnTDaB9xGK9q0XNizzGFyMczygCKXJBq2dwo-KPq7J2hrvccmiAucySTlAoNBCJW00JtXFk25QUrewj10fa7l3kym6GkyeEfuOTXt3z9BrOTQ/s1600/3cherries.png" /></a></div><div style="color: #666666;"><span id="freeText8400728073890779127"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;"> <b style="color: #7f6000;">Source:</b> I received a copy of <i>If I Tell</i> from Sourcebooks for review.</span></span><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"></span></b><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></span></b></span></div></div>Jan von Harzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911676835023825470noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5168523140288388702.post-41643632147113491092011-09-28T02:31:00.001-05:002011-10-29T06:11:14.589-05:00Waiting on WednesdayThou Shalt Not Road Trip by Antony John<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CI0HyZG8TEsyEImWMy5ZdmDb3_-zm3nqnl6cmE2Fv5FFmVmbZOwnDDjIlwNMq7N6XxUswr-0ZuErF27w2knvn3zVwUxbbGD6zW_sFmMIFwDrFYbAfekDWhSzLJy1fGlmslayiWJSsu8/s1600/Picture+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CI0HyZG8TEsyEImWMy5ZdmDb3_-zm3nqnl6cmE2Fv5FFmVmbZOwnDDjIlwNMq7N6XxUswr-0ZuErF27w2knvn3zVwUxbbGD6zW_sFmMIFwDrFYbAfekDWhSzLJy1fGlmslayiWJSsu8/s1600/Picture+3.png" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;">Waiting On Wednesday, is hosted by Jill at </span><a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3d85c6;">Breaking the Spine </a><span style="color: #666666;">and asks the question, "What are books are you anxiously waiting on?"</span></span></div><br />
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<blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFeFWvzljKiw_3e3VNJk8T7YiVVQMoFpB7OfFNgSyPgPxBZjwJQ3mUgHaG_FjHA_uXVOd-6hEkd9dSVkvrKEb9lHuraYvV4vn7d2HkV7wMAeCCzP_ourkOECb-YschQ-yPf5_Yo-QkmUs/s1600/thoushaltnotroadtrip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFeFWvzljKiw_3e3VNJk8T7YiVVQMoFpB7OfFNgSyPgPxBZjwJQ3mUgHaG_FjHA_uXVOd-6hEkd9dSVkvrKEb9lHuraYvV4vn7d2HkV7wMAeCCzP_ourkOECb-YschQ-yPf5_Yo-QkmUs/s1600/thoushaltnotroadtrip.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="color: #7f6000;"><b>Author:</b> Antony John</div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><b>Publisher:</b> Dial</div><span style="color: #7f6000;"><b>Release Date:</b> April 12, 2012</span><br />
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<div style="color: #7f6000;"><i>One crazy road trip that's a mix of rejection, redemption, and romance <br />
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When sixteen-year-old Luke's book, Hallelujah, becomes a national bestseller, his publishing house sends him on a cross-country book tour with his older brother, Matt, as chauffeur. But when irresponsible Matt offers to drive Luke's ex–soul mate, Fran, across the country too, things get a little crazy. On the trip, Luke must loosen up, discover what it truly means to have faith, and do what it takes to get the girl he loves. <br />
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Told with Antony John's signature wit and authenticity, and featuring smart, singular characters who jump off the page and into your heart, this story is a spiritual awakening and rockin' road trip in one.(Publisher's summary from Amazon)</i></div></blockquote></div><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">I am so excited about reading another novel by Antony Johns as I really loved </span><i style="color: #666666;">Five Flavors of Dumb</i><span style="color: #666666;">. The fact that the plot revolves around a road trip is a special bonus. I am also hoping to meet Antony John this spring as he is a St Louis resident and has been invited to the Area Wide Book Battle in May.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">What are you waiting for?</span></div>Jan von Harzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911676835023825470noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5168523140288388702.post-88965153126740746222011-09-27T02:51:00.001-05:002011-10-29T06:11:30.363-05:00Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Books I Want to Reread<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfjrw_DjK5dc1xc6svv9q064RvYvrKeSzjYKIEaAgYEKwP3SVimh41Ar8m1XFJZDY5D_YY5uFY4uWKKnhyphenhyphenUqMqX95N1GyEPLJfUfFbBxMiws_pIK9RvqdbzoBB1Ko0mt761BWivWrN3o/s1600/toptentuesdaylogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfjrw_DjK5dc1xc6svv9q064RvYvrKeSzjYKIEaAgYEKwP3SVimh41Ar8m1XFJZDY5D_YY5uFY4uWKKnhyphenhyphenUqMqX95N1GyEPLJfUfFbBxMiws_pIK9RvqdbzoBB1Ko0mt761BWivWrN3o/s1600/toptentuesdaylogo.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #666666;">Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday hosted by <a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3d85c6;">The Broke and the Bookish</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">This week's list is all about those books that were just so great you just have to read them again.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><i>Jane Eyre</i> by Charlotte Bronte:</span></b> This is a book that I have already read at least twice in my lifetime and would love to reread again. Definitely one of my all time classics.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><i>Graceling:</i> by Kriston Cashore: </span></b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;">Another favorite story and while technically my first experience with the book was in audio form, I loved it so much that I listen to it twice and then bought the book so I could reread it again.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><i>The Gathering</i> by Kelly Armstrong:</span></b> Right now I am awaiting book two in this series since I have to wait until April I will be rereading it again the story was that good.</span></span></span><br />
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</b></div><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">The Magnolia League by Katie Crouch:</span></b> Another great story that I cannot wait for the second book to be release and want to reread before it comes out.</span></span></span><br />
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</div><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><i>The Hunger Games</i> by Suzanne Collins:</span></b> I read this before I began blogging and loved it. I would love to reread it before I see the movie. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Harry Potter series by J K Rowlings: </span></b><span style="color: #666666;">OK, so I actually have reread Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, but would just like to spend a couple weeks going through the whole series since I read the series as it came out.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Twilight series by Stephanie Meyers:</span></b> Now don't shoot me for this, but again I read this series as it came out and way before I began blogging. I know that many bloggers have some very strong opinions about the books, but I did enjoy them, and now I would love to see whether they can stand up to some serious scrutiny on my part.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><i>The Stand</i> by Steven King:</span></b> Way back in my twenties I devoured all thing King and loved his early work. Of all his books The Stand was one of my all time favorites and I would love to reread it. </span></span></span></span><br />
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</b></div><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><i>Speak</i> by Laurie Halse Anderson:</span></b> I read this in 1999 when it first came out and was extremely taken by it. After hearing last year about it being a banned book, I thought about how ludicrous it was that someone could possibly consider this book pornography.</span></span></span></span><br />
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</b></div><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><i>Unwind</i> by Neal Schusterman:</span></b> I recently heard that a sequel to this book was being published and I would love to reread this one before the new book is released. Definitely one of my all time favorite dystopian novels.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;">Well, that is my list of books I would love to reread, just wish I could find time to do it. What books would you like to reread?</span></span></span></span><br />
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</span></span></span></div>Jan von Harzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911676835023825470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5168523140288388702.post-75760695158722750382011-09-26T01:49:00.004-05:002011-10-29T06:11:45.166-05:00In the Middle Monday: Character ConnectionRunaway Twin by Peg Kephret<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaYQCldO5HbZ4x1n4H_J5shJQtJskF9Rfkd3DoTL5_-F-zF1yI_eH5-fgYNJKeyBrrTIQuO57rfBOZ5eOzCAer0I4xWGp1qxQ_OhuRg-qjuHiM_A-KvWAA0CIz6e-oIKzzqeuk-mxims/s1600/Inthemiddle+moday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaYQCldO5HbZ4x1n4H_J5shJQtJskF9Rfkd3DoTL5_-F-zF1yI_eH5-fgYNJKeyBrrTIQuO57rfBOZ5eOzCAer0I4xWGp1qxQ_OhuRg-qjuHiM_A-KvWAA0CIz6e-oIKzzqeuk-mxims/s1600/Inthemiddle+moday.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: #7f6000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the Middle Monday is a feature I use to highlight books written primarily for a middle school audience. </span></div><div style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;">Today, in addition to featuring a middle level book, I am also featuring a guest post by Amy, one of my eighth grade students, who used the Character Connection format hosted by Jen at <a href="http://www.theintrovertedreader.com/" style="color: #3d85c6;">The Introverted Reader</a><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>on Thursdays to talk about <i>Runaway Twin</i> by Peg Kepret. Amy chose to use this format for a recent book project and needless to say I was blown away by her creativity. </span></div><div style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="freeText11210058638093585801"><i style="color: #7f6000;">A unique story of separated twins and the unexpected consequences of their reunion.<br />
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Sunny Skyland longs to be reunited with her twin sister, Starr. With only an old photograph, taken a few days before the girls were separated at age three, to guide her, Sunny begins the cross-country journey that she has dreamed of during her ten years in various foster homes. Sunny manages to locate her twin, only to be faced with a whole new challenge.<br />
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Award-winning author Peg Kehret combines suspense and action with reflections on the true meaning of family as Sunny learns that sometimes we must let go of our dreams in order to e</i><i><span style="color: #7f6000;">mbrace a different, better future.</span></i></span></span></div></blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><link href="file://localhost/Volumes/Data/teacher/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link> <style>
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</style> <b style="color: #7f6000;">A Day in the Mind of a Dog</b></div><div style="color: #7f6000; text-align: center;"><b>by Snickers Skyland</b></div><div style="color: #7f6000; text-align: center;"><br />
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</style> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: small;">My name is Snickers Skyland. You might have heard of me from Sunny’s book, <i>Runaway Twin</i>, written by Sunny’s pseudonym Peg Kehret, or seen Sunny walking me around the neighborhood. Sunny Skyland is the best person I know, and, just as the planets revolve around the sun, me, Sunny’s dog Snickers Skyland, revolves around Sunny. If I could talk to her, the first thing I would tell Sunny would be thanks for her determination, kindness, and compassion. </span></div><div></div><div style="color: #7f6000; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="color: #7f6000; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sunny is a very determined girl. In her search to find her twin sister Starr, she perseveres through all sorts of hardships, including taking me along, fighting bullies, and having a run in with a tornado. Throughout all of these things, Sunny keeps the hope of finding her lost twin, even when the circumstances make it seem unlikely. </span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="color: #7f6000; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="color: #7f6000; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sunny is patient enough to wait to fulfill her dreams. Before Sunny met me, she was traveling alone all day on the bus, covering hundreds of miles. When Sunny found me and took me along, it wasn’t until afterwards that she realized I wasn’t allowed on the bus. What did she do? Instead of leaving me in that parking lot, Sunny walked with me across states. She took much longer to get to Enumclaw, Washington than it would have riding on the bus. She got herself dirty and tired every day instead of sitting in air-conditioned comfort. She waited for me when I, being elderly, needed a rest from constantly walking. None of this was required of her, but Sunny put up with a lot, especially on account of me. It could have made her angry, but it didn’t, because she knows how to be patient and not let what happens to her ruin her outlook on things. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="color: #7f6000; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="color: #7f6000; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCfFRvpAwFfEKUC108GSu0HShyUIjD0BlSomv_78pijOppQeSzTfMfmkuoNcmlB5h5XYWTg3BY4uny0dzuUUA2_Wxob91sr7TS7FHtgknN1rD44WlOKLgzNvvhAwH7UPIECFLXlmjIlU/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-09-22+at+9.04.01+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCfFRvpAwFfEKUC108GSu0HShyUIjD0BlSomv_78pijOppQeSzTfMfmkuoNcmlB5h5XYWTg3BY4uny0dzuUUA2_Wxob91sr7TS7FHtgknN1rD44WlOKLgzNvvhAwH7UPIECFLXlmjIlU/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-09-22+at+9.04.01+AM.png" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">Sunny is forgiving. One day, we came upon a little town. After walking for miles, we ate and then hitched a ride with the owner of the restaurant to the next town with a bus stop. We were waiting outside for the bus when three teenage boys, named Zooman, Hunker, and Randy started bullying Sunny, trying to rob her. When I attacked them, they ran towards the approaching bus, waving for it to stop and then running off. When poor Sunny tried to get the driver to let us on, he angrily yelled at us and drove off. The bus came to that town only once a day. We were walking towards Starr when a storm started, with a tornado that headed straight for us through an open field. I got injured when debris fell on my head. Sunny went back into the town to look for help when she heard someone calling from under a demolished house. She ran over and started digging until she found the person’s head. The person was Randy, one of the bullies from earlier! Instead of leaving him in obvious pain, Sunny forgave Randy and did her best to free him and get help. Even when she herself could not help him, she directed others who could to help him first, then herself if possible. Sunny is so compassionate that she will put the needs of others first, with no thought of herself. </span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="color: #7f6000; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="color: #7f6000; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love Sunny, and I wish more people could be like her. She is determined to complete what she starts, but is capable of patiently waiting for it to happen. She is kind to anyone, whether they are an animal or a person. Most of all, she is compassionate and forgiving. If Sunny sees someone in pain or needing help, no matter who he or she is or what they have done to her, she will try to help them. I love my friend Sunny for all this and more.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
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</div></div>Jan von Harzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911676835023825470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5168523140288388702.post-65304539039662682822011-09-24T08:55:00.001-05:002011-10-29T06:12:07.621-05:00Show Me Five ReviewVanish by Sophie Jordan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1I0cV9wJi13h_n7_4ljCDnkhbbnd-rD867-Uq74Ltv9_UcWyVEqq2qvk7vUJGSKIaxoVo_JBvK1OBzFBnRacmyP2yFiSCHz_inUs_O2JCxEyS5Holgp0_3DoVdjmenhgECS9WAMsLfjA/s1600/SHOWME5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1I0cV9wJi13h_n7_4ljCDnkhbbnd-rD867-Uq74Ltv9_UcWyVEqq2qvk7vUJGSKIaxoVo_JBvK1OBzFBnRacmyP2yFiSCHz_inUs_O2JCxEyS5Holgp0_3DoVdjmenhgECS9WAMsLfjA/s1600/SHOWME5.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #666666;">Show Me Five review, which was originally created by</span> <a href="http://thatsanovelidea.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3d85c6;">That's a Novel Idea</a><span style="color: #666666;"> as a weekly Saturday meme and has become a favorite review format of mine. The numbers correspond to the number of answers provided about the book.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zLcnT07eoqADIo11RMkWxYi0SPovB7zAs4fLbijCzM_X4ItaJY-LiGOvRmAQhfgNGstn-TvZ6USdSCI_uBZJrzY3BUmCKyfUBRuEAIWVx8PlNWEe9CV8QvFv1HswaloVbyu9S5yDR0A/s1600/Vanish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zLcnT07eoqADIo11RMkWxYi0SPovB7zAs4fLbijCzM_X4ItaJY-LiGOvRmAQhfgNGstn-TvZ6USdSCI_uBZJrzY3BUmCKyfUBRuEAIWVx8PlNWEe9CV8QvFv1HswaloVbyu9S5yDR0A/s1600/Vanish.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"> 1 Name of the book:</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;"><i>Vanish</i> by Sophie Jordan</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b style="color: #7f6000;">2 Words that describe the book: </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;">Star-crossed Dragon love</span></span></span></div><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b style="color: #7f6000;">3 Setting/characters:</b> </span></span><b style="color: #7f6000;"> </b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vjid1IcMcLEuVN21JbcUdC4OhNBv-LvEbDoOHSeTgCb2FbodgEIENqBkzcizuuhkXtX3GKwzLX7PVNNg5pM3yjol9akwcj-SkYjrSPcXx7h2sKYuwrEZLp_ljZFWqETgz8x0NUCdUjc/s1600/fog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vjid1IcMcLEuVN21JbcUdC4OhNBv-LvEbDoOHSeTgCb2FbodgEIENqBkzcizuuhkXtX3GKwzLX7PVNNg5pM3yjol9akwcj-SkYjrSPcXx7h2sKYuwrEZLp_ljZFWqETgz8x0NUCdUjc/s1600/fog.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;">While Sophie Jordan's first book took us away from Jacinda's home and the pride, <i>Vanish</i> brings us back. We get to know a lot more about the place Jacinda and Tamara grew up by walking the streets. The setting is of particular importance because in order for the pride to survive, they must be able to hide their existence from the rest of the world. </span></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYrE0xbxfejtAE-pF7y-x0C_RlqD1-Kwb0Kf2-uBTshDYg98tgxlWJ5wBgE_vybTBPcaovmtOrJX5zymV7Q6A6h2fCAasrTeMw7vVnA8sP6c35MgRd1HWxW0EVGdIMPsRZgFORgPQ8_Q/s1600/mountains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYrE0xbxfejtAE-pF7y-x0C_RlqD1-Kwb0Kf2-uBTshDYg98tgxlWJ5wBgE_vybTBPcaovmtOrJX5zymV7Q6A6h2fCAasrTeMw7vVnA8sP6c35MgRd1HWxW0EVGdIMPsRZgFORgPQ8_Q/s1600/mountains.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;">The town is positioned in some heavily forested mountains and because of Nidia's ability to shade the town, it would appear to the outside world as an ever present fog cover, with the town itself never fully seeing bright daylight. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></span><b style="color: #7f6000;"> </b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BZg4658qOHbpUbGOZKJj1DJNUkXcmg2bVtVg7EtUWg0Z8koRWjvJwOr8AlfTQnJMoUnur-RN3MWgc6Alyk4OAs-ZMRspfOCnruxISnfuUrfPEDCEQeMrCSBxxiThz1LwCnd5quOS7Fo/s1600/town.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BZg4658qOHbpUbGOZKJj1DJNUkXcmg2bVtVg7EtUWg0Z8koRWjvJwOr8AlfTQnJMoUnur-RN3MWgc6Alyk4OAs-ZMRspfOCnruxISnfuUrfPEDCEQeMrCSBxxiThz1LwCnd5quOS7Fo/s1600/town.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;">With the manifestation of Tamara, who is also a shader, the pride's safety is once again secure.</span></span><b style="color: #7f6000;"> </b><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"> </span></b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16ZlbLovrQEsYZIwq3Y6lJEKCReOBQdoBmgfPtQlhT4wQvm8QIf5SzgASicb6xbmN51ucnbgQx1Cr1N5chyQvRuvCpDrVlECAW2M9Nv6gJmx1N2Hv_FBy5NtgIQaper8GLB-kjyocMkY/s1600/emma-stone-red-hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16ZlbLovrQEsYZIwq3Y6lJEKCReOBQdoBmgfPtQlhT4wQvm8QIf5SzgASicb6xbmN51ucnbgQx1Cr1N5chyQvRuvCpDrVlECAW2M9Nv6gJmx1N2Hv_FBy5NtgIQaper8GLB-kjyocMkY/s320/emma-stone-red-hair.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><span style="color: #666666;">Jacinda's return to the pride has cost her much. A fiery red-head, Jacinda is shunned by the pride for manifesting in front of humans. She proves once again how strongly defiant she is taking the ostracism in silent reservation. However, inside she is morning the loss of Will, even as she tries to understand the complex feelings she has for Cassian.</span> <span style="color: #666666;">Jacinda is also concerned about both her sister and her mother, and as much as she want to be with Will, her loyalty to her family proves to be a huge barrier to acting selfishly. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">I think Emma Stone epitomizes Jacinda. She has a haughty look that Jacinda would need to carry off the coldness she receives from the pride while she hides her the pain and loss inside from everyone including herself.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHKQRT5rOKb5sMvq7gTrOwjzQQQBs11E4u8e39Vg-sq4yQXPrrT3aPwmXDIlD6rFPjlZqpFAfkmcTbAMp6SFHcQg8Iss2WbIC-e5oWgp3LLw4UBft5tXYzEdKN301mvV9pZ774HIyF3s/s1600/brantdaugherty_1282584483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHKQRT5rOKb5sMvq7gTrOwjzQQQBs11E4u8e39Vg-sq4yQXPrrT3aPwmXDIlD6rFPjlZqpFAfkmcTbAMp6SFHcQg8Iss2WbIC-e5oWgp3LLw4UBft5tXYzEdKN301mvV9pZ774HIyF3s/s320/brantdaugherty_1282584483.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><span style="color: #666666;">In <i>Firelight</i>, I disliked Cassian. He was arrogant and entitled. He wanted Jacinda and ignored and hurt Tamara. However, in <i>Vanish</i>, I grew to respect Cassian a lot. Despite the fact that Jacinda continued to spurn his attention, Cassian repeatedly came to her aid, showing that he really did care about her as a person not just a fire breather. He also attempted to show feelings for Tamara, but his passion for Jacinda proves to be too strong. It becomes very obvious that as much as Jacinda cares about Will, Cassian cares that deeply for Jacinda and is willing to go up against his father to protect her.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">Brant Daugherty has the dark handsome features of Cassian although I see Cassian as more brooding and buff.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">4 Likes/dislikes:</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;"><i>Vanish</i> definitely gave a greater insight into the pride. I like learning more about the daily operation of the town. Jordan also allowed us to see more into the some of the other characters inlcuding Cassain's father and leader of the pride, Severin; Cassian's sister, Miriam, and a new anatagonist; Cobin, Cassian's cousin.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;">Tamara's character is also developed more, although I would have liked more about her than was given. I do expect that Jordan will continue to give Tamara more prominence in book three. What I really liked about Tamara's character in <i>Vanish </i>though is she finally shows that Jacinda and her do have a deep connection that despite their differences cannot be broken.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;">While <i>Vanish</i> ends without resolving any of the conflict introduced, I do understand why Jordan wrote it this way. I just hope book three will prove to be the most exciting of the series, and not be too neatly tied up. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;">I like and dislike that <i>Vanish</i> leaves us wondering about Way too many things. The biggest is what Will is or isn't. There is one scene that foreshadows a possibility, which I won't spoil, but it does lead me to think that Will's part in the next book will be big. I am also intrigued about Jacinda and Tamara's mother and what will happen with her and finally whether or not Cassian and Tamara will find love. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">5 Cherries or less:</span></b></span></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfM3Avs2cnTigrwI9x9bqI5JXI9W6Hf9JJhFqQTzlEEXJnfSUZVRbH2keeLIh56uzZiafBsnbUoIwH1bRsaeGpgkei4BPLZbrX4oG5Sxa53DgzB7sREOgIoSXx3DE_bWa0LxbL4ET2Xx4/s1600/4cherries.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfM3Avs2cnTigrwI9x9bqI5JXI9W6Hf9JJhFqQTzlEEXJnfSUZVRbH2keeLIh56uzZiafBsnbUoIwH1bRsaeGpgkei4BPLZbrX4oG5Sxa53DgzB7sREOgIoSXx3DE_bWa0LxbL4ET2Xx4/s1600/4cherries.png" /></a></div><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"> </span></b><span style="color: #666666;">I have to give <i>Vanish</i> four stars. I really liked the action and learning more about the pride. I was also very concerned that the storyline would focus way too much on Jacinda's pining over losing Will, and was extremely pleased that did not happen. Like many second books in a series, I didn't love it as much as <i>Firelight</i>, but I did enjoy where Jordan took us and am very excited to see where she will take us next.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></span><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"> </span></b></span><br />
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</span></div>Jan von Harzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911676835023825470noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5168523140288388702.post-25032232289836505682011-09-22T04:26:00.003-05:002011-10-29T06:12:36.738-05:00Review of Dark Souls by Paula Morris<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNHR3wmgrr8ofOc0sLA9ZpHQ5y_jG0lvdNJOf67dRLBJBnl2Ey12lZoZNno4SosKYioCTqR4Rnq_aC8EfWizDb6lGjq7SbZ2-RpciMSHUsENGMiNm4mIcbSIciyyGVG28rDTZi6qrolk/s1600/darksouls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNHR3wmgrr8ofOc0sLA9ZpHQ5y_jG0lvdNJOf67dRLBJBnl2Ey12lZoZNno4SosKYioCTqR4Rnq_aC8EfWizDb6lGjq7SbZ2-RpciMSHUsENGMiNm4mIcbSIciyyGVG28rDTZi6qrolk/s320/darksouls.jpg" width="212" /></a></i></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Welcome to York, England.</span></i></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Mist lingers in the streets. </span></i></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Narrow buildings cast long shadows. </span></i></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">This is the most haunted city in the world. . . .</span></i></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Miranda Tennant arrives in York with a terrible, tragic secret. She is eager to lose herself amid the quaint cobblestones, hoping she won’t run into the countless ghosts who supposedly roam the city. . . .</span></i></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Then she meets Nick, an intense, dark-eyed boy who knows all of York’s hidden places and histories. Miranda wonders if Nick is falling for her, but she is distracted by another boy — one even more handsome and mysterious than Nick. He lives in the house across from Miranda and seems desperate to send her some sort of message. Could this boy be one of York’s haunted souls? </span></i></div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #7f6000;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Soon, Miranda realizes that something dangerous — and deadly — is being planned. And she may have to face the darkest part of herself in order to unravel the mystery — and find redemption. (Publisher's summary from Goodreads)</span></i></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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</style> <b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: small;">Why I Chose the Book:</span></b> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;">I am a sucker for ghost stories. I love suspense and seeing how well an author can verbally, through prose, creep me out or keep me on edge. </span><span style="color: #666666;">There is also something about an English setting that has the ability to grab my attention and reading a story set in "the most haunted city in the world" well that sealed the deal.</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: small;">Reasons I Like or Disliked the Book:</span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;">I enjoyed the setting of <i>Dark Souls</i> and its history, which was told as a back drop to the present day events of Miranda and her brother. While I did not check to see whether or not the historical aspect was real or made up, Morris' writing allows the reader to believe that the ghostly record of the town is true. Unfortunately, while this aspect of the book worked for me, my connection to the characters did not. I never felt invested in Miranda and her brother's inability to overcome the tragic accident that killed Miranda's best friend. The accident and Miranda's subsequent ability to see ghost felt contrived as did their trip to York. Miranda's mysterious boy in York, and her fascination with him also felt uncharacteristically forced. Personally, I never warmed up to Nick, and doubted that he could attract anyone by his sullen, rude, antisocial behavior. The vengeful ghost's role was slow to unfold, and the excitement and danger was too little too late. The ending was also too pat for my taste.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Reasons for Recommending the Book:</span></b> Despite the fact that <i>Dark Souls</i> will not make it to my top ten list, the setting and gothic feel is sure to entice readers. If you like ghost stories, this one has them and then some. </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCgWQm4JflSk7x8fNh-0UY8njMRrPtNWxMtGIJ5-GW8WX9k284Jf8mSldZ2ajBtRI7tZe_L4vr2w0pKh9Z5qejHpeNeQ4vroW_pbDEph7IE8pWahX_IsZcR7cN2KU_W86j434V50u7wc/s1600/3cherries.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCgWQm4JflSk7x8fNh-0UY8njMRrPtNWxMtGIJ5-GW8WX9k284Jf8mSldZ2ajBtRI7tZe_L4vr2w0pKh9Z5qejHpeNeQ4vroW_pbDEph7IE8pWahX_IsZcR7cN2KU_W86j434V50u7wc/s1600/3cherries.png" /></a></div></div>Jan von Harzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911676835023825470noreply@blogger.com4