Cross Blog Traveler: My Life According to the Books I've Read

Hello, and welcome to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!  Happy Monday to you all...I hope yours is brighter and shinier than mine thus far.  Over the weekend I was sooo busy, I didn't really have time for much readin (GASP!) but not to worry, I worked a little in here and there and lunch time fast approaches.  If you fast forward in time, you'll see someone way down the hall clutching a book to her chest scampering off to a quiet corner....that's me!  But alas, we are still in the present and that time has yet to arrive.  Perhaps I can share with you a wonderfully fun blog post I came upon through a recent Twitter tweet! (How's that for a strange sounding chain of receipt....)

 

NotNessie over at Today's Adventure posted an update recently thanks to the idea of another book blogger and so the spark of creativity has alighted to yet another book blog....MINE!  The post is entitled "My Life According to the Books I've Read" (Wow, really?  Hmmm, so that's why I put that as the title of this post!).  You remember back in school (or yesterday, for those of you who just went back) when you'd pass around a list of about 100 questions (give or take) to find out more about your friends?  They were all about your favorite things, what you would do given two choices, worst fears, etc.  By the end of the questionaire, you felt like you made it through a mini-Spanish inquisition and still had fun doing it!  Not to mention you knew SOOO much more about everyone!  Well, this is similiar but tailored to readers....you have to answer the questions on the list with the titles (and authors) of books you have read in the given year (in this case 2009). 

 

Sound easy?  NOT!  It's hard but in a good way and boy do you get to put some fun answers in there.  Take a look at mine.....give it a try on your blog, and leave me a link!  Don't have a blog?  Post them in a comment below!

 

The Insatiable Readers Questions/Answers

1. Describe myself:  Savvy by Ingrid Law
2. How do I feel?:  Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
3. Describing where I currently live:  The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar
4. If I could go anywhere, where would I go?:  Across the Pond by Storyheart
5. My favorite form of transportation:  Last Flight Out by Shirley Miller
6. My best friend is:  Three Angels:  For the Love of Dogs by Ben Kerschberg
7. My friends and I are:  Secret Society by Tom Dolby
8. What's the weather like:  Paradise Island by John L. Manning, Jr.
9. Favorite time of day:  Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
10. What is life to me:  Hurricane! by Arnaldo Ricciulli OR Hissy Fit by Mary Kay Andrews
11. My fear:  A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore
12. The best advice I have to give:  Never Give Up by Brian Cunningham
13. Thought for the day:  Don't Dance on a Small Boat by H.M. Struble
14. How I would like to die:  Drop Dead Delicious by Jill Brock
15. My soul's present condition:  The Soloist by Steve Lopez

So, now that you know a bit more about me, how about posting your list and share in the fun while I fight the system to try and get some things renewed before their deadline.....

Until next time...happy reading!

The Roving Reader

Looking for some spooky holiday fun? I couldn't resist this one.
Eerie Origami
ISBN: 9781402767456
Check it out!

Food for Thought

Hello, cyberspace...or more properly...reader from cyberspace!  Welcome to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!  We've had a few more visitors as of late thanks to our friend over at Ink and Paper. (Check out Jo's site for some great fantasy book reviews!) It's amazing what a little exposure will do!  Anywho, back to the blog....today's Food for Thought post came to me as if in a dream.  There was mist and clouds and .... okay, so I really found it while browsing the web. (gheesh!  You always have to call my bluff!)  The site to see is....

Yes!  It's another book site!  (What were you expecting?  Livestock?  Silly readers...)  The site of the day is DailyLit.  Now you may be asking what this site has that all the others don't?  Well I really can't say...honestly I haven't seen ALL the other sites!  However, of the ones I have visited, I did find there main key feature pretty nifty.  You can not only create lists of books for reminders and to share, but you can also subscribe to their book postings! 

Each day (depending on your settings) they will email you (or you can use the RSS feed...hmmm, I may try switching to that one....) a small segment of the books you choose in sequential order.  (I know it'd be fun to try to sort out the chapters, but really this is for reading value not just to satisfy your love of puzzles.) Sound pretty cool, right?  THAT's NOT ALL! You can also post a blog roll (i.e. check out my sidebar on the right) that shows your books subscribed to and where you are in regards to the segments sent. 

Most of the books are classics and are FREE to read, both of which make them pretty high on my list, but if you prefer this method and long for something a bit more current, there is a paid service as well.  Give a it a try!  What do you have to lose?  (*crickets chirping**crickets chirping**)  Uh-huh, that's what I thought. 
Feel free to leave your comments and feedback!
Until next time....happy reading!

SFIR Featured at Ink and Paper!

Hello, hello!  After yesterday's exciting post, I bet you didn't think you'd be reading something from me again so soon....just admit it!  Just face it...I like to keep you on your toes and surprises (good ones anyway) are always a blast!  Speaking of surprises, I received one today from Jo over at Ink and Paper.  She is a fellow book blogger who focuses more on fantasy book reviews and has recently been running a weekly feature called Wednesday's Blogger Interview.  Today being Wednesday, guess who's blog is featured?

Mine! (Yay me!)  That's right, Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers book blogger interview went live today so whether you are a new visitor to the site, someone looking to find out a little more "what's behind the Reader" info, or just looking to check out a great site for fantasy book reviews, stop over at Ink and Paper...you'll be glad you did!

Get Initiated!: Secret Society by Tom Dolby

Hello, everyone! Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers! You may have noticed (or may not have, but for my sake, I will pretend you did) that my blog has a new look. You may even have some comments on that look or the navigation menu wording, etc....that's good! Leave me your comments or feedback...don't be shy! Hopefully you are as thrilled with the new set up as I am (okay, so I'm giddy about it, but I'm guessing you're a bit more subdued) and it will keep you coming back for more great finds! Enough with my jibber-jabber, let's move on to what you REALLY came here for.

The feature of today's post came my way as an ARC (advance reader copy) from the good folks at HarperCollins! (Thank you HC! You rock!) The official release date (as of this post) is 09/29/09 so mark your calendars! Today's book choice is....

Secret Society

by

Tom Dolby

"Secret Society" by Tom Dolby tells the story of the socially privileged and just how far some are willing to go to preserve their way of life. Focusing on the lives of four young students from Chadwick Prep, we are introduced to both the light and dark sides of their lives.

Lauren is one of the popular crowd who one day wants to go into fashion design. Nick is the guy who skirts the outer edge of his families privileges trying to make a name for himself and endeavors to become a club promoter. Phoebe is new in town and looking to one day devote her time to her true passion...art. Patch is in the same creative sphere although he wants to work in media productions. All of their worlds collide after a mysterious invitation from the Society is sent to three of the four, widening an unseen rift between them.

Not to worry though, there will not be an odd man out in this story. Patch anticipated his non-message recipient situation and planned ahead. Using his vlogging connections (for those not in the know, a vlog is a video version of what you're reading...essentially) and bits from his parents mysterious past as revealed by his lovable grandmother, Genie, he had the forethought to rig recording equipment to capture the mysterious Night of Rebirth ceremony. Let's see there is drinking, masked guests, and oh yeah, tattoos of an ankh placed on the backs of their necks to label them as Society members.

This footage is highly sensitive and highly prized by all those in high places as it would expose the organization and its members, both of which are deeply rooted in everyday society. Unfortunately, these same people are also willing to do anything to keep their secret, secret. Has Patch gotten himself in too deep? Will his friends be able to save him from a seemingly eventual downfall? Or will they be so swept away by the life the Society sets them up for that they leave their friend by the wayside? Society life seems so perfect. Your dreams handed to you on a silver platter...but what if that platter is served by gloved hands? Do you really know who you can trust?

You'll have to wait until the book's release to find out! Hate to leave you wanting more, but I must! I will say that I liked the incorporation of the Egyptian theme and the connections to the city that were revealed in the book. Don't worry if you aren't into the historical aspect of the novel though, although it is an integral part of the Society, it is mentioned more in passing than in detailed explanations. The characters were also realistic in their reactions to the situations they encountered; their feelings palpable through the pages. You would be hard tasked to guess the conclusion through all the twists and turns....better to get initiated and enjoy the ride!

Feel free to leave your comments and feedback!

Until next time....happy reading!

The Roving Reader

Late last night (okay, 2 nights ago) while working diligently at my local bookstore, something strange happened. I was wearily organizing the last shelf of books when out of the corner of my eye I saw a brillant light. As I glanced over to try to understand what I was seeing, a voice saying "Come closer," could clearly be heard above the din. Eagerly, I stepped forward, my curiousity getting the best of me as my anticipation grew of what treasure I might uncover.....

Okay, so basically I stepped away from my duties for a moment because a book cover caught my eye...and TADA! This post is the result of such eye catching behavior. (hmm, that sounded wrong...oh well!)

Fairest of All
by
Serena Valentino

If the face on the cover looks familiar, congratulations! You are one of the many Disney fans to recognize it! It is the evil Queen from Snow White! This book (according to the jacket) tells the story of the Queen before she was evil and how exactly she came to be the way she was....I don't know about you, but it sounds intriguing to me!

Adding it to my WISH LIST as we speak (or technically, as you read)...how about you?

The Power In Us All: Savvy by Ingrid Law

Hello, there! Welcome to another exciting installment of Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers! It's Tuesday and you know what that means.... Monday is over and gone and Wednesday is coming ! (Why, what did you think it meant?) I just finished this book last night (or perhaps in the wee hours of the morning...) and couldn't wait to share so without further ado, today's choice is....

Savvy

by

Ingrid Law

Mississippi Beaumont, aka Mibs, is just your average girl eagerly awaiting her 13th birthday. This milestone however holds more than just the promise of crossing into the long awaited teen years, presents or a cake. For the Beaumonts, life gets just a bit more interesting during these celebrations as they are granted a very special gift. The discovery of their savvy! Whoa! That was earth shaking, right? (Well, it would be if you knew what a savvy was...but of course you would have had to have read the book and may not be reading my review so let me explain...) A savvy is like a special talent, something that they each are especially good at. The boys tend to get loud and powerful ones like (go figure), while the girls are dealt quieter though still formidable ones. Everyone in their family has one, except poor Poppa...or does he? Just in time for Mibs' 13th birthday, Poppa is in an accident that lands him in the hospital. Broken but not defeated, he clings to life trying to return to his family, whilst Momma and Rocket (Mibs brother) keep a constant vigil.

At first, Mibs responds as a typical teenager. Her "why me" can be heard round the world in the hearts of all those that went before her. This was to be her special day. She has no idea what her savvy is going to be nor how to control it and her parents are cities away both in delicate conditions. What's a girl to do? Birthday morning arrives, and strange things start to occur...Samson's (her younger brother) turtle seems to wake from a long, long, long, long, nap.....her little sister Gypsy sound asleep to the world, awakens at her first footfalls upon the floor.... All of these lead Mibs to believe her savvy is to "awaken" things, and so she makes up her mind that she must go to the hospital to wake up Poppa.

With the help of her brothers Fish (controls weather!)and Samson, Bobbi and Will Jr (preachers children), Lester (pink Bible salesman) and Lill ("earthly angel"), this group of misfits make their way towards the hospital in Salina with more than a few adventures along the way...including one most vital. Mibs savvy is not what she first thought it to be! Here "talent" is reading peoples hearts and minds through ink on their skin. Sound confusing? Let's just say she gets to hear the third degree from an angel with a devils tail and two loud and mouthy women on Lester's back...err, arms; as well as almost overhearing a secret that Will Jr is hiding from the world (one of which is not the fact that he LIKE likes her...that's obvious!). Will they make it in time to save Poppa? Will Mibs savvy still be enough to draw him back to the land of the living?

Sorry! I can't tell you! You have to read it to find out! =0P


I know, I spoiled it for you....just as I was getting to the good stuff, I copped out. Well, it is what it is and that's all that it is. No, seriously....do you ever find it harder to review books that you really enjoyed? I mean not just liked sort of, kind of, or maybe. I mean a book that you needed to finish in order to feel closure (okay, stop looking at me that way...you know what I mean!)... It seems like the more I like a book that harder it is to summarize because every detail seems to be important versus just the highlights. That's what I ran into here.

Author Ingrid Law creates a rich world through her characters and their development throughout the story makes it that much more interesting. Home is set up as their own little slice of heaven set right between Kansas and Nebraska, thus they end up calling it Kansaska for part of the week and Nebransas the other, that grows with Grandpa's moods is set apart from others to allow their savvy's room for development. Once they learn to scumble (control) them, life is somewhat easier, but still the distance provides for less stressful situations (such as a hurricane upon the arrival of the savvy belonging to Fish).


In the end, Savvy manages to tell an entertaining story, while dealing with common issues seen by real kids and teenagers today. Coming of age, more responsibility, making decisions on their own, consequences of those decisions, the possibility of loss, first loves, new friends, and family bonds....all of these and more come through loud and clear...and you won't have to draw a smiley face on the book for the message to be heard! Is it any wonder it was selected as a Newbery Honor book? It would be wonderful at times to have a savvy like Mibs, but quite honestly, do you always want to know what people are thinking? Okay, so right now I do! I want to know if you've read this book, if you were planning to, or just what you think of it! What would you choose as your savvy?



Feel free to leave your comments and feedback!
Until next time....happy reading!

Tweet! Tweet! ReTweet!: The Human Side of Twitter by Neil Sandow PharmD

Hello, everyone and happy Monday to you all! I hope that you all had a wonderful weekend. We managed to dodge the first Tropical Storm of the season (Well hello, Claudette...sorry, couldn't help the Anthony Hopkins movie reference. You know which one...chianti and beans ring a bell?). She came through with a little rain, a little wind, but nothing detrmental. Okay, so we had a power outage but it happened right before the storm....crazy, huh? Anywho, let's get down to business. While I have several books on my plate, the one I am serving up today is....

The Human Side of Twitter

by

Neil Sandow, Pharm. D.

You know you do it. I've seen you. Your friends have seen you. You've seen them do it too. At dinner. In the car. During class. There's no use in denying it. You're even doing it right now, aren't you? Admit it! You just tweeted!

This book is a collection of several hundred (or more! I wasn't counting....) tweets straight from the site! Minus the user names (kind of them, especially in many cases!), it provides an irreverant look into the world of tweets and just what people are willing to broadcast to everyone and anyone! Be amazed at just how funny, serious, and downright strange people can be when limited to 140 characters per post. So many leave way too much room for interpretation!

Ahhh, the misunderstood, yet highly addictive social and business network that is Twitter. I must admit, I didn't see the draw initially. Why did you possibly want to know something as mundane as "I walked down the hallway" from a complete stranger somewhere out in cyberspace? That, my friends, is just one person's post though. Once you start to dig into the network itself...build your profile...find your friends...follow favorite celebrities....follow news sites....connect with business prospects....share your thoughts on things throughout the day....shall I continue?


Twitter is one of those things you either love or hate. There really is no in-between. You've heard about it on the news, listened to passing conversations about a "retweet", seen it advertised on your favorite websites (including mine!) asking you to "follow"....and then you've also read about those that condemn the site (I chalk them up to the "unwilling-to-research-new-things" group).

Let's face it, if you tweet than you know what I mean. I love getting an email from Twitter saying that "So&So is now following you". Grant it, in the beginning it sounds CREEPY! (can we say stalker syndrome?) But just because someone is following you doesn't mean you have to follow them! I admit it, I am slightly picky on who I actually follow. I mean, I have enough electronic interferences in my day without having to read through several thousand more lines of tweets that I am not interested in. (Sorry, but it's the truth!) That said, I am also selective about those I block. I have no problem with people following my tweets that I don't follow (I'm flattered I am seen as that interesting!), but if their page comes up as something truly offensive, I definitely block them...it's only a matter of time before Twitter does it anyway!

In conclusion of my rambling post (sorry!), I definitely would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick laugh, a little glimpse behind the scenes of this social network, or even those seeking a little inspiration for their next post. Never has 140 characters been such an inviting challenge to the masses...what will you say?

Feel free to leave your comments and feedback!
Until next time....happy reading!

The Roving Reader

Next stop in my daily travels brings me to this eye catcher...
The Den of Shadows Quartet
By
Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
4 novels in one! Seek it out!

Food For Thought

Hello! It's me again! I've gotten fond of writing to everyone so soon that I figured I'd add another post for the week...the fabulous 'Food For Thought'. This week's entry is going to focus on a new website I discovered (thanks to the folks at MySavings) while going through my email. The site we are focusing on today is WEBS.

Technically they've been around since 2001 (according to their website), but this is the first time I've heard of them (well, I am new to this...). The site allows users to create and maintain their own website for FREE! (there are paid options as well, but my focus will be on the freebies!) I was amazed at the ease of set up! I mean, yes it took me the better part of a day, and yes I will still be tweaking it from time to time to get things just right, but the actual creation is simple! (Where's Bubbles? I'm sure he could even do it!) The basic starting point gives you a home page, about me, blog, and photo gallery. You can add, subtract, hide, or show almost anything form there! The only downside I found at this point is the site can be a little slow when updating the page elements and not every widget will work (found that when trying to put my bookshelf on it), but it's still A-OK in my book! Check it out! Start creating your site today! (and don't forget to post a comment with the link!)

If you'd like to see what's going on over at my webs site, check out Satisfaction for the Insatiable Reader , site 2! Explore the MENU, MEET THE CHEF (that's me), read the MAIN COURSE, have a sweets break with DESSERT, become a DINER, and join in the AFTER DINNER PARTY! (Yes, I did go there and use my blog name to theme the page titles! ) =0)

Feel free to leave your comments and feedback!

Until next time....happy reading!

Magic and History Aplenty: The Alchemyst by Michael Scott

Hello there and welcome to the first installment of Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers on my webs site! Isn't it exciting? (okay, so it is for me!) You never really realize how much time and effort goes into putting these types of sites together until you have one of your own...believe me, I learned first hand! Even with all the nifty (yes, I said nifty...i happen to like the word) shortcuts and add ons, there are so many decisions to be made that you spend the better part of a day (at least!) getting it set up. Even then, it's still a work in progress, but that's part of the fun in keeping up with a blog, right? Enough of my over-zealous chatter...on with the show! Today's prime offering is....

The Alchemyst
by
Michael Scott

Sophie and Josh Newman are just your average kids. Siblings looking for jobs near to each other to earn money for their adventures and eventual freedom. Sophie's search lands her at a tea shop, while Josh scores a position at a deceivingly small bookstore. Little did they know what magic, mystery, and danger could abound from their seemingly mundane lives.

As it turns out, the owner of this bookstore is one Nicholas Flamel! Thought to have died back in 1418, he and his wife, Perenelle, live on thanks to the spells within the Book of Abraham the Mage. A long life is not only sought by those seeking to do good unfortunately and thus we meet Dr. John Dee. He is an acquaintance of Flamel's from days gone by that chose to follow a darker path. He aims to gain his immortal life by stealing the book Flamel hides and using its secrets for evil. What do Sophie and Jason have to do with this age old battle between these formidable opponents? They are soon to find out....

I first happened upon this book while at a midnight release party for one of the Harry Potter books at my local bookstore. The cover caught my eye, but the story held my attention. So much in fact that a week or so later, I went searching for my own copy but alas, they were sold out! Good thing I had a birthday coming and it just so happened that I received it as a gift. Author Michael Scott weaves a magical tale of fiction with threads of history intertwined for good measure. Who said you can't learn something from a good work of fiction? (I don't actually know who said it, but I've heard it before...probably from non-readers....) For an enthralling adventure from start to finish (well, kind of finish...this is the first in a series), I'd recommend this book for readers of all ages!

Feel free to leave your comments and feedback!
Until next time...happy reading!

The Writing on the Wall

Hello again, everyone! Surprised to hear (well, okay read) from me again so soon? No worries...I'm just keeping you on your toes! Seriously though...it has been a while since the last "Writing on the Wall" segment and today felt like as good a time as any.


Ah, the infamous wall on which the writing is written...or at least that's where it should be. This one starts out as blank for this post to allow YOU the chance to write whatever you want. Whether it's something you're thinking about, feedback, suggestions, or mindless wanderings, you've got a place available to share with others.


My contribution for today is going to be a little horn tooting of my own. I came across a site the other day called Webs. They offer both premium AND FREE webs site creations for online users. Being naturally curious (what can I say, perhaps I was a cat in another life?), I decided to try and make one for my own use. The end result, or should I say fledgling start, is Insatiable Readers. Original, right? I purposely chose the same name for this newly created site in the hopes of moving over to it fully one day or sharing blog time at both locations (see, there IS a method to my madness!). Although I like the available features thus far, I wanted to see what YOU, the readers, thought of it. Be brutal! (okay, maybe not brutal, but kindly honest) Is the navigation easy, the look better or worse, the forums and guestbook convenient, and of course the content (although at this time, there is only a welcome message, and about me page)..... Post your thoughts and suggestions either directly on the new site or on this posting!


Feel free to leave your comments and feedback! (as always)
Until next time....happy reading!

Dessert: Your One Stop Fun Break Shop!

Happy Monday, everyone!

Couldn't resist this one that seemed to fit so well for the start of another week!

--------------------

Who doesn't love Happy Bunny?

(photo scan courtesy of my 2009 Happy Bunny desk calendar!)

Upcoming Release: Under This Unbroken Sky by Shandi Mitchell

Hello again, and welcome to another installment of Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers! For those of you that follow my blog, quick update on my little dog...she's doing well! Vet's couldn't find what caused the seizure, but no more have occurred and she's back to her frisky self! =0) Anywho...I took a bit of the down time this weekend to read an ARC (advance reader copy) book that I received courtesy of B&N First Look Book Club (thanks, B&N!). Having finished same said book, it's time to post a review! Today's book choice is....

Under This Unbroken Sky

by

Shandi Mitchell

This is the story of Maria and Teodor Mykolayenko's journey to Canada as Ukrainian immigrants trying to start a new life away from the terrors of their home country. Upon their arrival, the beauty and magic of the land sweep them away...promising both riches and land for those willing to seek them. Setting up a homestead on an acquired piece of land, promise and hope were their constant companions....that is until the price to keep their living standards reasonable becomes too high and their dreams are ripped from under their feet. Told to vacant the land and all that it holds, the family would eventually starve, ceasing to see another sunrise. Teodor had no intention of sentencing his family to a slow death and so steals a load of the precious grain to aid in rebuilding their shattered dreams. Alas, theft is punishable in any society and he is sent off to prison for 2 years to pay for his crimes. Upon his return from this dark abyss, his family is waiting, hoping and praying for his safety as well as their own. Little do they know how much their prayers are needed.....

I found the story both beautiful and tragic all at the same time. You can honestly see that the characters love each other, but the ways in which it is expressed become twisted under the influence of others and material things. The land connects them all as it is their means of survival. Without it, they perish; with it, they squabble amongst themselves as they all try to claim more than their fair share. The story is believable; the characters created from both the heart's joy and utmost despair. The ending, sad enough to bring tears to your eyes.

With the praise and glory must come critical analysis as well....sorry but my blog IS about what I thought of the book, not just a cover story on the next big thing! The writing style itself is what irked me the most. This review is about a book. The book has not been released. It will be released this year. (Don't worry, I'm not having spasms nor is my blog being hacked...this is to prove a point.) The sentences are very short and choppy (like the last set). Also there is a little too much used in the way of describing things. For example, almost one page is dedicated to a gentleman picking up a spoon to sip soup. Far be it from me to tell anyone how to write, but I'm afraid not everyone has the attention span to last through a few sections within these pages.

Now, don't turn your back on this title entirely as just because it was not my own personal favorite cup of tea, does not mean it has no merit! I will definitely admit that when I started the book I was hard pressed to keep reading (look back at my critical analysis if you are wondering why), however, by the story's end I was glad that I stuck with it as the twists and turns hidden between the pages drew you in to the final conclusion. The release date (at the time of this post) is early September 2009. If you like stories of survival, or even novels historical in nature, look for this book's arrival in a store near you!

Feel free to leave your comments and feedback!

Until next time....happy reading!

Week-END Treasure: Across the Pond by Storyheart

Have you ever had one of those days that just seemed to be going along a little too well? I don't mean the one we all dream of where we win the lottery, have enough money for life, and can spend our time doing whatever we wish (traveling and reading....duh!). I mean the one where it's a Friday. Nothing happened too dramatic during the week. You are looking forward to the weekend and spending some time doing what you love to do. Then all of a sudden, BAM! Day gets smashed to bits! That's been my day today...one of my little dogs (Ashley) had a seizure (of all things!). Let's just say that I'm pretty distressed at the moment...I'm sure any of you that are animal lover's or dog owners know exactly what I mean. In light of my preoccupation, I need a bit of a distraction...hence the blog post! So let's get on with the show, shall we? Drum roll please.......Today's book choice is....

Across the Pond

by

Storyheart

Fred Squire is our English knight in shining armor, although he originally had no intention of being anything close. All he was looking for was an excursion to the states to forget about his own family woes. His parents won a trip to Australia...for two! While they are off gallivanting through the outback, Fred is sent across the pond for his own holiday of sorts...complete with an assigned school project (bummer!). Making the most of it, the lad arrives safely to his destination getting a bit more than he bargained for. The American family he is staying with has a delightful daughter, Brittany, of whom he grows quite fond. She does not initially return same said feelings, although her friends would love his attention! It seems that there is something that is holding Brittany back from experiencing loves youthful glow...almost as if she is afraid to get too close. What could have happened to make her so guarded? The local harassing thugs with their leader, Steve Harris, do nothing but make all the young ladies feel uncomfortable in their presence. This mystery is unravelled by the story's end, leaving young Fred the hero from every perspective, and Brittany released of a once heavy burden.

The author's name alone would make you pause to inquire further. Storyheart's real name is Barry (hmmm, I see why the former is used on his books) and it appears as though his "better known as" name came from his prior writing excursion into romantic short stories. He came to America from across the pond to pursue his love interest...sounds a bit like the book if we fast forward Fred a decade or two. Amazon has a little "about me" page on him if you'd like to learn a more about this interesting character and read his continuing blog posts.

I must say that one of my favorite things, beyond the actual storyline itself, is the school project. Fred was required to create a listing of words and their meanings that differ between countries. Needless to say, this causes several hilarious situations as well as a few embarrassing ones as well! Let's see, a car's "trunk" is a "boot"...he perceives "bagels" as "beagles"...and there is an especially funny bit of confusion caused when Brittany gets a little upset and ends her sentence by saying "period". (I'll let you figure that one out, or better yet, read the book!)

Although it is a rather quick read, I was drawn into it the moment I began. It has humor. It has wit. It has love. It has baseball! (everyone loves baseball, right?) It also has an underlying message on a more serious note regarding teens and the potential secrets they keep. I'd highly recommend this book for all ages....seek it out for your next week-END break!

Feel free to leave your comments and feedback!

Until next time...happy reading!

Life or Love?: Immortal by Gillian Shields

Hello, everyone! Have you ever been enamored with a new book to the point that you just have to finish it? Silly me, of course you have! (You are reading the "Insatiable Readers" blog aren't you?) Well, there was a new book just released yesterday (yes, I read it but read on to see how it was so fast) and just I couldn't wait any longer to post this blog entry. Today's choice is....

Immortal

by

Gillian Shields

"Immortal' tells the story of Evie Johnson. Her arrival at the Wyldcliffe Abbey School for Young Ladies was due to unfortunate circumstances...her mother passed away, her grandmother's health is ailing, and her father must go abroad to work for the sake of their survival. Thanks to an unspoken yet written bylaw of the land and buildings granted to the school, a scholarship exists for just these instances. One solitary slot is available, how fortunate! Or is it? This void was formerly filled by a student named Laura, who recently drowned on the grounds, thus making Evie unwelcome by most students and faculty...life at the Abbey will be lonely indeed. Combine this with the strange rules (no jewelry?) and regulations, and you have a recipe that constantly lands her in trouble.

Evie, seeking refuge from the world, wanders out on the moors for a breath of fresh air only to meet one Sebastian James. This is not their first encounter though. Upon her initial arrival in town, she was nearly killed by a dark rider and his big black steed...guess who it was? BINGO! Sebastian boggles her mind while tugging at her heart strings. He is handsome, mysterious, and claims to have eyes only for her....then why will he only meet her at night? ...and why is she suddenly having fainting spells and strange visions of a girl that looks eerily like herself? Perhaps she is simply going mad...with all the changes in her life, it wouldn't be surprising...but what if there's more to it? Something is not quite right. The visions have turned to warnings, but about what and whom she simply can't believe. Will Evie be able to piece together the pieces of a puzzle spanning from both past and present....before it's too late?

A great book from author Gillian Shields as steps right into the Young Adult Fiction genre as if she has been there for years. I came across this book thanks to the HarperTeen Browse Inside web page. (Thanks, HarperTeen!) They had an extended preview of the book available (page 75...what? You'd remember too if you read it!) which left me anxiously waiting for more. I promptly pre-ordered it online and expected to receive said title in a week or two. Boy was I surprised to get the book last Friday, a full 4 days prior to official release dates! (Yay me!) I quickly dived right into the story, devouring every page that stood between me and the ending. It's really a great book! KUDOS on the time of the release as it fits quite nicely into the most popular categories of books being read today. With characters you will love (Evie, Sarah, Agnes, and even Helen...) and detest (sorry, but Celeste is just mean...regardless of why), Gillian Shields draws you into the action, the mystery, the heart-felt feelings of both desires and loss, and the lore of the Mysticke Way.

Step into a world created for book lovers just like you! For a preview of the book, click on the cover image in this post...you'll be glad that you did.

Feel free to leave your comments and feedback!
Until next time....happy reading!

Music For the Soul: The Soloist by Steve Lopez

Hello, fellow readers! I hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend and that Monday is treating you right! The weather here left a bit to be desired this morning, what with the torrential rain and spotty flooding, but rest assured yours truly made it safe and sound to her next destination. (Of course, you probably figured that out or else I am blogging this from beyond the grave....I doubt the wireless reception would pick up so well. Then again...) Hoping to put a small bright spot in your day, let's move on to today's pick...

The Soloist

by

Steve Lopez

A harrowing look into the lives of those living with disorders of the mind, "The Soloist" tells the tale of one Mr. Nathanial Ayers and Mr. Steve Lopez. Nathanial is the afflicted...broken in mind, but not in spirit. Lopez is the columnist fortunate enough to be touched by this man's life struggles. Steve believes that he is aiding a fellow man in need and gaining a subject for a quick column in the L.A. Times. Little did he know that this acquaintance would turn into so much more. Nathanial is not your ordinary resident of Skid Row. He is someone that once roamed the halls of Julliard only to be swiped from life's slate by the unfortunate turn within his mind. The glue holding him together is his intense love of music. It transports him to another time, another place...somewhere that his troubles float away with every note played. Steve Lopez uncovers not only a great musician, but a man lost along the way to whom a friend can provide more than words could say.


Now, I am an avid reader, but I also love music. Almost every genre has something that appeals to me as I am sure it does you as well. Most listen to music for fun and at any given time. But, haven't you found yourself in need of relaxation and reached for a soothing album? (No fibbing, I know you can think of at least one instance!) Whether your mood is happy, sad, mad, or somewhere in between it all, there is a song out there that will speak volumes to you. The type of music we play is usually chosen to fit our mood as well...which of course led to the invention of having play lists and recordable Cd's. At our whim we can fit the music to our needs and be carried off to a place of our dreams....


Take a walk with these two pivotal characters to see life from the other side. Take strength in the status you claim in life currently. Share in the joy music can bring to anyone. Be reminded of its healing powers for almost every situation. Recommended for anyone seeking the end of the journey as a reminder that the steps taken to get there count for just as much....


Feel free to leave your comments and feedback!
Until next time....happy reading!