Wishes

Penned By: Jude Deveraux

This is one of my all time favorite novels! If you are not a romance novel reader and want to take a chance - do it on this one. This fun novel has some surprising twists and combines historical romance, modern day, and fairytales. It's an action packed and entertaining read that will have you laughing out loud. Nellie Grayson and Jace Montgomery have endured many woe's in their lives and have maintained kind and giving hearts just the same. They deserve to find love and happiness - they deserve each other. However, having two hard-headed individuals fall in love is difficult, no matter how soft-hearted they are.

Quote: "It's called the Kitchen because it's like women's life on earth. When you die you think you're going to heaven, just as you think, when you get married, that you're going to have heaven on earth. Instead, in both cases, you get sent to the Kitchen."

Genus: Lovey Dovey

Era: Older is Better

Difficulty: 2

Determination: Must Read

Series: Yes - the books work as companions and not necessarily sequential order

Formats: Print & Ebook

Film: No

Your type of tale? Try these: Bridge Over Time by Brenda Hiatt, The Heir by Catherine Coulter, Betrayed by Arnette Lamb

Cool Stuff:   Publisher's Official Page      Fan Video      Chandler, CO - Ghost Town

Ugly to Start With

Penned By: John Michael Cummings

Follow Jason through a series of defining moments in his adolesence. Well described details bring to life the characters and scenes so the reader feels as if they are in the room themeselves. Explore a place where history is a way of life and the main characters struggle to live in their own time. Though the book is a series of related short stories the writing smoothly flows and allows the reader to move from one to the next without difficulty.

Quote: "Life, I thought, was like finger-painting with a hopeless mess of gruesome colors. You kept smudging it around until you got it right."

Genus: Literary Minded

Era: Everyone

Difficulty: 2

Determination: Casual read

Series: No

Film: No

Your type of tale? Try these: Holes by Louis Sachar, That Was Then, This Was Now by S.E. Hinton, The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier

Cool Stuff: Publisher's page      Harpers Ferry National Historical Park      Author Interview

Gregor the Overlander

Penned By: Suzanne Collins



Suzanne Collin's Website



Underneath the teeming city of New York exists a world of massive proportions. Gregor and his younger sister Boots are about to discover the existence of this world and meet the many people and creatures that live there. Following the fantastical discovery will come a grand adventure and the threat to never return home. A choice between love and security will have to be made. Forced to live beyond his years, Gregor will prove that loyalty and hope are worth fighting for.

Quote: "Fly you high."

Genus: Fantastical Worlds

Era: Everyone

Difficulty: 2

Determination: Must read

Series: Yes, 1st of 5

 

Film: No

Your type of tale? Try these: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling, Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, The Alchemyst by Michael Scott

Cool Stuff: Scholastic's Underland Chronicles Website      Fan Trailer       Official Underland Chronicles Trailer

Twilight

Penned By: Stephenie Meyer

Banned: The extremely popular Twilight book, it's 3 sequels and companion book have been challenged severely over the last few years. The reasons? Sexual explicitness, offensive language, religious viewpoint, and violence to name a few. I must say people are reaching a bit except for maybe on the violence. Wouldn't it make more sense just to express anti-vampirism sentiments?
Sources:
Twilight: America's Fifth Most-Dangerous Book
ALA Kicks Off Banned Book Week
Twilight Series Debuts on Library Book Ban List

Twilight is the tale of an awkward girl who moves to a more than small, rainy town. There, she quickly finds more than she bargained for as she's thrust into the world of the paranormal and first true love. This unique tale of romance, adventure, and fantasy is a fun, can't put down read. If you have ever felt like an alien or out of time you will sympathize with the main character Bella.

If you have not read Midnight Sun, the first part of Twilight from Edward's viewpoint, I recommend it.

Quote: "Everything was green: the trees, their trunks covered with moss, their branches hanging with a canopy of it, the ground covered with ferns. Even the air filtered down through the leaves. It was too green -- an alien planet."

Genus: Fantasy Minded

Era: Everyone

Difficulty: 2

Determination: For the genus lover

Series:  Yes: Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn, Midnight Sun, and The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

Film: Yep

Cool Stuff: The Cullen House Blog     Forks Chamber of Commerce Twilight       Dazzled by Twilight

Your type of tale? Try these: Vampire Kisses: The Beginning by Ellen Schreiber, Wings by Aprilynne Pike, and The Reformed Vampire Support Group by Catherine Jinks

Other Books for Banned Book Week 2011:
The Color Purple by Alice Walker

The Cat Who Came to Breakfast

As you can see, my much loved copy.
Our cat Blue chewed on the corner
when it was under my bed.

Penned By: Lilian Jackson Braun

I just discovered that earlier this month Lilian Jackson Braun Bettinger passed away at the age of 97. Read the New York Times article. In honor of her passing I am reviewing my favorite of her Cat Who novels.

It is not the first in the fun series, but reading these books in order is not required for understanding. A lighthearted murder mystery that seems to step back into time or another, gentler world. Join Qwilleran and his cat's, Koko and YumYum, as their vacation goes awry and a saboteur(?) runs amok. If you like mysteries, cats, and witty informative writing this is a book for you.

Quote: "No one would believe that a man of his size, intelligence, education, and wealth could be tyrannized by a ten-pound animal."

Genus: Whodunit

Era: Everyone

Difficulty: 2

Determination: Casual read  

Series: Yes - Cat Who

Film:   No

Your type of tale? Try these: Pay Dirt by Rita Mae Brown,  One for the Money by Janet Evanovich, The Yellow Room by Mary Roberts Rinehart

Ready to buy it?

Bones of Faerie

Penned By: Janni Lee Simner

Janni Lee Simner defines in medias res in this astonishing tale of the future. A heart-wrenchingly beautiful story that proves what you don't know, is what truly hurts you. If you're the type that believes there is much more to this world than we know, this is a story for you. Follow Liza on a path of discovery that in the end will prove how strong she truly is. A fast, can't put down read in which the author pulls no punchs.
Genus: Fantastical Worlds

Era: Everyone

Difficulty: 2

Determination: For the genus lover

Series: Yes, 1st of 2 (so far)

 

Film: No

Quote: "One of the oaks threw an acorn at us. It grazed my ear. 'We're going to find my mother, like Karin said.' I picked up the acorn and flung it back into the forest."

Your type of tale? Try these: Afternoon of the Elves by Janet Taylor Lisle, Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

 

Cool Stuff:  Book Website      Fan Made Trailer     Invasive Species (short story, same world) 

Ready to buy it?

The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel

Photo by Amber Murray

Penned By: Michael Scott

The 5th book in the series, The Warlock, came out today!

Michael Scott will be signing at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, AZ, Wednesday June 8th!

If you think you know the tale of Nicholas Flamel, creator of the Sorcerer's Stone, think again. Step into the depths of the great alchemysts and magicians of the past, the people and creatures that have discovered immortality. Explore the lives of people who have lived for thousands of years until today. Here is the beginning of the tale of twins born in the 20th century who will shape our world in ways that these immortals cannot.

Quote: "Sophie and Josh followed Scathach through Hekate's house. There were reminders everywhere that they were inside a tree: everything-- floors, walls and ceilings -- was wooden, and in places, little buds and shoots of green leaves dappled the walls, as if the wood was still growing."

Genus: Fantastical Worlds

Updated: Michael Scott signed my book when he
visited Changing Hands 6/8.

Era: Everyone

Difficulty: 2

Determination: For the genus lover

Series: Yes, 1st of 6

Film: No

Your type of tale? Try these: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling, The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Want more information?    Publishers Page    Official Fansite    First Chapter
  
Ready to buy it?

Kim Asks About Her Future With Ernesto

Penned By: Dan Crawley

This tale is what is known as flash fiction, a newly popular and extremely short form of short stories. (I guess you could say LitPool is the flash blog of book reviews.) I explain because in order to review something that is less than 400 words is difficult... and brief.

Actions speak louder than words but words are sometimes needed to explain ones actions. In this very carefully worded tale a woman decides her life direction with a hug.

Quote: "He imperceptibly -- maybe a quick wince in his left eye -- flinched as she came at him."

Genus: Flash in the Pan 

Era: Older is Better

Difficulty: 2

Determination: Casual read

Series: No

Film: No

Your type of tale? Try these: One Of These Days by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Powder by Tobias Wolff, Come into the Garden, Maud by Don Nigro

Kim Asks About Her Future With Ernesto is published at Glossolalia so go ahead and read it now!

Paranormalcy

Penned By: Kiersten White

I will freely admit that when I got to the main character's pink taser, I almost put down this book. Yep, you read it right, pink taser. However, I firmly believe that reading bad literature is just as important as reading good literature, so I soldiered on. I am very glad I did. This is in no way, shape, or form, a bad book. Well-written and cunningly funny, Paranormalcy is refreshingly unique and a fun read. I can see where most people would think of this as a "girls" book, I can assure any gentlemen who brave it that they will be hooked within a few pages.

Quote: "Tasers are a one-size-fits-all paranormal butt-kicking option. Mine's pink with rhinestones. Tasey and I have had a lot of good times together."

Genus: Fantastical Worlds

Era: Everyone

Difficulty: 2

Determination: For the genus lover

Series: Yes, the next, Supernaturally, comes out in July.

Film: No

Your type of tale? Try these: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling, Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris, The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Want more information?  Publishers Paranormalcy Page    Author Page & Paranormalcy Trailer

Ready to buy it?

Illusions

Photo by Amber Murray

Penned By: Aprilynne Pike

The third book in this series lives up to both it's name and fan expectations. True to life, Laurel's decision's only become harder and more complicated as she grows older. Each chapter will leave the reader dying to know more (I read this in just over a day when I was really busy) and also thinking, "What on Avalon is going on?!" Yes, it's a fairy tale, yes, it's a romance, yes, it's an action adventure, finally it's a mystery. A fantastic, wonderful mystery.

Photo by Amber Murray

If I ever get to see Aprilynne Pike again, I'm asking how much of The Princess Bride, she watched as a kid.

Quote: "Would it hurt you more if I was with David because I loved him, or if I was with David because I wanted to make you jealous?"

Genus: Fantasy Minded

 

Era: Everyone

 

Difficulty: 2

 

Determination: For the genus lover

 

Series:  Yes - Check out my blog on book one, Wings. Check out my blog on book two, Spells.

 

 

Aprilynne and I at Poisoned Pen on May 2nd.

Film: No, but when I saw Aprilynne Pike at the signing she was in the process of negotiating a movie contract for Wings.

 

Your type of tale? Try these: Angel Light by Andrew M. Greeley, Legend by Jude Deveraux, Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit

Ready to buy it?

Spells

Photograph by: Amber Murray

Penned By: Aprilynne Pike

 

Illusions book signing tonight!  I highly suggest going out! Aprilynne Pike was a fantastic speaker and very personable, it was a great joy meeting her.

The second in this series really steps it up a notch. The relationships and love triangle ramp up, the action and adventure are in full-force, and the magic takes over our lead lady, Laurel's, life. The mystery and questions are tripled so if you were hoping to walk away with answers, well, just remember this is a 4 part series. Once again, the tale is beautifully crafted and merges the real world with fantasy seamlessly. This book is a good reminder to appreciate those who are dear to us and not take people for granted.

For those who are reading this series:
Are you Team David? Or Team Tamani? And who do you think she will actually end up with?
(Yes, these can be mutually exclusive!) Answer(s) in the comments.

Quote: "Everything was rainbow-hued and vivid and it took Laurel a few seconds to realize that the bright, multicolored flashes she saw weaving through the crowds were the blossoms of the Summer faeries."

Genus: Fantastical Worlds

Era: Everyone

Difficulty: 2

Determination: For the genus lover

Series:  Yes! The third one releases today! May 3rd. See what I have to say about book one here.

Film: No

Your type of tale? Try these: Talisman of Valdegarde by Madeleine Simon, Paranormalcy by Kiersten White, Just One Wish by Janette Rallison

Ready to buy it?

Wings



Photograph by: Amber Murray

 Penned By: Aprilynne Pike

Illusions book signing tonight!

It's everyone's dream to be unique and gifted while also being accepted and loved. Though while this is a fairytale adventure with a bit of romance and mystery thrown in, it fulfills that dream beautifully. Aprilynne Pike's faeries are fascinatingly unique. The reader is immersed into the fantasy world slowly and thus making it a more believable tale. It constantly leaves the reader craving more of the unknown. The main character's story dovetails neatly and she is wonderfully relatable. Teenage and adult readers alike will appreciate her dilemmas and cheer her triumphs.

Quote: "With the arrival of darkness came an unspoken permission to think dark thoughts as well."



Genus: Fantasy Minded

Era: Everyone

Difficulty: 2



Determination: For the genus lover

Series:  Yes! The third releases tomorrow, May 3rd!

Film: No

Your type of tale? Try these: Wings by E.D. Baker, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, Meet the Austins by Madeleine L'Engle


Ready to buy it?

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's (Philosopher's) Stone

Photographs by: Amber Murray

Penned By: J.K. Rowling

There is nothing I could possibly say about this book (or series) that has not already been said. So this blog is for you who have not read this book yet... Why not? It is an easy read and fun to boot. Admittedly, J.K. Rowling is not a literary writer extraordinaire and hence, the reason she is so popular. Let me also disabuse you of the notion that Rowling is a poor writer, really, she is quite good. So, why not? Perhaps you are of the misguided and often religious belief that these books are evil. If so, I pity you. You must never read any fantasy or sci-fi and your imagination is quite limited. The life you lead must be horribly mundane and you are missing an astronomical amount of literature that our world thrives upon. So, why not? If you have made it this far you can not possibly use the excuse that you are not a reader. However, if you insist, get the audio version. For you, there is now only one answer left to my "why not?" And that is "why should I?" This book is the start of a revolution. It has shaped our global culture in a way that will resound for centuries. Are you honestly going to let a mere 300 pages keep you from taking part? So, why not?

View from the top of the Flight of the Hippogriff
 roller coaster in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Quote: "The truth...It is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should therefore be treated with great caution. However, I shall answer your questions unless I have a very good reason not to, in which case I beg you'll forgive me. I shall not, of course, lie."

Genus: Fantastical Worlds

Era: Everyone

Difficulty: 2

Determination: Must read

Series: Yes  

Film: Yes

Your type of tale? Try these: The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper, The Alchemyst by Michael Scott, The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud

Hogsmeade store fronts in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Ready to buy it?

Jacob Have I Loved

Photograph by: Amber Murray

Penned By: Katherine Paterson

Twins are an intriguing topic and are a common subject in literature. Often twins are seen as almost mystically connected and two halves of one person. Jacob Have I Loved takes the biblical tact and tells a story of twin sisters who are more disconnected than cats and dogs.  If you've ever been that person that is never "cared for", simply because you're capable of taking care of yourself - this is the book for you. One sister coddled and cared for since birth learns to take for herself and the other left to fend for herself, learns to sacrifice. Is it as the "hated" sister sees it? Or is their hardworking parents love equal but different? Step into a world of 70 years ago on a tiny island and discover that family was just as complicated then as it is now.

Quote: "At bedtime Caroline finally remembered that she had a sister."

Genus: Literary Minded

Era: Everyone

Difficulty: 2

Determination: Casual Read

Series: No

Film: Yes, made for TV in 1989

Your type of tale? Try these: The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi, And Both Were Young by Madeleine L'Engle, My Sweet Audrina by V.C. Andrews (Era: Older is Better)

What do you think of my suggested books? Are there other books you would suggest more?

Ready to buy it?

The Hunger Games

Photo by: Amber Murray

Penned By: Suzanne Collins
                 
Series: 1st book of 3 part series

This book gets into your soul. The reader doesn't merely empathize with the characters, they become one. I like to tell people that this book is "The Roman Coliseum meets Survivor." It often seems a composite of other moral tales, however, it is unique in it's telling and characters. The fact is there are many, many things that can be said about it. It is a fast read, not just because of it's easy style but because it's impossible to put down. Suzanne Collins describes a future so believable it will haunt your dreams. Her characters are so human that they enthrall as much as frustrate. Follow Katniss, as she sacrifices herself for her sister and fights a horrific game of survival, sacrifice, and love. Her compassion captures a nation, her will to survive changes the game, and her contentiousness will light a fire.


Quote: "That I'm more than a piece in their games."

Genus: Realistic Future

Era: Everyone (I suggest parents read it before their children.)

Difficulty: 2

Determination: Must Read

Film: The film rights have been purchased, the screen play written, and some casting done. With that said there is no firm release dates. I have high hopes for the movie of this fantastic series because Suzanne Collins primary career is as a screenwriter and she has been a close collaborator thus far.

Your type of tale? Try these: The Host by Stephenie Meyer, The Lottery by Shirley Jackson, The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas by Ursula K. Le Guin.

Ready to buy it?