Cybils Award Challenge

Michelle over at Galleysmith is hosting a great contest to get us reading some of the chosen books from 2009 to be up for the Cybils award.

I am going to be ... insane. And I am going to ATTEMPT to finish three categories this year. Yes, I am insane.

I'm going for the level of participation of

• Categorically Speaking – choose to read all books in a category

And I am going to try to read all of the books in these three Categories:

• Graphic Novels: Middle Grade
• Graphic Novels: Young Adult
• Fiction: Fantasy & Science Fiction (YA)

I was going to go easy on myself but if I do that last one I'll be knocking out a ton of my TBR pile and that's one of my goals for this coming year... I'm attempting not to buy two more bookshelves...

So, wish me luck and I am waiting to be barraged with the "You are totally insane girl" comments. :)

Updates/Books read

Graphic Novels: Middle Grade
1. Constance and the Great Escape by Pierre Le Gall
2. Cat Burglar Black by Richard Sala
3. Adventures in Cartooning: How to Turn Your Doodles Into Comics by James Sturm
4. Fashion Kitty and the Unlikely Hero by Charise Mericle Harper
5. Babymouse #10: The Musical by Jennifer L. Holm
6. Babymouse #11: Dragonslayer by Jennifer L. Holm
7. Perseus and Medusa by Blake A. Hoena
8. Eek & Ack vs The Wolfman by Blake A. Hoena
9. Recon Academy: Shadow Cell Scam by Chris Everheart
10. The Elsewhere Chronicles #1: The Shadow Door by Nykko
11. Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
12. Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
13. Dragonbreath by Ursula Vernon
14. Amulet: The Stonekeeper's Curse (Book 2) by Kazu Kibuishi
15. The Incredible Rockhead by Scott Nickel
16. T-Minus: The Race to the Moon by Jim Ottaviani
17. The Storm in the Barn by Matt Phelan
18. Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood by Tony Lee
19. Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident by Eoin Colfer
20. Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires
21. Luke on the Loose by Harry Bliss
22. The 323 Detective Agency: The Disappearance of Dave Warthog by Fiona Robinson
23. The Secret Science Alliance and the Copy Cat Crook by Eleanor Davis
24. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Eric Shanower
25. Dork Diaries by Rachel R. Russell
26. Benny and Penny in the Big No-No by Geoffrey Hayes
27. Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom by Eric Wight
28. Courtney Crumrin’s Monstrous Holiday by Ted Naifeh
29. The Emperor's New Clothes: The Graphic Novel by Hans Christian Anderson
30. Happy Birthday, Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel

Graphic Novels: Young Adult
1. Dreamland Chronicles Book One by Scott Christian Sava
2. Hatter M: Mad with Wonder by Frank Beddor
3. Kith by Holly Black
4. Crogan's Vengeance by Chris Schweizer
5. Wicked Lovely: Desert Tales, Volume 1: Sanctuary by Melissa Marr
6. Black is for Beginnings by Laurie Faria Stolarz
7. Avalon High: Coronation #3: Hunters Moon by Meg Cabot
8. Bride of the Water God Vol. 3 by Mi-Kyung Yun
9. Children of the Sea Vol. 1

Fantasy & Science Fiction (YA)
The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry (review posted on Goodreads)
Ash by Malinda Lo
Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner (review coming)
Candor by Pam Bachorz
Carbon Diaries 2015 by Saci Lloyd
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Eternal by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Evermore: The Immortals by Alyson Noel (review posted on Goodreads)
Eyes Like Stars: Theatre Illuminata, Act I by Lisa Mantchev
Fire by Kristin Cashore
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr (review posted on Goodreads)
Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines
Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Darkside by Beth Fantaskey
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
The Midnight Charter by David Whitley (review coming soon)
The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancy (review coming soon)
Need by Carrie Jones
The Princess and the Bear by Mette Ivie Harrison
Princess at the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George (review posted on Goodreads)
Prism by Faye Kellerman
Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink
Rampant by Diana Peterfreund
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow
Tiger Moon by Antonia Michaelis (review posted on Goodreads)
Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston

(30 total so far)
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Graphic Novels Challenge 2010

I'm really racking up some challenges so far, but this one I really need to jump on board with. My graphic novel reading has been... slacking. So, I thought to myself, why not join this challenge for next year!

I've got a bunch sitting at my apartment needing to be read.

Here's the rules:

• The challenge starts on January 1st 2010 and ends on December 31st (but we don't mind you starting early.)
• You don't have to make a list beforehand (but you can, of course! Lists are great because they give ideas to people who aren't sure what to read. And if you do make one, don't feel forced to stick to it!)
• We simplified the levels of participation: you can be a Beginner (3 Comics or Graphic Novels), Intermediate (3-10) or an Expert (10+). You're more than free to adjust your level of participation after the challenge has begun.
• There will be mini-challenges! Look for a post with more info on that soon.
• Overlaps with other challenges are totally fine.

I'm going for Expert level. I hope to read more than 10, but at least need to read that many.

I'll update them on this post. :) Click on the cool button above to join up!

1. Constance and the Great Escape by Pierre Le Gall
2. Cat Burglar Black by Richard Sala
3. Adventures in Cartooning: How to Turn Your Doodles Into Comics by James Sturm
4. Fashion Kitty and the Unlikely Hero by Charise Mericle Harper
5. Babymouse #10: The Musical by Jennifer L. Holm
6. Babymouse #11: Dragonslayer by Jennifer L. Holm
7. Perseus and Medusa by Blake A. Hoena
8. Eek & Ack vs The Wolfman by Blake A. Hoena
9. Monster in the Outfield by Robert Marsh
10. Princess Candy #1: Sugar Hero by Michael Dahl
11. Princess Candy #2: The Marshmallow Mermaid by Michael Dahl
12. Recon Academy: Shadow Cell Scam by Chris Everheart
13. The Elsewhere Chronicles #1: The Shadow Door by Nykko
14. Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
15. Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
16. Dragonbreath by Ursula Vernon
17. Amulet: The Stonekeeper's Curse (Book 2) by Kazu Kibuishi
18. The Incredible Rockhead by Scott Nickel
19. T-Minus: The Race to the Moon by Jim Ottaviani
20. The Storm in the Barn by Matt Phelan
21. Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood by Tony Lee
22. Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident by Eoin Colfer
23. Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires
24. Luke on the Loose by Harry Bliss
25. The 323 Detective Agency: The Disappearance of Dave Warthog by Fiona Robinson
26. The Secret Science Alliance and the Copy Cat Crook by Eleanor Davis
27. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Eric Shanower
28. Dork Diaries by Rachel R. Russell
29. Dreamland Chronicles Book One by Scott Christian Sava
30. Benny and Penny in the Big No-No by Geoffrey Hayes
31. Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom by Eric Wight
32. Hatter M: Mad with Wonder by Frank Beddor
33. Kin by Holly Black
34. Kith by Holly Black
35. Crogan's Vengeance by Chris Schweizer
36. The Castle of Galomar (New Brighton Archeological Society) by Mark Andrew Smith & Matthew Weldon
37. Courtney Crumrin's Monstrous Holiday by Ted Naifeh
38. Sanctuary (Wicked Lovely: Desert Tales, Vol. 1) by Melissa Marr
39. The Emperor's New Clothes: The Graphic Novel by Hans Christian Anderson
40. Bride of the Water God Vol. 1 by Mi-Kyung Yun
41. Bride of the Water God Vol. 2 by Mi-Kyung Yun
42. Bride of the Water God Vol. 3 by Mi-Kyung Yun
43. Black is for Beginnings by Laurie Faria Stolarz
44. Avalon High: Coronation #1: Merlin Prophecy by Meg Cabot
45. Avalon High: Coronation #2: Homecoming by Meg Cabot
46. Avalon High: Coronation #3: Hunters Moon by Meg Cabot
47. Alison Dare, Little Miss Adventures by J. Torres and J. Bone
48. Alison Dare, The Heart of the Maiden by J. Torres and J. Bone
49. Children of the Sea, Vol. 1
50. Chosen - The Graphic Novel by Ted Dekker (manga blog)
51. Gloomcookie vol. 1 by Ted Naifeh (manga blog)
52. Vampire Knight vol. 1 by Matsuri Hino
53. Vampire Knight Vol. 2 by Matsuri Hino
54. Faeries' Landing vol. 1 by You Hyung
55. Faeries' Landing vol 2 by You Hyung
56. After School Nightmare vol. 1 by Setona Mizushiro
57. After School Nightmare vol. 2 by Setona Mizushiro
58. After School Nightmare vol. 3 by Setona Mizushiro
59. After School Nightmare vol. 4 by Setona Mizushiro
60. After School Nightmare vol. 5 by Setona Mizushiro
61. After School Nightmare vol. 6 by Setona Mizushiro
62. After School Nightmare vol. 7 by Setona Mizushiro
63. After School Nightmare vol. 8 by Setona Mizushiro
64. Mouse Guard Volume 2: Winter 1152 by David Peterson
65. Black Bird Vol. 1 by Kanoko Sakurakoji
66. Black Bird Vol. 2 by Kanoko Sakurakoji
67. Calamity Jack by Shannon Hale
68. The Gunwitch: Outskirts of Doom by Dan Brereton, Ted Naifeh
69. Zoey Zeta and The Sisters of Power, Family Secrets by by Robert Simon, Tomomi Sarafov
70. Tokyo Mew Mew, Volume 1 by Mia Ikumi
71. Castle Waiting vol. 2 by Linda Medley
72. Beyond the Beyond Volume 1 by Yoshitomo Watanabe
73. Jack of Fables: The Big Book of War by Bill Willingham


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Another fake cover!

I thought due to this awesome contest from Page Turners, that I would do another lovely fake book cover.

Here's what I came up with - yes, I worked the picture a bit in Gimp 2.


Jared was finally getting his life together. He'd stop hanging out with his pot head friends, dragged the drumset out of the basement and joined a band - one that didn't need drugs to create music. All it takes is one pretty girl to get him to start doing drugs again - only this time it's heavier and hotter. But Karolina has a past and there's bad things coming their way.. something even the drugs couldn't soften. There's more to Jared that meets the eye as well, but will he be able to overcome his addictions in time to see what's really going on?
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Bloggiesta II!!!

Okay, some people always gape at my blog, wonder why I've done so much with my blog when I only just started this past June and I must say... it's mainly because of Maw Books and the Bloggiesta I during this past summer.

So, I'm freakin' excited to see that #II is just around the corner!!!

Now, what is a Bloggiesta?

Since Natasha said it best over on Maw Books Blog.... I will quote her long long post here:

In short, it’s a blogging marathon. A opportunity to cross those nagging items off of your to-do list and improve your blog while in the good company of other awesome bloggers doing the same thing. Break out the nachos, enchiladas, drinks, mariachi music and whack a pinata or two!

What to do during the Bloggiesta?

• Write reviews.
• Write backup posts for a rainy day.
• Write that great post idea from three months back.
• Work on series posts.
• Write guest posts.
• Put out invitations for guest posts.
• Conduct and edit author interviews.
• Create template posts for your future reads (ie: title, images, linking, tags, etc,) so you can open up, write review and post without being bogged down with technicalities
• Clean up your tags, archives, books reviewed list, etc.
• Create a text file (or Google Doc) of cheat sheets (html codes, post url’s, etc)
• Improve your blog template, clean up sidebars, add a favicon, install those plugins that you’ve been meaning to do.
• Add or edit your about me page, review policy, disclosure policy, privacy policy, create landing pages (for example – an about me for Twitter readers page) or any other pages you might have.
• Any bloggy type housekeeping that you’ve been neglecting.
• Clean up and update your challenge lists. Link up your posts with hosts.
• Make sure all of your social network profiles are up to date. Brand yourself through those profiles with color scheme, images, etc.
• Go get a gravatar.
• Visit the Blogging Tips group on the Book Blogs Ning and find ways to improve your blog.
• Work on any specialized projects that you may have going.
• Clean out and organize your feed reader and blog subscriptions.
• Create an elevator pitch.
• Make business cards.
• Find a blogging buddy.
• The sky’s the limit!

How to play:

1. The date is Friday, January 8th, Saturday the 9th and Sunday the 10th. You can really start whenever you want within that time but official hours are 8am to 8am (wherever you are). That is a total of 76 hours, of which you should aim high for a total of 18-24 hours spent on the challenge. (I chose both a weekday and a weekend to hopefully accommodate different needs. The hours spent on the challenge do NOT need to be in a row. Use the entire 76 hour time frame and see what you can do with it. (I say aim for 24 hours but really if you can only do six, twelve or eighteen that’s fine too. I just like to have something to aim for.)
2. It’s your call as to how much you want to put into it. But you have to put something into it or it’s not a challenge. So stay up all night or sleep and take care of kids when you need to.
3. When you start the challenge, come to this blog and to the “starting line” post and link to your specific post about beginning the challenge which is posted on your blog. That way I’ll be able to track participants and know who’s really at the party.
4. How many updates (if any) you want to do is up to you. Make it work for you. Personally, I plan on making a to do list and then crossing off items as I accomplish them. There will be bloggers hosting mini-challenges as well. These are great to learn new information. To get an idea of the mini-challenges last time, check out the list.
5. If you are on Twitter, use the hashtag #bloggiesta to join the chatter.
6. Your final summary post needs to be posted no later than Monday, January 11th. Come back to the finish line and link to your specific summary post. Your summary should include the number of hours spent on the challenge, what you accomplished, links to mini-challenge hosts if you completed them and any other experiences you’d like to add.

There is also a Mr. Linky if you're excited about this and am doing a post on your blog.. quite like this one. So go forth bloggers and start thinking about what you want to get done during the Bloggiesta!!!
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Holiday Break Reading Challenge 4

This fourth challenge deals with taking pictures that deal with what we are currently reading.

I just started the audio of The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt.


This book mainly takes place in a middle school, as Holling is a 7th grader. And it is about his time with his teacher after school on Wednesdays - which makes her hate him.

And why, do you ask would she hate him? He is the only Presbyterian student and therefore does not attend any religious classes on Wednesday afternoons.


Therefore, she is stuck with him and he believes she is out to torture him with reading Shakespeare plays on these Wednesday afternoons...


But, in their time together, Holling learns that his teacher has a pretty cool background, having used to be an runner in the Olympics.



I'm definitely liking it so far.

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Okay, this is my REAL third Secret Santa gift

So, I guess those two books earlier that I got were from one secret santa. So when I got the third package, I thought that would be it, but no!

Today, I got this awesome package from Eva from A Striped Armchair for the Book Blogger Holiday Swap!

And in it was:

Just ignore the fruit, napkins and discarded wrapping materials behind the pretty books.

She gave me an ARC copy of Faerie of Dreamdark Blackbringer by Laini Taylor, some cherry-flavored chocolate - YUM - a homemade crocheted bookmark made out of my favorite colors (black and red) and a hardcover of Looking For Alaska by John Green! Which I actually just read but don't own a hardcover of. Also, a cute Xmas card... she was so sweet and filled the card up with why she picked what she did and even congratulated me on getting married! :-D

So, thank you so much Eva!
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Favorite Fictional Couple of 2009

Alexa over at Not Enough Bookshelves put out an all call to see who our favorite couples were in the books we read this year. In fact, she'll give you some extra points in her contest if you post about it. So, I'm going to share mine.

Since I have this horrid obsession with bad boys. I have to say my favorite couple is Patch and Nora from Becca Fitzpatrick's book Hush, Hush.

And to prove how smoldering this boy Patch is, here's a quick excerpt:

"His black eyes sliced into me, and the corners of his mouth tilted up. My heart fumbles a beat and in that pause, a feeling of gloomy darkness seemed to slide like a shadow over me. It vanished in an instant, but I was still staring at him. His smile wasn't friendly. IT was a smile that spelled trouble. With a promise."
-p. 11

And that is just their first encounter. Can you say YUM!!!
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It's Monday, What are you Reading?

J.Kaye hosts this wonderful meme.

Read this past week:
Soulless by Gail Carriger
Firespell by Chloe Neill (will review Jan. 6th)
Looking for Alaska by John Green
Pretty Little Devils by Nancy Holder
The Mozart Question by Michael Morpurgo
Sea Glass by Maria V. Snyder

Currently Reading:
Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert
The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

Upcoming:
Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran
Hate List by Jennifer Brown
Geek Girl's Guide to Cheerleading by Charity Tahmaser and Darcy Vance

Updates:

• My birthday was yesterday! I did a special IMM to show you what I got! The Birthday Bash contests end on December 30th! I can't wait to pull a ton of winners!
• Speaking of the B-day Bash - I have a poll up about what your favorite contest was. Please vote!
• The Holiday Break Reading Challenge has taken off and I posted a list of books I hope to get read - or at least most of those listed read...
  
• Sign up for the New Year Readathon and/or Reading Into the New Year! There will be some prizes! :)
  

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Sea Glass

Sea Glass
by Maria V. Snyder

Opal discovers that her making of glass messengers is not the only skill she has magic-wise. The one she discovers is much more potent and raises the question to the Council about how dangerous she just could be. Add in her new love interest Ulrik, suddenly becoming a bit strange and soon finding out he has switched bodies with Devlan thanks to blood magic - the man who tortured her.

Only Devlan claims to be different and keeps popping up, trying to help Opal. Ulrik, on the other hand, seems magic-thirsty and cruel when Opal finally tracks him down. The problem is, no one will believe her story. Add in Kade, Opal's real apple of her eye and you've got some serious love interest.

There's a lot of political intrigue in this book as well, adding in the factor of who will convince Opal to sell her products through them and monopolize on the glass messengers.

I kept putting this book down, knowing that the third isn't due out until 2011. *sigh* More than a year!!! Opal gets a little more jaded in this book. I'm starting to like Devlan.. I think Kade may have some serious competition in the future. :)

If you haven't, you guys need to read all of Maria V. Snyder's books. They are amazing.

5/5 Roses

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The Mozart Question

The Mozart Question
by Michael Morpurgo

Summary (from Powell's Books):
A boy's passion for music unlocks a painful secret — and draws his family together — in a multilayered tale by an outstanding author-illustrator pair. Like any young boy, Paolo becomes obsessed with what he can't have — in his case, a violin. Hidden away in his parents' room, it beckons the boy to release the music inside it. The music leads Paolo to a family secret, a story of World War II that changed the course of his parents' lives. But once the truth is told, the family is reunited in a way no one had thought possible. From Michael Morpurgo and Michael Foreman comes a story about sharing the joy of music from one generation to the next and about music's power to transform and heal.

The story and illustrations in this book were beautiful. I love tales about music and this one was especially moving with the tale behind why the parents never played music again. It was a quick and great read and definitely a highly recommended book.

5/5 Roses
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Pretty Little Devils

Pretty Little Devils
by Nancy Holder

The Pretty Little Devils are the four most stylish elite girls at their high school. Hazel thinks that she's gotten lucky by being inducted as their 5th member. The girls seem fairly harmless at first, just simply in love with horror films and full of fun, scary pranks. Only the pranks turn into actual murder.. the only question is, who is murderer?

I was completely sucked into this book. It's not my usual type of read by any standard, but I must say that it was intriguing and definitely kept you on your toes. The twists in the book really brought the plot along and you weren't really that overwhelmed with much high school drama. Just goes to show you that high school girls really can be vicious...

5/5 Roses

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Looking for Alaska

Looking for Alaska
by John Green

Miles ends up going to a boarding school in Alabama, where he meets his first real friends - Chip and Alaska. Alaska becomes Miles' every obsession, even with her current relationship with her boyfriend Jake. Everything is crazy but perfect with Alaska around - Miles starts smoking and drinking, but feeling for the first time like he's living. That is, until Alaska leaves one night and ends up never coming back.

I really loved this book. I own it, but listened to it on audio and really just ate it up. I love John Green's characters - they're so realistic, but still so interesting. The way he writes makes you really think about what is going on and why it is happening. Having met John Green, I can see why his books are so incredible.

5/5 Roses

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In My Mailbox - Birthday Edition!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren.


Birthday gifts!

So, I started off my birthday a bit wrong. I was babysitting and the parents came home around 12:30 - my hubby came over around 11ish to hang out with me for a bit. On the way out to the car, I slipped on the ice and fell hard on my bum/back. I've got a good few bruises and a laceration on my arm, but I'm doing okay. Just some pain. Hot showers help.

I did not let that get in the way of my birthday tho!

As per tradition, since it is my 25th birthday, I received a sewing machine, along with a cute sewing basket and some money and gift cards.



I did get one book from my Uncle:

My hubby got me this cool hand mirror that looks old and is fairly heavy - could double as a weapon (probably what he was thinking when he bought it!). Hehe. I also got a cool photo frame from his parents.

Onto the regular IMM:

For review (From Capstone):
Princess Candy: Sugar Hero by Michael Dahl
Princess Candy: The Marshmallow Mermaid by Michael Dahl
Monster in the Outfield by Robert Marsh
Mr. Wolf Bounces Back by Tony Bradman
Jack and the Bean Snacks by Tony Bradman
Goldilocks and the Just Right Club by Tony Bradman
Rapunzel Lets Her Hair Down by Tony Bradman
The Frog Prince Hops to It by Tony Bradman
The Teacher Who Forgot Too Much by Steve Brezenoff
The Village that Almost Vanished by Steve Brezenoff

Won:
Blue Diablo by Ann Aguirre and Strange Brew - anthology (from All Things Urban Fantasy!)
What I Wore to Save the World by Maryrose Wood (from Readaholic)

Bought:
The Scent of Shadows by Vicki Petterson
The Taste of Night by Vicki Petterson
The Touch of Twilight by Vicki Petterson

From the Library:
Rare Beasts by Charles Ogden
Under Town by Charles Ogden
Pet's Revenge by Charles Ogden
Tourist Trap by Charles Ogden
Going Bovine by Libba Bray (audio)
Andromeda Klein by Frank Portman (audio)
The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt
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Holiday Reading Challenge 3

I just had to do this fun challenge.

Here's what I came up with:

What I call life into the land of the unicorns wasteland.
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Birthday Bash Day 20

Today is the LAST contest!!!!! Up for grabs today is the first two books in a series that I adore. They're technically 'adult' but the protagonist is a young adult, so it fits. They are paperback copies of Green Rider and First Rider's Call by Kristen Britain. I love love love these books and hope whoever wins them will too! Since it is now my birthday, I wanted to share my favorite books with someone new. And since they are my FAVORITES, I will open this up to all followers. :)

Rules:
1. Contest will end on December 30th at 11:59 CST.
2. You must fill out the form below to enter.
3. Open Internationally!

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Sunday Spotlight - Too Many Books, Too Little Time

Okay, I'm going to admit my bias here. I LOVE finding other people who work in schools or libraries - or BOTH! And Jeanie is one of those people. Her blog is super new and very amazing.

Name: Jeanie

Nickname and/or blog name: Weekend Reader/ Too Many Books, Too Little Time

Blog URL: http://2manybooks2littletime.wordpress.com

Tell me a bit about yourself.

I would have to say that books and literacy are both my vocation and my avocation. I am employed as a school district administrator whose job responsibilities are to coordinate the English/Language Arts and Library/Media programs for our K-12 school district. In my spare time I participate in a Writers Workshop, am an active member in a book club and, of course, now I blog.

When and why did you start your blog?

I began my blog in October, 2009, so you can see that I am a new blogger. I had several reasons for starting this blog:

• First, I have started several reading blogs for students in the school district where I work, and find that I enjoy blogging as a way to share my passion for books. I also have a blog that I maintain for my book club to provide background information on the books that we are reading (that blog is located at http://literarylitebookclub.edublogs.org).
• Second, I thought that setting up a personal blog would be a good way to become involved with others who love books. I have really been inspired by the outstanding blogs that are out there!
• Finally, I am planning to retire in a few years. I hope that I will be able to teach online classes for a college or university. I thought that having online experience that I can use as a reference might be helpful.

What is your blog all about? Any cool features you want to share?

I named my blog "Too Many Books, Too Little Time," because that is the frustration I - and many other book lovers - share. The demands of daily life often infringe on my ability to indulge my reading habit, so for now I consider myself a recreational reader. I hope that through my reviews I'll help other recreational readers find great books that are worth the investment of their limited time.

What are some of your favorite genres and/or books currently?

I think I have somewhat eclectic tastes that are often determined by current events or my personal mood. I tend toward contemporary fiction and particularly like historical and multicultural literature. I recently read and reviewed City of Thieves by David Benioff, a fantastic novel that takes place during the Germans' siege of Leningrad. This book had it all for me - a historical book about a different time and place, with a fast-pace plot and both humor and pathos...what more could a reader want?

How do you find out about the books you read?

My most reliable source is probably The New York Times Book Review, which I read religiously, but I also depend heavily on friends' recommendations, our book club selections and now, of course, suggestions I find on others' blogs.

Any tips or advice for those starting or thinking about starting a blog?

I'd steal from Nike and say, "Just do it!" I spent a long time fretting over it - how to do it, where to post, would I have anything worthwhile to add to the conversation...when I finally took the plunge, I found that there's no pressure and it's a lot of fun. I'm meeting interesting people, and it's great to have a forum to explore the world of literature!


I agree with Jeanie. It's so awesome the community we have online with book blogs and bloggers. You guys all rock! Go over and check out her blog and leave her some love!

Are you a new blogger too? Or just getting back into the swing of blogging? Do you want to be featured on my blog? Shoot me an email at dragonzgoil (at) gmail (dot) com.

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Holiday Break Reading Challenge List

So, I feel like procrastinating on some housework and thought I'd post a list of the books I want/need to read over this holiday break.

I've already finished Firespell by Chloe Neill and am currently working on Pretty Little Devils by Nancy Holder.

So, contest books I HAVE to read because they'll be sent out after New Years:
Hate List by Jennifer Brown
Geek Girl's Guide to Cheerleading by Charity Tahmaser and Darcy Vance

Books started that need finishing:
Looking for Alaska by John Green
Sea Glass by Maria V. Snyder
Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert

Review books:
Possessions by Nancy Holder
Wicked by Nancy Holder
Wicked 2 by Nancy Holder
Resurrection by Nancy Holder
The Cave by Steve McGill
9 Capstone books (quick reads)
Freaks & Revelations by Davida Wills Hurwin
Lost Worlds by John Howe
Ghost Huntress 1&2 by Marley Gibson
Children of the Dawnland by Kathleen O'Neal Gear and W. Michael Gear
City of Fire by Lawrence Yep

Library books:
The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
The Mozart Question by Michael Morpugo
Rare Beasts by Charles Ogden
Under Town by Charles Ogden
Pet's Revenge by Charles Ogden
High Wire by Charles Ogden

We'll start with those and see how far I get...

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Birthday Bash Day 19

Up for grabs today is a signed ARC of Firespell by Chloe Neill. I just read this the other day, but my review won't be up until January 6th. Just so you know, it was AWESOME! :)



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Saturday Spotlight - All Things Urban Fantasy

I want to welcome today a blogger after my own heart. She reads and reviews Urban Fantasy books, which is a genre of books that I absolutely adore! I have to thank her for leading me to Barbara's Design website, who recently designed both my blog and Abigail's! Without further ado...

Name: Abigail
Nickname and/or blog name: All Things Urban Fantasy
Blog URL:http://allthingsurbanfantasy.blogspot.com/

Tell me a bit about yourself.

I’ve been a book lover from birth, but I discovered my current love for All Things Urban Fantasy after getting hooked on Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Spike!!). I was pretty bummed when the show got canceled, so I started hunting for new ways to get my fix and stumbled across Patricia Brigg’s Mercy Thompson series and that pretty much solidified my love for the urban fantasy genre.

When and why did you start your blog?

I had been a long time lurker of several blogs dedicated to paranormal books and had been toying with the idea of starting my own blog because I was used to writing reviews for everything I read for awhile already and posting on different book sites. I took the plunge in the middle of September and have been loving it ever since.

What is your blog all about? Any cool features you want to share?

As the title says: All Things Urban Fantasy, Where Para is Normal. My blog focuses on the Urban Fantasy genre (crossing over into Dark Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal YA etc.) and provides honest reviews that break down my favorite elements of the genre, keep readers up to date on upcoming releases, author info, interviews, giveaways, and All Things Urban Fantasy. I have a bunch of features that I’m proud of: 2nd Opinion Reviews, Character Profiles, Editorials, and Genre Swap Saturday.

What are some of your favorite genres and/or books currently?

I love Patricia Brigg’s Mercy Thompson series, and Ilona Andrew’s Kate Daniel series. And even though I’m ten years older than Bella, I’m still a Twilight fan.

How do you find out about the books you read?

I read book blogs primarily. Scifiguy.ca and FantasyDreamersRambling.blogspot.com both always have a good round of of upcoming books. Now that I have my blog, I subscribe/follow/sign up for just about every Urban Fantasy author’s site/blog that I can (adding new ones everyday) so I usually know as soon as anyone about new books. And of course I pass that info along to readers of my blog.

Any tips or advice for those starting or thinking about starting a blog?
Lots. Practically: Get a 3 column blog layout; visit and comment on like blogs/sites, specifically authors blogs; post everyday; use Windows Live Writer; BE PROFESSIONAL when communicating with authors and publishers; Use LinkWithin; Review books at least once a week; Respond to your comments; Don’t use canned interview questions with authors or expect canned responses…I’m sure there’s more but I’m still learning too :)

Contest Alert!!!

Abigail is giving away 3 copies of Three Days to Dead by Kelly Meding (Ends December 23rd). Also, if you vote by December 30th for the 1st Urban Fantasy Cover Art Awards you can win big! For more information go here.

Thank you Abigail for telling us all about your blog! Check her out guys, her new blog design is rockin' and so are her reviews!

Are you a new blogger too? Or just getting back into the swing of blogging? Do you want to be featured on my blog? Shoot me an email at dragonzgoil (at) gmail (dot) com.

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Birthday Bash Day 18

Up for grabs today is an ARC of Hate List by Jennifer Brown (which I now have to read over break.. no matter what... lol). I hear this book is PHENOMENAL and so therefore I will read it and then one lucky winner will read it!


Rules:
1. Contest will end on December 30th at 11:59 CST.
2. You must fill out the form below to enter.
3. Open to U.S. and Canada only!




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600 Followers!!!! And I'm featured!

Okay, this is NUTS - I just hit 600 followers on Google Friend Connect! Woot! Means I must craft another contest for this month. I'm thinking something creative along with something easy...

And onto more great news... I was featured on two blog today!

There's a Book put a call out for bloggers to reflect on reading when they were younger, so I had to volunteer! She calls the feature: When I was Young. It was a ton of fun talking about my past reading experiences. Go on over and check it out.


Also, Debbie's World of Books was interviewing different bloggers for the Holidays and I volunteered. Check out my interview over on her blog.

3 more days of my Birthday Bash! Check out the lineup on the main Birthday Bash Launch post about it!
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Holiday Break Reading Activity #1

Alright, I was kinda excited for this activity because I have seen some fun fake covers floating around out there.

Here is my cover:

It looks like a really bad indie book, but pretend and tell me it looks AMAZING okay guys?

And here's a short synopsis:

Samuel always knew there was something off about his hometown in the outskirts of London, but he never realized the extent of secrets the town of Bexley held until Justine moved back into town. Little does he know the fate at which he will face when he begins to befriend her again, after her long five year absence from his life. Will Justine trust Samuel enough to reveal the truth behind her family's disappearance five years ago?
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What do I want for my birthday?

As my birthday and Christmas get closer and closer, I find myself pondering what do I really want most?

So, I figured I'd share some of my ponderings with you guys. I do have an amazon wishlist I set up, but this is the core of my true wants...

First off, I think I am dying to get these two books and may purchase them if it comes down to it:

And of course, you could never ever go wrong with dark chocolate and red roses:

And last but not least, I really want some cool bookish type stuff:

Librarians Change Lives t-shirt




Cool travel mugs

Can't resist this

How awesome are these book clocks?

How fun is this t-shirt?


Cutest mousepad EVER!

And just look at this other cute bookish paraphernalia!!!

I have outdone myself. I need to stop searching cafepress.com for bookish stuff. :)

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Link a Contest Thursday

Alright, want to start this post off with a contest I announced last week. Please please please.. those of you that are creative. Create a button for this weekly meme and if I pick it you will win a handful of books. You guys know what I generally read. :-D

I only have one entry so far. So email them off to dragonzgoil at gmail dot com by December 30th at 11:59 pm CST.

Now for the Rules and Mr. Linky!!!

Rules (or at least STRONG suggestions):
1. Name the item being given away (instead of the blog name)
2. Give the end date in () after the name
3. Make sure to link DIRECTLY to that contest post - if you don't know how to do this - just click on the title of the contest blog and it will give a direct URL you can use.
4. If you want to post a contest you've found, make sure it isn't already posted.


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Birthday Bash Day 17

Up for grabs today is a signed paperback of The Geek Girl's Guide to Cheerleading - signed by one of the coauthors - Darcy Vance. I still need to read this one... and will hopefully have a review up soon!

Rules:
1. Contest will end on December 30th at 11:59 CST.
2. You must fill out the form below to enter.
3. Open to U.S. and Canada only!

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Holiday Break Reading Challenge

Okay, I've been MEANING to post about this the past few weeks, but haven't gotten around to it! I have a huge pile of books I want to push through over break and this challenge will get me to do it! Karin is hosting the challenge and created a whole new Holiday Break Reading Challenge blog for the occasion!

I will be participating. I've got 4 Edgar & Ellen books from my library I want to get through, I just got a box of books from Capstone I want to read and review, and I have a crap ton of review books I keep neglecting.

Very excited to get reading over break!!
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Birthday Bash Day 16

Up for grabs today is 5 books, all by Nancy Holder! Possessions, Pretty Little Devils, Wicked: Witch & Curse, Wicked 2: Legacy & Spellbound, and Wicked: Resurrection. I believe they will also be signed by her and possibly include some yummy mints.

Rules:
1. Contest will end on December 30th at 11:59 CST.
2. You must fill out the form below to enter.
3. Open to U.S. and Canada only!

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Soulless

Soulless
by Gail Carriger

Summary (from amazon.com):

Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations. First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette.

Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire -- and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.

With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?

SOULLESS is a comedy of manners set in Victorian London: full of werewolves, vampires, dirigibles, and tea-drinking.

The humor and interesting characters in this novel simply suck you in. I don't read a lot of adult novels usually, but this one mixed historical fiction, humor, and some serious sexual intrigue.

I love the plot as well, involving some serious supernatural creatures, scientific intrigue, and all the beautiful aspects of London society. I love Alexia's character - so brazen and really quite unfit for regular society.

Definitely a must-read.

5/5 Roses

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