It's hard to believe that we get a whole extra day this year, because right now it's feeling like any other ol' day! ;) I had a slow start today and managed to dig up my motivation from where it was buried under my exhaustion and laziness, but since I finally got moving I haven't stopped!
There's been chatter on Facebook about how there are supposed to be special things today, but honestly I don't think I'm the only person out there who feels like this is just another day. At least, not on my lovely blogosphere.
There were the usual wonderfully written book reviews from A Bookish Libreria, Big Al's, Reading for Sanity, Kayla's Reads and Reviews, Tabitha's Book Blog, JeanzBook, and A Pocket Full of Books.
From the TBR Pile took a different angle on reviews, writing about books she just couldn't stand to finish! I've had a few of those too (though I often still give them ratings on Goodreads, usually only 1-2 stars, and mention that I just couldn't finish them).
A few of my blogger friends shared the books they are waiting on - ReadersCorner, Fall Into Books, My Neurotic Book Affair, and The Fairytale Nerd.
Giveaways were shared by Blog Giveaways (of course), That Artsy Reader Girl, and Live to Read, while Reading by Kindle Fire shared its giveaway winners!
For new perspectives, guest posts were present on Piece from Pieces and My Eclectic Bookshelf.
A Three Way Tie provoked an interesting question - who inspired you to become a reader? To which I would have to respond - a mixture of my mom and LeVar Burton (Take a look, it's in a book, on Reading Rainbowwww...).
A promotional excerpt was shared on Intoxicated by Books, which added yet another book to my "to read" list...
For a good laugh, check out the latest post on What I Learned on Facebook... the top story actually reminded me a bit of a local piece of news about a guy flopping out his "little man" at a local mall.
AJ Arndt Books shared a great video from the Oscars - anything involving books generally grabs my attention! :)
Finally, The Olivia Reader ends my tour today with very few words and a very pretty picture.
The Next Right Thing: A Novel by Dan Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was an honest and compelling look at addiction and living within the AA. Though the description lauds it as "hilarious," I actually found it to be quite a poignant story with only brief moments of light in the midst of its dark overtones. There was a truly complicated web spun that revealed friendships, addiction, and they way life can just happen sometimes. It was a little slow at points, but other points made up for it.
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It's rainy here in Nebraska today, and that just makes me want to cuddle up under a blanket with a bowl of soup and read a book. Of course, I can't actually do that right now (since I'm at work), but it still inspired this latest collection of book-nerd gifts!
I'm going to assume you already have a great book (or two) in mind. If not, scroll through my reviews and you'll be sure to find some! Or if you are reading to your children, this children's book about rainy days is sure to please! You can prepare in advance for a rainy day by stocking up some books in this rainy day totebag. Then you can get down to the more serious business of enjoying your rainy day.
First, pull your bangs out of your eyes (if you are a lady book-lover, or a gent with long hair) with this fun little hair clip. You can also don this great long-sleeve tee if you so desire.
To set the mood, make sure you can see this pretty rain-inspired art print and that you have plenty of adequate lighting, like this really awesome book lamp. Or if you want more ambient lighting, you could light some candles on these unique book-inspired candle stands.
Nothing says cozy like curling up under a warm blanket with a cup of soup. I recommend this beautiful Christmas book quilt and this fluffy Campbell's Soup pillow for getting cozy, along with a warm pair of slippers, perhaps the kind of slippers inspired by a favorite children's book. Or, if you're a crafty sort, you could work on making your own felted slippers. Then it's time to fix some soup - check out this free taco soup recipe, or you can use a mix like this yummy vegan alphabet soup. You can put your soup in these cute, easy to handle vintage soup crocks.
While reading, you may find yourself inspired, or wanting to take notes. Using these cute rainy day notebooks can chase away the storms and provide a great surface for your thoughts!
At the end of the day, you might want to do something a little more useful, so you could use this cute checkbook cover and your checkbook to pay some bills, or maybe book a trip to somewhere warm and sunny! You could also send out a rainy day care package to let someone special know that you care.
The Made-Up Man by Karen Heuler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a thoughtful and interesting book revolving around the idea that the battle of the sexes is a little more complicated than it seems! It follows a woman who gets her wish to become a man so she can enact vengeance on an ex-lover... only to find out that not everything is as wonderful as she thought it would be.
Honestly, I think all women at one point or another have a random thought about how different their life could be if they were a man (in fact, I wrote a poem to that effect back when I was a teenager) - not necessarily as a part of confusion about sexuality, but because regardless of the strides we have made in equal rights it is still a man's world.
I loved how all the choices that were made had consequences or rewards, sometimes in unexpected ways. This was overall a good, solid read.
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Brood of Bones by A.E. Marling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The concept behind this book sounded really cool - and after a bit of stumbling in the beginning due to some cultural barriers, it lived up to its description well! I'm unfamiliar with quite a few of the more middle-eastern/mystic cultural references that were provided, so it made it a more difficult read. But once the book hit its stride towards the middle, it became much more interesting and easy to read! The concept is intriguing and the story builds well, with a satisfying ending. An overall solid book!
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Faerie Cake Dead by J.M. Griffin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book had a dumb title, but I was hoping it would have some quality content. Sadly, the story was only so-so. The characters were very one-dimensional, and the ending felt too abrupt, like the author just got bored with writing. There were some editing errors that also detracted from the quality. It was fairly predictable, and just didn't have anything that would really make it stand out.
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Prom season is just around the corner now for high schoolers all across the country, and now that I've admitted to being into "girly" clothing, I thought I'd "come out" all the way and show you some great ideas for accessorizing!
I'm going to stick to two vendors - JC Penny's, because frankly they are the ONLY place I shop for clothes, unless I have no other choice (especially now that they have Ellen DeGeneres as a spokesperson), and Twin Elegance, who I was recently introduced to through Fiverr. However, these are ideas that could work with any sort of pairings!
Prom today is a bit different than back when I attended it - when I was in high school, prom required longer formal dresses and the shorter dresses were saved for homecoming. However, both styles are now commonly worn for prom, and that's something to celebrate for ladies who have great legs! You are also not limited to single colors, but can wear prints and patterns in style. Trends so far this year are showing strapless, one-shoulder, glitter, and ruffles along with more traditional picks.
All images of the dresses are copyright of JC Penny's and should not be used without permission, so you will need to click the links in order to see each complete pairing. And since my computer is being wonky, you'll also need to click the links to see the accessories - which is well worth it, by the way!! I think I might buy a few for myself for non-prom reasons... but I digress...
First, let's start with your basic black. If you want a dress you can wear for more than just prom, I really like this short glittery black number from Speechless ($20) and this long, side-slit gown ($80). If you want to have a prom dress that's just for prom, this sexy slinky x-back cutout dress ($60) should leave your date breathless. The great thing about a black dress is you can pair any bold, bright accessory you want! My favorite color to add to black is red, so I think this chunky red bracelet ($23) and this incredibly cute patent leather clutch ($27) would really add to your black gown.
Another classy standout that could be worn for more than just prom is this beautiful metallic cascade front dress ($27). Pair it with a big fashion ring ($9) and a pretty silver statement necklace ($35) and you're good to go!
If you aren't going to go with black but still want a more muted color, this silver taffeta floor-length dress ($120) and this soft yellow sweetheart dress ($60) might do the trick. Also pretty is this rosette pleated dress in blush ($80). Depending on your choice of muted color, you can also match it with some muted earrings ($9) and an understated but lovely evening bag ($23).
Like bold, solid colors? I do too! They are probably some of my favorite colors of dresses, since you can accessorize with them in soooo many ways. I particularly like this Grecian-style purple gown by Ruby Rox ($60) and this incredible orange pleated halter top dress ($60). This siren-red halter dress ($60) and gorgeous sapphire rhinestone gown ($80) also make bold statements. With such bold colors, you want to stick with simple, beautiful sparkling rhinestone accents. I love this gorgeous hair clip ($6) paired with this simple silver bag ($20).
Looking for a fun, flirty print for your big night? In the long category, I like this printed wrap ball gown in a bright pink and black ($120) and this tropical-colored strapless satin dress ($80). For a shorter style, try this bold floral one-shoulder dress from Speechless ($30). Bold prints deserve statement jewelry, something in gold or silver. I love these chain link earrings ($12) and this gold fringed necklace ($23), and both are also available in silver if you're wearing a cold color rather than a warm color.
If you are more of a Cinderella, big gown type, nothing beats this fantastic blue strapless gown by City Triangles ($120). A similarly-styled gown in a darker blue that would also be great would be this lovely beaded lace-up gown ($120). Since both have a glitter detail on top and a large, ruffled skirt, I recommend pairing them with an elegant tiara like this rhinestone tiara ($5) and not much else.
Under the lights on a dance floor, nothing stands out more than glitter and sequins. This short, Allen B. one-shoulder dress ($30) is sure to be noticed, as is this long cherry-red sequined number ($80). I also love this salmon-colored metallic batwing dress by Lilyanna ($70) and this shimmery purple gown ($80). You are already glittery, so you don't want to take away from that. Instead, choose a faux fur cape ($22) or a satin pleated shawl ($22) to keep you warm while making a statement.
You really can't go wrong with soft, flowy chiffon. This two-tone halter gown ($60) will help you glide across the floor as if you were floating, and this sweet little tulle party dress ($40) gives you an angelic glow. However, this chiffon beaded gown in a bright, bold print ($80) wins my vote for being the most "fairy-like" for your fairytale night! With such a light fabric, I recommend keeping your accessories light, too - I would go with this subtle gold tone pearl angel wing necklace set ($20) or these light synthetic pearl earrings ($9).
My winning dress pick for this year actually combines most of the elements above! It's bright, glittery, and has a fluffy tulle skirt - it's this cute tube dress ($70). Since you'll have so much arm (and leg) showing with this dress, I love pairing it with this chunky purple cuff bracelet ($23.40) and this purple patent leather clutch ($20.00).
I ran across this great article today by NPR, and knew it was likely to cause a stir in the book community. Some people and authors love eBooks; some people and authors hate eBooks; but regardless, everyone seems to have an opinion on eBooks!!
NPR's article basically is pro-eBook, explaining that it "democratizes" the authorship process. You can read the article here. I have to agree - personally, I don't think I could have ever published my books "traditionally" and as a reader have also been able to discover wonderful authors who may have also had a difficult time publishing that way.
What is YOUR opinion about eBooks?
I couldn't do my "What's Up Wednesday" yesterday due to work (at my other job, where I don't have access to a computer), but I really wanted to look around at the blogs I followed. So, here's my trip around the last 24 hours on the blogs that I follow:
- As usual, there were plenty of great book reviews to read from Stepping Out of the Page, A Pocket Full of Books, Reading by Kindle Fire, From the TBR Pile, and Tonight's Reading.
- Living the Creative Life shared some inspirational words about happiness, while AJ Arndt shared the frustration of dealing with Mother Nature and My Eclectic Bookshelf explored motivation (or lack thereof).
- For authors and readers alike, Big Al's Books and Pals set the record straight about the world of Indie books. All-On Writing also shared an opinion on the use of secondary characters in writing.
- A random act of kindness giveaway was presented on The Write to Make a Living and Peace from Pieces.
- Jason Matthews shared a story about a young soccer star recently diagnosed with Leukemia that could use your donations, while A Beer for the Shower shared a similarly sad story about the recent paralysis of his dog (I happen to have a very soft spot for animals!!).
- Zoe's Bag Boutique shared some cute tablet cases that I think would look lovely as Nook cases as well.
- If you are into vampires, Always Writing offered a deal for a discount on a collection of Victorian vampire stories.
- The Olivia Reader got tagged and had to share some interesting details about her book obsession.
- An author interview was shared by Jeanz Book Read N Review, while The Fairytale Nerd had a guest post up about love triangles and Tumbling Books had a guest post up about becoming a writer.
- My pal from my former Etsy days (ok, so I'm still "a little" on Etsy, but not as much as I used to be) Elephunk's Trunk shared a gorgeous treasury in my favorite of colors. Queen Kat Designs showed off her craftiness by sharing a scissor charm she created.
- Finally, one of my fave authors Amanda Hocking relived watching This Means War, which just makes me want to see it even more.
Spin the Plate by Donna Anastasi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book gets disturbingly graphic at points so be warned! Spin the Plate is an interesting and honest view of surviving incest and how events can alter lives. Social issues and world conditions are exposed in a brutally honest yet hopeful way, and there is a religious aspect that really portrays more than the clean, bright Christianity that often gets shown - this is a deeper, grittier, more real examination of the discovery of God and healing. There are so many great quotes, including my favorite: "It suddenly occurred to Jo that there is the world you are thrust into and the world you create." p. 115. As a survivor of rape, I especially appreciated that the author showed complex characters rather than caricatures, and provided hope and healing without disregarding the permanent scars that abuse can leave. This book is a wonderful and worthwhile read.
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35 Tips on Saving Money by Wolfgang Riebe, Ph.D
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
There were a few grammatical and editing errors, but this short ebook has solid advice that can really help you to save money. Most of the suggestions are very reasonable, with only a couple that caused me to raise my eyebrows in disbelief. If you are looking for a quick, basic read on saving money, this is the book for you.
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Growing up, I was more likely to be found in jeans and baggy flannel shirts than dresses and frilly things. Frankly, I didn't like being reminded that I was a girl (since I felt that girls had it unfair, even back then), and I had some friends and cousins that I admired for being decidedly un-feminine.
That isn't to say that I didn't want to be a girl - I just didn't want to be "girly."
When I hit high school, I continued to wear standard, comfy clothes, even while working to attract various guys who I thought were super hot (one of which, by the way, I ended up marrying, but that's a story for another time). Same with college - if I had to dress up, it was usually smart pantsuits or a sweater and khakis more often than skirts or dresses.
It was only a few years ago, after heading back to work in an environment that didn't require a uniform and wasn't my own business (t-shirt printing businesses generally allow for more casual wear than most other types of businesses), that I discovered a slightly embarrassing fact about myself - I actually LIKED wearing dresses, skirts, blouses, and other types of fitted ladies clothes!
Part of that was my new found obsession with JC Penny's clearance racks - suddenly I was able to afford to put together cute outfits. Another part was the fact that I was getting complimented frequently on my new found style. Who doesn't like to be complimented frequently?
Suddenly, I was unstoppable - as proven by the fact that I hit "Platinum" designation on my JC Penny's credit card - and I found myself drifting towards more "frilly" types of clothes. Not necessarily dresses and skirts only, but every type of fun, cute, feminine outfit.
It figures that by the time I figured out I actually have a decent knack for women's outfits I'm 50lbs heavier and not quite as lithe as I used to be!! But now I embrace that "girly" side of myself, rather than shirk from it. I can still be strong, independent, and intelligent while looking darn good at the same time. ;)
When I saw the description for this eBook, I knew it would be the type of thing I would read, and just had to feature it! Here is the description of Mindforger:
"If you saw how the world will die, what would you do? What could you do?
Max Byron is the proxy of a living God, and his God hates him. Or so it would seem. Given the power to bend men to his will, Max scours the world and does his master's bidding. He does all this because of His words, words Max had heard in his mind the day his family was murdered. "I can bring them back."
Max's wish, however, to see his family again, sends his mind racing to find the psychic who has promised to return his family to him. But how does one find a man with a thousands faces? One who is seemingly everywhere and nowhere? How does one find a God?
To do this, Max must enter a different sphere of existence, one that transforms his mind and the world around him, bringing him face to face with truths he couldn't even dream of."
If you want to check it out, just click here or on the link on the left hand side of the blog!
Just a few days ago I shared with you a great opportunity to become a part of an Indie film called People. The same director, Mark Givens, is also creating a film titled "Congress Sucks." The film takes a decidedly non-partisan view of politics in Congress, and how they have taken party politics to an extreme with no one party worse than the other.
As an Independent (or as Nebraska inappropriately labels me, "non-partisan"), I always appreciate when filmmakers take the time to create a non-partisan stance, rather than creating even more tension in the political atmosphere by portraying one party as better than another.
If you are interested in becoming a part of this film project, check this out:
As a sidenote, this gig gives out a reward even if you are only able to donate $1, so it's a great thing to support!
If you haven't already gotten a gift for your Valentine, you're probably s.o.l... or, you're like me and you don't actually celebrate Valentine's Day (hubs and I figure if you love someone, you buy them things year-round, not just on one holiday per year!). Regardless, if you are still looking for a great Valentine for your book lover, here are some fun options for the gal or guy in your life:
- A folded heart valentine, created from a book.
- a valentine book box, which can hold additional gifts.
- a book lover river rock with a love bug.
- a reusable heart card.
- a handstamped book necklace.
- a literary brass cuff bracelet.
- The Godfather coasters.
- a valentine book bag.
- his and hers bookmarks.
- a hilarious valentine's card.
- and last but not least, a bouquet that will stay fresh for a long time.
Happy V-Day, everyone! :) If you love these items, click their link to purchase them on Etsy.
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Below Stairs: The Classic Kitchen Maid's Memoir That Inspired "Upstairs, Downstairs" and "Downton Abbey" by Margaret Powell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an interesting glimpse into the past in England, although some of it could have easily applied to early 20th Century America as well. Some of the terms are very British which can get a little confusing for American readers, but they are easy enough to look up when needed. The differences between the classes were displayed starkly and frankly, and it was sad to see that some of this class separation still occurs today.
There seemed to be a lot of pages dedicated just to food descriptions, but that wasn't too surprising since it's the memoir of a kitchen maid. However, it did make certain parts drag on a bit. Overall, this was a nice little book that shows the difficulty in working for others of another class.
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Cry For Justice by Ralph Zeta
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As far as thrillers go, this was a pretty good book! The characters were interesting, and the plot developed nicely. I was able to figure out the end quite a bit before it happened, but it was still good. There were several spelling and grammatical errors which made the book feel slightly less professional, and overall it was just a good book and not a great book.
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How to Write The Best CV by Johan Robert
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a solid read for those who need a CV rather than a resume. However, the formatting drove me nuts! The text was really small, even when I put it on a larger setting on my Nook, and sometimes the sub-topics weren't clearly delineated to show it was a new section. There were several other smaller formatting errors, and a few grammatical errors. It got a bit repetitive and probably could be cleaned up a little. There was some great information, but I wish that there were facts/data to support some of the claims and why certain techniques work.
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I was referred to this really great gig on Kickstarter that is raising money for an Indie film titled "People." It will star everyday people like you and me, and show both the good and the bad in humankind. I donated $1 and for that I even still get a personal video thank you from the director!
If interested, just check this out:
I drew a winner for my Sweet Deal Giveaway - but unfortunately, Renee could not win the prize because I did not raise enough donations! :(
So sorry Renee!! But I wish you all the best!!
After finishing my latest read (which blew my mind, by the way!), I was inspired to do a patriotic Booksy, that showcased great gifts for the Proud to be an American book lovers in your life!
For any recent immigrants, I think this comic looks promising!
Speaking of comics, nothing quite says American like Captain America - and who wouldn't want this fun lunchbag?
When eating your lunch, it's fun to feed the birds - and this book-inspired bird house will keep them coming!
Birds remind me of trees, and this upcycled Nook Cover makes it look like you are actually reading a book about trees (even if you might instead be digesting the latest Sookie Stackhouse book).
Then, you could put your disguised Nook into this patriotic purse!
Another item you can put things in is a book safe, and this one shows off your sense of humor (but perhaps that could be a bad thing, inviting your guests to pull it down off the shelf).
Up on your bookshelf you might also want to display this military bookend set - and you even get a free book with it, too!
Nothing shows off military pride, and pride in America, quite like the grande olde flag - but rather than hang that in your home, you could hang this pretty print instead.
Next to it, you could hang this American shadow box, filled with a photo of your child (or in my case, your pets).
Finally, you could always read about the daring escapades of Drei Bruder, who actually traveled 9,000 miles across the U.S.
God Bless America!
A Good American by Alex George
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This novel is a sweeping generational tale that embodies the ideals that created America and the American Dream! It begins with a love story, as most great life adventures do, and evolves into a series of love stories - with family, with strangers, with friends, with America. There are so many great moments in this book, captured brilliantly enough to be visible to the reader and something to be held dear like their own personal memories.
Especially relatable for someone like me (a great-grandchild of German immigrants who settled in Schleswig, IA), this story will appeal to those whose families have been here for ages and those whose stories are just beginning in America. Throughout it all the reader will experience hope, pain, love, faith, and the twists of destiny that intertwine all Americans.
Perhaps the only downfall was that the book didn't stop when it should have, but continued to meander for the last few pages. While it is nice to tie up all loose ends, I think this book would have had a more dramatic impact by stopping on p. 368 with the first six sentences. However, I was reading an ARC, so perhaps this has already been done by the time you are reading it. In that case, please disregard this note, as I'd hate to tarnish such a great book!
Regardless, I couldn't put this novel down and the stories will stick with me and I continue upon my family's American journey.
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I was approached to check out a gig on Kickstarter, and my first thought was: "um, I'm not really a music enthusiast, so...I guess." Seriously, you're more likely to find me sitting in silence reading a book than listening to music! ;) It drives my husband nuts, since he's a "even when I'm supposed to be concentrating or doing something important, I am listening to music" type of guy.
That being said, there are still some groups I love, and when I heard the sample video on this gig, I definitely thought it was worth backing for $1. Their sound really reminds me of early Train (and somewhat of current Train, though they've gotten a little more commercialized in recent years). I've loved Train since their very first album, so I didn't hesitate to back this group.
Check out the video below, and if you're interested, click on over and give them some much-appreciated donations! :)
Taming Mighty Alaska: An Rv Odyssey by William C. Anderson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
A roving RV adventure always catches my attention - but unfortunately, this one couldn't hold it! It was boring in the beginning with its laundry list of tasks, and unfortunately it just didn't get better. The story has a blog/journal feel and is especially long-winded. Perhaps it would have been more interesting to someone who has actually traveled the routes that were talked about, but as it was it read like a travel brochure and not like an interesting story. There could have been a whole lot more dialogue and a whole lot less descriptions of each mile of the journey to keep the story moving. I know we've all had disaterous (or at least disappointing) vacations at one point or another, but this just didn't live up to my expectations, and I'm embarrassed to say that I'd rather watch the movie "RV" than read this book again (which is probably a first, since I'm a firm believer that books are almost always better than movies)!
I was also disappointed to see that this author, though publishing in a much more recent timeframe, still wrote with undertones of sexism and racism. By the '90s our culture had really moved forward, but it felt like he was still stuck in the past.
However, I think it is worth noting that this author does have other, better novels to choose from, like Penelope!
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