The House With a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs

Once upon a time, there was a girl who loved to read.

No, scratch that.

She LOVED to read.  (Yes, that’s better.)

Any time she had available, away from the wicked wheels-of-work, she could be found spending time with family, playing with her pups, but more often than not…READING.  It was almost to the point of addiction really, but honestly…what better thing to “require” in your daily life than a trip through the pages?  (Who’s with me?  *looks for showing of hands*)  Anywho, back to our word loving gal…she was so enraptured by the wordy world that she had to share her joy with the world and so embarked on an adventure of her own, book blogging.  Once that door was opened, there was no stopping her…well, except for the passage of time.  You see, time waits for no man, woman, nor reader and there are OH-so-many books to be read and only so much time to read them and, in this case more importantly, SHARE them.  Which brings me to today’s post…

In the spotlight today is a book I read back in October 2013 that had to wait patiently for it’s turn, while the other shiny newer titles pranced before it.  It took solace in the fact that one day, one day indeed it would see it’s turn in the sun.  Today is that day my friends.  Allow me to introduce you to a book from the past that can still make an impact in our present and mighty enjoyable one at that….

The House With a Clock in Its Walls

By

John Bellairs

Pictures by

Edward Gorey

0142402575

Puffin Books

About the book…

TICK TOCK.  A MURDEROUS CLOCK.
When Lewis Barnavelt, an orphan, comes to stay with his uncle Jonathan, he expects to meet an ordinary person.  But he is wrong.  Uncle Jonathan and his next-door neighbor, Mrs. Zimmerman, are both witches!  Lewis is thrilled.  At first, watching magic is enough.  Then Lewis experiments with magic himself and unknowingly resurrects the former owner of the house:  a woman named Serenna Izard.  It seems that Serenna and her husband built a timepiece into the walls – a clock that could obliterate humankind.  And only the Barnavelts can stop it!

Sound exciting?  It was indeed but more in a subdued Snickett sorta way.  Allow me to explain.

This is one of those titles that grabbed my attention while meandering through the stacks, not looking for anything in particular.  Ever wonder why you find the most amazing or unusual titles when you’re doing just that?  I know I do.  Anywho…I was wandering and this one sort of jumped off the shelf.  It wasn’t large.  It wasn’t in particularly good condition.  It wasn’t even an author I had heard of in passing…but it mattered not.  The title and cover had my curiosity and so my decision was made…I had to have this book.  I had to read this book….and upon having done that, I had to share this book.

It is one in a series of mysteries featuring young Barnavelt; the other tales of which I know not their content, so we’ll stick with the one I do have insight into.  His initial arrival into the hands of his uncle should have been uneventful…had he been the person Lewis had dreamed him to be.  However, as with most things in life, what we get and what you expect tend to be two different things.  No worries readers.  It makes it more interesting for all parties, yours included.  I mean who wouldn’t have a few bats in the belfry if you lived in a house full of clocks; why the setting, resetting, and top of the hour moments would drive you to play poker alone!  Ah, but did I mention that one of the clocks is unseen, yet not completely unheard.  Spookier still is the fact that it sounds like it’s winding down and rumor has it (okay, well the town history has it on fairly good authority) that the former owners of this particular house were working on a sort of doomsday clock…not to predict it but to bring it about.  Yep.  Like I said, it’d drive anyone a little batty.  Moving forward…

Despite the ever insistent ticking, life goes on in this small town, moving Lewis closer to a future he could not predict filled with friends (well, sort of friends) and acquaintances he never anticipated not to mention an exciting end you won’t see coming.  What’s that?  Oh, I said END now didn’t I…and you think it should have said ENDING, right?  Hmm…you’ll just have to read it to find out now won’t ya.  (^_^)  While the story carries us ever forward while reaching straight into the past for an entertaining look at just how well magic and reality mix when wielded by the untrained (*ahem* Lewis *ahem*), the characters make room for themselves in your mind and heart.  Seriously, as off the wall as the uncle and neighbor seem, they’re good people and nuttiness and all aside, take care of their own…or anyone else that happens to come along that might need protecting.  You remember that when Lewis’ new friends lends a hand in stirring up trouble. 

In conclusion, an assuming book that houses a great story within it’s pages.  A perfect way to while away a few hours of your free time or entice a young reader to the fold of the well-read.  Recommended read for middle grade readers through adults; there’s magic, mystery and a healthy dose of darkness and light.  A well balanced read to add to your daily schedule and quite possible future days with the other titles in the series.

Review copy from my own personal library, ironically purchased from my local library’s used bookstore.  It’s original US publication dates back to 1973 but it has since been republished by Puffin Books, a division of Penguin Young Reader’s Group.  To discover more about it as well as their full catalog, be sure to stop by their official site.  The author of this tale passed away in 1991 but his literary adventures live on with this series as well as those of Johnny Dixon and Anthony Monday.  What’s that?  You just added a few titles to your wish list?  You’re welcome.  ^_^

Until next time…happy reading!

Andi Unexpected by Amanda Flower

Hello!

Welcome friends to the site that reaches over the rainbow to pull out the bookish good in each day just for YOU…Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

So, how much do you know about your family history?  Can you trace your roots back generations upon generations or is your family tree a little more spotty?  Are you perchance named for someone in your family or is your name as unique as the nose on your face (no pun intended)?  Or perhaps though you are unique (because you totally are), your uniqueness isn’t simply NAME deep.  Perhaps it’s what’s inside of you, that thing that makes you, YOU and the discovery of a connection name wise is just a mystery waiting to be solved.  Welcome to Andi’s world!  Today’s book of choice is…

Andi Unexpected

By

Amanda Flower

9780310737018

Zonder Kidz

About the book….

After the sudden death of their parents in the jungles of Central America, twelve-year-old science geek Andora “Andi” Boggs and her diva teenaged sister, Bethany, move to rural Killdeer, Ohio to live with their eccentric twenty-something aunt. And while the timeworn house has been home to the Boggs family for generations, Andi feels far from at home. Exploring the attic in her grief, she discovers proof of another Andora Boggs in the family tree hidden in a Depression-era trunk. Despite the meddling of the citizens of Killdeer, Andi and her new friend, Colin Carter, are determined to find out who this first Andora was, how she vanished, and why no one in town wants to talk about her. As more and more unanswered questions pile up, Andi and Colin must decide who they can trust with their secrets and who is interested in Andora’s story for the wrong reasons.

Andora, aka Andi, was an endearing character....and not merely for her "sweet" nature either.  She was a nice girl, don't get me wrong, and she knew the difference between right and wrong (even if she DID stretch those limits a time or two...it WAS for the greater good!), but she was also tenacious, calculating, and a truth seeker to her core.  So, of course, upon uncovering the little mystery of the "first" Andora, she HAD to know the whole who, what, when, where, and why about it.  The thing is....she never anticipated the reach of the truths she might uncover, nor the lengths to which others would go to claim the info treasure trove as their own.  I'm sorry but making a name for oneself is rather overrated at times...especially when it's put over family.  Tisk tisk Mr. ....well, someone we meet in the story.  ^_^  *ahem*  Anyway....

The supporting cast is equally worthy of notice; from Bethany (her sister) to Colin (her next door neighbor and sidekick in "crime"), Mr. Finnigan (the museum curator) to Miss Addy (the lady of some years that knows everything there is to know about anything in Killdeer, OH).    The discoveries of not only connections, trusts and betrayals along the way but friendships AND enemies, both shock and delight as we're lead from days gone by into the here and now with ease.  Speaking of those transitions...

Author Amanda Flower

I'm not a big fan of Historical Fiction nor a frequent reader of Christian Fiction, and yet I did find myself intrigued by this combination of both.  Perhaps it was the lack of needing to have foreknowledge of the places and times that worked in my favor.  Maybe it was the light handedness used in including the messages from above within the work.  Or better still, it could be the author's talent combined with the fact that it's written for a Middle Grade audience that kept all elements in balance, allowing me (and many of you, I'm sure) to enjoy this read the way it was meant to be.  Oh and before you go thinking this is merely a glimpse into the past without any action or adventure to speak of, think again.  There is danger to be weary of, and the extent to which it is carried out does surprise.  So beware.... ~oooohhhhoooohhhh~  Just kidding, well, at least about the ghostly wail part there.  

ARC for review courtesy of author Amanda Flower.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as her future works, be sure to stop by her site, check out her blog, like her on Facebook or follow along on Twitter.  This title was released via ZonderKidz, an imprint of HarperCollins so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf near you. 

Until next time....happy reading!

Strange Title, Unusual Book: Crabtree by Jon & Tucker Nichols

Hi there!

Welcome back to the place that knows how to turn a frown upside down almost any day of the week….Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we’re going on an expedition…through the pages of a storybook!  Curious?  As you should be…and that also describes the book to a “T” to the uninitiated.  Don’t worry friends, you won’t be in that camp for long…we’ll expedite your move over to the “in-the-know” cabin just after this post.  Deal?  Good.  Now, let’s get cracking on today’s book of choice….

Crabtree

By

Jon & Tucker Nichols

9781936365821

McSweeney’s McMullens

About the book…

Alfred Crabtree has lost his false teeth.  But don’t worry, he’ll find them if he can just get organized!  Join Alfred on a romp through his far too many belongings and you’ll end up learning more about him then he knows about himself.

Short and sweet…unlike Alfred’s collection of odds, ends, and everything in between.

At once both a cautionary tale to older readers in regards to hoarding and an unusual search and find for all ages, the fun begins before we even open the book.  Yep.  You read that right, BEFORE you open the book.  How so?  Well, aside from the busy cover we first see, the removable jacket of the book unfolds into a two sided poster guaranteed to jump start you imagination.  I STILL haven’t figured out quite what that inside thing-a-ma-jig is either…but it’s fun to ponder and suppose.  As for the story…

Alfred is quite a collector of, well things…and unfortunately that assortment of all that has either captured his eye or missed the can on the way by is about as organized as an assorted bag of jelly beans; given the choice though, trust me…you’d much rather sort the beans.  *-*  But I digress…page after page, readers have the opportunity to help Alfred search for his missing chompers while he gains a few tips on sorting through it all from his family relations.  From like items to colors, things with that start with the same letter to items in the same condition, he tries and tries until he finds a system that vaguely works for him (we’ll see I suppose in the long run) and what’s this?  Perhaps his missing teeth?  Perhaps…you’ll have to help him sort things out first and then, well…you never know what treasures you’ll uncover.

In the end, it’s an interesting read for the whole family with a message and fun for everyone.  Along with the illustrations that litter the pages, there are also interesting facts and tidbits about Alfred lending another challenge to the story beyond simply finding his teeth…to see how well you know him by book’s end! 

Review copy received courtesy of McSweeney’s McMullens.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their growing catalog, be sure to stop by their official site.

Until next time…happy reading!

In the Hall of the Mountain King by Allison Flannery

Hi gang!

Thanks for stopping by Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers and making reading a part of your day.

We’re rolling out the red carpet today for a Children’s Storybook pick.  It comes to us on the wings of inspiration from across the seas, Norway to be precise, and was inspired by other works of greatness in various fields of creativity…namely music and theater.  Curious?  As was I, and once I saw the cover, that feeling only grew.  Ready to dance with royalty and be dazzled by the unimagined?  Grab your scarf and hat, it gets mighty cold on those mountain tops.  Today’s book of choice is…

In the Hall of the Mountain King

By

Allison Flannery

Illustrated by

Vesper Stamper

9781938633133

Samizdat Publishing

Combining music, lively illustrations and a story simple yet adventurous, this tale has a folkish feel that is sure to enchant readers of all ages.

The story stars young Peer out for a walk turned expedition with his four-legged friend.  While wandering here and there and further than they’ve been before, they stumble upon the Mountain King’s castle.  *cue dramatic music* Never before has he seen the likes of this place, nor will he probably ever again; such a tragedy and yet lucky for our young lad.  How so?  Well, let’s just say that the King of the castle doesn’t exactly take kindly to uninvited visitors which leads to a rather interesting reception when the two come face to face.  *-*

Aside from the excitement built in the story itself, we have the wonderful artwork to dazzle our eyes.  The sharp edges and mix of earth tones and livelier colors such as found in a field of flowers, make for interesting pieces that really bring the Norwegian feel of it all to life.  Don’t know what I mean?  Well, take a look at some of the classic images of Norway, or rather the way it’s depicted; my own mind is wandering back to the World Showcase at Epcot.  Think trolls and rough edges, high peaks and shadowy valleys, sea passages and Vikings.  It mixes the mythical with the magical from the past and presents it in a package easily accessible to today’s reading audience.  Speaking of that audience…

This is not going to be your average sedentary read-along.  No siree.  The author has made sure of that.  How so?  Well, seeing as her other calling in life is as a teacher, Ms. Flannery wanted to invite young minds in for a great story, but also to take part in the adventure.  The included audio CD featuring Edvard Grieg’s “In the Hall of the Mountain King” as well as four other selections from the “Peer Grynt” suite, ensures that not one but two senses are engaged.  We also have the suggested variations on how to present the story at book’s end to keep things lively courtesy of the author herself, and when combined with the downloadable activities from the official website, what can I say….you’ve got a winner whether read in a classroom or family setting.

Author Allison Flannery

Review copy received courtesy of author Allison Flannery.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, be sure to stop by the official site.  To pick up a copy to call your own, shop from the site directly, or click on over to the big A (< - That’s Amazon…). 

Until next time…happy reading!

Taste Testing Tuesdays. ..on a Wednesday!

Hi guys!
Due to our blog tour guest yesterday, we didn't get to sample my current read in progress. No worries.  That's the beauty of the blog. .. you can switch things up and everyone still leaves happy. ^-^ Ready for a taste of bookish fun?  Here goes nothing. ..

From pg 169 of ANATOMY OF A SINGLE GIRL by Daria Snadowsky...

BLOG TOUR: Teacup Turbulence by Linda O. Johnston

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the place to be when you’re in the mood for food to satisfy the heart and mind; you know, the bookish variety.

Today, we’re playing host to a blog tour courtesy of Lori at Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours, starring two of my favorite things…books and puppies!  Oh come on…how can you honestly resist the precious little fuzzy wuzzies?  I know I can’t, as my fur baby brood at home would tell you, supposing you could understand them as well as I…and neither can the leading lads and lasses in today’s story.  Get the leashes ready and have the biscuits on standby, today’s book of choice and blog tour guest is ready to meet and greet….

A Pet Rescue Mystery, Book 5:

Teacup Turbulence

By

Linda O. Johnston

9780425259979

A Berkley Prime Crime Mystery

About the book…

Los Angeles animal shelter manager Lauren Vancouver has a soft spot for animals in need – and a keen eye for crime…

Thanks to a savvy ad campaign featuring teacup pups sporting HotPets Bling – a new line of faux jewelry dog collars – small dog adoptions have skyrocketed across the city.  So when Lauren discovers a shelter in the Midwest with more toy dogs than it can handle, she arranges a private plane to swoop in and fly the pups back to L.A.

But Lauren didn’t count on rescue worker Teresa Kantrim coming along for the ride.  Teresa has cared for the dogs since they were found and doesn’t trust anyone from La-La Land to take over the job.  Her biting comments clearly haven’t earned Teresa any new friends, but when she turns up murdered, it’s time for Lauren to dig into Teresa’s past and find out who wanted her put down.

This is a cozy mystery; that is a mystery that has light mystery, no gore, a lack of foulness in other ways, and light on the romance.  I don’t read them often but sometimes I indulge…you can’t help it.  They have the niftiest titles!  Now, here’s something about cozy’s that I’ve always been told, you either love them or you not-so-love-them…there’s no in-between.  I, however, am apparently one of the contradictions of that “rule”. 

While I wasn’t in love with the book where I couldn’t put it down and had to eat, sleep, and read it in order to make it through the day (oh, just admit it…you’ve felt that way about a book or two at the very least), I did enjoy it.  I found the human characters for the most part endearing…though some garnered more tolerance (hello Teresa! Or rather goodbye seeing as how you’re murdered not too far into the story) than actual acceptance (Lauren, Matt, all their friends, the volunteers, her colleagues…need I say more?).  The pups that litter the pages, from HotRescues to their own personal pooches, were heart warming…and some of the names they had tugged at my own memories (R.I.P. my sweet Zoey) while others simply made me smile (a teacup named Challenger…*grin*). 

The actual mystery was pretty straight forward, including some of the who-done-its.  I mean, I did actually see a good portion of it coming…not exactly what you look for in a novel.  HOWEVER, and that’s a big however, the final outcome including the revelation of all the players involved, as well as the resolution of an additional mystery we never knew about (~hehe~), DO come as a surprise so I’d say that all’s well that ends well…and this one DOES end well.

Final thoughts…a short and sweet read that’s light on the action but pours on the charm, perfect for your weekend bring-a-long or bedtime read.  Though I wish some parts were fleshed out more, that’s not the nature of this particular beast (or rather genre) so I’ll take it as it is and welcome it with a smile.  Will I be seeking out the rest of the series?  Undecided at this point to be honest, but I do know that I enjoyed my time in La-La Land with this animal friendly crew and certainly respect their dedication to the cause.  Oh, and in case you were wondering, I do believe this is one of those series that you can pick up anywhere along the way and still be 100% included in the Scooby gang.  Just sayin’…and with cute titles like this one, not to mention Beaglemania, and The More the Terrier, there’s bound to be you simply can’t resist!

Review copy received courtesy of Lori at Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as the growing Pet Rescue Mysteries series, be sure to stop by the publisher’s site or seek out the author online.  This book is available now from The Berkley Publishing Group, A Penguin Random House Company…so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf near you.  Can't wait to run to your local store?  No worries!  Here's a few online options to get you  started...Amazon, Book World, Barnes and Noble.  This being a blog tour, be sure to stop by the other sites hosting as well, like StephtheBookworm who is also a stop today…you never know what fun is in store for you; well unless you visit, hence the inviting and all.  ^_^

Until next time…happy reading!

Blast from the Past: Chomp by Carl Hiaasen

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the place to be when you’re in the mood for something to while the hours away, bookishly of course.

Today, we’re sampling another blast from my reading past with a title that released a year or two ago.  It’s a Children’s Fiction story from an author known both in this genre as well as General Fiction.  It’s been said he has a wicked sense of humor, an active imagination, a penchant for Florida locales and is pretty righteous with wielding the pen.  This being my first venture into his literary world, I have to say…I was not disappointed.  Ready to add a new pick to your wish list or perhaps even reminisce about an old favorite?  Let’s!  Today’s book of choice is…

Chomp

By

Carl Hiaasen

9780375868429

Alfred A. Knopf

About the book…

Wahoo Cray’s life is a zoo – literally.
His father, Mickey is a professional animal wrangler, so Wahoo’s backyard is crawling with gators, snakes, raccoons, monkeys, and turtles.  The critters, he can handle.  His dad is the unpredictable one.
When Mickey Cray takes a job with a reality-TV show called Expedition Survival!, Wahoo knows he’ll be doing some wrangling himself – to keep his father from strangling Derek Badger, the show’s outrageously inept and egotistical star.  The job gets off to a harrowing start when Derek stages a near-disastrous scene with Alice, the Drays’ gigantic gator.
Then things get even hairier after Derek, who foolishly believes his own PR, insists on using only wild animals in his stunts.
Meanwhile, Wahoo has acquired a shadow named Tuna – a girl who’s sporting a shiner courtesy of her father and needs a place to hide out.  Wahoo doesn’t know what else to do but bring her along on their Everglades adventure.
The TV crew is on location for barely a day before Derek gets chomped by a bat and goes missing in a storm.  Then, as search parties gather at the edge of the swamp, Tuna’s dad shows up waving a gun…
Will anyone survive Expedition Survival?

Think of this one as a mixture of Steve Irwin and Jeff Corwin, with middle grade leading man.  Well, come to think of it, Bindi did (or does?) have her own TV and book series, but she’ll represent the femme population.  Anywho…

Wahoo is hands down one of my favorite leading lads.  Why?  Well let’s see, for starters his name is amazing.  No, I wouldn’t name my son that (sorry Wahoo!) but he owns it and it fits him as well as his personality.  Then we have his nature.  For such a young boy, he is remarkably caring and his concern extends not just to his friends and family, but those in need, no matter if they are two, four, or more legged.  Speaking of the two-legged variety…our friend Tuna is a special gal too, though her life has been turbulent in far more dire ways than Wahoo’s; considering he basically lives in a wildlife rehabilitation center, that’s REALLY saying something.  Hey, give me an angry gator (not really) over a drinking, abusive human any day…or at least turn around so you can’t see what I’m about to do to that person.  *grr*  Let’s just say Tuna’s Dad is WAY less than worthy of the title.  Thank goodness Wahoo and his dad are there to lend a hand…even if things do get a wee more than dicey as the story moves along.

Rolling along with the river ripples, we would be negligent if we left out the team that is Extreme Survival…mainly shining the spotlight on Derek of course.  Who’s he?  Well, if you read the synopsis, you’d have at least a hint (^_^) but barring that, he’s the STAR of the show. You know, the main man, the top banana, the one who actually does all the survival practices that are showcased on his amazing show…or wait, maybe not.  Yeah, he might “demand” wild animals only on his show, but umm, don’t let him be the one to handle them.  He manages to tick off the semi-friendly croc that resides at the Cray’s residence and get “attacked” by a bat…which if you know anything about wildlife, you know their bites carry A LOT of disease; hence his running off on his own after being bitten was not only less-than-smart, but also QUITE entertaining.  *ahem*

In conclusion, it’s a deceptively hard hitting book with an ending satisfying on many levels.  The writing allows readers to visit Florida without ever driving South.  Inside the pages you’ll get swept away by the danger the Everglades and the people in them have to offer, caught up in the emotions, revel in the respect shown for animals and habitats (by most at least) and cheer on the good guys when the cheering is good.  There’s a little something for every reader whether boy or girl, young or young at heart, and a few valuable lessons to walk away with as well.  A definite recommendation for older middle grade readers through adults; if any of the elements discussed appeal to you, you won’t be disappointed.

ARC snagged from the reaching hands of my fellow associates at our local bookstore.  (^_^ …just kidding…well, sorta.)  Special thanks to Alfred A Knopf, a division of Random House Books, for spreading the word on their ever growing catalog and sharing special opportunities to read and share titles like this with all of us.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, be sure to stop by their official site.

Until next time…happy reading!

Secret Agent Josephine in Paris by Brenda Ponnay

Greetings.

Welcome to SFIR.

For those in the know, that acronym makes sense; for those not, you’ll just have to wait for your security level to be increased.  Rest assured, in either case, you’re about to embark on an adventure…should you choose to accept the mission.  Then again, why WOULDN’T you?  The only danger you’re in is of adding another BOOKISH bout of fun to your “been there, read that” list.

So pack your bags, ready your passports, and don your best disguise.

Today’s ebook of choice will appear in 3…2…1…

Secret Agent Josephine in Paris

By

Brenda Ponnay

9781623955243

Xist Publishing

Secret Agent Josephine (aka SAJ) is one cool cat and her sidekick Bug (aka her daughter) is pretty awesome herself.  While putting the final touches on a project for her daughter, she is summoned to Paris by Spy Headquarters to catch none other than Sean Slippy, the notorious art forger…and bird smuggler.  (What? He has a special coat to smuggle them in…don’t look so skeptical or your eyebrows might stay that high forever…)  He’s on the loose and reeking havoc through the city of a million lights, unless someone can put a stop to his nefarious activities.  Is SAJ the right gal for the job?  Will she manage to evade detection and infiltrate his network of thievery?  Or will she be caught by surprise and have to use all her spy know how and connections to the outside world to save not only herself but the day?  Dun dun dunnn…. 

Okay, so first things first, I totally need that Super-Expanding Spy Bag and I have a friend that would ADORE the Telescoping Heel Spy Boots.  Can you imagine the multiple uses those two could be put to?  ^_^ Anywho…our lady spy duo, because let’s face it, Bug gets in on this action too, kills two birds with one stone; sightseeing in Paris AND hunting down their target.  No worries to the parents concerned about the antics in the book, they are on the mundane side but entertaining and creative in full.  The illustrations provide something for the littlest readers to gaze at while growing and older readers will utilize the details included visually to enhance the brief story.

In short, a winning combination with appeal for guys and gals…and a good warning against wearing bright red socks; you know, if you plan on committing crimes and all, that whole inconspicuous thing works WONDERS.  ^_^  Ebook for review courtesy of Xist Publishing.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, be sure to stop by their official site or catch them on Twitter.  This title is available now so seek thee out a copy for some family or solo reading fun.  Oh and on the P.S. side of things, I gotta say I LOVE the author’s dedication on the cover…it’s to her blog readers!  (*heart warmed*)

Until next time…happy reading!

Life in Outer Space by Melissa Keil

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the place to be when it’s time to celebrate the bookish side of life because you know I’ll always roll out the red carpet any day, any night for THAT gathering.  ^_^

Today, we’re featuring a Young Adult title from the fab folks over at Peachtree Publishers.  (Hi guys!) While their YA collection is small, it is growing and can almost always be counted on for a great read.  This time around…we’ve got another winner!  Ready to meet the next fabulous read that should be gracing your “to read” list?  Here. We. Go.  Today’s book of choice is…

Life in Outer Space

By

Melissa Keil

9781561457427

Peachtree Publishers

About the book…
Sam Kinnison is a geek, and he’s totally fine with that.  He has his horror movies, his awesomely nerdy and loyal friends, World of Warcraft, and a stack of screenplays to finish.  He stays under the radar and out of reach of the “Vessels of Wank and their various minions” who roam the halls.  Life is normal.

When the beautiful Camilla Carter starts at Bowen Lakes Secondary, the school erupts in a flurry of interest of “the new girl” – but Sam couldn’t possibly care less.  Soon though, despite the status quo and Sam’s attempts to ignore her, Camilla becomes increasingly part of his life and stranger still, she likes Star Wars.  Weird.

Sam believes that everything he needs to know can be learned from the movies…but now it looks like he’s been watching the wrong ones. 

This, ladies and gents, was one of those surprising sleeper types of reads.  You know the ones where you went into it thinking..this sounds like a good read…and came out thinking…wow, this was SO much BETTER than I even imagined!   Yep.  That’s the sort of read this is.

Sam is one of THOSE characters.  He’s the lead per se, but unwillingly so…no worries, it makes him more likeable for it.  At times you want to both hug him AND strangle him, the winning emotion being whichever way your fancy took you because both reactions would have been suitable.  You think I’m kidding, don’t you.  Promise…I’m not.  Need examples?  Okay, well how about the time he kissed…and that other time when he totally missed the opportunity to tell her how…and then there’s the time he punched him in the face…but then there was that time his troll danced for her…and the big fight he “staged” to uncover what was going on with and…you see where I’m going with this?  Okay, well maybe not seeing as some of the key players are left out of that run on sentence, but trust me…you don’t want me to spoil the surprise.  With that in mind, I shall continue my assessment…

Despite falling in and out of like with our lead, he will endear himself to you nonetheless.  From his quirky likes and habits, to his reactions to changes in his normal environment, his antics or lack thereof provide for many laugh worthy and hand-to-face moments.  Many readers will connect with him on some level, some might even COMPLETELY identify with him, but rest assured, if you don’t find yourself there, one of the other members of his friendship crew (Mike, Allison and Adrian) will definitely fit the bill…even when they don’t seem to fit each other at times.  Hey, THAT’S the beauty of friendship…it can withstand the best AND worst of times and still be strong in the end.  Now new friendships on the other hand are a whole other beast…please enter Camilla Carter.

She’s a whirlwind and a half, disturbing the peace left and right, and shaking things up both at school and in the lives of Sam and his friends.  I gotta say though, I really liked her character.  The way that she handles herself and any situation that comes her way.  The way she floats in and out of all the social groups regardless of what others think and while doing so, tries to change the WAY they think about each other.  Wanna know a secret?  I liked her even more when we discovered she too has a flaw.  She’s human, not super human, and though she’s in the same boat as Sam and his buds, she chooses to be there and that lends her a whole other shade of cool.

Story wise…we hit highs, we hit lows.  We meet people and risk losing everyone.  We walk to the very edge of reason where sanity is eclipsed by the unspoken desires of our hearts and climb back out again…um, admittedly, a bit worse for wear but with a new understanding about life overall and how important letting those we care about in really is.  You wouldn’t think a Young Adult novel fleshed out with “Vessels of Wank” (aka Jocks…but not the “nice” ones), nerds, gamers, intellects and the like would get into something somewhat heavy now would you?  Didn’t think so…and it sneaks up on you too, all thanks to a screenplay writing WOW geek and his unexpected Princess Leia.  ~smirk~

In conclusion, it’s not a book about life in ACTUAL outer space, but rather that space that we keep around ourselves and create around others based on our own thoughts and preconceived ideas.  It’s also about breaking those barriers down, letting others see the real version of ourselves we sometimes hold TOO close, and being okay with the fact that they may or may not accept us as we are.  It’s a part of life and those worth knowing, those worth caring about will be open to the real you; those that aren’t, well…too bad for them.  ^_^

Recommended read for YA fans and beyond.  Review copy received courtesy of the fab team at Peachtree Publishers.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, be sure to stop by their official site, blog, Facebook page, or catch up on Twitter.  This title reached publication August of this year, so be on the look out for it on a bookstore shelf near you.

Until next time…happy reading!