So this is Love?: Godmother by Carolyn Turgeon

Why yes, that is a reference to the original Cinderella story, or at least the very popular one coined by Disney (gotta love Disney!) that sends millions of little girls into a frenzy longing for the beauty, the magic, the romance of this classic tale of yesterday.  *SIGH* I can hear the music now.... (**waltzing in head, believe me, it's safer**) Anywho, back to the review at hand...the subject of today's post came to me courtesy of Read It Forward (also on Twitter) (thanks!).  The cover is beautiful, the title intriguing...today's book of choice is....

Godmother
by
Carolyn Turgeon

Boasted as "The Secret Cinderella Story" (I didn't say it, the cover does), the reader is drawn into the life of Cinderella's fairy Godmother before, during and after the events that took place...or rather WERE suppose to take place.  Have you ever wondered what life would be like if she hadn't gone to the ball, met the Prince and lived happily ever after?  Well, my friend, you're about to find out!  You see, fairy's in this world aid in guiding man to destiny and fate.  It was written that Cinderella was to be the one love made for the Prince...all Lil (the fairy Godmother) had to do was follow her orders and guide this into being.  No problem, right?  WRONG!  It seems Lil has gotten a little too close to her ward and unless she finds a way to sever the tie drawing her in, the consquences could be dire!  But how to choose?  Should she stay on track and see her task through to the end and live among her fairy friends joyfully for centuries to come?  Or should she go after what she feels to be her one chance at happiness she's never had (nor desired!) before?  (Dum, dum, dum....)

If you've been reading my blog during its short life span thus far, you know how I feel about bad reviews.  (What?  You don't remember!  No problem, keep reading...)  My own personal motto on this is...

"Respect the effort, if not the result."

That being said, let me delve into the dark side of my review first so as to end on a happier note.  I am a fan of fairytales.  I love the magic, the fantasy, the love (okay, I'm even sounding sappy to myself as I type this, but I promise it gets better...)....the overall package.  You start out with an underestimated girl (or boy), add in seemingly insurmountable odds and obstacles Hercules himself would avoid, throw in a splash of magic and TADA!  A happy ending for one and all....or at least just desserts for those that caused trouble!  When I first came across this title and it's brief summary...I thought, why not?  A retelling of the Cinderella story we all know and love sounded like a perfect fit!  Well, the glass slipper was a bit big for me in this case.  (tehe, more shameless references...)  This story paints the Godmother, or rather the fairy with the potential to be her Godmother, as someone that miscontrues both her and Cinderella's hearts desires only to end up with a death on her hands.  That's right!  The classic story has been turned into a fantasy/murder/mystery combo with unforseen turns to boot!

The ending....well, it left me...confused.  (WARNING:  Potentially SPOILER-type Material!)  I mean I couldn't decide what it really meant.  Was Lil just a crazy little old lady trapped in the magic her head created and ultimately bringing herself to a watery doom?  Was she really a fairy at one time and now she is returning to them?  Or is it a combination of the two somewhere in the middle?  The add in of one very repetitive line in the book does not help the situation either: 

"What occurs in the world of faerie will become manifest in the world of men."

See what I mean?  (Okay, maybe not clearly if you haven't read the book, but pretend at this point of the review for my sake...)  I for one like my stories to end neatly...preferrably with a happy ending (what can I say...there's enough sadness and badness in the real world), but at least with something I can clearly decipher.  This one...not so much.

Whew!  That's out of my system...now on to the good parts!  Just because I don't LOVE a book, doesn't mean that there is not something good worth mentioning!  I loved the character she created in Veronica.  She was colorful, full of life, enthusiastic, and yet damaged...in short she was REAL.  Her vibrancy could be felt through the pages.  Also, the transitions between what we presume to be Lil's her past life as a faery and present day are obvious, but in a good way.  You don't make it half way through a paragraph and then realize it was a "memory" passage versus "her-life-now"...that's a good thing!  The bookstore backdrop was appropriate and appreciated by this blogger seeing as this is a sort of remake of a classic novel. 

In the end, while the story was well-intentioned and the pitfalls of bad decisions greater and darker than the cover or summary let on, this really wasn't the book for me....but that doesn't mean you shouldn't have a go at it!  For those reading this that have read the book, I'd love to hear your take on it...for those that have not, feel free to comment on my review or others you may have read!

COMMENT CREATOR
There's been a lot of talk in the blog-o-sphere recently about fairytale remakes.....what is/was your favorite fairytale whether it be the book or movie version?  What makes that one stand out to you the most?

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

The Roving Reader

A glimpse of the man behind the mayhem...

Haunted Heart by Lisa Rogak
An unauthorized bio on the man himself!

Love Conquers All: Travels with Tarra by Carol Buckley

Hello, everyone!  Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!  I've felt like I totally copped out and took advantage of one of my blogs features over the past two days....The Roving Reader piece normally does not appear back to back, but I did not get a chance to post a review yesterday and wanted to give you guys something to chew on (not literally, my dog does that enough!) in the mean time.  So, to all of you dedicated readers...forgive me? (insert sad puppy dog eyes image here) 

I would like to take one more moment (I'm almost done....)and mention a few new things going on around here.  First off, the MARK YOUR CALENDAR shown in my sidebar....here I intend to list upcoming events and book releases to watch for.  Grant it not EVERY new great noteworthy release will make it in, but I will give the old college try (where did that saying come from anyway?) and try to keep you posted.  Release dates will show in PINK and blog events will show in ORANGE.  You feedback is of course appreciated so whether you like them or less-than-like them, let me know!  ALSO, I am thinking about adding a WISH LIST to the site....but that's still up in the air.  Whew!  I'm done rambling...I promise! 

The book for today's anticipated post came to me as the result of winning a fantastic drawing held by @brimeetsbooks on her blog.  (Thanks, Bri!) The book was features during the recent blog tour for the title as published through Tilbury House...today's choice is......

Travels with Tarra
by
Carol Buckley

This is the heart warming true story of a young elephant brought to the human world for all the wrong reasons, and how she still finds the inner strength to thrive in the life she is given.  Originally named Fluffie (okay, I have to pause and comment on that...Fluffie?  That's like naming a Doberman, Princess!), she traveled to America to become the main attraction....at a car lot.  Although her owner took good care of her, there is more than food and shelter needed for these amazing creatures to thrive.  The main ingredient missing?  A family.

Elephants are social creatures seen in the fact that they usually travel in groups, or herds.  These packaderm packs consist of their relatives from various branches of their family tree as well as their close friends.  The love and care they receive from the group is essential to their development.  Luckily for Fluffie, Carol came into her life.  Renaming her Tarra was only the first step on their life-long journey.  They became best friends and even formed a family which included her precocious little puppy!  Tarra went on to be a multi-talented star able to play various instruments (even the harmonica!) and actively participate in amazing feats of agility (Try roller-skating....yeah, BIG jumbo elephant on 16 wheels...amazing!  I know people who can't do that!).

When it first arrived, I thought...wow, this will be a quick read, let's go!  (Hold on there!  Not you...I'm still reviewing here....)  Little did I know that I would be drawn into this amazing tale and have it touch me the way it did.  The story is from the heart and the photos along the way add to it's appeal.  The knowledge it imparts along the way is one for the ages.  Enjoying nature and it's living creatures in their appropriate habitats is way better, for them and for you, than keeping them as a pet no matter how well-intentioned you may be.  You'll laugh (again, an elephant on roller-skates!), you'll cry (lacking the physical bond she needs, she lets out a cry....you can almost hear it in the description), and jump for joy (**MINI-SPOILER**:  Happy Ending!)!  I'd definitely recommend this book for readers of all ages.  For more information, check out the site that goes along with Tarra and Carol's new home at The Elephant Sanctuary.  There are also other books about Tarra and her adventures (more on her bond with the puppy!) available through their site.

COMMENT CREATOR

Reflecting on the fact that this book is about "exotic pets"....let's see what types of pets you keep!  What kinds do you currently have?  If you could have any animal as a pet (and it would have NO effect on their development), which one would you choose and why? 

I personally have dogs....lots of dogs.  My own personal "kids" are 1 mixed pup, 1 Yorkie, 1 dachshund, and 1 mini-dachshund.

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

The Roving Reader

I'm so excited...and I just can't hide it...I know I know I know...you have to read this!
Syren by Angie Sage, Septimus Heap, Book 5

The Roving Reader

Vampires, love, and a Christmas cat?

Title: The Silver Kiss
Author: Annette Curtis Klause
ISBN: 9780375857829

Check it out!

Imagination Takes Flight: The Flight of the Phoenix by R. L. Lafevers

It's six o'clock already I was just in the middle of a dream...dum dum dum dum dum dum dum ...I was kissing Valentino by a crystal blue Italian stream...dum dum dum dum dum dum dum... Oh!  Hello!  Sorry, I was just singing to myself!  It's been a crazy day and so the aforementioned lyrics are very appropriate!  (For those of you wondering what song it was, those lyrics are from Manic Monday by the Bangles...don't pretend you didn't recognize them!  But, if you didn't, now I saved you the trouble of Google-ing them!) 

Weekends never seem to last long enough and neither does spare time.....I always end up like little Oliver Twist (Please sir, May I have some more?).  Alas, Father Time is not gracious enough to grant my request, but somehow I manage to fool them anyway!  Between working, blogging, working, reading, working ...oh, I said that already...well let's just say it gets a bit chaotic on the schedule.  I did manage to squeeze in a movie this weekend; went to see The Proposal starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.  I really liked it!  Comedy, romance, the BOOK PUBLISHING world....what more could you ask for?  Anywho, you didn't come here just to read about my weekend (althought leaving a comment about yours would be fine!), so let me get on to the meat of the post.  Today's book choice is....

The Flight of the Phoenix
(Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book I)
by
R. L. Lafevers

Nathaniel Fludd is a quiet young man...something of which can not be said of many people his age. His parents were explorers, to what extent though, he only learns after their untimely death. You see, for the past three or so years, he has been in the care of his governess, Miss Lumpton (try not to giggle....some of the names later on will definitely get to you).  After this grizzly news has been delivered she has only one worry on her mind....what was left to her for her service?  (Nice, right?)  Upon receiving her Tidy Sum (yes, it is capitalized like this in the book too...loved that detail!), young Nathaniel is sent away to a relatives house by the name of P.A. Fludd. 

Sent on his way via train, he travels to his new hometown called (are you ready?) Batting-at-the-Flies.  (Funny, right?)  Along the way he sketches his surroundings as a way of documenting his journey.  It's great because you get to see the sketches too along with the book illustrations throughout the text.  Anywho, back to the story....expecting an older gentleman, Nathaniel is surprised to learn that P.A. Fludd is in fact his aunt! She lives in a rather interesting house that is more of a collection of life's works than four walls and a roof, but that is only scratching the surface! It is here that he discovers that he is to follow in the footsteps of his ancestors in the great tradition of beastologists! (Discovered through his conversation with Cornelius...a dodo!)  The care and well-being of magical, mythical creatures everywhere depends upon his families decendents, or so he is told.  Being that this is his first time hearing this information, it's more than a little hard to swallow.  There's no time to linger on doubt-ridden thoughts though....his first adventure is at hand!  Aiding in the rebirth of a phoenix...how's that for an introduction!  But what's this?  Aunt Fludd has been captured and someone is trying to steal the book that tells all about their craft?  What's a young boy to do?  What indeed....

I can't say enough about this upcoming series! When I first saw the cover, it reminded me of The Spiderwick Chronicles, and upon reading the first chapters, A Series of Unfortunate Events. Fear not, these are both
great series as well and it is not so much like either one that you loose site of the story at hand. With interesting characters in both human (the Fludd's) and creature form (let's see...the dodo, Greasle the gremlin...) as well as creative illustrations along the way, you will feel as though you are there with them on the adventure of a lifetime if you only allow your imagination to take flight....

Although listed as Kids Fiction, I would recommend it for all ages....especially those that enjoyed the other series mentioned.  This book is set to hits shelves 09/28/09 (at the time of this post) so be on the lookout!  In the mean time, check out the author's website for more about this title (as well as a few others), her blog page, or drop her a line on Twitter!  (ALSO!  The image seen above on the right is a sneak peek at the Book 2 cover drawn and posted by Kelly Murphy!  AND I was able to read this fabulous book early courtesy of NetGalley!)

COMMENT CREATOR
So, in the spirit of today's post, let's think about magical, mythical creatures.  Which one would you like to meet up close and personal?  Why?  These can be "real" (as in ones you've read about) or make believe (as in ones you thought of yourself).....

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

The Roving Reader

Just couldn't resist this one....it must be pretty good since it looks like someone sunk their teeth into it already!

Firmin
by
Sam Savage

Check it out!

A Fond Farewell to BBAW 2009

It was fun, it was fast, it came by in a whirl wind of color!  BBAW 2009 has come to a close, but that doesn't mean the fun stops here!  Stay tuned for many exciting posts, and of course more book reviews to add to your TBR mountain!

BBAW: Day 5: Let's Focus On Me

Hello to all the fellow book-a-holics out there!  This has been a fantastic week full of contests, reviews, getting to know you posts, and more!  All done to celebrate....

Book Blogger Appreciation Week

Today is the final post for the 2009 celebration (*sniff*sniff*..I promised I wouldn't cry...about...this....) and it shines the light on yours truly...or rather yours truly's blog.  The activity for the day was to talk about what you are most proud of and where you want your blog to be for the next BBAW....each one in 50 words or less.  I being a bit wordy at times felt the crunch but here goes nothing.....

~~~~What I Am Most Proud Of~~~~

I am most proud of my book reviews. Each one contains a title I have personally read as well as my honest opinion on the book. For better or worse, my readers can depend on me to showcase both good and not so good aspects of their potential future reads.

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~~~~Where I Want to Be by BBAW 2010~~~~

By next year’s BBAW, I would like to make the shortlist! Seriously though, continuing to improve my posts, adding to the author interviews, a blog tour or two, and hosting a contest are all high on my list. More reader input would be great too as I love reading comments!

So there you have it!  Where I am and where I'd like to be....in closing for the 2009 BBAW, I would like to thank everyone that helped make it happen as well as all the wonderful bloggers (and general participants) that have stopped by, left comments, or contributed to any of my posts!  It's really great to see the friendliness in this community and to be able to share that with so many others.  I know I found a lot of great new blogs to add to my daily visits (or weekly...I still haven't perfected that time making potion yet..) list and hopefully you did too!  Stay tuned for more satisfying tidbits from yours truly...the Insatiable Reader.

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

BBAW: Day 4: Recommended Reading

Hello, everyone!  Welcome back to another exciting post...well, exciting for me, hopefully it is for you as well!  (Did I see you nod?  Yes!  I knew you liked the blog!)  It's day 4 of our celebration of ....

Book Blogger Appreciation Week

Today's activity actually stumped me at first.  It was suggested that we post about a book that we read purely based off of another blogs recommendation.  Now, although that may sound simple, I actually have done that yet! (GASP!)  I mean, my blog still being on the new side (4 months?) I am still working my way through my own TBR pile....which keeps getting larger thanks to other blogs...but I haven't tackled one of those particular books just yet.  So, what am I to post about?  (Well, obviously I chose something, or else this was a really long intro for nothing....keep reading...)

My post is going to be about a book a friend recommended in a "face-to-face" blog....meaning an ordinary conversation....and was kind enough to loan to me for my reading pleasure. (Thanks, Jean!)  It's not your everyday run of the mill novel either.  It's more of a collection....you'll see.  Today's choice is....

It Was a Dark & Stormy Night:  The Final Conflict
Compiled by
Scott Rice

How's that for a title?  Published by Penguin Books and listed as HUMOR, take a look at the back cover...

~~ DO YOU THINK IT'S EASY WRITING FICTION THAT IS THIS BAD?~~

The Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest has been calling for entrants to write an opening to a hypothetical horrible novel for many years.  Based on the entries in this fourth installment of It Was a Dark & Stormy Night, the depths are still to be plumbed.

Yes folks, this is an actual writing contest to see who can write the worst (yet developed) opening lines.  It still runs strong today and with a look at some of the winning entries, it's no wonder!  The ones included range from mildly funny, to slight-chuckle-alert, and finally to the must-laugh-out-loud-now.  To find out more about it's origins, why it is named as such, and how to enter...check out the site!  They even have a game listed for book lovers (sounds interesting).

COMMENT CREATOR
Okay...even though you may be thinking about entering the competition, I propose a little bit of practice (and the chance for some really interesting comments...).  If you were going to write a fictious HORRIBLE sequel to one of your favorite books...which one would you choose?  Leave your proposed title and opening line in the comments, and let's have some fun!

Until next time....happy reading!

BBAW: Day 3: Reading Meme

Hello, hello!  Welcome to day three of the celebration!  What are we celebrating?  Why it's.....

Book Blogger Appreciation Week

From the title, you may be wondering what in the world a reading meme is exactly...no worries, I was too!  I had seen the term a few times, but color me silly, I had no clue what it meant!  So, guess where I went to find out?  GOOGLE, of course!  With the myriad of assistance sites that came up I chose Quixtar Blog:  Blogging 101.  According to their entry, a blog meme is something that requires the blogger to participate, but does not have an originating source....and is generally a listing of questions used to share personal info.  (Hmmm....Captain Obvious anyone?)  I mean I gathered that much from this activity posted for today, but alas, that seems to be the most concrete definition I could find!  All of you with inquiring minds out there....you'll just have to focus your energy on the rest of this post.  (Nice segway to get you to read on, huh?)  Learn a little more about my preferred reading habits and share some of your own!

Do you snack while you read? If so, favorite reading snack? Try not to, but they make such good dining companions....


Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of writing in books horrify you? Textbooks, yes...novels, NO!

How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark

Laying the book flat open? Hardback, yes...paperback, NO!

Fiction, Non-fiction, or both? MORE fiction, less non.

Hard copy or audiobooks? Hard copy all the way.

Are you a person who tends to read to the end of chapters, or are you able to put a book down at any point? I can put it down at any point....it doesn't mean I have to like it!

If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop to look it up right away? Only if I can't figure out the meaning from the surrounding sentences.

What are you currently reading? Better question is what am I reading at this moment! Let's see...I'll let my sidebar answer that....

What is the last book you bought? Fly By Night by Frances Hardinge

Are you the type of person that only reads one book at a time or can you read more than one at a time? Umm...sidebar shall answer again... (multiple)

Do you have a favorite time of day and/or place to read? Ideal would be a room with just enough light to read, a big overstuffed chair and an unlimited supply of books. Alas, that exists in my dreams alone! usually is wherever I am at the time....

Do you prefer series books or stand alone books? BOTH! Depends on my mood....I like to break from reading series with stand alone's.

Is there a specific book or author that you find yourself recommending over and over? Yes....my own guilty pleasures....The Forbidden Game (trilogy) by L.J. Smith and The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyers.

How do you organize your books? (By genre, title, author’s last name, etc.?) At this point, by box! (Let's just say I need more book cases.) If I had the space, by author.
 
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There you have it!  A tiny peek into the reading habits of one Insatiable Reader.  How about a looksy into yours now, hmmm?  Post your answers to your favorite questions below and share a bit about yourself!  Happy reading!

BBAW: Day 2: Book Blogger Interview

Welcome back to day two of .....

Book Blogger Appreciation Week

Today's posts are all about the bloggers themselves and so with no further ado, I'd like to introduce you to my interview partner for this event.  Annie!  *~*waving*~*  Annie runs a rather interesting show over at Reading, Writing, and Ranting with a very fetching background indeed!  In true Insatiable Reader style, we're going with the casual and friendly approach to this question/answer session.  Let's take a moment to indulge in learning a bit more about this fellow blogger and what makes both her and her blog go round....take it away!

*********************************************************************************

The inspiration for me to start my blog came from....I began blogging because I needed a creative outlet during a difficult period in my life. At first, my posts were very personal and they really did help me overcome some difficult issues – I felt less alone by expressing my grief. However it was during that period that I used reading as a form of escapism and very soon found myself writing reviews. After a short period of time I’d transitioned from online diary to book blogger.

I chose Reading, Writing and Ranting as my blog's title because....they seemed to be primarily what my posts were about! Book reviews, thoughts about wanting to be a published writer and the odd rant about bad hair cuts and poorly stocked bookstores.

The types of books I review....Historical Fiction, Historical Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Historical Romance, Young Adult and the odd Contemporary Romance.

On the flip side...the genres I avoid reviewing....Crime (I’m a big chicken)

Regarding negative reviews....I’ll write my honest opinion about a book and don’t shy from writing a negative review. You won’t find many negative reviews on my blog though because since book blogging, I rarely read a ‘bad book’ anymore. Usually, I buy my fiction because a blogger with similar tastes has recommended it. It’s normally a pretty fail-proof system.

Special features on my blog include....No special features at the moment. I have to admit that most of my blogging energy is now devoted to Royal Reviews!

My favorite add-on tool or widget on my blog is....the Goodreads widgets!

If I had to choose between a physical book and an eBook, my choice would be....Because I’m in Australia and don’t have an eReader – definitely a physical book.

My favorite genre is....anything historical

My favorite book is....Kingdom of Shadows by Barbara Erskine and Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

My favorite author is....Barbara Erskine

On my nightstand....Bewitching Season by Marrisa Doyle, The White Queen by Philippa Gregory, Hand of Isis by Jo Graham and Pharaoh by Valerio Massimo Manfredi (not all of them will be read though!)

My favorite time of day to read is....evening but I absolutely love mid-afternoon weekend reading.

I started reading....when I was very young with Enid Blighton’s Folk of the Faraway Tree.

One of the book blogs I frequent most is....Historical Tapestry

One word of advice to fellow book bloggers....Protect your privacy and do your best to distance your online identity from your real life identity. It seems simple but I wasn’t careful enough when I first started and consequently exposed myself to be contacted by someone I did not wish to interact with. Even if you think your blog isn’t linked to your name, try Googling yourself and see if you get a connection. I was surprised to find this after I’d been contacted and it caused me to seriously consider closing my blog.

Additional comments I would like to share....

Thanks to the BBAW ladies for organizing these blogger interviews and thank you so much to Gina for having me on her blog!
 
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Thank you, Annie for the wonderful review!  There are quite a few jewels of information in there to carry forward as well as several well-recommended books for future reads.  I hope everyone had as much fun with this post as I did.  Celebrate BBAW and check out Reading, Writing, and Ranting today!  Happy reading!

The More the Merrier?: Another Faust by Dina and Daniel Nayeri

Welcome back, everyone!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend!  Mine, a bit stressful, but all in all it worked out semi-decent.  Managed to finagle a little reading in as well as a movie (went to see Whiteout...not bad!), thus providing the fuel for today's entry.  Before I jump into that...just wanted to wish everyone a happy Book Blogger Appreciation Week!  There will be various posts throughout the week in support of this event and if you're not quite sure what it's all about, check out their site for more info!  Alrighty then...on with the show!  Today's book of choice is...

Another Faust
by
Daniel and Dina Nayeri

We begin with five children.  Each one is longing for something more than what they currently have (umm, who isn't?)...so strongly in fact that it becomes a weakness or flaw in their character tainting their hearts black (which becomes visible when wet.....an odd, yet intriguing write in).  If you haven't heard the old adage, "it's not what's on the outside but what's on the inside that counts"....this book will certainly show you where that came from.  Let's take a look at our cast....

• Victoria - Eager to stand out from the pack, and the shadow of her adorable brother, she desires to be the best at everything.  Win every award, take top prize in academic competitions....an "A" is not good enough for her.  She wants that "+" with all of her little blackened heart.
• Valentin - Son to a couple of poets, he happens upon a family shame occuring right under his nose.  Seeing how his father reacts, or rather doesn't, enrages him...pushing him to imagine what he would do if given the chance...
• Christian - Stealing does not come naturally to this unfortunate child of fate, but it has become his means of survival.  After losing their home, he keeps his father as well as himself going with the rations he procures.  Seeking a way out, he longs for a life where he no longer has to worry about poverty, or going hungry...simply about being the best.
• Belle - Twin to Bice, she wants to be the most beautiful girl..the one others CAN'T resist....
• Bice - Twin to Belle, she is satisfied with the way she looks, just wants for more time to read her books and increase her knowledge.  (note to reader, her name is apparently pronouced "Beee, Chee", not "B" "ICE" as my head was reading until I was three fourths of the way through the book and the pronunciation was made to another character...)

One day, these five little children disappear.  Just like that....all at once.  Surprisingly though, NO ONE MISSES THEM.  It's almost as if they weren't really there in the first place.  (they were though)  The cause of their common disappearance, a chance (not really) meeting with Madame Nicola Vileroy.  She promises gifts for each child to reach the dreams and desires they have, but they have to make a deal....the gifts to reach their dreams, for their very souls.  (GASP!)  Three of the four make the deal readily, hungry to get all they can.  Christian's not so certain about this decision and Bice is flat out against it.  What happens when the flock doesn't follow their shepherd?  What bigger plan are they fueling by making this deal?  They'll soon find out.  On the stage set as New York City and the prestigious Marlowe School for a background, new meaning is brought to High School H.....heck.  =0)

Personally, this book was not all I had imagined it to be (hang on, I promise not to decimate it).  I found it hard to go back to this one once I put it down, and yet as I was reading it, I did still want to know what happened in the end.  (Indecisive, huh?)  I think that for me the reason behind my detachment is the fact that the story, although some what interesting, is told through way too many character's eyes.  I mean, you keep bouncing back and forth between each of the Faust children (5 in all!), and Madame Nicola Vileroy, it makes it hard to develop a relationship with the characters (keep reading, that's not as creepy as it sounded....). 

When a story is told through one person's eyes, you really get to know their voice, develop a mental image...become their imaginary friend as it were.  You are invited into their world as a guest and are able to partake of their adventures (although in this book, you may not want to experience some of the events....think shock and awe..).  I didn't really feel that connection with this book.  That's not to say that I didn't appreciate the story with it's twisted plot and religious/historical tie-in's (multiple references to legion as well as one to the forgotten tongue), or the flashback type entries at the beginning of each chapter (those were really good), but overall, it did not strike a happy note with me.  Even the ending (as I was hurridly reading the last few pages at about 3 AM....), left me with a funny taste.  It's not quite an ending, nor is it a beginning as the book suggests.....it just sort of ends.

Whew!  There I said it.  Not the most glowing review, but honest and respectful none the less.  Would I buy this one personally?  No...I think I'm happy with the read I finished from my friend's copy. (Thanks, Bri!)  Will I be checking out the next installment in the series?  Probably.  I'd be interested in seeing just where the story would lead and with whom.  Do I think YOU would like it?  That's not truly for me to say.....your tastes are your own after all....I'm just here as a guide (or chef) to show you potential options.  I would leave this recommendation as a "to each his (or her) own". 

For those interested in finding out a bit more about this brother and sister writing duo or the "Another" series, check out the authors website at Daniel & Dina.  It also looks like they are available on Twitter, @DinaNV and @DanielNayeri. 

COMMENT CREATOR
Have you read this title yet?  If so, who was your favorite character?  If not (or if you feel like answering this one too), if you could be given any power in the world, what would it be and why? 

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

BBAW: Day 1: Book Blog Shout-outs

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and....the last car that passed by just SPLASHED me with muddy water!  (just kidding)  No, really...it's anything but "Snow White" like weather here...think more dark and stormy night, just in daytime hours.  Despite the weather and the fact that it is a Monday (grumble, grumble, grumble), it is a day worth celebrating for it is the start of.....

Book Blogger Appreciation Week

That's right!  Celebrating all things books and bloggers, this week was designed to kick start the sharing power of bloggers everywhere while celebrating the literary treasures we love.  So, as I am participating in my very first BBAW ever, there will be posts popping up this week in response to some of the activities suggested and I hope you will join in too!  (Let's face it, it's fun when I comment, but more when YOU do!)

Day one posts are to highlight book blogs across the net that did not make the shortlist for voting.  I for one am ALL for this as there are so many out there, not everyone could make the cut...but alas, that means some are overlooked!  Allow me to highlight a few that I more frequently visit....for those not listed below, check out my sidebar post that's a bit more complete....here goes!

• 
  
  A Bibliophile's Bookshelf - Run by Bella, Jane Austen fan extraordinare, her reviews run the the gambit from classic to newer releases to something in between.
• 
  
  Book Nerds - Never afraid to speak her mind, even if sometimes indecisive, Ana aims for simplistic design with well-voiced opinions.
• 
  
  BriMeetsBooks - Focused on children's books, Bri endeavors to share the world of reading with the future of tomorrow while giving her followers something to think about.
• 
  
  Ink and Paper - One of Jo's multiple blogs, this one aims to review fantasy novels as well as provide readers with a library to die for each week in her Belle's Library posts.
• 
  
  Melanie's Musings - With thought provoking questions posed along with book reviews, Melanie is sure to get the conversation started among visitors to her blog.
• 
  
  Today's Adventure - NotNessie's review structure makes for an easy breeze through to find your next TBR pile addition, not to mention the amazing contests!

So if you are looking for some new places to visit in the book blogging community, I'd definitely recommend checking these guys out for your next reading pleasure!  Happy BBAW everyone!

The Roving Reader

The cover caught my eye...how about yours?
Title: Papparazzi Princess
Author: Jen Calonita
Check it out!

A Talent For Trouble!: Once A Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

Hello, hello...testing...1, 2...*thump*thump*thump*...is this thing on?  Oh!  There you are!  I thought I lost you!  I know I haven't posted for a day or so, but I wanted one and all to enjoy our first author interview, front and center!  Alas, a new post is needed though and it just so happens that I recently finished (as in like 10 minutes ago) an advanced reader version of another GREAT book coming to a store near you!  Today's choice is....

Once A Witch

by

Carolyn MacCullough

(Release Date:  09/14/09)

Let me jump right into this one....a fascinating tale, "Once A Witch" draws you in from the start and refuses to let go even after you finish the final page! (mini-SPOILER:  The ending leaves MEGA room for a sequel!) 

Author Carolyn MacCullough creates a world within our own, rich with life, love, and magic. In this case, the family consists of witches...but put away those images of cackling "hags" with crooked noses or green faces with pointy hats. These witch's look like you and me and their powers, known as Talent, are unique to each of them. Upon their eighth birthday, their Talent is bestowed upon them, allowing them time to practice and mature both in age and ability before they reach their full strength. This has happend for each generation going back as far as can be remembered....up until Tamsin.


Tamsin Greene is cast as the outsider. She has been the one exception to this tradition, despite her grandmother's predictions of her being one of the most powerful in their family (yeah, no expectations set high there!). Living normally and Talentless is not what their family strives to do, but that pushes Tamsin in that direction all the more. One day, while working at the family store (Greenes' Lost and Found, New and Used Books....I love the name it's obvious, yet not), a stranger comes in by the name of Alistair Callum, a professor at NYU. He claims to be seeking an old family heirloom lost ages ago during a card match, and ends up taking her for her Talented sister Rowena. Seeing her chance to gain bonus points in her families eyes, Tamsin fails to correct the error and promises her assistance.

A task for one with a Talent, let alone one without, Tamsin runs into trouble in locating this familiar yet seemingly common object (she swears she's seen it before). With the help of her childhood friend Gabriel (who just came back to town and did I mention, he is the resident "hot" guy for this book?  No?  Consider it mentioned!), she just might have a chance at solving this challenge. The funny thing is that when he tries to read where the object is, as his Talent allows him to find things, he is unsuccessful at first, almost as if it doesn't really exist or that the object is not what the profressor is truly seeking. Are things really what they seem?  What about the "other side" of this professor that seems to peek out from behind his eyes every now and then when in conversation about this missing piece?  What does he really want from her and why?

Through twists of time, friendships blossoming, and the ever present fear of the unknown, this tale will enchant both your heart and mind, providing for a fantastic read for both the young and the young at heart! Live the life of this underestimated witch through her voice as it speaks to you with emotion from each page. It's a ride you won't want to miss! 

 
As of this review, the release date is set for 09/14/09 (doubt it will change as it is so close).  If you are a fan of any of the other popular authors and titles in YA fiction today, SEEK THIS ONE OUT!  I found myself wanting to read one more page...then one more page...then just another before finally having to break away for whatever other obligations called.  There is also a great site set up for the book with quizzes, exerts, and more so be sure to check it out!  (It's really nice...starts with an old book and the words appear in script...I'll just let you see for yourself....)  Last, but not least, I also discovered that the author is on Twitter!  (Who isn't, right?)  Seems that she can be found at @CMacCullough.
 
COMMENT CREATOR
Once you've visited the site, take the "Which Witch are You" quiz and post your results here!  Do the Talents that character has match up with the ones you would desire?
 
Feel free to leave your comments and feedback!
Until next time....happy reading!

Author Interview: Becca Fitzpatrick

Hello to one and all!  Welcome to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!  I hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day weekend.  Is it just me or does coming back after a holiday weekend still make Tuesday feel like a Monday?  On the flip side, at least we get a shorter week!  (Whoo-HOO!) 

Today's post is an exciting one to say the least.  This is the day that I get the joy of posting my first author interview!  (Eeee!) BUT, that's not all!  (I know, as if that wasn't enough!)  This author is someone who has recently gained the public's interest in the Young Adult genre.  She is especially recognized and known by her growing fan base of those that were able to read her new book prior to its October 2009 release, and those eagerly anticipating its arrival in stores.  (Have you guessed her name yet?  Hmmm?)  A book review of this title was also recently posted on this very site!  (Give up? Oh, I'll tell you anyway...)  The very first author interview for Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers goes to.....

Becca Fitzpatrick,
author of Hush, Hush
(releasing October 2009)

That's right!  Author Becca Fitzpatrick was kind enough to accept the challenge of answering a few questions for her readers, the results of which you shall see below.  They are grouped into 3 categories to enable a look inside the world of an author, her newest upcoming title, and her own world!



GENERAL
The inspiration for me to become an author came from....when I was
eight and watched Romancing the Stone for the first time. Kathleen Turner's character plays a romance novelist who flies to Colombia to rescue her sister from Bad Guys, and ends up finding romance and danger that surpasses anything she's ever written. As soon as I saw the movie, there was no turning back. I knew I wanted to be an author. Of course, I thought all writers hunted for treasure in Colombia with a sexy, mysterious guy who wears crocodile boots!

I draw inspiration for my novels from....my own life experience (dramatized), the power of imagination and little tidbits of information I pick up just about everywhere I go.

The reason I chose the YA genre is....I love the audience and I love reading YA myself. In short, there's no better place to be.

The most valuable lesson I learned on the road to becoming an author....persistence and hard work can overcome anything.

The best advice I can offer to aspiring authors...keep at it – the more you write, the better you get!

A fellow YA author I look up to is....Laurie Halse Anderson.

******************************************************************

BOOK SPECIFIC
The idea for the storyline in "Hush, Hush" came from....an experience in my own tenth-grade biology class. We must have been studying human reproduction, because my teacher asked me, in front of the whole class, to name characteristics I would be attracted to in a mate (ugh!!) The experience always stuck with me, and when I sat down to write Hush, Hush, that little piece of my history evolved into an early scene in the book.

My favorite character to write was....Patch. No, Vee. No, Patch.  Really – it was Vee! No, it was Patch. Vee! (Apparently it's a toss-up.)

One little known fact about the book is....in the early drafts, the protagonist was a conceited and sharp-tongued girl named Ellie Fairchild. That character eventually evolved into today's Nora Grey.

The sequel promises....that readers will find out what really happened the night Nora's dad was murdered.

***************************************************************************
PERSONAL
My favorite book is.....Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

On my nightstand....Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins.

When I'm not writing, I am usually....doing the mom thing, keeping the kids happy and healthy, folding laundry, singing in the shower, that kind of thing.

If I wasn't an author, I would have been....a spy!

Growing up, I could always be found....playing hide-and-go-seek or building forts.

Additional thoughts I'd like to share....just to say thank you for having me here on your blog, Gina!


THANK YOU, Becca Fitzpatrick!  Hopefully you enjoyed learning a bit more about this emerging author...I know I did!  (A spy?  Really?  I know Pride and Prejudice will certainly please a few of my followers.  So, real-life was the basis of at least one pivotal scene....interesting...)  For more on Hush, Hush as well as the author behind the masterpiece, check out Becca's website!  (Can't wait for the sequel!)

As always, feel free to leave your comments and feedback!
Until next time....happy reading!

Week-END Treasure: Book: The Sequel, Edited by Clive Priddle

Hello there!  Happy Friday (or whatever day it happens to be when you are reading this)!  Everyone is getting ready for the upcoming holiday weekend and you know what that means.  So I thought that we'd just jump into....wait, what's with the quizzical look?  You don't know what that meant?  Oops!  Sorry!  I suppose to me, it means the hustle and bustle I see in traffic and grocery shopping....I mean the long standing tradition in our house on these types of holiday's is having a cookout.  Okay, so it's more of a cook in.  Hey, it's still HOT here and we have an indoor electric grill.  Since I'm the cook and I prefer not to sweat to death or be attacked by mosquitos while cooking...we cook in.  I'm most looking forward to the day off and spending time with family (if one ends up being made of binded paper, all the better!) (by that of course, I meant a book....).  Anyone else have any traditions at this time of year?

Anywho, back on topic now....in between last minute projects, and cranky attitudes (hello, it's Friday and a holiday weekend?  Cheer up!), I did manage to sneak in a surprising good and FUNNY book.  The title itself would draw in any book-aholic (GUILTY!).  Today's choice is...

Book:  The Sequel
edited by
Clive Priddle

(See what I meant about the title?  How can you not want to peek inside this one?)
Have you ever wondered what would happen if authors continued writing their characters?  I mean, instead of them dropping off into a literary abyss (picture a big black hole filled with lost figments of your imagination), what if their lives moved forward.  What would the result be of such an endeavor?  Although, we probably all (okay, most people) think they would end up in another fantastic story ready to charge our imaginations with its creative power, ask yourself this...how often do sequels live up to the hype? 

The creators of this collection started their project as the great "what if".  What if a characters life was continued?  What if you could choose the title as well as write the opening line of the sequel?  Imagine the possibilities....okay, well now you don't have to imagine it if you check out this book!  There are so many different submissions all of which have their own brand of humor...it makes for a quick read, but also an enjoyable one!  Take it all in, or scan for your favorites...(personally I did the latter and then the former).  From Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series to Jane Austen's library of works, no book was spared, nor title forgotten!  Here are a few of my favorites....

After years of consuming rich, creamy milk chocolate, Charlie Bucket's cardiologist gave the gooey-in-his-center candyman an ultimatum:  Switch to the dark stuff and start using the stairs instead of the Glass Elevator. -- From Charlie and the All-Natural 80% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Factory (Lisa Safran, Writer)

Buying the Nimbus 10,000 was the first sign that something was wrong.  -- From Harry Potter and the Mid-Life Crisis (Kara Race-Moore)

And last but certainly not least.....

Reneesme?  What in the h*** were my parents thinking?  -- From Dusk (Emily Griffin)

All of course were submissions made in good fun with no intention of insulting the originals from which they were created.  It's good to laugh every now and then (some prefer more, I'm more middle of the way).  For a humorously good time or a quick pick me up during the course of a more prickily day, I'd definitely recommend a walk inside the pages of this book.  On a side note, the royalties from the book's sales are being donated to the National Book Foundation, presenter of the National Book Awards (according to the final pages).

COMMENT CREATOR
I would like to experiment a bit further with the idea put forth by this book.  What book would YOU have liked to continue?  Post your opening line and potential title in the comments and let's see how much fun can be had...

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

Tweeting 101: The Twitter Book by Tim O'Reilly and Sarah Milstein

Busy, busy, busy...TWEET....run, run, run....TWEET....blog, blog....oops!  That's what I'm doing now!  The day has flown right on by and I think I may have seen part of it in a fuzzy blur.  (I think it was wearing a purple dress with yellow shoes....) If you are like me, then you have to find a balance between the things you love to do and the things you have to do.  Blogging and reading....LOVE!  Work, work, work...not so much.  Cie la vie, we all end up sharing at least the dingy on this boat but one day we will all be able to combine those two pieces of the puzzle.  On to today's book choice....

The Twitter Book

by

Tim O'Reilly and Sarah Milstein

In today's fast paced world, social media sites have not only staked their claim but removed many of the borders that formerly existed in the communication landscape.  (YAWN!  Sorry, that's my more formal version...but you guys get the fun and exciting stuff!)  Whether you're a Twitter newbie or a seasoned pro (I'll take salt and pepper, please!  Just kidding...), "The Twitter Book" has something for you.

Let's start off with a few of the basics.  Did you know....

• that the hashtags are used to group common tweets or that #FollowFriday is for recommending your fellow Twitter users?  (Guilty!  When I first ran across these two things on the site, I was like, "Okay...what am I missing?")
• to send a tweet via SMS, after your phone number is registered, send to 40404 (US only, although I believe there is one for international users too)?
• to send a Direct Message from the main screen, simply type "d" then the user name without the @?
• to see if someone is "following" you, DoesFollow offers a simple fill-in-the-blank page to check by user name?
• to link directly to a tweet click on the time/date stamp?  (I so didn't know that...tucking it away in back memory files for future contests....)

Those are just a small sampling of a few of the sites and shortcut recommendations I found when reviewing this book.  There a lot more and most of them are not only functional, but really fun to work with!  I love the fact that although the book is about 240 pages long, it doesn't read like a boring instruction manual.  The chapters are arranged logically, explanations listed in KISS style (that's Keep It Short and Simple, in case you were wondering), and makes the perfect addition to any Twitter users library of how-to books.  (It's in my virtual one.)

Both authors have a Twitter page!  (Go figure, right?)  Check out @timoreilly and @sarahm, or the additional account listed as @TweetReport for additional tips and  insights. 

So....if you are looking for a brief fiction break, or need a new handbook for your maximizing your Twitter tweets, definitely check this book out!  (I know I will be ultilizing some of the secrets I uncovered...now let's see what TwitterSheep has to say about my followers listed interests...any guesses?)

COMMENT CREATOR
What Twitter applications or related sites do you use and would recommend to others?  Why?

 

Feel free to leave your comments and feedback!

Until next time...happy reading!

The Mask of Beauty Hides the Beast: Rappaccini's Daughter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Hello, everyone!  We've had a small influx of newbies (I mean this term with the fondest conotations) to the sight after my last posting (thanks @becfitzpatrick!) so....to all of those first time visitors, welcome!  Make yourselves at home!  For those returning travelers...nice to see you (okay, technically read, or maybe display for you?), and feel free to leave your (virtual) coat with the (virtual) doorman. 

After my last read, I was in a quandary for a new book.  So many in the TBR mountain, but alas, they were not within reach.  Lucky for me...I carry a spare.  (No, I wasn't a Girl Scout, but I was a Brownie for like three meetings!)  Being prepared, I was able to successfully sustain my insatiable habit for the day...or at a least a few hours anyway....which leads to this new post.  Today's book choice is....

Rappaccini's Daughter
by
Nathaniel Hawthorne

STOP RIGHT THERE.  No, you can't runaway from the screen just because this is a classic novel, not a new release (okay, well you really can since it's a free country and all but I ask you nicely to pause and give it a chance).  For those that love this particular subcategory of fiction, you are in for a treat!

Handsome young man (Giovanni Guasconti) moves to a new city to seek out the world's knowledge.  Same said young man meets a striking young beauty (Beatrice Rappaccini) that bewitches his heart like no one before.  He is both drawn to her and repulsed by her.  (Confused?  Hang on...keep reading.)  Seemingly unable to put the two visages together to make up the sum of what his eyes see versus what his heart feels, he finds himself in her company time and time again.  It begins with subtle glances from his window perched high over her father's wondrous (yet creepy!) garden the likes of which Giovanni had neither seen nor read about, and advances to shared time mere feet from her actual being within the exotic playground itself.  Tie this pleasant supposedly random (NOT!) romance together with Signor Giacomo Rappaccini (father of Beatrice, and wacko-extrordinare) and you suddenly find yourself in the presence of the mad-scientist pulling the strings behind the curtain.  See what happens when science becomes your one true love ...

After seeing the movie for this title back in grade school, I was fascinated by the story. Why, I really can't say...I just was. I didn't seek the book out for reading enjoyment until many years later (read as about a month ago), but it still evoked the same imagery as before. True, Nathaniel Hawthorne's more famous work lies in the novel entitled "The Scarlet Letter", but this short story does stand on its own.  With rich detail and elegant wording, the author transports you back to these simpler times to uncover old world truths still applicable today.  Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but it can also be a wonderful disguise for what's really hiding underneath.

COMMENT CREATOR:  So, now that you've read the review, it's time for a comment creator...something to make you think.  If you've read this story before, what was your take on the book?  If not, what is your favorite classic and why?

Feel free to leave your comments and feedback!

Until next time...happy reading!